Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extends Spring Festival greetings to the country's military veterans while attending a gala held by the CMC for retired military officers of Beijing-based troops in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended Spring Festival greetings to the country's military veterans. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended the greetings while attending a gala held by the CMC for retired military officers of Beijing-based troops on Friday. Xi joined the veterans to their warm applause, asking them about their health and living conditions. They looked back together on the extraordinary journey of the Party, the country and the military over the past year and major achievements. The veterans vowed to rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, resolutely follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and implement Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military. They pledged to carry on fine traditions, maintain political integrity, and make new contributions to building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. This year's Spring Festival, also referred to as Chinese New Year, falls on Jan. 29. About 6% of people on the planet live with limited imagination, and 1% are among those who have none at all. They cannot dream or visualize what someone or something looks like in their minds. These people are also less likely to recognize faces, memorize the sounds of music or the structure of any object. This condition is known as aphantasia. ADVERTISIMENT This term was coined by British neurologist Adam Zeman almost 10 years ago. Most people who have this brain feature did not even realize that it was rare or unusual, writes IflScience. What is aphantasia Aphantasia is one of those things that can only be truly understood by people who experience it. For those who can imagine as easily as they can breathe, it's hard to understand what it's like to have no imagination whatsoever. According to new research, the brains of people with imagination may have an unusual structure. The findings show that the visual cortex in people with the condition, which involves the absence of a "minds eye" or the inability to create mental images, is still active and produces visual information. The only problem is that these images cannot be perceived consciously. ADVERTISIMENT "If you try and imagine a beach, you can probably see it in your minds eye. People with aphantasia dont get that mental picture its just blank," explains study co-author Professor Joel Pearson from the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Recently, the scientist conducted another study involving 14 people with aphantasia and 18 people from the control group. Both groups underwent visual imagery tests before proceeding to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain. While in the scanner, they were asked to either look at colored striped patterns or imagine them. fMRI measured changes in blood oxygen levels that indicated increased activity in different parts of the brain. ADVERTISIMENT The analysis showed that people with aphantasia had a reduced signal of brain activity when they simply looked at the stripes, compared to the control group. But when they were asked to imagine the patterns, their brains were active in the visual cortex. Scientists were even able to "decode" these patterns of activity to get an idea of what images they were trying to imagine. However, the participants themselves still only "saw" a blank page in their minds. "Our results show that when someone with aphantasia tries to imagine, their brains still seem to create a representation in the early visual cortex. Its like their brain is doing the math but skipping the final step of showing the result on a screen," explains Professor Pearson. What it's like to live with aphantasia Mary Wathen, a 43-year-old woman from Britain, told the BBC what it's like to live with this condition. For her, the ability of other people to create images in their heads is "totally mind-blowing." ADVERTISIMENT While talking to her friends, she realized that she was not like them. She was amazed to find out that her husband could easily imagine any events as if he were watching a movie. However, she said, there is a positive side to this, because she is very good at putting her thoughts into words, not being able to assume or imagine what is possible. "I just cannot understand what they really mean - where is this image and what does it look like?" she shares her thoughts. "To me, unless you can see something with your eyes, it's not there." She can't even picture in her mind events that have already happened in her life, such as a wedding or the faces of her own children. "I don't bring up an image - I have all the memories, I just recall it very differently. As someone once described it, all the hardware is working - but the monitor is not switched on," she explains. ADVERTISIMENT This is how Guillermo Antonio Acevedo, a Venezuelan doctor who accidentally found out that he was one of the people who cannot imagine things, describes life with aphantasia. "I was working in a psychiatric hospital and I started to learn more about neurology and mental illness and I came across Zeman's 2005 article on 'mind blindness'," he said. The doctor admitted that he was shocked to learn that people can see things in their heads. Previously, he was convinced that when people told him they had a dream, they did not actually see it in the literal sense. Although the doctor does not believe that having aphantasia makes him unique, he believes that this phenomenon helps him in his career, as such people are more likely to work in the natural sciences, mathematics, or computer science. Research status Prof. Pearson says that science still knows little about aphantasia. It is not just a quirk of some people. The diagnosis is based on neuroscience - it has links to a number of different brain conditions and help scientists learn fundamental things about how the human brain creates images. "This research bridges the gap between the seen and the unseen. Its incredible to think that people with aphantasia still have a neural blueprint for imagery, even if they cant consciously see it," he adds. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Louth Library Service says it is delighted to announce the publication of a new book, War and Peace in the Wee County. Louth during the struggle for independence and after, by Dr Thomas Tormey. This publication was funded through the Louth County Council Decade of Centenaries Programme, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Dr Thomas Tormey took up his role as Historian in Residence with Louth Library Service in 2021. Part of his remit for the remaining years of the Decade of Centenaries was weaving the local story of Co Louth into the national story of the revolutionary period. This book of essays covers events in County Louth during the revolutionary period. A detailed analysis of local events provides an accessible account of how national processes interacted with the local circumstances of County Louth. Among the topics covered are: The Conscription Crisis, The 1918 General Election and The Great War in County Louth. Dr Thomas Tormey, Historian in Residence with Louth Library Service, said: This book tries to match local detail with national events and, as such, I hope it will interest a wide variety of readers. It can be read by anyone, whether they have previously read much about the Irish revolution or not, and I think it will be of particular interest to people who have taken an interest in national histories but who want to find out how the revolutionary period was experienced by people on the ground in County Louth. Amanda Branigan, Acting County Librarian, said: The Decade of Centenaries offered an open invitation to everyone to explore the most important and transformative period in our modern history. In terms of research, publications, and public events, I am delighted and proud of what we achieved in Louth County Council and of our part in bringing that period to life for the community of Louth. I know this book will be a valuable addition to our local history collection for years to come. Copies of the book are now available for loan in each branch of Louth Library Service. Long abandoned, the Goggins Hill Railway Tunnel was once the longest in the country, and its construction, a major engineering feat for the time, involved a workforce of over 300 people working day and night to bring it to fruition. The tunnel formed part of the now defunct Cork to Bandon Railway Line which was constructed over two phases. The first, the line between Ballinhassig and Bandon, opened in 1849 while the second phase, that of Cork to Ballinhassig, opened in 1851. John O'Sullivan with his granddaughter Chloe at the Eastern Entrance That second phase required major civil engineering works of mammoth proportions including the development of the Viaduct across the Chetwynd Valley which still stands today as a stunning landmark of a different era in Corks western suburbs. Primitive machinery The construction of the Goggins Hill Tunnel involved a workforce of over 300 people working day and night with very limited and, by todays standard, very primitive machinery. Work on the tunnel took place between January 1850 and December 1851. Several key individuals shaped the project, including engineer Charles Nixon. The chairperson of the Cork/Bandon Railway Co., Major Ludlow Beamish, met Nixon in London in 1846. He was recommended by Isambard Brunel, the renowned British Railway engineer in England at that time, as a person of outstanding ability. The chairperson impressed upon Mr Nixon the need for someone of his experience to become involved in the Cork to Bandon line which was at that time becoming a reality. The original engineer, Edmond Leahy, who was also the Cork County Surveyor, was in charge of the project but he resigned from his position in early 1847. Charles Nixon was initially involved with the company as Managing Director and Secretary at a salary of 650/year. However, following the departure of Edmond Leahy he became Engineer in Chief of the entire project with an increased salary of 800/year. A Resident Engineer was employed, Joseph Philip Ronayne from Cobh, and he remained with the operation until 1852. He later went into private practice in Cork and played an important role in the development of the Cork-Macroom railway line. A link to Crystal Palace The Bandon to Ballinhassig line was opened officially on August 1, 1849. The distance of nearly 10 miles was travelled in 18 minutes and it was capable of carrying 120 passengers. A series of omnibuses (a four-horse drawn carriage) left the Imperial Hotel yard and brought the passengers to Ballinhassig Station from where they boarded the train to Bandon and passengers heading for the city would be brought in the same manner. Daylight and water stream down one of the shafts inside the Goggins Hill railway tunnel on the old West Cork rail line. Picture: Eddie O'Hare The contract for the creation of the Ballinhassig to Cork phase was awarded to the English firm of Fox, Henderson & Co. They were a major engineering firm based in Birmingham, and they had their own office at 43, South Mall, such was the magnitude of the operation. Throughout the period they were creating the Goggins Hill Tunnel, they were also building the Crystal Palace in London and constructing the Athlone Railway Bridge over the Shannon. The land overhead the tunnel was purchased in late 1849, and work immediately started. Explosive works The tunnel is over 900 yards long and at that time was the longest railway tunnel in Ireland. It has a slight bend and it was constructed in a very practical manner. From the farm land over the tunnel the contractor proposed to sink six working vertical shafts at approximately 130 yards apart. Together with both entrances, this provided 14 working stations from which the tunnel would be constructed. Reporting to the Board of Directors in February 1850, Charles Nixon stated that four of the working shafts had been created to their required depth and the driving of the tunnel had been commenced there-from. This work was of both manual and physical labour and the workforce increased substantially once the outline of the tunnel was achieved. Between 1850 and 1851, there were 1,143 men and 90 horses working on the entire line from Cork to Ballinhassig. An exposed ventilation shaft at the Goggins Hill Tunnel The substructure of the tunnel was of a very hard and solid rock which saw dynamite being used in many instances to dislodge the massive structure. Indeed the borings where dynamite was inserted are still visible today. By August 1850, about 470 linear yards of the tunnel had been excavated and the formation of its full width of 24 feet was constructed at each of the six shafts. Three of those shafts were to remain in position as part of the permanent ventilation system for the safe operation of the railway. In some parts of the tunnel, the material was of a loose nature and this required support with masonry arching and brick lining. At a meeting on February 10, 1851, William Elworthy, the project leader, reported that they would expect to have the whole line and the terminal building completed by July 1. Work continued on the tunnel for several months and on May 5 Major Beamish and the directors proceeded to Ballinhassig Station for the purpose of opening the Goggins Hill Tunnel which by then was nearly completed. Lighting the way Crowds of people from the surrounding countryside congregated at the station and the directors were accompanied by Charles Nixon, Chief Engineer, and Joseph Philip Ronayne, Resident Engineer. It was first intended that the train would be propelled through the tunnel, but the workers whose labour had completed this mammoth project claimed the honour and drew the carriage through in less than 15 minutes. This action drew huge applause from the assembled public. Its completion at this early stage was chiefly attributed to William Elworthy. His kind treatment of all those working on the project was described as exemplary. Inside the Goggins Hill railway tunnel (showing the bricked walls) on the old West Cork rail line. Picture: Eddie O'Hare Under his supervision, the tunnel, the cutting of which is through solid rock was vigorously prosecuted and expertly carried out. Following the opening of the tunnel, all of the equipment and machinery used in its construction was auctioned by Roger Evans at South Terrace on August 1. These included 35 horses, weighing machines, chaff cutters, various carts, pumps and a piling engine capable of lifting 13 cwt. from 46 feet. Captain Wynne, the Government Railway Inspector, tested the operation of the line on December 5. When the train approached the tunnel the inspector directed that it should be totally illuminated. Torches were held aloft by men standing on the carriage and a perfect view of the excavation was attained. On returning to Cork he reported that he saw no reason why it should not open and the first passenger train from Cork to Bandon took place on December 8, 1851. The line remained in continuous use for over 100 years. The Goggins Hill Stone The volume of rock removed to create the tunnel was of vast quantities and could certainly have exceeded 30,000 tons. The Cork terminus was constructed in Monarea Marsh (now Albert Quay). The company purchased nearly four acres of that marsh to cater for the terminus building, the laying of incoming and outgoing tracks and large open space storage areas. In the early 1850s, the macadamizing of the streets of Cork city was carried out in large proportions using Goggins Hill stone. The natural mode of transport for the rock was on the train carriage to the station in Cork. It was stored in the storage areas adjacent to the terminal building and was carted to the various streets around the city. The cartage rate for delivering the stone was 8d. per load. Some councillors felt that the Corporation should be using a more local stone for street maintenance, but the City Engineer was steadfast in his belief that the hard nature of the Goggins Hill stone was far superior to all others over the years. He reported that he had laid, as a trial, half of Winthrop Street with limestone and the other half with Goggins Hill stone and that the limestone had to be replaced after one year. So not alone did the creation of the tunnel create a transport hub for so many, but its excavated material provided an outstanding base for the streets of Cork for several years. This story appeared in the 2024 Holly Bough. A Cork school chaplain has said it is callous that Ukrainian refugees living in student accommodation have been told they must leave by mid-March. A letter to residents of Cork Student Village in Victoria Cross explained that their accommodation is ending and they must relocate on or before March 13. The letter said: Almost all the accommodation we provide you with is temporary, which means that we may have to move you again to another accommodation in the future. In addition, we may have to move people into shared accommodation in instances where there are no other options available. We regret to inform you that the department can no longer provide any accommodation for pets. If you own a pet, you will have to make appropriate arrangements for it. Residents were told that officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth will attend their accommodation nine days prior, and they are required to present with their documents if they wish to avail of new State-supported accommodation. If they fail to attend, refuse, or say no to an offer of relocation, they will not receive further offers. They will get approximately seven days notice of where their new accommodation is. Heartless Mayfield Community School chaplain John Hurley said they have students who received this letter and it was an absolutely heartless letter, really blunt. They used the word regret once and its for pets for human beings, they have no problem treating them like dirt. Some students have come to Ireland traumatised. One buried an uncle due to the war and anothers dad had to get shrapnel taken out of his shoulder. These are traumatised individuals, who we said wed welcome and are now stripping from their accommodation with very little notice, and they are justifying it purely on an economic basis, said Mr Hurley. He said one pupil who was due to sit their Junior Certificate in June cant do it now as they will be moved from the area. Its an incredibly callous way to treat people, and part of me wonders if this has been done in between governments so that public representatives cant raise it in the Dail. A department spokesperson told The Echo: As part of the response to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis of the war breaking out in Ukraine, the department took on a variety of different commercial properties, including some properties that were previously providing student accommodation. It was agreed that these beds would be returned to student accommodation when it was possible to do so. This property previously provided student accommodation. Disruptive We appreciate that this is not easy for people and that moving location may be very disruptive. They added that over the last year, the need for accommodation for people affected by the war in Ukraine had reduced. Because the department must ensure value for money and an effective system overall, this means some people will be moved to other locations. Every effort will be made to keep them as close to their current location as possible. However, given the significant number of moves planned, this may not always be possible. Coalition governments have been part of the Irish political landscape for almost eight decades, even if the word coalition was itself initially taboo. And with the current political fragmentation unlikely to be reversed in the immediate future, coalitions are likely to be a fixture of political life for years to come. The Irish State was more than a quarter of a century old before it had its first coalition government, but, for political reasons, it wasnt called that. David McCullagh, presenter of RTEs Six One News, is a historian who has literally written the book A Makeshift Majority on that first coalition, the Inter-Party government of 1948. The Cabinet of 1948: (Standing, left to right): D Morrissey, Minister for Industry and Commerce; J Everett, Minister for Posts and Telegraphs; P McGilligan, Minister for Finance; J Blowick, Minister for Lands; Gen S MacEoin, Minister for Justice and James Dillon, Minister for Agriculture. (Seated, left to right): Dr Noel Browne, Minister for Health; Sean McBride, Minister for External Affairs; William Norton, Minister for Social Welfare; J Costello, Taoiseach; Gen R Mulgahy, Minister for Education; Dr T F OHiggins, Minister for Defence; T J Murphy, Minister for Local Government. Picture: Keystone/Getty Images. One of the interesting things with the Inter-Party government is that it was called the Inter-Party government because de Valera had succeeded in making coalition a dirty word, so they were really nervous about calling it a coalition, hence the name, he said. It was five parties, plus a bunch of Independents, some of whom were very odd, including Oliver J. Flanagan. You had Fine Gael, right-wing, pro-Commonwealth; you had Clann na Poblachta, republican, left-wing, well, what passed for left-wing in those days; you had not one but two Labour Parties because Labour had split over accusations that it was becoming communist, if you can believe that; and you had the Farmers Party, Clann na Talmhan. In effect, Dr McCullagh said it was every party in the Dail except for Fianna Fail, and some independents. They agreed to form a government to get rid of de Valera and to get themselves into power, and even though they covered the political spectrum which wasnt very wide at the time they were able to agree on policies which were based on increasing public spending, particularly capital spending on housing, land reclamation, that sort of thing, and they were able to do that because they were able to access loans from America. They were able to agree on two things: one was to get themselves into power instead of Fianna Fail, and the second was to spend money on things that were regarded as good. They held together for three-and-a-half years, most people expected them to last six months, and were reasonably reforming and reasonably effective. Template He believes that if Irelands first coalition government set any template for those that followed, it was a negative one. Discipline was fairly lax, Cabinet collective responsibility was ignored, ministers made statements in public disagreeing with their colleagues, which was regarded as a bad thing, so there was a sense that that shouldnt be repeated in future coalitions. Theresa Reidy, political scientist at University College Cork, agreed that early coalition governments did not have much in the way of cohesion, and were often made up of parties with wildly divergent worldviews. As a result, they could be very difficult to manage, and they could be very fractious. That starts to change, though, and the Fine Gael and Labour coalitions of the 70s and 80s were a little better in the sense that there was a common purpose at least, in terms of the direction they wanted to go, particularly under Garret FitzGerald, but I think unfortunately circumstances were such that they never really got to do anything that they wanted to do because of the economy, she said. The Fianna Fail/Labour coalition [January 1993-December 1994] is much maligned because it fell apart, hugely acrimoniously, but its important in coalition terms because it marks the start of when we really begin to pay attention to how a coalition government should be managed. If you go back to Sean Duignan and Fergus Finlays books, the much maligned programme managers were put in place, and they were external people who were put in place to ensure that policy got implemented more effectively, and that was the start of the process of making coalitions work better, Dr Reidy said. Lesson Gary Murphy, professor of politics at Dublin City University, also cites the 1993-1994 coalition as a lesson for the incoming government, and its Cork Taoiseach. They had a massive majority, and it all went belly-up because Albert Reynolds couldnt handle coalition. Micheal Martin is certainly different, and Fianna Fail from Bertie to Micheal forget about Cowen in the middle know how to work coalitions now, and Micheal was there in that early 1990s period, Prof Murphy said. Dr Reidy said she believed the evolution over the past several decades of the importance of programmes for government has helped to make coalition governments much more effective. Early programmes, she said, were mostly short documents listing points of agreement. Now theyve taken on much greater significance, theyre much longer, theyre much more detailed, and if something is in the programme for government, its much more likely to go ahead. The other thing is, if theres a dispute, the programme for government is the final word. If a thing has been included in the programme for government, then you need really serious reasons for why it cant go ahead, she said. Priority Professor Murphy said that his impression was that Mr Martins overarching priority in negotiating the programme for government was that this administration survives for five years. Micheal is going on 65, and hes going to be taoiseach for the next two years and nine months or so, hed hardly be taoiseach again after that, so I think hell have wanted to make sure hell get a good run at it, he said. I think he wanted to make sure that this government would go the full distance. He added that the decision to offer two super junior ministries and three junior ministries to the Regional Independent Group TDs, as well as a junior ministry to Michael Healy-Rae, was a mark of Martins desire to ensure the coalitions longevity. Now, maybe they were a bit too cautious, because no Independent wants an election any time soon, but tying them in the way they have will almost certainly mean it goes to full whack. He felt that Mr Martin has learned the lessons of Albert Reynolds and Bertie Ahern, and their opposing views on coalitions. Fianna Fail has got a lot better at doing coalitions, thats the big lesson that I would take. Dr McCullagh noted that in the Inter-Party government of 1948, independents were represented in Cabinet by James Dillon, who was agriculture minister. They sold their support fairly high, and that, Independents in Cabinet, wasnt repeated until 2016, so for a lot of the intervening years, independents for instance Jackie Healy-Rae and Mildred Fox and all in 1997 traded their support in essence for constituency deals rather than for national power. The deal that the Regional Independents have done now would seem to hark back more to that James Dillon idea, or the 2016 idea, that independents would have influence on national policy, rather than just on constituency issues, he said. A mother has spoken of her devastation after Ukrainian refugess living in a hotel in East Cork were told they would have to move out of the accommodation within weeks. Mother of two Mila Rylushkin, among those told they will have to leave the Quality Hotel at Redbarn, Youghal by February 7, told The Echo: We are devastated. We love this place, we have been here for three years and we work here, have kids in school we had started to believe that we could have a peaceful life. Now we are worried about our children, we want to make sure they wont end up with more mental and psychological problems. Because we will be moving in the middle of the school year, there is no guarantee there will be places in schools wherever we go. Its a huge stress for the little children and bigger children as well they have already chosen subjects for their exams, so moving school would be a disaster. Local people are telling us: You are our friends, youre our colleagues, youre a part of the community we have so many connections, we have jobs here, we take part in local events. I understand how the system works, but we are real people, we are not just names on a list. What is really worrying is the letter said that we can be moved again at any time. Inhumane Social Democrats TD for Cork East, Liam Quaide, said: This eviction notice is emotionally detached and inhumane. The residents have become part of the community in East Cork, have children attending schools and are working locally. They deserve to be treated as people, not like inanimate objects to be moved around with no regard for the lives they have built. Im following up with the department on their behalf. His party colleague, East Cork councillor Eamonn Horgan, called the move an ill-thought-out solution to an incredibly complex matter. The letter given to the residents of the Quality Hotel in Redbarn is almost militant in its language. It talks about Department officials arriving to the location on prescribed days and residents having to present themselves with documentation. A department spokesperson said there are vacancies in residential contracts as the demand for accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection decreases, so the department ends contracts on a regular basis in order to ensure value for money and greater oversight of the portfolio. The spokesperson said the need for accommodation for international protection applicants is increasing and experiencing significant shortages, and the provider at the hotel site has expressed an interest in providing accommodation for international protection. A Garda was injured while effecting an arrest yesterday at a house in the northside of Cork city. The incident occurred during a drugs raid, where gardai were assisted by the Divisional Drugs Unit, as part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations, which target the sale and supply of illegal drugs in Cork. The injured Garda, who was transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for medical treatment, sustained non-life threatening injuries during the course of the raid, and remains off-duty at this time. It is understood that during the course of effecting the arrest, the injured Garda suffered from a broken kneecap. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said that garda welfare services have been put in place for the injured garda member and his colleagues. As a result of the raid, one male, aged in his 40s, was arrested and is currently detained in Garda custody under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. In a subsequent search of a residence, a quantity of drugs and cash were seized by Gardai. Investigations are currently ongoing. SSU counterintelligence agents and investigators recently detained a Ukrainian working for the aggressor country Russia in Kyiv. The man was a local lawyer who recruited people for the Russian secret service and defended already exposed enemy collaborators in court. ADVERTISIMENT According to the investigation, the lawyer was recruited by GRU officer Vitaly Naumov during a personal meeting in Russia back in 2015. He now faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property, the SSU and the Office of the Prosecutor General inform. The Telegram channel operativnoZSU writes that the traitor is a Kyiv lawyer Volodymyr Yievhlevskyi. The legal practitioner, under the guise of his activities, cooperated with the intelligence center of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. In particular, he recruited his clients undergoing criminal proceedings to fulfill the tasks of the aggressor state. After the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, one of the people he recruited passed on the information about the location, movement and weapons of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kharkiv to Russian intelligence. This person was also exposed and has already been convicted. ADVERTISIMENT The Kyiv-based lawyer also shared information about SSU officers who were mentioned in criminal proceedings and who exposed traitors. He copied and passed on the procedural documents to representatives of the Russian GRU. "For each completed task, the agent received a financial 'reward' from Naumov, which was transferred to him anonymously. It is known that the lawyer first helped the Russians find another traitor to adjust the enemy's strikes on Ukraine, and after the informant was detained, he defended him in court," the statement said. SSU officers have documented all of Volodymyr's crimes and detained him at his place of residence in Kyiv. During the searches, they seized his cell phone, which he used to communicate with the enemy and other agents. ADVERTISIMENT Based on the evidence collected, the detainee was served a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law). The investigation into the case is ongoing and is being conducted by the SSU Main Investigation Department. The issue of choosing a measure of restraint against the offender is currently being decided too. As previously reported, the National Police stated that Russia recruited Ukrainians through social networks in 2014 as well. Enemy special services lured them into committing terrorist acts and sabotage, as well as obstructing the activities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The first three hostages released from Gaza have arrived in Israel, hours after the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold. Their mothers were waiting to meet them. Israeli media, carrying live footage from Qatar-based Al Jazeera, showed the three women walking to Red Cross vehicles as their convoy moved through Gaza city. The vehicles were accompanied by armed men who wore green Hamas headbands and struggled to guard the cars from an unruly crowd that swelled into the thousands. No further glimpses of the three were immediately expected as they will be taken for medical assessment. They appear to be in good health, US president Joe Biden said in brief remarks as they were arriving in Israel. Cheers In Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered to watch the news on large screens erupted in cheers. For months, many had gathered in the square to demand a ceasefire deal. Relatives of the women jumped, clapped and wept. An entire nation embraces you, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. The ceasefire ushers in an initial six-week period of calm and raises hopes for the release of dozens of militant-held hostages and an end to the devastating 15-month war. A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the truces start by nearly three hours, but the spokesman for Hamass military wing later said it is committed to the ceasefire. Even before the ceasefire took effect, celebrations broke out across the territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes. Next up is the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners later on Sunday. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, families and friends gathered excitedly as cars honked and people waved the Palestinian flag. The truce, which started at 11.15am local time, is the first step towards ultimately ending the conflict and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in Hamass October 7, 2023 attack. Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were released. Ms Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, while the others were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Ms Damari is an Israeli-British dual citizen. Killed In the interim between 8.30am and when the ceasefire took hold, Israeli fire killed at least 26 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry. It did not say whether they were civilians or fighters. The military has warned people to stay away from Israeli forces as they retreat to a buffer zone inside Gaza. Israels hard-line national security minister, meanwhile, said his Jewish Power faction was quitting the government in protest over the ceasefire agreement. Itamar Ben-Gvirs departure weakens Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition but will not affect the truce. In a separate development, Israel announced it had recovered the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, in a special operation in Gaza. The bodies of Mr Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, remained there after the 2014 war and had not been returned. The ceasefire deal was announced last week after a year of mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. The outgoing Biden administration and president-elect Donald Trumps team had both pressed for an agreement to be reached before the inauguration on Monday. Warned Mr Netanyahu on Saturday warned that he had Mr Trumps backing to continue fighting if necessary. The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. Many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home. There is also supposed to be a surge of humanitarian aid, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before. The United Nations World Food Programme said trucks started entering through two crossings after the ceasefire took hold. This is just the second ceasefire in the war, longer and more consequential than a week-long pause in November 2023, with the potential to end the fighting for good. Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire should begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the first phase and how the rest of the hostages in Gaza will be freed. Taoiseach Simon Harris has welcomed the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which he said offers hope after a brutal 15 months of war. Families will be reunited with their loved ones after being abducted and held hostage following the despicable Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, said Mr Harris. I urge both sides to respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement and to implement it in good faith. Welcoming the handing over of the first three hostages, Mr Harris said the remaining hostages must now be released. They and their heartbroken families and friends have suffered for far too long, he said. Their enforced captivity is completely unacceptable. The people of Gaza, who have endured unimaginable hardship and trauma, must be allowed to return to their homes and to start to rebuild their lives. Immediate surge Mr Harris said there must now be an immediate surge in badly-needed humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. I welcome that the first UN aid trucks have begun to enter Gaza. This access must continue unimpeded and in increased volumes. The hope of this ceasefire must now be translated into efforts to secure a complete cessation of the fighting and to work towards a lasting peace. The way to bring about peace and stability to the Middle East is a two-state solution, said Mr Harris. Ireland wants to see the state of Israel and the state of Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security. Ireland will play its part in supporting the international community to ensure this is the way forward. Meanwhile, the first three hostages released from Gaza arrived in Israel hours after the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold. Their mothers were waiting to meet them. Israeli media, carrying live footage from Qatar-based Al Jazeera, showed the three women walking to Red Cross vehicles as their convoy moved through Gaza city. Armed The vehicles were accompanied by armed men who wore green Hamas headbands and struggled to guard the cars from an unruly crowd that swelled into the thousands. Romi Gonen, 24; Emily Damari, 28; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were released. Ms Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, while the others were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. They appear to be in good health, US president Joe Biden said in brief remarks as they were arriving in Israel. In Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered to watch the news on large screens erupted in cheers. Relatives of the women jumped, clapped, and wept. An entire nation embraces you, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. The ceasefire ushers in an initial six-week period of calm and raises hopes for the release of dozens of militant-held hostages and an end to the devastating 15-month war. A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the truces start by nearly three hours, but the spokesman for Hamass military wing later said it is committed to the ceasefire. Even before the ceasefire took effect, celebrations broke out across the territory, and some Palestinians began returning to their homes. The release of 90 Palestinian prisoners then took place yesterday. Gathered In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, families and friends gathered excitedly as cars honked and people waved the Palestinian flag. The truce, which started at 11.15am local time, is the first step towards ultimately ending the conflict and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in Hamass October 7, 2023 attack. In the interim, between 8.30am and when the ceasefire took hold, Israeli fire killed at least 26 people, according to Gazas health ministry. It did not say whether they were civilians or fighters. The military has warned people to stay away from Israeli forces as they retreat to a buffer zone inside Gaza. Israels hard-line national security minister, meanwhile, said his Jewish Power faction was quitting the government in protest over the ceasefire agreement. Itamar Ben-Gvirs departure weakens Mr Netanyahus coalition, but will not affect the truce. The ceasefire deal was announced last week after a year of mediation by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Pressed for agreement The outgoing Biden administration and president-elect Donald Trumps team had both pressed for an agreement to be reached before Mr Trumps inauguration today. Mr Netanyahu on Saturday warned that he had Mr Trumps backing to continue fighting if necessary. The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. Many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home. There is also supposed to be a surge of humanitarian aid, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before. The United Nations World Food Programme said trucks started entering through two crossings after the ceasefire took hold. Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire should begin in just over two weeks. By David Young, PA Fianna Fail members will vote later on the draft programme for government. Party leader and Tanaiste Micheal Martin will address the Ard Fheis conference in Dublin ahead of a debate on the proposed governance plan. The event is taking place just days before Tanaiste Mr Martin is due to become taoiseach for the second time. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, which led the last government, are set to continue their coalition partnership, this time with the support of several Independent TDs. Micheal Martin (left) is due to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as taoiseach on Wednesday (PA). The new administration will be formally appointed in the Dail on Wednesday if, as expected, the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael memberships ratify the programme for government. After weeks of negotiations following Novembers general election, the two parties put together a workable majority with the backing of the Regional Independents grouping of TDs and two Independent TDs from Co Kerry, brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae. While Fianna Fail has organised a one-off conference to rubber stamp the programme for government, with the vote result to be announced on Sunday evening, Fine Gael is holding a series of five regional meetings, the last two of which will take place in Meath and Cork on Sunday afternoon. The results of the secret ballots held at the Fine Gael meetings will be announced on Monday. The 162-page programme for government, published during the week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardai among its priorities. Mr Martin is expected to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as taoiseach when the Dail meets on Wednesday. He will hold the Taoiseach's Office for three years before it reverts back to Mr Harris for the final two years of the mandate. Mr Martins longer turn in the rotating taoiseach arrangement is reflective of the fact Fianna Fail emerged from the election with 10 more seats than Fine Gael (48 to 38). The ratification process is taking place amid a row over the prospect of some of the Independent TDs who support the new government being allowed to take speaking time usually allocated to opposition parties and groups. New Dail Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy in her office at Leinster House (Brian Lawless/PA). Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy wrote to TDs on Friday clarifying that standing orders in the Dail allow for the members of the Regional Independents group who are not government ministers or ministers of state to be part of a technical group on the opposition benches. 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. Both Sinn Fein and Labour have described the prospect of TDs who negotiated the programme for government availing of opposition speaking rights as a farce. Ms Murphy has asked TDs who do not agree with the advice she has received to make submissions outlining a proposed alternative process. Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . The S25 series and perhaps some other goodies are on the way. Get ready for new Samsung Galaxy phones. That's the safe bet for the headliner today at the company's Galaxy Unpacked event which kicks off today at 1PM ET in San Jose, CA. Engadget will offer you two ways to follow the launch in real-time: our Galaxy S25 livestream (live video of the event) and our Galaxy Unpacked liveblog (commentary from our resident phone experts). While the event is imminent, this story collects the full list of leaks, rumors and assumptions as to what we can reasonably expect from the presumed Galaxy S25 phones. Before we detail everything we know, take note: If you're enough of a Samsung fan to preorder sight unseen, it's your last chance to do so. Reserving "the next evolution of Galaxy AI" at Samsung.com will get you a $50 credit and up to $1,250 in additional savings (both of which must be applied to other Samsung products, alas). The reservation window ends exactly as the event begins. Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra Galaxy S24 Ultra (Sam Rutherford for Engadget) Much like Apple reveals its latest iPhones at its first fall event, Samsung typically launches its mainline Galaxy S flagships at its first Unpacked shindig of the year. You can bet the farm that there will be Galaxy S25 phones at this event. And given Samsungs recent trend of launching three tiers of flagships standard, Plus and Ultra you can bet well see that again. (Samsung could technically change the brand names, but the three-layered lineup is practically guaranteed.) Theres even an FCC certification (first spotted by 91Mobiles) to dispel any doubts. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The degree of certainty falls sharply once we dig into the phones features. A subtle redesign with rounded corners, flatter edges and thinner bezels appears likely based on a leaked video posted to Reddit and images from reputable tipster Ice Universe. But this isnt expected to be the generation where Samsungs hiring of a former Mercedes-Benz designer will lead to drastic aesthetic changes. Android Headlines also posted plenty of pictures of the purported Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra that confirm the relatively minor redesign. The site also claims the screen size for the Galaxy S25 and S25+ are unchanged from last year at 6.2 and 6.7 inches, respectively. The Ultra gets an ever-so-slightly bigger display at 6.9 inches. Qualcomm At least in the US, the phone is practically guaranteed to use Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which the chip-maker revealed in October. (Qualcomm even listed Samsung among the companies launching devices with that processor in the coming weeks.) Like just about every flagship processor these days, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is built for on-device generative AI, which aligns with Samsungs Galaxy AI blitz in recent models. We dont know whether the company will split its S25 processors between Snapdragon (US and other markets) and Exynos (everywhere else), but Ice Universe has claimed it will be all Snapdragon this generation. That would be a good thing, given whats often a glaring performance and battery life disparity favoring Qualcomm. There would be precedence, too: although the vast majority of Galaxy S generations have had different processors regionally, the S23 had the same "Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy" chip globally. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Samsung is rumored to stick with last-generation OLED displays (made with M13 organic materials) instead of the brighter and more efficient M14 OLED panels used in the iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9. Logic suggests Samsung would want its best homemade screen in its best phones especially when its competitors are already using it. But it could stick with the cheaper panels to keep the bill of materials down. Perhaps it calculated that better displays dont make for better generative AI (the obsession of nearly every tech company right now), while the latest Qualcomm chip does. Speaking of AI, expect Samsung to devote a perhaps agonizingly long portion of the event to generative AI features. The hit-or-miss DigiTimes reported last month that the Galaxy S25 series will include an AI Agent that provides personalized clothing suggestions and transport information. What that would look like in practice is anyones guess, but Im not sure I want to know. Samsung The phones will run Samsungs One UI 7 on top of Android 15. We know this because Samsung said in October that its user experience (based on Android 15) will launch on the next Galaxy S flagships. Its already available in beta for Galaxy S24 phones. Samsung has said that One UI 7 will be its "first integrated AI platform." It added that Galaxy phones "will become true AI companions" that are able to understand natural language derived from speech, images and text. And to drive things home, Samsung reaffirmed that the "One UI 7 will be officially released with the upcoming Galaxy S series devices." On the camera front, Ice Universe claims (via Android Headlines) its confirmed that only the ultra-wide sensor will see an upgrade in the Galaxy S25 Ultra to 50MP from 12MP in last years model. The leaker says the S25 Ultra will stick with a 200MP main sensor, 10MP 3x zoom and 50MP 5x zoom. Galaxy S24 Ultra (Sam Rutherford for Engadget) Samsung will add the Qi2 wireless charging standard to its new flagships and that comes straight from the horses (aka, the Wireless Power Consortiums) mouth. However, leaker chunvn8888 (aka yawn) says Samsungs phones wont have built-in magnets for Qi2s native MagSafe in everything but name charging. Given that's the main benefit of Qi2, this would be disappointing news. Instead, the leaker says Samsung will sell a first-party case with a Qi2 magnetic ring to enable that. (Gotta move those accessories, baby!) Is it really Qi2 if you need a case? ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Rumors have buzzed about an alleged Galaxy S25 Slim with a you guessed it slimmer design joining the trio at some point this year. Thats something Apple is also rumored to be working on. Leakers have posted numerous renders this past week comparing how the different size options may compare to each other. A post from Ice Universe puts the S25 Slim at 6.4mm. However, given the FCC certifications only appear to cover the familiar trio of flagships, that phone (if its in the pipeline at all) may not arrive until later in the year. Galaxy Ring 2, Samsung XR and AR glasses Galaxy Ring (Sam Rutherford for Engadget) DigiTimes reported in December that Samsung would show off (or maybe just tease) the Galaxy Ring 2 and augmented reality (AR) glasses during its January Unpacked event. The Taiwanese publication says the Galaxy Ring 2 will add two more sizes to the nine from the original model, which only launched in July. The second-gen wearable health tracker is said to add new AI features (surprise!) and updated sensors for more accurate measurements. The Galaxy Ring 2 is also rumored to last longer than the current models maximum of seven days. Google DigiTimes also claims Samsungs AR glasses which the company has confirmed its working on will look like regular prescription glasses and weigh around 50g. It says the futuristic glasses would use Googles Gemini AI, which aligns with what we already know about Samsungs partnership with Google and Qualcomm on Android XR. But given the lack of supply chain rumors surrounding the glasses, its likely that any mention at the event would amount to little more than a teaser, a la its grand reveal of... a stinkin render for the first Galaxy Ring at Unpacked 2024. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement We also know Samsung is co-developing an Android XR (extended reality) headset codenamed Project Moohan alongside Google and Qualcomm. The lightweight and ergonomically designed headset will have a state-of-the-art display, passthrough video and natural multi-modal input. Googles renderings show a wearable reminiscent of Apples $3,500 Vision Pro. Project Moohan (Google / Samsung) Since Google only recently began offering a developer kit and API for the platform, any glimpse of it at Unpacked wouldnt likely include an imminent release or deep dive into its hardware. Engadget will have full coverage of Samsungs first Unpacked event of 2025. More to come on January 22! Update, January 13 2025, 12:58PM ET: This story has been updated with purported images and more details on the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra from Android Headlines. Update, January 14 2025, 3:20PM ET: This story has been updated with some more information about One UI 7. Update, January 17 2025, 12:45PM ET: This story has been updated with more details on the Galaxy S25's processor and the history of processors in the Galaxy S series. Update, January 19, 2025, 12:15PM ET: This story has been updated with more information about the rumored Galaxy S25 Slim. Update, January 20, 2025, 3:35PM ET: This story has been updated to include Samsung's recent affirmation that the One UI 7 interface will be present on new Galaxy devices. Update, January 21, 2025, 2:29PM ET: This story has been updated to include reservation details for the new (as yet unannounced) Samsung products. Update, January 22, 2025, 9:45AM ET: This story has been updated to add the link to our liveblog. The Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra have been officially unveiled. Preorders for the Samsung Galaxy S25 models are already open, and they will ship on February 7. Want to relive the event as it unfolded? Watch the livestream of the Galaxy S25 launch and look back at the Samsung Unpacked liveblog. Alternately, check out Everything Samsung announced at the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event for a complete recap. Hiring an in-home caregiver for a loved one is a significant decision that requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you're navigating this process with a loved one's income and savings, the help of Long-Term Care Insurance, or working with limited financial resources, understanding your options can ensure you find the right balance of professional and family Care. Long-Term Care: A Growing Crisis According to Matt McCann, a leading expert on long-term care planning, long-term care is a mounting concern for millions of Americans as lifespans increase and families struggle to meet the needs of aging loved ones. "The aging population has created a perfect storm where the demand for care far outpaces the available resources. Planning ahead is no longer optionalit's essential." However, many families have no planning for the consequences of aging and chronic health problems that address older adults. If your loved one didn't plan, they will still deserve the best quality care. The cost of long-term care services is staggering. According to the LTC News Cost of Long-Term Care Services Calculator, the average annual cost of in-home care ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on where you live and the level of care required. Assisted living, memory care, and nursing home facilities are even more expensive. Meanwhile, health insurance and Medicare only cover short-term skilled Care, such as rehabilitation after surgery or illness, leaving families to shoulder the burden of ongoing, non-medical assistance. Medicaid, often seen as a fallback, is only available for those with limited financial means. "Medicaid is a safety net for those who truly have no other options," McCann explains. "For everyone else, the responsibility of planning for care falls squarely on their shoulders." Here are several steps to consider when looking for quality in-home caregivers for a loved one. 1. Finding the Right Caregiver The first step is to decide whether you'll hire independently or through an agency. Both have advantages: hiring independently can save costs, while agencies handle background checks, training, and administrative tasks like payroll. Consider using tools like the LTC News Caregiver Directory to simplify the process. This comprehensive resource connects you with qualified professionals in your area, allowing you to filter by specialty, availability, and even language preferences. 2. Key Questions to Ask When interviewing potential caregivers and home health agencies, ask these critical questions to ensure you find a suitable match: Experience and Credentials: What certifications or training do you have? How many years of experience do you bring to this role? Specialized Care: Have you worked with clients who have conditions similar to mine or my loved ones, such as dementia or mobility issues? Availability: What is your schedule, and are you flexible if care needs change ? References: Can you provide references from previous clients? Approach to Care: How do you handle emergencies, medication management, or challenging behaviors? 3. Leveraging Long-Term Care Insurance If your loved one has Long-Term Care Insurance, review the policy to understand what it covers. Most policies help pay for in-home care, but benefits and eligibility requirements vary. Typically, you'll need a licensed caregiver, and a medical professional must certify that assistance is necessary with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing or dressing. Ensure you understand the waiting period before benefits kick in and whether the policy has a maximum daily or lifetime payout. Working closely with your insurance provider can streamline the claims process and maximize your coverage. LTC News has combined efforts with Amada Senior Care, a leading in-home healthcare agency with locations throughout the country, to help you process a claim from any LTC Insurance policy. There is no cost or obligation for this service - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim. 4. Managing Care on a Limited Budget If LTC Insurance isn't available and financial resources are tight, combining professional care with family caregiving can be a practical solution. Here's how to make it work: Prioritize Professional Care: Use professional caregivers for tasks that require specialized skills, such as wound care or physical therapy. This ensures safety and quality while reducing costs. Family Caregiving Schedule: Coordinate with family members to share responsibilities for daily tasks like meal preparation, light housekeeping, or companionship. A shared calendar or caregiving app can help keep everyone organized. Explore Local Resources: Many communities offer free or low-cost services for seniors, such as transportation, meal delivery, or respite care. Reach out to local Area Agencies on Aging or nonprofit organizations for assistance. Hire Part-Time Help: If full-time professional care is beyond your budget, consider hiring part-time or live-in caregivers who can assist during critical hours. Respite care is often available through adult day care centers and even assisted living facilities. 5. Building a Strong Partnership Once you've hired a caregiver, maintain open communication to ensure the arrangement works for everyone. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss any concerns or adjustments needed. Providing feedback and showing appreciation can foster a positive and collaborative relationship. It Doesn't Have to Be Overwhelming McCann says that hiring an in-home caregiver doesn't have to be overwhelming. By using resources like the LTC News Caregiver Directory, asking the right questions, and strategically blending professional and family care, you can create a support system that meets your needs and budget. "If your loved one didn't plan, it can be a family crisis at the start. However, once the crisis starts, you can create a care plan. If they have an LTC policy, don't delay using the benefits. If there is a need for care then use the benefits without delay." McCann notes that if you have not yet thought about how your family will address your future needs, the time to plan is now. He says planning for long-term care is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your family. "It ensures you receive your choice of quality care without burdening your loved ones. Thoughtful decisions today can lead to better care and peace of mind tomorrow." Most people add Long-Term Care Insurance to their retirement plan between ages 47-67. LTC Insurance can be very affordable, especially if you shop. A survey of Long-Term Care Insurance costs shows you the cost of a policy from a variety of insurance companies, and you can see how premiums vary dramatically. McCann recommends working with a qualified LTC Insurance specialist representing the top-rated insurance companies offering long-term care solutions. He says they will understand underwriting, policy design, and other factors that can help you save money and enjoy peace-fo-mind during the process. Get Professional Planning Help Matt McCann is licensed in every state and the District of Columbia. He represents the top-rated insurance companies that offer long-term care solutions. His innovative approach enables his 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. Ukraine is considering the possibility of opening airports even during the war, in particular in Lviv, but experts emphasize the significant risks associated with attacks by Kinzhal ballistic missiles. If they are launched, the approach time is only 10-12 minutes, which makes it difficult to quickly evacuate passengers and ensure safety. ADVERTISIMENT Aviation expert Valeriy Romanenko said this in a commentary to the media. The main danger in resuming flights in Ukraine during the war is the threat of shelling from Russia. According to Romanenko, the takeoff and landing stages are the most vulnerable for aircraft. During these moments, airliners become potential targets because they need time to reach a safe altitude. Experts pay special attention to evacuation procedures in case of a threat. The standard time to evacuate passengers from an aircraft is 90 seconds, but this is only possible under ideal conditions. In reality, the evacuation of passengers through inflatable ladders or the main exit can take longer, especially if the threat requires the rapid movement of people to a bomb shelter. The aviation expert emphasizes the problems associated with the availability of flight schedules. Their publication can be used by the enemy to strike at the airport or aircraft on the territory of the airport. The situation is particularly dangerous with Kinzhal missiles, which have a minimum approach time to Lviv of only 10-12 minutes. ADVERTISIMENT According to experts, flight safety can only be ensured with modern air defense systems. To protect the airport, Patriot systems that can deflect ballistic missiles are needed, as well as medium-range air defense systems to counter cruise missiles and drones. Also important are: legal preparation: resumption of flights is possible only after the ban on the use of airspace is lifted; resumption of flights is possible only after the ban on the use of airspace is lifted; technical readiness of the infrastructure: the airport must be repaired and the staff must be trained; the airport must be repaired and the staff must be trained; analysis of security zones: it is necessary to identify regions with minimal risks for the resumption of air traffic. The resumption of airport operations should be economically feasible. For this purpose, experts say, the airport in Lviv should handle at least ten flights a day. At the same time, even if the airport resumes operations, low passenger traffic is expected, which could make the airport unprofitable. In addition, additional security costs will significantly increase the cost of flights. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, tourists who like to drink before boarding a plane may be restricted from accessing alcohol at airports. The low-cost airline Ryanair came up with such an initiative. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Gladis Angarita, 62, fled her village in northeast Colombia in terror last Friday, among thousands escaping a fresh guerrilla onslaught that has claimed dozens of lives in just a few days. She had no time to pack, escaping with little more than the clothes on her back and her asthma medication. "There was a lot of shooting," Angarita told AFP in the town of Tibu, on the border with Venezuela, where she found refuge at a community center with about 500 others -- including many children and elderly people. "Out of fear, we left everything" behind, she lamented, sitting on a log and sucking on her inhaler. "I don't even have any pajamas." Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) -- the largest guerrilla group still active in the conflict-riddled South American country -- launched a bloody attack last Thursday in the northeastern Catatumbo region. It targeted civilians and dissident fighters of a rival formation comprised of ex-members of the now-defunct FARC guerrilla force who kept fighting after it disarmed in 2017. Authorities report at least 80 people killed by Sunday, some two dozen injured and 5,000 displaced in an upheaval reminiscent of the bloody 1990s, when Colombia endured the worst period in its six-decade-old armed conflict. Nine people were also killed in clashes in recent days between the ELN and the Gulf Clan, Colombia's biggest drug cartel, in another northern region of the country. The violence prompted President Gustavo Petro Friday to call off negotiations with the ELN that had been part of his stated quest for "total peace." - 'We want peace' - "We want peace!" Angarita said shortly after arriving in Tibu, a town in the Colombian region with the world's biggest drug plantations, according to the UN. "The war has to end," she sighed. A 2016 peace pact with FARC had sought to end the longest-running war in the Americas. But leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, drug gangs and state forces remain in open conflict in parts of the country as fighting rages over illegal mining and drug resources and trafficking routes. The ELN, which has roughly 5,800 fighters and a major stake in the drug business, has taken part in failed negotiations with Colombia's last five governments. Since 1964, the conflict is estimated to have resulted in some nine million Colombians either killed, disappeared or forced to leave their homes, according to authorities. Last November, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), a humanitarian organization, said at least 1.5 million people have been displaced since the deal with the FARC in 2016. - Worse than Venezuela - On Saturday, Tibu was a hive of frantic activity, its bus terminal bursting with people desperate to flee to other parts of Colombia, or further afield. "My heart aches for Catatumbo... for the whole country. There are many innocent people paying the price for war," sobbed Carmelina Perez, also 62, as she used a piece of cardboard to shield herself from the harsh sun. Perez said she fled with her husband and the grandchildren to Tibu "in panic." She worries desperately about her daughters who stayed behind in their village. Around Perez at the shelter, hammocks hang from trees for people to sleep in and children run around while women prepare a collective soup in a large pot over a fire. Fellow refugee Luis Alberto Urrutia, a 39-year-old Venezuelan, said he had fled the economic and political crisis in his own country seven years ago to work in the coca plantations of Catatumbo. Now he is on the move again, and contemplating a return home. "This is more difficult than even in Venezuela," Urrutia told AFP in Tibu. "There is danger everywhere, but more even here. There are many dead," he said of the events of the last few days. bur-sp/lv/atm/mr/mlr/bs Adrien Brody "abandoned" his life for his role in 'The Pianist'. Adrien Brody has made sacrifices for his success The 51-year-old star won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 2002 war drama - but Adrien has now admitted that the sacrifices took a toll on his personal life. The Hollywood star told The Sunday Times newspaper: "I'm a grown-up. And as a young man I did not feel that I could faithfully honour all that was on my shoulders with 'The Pianist', so I dug very deep. "I abandoned my life, loved ones, home, phone, car in order to deliver truth. But it's less toxic now." Adrien's approach to his film career has changed in recent years, and the actor is no longer willing to "torment" himself for a role. He said: "I no longer think it's necessary to torment yourself." Meanwhile, Adrien recently insisted that his success has "never been easy". The veteran actor believes he's ultimately benefited and learned from a series of setbacks earlier in his career. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Adrien explained: "You do not listen until you fail or until it really hurts. "For a shift to occur, there has to be enlightenment. Enlightenment comes oftentimes through suffering or hardships. Ive had a very blessed life and career, but its never been easy. The thing to know is there are many chapters." Adrien won his Academy Award more than two decades ago - but the movie star rubbished the suggestion that he was an "overnight success". He explained: "Id been acting professionally for 17 years before that [Oscar]. To a lot of people, I was an overnight success, but Id been kicking around, paying dues. And it was a remarkable thing, but it was kind of jarring." James Woods believes he's been "chosen to help others" following the Los Angeles wildfires. James Woods' home survived the wildfires The 77-year-old actor's home narrowly escaped being destroyed by the devastating wildfires in southern California, and James is now turning his attention towards helping and supporting his neighbours. The actor - who has been married to his wife Sara since 2021 - wrote on X: "Still reading the emails from my friends who subscribe to my website. The personal tone of every single one, whether a simple sentiment of support, or a story of similar devastation and survival, has given Sara and me the courage to pay it forward in so many ways. Our miraculous good fortune is surely a sign that we were chosen to help others. The inspiration gleaned from your passionate and authentic missives will be the bedrock of that mission. Thank you." James recently admitted to feeling "happy and grateful" after his home survived the wildfires. The actor initially assumed that his property had been destroyed - but James felt a huge sense of relief when he returned to his neighbourhood and discovered that his home was still standing. The actor wrote on X: "A miracle has happened. We managed to get to our property and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing. In this hellish landscape standing is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us." Despite this, James admitted to having mixed feelings, with so many of his neighbours having lost their homes in the wildfires. He wrote on the micro-blogging platform: "So many beautiful messages from all of you. Im so happy and grateful, but honestly the entire area looks like the dark side of the moon. Its so fundamentally gut-wrenching and upsetting, its almost hard to celebrate the joyous news that our home survived." Guy Pearce's ex-wife was the "greatest love of [his] life". Guy Pearce was married to Kate Mestitz between 1997 and 2015 The 57-year-old actor was married to Kate Mestitz between 1997 and 2015, and Guy has explained that their relationship still means a lot to him - even though he's "moved on from her". Guy - who has Monte, eight, with his long-term partner Carice van Houten - told the Guardian newspaper: "My ex-wife, Kate, was the greatest love of my life, but Ive moved on from her now and the greatest love of my life is my child, Monte." The movie star was "devastated" by his divorce and Guy initially felt that he was to blame for their break-up. He said: "I felt like I messed up my marriage. I dont feel that way any more, but at the time I was devastated." The actor's experience of parenthood has made him even more appreciative of his own mum and dad. Asked what he owes his parents, Guy said: "Absolute gratitude, which I am realising more and more as my son gets older." Guy announced his split from Kate in 2015, explaining that the time had come for them "to part ways". The actor - who has known Kate since they were both children - said in a statement: "Kate and I will always love and support one another and be the best of friends. No one knows me like Kate does, and well forever be appreciative of our mutual respect. "Weve both grown enormously through our relationship, but sadly, the time has come to part ways." Guy also confirmed the news on social media. He wrote on X at the time: "Rumours r true I'm afraid - Kate and I parted ways back in Jan. Sorry 2 be boring but we couldn't be closer. We'll love each other 4 ever xx (sic)" Ukraine's Western allies made a big mistake during Russia's full-scale invasion - they were so afraid of the Kremlin's nuclear threats starting from the fall of 2022 that they sharply reduced their support for Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT At that time, the Ukrainian army was conducting its first and promising counteroffensive, but the reduction in aid did not allow it to build on its success. This was stated by former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis in an interview with Voice of America. The politician recalled the moment of a sharp decline in the pace of support for Ukraine from Western allies when assessing the main successes and failures of US President Joe Biden. He believes that Washington "succumbed to Russia's nuclear blackmail," and this was the main "mistake" on the part of the United States. "And that was a very specific moment when we can say that everything went in a very bad direction. It happened in the fall of 2022, when Ukraine succeeded in its first counteroffensive," Landsbergis said. At that time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces de-occupied most of the Kharkiv region and liberated Kherson. The politician believes that this demonstrated Ukraine's strength and Russia's weakness to the world. "And then Putin pulled out his card and said he would use nuclear weapons if his army was on the verge of collapse. And then the leaders of the West literally threw their hands up in the air and said, "We can't do anything to counter this." And you could feel like someone had "turned down the volume" on helping Ukraine. And now we are in this doctrine. We are still in this doctrine," Landsbergis stated. Earlier, Atlantic Council experts said that providing modern weapons to Ukraine would bring sustainable peace and even a Nobel Prize to Trump. This step is one of the points of the "eight big ideas for the second Trump administration" compiled by the council. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Henry Cavill has become a dad for the first time. Henry Cavill and Natalie Viscuso have welcomed their first child The 41-year-old actor and his partner, Natalie Viscuso, have welcomed their first child together, PEOPLE reports. The loved-up duo - who began dating in 2021 - were recently spotted by the Daily Mail pushing their newborn baby on the streets the Gold Coast in Australia. Henry is currently in Australia to film 'Voltron', the upcoming sci-fi movie that also features the likes of Sterling K. Brown and Rita Ora. Henry and Natalie have so far remained tight-lipped about the arrival of their baby, meaning that the child's name, sex and birthdate all remain a mystery for the time being. However, in April 2024, 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 couldn't wait to become a dad for the first time. Henry told 'Access Hollywood' at the time: "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." Then, Henry took to Instagram on Father's Day to joke that he needed some parenting tips before becoming a dad for the first time. Alongside a snap of a baby crib, Henry wrote on the photo-sharing platform: "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)" Sir Mark Rylance's wife has died. Sir Mark Rylance's wife Claire van Kampen has died The 'BFG' star's beloved spouse Claire van Kampen passed away at the age of 71 in Kassel, Germany, on Saturday (18.01.25) - the actor's 65th birthday - "surrounded by her family" after battling cancer. Mark and Claire's daughter Juliet - who she had from her marriage to architect Christopher van Kampen - remembered the theatre director and composer as "one of the funniest and (most) inspiring women we have ever known". They added in a statement: "We thank her for imbuing our lives with her magic, music, laughter, and love. "Ring the bell, sound the trumpets reverie, something is done, something is beginning. One of the great wise ones has passed." Claire studied at the Royal College of Music on London before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1986. A year later, she joined the Royal National Theatre and later became artistic associate to her actor husband at Shakespeare's Globe theatre from 1996 to 2006. When Mark left the theatre, Claire stayed on as a musical consultant and resident composer to his successor Dominic Dromgoole, from 2007 to 2015. Most recently, she worked as a creative associate at the Old Vic Theatre in London and was also involved with TV series 'Wolf Hall' as a Tudor music advisor and arranger. Claire and Mark married in 1989, the same year she composed the music for the RSC's production of 'Hamlet', which the 'Ready Player One' actor appeared in. She also composed the original scores for a number of Broadway productions, including 'True West', Boeing-Boeing' and 'La Bete', and adaptations of 'Twelfth Night' and 'Richard III'. Claire was nominated for a number of Olivier Awards and Tony Awards after writing the play 'Farinelli And The King', which her husband starred in as King Philippe V of Spain. The couple experienced tragedy in 2012 when Claire and Christopher's other daughter, Natasha, passed away at the age of 28 after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Mark previously credited his wife for having "completely changed" his life. He told The Guardian newspaper in 2023: "Claire completely changed my life. We met at the National Theatre when she was musical director of a play I was in. She introduced me to that world of classical and modern music, and it was very much around music that we fell in love. Weve always loved working together, from Phoebus Cart, our own theatre company in the 90s, to our years at the Globe, to 'Farinelli and the King'. From the beginning, we were always imagining stories that we could tell together. Ive lost count of how many projects weve imagined, sitting there at our kitchen table. Germany and Bangladesh recently signed three technical cooperation agreements worth 14.45 million ($14.86 million) that focus on sustainability in the latters textile sector, localising national climate adaptation targets and transitioning to sustainable e-mobility. The agreements were signed by Mohammad Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the economic relations division (ERD) under the finance ministry, and Andreas Kuck, country director of German development agency GIZ in Bangladesh, in Dhaka, a ministry press release said. Germany and Bangladesh have signed three technical cooperation pacts worth $14.86 million that focus on sustainability in the latter's textile sector, localising national climate adaptation targets and transitioning to sustainable e-mobility. The first $75.3-million project, titled STILE-II, is aimed at supporting the public and private sectors to modernise Bangladesh's textile and RMG sectors. The first project, titled Programme for Sustainability in the Textile Sector II (STILE-II), has a sanctioned fund of 73 million ($75.3 million), and is aimed at supporting the public and private sectors to modernise Bangladeshs textile and readymade garment industries. The initiative aims to align the sector with European Union (EU) sustainability standards, with the Bangladesh ministry of commerce serving as the sponsoring ministry, a GTZ factsheet said. The STILE-II projects areas of intervention and envisaged activities include policy-level awareness and support of trade and environmental readiness; export promotion and environmental protection; qualifying producing companies for export and climate targets; and community-based workers support with focus on gender equality. The second project, titled Support for the Localisation of National Climate Adaptation Targets (LOCAT), has a fund of 30 million, and aims at enhancing the institutional capacity of local governments in implementing city climate action plans aligned with Bangladesh's National Adaptation Plan. The third, titled Transition to Sustainable E-Mobility (Trans2SMo), with a fund of 41.5 million, aims at promoting sustainable electric mobility. It focuses on collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and academic institutions, with the [ower division of the Ministry of power, energy and mineral resources serving as the sponsoring ministry. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Henry Cavill (@henrycavill) In some happy news, Superman star Henry Cavill and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso have welcomed their first child. The couple has been together for quite some time now and is ready to embrace parenthood.Henry and Natalie have kept details including the babys name, gender, and birth date tightly under wraps. However, the two were reportedly seen in Australia recently. As per People, the duo was clicked walking through the streets with a baby stroller.Henry Cavill opened up about becoming a father back in April 2024, during the premiere of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare in New York City. He shared, "Im very excited about it. Natalie and I are both very excited about it. Im sure youll see much more of that."Henry and Natalie made their relationship public back in April 2021. Earlier, the actor also shared a snap of himself next to a baby crib on Fathers Day. 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. Critic's rating 3.5 /5 David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), American Jewish cousins, travel to Poland to connect with their heritage and visit their late grandmothers childhood home. David, a reserved family man, contrasts with Benji, a free-spirited drifter. Their differences create tension, with Benji criticizing Davids lack of passion and David struggling with Benji's unfiltered behavior. The cousins are part of a Holocaust tour led by James (Will Sharpe), a detached British guide. Their dynamic is tested throughout the trip, from missed train stops to a confrontation at the Old Jewish Cemetery, where Benji challenges the tour's emotional authenticity. Despite his disruptions, Benji forms connections with others in the group, who appreciate his emotional openness. During a group dinner, Benjis inappropriate behavior causes tension, and David reveals to the group that the cousins have grown distant after Benjis recent suicide attempt. On the tours final day at Majdanek concentration camp, James thanks Benji for challenging his perspective on leading the tour. Later, on a hotel rooftop, Benji confronts David about his changed personality. David finally admits that hes unable to cope with the thought of losing someone with Benjis intensity. The cousins visit their grandmothers former home in Krasnystaw. Back in New York, they reconcile. David returns to his family, while Benji sits alone at the airport, reflecting on the journey Jesse Eisenberg has written, directed and starred in a film about Holocaust at a time when the Israel-Hamas war was in full flow. The heavy handed tactics employed by Israel were hugely criticised by the neutrals and the liberals. Some even compared it to the Nazi tactics employed during World War II by the German army against the Jews. So, in a way, the clueless American jews in search of their roots symbolise the vast majority of Americans who blindly supported this current war. Reading between the lines, this film is a reminder to the present generation of jews perhaps of the horrors their past generation had to endure. And an appeal to not repeat them, to not support such subjugation anywhere in the world. The two cousins have no sense of history or culture and yet, when they visit the actual Nazi concentration camp at Majdanek, the sense of loss they feel is profound. Benji, in particular, has a breakdown and falls on his knees weeping. Benji has been a motormouth till now, free with his thoughts and ideas and this meltdown gives him an emotional catharsis. David too realises that there dwells a well of deep sadness beneath his cousins happy-go-lucky demeanour. Another poignant moment occurs when David and Benji smoke up at the rooftop. Thats when David confesses the love he feels for his cousin and his fear of losing his best friend of sorts. This is former child actor Kieran Culkins best role as an adult as yet and he grabs the opportunity with both hands and runs with it. His eccentricities, his unpredictability, bring in the most laughs. But one can sense the welter of unease in his eyes. His most poignant moment comes when he sits back at the airport at the end, when they return to America. He chooses to stay back and observe the teeming humanity around him, as he has nowhere to go. Hes truly a lost soul, without an anchor. Jesse Eisenberg is known for his comic antics but this time has played a more understated character, letting Kieran bask in the limelight. Hes more of an observer, coming to grips with his cousins absurdity and yet not limiting his fondness because of it. Hes made acting look easy with his wholesome performance. The two actors play off each other and looking at them, one feels ones watching actual cousins taking a trip together. Eisenberg hasnt let directing duties get to him and has succeeded in making a heartfelt buddy/road movie, with deeper political connotations, if you care to scratch the surface. TRAILER : A Real Pain President Volodymyr Zelensky has stripped MP Yuriy Boyko of the title of Hero of Ukraine . The President made the decision on January 19. ADVERTISIMENT It is noteworthy that Boyko was deprived of all state awards of Ukraine and other forms of awarding. This is stated in the annex to the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of January 19, 2025 "On the application and abolition of personal special economic and other restrictive measures", which came into force by Presidential Decree No. 38/2025 of January 19, 2025. In accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On Sanctions," restrictive measures were taken against Boyko in the form of deprivation of state awards of Ukraine. The presidential decree states that personal special economic and other restrictive measures were introduced by the Security Service of Ukraine. "Control over the implementation of the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, enacted by this Decree, shall be entrusted to the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine," the presidential decree says. ADVERTISIMENT We would like to remind you that after the start of the full-scale invasion of Russia, Boyko practically disappeared from the public information space. And recently he resurfaced with a number of characteristic statements. In particular, judging by the video message he recorded, Boyko saw the rampage of radicals in Ukraine and said that "the people are with us." By the way, after being summoned for questioning by the SSU, Boyko, a former Party of Regions member and co-founder of the pro-Russian party OPFL, which is banned in Ukraine, "saw the light". He recorded a new video in which he no longer repeated the Kremlin's narratives, but called Russian dictator Vladimir Putin a war criminal. Earlier it was reported that on December 19, members of the Verkhovna Rada recalled pro-Russian MP Yuriy Boyko from the position of a member of the Human Rights Committee on the second attempt. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2025) - LOGO.com, a popular brand-building platform, has launched a new logo maker offering the best-in-market customization options to help businesses create attractive and memorable logos. Generate unlimited logos and then customize them with LOGO.com's advanced AI-powered logo maker using millions of elements, designs, fonts, and colors. LOGO.com Launches New Logo Maker With Advanced AI-Powered Designs To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/237724_5f17420f64446a75_002full.jpg "This has been months in the making," said Richard Lau, President of LOGO.com. "Last year, we empowered millions of entrepreneurs by generating over 17 million logos and creating 2 million brands. Our customers asked for more advanced features, and we've delivered with a logo maker built from the ground up that makes logo creation easy, accessible, and fun," Lau continued. By harnessing the power of AI and designer-quality templates, this allows an unlimited number of unique logo generations tailored to a business' name and keywords. Each element including icons and fonts is fully customizable, meaning unique logos can be created in minutes. LOGO.com's new logo maker also now gives the user complete control over designing their logo. All elements of the design can be moved, resized, or replaced without restrictions. While it is common for other logo makers to lock parts of a design, LOGO.com enables more flexibility, creativity, and control. This freedom allows entrepreneurs to craft logos exactly as they have imagined or to adjust any elements from a selected design. For business owners with no design skills or training, selecting the right colors for a logo can be more difficult than coming up with a business name. With LOGO.com's new shuffle color palette option, users can now explore a range of curated colors that highlight and contrast key elements in a brand to stand out and stay memorable. These colors can also be used across all design assets, including social media images, merchandise, and website branding. Whether a business is looking for a bold look or one with more elegant tones, it is now possible to add a range of different brand personalities to the same logo design. Another improvement is the addition of AI image and text generation to the Design Hub. Based on customer feedback in wanting more ways to create AI-powered designs, business owners are now able to effortlessly create stunning and highly personalized designs with their logo, brand colors, and fonts incorporated in over 1,200 design templates. This improvement empowers entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life with minimal hassle, ensuring consistency and professionalism across all their marketing materials. "Our goal was to create the most user-friendly and enjoyable logo maker on the market. The positive responses from our customers show us we're on the right track," Lau stated. LOGO.com's research revealed that after creating a logo, the next step for most users was to build a website, followed by setting up their social media. To support this, the new logo maker provides files optimized for all online and offline usage, including websites, social media, business cards, and merchandise. These include high-quality favicons, wordmarks, and social media templates, ensuring a seamless transition from logo design to a holistic brand. LOGO.com's logo maker is now live and free to use. For more information, visit logo.com. About LOGO.com LOGO.com is a leading brand-building platform committed to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses. With innovative, easy-to-use tools, LOGO.com has helped millions of businesses establish their unique brand identities and set them up for success. From logo creation to website building, LOGO.com continues to set the standard for accessible and affordable business solutions. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237724 SOURCE: Plentisoft Shenzhen, China--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2025) - Geekvape and Geek Bar have once again made remarkable achievements in the international design arena. Their innovative products have been recognized with honors from the MUSE Design Awards and the European Product Design Awards (EPDA), showcasing their commitment to exceptional design and innovation. Geek Bar Pulse X Wins Gold at the MUSE Design Awards The MUSE Design Awards, established in 2015, are organized by the International Awards Associate (IAA) to foster and promote the spirit of design. The competition aims to advance design innovation across multiple disciplines, including architecture, interior design, product design, and fashion. By attracting entries from talented designers worldwide, the MUSE Awards have become a benchmark for excellence in global design. This year, Geek Bar Pulse X won the prestigious Gold Award with its innovative starlight-inspired exterior design and the world's first 3D-curved surround screen concept. The product features a starlight screen theme, seamlessly blending technological aesthetics with practical functionality, delivering a groundbreaking visual and operational experience to users. This achievement not only highlights Geek Bar's deep understanding of product design but also underscores its commitment to user experience. By leading industry innovation, this award sets a new benchmark for future product design. Geekvape and Geek Bar Shine with Prestigious MUSE and European Product Design Awards To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10589/237603_89e9843f047ddb74_001full.jpg European Product Design Award Recognizes Geekvape's Excellence The European Product Design Award (EPDA) celebrates the work of outstanding international product designers who contribute to enhancing everyday life through thoughtful and practical design. As one of the most prestigious awards in the product design industry, the EPDA highlights the best designs globally and fosters greater appreciation for innovative products. Winners receive significant international recognition, media exposure, and invitations to exclusive events. This year, Geekvape achieved exceptional results with two products receiving EPDA honors: Geekvape Wenax M Starter Kit Geekvape Wenax M Starter Kit, the winner of the European Product Design Award, features an elegant and streamlined design that embodies simplicity with sophistication. Its exquisite material combination delivers a delicate and refined touch, exuding an air of elegance and premium quality. Crafted with high-grade aluminum alloy and leather, the product not only ensures enhanced durability and comfort but also showcases a distinctive sense of luxury. The finely engraved logo further enhances the brand's recognition and adds a personalized touch, making the product a blend of aesthetics and unique character. Geekvape and Geek Bar Shine with Prestigious MUSE and European Product Design Awards To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10589/237603_89e9843f047ddb74_002full.jpg Geekvape Aegis Legend 3 Recognized with an Honorable Mention at the European Product Design Awards (EPDA), Geekvape Aegis Legend 3 leads the way in technological innovation within the vaping industry. Featuring a pioneering Palm Recognition System for intelligent security, it accurately detects whether the device is being held, significantly enhancing user safety. Inspired by Malaysia's iconic Twin Towers, Geekvape Aegis Legend 3's design integrates modern aesthetics with engineering excellence. Utilizing vapor deposition and leather embossing techniques, it offers unique visual effects and an enhanced tactile experience, exuding high-end quality in every detail. This perfect blend of design aesthetics and technology makes the Aegis Legend 3 a standout star in the vaping market. Geekvape and Geek Bar Shine with Prestigious MUSE and European Product Design Awards To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10589/237603_89e9843f047ddb74_003full.jpg Innovation Driving Global Recognition These prestigious awards are a testament to Geekvape and Geek Bar's dedication to advancing product design and user experience. By consistently delivering high-quality, innovative solutions, the brands have reinforced their leadership positions in the global market. The success of the Geek Bar Pulse X and Geekvape's Wenax M Starter Kit and Aegis Legend 3 highlights the brands' unwavering commitment to excellence. Each product demonstrates a deep understanding of user needs, cutting-edge design, and advanced technology, ensuring an outstanding experience for customers worldwide. Looking Ahead Geekvape and Geek Bar will continue to prioritize design innovation, focusing on delivering products that seamlessly combine aesthetics, functionality, and technological advancements. These recent achievements not only celebrate the brands' creative and technical capabilities but also inspire further efforts to push the boundaries of design excellence. Looking to the future, people can expect even greater achievements from Geekvape and Geek Bar. Their relentless pursuit of innovation and dedication to enhancing user experiences will undoubtedly lead to more groundbreaking products and global accolades. Stay tuned for the next chapter of their success story. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237603 SOURCE: 41Caijing Rio Tinto welcomes the Australian Government's announcement of an aluminium production credit to help sustain and grow aluminium smelting in Australia, and significantly advance both regional communities and the nation's manufacturing capabilities. The production credit, announced today as part of the Future Made in Australia Plan, puts Australia on a path to becoming a leader in green metals manufacturing, while supporting a continued strong economic future for communities that have powered the nation's aluminium industry for generations. It will provide targeted support to Australian aluminium smelters transitioning to reliable, renewable electricity before 2036. Under the initiative, facilities will be eligible for support for their production over a 10-year period. The credit aims to give local aluminium smelters the confidence to invest, securing Australian jobs and strengthening the nation's world-class aluminium industry. The support comes at a pivotal time for Australia's aluminium sector, as major manufacturers and infrastructure developers worldwide increasingly seek supply of low-carbon material, driving growing demand for sustainably produced products. Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia, Kellie Parker said: "The Australian Government's commitment shows strong confidence in domestic manufacturing and the nation's position in the global economy. As traditional energy sources for heavy industry become increasingly uncompetitive, today's announcement is a critical piece in helping future-proof the industry. Such support is crucial for sustaining and growing regional economies. "As global industrial customers and consumers increasingly focus on low-carbon products, this support signals Australia's potential to be a major supplier of the aluminium needed for the global energy transition, creating a foundation for local businesses and manufacturing to thrive." The announcement builds on Rio Tinto's partnership with the Queensland Government, announced in August 2024, to support Boyne Smelters Ltd's (BSL's) transition to renewable energy, as well as Rio Tinto's strong progress in securing renewable power to provide competitively priced electricity for its aluminium operations. This includes signing Australia's largest renewable power purchase agreement in early 2024 to supply its Gladstone aluminium operations, whereby Rio Tinto will purchase the majority of electricity from Windlab's planned 1.4GW Bungaban wind energy project, and an earlier agreement with European Energy to drive development of the 1.1GW Upper Calliope solar farm. These projects will make Rio Tinto the biggest industrial buyer of renewable power in Australia. Rio Tinto's integrated aluminium production chain in Queensland is a significant economic driver, employing over 4500 people directly and supporting thousands more Australian livelihoods. The company's operations in Gladstone alone account for more than 3000 jobs, with 1000 of those at BSL. Additionally, Rio Tinto's bauxite operations in Weipa employ more than 1300 people, supplying raw materials to the Gladstone manufacturing facilities. Rio Tinto also welcomes the announcement as a 51.55% owner of Tomago Aluminium Company and looks forward to working with the New South Wales Government to help secure the future of that operation. Tomago, in the Hunter Valley, is Australia's largest aluminium smelter, and directly supports more than 1200 full-time jobs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250118099373/en/ Contacts: Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com Media Relations, Australia Michelle Lee M +61 458 609 322 Rachel Pupazzoni M +61 438 875 469 riotinto.com Category: BSL The actor was immediately taken to Mumbais Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine read more A man was arrested from Thane in the wee hours of Sunday for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan in his house, Mumbai Police said. Khan was stabbed multiple times in his Bandra apartment in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbais Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan was 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. Advertisement How the suspect was nabbed earlier The suspect detained in connection with the stabbing attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, was nabbed by the Raipur Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Durg, Chhattisgarh, while he was travelling by the Jnaneswari Express train and will be handed over to the Mumbai Police for further investigation. The suspect identified as Aakash Kanojia, aged 32-33 years, will be handed over to the Mumbai Police. The RPF also shared the picture of the suspect. This comes days after Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Bandra residence in Mumbai. According to the IG of RPF SECR Zone Bilaspur, Munawar Khursheed, RPF Raipur division had received information from the Mumbai police about the suspect travelling from the train. The Raipur division of RPF received information from the Mumbai police that a suspect involved in the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan was travelling by the Jnaneswari Express train. The suspect, named Aakash Kanojia, aged 32-33 years, was detained from Durg. He will be handed over to Mumbai police, who will carry out the further investigation, Khursheed told ANI. With added inputs from agencies 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 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. Advertisement 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. Amid this, Salman Khans old tweet from 2011 about Kareena Kapoors bodyguard has gone viral and users dropped thousands of reactions about the safety at Saif and Kareenas residence. Kareena kapoor's bodyguard Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) January 24, 2011 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. Advertisement Sahil Khan was once quoted saying, Milenas age is 21 and she is from Belarus, Europe. She was a student and just finished studying. read more Style fame Sahil Khan is married to a 21-year old Milena and he recently shared a post on Instagram and said his wife had converted to Islam. The actor was then brutally trolled. Here are the reactions that dropped in: Didnt Sahil Khan pretend to follow Christianity or claim to have left Islam while trapping this Christian woman? Months into the marriage, he re-converts to Islam, makes her convert too, and then announces it to make a statement. Advertisement We should learn from them, they are so focused on their work. Ultimately he convinced her to embrace chuslam. will be . Its sickening how kuning and deceiving they are. Even the so-called modern ones. They cultivated relationships just to convert. Sahil Khan was once quoted saying, Milenas age is 21 and she is from Belarus, Europe. She was a student and just finished studying. Its a positive feeling. Now I know why people get married. I am full of emotions right now. She is very intelligent but also sensitive because she is quite young, he shared. We have a lot of differences in our ages. She is much more mature mentally than many other 21-year-olds and also very calm in nature. Khan revealed, The engagement was in Russia and we got married on documents as well, but we will also host a reception very soon, in either Dubai or India. He added, We will be doing a proper wedding this year only, very soon. We are living in Dubai at the moment, but I have my business as well so I have my base both here and in India, as my family and home is in Mumbai. As wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles, experts warn that toxic chemicals from the blazes can infiltrate damaged water pipes and contaminate the drinking water. They caution that neither filtering nor boiling the water can remove these harmful substances and asked residents to wait for authorities to conduct tests read more Experts caution that toxic chemicals from the fires can infiltrate damaged water systems, and neither filtering nor boiling the water can remove these harmful substances. Reuters The warning couldnt be clearer: Do not drink or cook with the tap water Do not treat the tap water yourself, warned the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Issued in bold, all caps, the alert targeted residents of Pacific Palisades and nearby neighbourhoods, who continue to grapple with the devastation of relentless wildfires. Experts caution that toxic chemicals from the fires can infiltrate damaged water systems, and neither filtering nor boiling the water can remove these harmful substances. Advertisement Pasadena Water and Power, a utility with over a century of history, issued a similar notice recently. They reported damage to at least one pump, several storage tanks, and residential areas, raising fears that toxic chemicals might have entered the water pipes. Out of the abundance of caution, you kind of have to assume the worst," Stacie Takeguchi, chief assistant general manager for the utility told AP. After extensive testing, the utility has since lifted the notice for most of the affected areas. But how do wildfires lead to water contamination? And what health risks does this pose? Heres a closer look. How urban fires comprise drinking water When fires ravage towns and cities instead of forests or grasslands, they can severely damage critical infrastructure, including drinking water systems. When drinking water systems are damaged in a fire, we can have ash, smoke, soot, other debris and gases get sucked into the water piping network, Andrew Whelton, a Purdue University engineering professor who researches water contamination in communities hit by fire told AP. Editors Picks 1 LA wildfires may accelerate flight of home insurance companies These elements can be especially dangerous because building materials and household items, often made of chemically engineered synthetics, burn and release harmful particles and gases. Some of these chemicals are toxic even at low concentrations, experts warn. A firefighter walks by a home on flames from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California. AFP How do chemicals penetrate the pipes? Water systems typically are under enough internal pressure to keep harmful elements out. But that critical pressure can be lost in many ways during a fire, which means toxins can get in. There is normal water demand from residents who have not evacuated, and firefighters also use large amounts of water. Additionally, pipes in burned buildings can be damaged, causing water to leak. Advertisement Power outages can further exacerbate the issue by causing pressure loss when pumps stop working, explained Greg Pierce, a professor of urban environmental policy at the University of California. This was the case during the 2023 Maui fires. Its really hard, if not impossible, to keep up the power supply to the whole water system in the event of a fire, because youre either shutting off the power, because power can contribute to the fire, or it just goes out, Pierce said. And then youre relying on generators at best in spots. Water systems typically are under enough internal pressure to keep harmful elements out. But that critical pressure can be lost in many ways during a fire, which means toxins can get in. Image for Representation. Pixabay The loss of pressure not only compromises water quality but also limits water availability for firefighting. In the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, hydrants ran dry as nearby homes burned. The utility attributed this to high demand, stating that pumps were still functioning. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state would investigate the incident. Advertisement Also read: LA wildfires: Eaton blaze 45% contained, Palisades fire 19% as another breaks out in San Bernardino What are the health risks? Toxic chemicals in drinking water following a fire can pose serious health risks, ranging from temporary nausea to long-term conditions like cancer, experts warn. In Paradise (California), there were benzene levels high enough to acutely give a child a blood disorder, said Dr. Lynn Goldman, dean of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, referencing the 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed much of the city. Even low concentrations of certain chemicals can be concerning. In California, state regulators consider a limit of one part per billion of benzene a known carcinogen as the safe level for drinking water over 70 years of exposure. The national guideline is no more than five parts per billion. Advertisement Volunteers carry water for evacuees from the Eaton fire dwell at a donation center in Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California, on Monday. In terms of cancer risk, what were really interested in is the cumulative amount that youre exposed to over your entire lifetime," Goldman explained. And if a short-term exposure adds a lot to that, that is a real risk. Benzene and similar compounds are volatile, meaning they can easily become airborne, much like gasoline turning to vapour when spilled. Additionally, a group of heavier chemicals, called semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), was found in water pipes in Louisville, Colorado, after the 2021 Marshall Fire, even when benzene and other more commonly known chemicals were not present. Whelton stresses the importance of testing for both types of compounds. Advertisement The long road to recovery Vast Los Angeles County has more than 200 water service providers, but so far only a handful believe that damage or loss of pressure may have resulted in chemical contamination and have issued Do Not Drink notices. Utilities are focused on ensuring theres enough water for fighting fires, though some are beginning to test for contaminants. It can take weeks to months of testing before water can be declared safe for drinking in areas with minimal damage. That is sometimes a best-case scenario. In the Paradise Fire, most buildings burned. The city rebuilt a reservoir and is working to replace 10,000 service lines. It expects to spend the next decade and $50 million to replace roughly 17 of 172 miles of main lines that were contaminated. Whelton doesnt recommend people pay for expensive water testing in their homes until their utility has declared the public water system safe. Many publicly available water quality tests are not capable of finding fire-related drinking water contamination, Whelton wrote on X this week. Precautionary steps for residents Utilities and health departments recommend residents follow official guidance on water use until the supply is declared safe. Professional testing of household pipes is best conducted after the public system is cleared of contaminants. As Los Angeles continues to battle fires and their aftermath, the focus remains on ensuring water availability for firefighting efforts while addressing long-term contamination risks. With input from AP Germany does not reject the idea of sending its military to the future buffer zone in Ukraine if the war ends. However, they are ready to discuss this issue only when the time "comes." ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in an interview with the Suddeutsche Zeitung. He believes that the German military could take part in ensuring the security of the demilitarized zone in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. "We are NATO's largest partner in Europe. Therefore, it is obvious that we will play a certain role and must take responsibility... The issue will be discussed when the time comes," the German official said. At the same time, he believes that the key is the creation of a level of security for Ukraine that would prevent a repeat Russian attack in a few years. In the near future, the minister will travel to the United States to talk to the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump. "The candidate for the post of U.S. Secretary of Defense has not yet been confirmed. However, we are interested in a quick meeting and exchange of views in Washington in early February," Pistorius said. ADVERTISIMENT Commenting on his recent visit to Kyiv, the German Defense Minister noted that in Ukraine "there is nervousness, uncertainty about what might happen in Washington when Trump takes office." According to him, Ukraine now has to overcome serious challenges. At the same time, the German minister was impressed by the fact that despite the struggle, the country manages to be "more modern in some areas than some European countries." He singled out the digitalization of public services and innovations in the development of drones as examples. As reported, earlier, Boris Pistorius said that it was not yet time to discuss the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine. Therefore, during his visit to Kyiv on January 14, the German defense minister did not discuss this topic with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The researchers and scholars are using artificial intelligence to decode the ancient Indus Valley script. AI algorithms can help analyse patterns and frequencies of symbols in the mysterious script. read more Is 4,500 years old Indus script about to be deciphered? Buzz around AI-driven research A new wave of scholars and researchers is using AI and advanced methodologies to crack the Indus Valley script. This has raised hopes that the ancient language will soon be decoded with the help of advancing technologies. Researchers are using AI algorithms to analyse patterns and frequencies of symbols in the script, The Hindu reported. This could provide insights into the structure and meaning of the language. AIs ability to process large datasets and recognise patterns makes it a valuable tool in the ongoing efforts. Advertisement About 4,500 years ago, an ancient civilization thrived in the Indus Valley, now in parts of present-day India and Pakistan. Although little is known about them, archaeologists have discovered that they had an advanced writing system. Script still remains a mystery For the past 100 years, experts from many fields including archaeologists, linguists, historians, and scientists have tried but failed to decode the Indus script. The research methods have evolved from traditional techniques to more modern ones, such as computers and statistics. But, the language still remains a mystery. Use of AI to decipher the script Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential and scope to assist scholars and researchers in deciphering the scripts of the Indus Valley Civilisation, and taking more information to the larger public, Omar Khan said to The Hindu. Khan is an Indusuenthusiast from San Francisco. He is also the founder of harappa.com a website that has been publishing scholarly articles on Indus studies for the past three decades. Bahata Mukhopadhyay and cryptographer Bharath Rao are leading the effort to decode this mysterious script. Both are independent researchers from different fieldsRao is a cryptographer, whereas, Mukhopadhyay is a software engineer. I have been fascinated with this script since 2010 and sought scientific analysis to understand it, Mukhopadhyay said to The Print. Stalin announces million-dollar prize Recently, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a million-dollar prize for anyone who can decode the script. We have not been able to clearly understand the writing system of the once flourishing Indus Valley. The efforts of the state government are to ensure the right place for Tamil Nadu in the countrys history, the CM said at the event. The conference was held on the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the civilization. Mukhopadhyay was also part of the three-day seminar in Chennai where Stalin announced the prize money for researchers working on the Indus script. Mukhopadhyay welcomed Stalins announcement of the prize for decoding the script. He emphasised that it would motivate many scholars to decode the script. In December 2024, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat answered questions in the Rajya Sabha about efforts to decode the Indus script. He said, There is no proposal to launch a scientific study using genomics to investigate the population history of South Asia to address conflicting theories." It would be difficult to understand the script, as there is no artifact like the Rosetta Stone or bilingual texts available. Each symbol in the language differs in form and style, and most inscriptions are very short. The inscriptions were typically found on seals, pottery, and other artifacts. Despite numerous efforts, the script has yet to be decoded. Some scholars propose potential links to the Dravidian languages or the Brahmi script, but no supporting evidence has been discovered. Advertisement At Vantara, the elephants will transition to a chain-free, permanent home designed to replicate their natural habitat. The facility offers expert veterinary care, including psychological evaluations and positive reinforcement training read more Two elephants from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Mayapur, near Kolkata, will soon find a new home at Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar. The elephants, 18-year-old Bishnupriya and 26-year-old Lakshmipriya, will receive lifelong care at Vantara, a state-of-the-art facility founded by philanthropist Anant Ambani, the son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The organisation specialises in providing safe, natural environments for animals in distress. The transfer comes after Bishnupriya fatally attacked her mahout last April, suggesting that she would need specialised care and a more suitable habitat. The initiative, led by Vantara in partnership with ISKCON, has been approved by a high-powered committee formed by the Tripura High Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court. Advertisement At Vantara, the elephants will transition to a chain-free, permanent home designed to replicate their natural habitat. The facility offers expert veterinary care, including psychological evaluations and positive reinforcement training, which uses rewards to build trust without coercion. The elephants will also engage in enrichment activities and have opportunities to bond with other elephants at the center. Caretakers will focus on fostering their physical and emotional well-being in a compassionate environment. ISKCON Mayapur has housed Lakshmipriya since 2007 and Bishnupriya since 2010, where they were involved in temple rituals and festivals. (Disclosure: Firstpost is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.) Strategic chokepoints like the Baltic and Red seas are vital gateways for global communication, possessing critical infrastructure whose protection is essential for both national and global security, ensuring seamless communication read more Submarine cables are laid on the seabed between land-based stations to carry telecommunication signals across stretches of ocean and sea using special cable layer ships. Representational image: REUTERS Over the past two years, there have been major sabotage attacks on European undersea critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. In September 2022, the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was blown up. In October 2023, a Chinese-flagged vessel was suspected of damaging both submarine data cables and a gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, while another Chinese vessel was accused of damaging undersea cables near Taiwan in November 2024. In March 2024, three cables running through the Red Sea had been possibly attacked by Yemens Houthi rebels. Advertisement The Red Sea has long been considered a maritime shipping choke point, but it is also an internet and telecommunications bottleneck, with around 90 per cent of communications between Europe and Asia, as well as 17 per cent of global internet traffic, passing through cables under the narrow Bab al-Mandab Strait. Intentional attacks on telecommunication cables were involved in two coordinated incidents in April and October 2022, when multiple cables were cut in southern France. On Christmas Day 2024, the Estlink 2 submarine power cable between Finland and Estonia broke. Two ships were passing overhead at the time of the incident. Finnish police suspect the Eagle S, a vessel en route from Russia to Egypt, was involved. It is believed the cable broke due to an anchor the ship was dragging along the seabed. NATO will create a new Baltic Sentinel mission to patrol key areas of the Baltic Sea, following a series of incidents involving the rupture of submarine cables. Cable Laying Submarine cables are laid on the seabed between land-based stations to carry telecommunication signals across stretches of ocean and sea using special cable layer ships. The first submarine communications cables were laid beginning in the 1850s. Modern cables are typically about 25 mm in diameter and weigh around 1.4 tonnes per kilometre. Larger and heavier cables are used for shallow-water sections near shore. Advertisement Britain dominated initial cable laying, and the first cable reaching to India from Aden, Yemen, was laid by the British in 1870. In the 1980s, fibre-optic cables were developed. The first transatlantic telephone cable to use optical fibre, TAT-8, became operational in 1988. Modern optical fibre repeaters use a solid-state optical amplifier. The total amount of power sent into the cable is often up to 16.5 kW. Modern cable systems now usually have their fibres arranged in a self-healing ring to increase their redundancy, with the submarine sections following different paths on the ocean floor. Switching and all-by-sea routing commonly increase the distance and thus the round-trip latency. Advertisement Global Subsea Cables Currently, there are about 600 active and planned subsea cables worldwide, stretching over 1.4 million km, connecting literally every country, and providing connectivity for both internet and telecommunications across different regions. Each cable has an average lifespan of 25 years. 107 new cables costing $13.8 billion were laid between 2016 and 2020. Investments of $18 billion are projected from 2021 to 2025. Undersea cables are expected to remain the primary conduit for most of the worlds internet traffic for the foreseeable future. On these cables rides data for billions of online financial transactions around the globe. The submarine cable could be damaged through deliberate cyber or physical attacks or accidentally by man-made or natural events. Natural events like undersea volcanic eruptions and tsunamis had caused cable cuts. Implications are strategic. There is an increasing challenge to identify if damage to undersea cables is intentional or an accident. Advertisement However, combining undersea cables with satellite technology could offer added resilience and protection against potential cable disruptions. Undersea cables are already being treated as critical infrastructure. There is thus a need to understand protective measures. Tata Communications Global Network (TGN) is the only wholly owned fibre network circling the planet. Big global firms such as Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft dominate the scene, owning or leasing around half of all undersea bandwidth. Such heavy dependence adds to vulnerability. Strategic Role of Cables Subsea cables may carry sensitive government communications and are used to support overseas military operations. They also facilitate more than $10 trillion of financial transactions daily. Nations often covertly tap into the data flowing through them for national security and economic espionage purposes. Advertisement Some Recent Cable Attacks In October 2022, multiple fibre cables were cut in Marseillea central hub for subsea cables, located in the Mediterranean, with the Atlantic to the west and links to Asia to the eastin a targeted attack. Several major cables, including the Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1), TGN Atlantic, Europe India Gateway, and the Seacom system, were cut in the Red Sea, causing outages in February 2024, which the Houthis blamed as a reaction to US and British military strikes against them. As a result, four of the 15 severed submarine cables in the Red Sea in February, an estimated 25 per cent of traffic flowing between Asia and Europe was affected. Cable Protection and Repairs The newer cables are fibre-optic data pipelines. The fibres themselves are made of wafer-thin glass, but, to keep them safe from common threats, they are encased in a pipe comprising polycarbonate, aluminium, steel wires, and polyethylene. Accidental cable faults can occur. Most incidents highlight that onshore landing stations remain the most vulnerable point in a cable system to damage or attack, and fortunately, these can be repaired more easily. However, when a deep-sea submerged part of a cable is cut or damaged, repairing it could take several weeks, and this could be a costly exercise, both for repair and disruption impact. The location of the cut has to be identified. A specialist vessel has to go and repair the fault. Unfortunately, there are only around 60 repair vessels globally. Rough seas can delay the operation. Vulnerability and National Security Submarine cables are exposed to a variety of potential threats. Many of these threats are accidental, such as by fishing trawlers, ship anchors, earthquakes, turbidity currents, and even shark bites. Several vulnerabilities of submarine communication cables make them attractive targets for organised crime and military action. The remoteness of these cables in international waters poses significant challenges for continuous monitoring and increases their attractiveness as targets of physical tampering, data theft, and service disruptions. The cables vulnerability is further compounded by technological advancements, such as the development of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), which enable covert cable damage while avoiding detection. However, even low-tech attacks can impact the cables security significantly, as demonstrated in 2013, when three divers were arrested for severing the main cable linking Egypt with Europe, drastically lowering Egypts internet speed. Transmitting massive amounts of sensitive data every day, they are essential for both state operations and private enterprises. Disruptions to these cables can lead to communication blackouts and, thus, extensive economic losses. Interruption of military data on the cable network during intense operations could have direct consequences for the military. An example of state dominance in the global cable infrastructure is Chinas Digital Silk Road strategy, funding the expansion of Chinese cable networks, with the Chinese company HMN Technologies often criticised for providing networks for other states, holding up to 10 per cent of the global market share. Chinese investments in critical cable infrastructure are approximately 25 per cent of global submarine cables. The US is trying to counter by supporting alternative projects. Most countries are working on a minimum of three or four different routes to ensure there is no blackout of transmission. Cyber Security Issues and Counters Increasingly, sophisticated cyberattacks threaten the data traffic on the cables, with incentives ranging from financial gain, espionage, or extortion by either state actors or non-state actors. Further, hybrid warfare tactics can interfere with or even weaponise the data transferred by the cables. However, attributing an incident to a specific actor or motivation of such an actor can be challenging, specifically in cyberspace. Cybersecurity strategies for submarine cables, such as encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring, primarily focus on preventing unauthorised data access but do not adequately address the physical protection of cables in vulnerable, remote, high-seas areas as stated above. Physical security remains important. Technical Countermeasures Typically, cables are buried in waters with a depth of less than 2,000 meters. Increasingly, they are also being buried in deeper seabed so as to protect against high seas fishing and bottom trawling. Embedding is also advantageous against physical attacks from organised crime. Other technical solutions are advanced protective casings and monitoring them with UUVs. Legal Support System The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) represents key submarine stakeholders and plays a vital role in promoting cooperation and information sharing among stakeholders. As of 2025, a tense US-China relationship complicates this task, especially in the South China Sea, where there are territorial disputes. China has increasing control and influence over global cable networks while both financially supporting cable projects and exerting diplomatic pressure and regulatory action. Submarine cables are internationally regulated within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), but there are implementation challenges. Some scholars argue that UNCLOS should be updated to protect cables extensively, including cooperative monitoring and enforcement protocols. Given the increased involvement of organisations like NATO, it is recommended to clarify the roles of military and non-military actors in cable security and enhanced multi-level governance models. Multilateral Efforts The rising great power competition remains an impediment to global cooperation. In May 2023 the Quad announced a new initiative for undersea cable protection in the Indo-Pacific, called the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience. Last June Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and one of Vladimir Putins closest allies, argued that Russia has a right to attack subsea cable systems, citing his belief that the West was responsible for sabotage to the Nord Stream undersea gas pipeline in 2022. If we proceed from the proven complicity of Western countries in blowing up the Nord Streams, then we have no constraints, even moral, left to prevent us from destroying the ocean-floor cable communications of our enemies, he wrote. NATO announced Operation Baltic Sentry in the Baltic Sea to deter attacks on critical undersea infrastructure. It follows a declaration of solidarity between nations at the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit in Helsinki on January 14, 2024. Indias Undersea Cable Network Indias current subsea cable infrastructure includes 17 international cables landing at 14 distinct stations across five landing city stations at Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Tuticorin, and Trivandrum. There are also domestic submarine cables, such as the Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Island Cable (CANI), connecting Port Blair along with seven other Islands of Andaman & Nicobar, and the Kochi-Lakshadweep Island (KLI) cable system for a direct communication link through a dedicated submarine optical fibre cable between Kochi and 11 Islands of Lakshadweep. Sify Technologies owns a cable landing station in Mumbai for MENA and GBI submarine cable systems. BSNL owns its first international submarine cable connecting India and Sri Lanka (BLCS) and its cable landing station in Tuticorin. As of 2023, Indias network had a cumulative capacity of 138.55 terabits per second (tbps), with 111.11 tbps actively in use, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Indias digital infrastructure is on the verge of a revolutionary transformation, with three significant undersea cable projects expected to go live by March 2025, increasing internet capacity fourfold. These projects, 2Africa Pearls, India-Asia-Express (IAX), and India-Europe-Express (IEX), will ensure faster and more reliable digital connectivity. Reliance Jio is leading these projects with funding from a consortium including Facebook and Google. The IAX (16,000 km) and IEX (9,775 km) cables have 200 tbps of capacity each. The IAX cable will connect Mumbai to key hubs in Southeast Asia. The IEX cable will link India with Europe via the Persian Gulf. Tata Communications owns five cable landing stations, three in Mumbai and one each in Chennai and Cochin. Blue-Raman connects Italy, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and India; this cable bypasses the Egyptian chokepoint. It has a capacity of over 200 Tbps and is funded by a consortium led by Google. MIST cable will link Mumbai and Cochin in India to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. It has a capacity of 218 tbps and became operational in 2024. SEA-ME-WE 6 is an upgrade to the link from Singapore to Marseille; this cable spans 19,200 km with a capacity of 126 tbps. It is scheduled to be operational in 2025 and involves a consortium of telecommunications companies. The 2Africa Pearls project is one of the longest subsea cable systems globally, stretching over 45,000 km and supported by investments from major players like Bharti Airtel and Meta (formerly Facebook). It will allow data transmission capacity of 180 tbps and will connect 33 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with Airtels Mumbai landing station. It has a capacity of 180 tbps and is funded by a consortium that includes Facebook and China Mobile. The boost in internet capacity will greatly improve the quality of services, especially for high-demand applications such as 5G video streaming, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, AI-based services, and cloud computing. Way Ahead India The West was implicated in the tapping of cables for surveillance purposes after documents leaked by the whistle-blower Edward Snowden showed leading telecoms firms had given Britains Government Communications Headquarters spy agency access to undersea cables. Experts say that Russia too was monitoring undersea cable systems closely. India has a huge cable network, and capacity and speed will increase significantly. Repairs can be expensive and time-consuming. India has to double secure its cables. Also build multiple redundancies. India must enhance the fault detection and repair facilities. Other than rogue elements, India must closely monitor Chinese and Pakistani maritime activities. China is showing much greater interest in Indias neighbourhood. Both the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman are important choke points. The heavy dependence on the Red Sea and its high vulnerability have to be factored. India has also to be conscious that a lot of global telecom hardware has origins in China. The situation is not going to change in a hurry. Alternative sourcing and local production must be encouraged. TRAI has recommended that all Indian telecom companies operating undersea cables must demonstrate ownership of the portion of cables located in Indian waters. TRAI has also proposed that a government committee explore financial viability models for commissioning Indian-flagged ships for the repair and maintenance of undersea cables. Undersea cables are a very important strategic asset. India needs to be conscious. We need to build and protect. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Bangladesh might not have come into existence in 1971 if Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was allowed to take office as the Prime Minister of a united Pakistan. Bangladesh, split between Bengali nationalism and Islamism, is caught in a profound identity crisis read more Bangladesh has an uncanny ability to defy stereotypes, for good or bad. In the August upsurge that dethroned Sheikh Hasina, the very foundational legacy of Bangladesh was questioned and symbolically discarded in the form of the demolition of statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and setting on fire his historic house turned into a museum at Dhanmondi, Dhaka. How future generations of Bangladesh will perceive their history only time can tell. Not many years ago, in 2013, Bangladesh appeared to reiterate its foundational legacy through a civil society movement to press for the death penalty for war criminals of 71 under the amended International Crimes (Tribunal) Act, 1973. Advertisement The civil society activists, mainly bloggers, had congregated at Shahbag, a major neighbourhood of Dhaka, demanding capital punishment for Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Qader Mollah, who had been awarded life imprisonment by the tribunal. The death sentence was finally pronounced over Mollah after a further amendment in the statute later that year. A string of death sentences to the likes of Kamaruzzan, Ali Ahsan Mojaheed, Salauddin Qader Chowdhury, etc., followed even as Delawar Hossain Sayeedis death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. However, Shahbag protests with their distinct secular overtone also triggered counter-mobilisation of Islamists under the umbrella organisation viz Hefazat-e-Islam under the leadership of Mufti Ahmed Shah Shafi. Hefazat-e-Islam intends to turn Bangladesh into a thorough Islamic state. The opportunity was capitalised upon by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party to create turmoil, particularly in view of the impending elections in 2014. Bangladesh seems to be continuously caught in a seesaw between secular nationalism and Islamism. This has partly to do with political changes in Dhaka. Late Ahmed Sofa (pronounced chhofa), an enlightened Bangladeshi thinker and author, reminiscences how he was shocked to find Abul Fazal (1903-83), the noted Bangladeshi secular intellectual, who proudly called himself an atheist, participating in sirat mehfil, an Islamic congregation. One fine morning during his morning walk, Sofa found Abul Fazal was returning with a prayer cap on his head, accompanied by Air Vice Marshal Muhammed Ghulam Tawab, whose excesses in matters of religion had often embarrassed even President Zia-ur-Rahman. Abul Fazal had been inducted into the Presidents advisory council of education policy, which accounted for his sudden and surprising reversal in attitude towards religion. This Sofa found disturbing, which became the starting point for his essay included in his eponymous book Bangali Musalmaner Mon (in Bengali), meaning on the mind of Bengali Muslims. Sofa argues that there is something in the mind of Bengali Muslims, which does not allow him to rest at a point of faith but constantly swings him either to the right or left. He was so motivated that he finished the essay, covering 37 pages of the book, during the course of a single night. Advertisement It is entirely speculative whether Bangladesh would have come into existence as a sovereign nation in 1971 if the then President of Pakistan, viz General AM Yayha Khan, had timely accepted the results of Pakistans general elections held on December 7, 1970, which had handed out a clear victory to the Awami League. In a national assembly comprising 300 general seats, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had won 160, far ahead of Zulfikar Ali Bhuttos Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which picked 81 seats. With the benefit of seats reserved for women, the Awami League ended up with a tally of 167 seats in a house of 313 members. The most important agenda before the national assembly was framing the Constitution of Pakistan, since its two previous constitutions (1956, 1962) had been abrogated. Advertisement Logically, Mujib should have been the prime minister of Pakistan. Yayha indeed described Mujib as the future Prime Minister of Pakistan while interacting with media persons at Dacca Airport on January 14, 1971, before returning to Karachi. However, Yayha chose to avoid the convening of the national assembly, raising a bogey of discord between the two wings of Pakistan. On February 13, 1971, Yayha finally convened the assembly to meet at the Provincial Assembly Building, Dacca (now Dhaka), with effect from March 3. An immensely ambitious Bhutto colluded with Yayha to boycott this inaugural session even as other legislators had started arriving from West Pakistan. Two days before the session was scheduled to begin, Yayha unilaterally postponed it, plunging Pakistan into a constitutional crisis. Advertisement In the resultant confrontation between the President and the Awami League, which launched a non-cooperation campaign, Yayha compounded his misjudgment by opting for a military solution. That was his fatal mistake. He ended up having what he tried his best to avoid, the dismemberment of Pakistan. Little moral prospect was left for a united Pakistan after the verdict of the first free and fair election based on adult suffrage in the history of that country had been thus subverted. Yayhas actions provoked the people of East Bengal into rebellion against the authority of Islamabad-Rawalpindi. Exactly on the second anniversary of Yayhas ascent, Bangladesh had declared independence on March 26, 1971. Advertisement The crux of the Awami Leagues election campaign was its six-point program, which promised regional autonomy, but independence was nowhere suggested. Even the Government of Pakistan, in its White Paper on The Crisis in East Pakistan published on August 5, 1971, admits that six points of the Awami League, as publicly announced, made no claim to alter or to abridge the sovereign character of Pakistan. The White Paper further states that in his election speeches, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had amply clarified that he stood only for provincial autonomy and not for the disintegration of the country or any dilution of its Islamic character. On 21 September, 1970, in a public address in Narayanganj, he said, The six-point programme would be realised, and at the same time neither the integrity of Pakistan nor Islam would be jeopardised (vide P.4). The White Paper quotes several leaders of the Awami League, like Tajuiddin Ahmed, A H M Qamaruzzaman, and Khondokar Mushtaq Ahmed, to conclude that the party had no premeditated plans to break up Pakistan. It, however, blames the Awami League for three things. First, its leaders allegedly incited Bengalis against their own political Mir Jafars and parasites and exploiters and dacoits from West Pakistan. Second, they broke up meetings of rival political parties and indulged in hooliganism during the long election campaign. And third, they attacked the offices of newspapers (P.5-8). Though the White Paper makes allegations of Joy Bangla slogans raised by a few workers of the Awami Party, no leader of the party is named in this connection. It is evident that there was no demand for Bangladesh even a few months prior to the outbreak of the war of liberation on March 25, 1971. The Awami Leagues runaway victory, however, meant that it would have the decisive role in framing the third Constitution of Pakistan based on the six-point programme. Under this scheme, Pakistan would have been a federation of five units, where no single unit would be able to impose its will on the other four. Yayha, however, was determined to forestall this development, fearing it would weaken the western wing of Pakistan (the Urdu belt) vis-a-vis its eastern wing (the Bengali belt) when in reality a few smaller parties like the National Awami Party (Wali Group), etc, were making overtures to Mujib. Strangely, Yayha himself did not provide any alternative scheme. Yayha, by trying to avert Mujibs ascent to the Prime Ministers office, played his hands wrongly, resulting in a fiasco for Pakistans unity. Bangladesh was declared in the afternoon on March 26, 1971, by proxy. Anthony Mascarenhas informs one Mohammed Abdul Hannan, General Secretary, Chittagong district Awami League, announced it from Kalurghat transmitting station on the behalf of Mujib (Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood, P.135). However, after Ziaur Rahman became the president in April 1977, he began claiming that he was the first to declare the independence of Bangladesh on radio on March 27, 1971. An accidental country might be an atrocious description of Bangladesh. It is true that the country is a product of circumstances, rapidly changing its profile from East Pakistan to East Bengal and then to Bangla Desh before settling into Bangladesh. There was indeed a disaffection towards Rawalpindi in the minds of Bengalis. It came to the fore in an undisguised manner as Yayhas chicanery became evident and he chose to deal militarily with a political standoff, which was eminently his creation in the first place. As early as March 2, 1971a day after Yahya postponed the national assembly indefinitelyA S M Abdur Rab, a young socialist leader, burnt the Pakistani flag and hoisted the new national banner at a huge rally attended by Mujib. (At 80 now, Rab, President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), is amongst the few Bangladeshis today who have frankly condemned the restitution of Jamaat-e-Islami, which collaborated with the Pakistan armys carnage in 1971, as a patriotic party). It was actually the leftist JSD faction inside the Awami League that claims the credit for nudging an indecisive Mujib towards hailing sovereign Bangladesh. At first it looked like the liberation of Bangladesh was a triumph of secular Bengali nationalism over the Islamic identity of erstwhile East Pakistan. Bangladeshs Constitution (1972) in its Preamble accepted nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism as its four pillars. Bangladeshs Constitution, drafted by Kamal Hossain, Bar-at-Law, who is still a civil society activist at 87, is the first in South Asia to incorporate mention of secularism. Article 12 specified that the principle of secularism would be realised by the elimination of communalism in all its forms; the granting by the state of political status in favour of any religion; the abuse of religion for political purposes; and any discrimination against, or persecution of, persons practising particular religions. Article 38, by implication, prohibited the operation of a number of political parties that had campaigned to establish an Islamic state in Bangladesh or colluded with the Pakistani marauders during the liberation war. However, mental transformation is more difficult to achieve than political transitions. Soon after the unification of Italy, Italian nationalist Massimo DAzeglio is known to have stated, We have made Italy; now we have to make Italians. Whereas Bangladesh was created in 1971, it left Bangladeshis in a profound identity crisis. There was hatred for the West Pakistanis, and people of East Bengal wanted them out. However, the creation of Bangladesh did not automatically lead to the cancellation of the two-nation theory. It left a large section of people in the newly born nation in an ambivalent frame of mind. Mujib was absent from the scene through the best part of the liberation war. He was arrested in Dacca on March 26, 1971, before being flown to Rawalpindi via Karachi. He was lodged in Central Jail at Mianwali (Punjab), where he was court-martialed and risked being executed. But in the meanwhile, Yayha lost power soon after Pakistans defeat in the Indo-Pak 1971 War and was replaced by Bhutto as the president. Bhutto decided to release Mujib in a surreptitious manner, putting him and his former constitutional advisor and co-prisoner, Barrister Kamal Hossain, on a secret PIA flight to London. Mujib thus reappeared before the world in Claridges Hotel in Mayfair, London, on January 8, 1972, after Bangladesh had been created. Thus while Mujib might rightly be hailed as the father of Bangladesh, he was an absentee father nonetheless. He could not fully absorb the impact of events and sentiments that had agitated East Bengal during his absence. He could not be present at the first meeting of the cabinet, which, as Anthony Mascarenhas informs us, took the shape of a tea party, presided over by Mujibs uncle, with Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam and Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed and Vice President sitting on his either side (Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood, P.8). Mujib chose to become the prime minister himself, rather than the president as it was initially announced, because under the Westminster style of government, the former wielded actual authority. In that position Mujib failed to keep himself above partisanship. He also indiscreetly patronised people who had been overtly or covertly with Pakistan during the War of Liberation. The appointment of Mehboobul Alam, the Dacca correspondent of Dawn (Karachi), who also used to write highly coloured scripts for the Plain Truth programme on Radio Pakistan, promoting disinformation on Bangladeshs liberation war, got hired as Mujibs press secretary. The appointment raised such controversy that Mujib had to get rid of him. There were many turncoats who found honourable places in the new establishment. Mujibs sky-high popularity had touched rock bottom when he was assassinated on August 15, 1975. Khondakar Mostaq Ahmed, who became the president for a brief period of 80 days, inaugurated noticeably pro-Pakistan policy. He established diplomatic relations with Pakistan, which Mujib had refused to do till Pakistan settled the outstanding issue of dividing national assets. Mostaq, as Masceranhas informs, was surrounded with government officials like Shafiul Azam, Tabarak Hussain, Salhauddin, and A B S Safdar. Mostaq appointed Tabarak Hussain, a diplomat ostracised by his fellow Foreign Service officers for his decidedly pro-Pakistan attitude during the liberation war, as the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh. Hussain, through his wife, had a family connection with Yayha Khan (Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood, P.86). It is surprising how quickly, writes Marcus Franda (1981), Bengali nationalism dissipated once Bangladesh was created. Franda, whose essay, Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi Nationalism, was published barely two months before Ziaur Rahman was assassinated (Economic and Political Weekly, Annual Number, March 1981, P.375). It might be remembered that successive governments in Dhaka had promoted one version of Islam or the other, bolstering Islamic identity. Even Sheikh Hasina, with $118 million aid from Saudi Arabia, planned to set up 560 model mosques. What model of Islam Saudi Arabia could promote is best left to imagination. By April 2023, a total of 200 mosques had already been inaugurated, as told by the then Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Pakistan, S M Mahbub Alam. Ahmed Sofa was correct; the Bengali Muslim mind could not rest at a point of faith, but it must swing either to the left or right. The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The app went down to 170 million users hours after the law banning the platform was due to come into effect. On Saturday night, when the users tried to open the app, a message appeared for US users that said a law banning TikTok had been enacted, meaning you cant use TikTok for now. read more After a long legal and political tussle, the popular video-sharing app TikTok finally went offline in the United States. The app went down to 170 million users hours after the law banning the platform was due to come into effect. On Saturday night, when the users tried to open the app, a message appeared for US users that said a law banning TikTok had been enacted, meaning you cant use TikTok for now. Advertisement 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 app said in an alert to its users. TikTok went offline a day after the social media app said that it would go dark on Sunday unless the outgoing Biden administration gave assurances the ban would not be enforced. TikTok now displays a warning when opened and wont allow users to watch videos. X Meanwhile, incoming US President Donald Trump said that he will most likely give the app a 90-day reprieve from a ban once he takes office on Monday. This is the first time in the United States that a social media platform as big as TikTok has simply shut down without any indication of if or when it will come back online. The app has been under scrutiny because its parent company is a Chinese firm called ByteDance. App removed from app stores According to The Verge, the app suddenly disappeared from both Apple and Googles app stores. Multiple users also reported that it was unavailable on the web as well. Just hours before the app went offline, US President Joe Bidens administration called TikToks threat to go offline a stunt. The outgoing team also handed over the responsibility to impose the law on the incoming Trump administration. As per the report, the social media platform also shared an email to its employees, sharing the news of the shutdown. President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office on January 20th and that teams are working tirelessly to bring our app back to the U.S. as soon as possible. Another app called CapCut, which is owned by ByteDance was also shut down with a warning message. Both apps began blocking users at around 10:30 PM (local time). The ban-or-divest law, which goes into effect on Sunday, effectively bans TikTok unless ByteDance sells much of its stake in the company. However, the China-based firm has shown little sign of being willing to sell, even as the deadline rapidly approaches. Instead, TikTok challenged the law in the Supreme Court which ultimately upheld the ban. Advertisement Among those killed are seven people who sought to sign a peace deal, as well as community leader Carmelo Guerrero, according to a report that a government ombudsman agency released late Saturday. read more At least 60 people were killed in Colombias northeast region following failed attempts to hold peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN), officials said. Among those killed were seven people who had sought to sign a peace deal including community leader Carmelo Guerrero. The attacks took place in various towns in the Catatumbo region with at least three people involved in the peace talks being kidnapped. Hundreds of people are fleeing the area, with some hiding in the nearby lush mountains. Colombias government has demanded that the National Liberation Army, known as ELN, cease all attacks and allow authorities to enter the region and provide humanitarian aid. Advertisement The attack comes after Colombia suspended peace talks with the National Liberation Army for the second time in less than a year. The ELN has been fighting against former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, guerrilla group in Catatumbo, located near the border with Venezuela, as it infiltrates rural areas once occupied by the FARC, which disbanded after signing a peace deal with the government. With inputs from agencies A large amount of radioactive waste is buried beneath Greenlands thick ice at Camp Century, an abandoned US military base. The base was developed as a nuclear launch site during the Cold War. read more With US President-elect Donald Trump showing interest in taking control of Greenland, a Cold War military move of the 1960s by the United States could become a big headache for him, Politico reported. A huge amount of radioactive waste lies beneath the thick ice of Greenland. The dumping site for this radioactive waste is Camp Century, an abandoned US military base. Camp Century was developed as a nuclear launch site against the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. The abandoned military base is located in one of the remotest spots on the island, about 1,500 kilometres north of Greenlands capital city, Nuuk. Advertisement The project aimed to create tunnels through Greenlands ice sheet using a small nuclear reactor. However, it was scrapped in 1967 due to the shifting of the ice, which made the project impossible to complete. Radioactive waste left by the US The Americans dismantled the reactor and took its nuclear reaction chamber with them when they departed. They left behind thousands of tonnes of waste and debris including radioactive residue to be buried under the ice of Greenland. Melting ice could release the waste into oceans As the earth warms and the ice inside the Arctic Circle melts due to climate change, there is a high risk that the waste could reach the oceans and cause catastrophic damage to marine life. Camp Century has caught the attention of the local Greenlandic people who could face the effects of the buried waste. In a study published in 2016, it was found that the remains of the abandoned base could be exposed by melting ice toward the end of the 21st century. Our study highlights that Camp Century now possesses unanticipated political significance in light of anthropogenic climate change, the researchers wrote in their study. The findings sparked a political debate in Greenland. Greenlands Foreign Minister Vittus Qujaukitsoq demanded Denmark to take responsibility for cleaning up the debris from 20 to 30 abandoned US military sites on the island. Denmark and Greenland signed a $30 million deal in 2017 to clean up the debris and waste on the worlds largest island. However, Camp Century was not included in the agreement. Greenlanders are concerned that [Camp Century] will pollute as the ice melts. There are many places where [they] have left tons of waste. The U.S. has military waste all over the Arctic, said Pipaluk Lynge to Politico. Lynge is an MP from Greenlands largest party and chair of the parliamentary foreign policy committee. Advertisement Trumps interest in acquiring Greenland After his re-election to the White House, Donald Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, emphasising the islands strategic importance for national security and vast resources. However, Greenlands prime minister strongly objected to Trumps remarks. Greenland is not up for sale, he said. It has been an autonomous territory of Denmark since 1979, with the right to seek independence. The population of Greenland is approximately 55,000. Gathered in a conference room at an undisclosed location alongside military personnel, the families were exuberant as they witnessed the end of 471 days of captivity for their relatives. read more Supporters and relatives of hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Palestinian militants, react while watching a live television broadcast on the release of Israeli hostages, at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, on January 19, 2025. Image- AFP In Tel Avivs Hostage Square, crowds erupted in joy late Sunday after the first hostages were released under the Gaza ceasefire deal. Elation filled the plaza in the heart of Israels commercial hub, opposite the military headquarters, where people had been waiting for hours. The families of the three women hostages released from the Gaza Strip on Sunday screamed, cheered, hugged and cried as they watched their relatives returning to Israel. Advertisement pic.twitter.com/TwLuIxBlaf (@idfonline) January 19, 2025 Mandy Damari, mother of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari freed on Sunday said her daughters nightmare in Gaza is over and she is finally home in a statement shared with AFP. After 471 days Emily is finally home, her mother said, thanking everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal. Thank you for bringing Emily home, said Mandy Damari, who has campaigned relentlessly for the return of her daughter. Damari was kidnapped from her home in Kfar Aza kibbutz in southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 during its unprecedented attack. While Emilys nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues, she added, calling for the release of every last hostage. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the release of three Israeli hostages held by Hamas under the ceasefire deal as wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony for them and their families. Advertisement While this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas, Starmer said in a statement calling for the remaining phases of the truce to be implemented in full and on schedule. The lawyers for Emily Damaris family said they were delighted at her release. Hopefully she will be very well, and everyone will be very pleasantly surprised at how well she is, lawyer Adam Rose told AFP. Its been an absolute nightmare for her family, Rose added. We do not know where she has been kept for the past 15 months. She might have been kept in an apartment. She might have been kept in a tunnel. Advertisement We will need to wait and find out when shes well enough to tell people. Romi is coming back! Emily is coming back! Doron is coming back! Israelis chanted in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, as reported by CNN. Its a very emotional moment, Tania Coen-Uzzielli, director of Tel Aviv Museum of Art, told CNN from Tel Avivs Hostages Square. We were waiting for this moment since the last release which was more than one year ago. Coen-Uzzielli said she could feel the pulse of the plaza every day, as it is located right next to her museum. Hostages Square saw many Israelis gather in solidarity with the hostages held in Gaza every day. Advertisement Everybody is crying, she said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the three hostages freed from Gaza on Sunday as part of a ceasefire deal had endured a horrific ordeal. I know, we all know, they have been through hell. They are emerging from darkness into light, from bondage to freedom, Netanyahu said during a phone call with an Israeli official who was briefing him on the release of the three female hostages. With inputs from agencies. The case, which has generated widespread attention after the Facebook post resulted in criticism online of the medics, concerns the death of a rickshaw puller, Mohammed Ismail. Hospital workers say the five are innocent and that they risked their lives repeatedly to help wounded protesters read more Five Bangladeshi health workers have been arrested on murder charges after a social media post accused them of failing to provide aid to a man who died during last years revolution, a prosecutor said Sunday. The case, which has generated widespread attention after the Facebook post resulted in criticism online of the medics, concerns the death of a rickshaw puller, Mohammed Ismail. Hospital workers say the five are innocent and that they risked their lives repeatedly to help wounded protesters. Advertisement More than 800 people died in the student-led demonstrations that culminated in the ouster of Sheikh Hasinas government on August 5, according to the interim authorities who subsequently took power. Ismail was shot in the head on July 19, 2024 during a police crackdown in the Rampura suburb of the capital Dhaka, local media reported at the time. A Facebook post showed his bloodied body on the entrance steps of the Delta Health Care Hospital. We saw a post on social media, chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, from Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), told AFP. The five doctor Sadi Bin Shams and four others including nurses were arrested late on Friday. These individuals allegedly denied Ismail access to treatment, leaving him unattended for four hours, Islam said. But hospital director Saiful Islam Selim described how the medics had repeatedly defied police orders not to help wounded protesters. The area around the hospital was a battleground during the revolution, he said, and police and members of the then-ruling party, the Awami League, ordered us not to treat any protesters, he said. Advertisement Despite these orders, we defied them multiple times and helped as much as we could, Selim told AFP. He said hospital staff had tried to drag Ismails body inside the hospital, but retreated after police fired shots. We had no choice but to leave the body there, he said, accusing the court of misdirected investigations. The ICT failed to identify the police officer who shot Mohammed Ismail, he said. AFP could not independently confirm who shot Ismail. Instead, they arrested a doctor and other hospital staff who had tried to save lives. Ismails widow, Lucky Begum, said she wanted justice, but added: I dont want innocent people to go to prison. Advertisement In recent months, the billionaire has been campaigning in support of Europes hard-right parties including Germanys AfD which will be contesting in the German federal elections this year read more In a bid to promote far-right parties in Europe, Tesla CEO Elon Musk decided to introduce a spinoff to US President-elect Donald Trumps popular slogan Make America Great Again. While the European Union investigates, his controversial social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Musk raised the slogan Make Europe Great Again. In recent months, the billionaire has been campaigning in support of Europes hard-right parties including Germanys AfD which will be contesting in the German federal elections this year. In his latest post shared on Saturday, Musk wrote: From MAGA to MEGA: Make Europe Great Again. Advertisement From MAGA to MEGA: Make Europe Great Again! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 18, 2025 MAGA has been one of the main chants among Trump supporters who are considered far-right in America. Interestingly, it was also the slogan used by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban while he was fighting for the presidency in the European Parliament in 2024. Several European politicians including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have accused Musk of trying to interfere in polls across Europe. EU steps up its investigation The remarks from the Tesla CEO came at a time when the EU announced that it is stepping up its investigation into Xs algorithms. On Thursday, the European Commission requested documents relating to Xs recommender systems that suggest to users what they might want to read next on the platform. Today we are taking further steps to shed light on the compliance of Xs recommender systems with the obligations under the DSA," Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkunnen said, Euro News reported. Responding to the ongoing investigation, Musk said that he is a champion of free speech and democracy and accused the European leaders and other critics of trying to limit them. 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. Advertisement The investigation came after in August 2024, the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a US-based human rights and civil liberties group, found that Musks false or misleading claims about the US elections were viewed nearly 1.2 billion times on X. With inputs from agencies. The Russian occupation army continues its offensive in the town of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region. Geolocation footage published on January 18 shows that the fighting is taking place in the city center. ADVERTISIMENT Thus, Putin's army has recently advanced within the city. This is stated in the analysis of the Institute for War Studies. Experts analyzed geolocation footage showing Ukrainian troops striking two Russian armored vehicles, which probably belong to the Russian 98th Airborne Division, near Dniprovska Street in the center of Chasiv Yar. Thus, ISW concluded that the occupiers had recently advanced in the city. At the same time, Kremlin propagandists claim that Putin's army has seized the Chasivoyarsky Refractory Plant, but ISW has not found visual evidence of this claim. At the same time, military observer Konstantin Mashovets said that units of the Russian 4th Motorized Rifle Brigade, supported by the 299th and 331st Airborne Regiments and the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade, are trying to capture the northern part of Chasiv Yar. He also claimed that the enemy had seized a bridgehead in the Northern neighborhood. ADVERTISIMENT In recent days, Putin's forces continued ground attacks in Chasiv Yar itself and south of the city, in the area of Stupochky and Bila Hora. Drone operators of the Russian Sever-V brigade are reportedly operating near Chasiv Yar. In addition, Russia is engaging tankers of the Russian volunteer reconnaissance and assault brigade Nevsky in combat operations in this area of the front. As a reminder, Ukraine's defenders showed a new video from the devastated town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, where fighting continues on the outskirts. Russian troops turned it into ruins with their constant shelling and assaults. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the commander of one of the units of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade said that Russia had sent more than 10,000 occupants to attack Chasiv Yar. Every day, the Russians make attempts to cross the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal to advance in the city. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A total of 33 Israeli hostages, 31 of whom taken by militants during Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, will be returned from Gaza during an initial 42-day truce, in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinians in Israeli custody. read more The three released Israeli hostages, who had been abducted during the October 7, 2023 attacks by Palestinian militants, exit a van before boarding an Israeli Air Force military transport helicopter near Reim in southern Israel on January 19, 2025 after a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal in the war between Israel and Hamas was implemented. Image- AFP The first three Israeli hostages were released Sunday under a long-awaited Gaza truce aimed at ending more than 15 months of war that has ravaged the Palestinian territory. As the ceasefire took effect in the morning, thousands of displaced, war-weary Palestinians set off across the devastated Gaza Strip to return home. Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari have been held in Gaza since they were kidnapped from Israel on October 7, 2023. Advertisement The Prime Ministers Office confirms that Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, are in the hands of Israeli forces. The government of Israel embraces the three returnees, the PMO says in a statement, adding that their families have been told that they are in Israeli hands. The government of Israel is committed to returning all of the hostages and the missing. The Government of Israel embraces the three women who have returned. Their families have been updated by the relevant authorities that they are with our forces. The Government of Israel is committed to returning all of the hostages and missing. Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 19, 2025 IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, in a press conference, says former hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher are now in safe hands. They are in our hands. They are coming home, he says. : The 3 released hostages are currently being transferred to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza. They are accompanied by IDF and ISA special forces upon their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment. Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 19, 2025 Advertisement Israeli hostages released from Gaza reach hospital The three Israeli hostages released from Gaza on Sunday arrived at Sheba hospital in central Israel, an AFP journalist reported. Travelling in military helicopters and accompanied by their mothers, the three women, Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher, landed at the hospital, where the army said the rest of their family members awaited them. Gaza hostages reunited with their mothers The Israeli military said the three women hostages freed by Hamas on Sunday as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal were reunited with their mothers inside Israel. The three returnees have just arrived at the initial reception point in the Gaza envelope area, and they are now meeting with their mothers, said the military, which shared an image of released hostage Emily Damari alongside her mother smiling and waving with a heavily bandaged hand. Advertisement First photographs from the emotional meetings between the returnees and their families at the reception points in Israel. pic.twitter.com/98MPwh0zNX Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 19, 2025 Cheers and weeping as Israelis watch Gaza hostages return Hundreds of people have gathered in Tel Aviv in what has been called Hostages Square to watch the news on large screens. For months, thousands of Israelis have gathered weekly at the square to demand a deal to bring everyone home. The Israeli military shared video showing their families gathered in what appeared to be a military facility crying out in emotion as they watched footage of the handover to Israeli forces in Gaza before they were brought back into Israel. Advertisement Their return today represents a beacon of light in the darkness, a moment of hope and triumph of the human spirit, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group that represents some hostage families said. This combination of undated handout pictures obtained on January 19, 2025 from The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters shows undated images (L-R) of Israeli hostages Romi Gonen (23), Emily Tehila Damari (28) and Doron Steinbrecher (31), who has been detained in the Gaza Strip since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists. Image- AFP Palestinian prisoners set for release include 69 women Meanwhile, the 90 Palestinian prisoners set to be released Sunday in exchange for three hostages held by Hamas include 69 women, according to a list provided to The Associated Press. The youngest is Mahmoud Aliowat, 15. The prisoners to be released include Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a leftist faction with an armed group that has carried out attacks on Israelis. New York-based Human Rights Watch said her repeated arrests are part of Israels wider crackdown on non-violent political opposition. Dalal Khaseeb, 53, the sister of former Hamas second-in-command Saleh Arouri, is also on the list, which was provided by Hamas. Arouri was killed in an Israeli strike in a southern Beirut suburb in January 2024. Advertisement Also listed for release is Abla Abdelrasoul, 68, the wife of detained PFLP leader Ahmad Saadat who killed an Israeli Cabinet minister in 2001 and has been serving a 30-year sentence. Hamas has just released the names of three Israeli female hostages who will be released on the first day of the Gaza ceasefire. The names came shortly after Israel gave an ultimatum that a ceasefire would be delayed until Hamas shared the names read more People walk past posters of hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas. There's now a slight possibility that the hostage swap won't take place until Monday as opposed to Sunday. Reuters The highly anticipated Israel-Hamas ceasefire-hostage deal comes into effect after Hamas released the names of three female hostages who it says will be released first as part of the deal negotiated with Israel. The truce was delayed after Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a ceasefire wouldnt be implemented until the Palestinian group shared the names of the hostages. The ceasefire commenced imminently at 9:15 am (GMT) The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was supposed to be put into effect on Sunday at 6:30 (GMT). However, shortly before the deadline both Netanyahu and the Israeli Defence Force said that the ceasefire wont be in place until Hamas shares a list of hostages who will be released in the first phase of the deal. Advertisement The prime minister instructed the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) that the ceasefire, which is supposed to go into effect at 8:30 a.m., will not begin until Israel has the list of released abductees that Hamas has pledged to provide, the prime ministers office said on Sunday. An hour after the deadline, Hamas shared the names of three Israeli hostages on Telegram. Who are they? The three female Israeli hostages who will be released today are Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher. Heres what is known about them as of now: Doron Steinbrecher - The 31-year-old was working as a veterinary nurse. On October 7 at 10:30 am (local time), Steinbrecher was abducted from her apartment in Kibbutz Kfar Aza after militants of Hamas raided the southern Israeli town. Romi Gonen - The 24-year-old was ambushed when she attempted to escape from the Supernova festival. In June last year, her mother addressed the UN Human Rights Council where she called for the international communitys support in the release of hostages from Gaza. Emily Damari - a 28-year-old British-Israeli citizen was taken hostage from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. While addressing a memorial event in London on October 6, 2024, her mother Mandy said that hostages released last November had told her they had contact with Emily in captivity. Damari was the only British-Israeli hostage who was being held in Hamas. Now that the ceasefire has come into effect, the bigger question will be how long the truce between Israel and Hamas will last. Part of Irans axis of resistance, the Houthis have repeatedly launched missile and drone attacks on Israel since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. read more Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels claimed an attack on an American aircraft carrier on Sunday and warned of consequences for any retaliation during the coming Gaza ceasefire. The Yemeni Armed Forces warn the enemy forces in the Red Sea of the consequences of any aggression against our country during the ceasefire period in Gaza, the rebels said in a statement. They will confront any aggression with specific military operations against those forces without a ceiling or red lines. Advertisement An initial 42-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war is scheduled to begin at 0630 GMT Sunday. The Huthis, who have attacked shipping in the Red Sea throughout the war in Gaza, said they targeted the USS Harry S. Truman and other warships with drones and cruise missiles. The American aircraft carrier was forced to leave the theater of operations, the rebels statement said. Part of Irans axis of resistance, the Huthis have repeatedly launched missile and drone attacks on Israel since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. They have also waged a harassment campaign against shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, severely disrupting trade routes. On Friday, the Yemeni rebels warned they would keep up their attacks if Israel did not respect the terms of the ceasefire with Hamas. The India-EU dialogue comes at a time of significant geopolitical shifts, with both sides seeking to counter economic and supply chain dependencies read more Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal accused China of using the World Trade Organisations policies to its advantage, flooding various economies with goods at low prices which often do not meet quality standards. India and the European Union have agreed to collaborate on cutting-edge technologies, secure critical raw material supply chains, and advance discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost economic ties. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic on January 18-19 in Brussels to address these priorities. The two leaders focused on the importance of a commercially meaningful trade agenda that is fair and equitable, focusing on simplifying tariffs and non-tariff barriers to boost cost competitiveness for businesses on both sides. Advertisement India would work together with the EU for developing cutting edge technologies, secure critical raw material supply chains and build resilient supply chains- reducing dependencies on non-market economies and developing closer economic ties between India and the EU, the commerce ministry said in a statement on Sunday. Discussions also covered increasing cooperation in trade and sustainable development, balancing respective levels of development and adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Both sides agreed to outline a roadmap for continuous consultations between senior officials and ministers to expedite progress on a robust trade and investment framework. The progress of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was also reviewed, with directives to address legacy issues. The India-EU dialogue comes at a time of significant geopolitical shifts, with both sides seeking to counter economic and supply chain dependencies on China. The European Union, grappling with energy security challenges due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is keen to strengthen partnerships with like-minded democracies. The proposed FTA holds the potential to enhance trade between the two regions, which reached $132 billion in 2022-23, while also addressing regulatory and market access concerns. With inputs from agencies Israels far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has announced his resignation from the Benjamin Netanyahu government in protest over the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. read more Israels far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has announced his resignation from the Benjamin Netanyahu government in protest over the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza. In a statement, Ben Gvirs party, Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) condemned the ceasefire deal as a capitulation to Hamas. The party criticised the agreement for what it called the release of hundreds of murderers and the renunciation of the Israeli militarys achievements in the Gaza war. Advertisement , . . pic.twitter.com/8RGFWVny0T (@itamarbengvir) January 19, 2025 Netanyahu still retains slim majority Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu retains a slim majority in the Israeli parliament despite their resignation. Earlier, Gvir threatened that his party would withdraw support from Netanyahu-led coalition if the current ceasefire and hostage deal is approved. Hamas reveals names of hostages Israel had previously stated that it would continue fighting in Gaza until the names of the hostages to be released were provided as part of the agreement. Later, Hamas revealed the names of three hostages it plans to release on Sunday. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was scheduled to take effect on Sunday at 6:30 (GMT). However, just before the deadline, both Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) stated that the ceasefire would not begin until Hamas provides a list of hostages to be released in the first phase of the deal. The prime minister told the IDF that the ceasefire, set to start at 8:30 a.m., will not begin until Israel receives the list of hostages Hamas promised to release, the prime ministers office said. An hour after the deadline, Hamas shared the names of three Israeli hostages on Telegram. October 7 attack and start of Gaza war The Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023, with a deadly surprise attack by Hamas in southern Israel. The assault began with a barrage of over 4,300 rockets fired into Israel. Hamas militants breached the Gaza-Israel barrier, attacking military bases and massacring civilians in multiple communities. The attack resulted in significant casualties, with around 1,200 people killed and over 250 kidnapped into the Gaza Strip. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Criminal gangs still control some 85 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince, the United Nations estimates, despite the deployment last June of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) under UN auspices read more A third contingent of police officers from Kenya arrives at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. AFP An additional 217 Kenyan police officers landed in Haiti on Saturday to bolster a multinational force seeking to restore order to the violence-ridden Caribbean island. Criminal gangs still control some 85 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince, the United Nations estimates, despite the deployment last June of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) under UN auspices. The Kenyan forces, who were greeted at the airport in Port-au-Prince by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, will reinforce the first batch of 400 officers deployed to Haiti last year. Advertisement The arrival of these reinforcements marks a crucial step in freeing our country from the grip of criminal networks and restoring peace, the prime minister said. A government advisor who was also at the airport, Fritz Alphonse Jean, said Haiti was at a turning point. In a statement earlier Saturday, Kenyas Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the Kenyan-led mission in Haiti has made tremendous progress in reducing gang violence, earning praise across the globe, including from both the outgoing and incoming US administrations. Gang violence killed at least 5,601 people in Haiti last year, about a thousand more than in 2023, the UN said. More than a million Haitians have been forced to flee their homes, three times as many as a year ago. Kenyan President William Ruto said last September that some 2,500 police officers would eventually be deployed. The UN Security Council in September 2024 extended the missions mandate without discussing whether to place it under direct UN control, as requested by many Haitian authorities. Discovered on January 10 by US and Mexican security agencies, the tunnel measures approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) in length on the Mexican side and is equipped with lighting, ventilation and is reinforced to prevent collapses read more A National Guard agent inspects an illegal tunnel bound to El Paso in US, at the Mexico-US border in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. AFP A clandestine tunnel discovered on the US-Mexico border allowing entry from Ciudad Juarez into the Texan city of El Paso will be sealed by Mexican authorities, an army official said Saturday, adding that its construction was under investigation. Discovered on January 10 by US and Mexican security agencies, the tunnel measures approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) in length on the Mexican side and is equipped with lighting, ventilation and is reinforced to prevent collapses. Advertisement Hidden in a storm sewer system operating between both cities, its access is about 1.8 meters high and 1.2 meters wide (6 feet high and 4 feet wide), making for easy passage of people or contraband, said General Jose Lemus, commander of Ciudad Juarezs military garrison, which is guarding the tunnel. The tunnels construction must have taken a long time it could have been one or two years, Lemus told reporters, declining to give details about how long it had been operating as well as its possible builders and operators. He said the Mexican Attorney Generals Office was responsible for the investigation and would be in charge of determining if there was complicity by the authorities due to the fact that it was built without them noticing. Lemus also said clues about the tunnels existence and location were discussed by human traffickers on social media platforms like TikTok. Ahead of the US presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on Monday, both sides of the US-Mexico border have reinforced security measures, as the returning Republican has vowed a massive deportation of migrants soon after he takes office. In the state of Chihuahua, which includes Ciudad Juarez, authorities reported a fire in a temporary camp for undocumented migrants, which led to the evacuation of 39 adults and 17 minors, according to the state police. According to the Mexican newspaper Reforma, the fire was started by some of the migrants who were camping there to resist attempts by immigration authorities to detain them and transfer them to Mexico City for later deportation. Advertisement The National Institute of Migration did not respond to AFPs requests for comment. The Arakan Army is engaged in a fierce fight with the military for control of Rakhine, where it has seized swaths of territory in the past year, all but cutting off the state capital Sittwe. read more A Myanmar junta airstrike killed 28 people including children and wounded 25 at a temporary detention area in western Rakhine state, the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority armed group said on Sunday. The AA is involved in fierce clashes with the military for control of Rakhine, where it has seized significant territory over the past year, nearly isolating the state capital, Sittwe. The Rakhine conflict is part of the broader turmoil that has engulfed Myanmar since the militarys 2021 coup, which ousted Aung San Suu Kyis civilian government and triggered a widespread armed uprising. Advertisement The AA posted on its Telegram channel that a military jet bombed a detention area in Mrauk-U Township around 4.45 pm (10:15 GMT) on Saturday, where family members of junta soldiers were being held by the AA. Those who were killed and wounded were family members of soldiers in Myanmars Army. We arrested them during fighting, the AA said in the post. As we were preparing a plan to release them, they were bombed, the AA said. Nine children were among those dead, including a two-year-old boy, it said. The others killed were women, according to a list of the dead posted by the AA. Photos of the aftermath posted on the Telegram channel showed a long row of bodies laid on the floor in a grassy area, covered in white sheets. A number of people could be seen grieving close by. AFP has attempted to contact the junta for comment about the incident but calls have not been answered. The military is struggling to fight opposition to its rule on multiple fronts around Myanmar and it has been regularly accused of using air and artillery strikes to hit civilian communities. It is unclear whether the strike in Mrauk-U Township was mistargeted or if the junta was unaware the area was being used as a detention site for soldiers families. Advertisement As well as youth-led Peoples Defence Forces that emerged to oppose the coup, the military is also battling numerous long-established and well-armed ethnic minority armed groups. These groups, which include the AA, control large areas of territory along Myanmars borders. The UN Development Programme warned in November that Rakhine was heading towards famine as fighting squeezed commerce and agricultural production. The United Nations said this month more than 3.5 million people have been displaced by the conflict in Myanmar, an increase of 1.5 million from last year. With inputs from agencies. The Israeli premier clarified that the Jewish nations campaign is not over yet and emphasised that both outgoing and incoming US Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump backed Tel Aviv in this endeavour read more Hours before the highly anticipated Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal comes into effect, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country reserves the right to resume war, describing the truce with Hamas as temporary. The Israeli premier clarified that the Jewish nations campaign is not over yet and emphasised that both outgoing and incoming US Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump backed Tel Aviv in this endeavour. Netanyahus remarks came on Saturday evening after the Israeli government agreed that the ceasefire deal could be taken into effect on Sunday at 6:30 am (GMT). As a part of the deal, 33 of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas are expected to be freed in the first phase. In exchange for this Israel will be releasing approximately 2,000 Palestinians currently detained across multiple prisons. Advertisement >> pic.twitter.com/8CU2TOeOYn Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) January 18, 2025 If we need to resume fighting, we will do that in new ways and we will do it with great force, the prime minister said in a video message on Saturday. Both President Trump and President Biden have given their full backing to Israels right to resume fighting if we conclude that negotiations for Phase 2 are futile, he added. We changed the face of the Middle East: Netanyahu In his address to the nation, the Israeli premier outlined the military campaign that took place over the last 15 months - including the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas. We changed the face of the Middle East, Netanyahu said. As a result of that, Hamas is now completely alone on that front, he added. He highlighted that in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, they got Hamas to agree on conditions they had not agreed to in the past. Meanwhile, president-elect Donald Trump told NBC News that his administration will make sure that the ceasefire deal agreed to between Israel and Hamas will hold through good government. When asked how confident he is that all hostages will be released by Hamas eventually, Trump said: Well, were going to see very soon, and it better hold. He also mentioned that during his meeting with Netanyahu, he had already informed the Israeli premier to just keep doing what you have to do. You have to have this has to end. We want it to end, but to keep doing what has to be done, he remarked. Advertisement A seat on the UNSC would allow Manila to spotlight Chinas sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea, which conflict with the Philippines exclusive economic zone read more Philippines is favourably positioned to get a seat at the UNSC. This could spell trouble for China, pushing Beijing to compromise with Manila on certain issues. Reuters The Philippines is pushing for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. If successful, the move could provide Manila with one of its most influential platforms to challenge Beijing over its expansive South China Sea claims. It could embarrass China on a global stage, and arm-twist it into conceding ground on its aggression in the region, South China Morning Post reported. Philippines bid for UNSC President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., addressing diplomats at a formal gathering last weekend, spoke of the Philippines commitment to a rules-based international order and its aspirations for greater leadership on the global stage. He mentioned the countrys rich experience in peacekeeping and multilateral diplomacy as cornerstones of its bid for the 20272028 Security Council term. Advertisement With a long history and a credible record of multilateral diplomacy, Marcos said during the presidential palace event, the Philippines is in a very strong position to take on more leadership roles that seek to advocate on consequential issues in the global agenda. A strategic challenge to China Analysts see a clear strategic intent beyond Manilas narrative of global cooperation. Securing a seat on the Security Council would allow Manila to spotlight Chinas sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea, which conflict with the Philippines exclusive economic zone and international law. While any resolutions targeting China would almost certainly be vetoed by Beijing, a permanent member of the council, the effort itself could have significant diplomatic impact. The votes would embarrass Beijing, said SCMP cited Greg Poling, director of the Southeast Asia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, as saying. Such resolutions, combined with new arbitrations or General Assembly initiatives, could impose costs on China and push it toward compromise, Poling said. A strong case for the seat The Philippines has a strong record to support its candidacy. Over six decades, it has contributed 14,000 troops to 21 UN peacekeeping missions and previously held a Security Council seat in 20042005. Additionally, the Philippines has secured backing from its regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Under a long-standing agreement, ASEAN members rotate their bids for non-permanent Security Council seats, and the Philippines turn has now arrived. Advertisement Additionally, it is likely to secure support of all Asean bloc members, who have agreed to support each other in a rotation on the UNSC. High stakes for Manila For the Philippines, a seat on the council offers a unique opportunity to spotlight these disputes and rally global attention. Marcos strategy is to leverage international forums to challenge Beijings actions, even at the risk of direct confrontation. The stakes are high, but the potential for diplomatic gains could strengthen Manilas position in one of the worlds most contested waterways. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Europe should consider banning the social network TikTok in Europe following the example of the United States. According to him, this Chinese social network spreads disinformation, fake news and influences election results. ADVERTISIMENT He also emphasized that programs such as TikTok do not provide balanced information. This was reported by ERR. The head of the Estonian diplomatic mission said that recently in Romania, the results of the first round of the presidential election were canceled due to Russia's interference in the election through large-scale online campaigning, including through TikTok. The Minister explained that such social networks allow for the effective dissemination of biased information. He also noted that TikTok collects a lot of user data, but it is unclear who can access it. "Since TikTok is owned by a Chinese company, there are reasonable fears that the data could fall into the hands of the Chinese authorities. The latest yearbook of the Foreign Intelligence Service also says that TikTok collects extensive information that could be useful for intelligence gathering, blackmail, and cyberattacks," the foreign minister emphasized. ADVERTISIMENT Tsahkna said that European countries need to take into account security risks and consider banning TikTok. At the same time, he added that democratic countries should continue discussions on how to successfully counter the influx of artificial intelligence-based social bots whose goal is to interfere in democratic processes. As a reminder, on the evening of January 18, access to the TikTok social network in the United States was restricted. The app became unavailable less than two hours before the official ban came into effect. Thus, about 170 million Americans were left without access to the popular social network. Earlier it was reported that the European Commission ordered the TikTok platform to "freeze and preserve" data related to the Romanian presidential election. This step was preceded by declassified information about external interference from Russia. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Scholz warned of a worrying and alarming normalisation of anti-Semitism, hate speech, and the rise of far-right movements in Germany, particularly on social media, where such sentiments are often paired with incitements to violence read more German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke about the memory of Auschwitz against the backdrop of the rise of far-right in Germany. File image/AP German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday reaffirmed Germanys responsibility to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, warning against attempts to downplay the atrocities committed by Germans during World War II. I am against turning the page, saying that was long ago, Scholz said during a gathering of the Jewish community in Frankfurt to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazis largest concentration camp. The Holocaust, Scholz said, represents millions of individual stories, of people like you and me. This collective memory, he stressed, is based on indisputable facts that everyone in our country must face regardless of origin, family history or religion. Advertisement Scholz warned of a worrying and alarming normalisation of anti-Semitism, hate speech, and the rise of far-right movements in Germany, particularly on social media, where such sentiments are often paired with incitements to violence. Far-right surge in Germany Scholzs comments come as Germany grapples with a surge in far-right activity ahead of snap elections. The Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party, which has gained significant traction in recent years, has faced criticism for rhetoric and actions reminiscent of Nazi-era policies. The party recently sparked backlash by distributing campaign flyers styled as Deportation Tickets, mock boarding passes listing Illegal Immigrant as the passenger and a Safe Country of Origin as the destination. Critics have drawn comparisons between this stunt and the one-way tickets to Jerusalem distributed by the Nazis in the 1930s. The brutality of Auschwitz More than one million people died at Auschwitz-Birkenau, the concentration camp established by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland. Most victims were Jews, but non-Jewish Poles, Roma, and Soviet prisoners of war also perished. Of the 1.3 million people sent to the camp, 1.1 million were killed, many in gas chambers, while others succumbed to starvation, disease, and exhaustion. Scholz emphasized the enduring relevance of Holocaust remembrance, stating that Germanys responsibility will not end and calling for vigilance against threats to Jewish communities and the resurgence of hateful ideologies. With inputs from agencies Yoon last week 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 read more A pro-Yoon protester jumps over a fence of a court during a rally outside a court on the day South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol plans to attend a court hearing to fight a request by investigators to extend his detention on accusations of insurrection, in Seoul, South Korea. Reuters A South Korean court on Sunday extended President Yoon Suk Yeols detention for up to 20 days, leading to violent protests by hundreds of angry supporters who stormed the court building, smashed windows and broke inside. Yoon last week 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. Advertisement Shortly after the courts decision was announced around 3 a.m. (1800 GMT) on Sunday, his supporters swarmed the building, overwhelming riot police trying to keep them at bay. Footage showed protesters blasting fire extinguishers at lines of police guarding the front entrance, before they flooded inside, destroying office equipment and furniture. Police, who restored order a few hours later, said they had so far arrested 46 protesters. We will track down till the end more of those who committed illegal acts or instigated and assisted, the Seoul Metropolitan Police said in a statement. There were around 40 minor injuries sustained during the chaos but no serious injuries reported, an emergency responder near the court said. With a requirement either to petition to extend Yoons detention or free the impeached president within 48 hours, South Korean investigators asked a Seoul court on Friday to hold him for longer after he refused to be questioned. After a 5-hour hearing on Saturday, which Yoon attended, the Seoul Western District Court opted to grant the investigators request due to concern that the suspect may destroy evidence, the court said in a statement. Under the new warrant, Yoon can be detained for up to 20 days. South Korean regulations require a suspect detained under a warrant to undergo a physical exam, have a mugshot taken and wear a prison uniform. Advertisement The leader is expected to continue to be held in a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Centre. President Yoon Suk Yeol and our legal team will never give up, lawyers representing Yoon, who have called the criminal probe invalid, said in a statement. We will do our best in all future judicial procedures to correct the wrong, the lawyers said, adding that the violence at the court was an unfortunate incident. Yoons conservative People Power Party called the courts decision a great pity. Theres a question whether repercussions of detaining a sitting president were sufficiently considered, the party said in a statement. But the main opposition Democratic Party called the courts approval on the warrant a cornerstone for rebuilding order and said that riots by far-right groups would only deepen the national crisis. Advertisement 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. Lawmakers impeached Yoon on Dec. 14, suspending his presidential powers. 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 PPPs 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. Denying the allegations that he masterminded insurrection, Yoon has so far stonewalled efforts by the CIO to interrogate him, refusing to attend questioning. Advertisement 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. Separate to the criminal probe that sparked Sundays chaos, the Constitutional Court is deliberating over whether to uphold the impeachment and permanently remove him or restore his powers. Yoons arrest could mark the beginning of a prolonged period in custody, lasting months or longer, as he faces the possibility of imprisonment on potential rebellion charges linked to his imposition of martial law on Dec. 3 read more Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials in Gwacheon, South Korea. AP South Koreas impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was formally arrested on Sunday, days after being apprehended in a massive law enforcement operation at his presidential compound in Seoul. Yoons arrest could mark the beginning of a prolonged period in custody, lasting months or longer, as he faces the possibility of imprisonment on potential rebellion charges linked to his imposition of martial law on Dec. 3. The National Assembly voided his short-lived declaration just hours after it was announced. Advertisement Yoon claimed he took the action because the liberal opposition, which has a legislative majority, was obstructing his agendas and even the approval of his budget. He described the opposition as North Korea sympathizers, anti-state forces responsible for wreaking havoc and the main culprits of our nations downfall. Here is a timeline of events: Jan. 19 The Seoul Western District Court grants law enforcements request for a formal arrest warrant for Yoon, citing him as a threat that could destroy evidence. His arrest triggers a riot by his supporters, who break into the court, smashing windows and equipment. Nearly 90 of them are arrested. Jan. 15 Anti-corruption investigators and police raid the presidential compound and detain Yoon, more than six weeks after his ill-fated power grab. Yoon, the first sitting president to be apprehended, had been holed up in the Hannam-dong residence in the capital, Seoul, for weeks while vowing to fight to the end the efforts to oust him. Jan. 14 The Constitutional Court held its first formal hearing in the case. The session lasted less than five minutes because Yoon refused to attend. The next hearing is set for Jan. 16. Jan. 7 The chief of the presidential security service, Park Jong-joon, resigns. Jan. 3 Scuffles occur on Jan. 3 when dozens of investigators were stopped from entering Yoons compound by presidential security forces, military personnel and vehicle barricades. Advertisement Dec. 31 Seoul Western District Court issues a warrant to detain Yoon for questioning. Dec. 27 The National Assembly votes to impeach South Koreas acting President Han Duck-soo over his unwillingness to fill vacancies on the bench of the Constitutional Court, plunging the country into further political turmoil. Dec. 14 The National Assembly passes the motion 204-85, impeachingYoon. His presidential powers and duties are subsequently suspended and Prime Minister Han, the countrys No. 2 official, takes over presidential powers. Dec. 12 Yoon defends his martial law decree as an act of governance and denies rebellion charges, vowing to fight to the end in the face of attempts to impeach him. Advertisement The National Assembly passes motions to impeach national police chief Cho Ji Ho and Justice Minister Park Sung Jae, suspending them from official duties, over their alleged roles in the enforcement of martial law. Dec. 11 Kim Yong Hyun, the former defense minister, is formally arrested over his alleged collusion with Yoon and others in imposing martial law. The Justice Ministry says Kim was stopped from attempting suicide hours before a Seoul court issued his arrest warrant. South Korean police send officers to search Yoons office to look for evidence related to the martial law introduction but they are blocked by Yoons security team from entering the compound. Advertisement Police detain the national police chief and the top officer for Seoul over their roles in enforcing Yoons martial law orders. Dec. 10 Kwak Jong-keun, commander of the Army Special Warfare Command whose troops were sent to parliament after Yoon declared martial law, tells lawmakers that he received direct instructions from former defense minister, Kim, to obstruct them from entering the National Assemblys main chamber. He says Kims instructions were to prevent the 300-member Assembly from gathering the 150 votes necessary to overturn Yoons martial law order. Kwak says Yoon later called him directly and asked for the troops to quickly destroy the door and drag out the lawmakers who are inside. Kwak says he did not carry out Yoons orders. Advertisement Dec. 9 South Koreas Justice Ministry bans Yoon from traveling overseas as police, prosecutors and South Koreas anti-corruption agency expand competing investigations into allegations of rebellion and other charges in connection with his martial law decree. Dec. 8 Prosecutors detain former defense minister, Kim, over his alleged role in planning and executing Yoons martial law enforcement. Dec. 7 Yoon apologizes and says he wont shirk legal or political responsibility for declaring martial law. He also says he would leave it to his party to chart a course through the countrys political turmoil, including matters related to my term in office. Yoon survives an impeachment vote that most ruling party lawmakers boycotted, denying the motion that required a two-thirds majority. Dec. 6 In a bombshell reversal, Han Dong-hun, reformist leader of Yoons party, expresses support for suspending Yoons constitutional powers, saying that the president poses a significant risk of extreme actions, like reattempting to impose martial law, which could potentially put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger. Dec. 5 Yoon replaces his Defense Minister Kim, a close associate believed to be the person who recommended the president declare martial law. Han, the leader of Yoons party, says he would work to defeat the opposition-led impeachment motion even though he criticized Yoons declaration as unconstitutional. Han says theres a need to prevent damage to citizens and supporters caused by unprepared chaos. Dec. 4 Shortly after midnight, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik says through his YouTube channel that the Assembly will respond to Yoons martial law declaration with constitutional procedure. Woo reaches the Assemblys main chamber around 12:35 a.m. Some South Korean troops break windows to enter the Assembly but fail to reach the main chamber. Woo opens a meeting at 12:47 a.m. to hold a vote on whether to lift martial law. At around 1 a.m., 190 lawmakers, including 18 from Yoons own conservative People Power Party, voted unanimously to lift martial law. Troops and police begin to retreat from the Assembly shortly later. At 4:30 a.m., martial law is formally lifted following a Cabinet meeting. Dec. 3 In a surprise announcement at 10:29 p.m., President Yoon tells a national television audience hes declaring martial law, saying the opposition-controlled National Assembly has become a den of criminals paralyzing government affairs. Yoon vows to eradicate his political rivals, describing them as North Korea-sympathizing, anti-state forces responsible for wreaking havoc and are the main culprits of our nations downfall. He doesnt back his claims with direct evidence. In reaction, the main opposition Democratic Party calls for an emergency meeting. As lawmakers begin rushing to the National Assembly, the militarys martial law command issues a proclamation declaring sweeping government powers, including the suspension of political parties activities and other political gatherings that could cause social confusion and control over media and publications. It says anyone who violates the decree could be arrested without a warrant. Hundreds of heavily armed troops encircle the Assembly, apparently to prevent lawmakers from gathering to vote on the martial law declaration. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung live-streams his journey from a car, pleading for people to converge on the parliament to help lawmakers get inside. The shaky footage shows him climbing over a fence to reach the grounds. Syrias new defence minister has said it would not be right for Kurdish forces to remain a separate bloc read more Syrias new defence minister has said it would not be right for US-backed Kurdish fighters based in the countrys northeast to retain their own bloc within the broader integrated Syrian armed forces. Speaking to the Reuters news agency in Damascus, Murhaf Abu Qasra said on Sunday (January 19) that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was procrastinating in its handling of the complex issue. The SDF, which has carved out a semi-autonomous zone through 14 years of war, has been in talks with the new administration in Damascus led by former rebels who toppled President Bashar al-Assad on December 8. Advertisement SDF commander Mazloum Abdi (also known as Mazloum Kobani) has said one of their central demands is a decentralised administration, saying in an interview with Saudi Arabias Asharq News channel last week that the SDF was open to integrating with the Ministry of Defence but as a military bloc, and without dissolving. Abu Qasra rejected that proposal on Sunday. We say that they would enter the Defence Ministry within the hierarchy of the Defence Ministry and be distributed in a military way we have no issue there, said Abu Qasra, who was appointed defence minister on December 21. But for them to remain a military bloc within the Defence Ministry, such a bloc within a big institution is not right. One of the ministers priorities since taking office has been integrating Syrias myriad anti-al-Assad factions into a unified command structure. However, doing so with the SDF has proved challenging. The United States considers the group a key ally against the Islamic State group, but neighbouring Turkey regards it as a national security threat linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Abu Qasra said he had met the SDF leaders but accused them of procrastinating in talks over their integration, and said incorporating them in the Defence Ministry like other former rebel factions was a right of the Syrian state. He was appointed to the transitional government about two weeks after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group to which he belongs, led the offensive that overthrew al-Assad. Advertisement The minister said he hoped to finish the integration process, including appointing some senior military figures, by March 1, when the transitional governments time in power is set to end, Al Jazeera reported. Asked how he responded to criticism that a transitional council should not make such appointments or carry out such sweeping changes to the military infrastructure, he said security issues had prompted the new state to prioritise the matter. We are in a race against time and every day makes a difference, he said. The new administration was also criticised over its decision to give some foreigners, including Egyptians and Jordanians, ranks in the new military. Abu Qasra acknowledged the decision had created a firestorm but said he was not aware of any requests to extradite any of the foreign fighters. The government has barred females from education after sixth grade. Last September, there were reports authorities had also stopped medical training and courses for women read more Girls attend school on the first day of the new school year, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on March 25, 2023. File image/ AP A senior Taliban figure has urged the groups leader to scrap education bans on Afghan women and girls, saying there is no excuse for them, in a rare public rebuke of government policy. Sher Abbas Stanikzai, political deputy at the Foreign Ministry, made the remarks in a speech on Saturday in southeastern Khost province. He told an audience at a religious school ceremony there was no reason to deny education to women and girls, just as there was no justification for it in the past and there shouldnt be one at all. Advertisement The government has barred females from education after sixth grade. Last September, there were reports authorities had also stopped medical training and courses for women. In Afghanistan, women and girls can only be treated by female doctors and health professionals. Authorities have yet to confirm the medical training ban. We call on the leadership again to open the doors of education, said Stanikzai in a video shared by his official account on the social platform X. We are committing an injustice against 20 million people out of a population of 40 million, depriving them of all their rights. This is not in Islamic law, but our personal choice or nature. Stanikzai was once the head of the Taliban team in talks that led to the complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. It is not the first time he has said that women and girls deserve to have an education. He made similar remarks in September 2022, a year after schools closed for girls and months and before the introduction of a university ban. But the latest comments marked his first call for a change in policy and a direct appeal to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Ibraheem Bahiss, an analyst with Crisis Groups South Asia program, said Stanikzai had periodically made statements calling girls education a right of all Afghan women. However, this latest statement seems to go further in the sense that he is publicly calling for a change in policy and questioned the legitimacy of the current approach, Bahiss said. Advertisement In the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, earlier this month, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai urged Muslim leaders to challenge the Taliban on women and girls education. She was speaking at a conference hosted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Muslim World League. The U.N. has said that recognition is almost impossible while bans on female education and employment remain in place and women cant go out in public without a male guardian. No country recognizes the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan, but countries like Russia have been building ties with them. India has also been developing relations with Afghan authorities. In Dubai earlier this month, a meeting between Indias top diplomat, Vikram Mistri, and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi showed their deepening cooperation. Advertisement We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties read more As per the recently pased law, TikTok must be sold to a US-based company by the January deadline to avoid being removed from major app stores like Apple and Google. However, no buyer has stepped up to seal the deal, and time is running dangerously short. Reuters China-based social media platform TikTok on Sunday (January 19) confirmed that the company was resuming services in the US. It cited Trump providing clarity as the reason for this development. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok said, " In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. 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." Advertisement Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States." STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK: In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. 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 TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 19, 2025 President-elect Donald Trump had announced on Sunday that he plans to issue an executive order that would grant TikToks China-based parent company additional time to find an approved buyer, preventing a permanent ban on the popular video-sharing platform in the United States. Trump shared this decision in a post on his Truth Social account, as millions of TikTok users in the US woke up to find they could no longer access the TikTok app or platform. Advertisement Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations, Trump wrote. Google and Apple had removed the app from their digital stores to comply with a federal law mandating that if TikToks parent company, ByteDance, did not sell its US operations by Sunday, the app would be banned. With inputs from agencies An estimated 15 per cent of Americans around 50 million people live in distressed ZIP codes marked by high poverty, unemployment, abandoned homes, and declining businesses read more Outgoing President Joe Biden is set to sign an executive order on Sunday (January 19) to direct government resources to economically distressed areas, a day before handing over the White House to President-elect Donald Trump. The order focuses on so-called left-behind communities, prioritising federal support for areas grappling with economic distress, industrial decline, and natural disasters. The initiative is designed to build on key infrastructure, energy, and technology investments made during Bidens tenure and assist Trump as he prepares to oversee these programs. Advertisement An estimated 15 per cent of Americans around 50 million people live in distressed ZIP codes marked by high poverty, unemployment, abandoned homes, and declining businesses, according to analysts. In the last four years, the Biden administration has directed significant funding to these areas, including $54 billion for Energy Communities in coal, oil, and gas regions; $525 million for job training programs; $210 million for six new tech hubs; and billions in infrastructure spending. Bidens order aims to institutionalise a whole-of-government approach to assist these communities. It establishes a No Wrong Door policy to help them access federal resources and directs federal agencies to identify long-term economic development and infrastructure funding for areas recovering from natural disasters. Its not splashy. Its just fulfilling his determination to help left-behind communities, particularly in the heartland, make comebacks, said White House economic adviser Lael Brainard. The Commerce Department under Biden has also awarded $700 million for tech hubs to expand the benefits of the technology sector beyond traditional centres like Silicon Valley and Boston. In a statement, Biden reflected on his administrations efforts, saying they made historic investments to help left-behind communities, such as distressed areas, factory towns, and coal communities, turn setbacks into comebacks. The order locks in lessons learned during Bidens term, Brainard added, and ensures the best chance of success for these communities. Advertisement President Trump, who in 2018 signed an executive order to address challenges in distressed areas, has vowed to focus on economic growth during his second term, including cutting regulations and raising tariffs. With inputs from agencies TikTok has said that it will go dark on Sunday, appealing for greater clarity and assurance so that US tech hosts of the service would not be in legal jeopardy read more Days before assuming the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump said that he is most likely to grant a 90-day extension to the popular video-sharing app Tiktok so that they can save themselves from a ban in the United States. In an interview with NBC News, Trump said on Saturday that he is considering extending the Sunday deadline laid down for ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese-buyer or face a ban under US law. Advertisement 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 a phone interview. If I decide to do that, Ill probably announce it on Monday, he furthered. The remarks from Trump came after outgoing US President Joe Bidens administration maintained that they were passing over the responsibility to implement the law to the incoming Trump administration. In the midst of the ongoing political struggle, TikTok has said that it will go dark on Sunday, appealing for greater clarity and assurance so that US tech hosts of the service would not be in legal jeopardy. Biden administration accuses TikTok of pulling a stunt Outgoing White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called TikToks plans to go dark a stunt in a statement on 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 furthered. It is pertinent to note that under US law, the president can grant the app a deadline extension if he certifies that there is a path to divestiture or a significant progress has been made in this regard. After the US Supreme Court upheld the law and rejected TikToks appeal, the ball is in Trumps court to save the app from getting banned. Advertisement In his last ditch effort TikToks CEO, Shou Chew, who is slated to attend Trumps inauguration on Monday, posted a video praising Trumps support. 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," he concluded. With inputs from agencies. The survey revealed that Americans view him more negatively than any other president about to take office in the last 70 years read more Days before US President-elect Donald Trump takes over the White House for the second time, a poll found that Americans support his policies more than the man himself. The data to support the argument was shared by the The New York Times/Ipsos poll. The survey found that 87 per cent of respondents support deporting illegal immigrants in the US who have a criminal record. Trump has promised to the launch largest mass deportation program in American history once he returns to the White House. Meanwhile, 55 per cent, said they support deporting all immigrants who are in the country illegally while 42 opposed the policy. Advertisement When it comes to ending birthright citizenship for kids born to immigrants in the country illegally, 41 per cent said that they backed the deal while 55 per cent voted against it. Around 4 in 10 people agreed with Trumps assertion that immigrants are a burden to the country. According to The New York Times, the poll surveyed 2,128 adults from January 2 to 10. But Trumps own image is not loved The survey revealed that Americans view him more negatively than any other president about to take office in the last 70 years. NYT stated that people are more supportive of his policies than the man himself. Most Americans believe that the United States has ignored serious problems at home while entangling itself in costly conflicts abroad. A majority of people told the polls that they are worried or pessimistic about the next four years. According to another poll conducted by the website FiveThirtyEight, his favorability rating has hovered just below 50 per cent. Interestingly, this matches the share of the popular vote he garnered in the 2024 presidential race. A vast majority of Americans also dont want him to prosecute his political opponents. Overall, 73 per cent of Americans say they oppose the idea of Trump pursuing legal charges against his adversaries with 49 per cent saying they are strongly opposed to it. The poll also showed that Americans hold their government t in exceedingly low esteem far lower than during the Watergate era, NYT reported. Two-thirds of Americans also pointed out that the countrys economy unfairly favours the wealthy. Despite all the apprehensions, the majority expect Trump to follow through on what he said he would do. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. On Friday, Trumps inaugural committee announced that the Republican firebrand will be using the same two bibles he used when he took oath the first time in 2017 read more Donald Trump takes the oath of office with his wife Melania and son Barron at his side, during his first inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington, on, January 20, 2017. File photo/Reuters While US President-elect Donald Trump enthusiastically endorsed the God Bless the USA Bible, which was a blend of scripture and star-spangled swagger, he will be holding two less controversial holy books while taking the oath as the 47th President of the United States. On Friday, Trumps inaugural committee announced that the Republican firebrand will be using the same two bibles he used when he took oath the first time in 2017. Advertisement One of the bibles was used for Abraham Lincolns inauguration in 1861 and the other belonged to Trumps mother which was given to him in 1955. The team argued that Trumps message behind using the bible is that he once again swears to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Trump is not the first American president to use two Bibles in his inaugural ceremony. Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard M. Nixon and Barack Obama all took the oath with two in hand. The Lincoln Bible is quite popular among American leaders. Former President Barack Obama used Lincolns Bible twice. Bibles with history According to the Library of Congress, the Lincoln Bible is a burgundy, velvet-bound book that was serendipitously used in the 16th presidents swearing-in because his family Bible was packed with other belongings that still were en route to Washington from Springfield, Illinois." Meanwhile, Trumps personal Bible is a 1953 Revised Standard Version edition that his mother Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, gave him after he graduated from his Sunday school at age 9 in 1955. His name is embossed on the front of the Bible and the inside cover is signed by church officials, Trumps inaugural team said in a statement. During the inauguration ceremony, Vice President-elect JD Vance is also leaning into his family roots. He will swear on a King James Version passed down from his maternal great-grandmother who he fondly called Mamaw Bonnie in 2003. According to the inaugural committee, the bible was gifted to him when he left home for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina. Advertisement Do the presidents have to use the Bible? While the Constitution of the United States of America requires presidents to take an oath of office, there is no such rule which requires them to do with their hands on a religious book, or any book at all. Most have used a family Bible. The tradition was first practised by George Washington at the first inauguration. Since then taking oath with a bible has been popularised by his successors. Presidents like Warren G. Harding, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush all used the bible used by Washington. Interestingly, In 1985, John Quincy Adams swore on a law book. He was also the first president to wear long trousers at his inauguration, breaking with the five presidents before him, who all had worn knee breeches. Meanwhile, Lyndon B. Johnson, a Protestant, was sworn in aboard Air Force One using a Roman Catholic missal, shortly after the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. The prayer book had been found at Kennedys bedside table on the plane, according to the inauguration committee. Advertisement On the morning of January 19, the Israeli Defense Forces started withdrawing troops from the Gaza Strip as part of a ceasefire and hostage exchange. Israel and Hamas also plan to release prisoners under previous agreements. ADVERTISIMENT According to preliminary reports, Israeli forces have begun withdrawing from Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip. The IDF claimed that Hamas terrorists did not fulfill the terms of the agreement, so Israeli forces continued to strike at targets in Gaza. Later it became known that the parties had reached an agreement. This was reported by The Times of Israel. According to local correspondents, Israeli troops began withdrawing from Gaza on the morning of January 19. At the same time, local media are allegedly publishing footage of the withdrawal of units of the 84th Givati Brigade from the IDF's 162nd Armored Division. ADVERTISIMENT Israeli media report that Hamas has not sent a list of hostages to be released even after the scheduled time for the ceasefire has passed. The Times of Israel states that the ceasefire agreement was supposed to come into effect at 8:30 am, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that it would not be implemented unless the Hamas terrorist group fulfills the agreed conditions and publishes the names of three civilian women. Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas had to provide the names of the hostages no later than 24 hours before their release. However, the terrorist group has not yet confirmed which three of the 97 hostages are to be released, claiming that the delay in handing over the names is due to "technical reasons." IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari issued a statement and said that as of the morning of January 19, Israeli troops continue to operate in the Gaza Strip. According to him, Hamas is not fulfilling its obligations and, contrary to the agreement, has not provided Israel with the names of the hostages who were to be released. Hagari emphasized that according to the Prime Minister's order, the ceasefire will not take effect until Hamas fulfills its obligations. ADVERTISIMENT "The IDF continues to operate and attack terrorist targets in Gaza. A short time ago, several terrorist targets in the northern and central Gaza Strip were attacked with artillery fire and aircraft. IDF remains ready in defense and offense and will not allow any harm to the citizens of Israel," the Israeli army said in a statement. Some time later, the Israeli authorities confirmed that Hamas had handed over the names of three hostages to be released under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. The release will begin after 4 p.m. local time, and 90 Palestinian prisoners will be released from jail upon the hostages' arrival in Israel. There was a delay of more than half a day in the transfer of the names, but now that the list has been received, the ceasefire has officially entered into force. ADVERTISIMENT The Hamas terrorist group announced in a statement that it would release hostages Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari. The three civilian women were taken hostage during a Hamas October 7 attack in 2023 in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 abducted to Gaza. The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed that it had received a list of hostages to be released. They also noted that the security services are currently checking the details. Hostage return coordinator Brig. Gen. Gal Hirsch informed the hostages' families through IDF representatives. It is worth noting that not all representatives of the Israeli government supported the agreement with Palestinian terrorists. In particular, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir resigned in protest against the deal with Hamas. ADVERTISIMENT Later it became known that the Minister of Heritage Amihai Eliyahu and the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience Yitzhak Wasserlauf bowed out as well. Earlier, it was reported that representatives of the Hamas terrorist group agreed to a draft agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages. The Israeli representative said at the time that there was progress, but details were still being finalized. On January 12, it was reported that President-elect Donald Trump sent his Middle East envoy to Israel to negotiate a hostage release and ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The truce marked a pause in weeks of intense fighting as well as the release of three Israeli hostages, including British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari read more A man waves Palestinian flags as Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. File Image/Reuters The long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Sunday (January 17), following a nearly three-hour delay. The truce marked a pause in weeks of intense fighting as well as the release of three Israeli hostages, including British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari. Hamas announced its commitment to the ceasefire, contingent on Israels adherence. The global community responded to these developments with cautious optimism and calls for further action. Heres a look at their reactions: Advertisement Joe Biden: Region Fundamentally transformed Outgoing US President Joe Biden described the truce as a pivotal moment for the region. After so much pain, death and loss of life, today the guns in Gaza have gone silent, he said during a visit to South Carolina. Reflecting on his presidencys role in supporting Israel, Biden added, Now the region has been fundamentally transformed. Biden acknowledged criticism of his policies but defended his decisions as vital to securing the ceasefire, asserting that alternative approaches risked a broader conflict. Ursula von der Leyen calls for continued hostage releases European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the release of the hostages and urged for further action. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari & Doron Steinbrecher are free. Others must follow, she wrote on X. Seeing the hostages reunion with their families fills our hearts with hope. Let it be the start of a new chapter for Israel and the Palestinian people. The ceasefire must hold. Europe will support it. Keir Starmer: Hostage release Wonderful and long-overdue British Prime Minister Keir Starmer celebrated the release of the hostages, particularly Emily Damari, calling it wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony. Starmer stressed the importance of implementing the truce fully, saying, While this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas. Emmanuel Macron advocates return of Palestinian Authority to Gaza French President Emmanuel Macron, in a conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stressed the importance of Palestinian governance in Gaza. Macron stated that Gazas future should align with the broader goal of a Palestinian state while preventing future violence against Israelis. It is now essential to immediately work to respond to the Gazans vital urgent needs, to ensure the delivery of massive humanitarian aid, at the level of the residents needs, the Elysee said in a statement. With inputs from agencies The average annual temperature of the planet is a mathematical calculation made with measurements taken around the world over the course of a year. As Carlo Buontempo (Rome, 52 years old), director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service the European Unions Earth observation program points out, the main bodies that monitor the worlds climate use different data and methodologies. However, this week these groups presented their 2024 assessment in near-synchronicity, and the results are very, very similar. These are not opinions, theyre facts, says the Italian climatologist, who is concerned that society is not taking advantage of the enormous quantity of scientific information now available on the planets climate imbalance. Question. Every year of the last decade (from 2015 to 2024) has been among the 10 warmest years on record on Earth. Is climate change intensifying? Answer. We cant say based on the data we have, because in the climate system, when it comes to atmospheric observations, there can be a lot of variability. It is still too early to say that what we are experiencing is an acceleration of warming. But it is true that the last 10 years have been the warmest on record. Q. Why do Copernicus climatologists say that 2024 was the warmest year on record, since 1850, if this warming is unprecedented in thousands of years? A. Its likely that 2024 was the warmest year of the last 100,000 years. We say [that it is the warmest year] on record to emphasize that since the mid-19th century, we have had enough meteorological data in various places around the world to be able to reconstruct the climate average over 50 years fairly reliably. Prior to 1850, records were sparser. The earliest records are from the United Kingdom, measuring the average temperature of central England, and those start in the mid-17th century. We do not have direct observations from earlier than that. We instead have to use tree rings, lake deposits, Antarctic air bubbles, which are more indirect measures of the climate situation and have higher uncertainty. Even so, during that period, the climate was quite a bit colder, so it is very likely. The IPCC [the United Nations main scientific panel for the study of climate change] says that these current global temperature thresholds have never been reached during the last 100,000 years. Q. This year NASA, the World Meteorological Organization, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the London Met Office presented their results on the same day as Copernicus. Were there any differences between them? A. I think that was a sign of strength, security, of the results. Each of these global centers works with different data, with different methodologies, with different personnel, but their results are very, very similar. All conclude that 2024 was the warmest year and that the last 10 years were the warmest. And in most cases, they found that 2024 was the first year to reach 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In the cases in which that wasnt the result, it was only by a difference of 0.1 degrees. Q. The Paris Agreement seeks to curb warming so that by the end of the century, the average global temperature rise will stay well below 2 degrees Celsius, limiting it to 1.5. What does it really mean that 2024 is the first year that that 1.5 threshold was reached? A. I think that 1.5 is a psychological value, since we have been talking about the Paris Agreement limit for years. But it should be stressed that we have not yet passed this threshold, as the Paris Agreement refers to a long-term average, at least 20 years. Q. Does having to wait 20 years to be able to say that this objective has been missed take a lot of strength away from it? A. Yes. In 2023, Richard A. Betts and other meteorologists from the London Met Office [the United Kingdoms meteorological agency] published an article in Nature in which they posit that perhaps another, more useful definition of this target should be sought. A 20-year average is used because if there is a sudden volcanic eruption, the global average temperature would temporarily drop for a year or two. [With another definition], global warming can be validated in a clear way, without interferences like volcanic eruptions or solar fluctuations. Now, if a giant eruption does not occur, the 1.5-degree threshold under the terms of the Paris Agreement will most likely be reached in less than 10 years. Q. What worries you most about the climate crisis? A. That we are not capable of taking advantage of the enormous quantity of climate data and information that we have about what is happening. I think that as a society, so far, we do not know how to use it. Q. Should we be more concerned in Spain about the risk of an increase in extreme events such as Octobers catastrophic DANA [a weather phenomenon that caused flash flooding in Valencia]? A. One piece of cumulative data from 2024 is that last year, the atmospheres humidity increased a lot, a direct consequence of the rise in temperature. And as humidity increases, the energy available for extreme events such as the one in Valencia, but also those that have occurred recently in Italy, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Greece there is a very clear signal that rainfall has intensified. Q. Recently, weve seen an increase in verbal attacks and assaults on social media directed towards climate scientists who warn about the consequences of global warming. Are you seeing this as well at Copernicus? A. Yes, a little. To me, this seems like a missed opportunity. Its bothersome when they insult you, but the biggest problem is that theyre not taking advantage of the observations we have made, which are not opinions, theyre facts. Its a huge shame. Q. Today, the forecast is that we will not only exceed 1.5 degrees, but also the 2-degree limit. What awaits us? A. Every tenth of a degree past 1.5 degrees will cause impacts to be more intense and make things more complicated. Q. You have two adolescent offspring. Do you talk about this with them? A. All the time, yes. They know exactly whats going on, theyre very aware. The world our children will live in will be very different from the one we grew up in, just as the climate today is very different from the one our parents or previous generations saw. Q. Do you really think the future is in our hands? A. I think so. But I cant say what it is that has to be done. If our goal is to limit the rise in temperature, the most efficient way to achieve that right now is by limiting greenhouse gas emissions. That is clear, but it is societys decision. Q. Are you concerned about Trumps arrival in the White House and the rise of other climate change denialist leaders? A. The information we have as to what is happening with the climate has economic value. I think that we have to make sure that economic value is harnessed. Q. What is the climate forecast for 2025? A. We dont know for sure, but what is expected is that it will be a nearly neutral year in the Pacific, with a very weak Nina [climate phenomenon], and that it will not be as warm as 2023 or 2024. But beyond whether 2025 becomes the warmest year or not, what counts is the overall trend and probably, the average of the next few years will be warmer. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 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. Iran will continue support for Yemeni government, people: Araghchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 18, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the Islamic Republic will keep supporting the Yemeni government and people. Araghchi made the remark in a phone conversation with his Yemeni counterpart Jamal Ahmed Ali Amer on Saturday night, with the two discussing bilateral issues and developments in the West Asia region. The top Iranian diplomat referred to the last week trip of UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg to Tehran, saying that "useful and effective" talks were held during his visit to the Islamic Republic. Araghchi added that Iran will continue its support for the Yemeni government and people. Referring to the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Araghchi said that the deal is the result of the resilience of Gazans and the support extended by different resistance groups, including that by Yemen's Ansarullah Movement and the Yemeni people, to the people of the besieged Palestinian territory. Yemen played an important role in achieving that victory, said the Iranian foreign minister, in reference to the Arab country's pro-Gaza military operations over the past months. The Yemeni minister, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the imposition of the ceasefire on the Israeli regime. He said that Yemen monitors the implementation of the ceasefire, with its future pro-Palestine actions depending on the Israeli regime's compliance with the deal and a complete end to the genocide against the Palestinian people. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM says Iran will continue to support Palestinian cause IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 18, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says his country will continue to support the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people's legitimate resistance against the occupying Zionist regime. Support for Palestine is the principled and unchanged stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the top diplomat said on Saturday evening in a phone call with Leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement (PIJ) Ziyad al-Nakhalah. Araghchi said that the Gaza ceasefire agreement is the result of the resistance of the Palestinian people in the face of the Israeli genocide over 15 months, which ultimately forced the regime to accept the deal. Al-Nakhalah, in turn, said that the Palestinian people will keep up their resistance to uphold their legal and humanitarian rights as well as the right to decide their fate, and attain freedom from occupation. Earlier on Saturday, al-Nakhalah said during a speech that the resistance of the Palestinian people was the most important factor that forced the Israeli regime to accept the ceasefire deal. The Islamic Jihad leader thanked Iran for its support to the Palestinian people, saying that "we cannot forget our brothers in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who stood by our nation with all they had at their disposal." The Gaza ceasefire agreement was announced on Wednesday, ending more than 15 months of brutal Israeli attacks that left nearly 46,800 people dead and more than 110,450 others wounded. The agreement will take effect on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address You are here: China The Chinese military conducted joint sea-air combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea from Friday to Saturday to maintain peace and stability in the area, according to a statement by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command. "Any military activity that stirs up trouble in the South China Sea is within our control," the statement read. They are ordinary men. Blacksmiths, fathers, husbands, retirees, musicians. Regular guys who were at home when the wind started to blow and the embers began to fly like burning bullets through the streets of their neighborhoods. Paul Mendez, Shane Jordan and Gregory Dane do not know each other, and their stories are different, yet similar: due to different circumstances, they decided to stay put in Altadena, one of the places most badly affected by the Los Angeles fires, and try to save their homes, but also, as far as possible, those of their neighbors. They claim that they did not put their lives in danger, but that is not the case. They took a risk and, luckily, they won. Others were not so fortunate. The one who lives closest to where the Eaton flames came from, on the edge of the Angeles National Forest, is Paul Mendez, a native of Mexico who has been in the U.S. since the late 1970s. A first-generation immigrant, like so many others in his city Latinos make up more than 12,000 of Altadenas 43,000 residents, accounting for 28%; there are also 7,000 Black and African-American residents and some 3,000 Asians he looks back on his not-so-easy life sitting in the backyard of his one-story house. He bought it in the mid-1990s and has been refurbishing it using his manual skills as a master blacksmith: he has made a swimming pool, a pergola, furniture and is now preparing a small house for one of his two daughters and his son-in-law. After selling his workshop at a loss a few years ago, the work of a lifetime was there in the house, but so were the memories. A tragedy happened in this house, he says in a small voice. His youngest son died in 2021, at the age of 18, overnight, after suffering from severe stomach pain; the doctors never told them exactly what had happened. He simply collapsed as he walked out of the house, and Mendez has erected a statue in his honor at that exact spot. He was not going to let all that go away. Ive worked all my life for this, and to lose it all in one night? Im going to fight, he remembers saying to himself on Tuesday January 7th, when the strong winds began and, in the afternoon, the flames. His daughters and son-in-law packed up and began to insist that he leave too. I said: Yes, lets go, but then the houses started to catch fire over there, the fire was visible, and the cars were heading out. I told my wife: Go with them, Im going to stay a little longer and Ill be with you soon. Both he and his wife, Josefina, stayed up all night, throwing water around the house, on the wood. They never saw any firefighters. 01:37 Fire near Paul Mendez's house Paul Mendez in front of his home in Altadena on January 14, 2025. Photo: Paul Mendez | Video: Maria Porcel The sparks were coming like bullets, and I said to myself: This is getting uglier, he recalls. He began to put fences around his house and the neighboring sheds, to control all the fires he could, his own and those nearby. He couldnt keep up, he couldnt see because of the smoke and the ashes. I grabbed some of those little shot glasses and more or less put them in my eyes, he recalls now, laughing. At seven in the morning, when the flames had calmed down somewhat, they both went to his in-laws house: The house on the corner was still burning and we started to see everything, everything was horrible, horrible, I didnt think it was so ugly. After a shower and breakfast it was back to the house, rosary in hand, along the few roads that werent blocked, afraid they might have lost everything. The house was still standing. They havent left the neighborhood since. The Mendezs have generators; the neighbors, eternally grateful, bring them water, gasoline, food (Im starting to get bored of cooking everything on the barbecue, he laughs), and since they cant go back, they encourage them to collect the eggs from their chickens. Paul (Josefina doesnt show up during the conversation) doesnt consider himself a hero, nor a brave man; he simply got to work. You get so involved in the moment that you dont think, you dont measure the consequences, he reflects. If I had left, we wouldnt have anything right now, all of this would have been consumed. I thank God because this was a miracle. But its was his hands that worked the miracle. Gregory Dane, with the paintings for which he draws inspiration from the Eaton Canyon, a source of the fire that devastated parts of Altadena, on January 15, 2025. Maria Porcel Estepa Gregory Dane has also relied on divine forces to protect his home, placing four angels in the corners of his house, but the first person to save it was himself. At 67 years old and after 37 years living in the east of Altadena, this former location scout for commercials, who once had a company with six employees, has turned painting into his passion. In fact, his main inspiration is the Eaton Canyon, the natural enclave a four-minute walk from home where the fire that has devastated his neighborhood originated. He goes there to take photographs that he then captures in abstract form in his paintings. Just a month ago he had reached an agreement to sell them, with great enthusiasm. When the winds and the power cuts began, he ran out of water at home and decided to go to the gym to shower. When he returned, he saw his two-story white house glowing amidst the neighbors fire. He loaded the car with nine of his heavy paintings, but he has 40 of them. He couldnt leave them there. He decided to stay. I live in a kind of forest, on three-quarters of an acre. It was dark and windy and embers were just hitting the house. Ive been through two big fires, but nothing like this one, he admits. So I grabbed my 100-foot hose and just started wetting everything down, getting it wet. And the yard next to mine, with the tall grass, started burning, and embers were falling, so I watered that yard, too, and then my house again, the cement, the yard, the dirt, the house itself, for about an hour and a half. Then he left: he had promised a friend he would get to safety and he kept his promise. Back at her house, a couple of towns away, tossing and turning, he decided to return to his neighborhood at seven in the morning. Everything was destroyed. He had a hard time getting in, he couldnt see. Gregory Dane in front of his home in Altadena, which he saved from the flames, on January 15, 2025. Maria Porcel Estepa It was sunny, but up here everything was dark, except for his house, which remained white and in one piece, he recalls with emotion. Then he began to stop fires in the area, in up to three other houses, some by himself, other times by telling the firefighters where the danger was, or with help from a family, and without hoses, using a 20-liter can of water. It all seems like something out of a movie, he admits. Until now he had been unable to tell the whole story. Tragedy and beauty have come from the same place. But nature is always rebuilding itself, he says, hopeful. He has not left his home again, and gets by thanks to what volunteers from a nearby post provide him with. Further south, Shane Jordan lives next to an area of tall pines popularly called Christmas Tree Lane, which is spectacularly decorated every Christmas. There are still lights lying on the ground. He was inside his home of 20 years when things got ugly; he sent away his wife and children, ages 16 and 18, and decided to stay behind and fight the flames. But I called my wife on Wednesday and told her: the house is going away, the musician now recalls. He joined a couple of other neighbors and decided to patrol and cool down all the houses with homemade hoses. If they saw bushes burning, they stopped the flames with the low water pressure they had available. He tells this to Rob, another neighbor who has come to check on his house: he didnt know what he was going to find. He only has a burnt hedge. When Jordan and his colleagues saw it catch fire, they put it out immediately. The house is intact. Shane Jordan (in cap) and his neighbor Rob, whose house he saved from the fire, chat for the first time since the fire in Altadena. Carlos Rosillo Like his two neighbors, Jordan has done everything with whatever he and the people on his block had at hand. In his case, he did see firefighters: The patrols were very kind and grateful. They told us that the only houses that were saved were because of what the people did. Nobody wins here, but we were able to stop the fire from jumping from one house to the next, and the next, and the next, he explains. These homeowners watered their houses and those of their neighbors, and did not leave despite the warnings sent to mobile phones or the anguished pleas of their families. Now, they do not want to leave their houses either. They all follow Paul Mendezs line of reasoning: Fight or die? Well, it is better to fight than to sit back and do nothing, right? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Israel 'failed' in Gaza, forced to withdraw: Hamas IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 18, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it has forced the Israeli regime to withdraw from Gaza ahead of a ceasefire deal that is set to begin on Sunday. In a statement on Saturday, Hamas said Israel has failed to achieve its aggressive goals in Gaza and only committed "war crimes that are a disgrace to humanity". The resistance has "shattered" Israel's arrogance during the 15-month genocidal war, which has left nearly 47,000 Palestinians dead, it added. The Palestinian group, which launched a surprise assault on the occupying entity on October 7, 2023, said it has "forced the occupation to stop the aggression" despite Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attempts to prolong the war. The Palestinian people are now "closer to the end of the occupation, liberation, and return" to their land. Netanyahu's cabinet approved the deal with Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, for a ceasefire and release of prisoners in the Gaza Strip, his office said on Saturday. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni armed forces conduct fresh anti-Israel operations IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 18, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced a series of coordinated operations against Israeli and US assets. The first operation targeted critical Israeli positions in the occupied Umm al-Rashrash area in southern Palestine, utilizing four cruise missiles, the Yemeni armed forces spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced in a statement. A second operation was conducted using drones, targeting a vital Israeli site in the occupied Ashkelon area, he added. According to the statement, three drones were deployed in a separate strike on Israeli positions in the occupied Jaffa area, with all operations reportedly hitting their targets. The Yemeni Armed Forces expressed their readiness to respond to any escalation by the US or Israel against Yemen. They also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, warning that any violations of agreements or intensified operations in Gaza would prompt appropriate retaliatory measures. In recent months, Yemen has also launched missile and drone attacks on positions inside Israeli-occupied territories, including Tel Aviv and Eilat Port, in response to the regime's war on Gaza. Yemen continued its anti-Israel operations even after the regime launched attacks on Yemeni soil. Yemen has said its anti-Israel operations will continue until the siege of Gaza is lifted. 9376**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah leader says resistance achieved its goals against Israeli regime IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 18, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Sheikh Naeem Qassem, Secretary-General of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, has congratulated the recent ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip, noting that Gaza's self-sacrifice will be recorded in history. According to Lebanon's Al Manar TV network, the Hezbollah leader said on Saturday that the Palestinian resistance and people managed to defeat the Israeli regime. "I congratulate the ceasefire, which indicates the resilience of the Palestinian nation and resistance," he said, adding, "The resistance achieved its objectives, while the enemy failed to accomplish its goals." He also underlined that history will record Gaza's self-sacrifice and the defeat of the Israeli enemy and that the escalating disputes among Zionists show that the only solution lies in restoring the occupied territories of Palestine to its rightful owners. The secretary-general of Hezbollah also urged the Lebanese government to confront the Zionist regime's numerous aggressions decisively, arguing that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is limited to the southern area of the Litani River. Hezbollah's conflict with the Israeli regime played a crucial role in Gaza's victory, the Sheikh said, arguing, "We obstructed the Israeli regime's success in dismantling resistance in Lebanon; the Lebanese resistance will remain steadfast against the US-Israeli agenda." On Lebanon's internal situation following the Zionist regime's aggression, he noted that no one can exploit the consequences of the regime's assault for internal political gain. Qassem also said that Hezbollah is a key entity in the country, and its collaboration with the Amal Movement led to the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's president, warning that any attempt to marginalize the resistance movement from the political sphere is doomed to failure. He also praised the Yemeni people, the Ansarullah movement, and the Iraqi nation and their religious leadership, and the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) for their support for Palestine. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden Joins NATO Forces in Latvia, Strengthening Regional Security Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence 01/18/2025 - 12:16 Defence policy In Latvia International cooperation Information prepared by Media Relations Section In a significant demonstration of unity and commitment to collective defence, today a Swedish Mechanized Infantry Battalion from the South Skane Regiment arrived in Latvia to join the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, as part of the Multinational Division North based in the country. "The number of Allied soldiers and military equipment continues to increase in Latvia. Sweden's accession to the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia is a clear sign that the Alliance is united, and any hostile actions by Russia will be followed by a clear response. I am convinced that our joint military exercises will provide excellent experience for both us and our Allies," Defence Minister Andris Spruds said. This is the first Swedish NATO mission deployment since Sweden became a member of the NATO Alliance on March 7, 2024. Deploying Swedish troops to Latvia is part of the efforts of the entire Alliance to protect NATO's eastern flank. NATO unity and strength are the bedrock of the multinational support to Latvia, committed to peace and security. The troops were welcomed at Riga Port, where ships carrying essential equipment also arrived. They will train together with their NATO Allies. Present at the event was the Minister of Defence of Latvia Andris Spruds, the Commander of Multinational Division North Major General Jette Albinus, the Commander of Multinational Brigade Latvia Colonel Cedric Aspirault, the Commander of Swedish Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl. "I have been looking forward to the arrival of the Swedes and warmly welcome Sweden to their first full-fledged NATO mission. We look forward to collaborating with them in light of their expertise and participation in previous missions, I am confident they will make a decisive difference here in Latvia," says the Commander of Multinational Division North Major General Jette Albinus. "We welcome the Swedish Mechanized Infantry battalion to the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia. Their presence is a valued addition to our combat-ready force, enhancing our collective defence efforts and strengthening regional security. Every contributing nation directly impacts the success of the Brigade, demonstrating a solid alliance and willpower to protect the peace of our world," says Colonel Cedric Aspirault, Commander of the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia. "We are honoured to be here, and we are committed and ready to contribute to NATO's collective defence and deterrence efforts in the region. It is history in the making, but also the new normal for us. We look forward to the important task that is ahead of us, and we take great pride in doing it together as Allies", says Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl, Commander of the 71st Mechanized Infantry Battalion. In the coming weeks a formal Transfer of Authority ceremony will take place, officially integrating Swedish forces into the NATO mission in Latvia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel to release over 1,890 Palestinians in first phase of Gaza truce: Egypt Iran Press TV Saturday, 18 January 2025 7:20 PM Egypt says Israel will release more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli captives during the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. On Wednesday, a three-phase ceasefire deal was agreed to by Hamas and Israel to pause the regime's devastating war on Gaza. Egypt's foreign ministry said Saturday that the prisoners would be freed during the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire, which will go into effect at 8:30 am local time (0630 GMT) Sunday Israel had said earlier that 737 Palestinian prisoners would be freed --- none before 1400 GMT, Sunday. Foreign captives, including Americans, are also expected to be released in addition to the 33 Israeli captives, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Of the 251 Israelis held captive by Hamas during Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the occupied territories on Oct.7, 2023, 94 are still in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. At the end of the first phase, 65 captives will remain in Gaza. Their release some of whom are likely dead will be negotiated, starting by day 16 of the truce. Egypt and Qatar were the key mediators that facilitated the long-running efforts to put an end to months of Israel's brutal campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip, which has also been under the regime's inhumane blockade for more than 15 months. Now Egypt says it will also provide "the entry of 600 trucks per day to the Strip, including 50 trucks of fuel," according to Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. He said 50 fuel trucks will enter the besieged territory once the ceasefire starts Sunday. "We hope that 300 trucks will go to the north of the Gaza Strip." The ceasefire marks a critical moment for aid delivery into the territory. Hundreds of trucks have already lined up at the Rafah border crossing, which had been closed since May. Rights groups say the ceasefire agreement is a relief, but it is only the beginning of addressing the immense humanitarian, psychological, and medical needs in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel failed to achieve goals in Gaza, Palestinians closer to liberation: Hamas Iran Press TV Saturday, 18 January 2025 1:55 PM Hamas says Israel has failed to achieve its objectives in its genocidal war in the Gaza Strip, stressing that Palestinians are closer to "liberation" after "shattering" the occupying regime's "arrogance" by resisting 15 months of brutal aggression against the besieged territory. Hamas made the remarks in a statement on Saturday, after the Israeli regime's full cabinet approved the ceasefire deal in Gaza earlier in the day. The resistance group said it had "forced" the occupying regime to stop the aggression against Palestinians and withdraw, despite Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attempts "to prolong the war and commit more massacres." "The occupation failed to achieve its aggressive goals, and only succeeded in committing war crimes that shame humanity," Hamas said, adding that Palestinians are now "closer to the end of the occupation, liberation, and return." The resistance group further noted that "the sacrifices of our people in the genocidal war will not go in vain, won't be forgotten." In a separate statement, Hamas explained that the mechanism for the group's release of Israeli captives "will depend on the number of Palestinian detainees Israel agrees to release". It further stated that the list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed at each stage would be released one day before each exchange day. In the early hours of Saturday, the Israeli regime's cabinet voted to approve a ceasefire deal between Tel Aviv and Palestinian resistance movements in Gaza, after more than 460 days of genocidal war in which Israeli forces have killed more than 46,788 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Netanyahu's office announced that the deal to halt the fighting with Hamas would come into effect on Sunday. The phased-out deal would begin with a six-week truce and could eventually end the brutal military onslaught. Hamas has already approved the deal, hailing the Palestinian fighters and civilians for their overcoming the regime's aggression and preventing it from achieving any of its wartime goals. More than 240 Zionists were taken captive by the resistance groups in October 2023, 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 implemented in seven phases over the first 42 days. The regime was forced to approve the deal following pressure from the families of the captives and despite threats from some cabinet members that they would resign and cause it to collapse if the agreement was approved. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Donald Trump said goodbye to his supporters on the morning of January 20, 2021, at Andrews Air Force Base just outside of Washington, D.C., before leaving for his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Goodbye. We love you. Well be back in some form, he said, with First Lady Melania at his side, dressed in black, as if in mourning. The loudspeakers blared the strains of YMCA the Village People song thats part of the soundtrack of Trumpism as the couple walked, hand-in-hand, to the steps of Air Force One, the presidential jet. Four years later, Trump is back. And not in just any way: his is a triumphant return. Hes the only US president to regain office after having lost it (apart from Grover Cleveland, back in 1893). The 78-year-old Republican returns to the White House on Monday with experience, surrounded by loyalists and ready to exercise power from day one. He plans to issue dozens of decrees that will begin to erase the Biden-Harris administration, reduced to an interregnum between his two terms. Four years after the assault on the Capitol, Trumps return to power with his promises of political revenge, his plans for immediate mass deportations, his climate denialism and the rest of his extremist agenda represents an earthquake, a new test of resistance for American democracy and institutions. The return of Trumps nationalist populism is also a blow to the geopolitical chessboard, with its strange mix of isolationism and imperialist desires, peppered with threats of tariffs. In his first term (2017-2021), Trump frequently strained the seams of his executive authority, with judges striking down measures that overstepped his jurisdiction. Few doubt that history will repeat itself, with some of his decrees being challenged in court. The judges will be in the words of Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Senate a shield to protect democracy. The Supreme Court has a conservative supermajority that will make things easier for the president but it has shown that it wont simply bow to Trumps wishes. It rejected his request to suspend the ban on TikTok and also allowed him to be sentenced in the Stormy Daniels case. Trump thus marks another milestone: he will be the first convicted felon to be sworn in as president. Trump won the presidential election on November 5 with 77.3 million votes (49.9%)... 2.3 million more than Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to run for office. He capitalized on the frustration felt by broad segments of the population: people are upset with rising prices, the massive influx of immigrants and the global conflicts that have weighed down Bidens presidency. However, Trump also took advantage of his undeniable charisma. Making xenophobia the axis of his campaign as he did in 2016 he whipped up hatred of immigrants to his advantage. As if a real estate developer-turned-television star winning the presidency didnt already defy the laws of gravity in American politics, his retaking of power also seemed like an improbable feat. Voters forgave him for his scandals, accusations and convictions. Yet, he returns to the office with a sour face: his official portrait is more reminiscent of his police mug shot than the smiling image in his 2017 presidential photograph. Downtown Washington is already sealed off for the inauguration. As required by the 20th Amendment to the US Constitution, Trump will take office at noon. The 45th president of the United States will also become the 47th the oldest to take office. The inauguration will take place in the Rotunda, the large round room under the great dome of the Capitol. This is after a last-minute change of plans, due to the wave of polar cold that will hit Washington this Monday. Blue Monday is generally considered to be the most depressing day of the year. He will be surrounded by the Declaration of Independence, paintings like The Baptism of Pocahontas (1840), as well as statues of eight former presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan. The latter was the last president who was sworn in indoors because of the cold. With his left hand on the Bible, his right hand raised and standing before Chief Justice John Roberts Trump will swear allegiance to the Constitution. House Speaker Mike Johnson a Republican has ordered the U.S. flag at the Capitol to be flown to its highest point. Trump had expressed frustration that it would be flown at half-staff at his inauguration because of the 30 days of mourning declared following the death of Jimmy Carter. With the ceremony moved inside the Capitol, only the most select guests around 600 will be present. Attendees will include the outgoing president, Joe Biden; the three living former presidents, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama; foreign leaders a novelty for this ceremony such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as well as Argentine President Javier Milei and El Salvadors Nayib Bukele. There will also be numerous allies of Trump including Elon Musk and big tech magnates like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook. Among those whove made it clear they wont attend are Nancy Pelosi the former House speaker and informal leader of the opposition during Trumps first term and Michelle Obama, who, as outgoing first lady, attended Trumps inauguration eight years ago. Trumps supporters will gather at the Capital One Arena the home of the Washington Wizards about a mile away to watch the broadcast of the inauguration. Trump will hold a rally there on Sunday, January 19. The Village People, of course, will perform their hit song YMCA live. Apocalyptic vision Mondays inaugural address will set the tone for Trumps return to power. Eight years ago, he painted a grim picture of the country, presenting it as the victim of a massacre: American carnage. His vision has become even more apocalyptic since then, despite the fact that crime has fallen, the economy is doing well and even the flow of irregular immigration has slowed. In 2017, Trump promised to return power to the people (without that translating into anything concrete during his term). Now, he arrives at the White House surrounded by what Biden described in his farewell speech as a new oligarchy, or a technological industrial complex an echo of the military industrial complex that Eisenhower denounced that concentrates power and extreme wealth. In his first inauguration, Trump proclaimed his America First slogan the prelude to tariffs and his nationalistic foreign policy and closed with the slogan plagiarized from Reagans 1980 campaign, Make America Great Again. The acronym MAGA has long been synonymous with Trumpism. It will surely resonate again in the Capitol on Monday. While the president-elect has made some of his priorities clear, the way in which his words will be translated into actions is largely unpredictable. The unknown will begin to clear up on Monday, when he takes the oath of office, gives his address and begins to make his first decisions. Trump said during the campaign that he would only be a dictator on the first day. I want to close the border and I want to drill, drill, drill. After that, Im not a dictator, he shrugged. Proposed crackdowns on migrants in Chicago Trumps team has made it clear that it does not intend to literally close the border. Rather, this promise repeated so many times means that he will cut off the flow of illegal immigration. Trump has assured his supporters that, on the first day, hell launch the largest immigrant deportation program in history, even suggesting that he could use the US Army. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trumps border czar Tom Homan is preparing a large raid in Chicago on Tuesday, intended to be a warning to the so-called sanctuary cities. Homan told Fox News that there will be [large raids] across the country Chicago is just one of many places. In an interview in December of 2024, Trump emphasized that he would initially focus on the criminals. As with other undocumented people, he claimed that he would see how it goes, opening the door to a pact so that the so-called dreamers (the children of immigrants who arrived as minors and have made their lives in the country) can stay in the US. But the deportations could begin immediately. With Democratic support, the Congress is finalizing a law that will facilitate the expulsion of those accused of minor crimes. Trumps team is also preparing executive orders to speed up the process. Trump wants to reinstate his Remain in Mexico policy, under which asylum seekers have to remain on the other side of the border while their requests are processed. His advisers have also been analyzing the possibility of declaring a health emergency, such as the one that allowed for the acceleration of deportations during the pandemic, under the infamous Title 42. Additionally, Trump also wants to eliminate birthright citizenship for those born to parents who are undocumented immigrants although its unclear if he has the power to do this via executive decree. Many other first-day promises also arent technically in Trumps hands: they depend on Congress. This includes exempting tips from taxes (he said he would do this immediately, the moment hes in office). Some issues escape his control entirely, such as the most talked-about of all: ending the war in Ukraine. Trump used to say that he would get this done before even taking office but even the concept of his first day in power is vague: in 2017, he considered it to be January 21, the day after the inauguration. But Trump has set even more peremptory and somewhat absurd deadlines, such as the first hour, or perhaps within the first nine minutes, to pardon those convicted and charged in connection with the assault on the Capitol something he does have full authority to do. And he wont need to fire Special Counsel Jack Smith (who investigated the president) in two seconds, because he already resigned last week. Drill, drill, drill could translate into a declaration of a national energy emergency to push for the opening of more oil fields, pipelines and refineries, as well as power plants and nuclear reactors. This is despite the fact that crude production is already at an all-time high. In his first few days in office, Trump is also likely to decide to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on emissions (as he did in his first term). He will also end the electric car mandate on day one, even though theres no such thing. I will end the electric mandate on cars on day one. You should have electric cars, but you have to have gasoline. You have to have everything, he said, confusedly, in an interview. With Elon Musk as an ally, it doesnt seem likely that hell ban electric cars but since the vast majority of cars are already gasoline-powered, his promise makes little sense. The closest he can do is repeal rules approved by the Biden administration that limit the emission of pollutants. The tariffs on Mexico and Canada have also been scheduled for Trumps first day in office, if the respective governments dont stop the entry of drugs and undocumented immigrants. On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders, Trump wrote, in a post on Truth Social, on November 25, 2024. Is that threat still in effect? Will there be other tariffs on the first day? Reversing Biden-era decrees is also on the to-do list. Trump intends to eliminate protections established by his predecessor for federal employees and trans people these have already been suspended by a court as well as repeal environmental regulations. He also wants to set new priorities, such as cryptocurrencies. A lot of things will get done on day one. Your head will spin when you see whats going to happen, he told the live audience during a campaign interview in Glendale, Arizona, in October of 2024. More recently, the president-elect told senators that he was preparing 100 measures for the first few days of his term. Trump has also expressed his desire for Congress to approve as soon as possible a big, beautiful law with the priorities of his legislative agenda in matters that he cannot regulate by decree. It would include tax cuts (extending those he signed in 2017 that expire this year, while including new ones), immigration restrictions and energy policies, among others. Each year, Congress can quickly approve a law related to income, expenses and debt through a procedure known as reconciliation, in which the 60 votes required in the Senate for ordinary laws arent necessary. Even so, the slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives, the non-existent voting discipline among legislators and the complexity of the law will make the task difficult. The extent to which the president can impose his authority on his partys congresspeople and senators will determine whether Congress acts as a countervailing force or becomes a steamroller. UN urges Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory without delay Iran Press TV Saturday, 18 January 2025 10:25 AM UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix says a ceasefire between the Israeli regime and Hezbollah is "fragile," calling on Israeli troops to withdraw from areas in southern Lebanon at the earliest opportunity possible. "We urge" the Israeli military "to withdraw from Lebanese territory without delay, certainly by the end of the period envisaged in the announcement of cessation of hostilities," Lacroix told the UN Security Council, acknowledging the Lebanese government's commitment to the ceasefire agreement. He asserted that Israeli forces' targeting of the Lebanese resistance movement, and various instances of the troops' continued interference in Lebanon amounted to the regime's violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was ratified with the aim of brokering a ceasefire in the war the Tel Aviv regime had launched against the country in 2006. "The cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, while fragile, continues to hold," Lacroix welcomed a reported plan set for a sequenced withdrawal plan for the Israeli army and the deployment of Lebanese forces. "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," he added. Lacroix said UN personnel either remain at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) base or seek shelter in bunkers due to the Israeli army's attacks. "UNIFIL's operational activities are further constrained due to the presence of unexploded ordnance, Israeli army's roadblocks at various locations in the area of operations, and interference from local individuals," he said. The senior UN official said the Israeli military's ongoing occupation is a violation of Resolution 1701. He urged the Israeli military "to withdraw from Lebanese territory, certainly by the end of the period envisaged in the announcement of the cessation of hostilities." Israel was forced to accept the ceasefire with the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement after suffering heavy losses following almost 14 months of fighting and failing to achieve its goals in its aggression on Lebanon. The truce deal came into effect on November 27. It will last for 60 days in the hope of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities. Under the agreement, an international monitoring committee, headed by the United States, is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu 'vows to continue Gaza war' after cabinet OKs truce deal Iran Press TV Saturday, 18 January 2025 8:07 AM Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to continue the war on the Gaza Strip in a bid to stop far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich from exiting his cabinet, Israel's biggest newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reports. The report comes as the office of the Israeli prime minister says his cabinet voted to approve a Gaza ceasefire on Saturday after a delay which sparked fears that opposition from his coalition regime's extremist members could halt an agreement. According to Israeli media reports, Smotrich met Netanyahu before the approval, demanding not only guarantees that Israeli troops would return to the Gaza Strip but that Israel would retain control over the flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian enclave. "Without a full return to war, we will resign," Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionism party and one of the staunchest opponents to a deal, reportedly said. He felt like his demands were met following the latest meeting with Netanyahu, Yedioth Ahronoth reported. The Israeli minister previously released a statement, saying he would only remain in Netanyahu's cabinet if he promised to resume the war following the six-week first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Smotrich has been urged by Israel's extremist security minister and head of the far-right Jewish Power party Itamar Ben-Gvir to support him in thwarting the agreement. Ben-Gvir has said he will resign if the cabinet approves the ceasefire deal. The ceasefire plan for Gaza is comprised of three phases, beginning with Israel's release of some 1,000 Palestinians in exchange for Hamas' release of female captives. Israeli authorities said Saturday 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. The second and third stages, if agreed on during the first phase, would see the remaining Israeli captives released, Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza, and a reconstruction plan for the enclave, among other things. Netanyahu's reported promise to resume the war following the first phase may jeopardize the prospects of a lasting ceasefire, which is one of Hamas' key conditions for any negotiations. The Israeli military has continued its ferocious pounding of the Gaza Strip despite the talk of the ceasefire agreement. Since Wednesday, when it was announced that a ceasefire agreement had been reached, at least 169 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli aggression in Gaza, according to the local health ministry. Palestinians spoke of powerful airstrikes across the enclave over the past two days which have pushed the number of those killed since the October 2023 onslaught on Gaza up to nearly 47,000 people, even though experts believe the toll to be significantly higher. Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, has also warned that Israeli strikes are risking the lives of captives and could turn their "freedom... into a tragedy". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Jan. 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Saturday, 18 January 2025 6:27 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid the West-backed Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 46,900 Palestinians so far, resistance groups continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers. The major operations by the Yemeni military on Friday, January 17, are as follows: Yemeni military's operations on Jan. 17: Carried out a military operation targeting vital Israeli military positions in the Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) area in southern occupied Palestine with four cruise missiles. Targeted Israeli military positions in occupied Yaffa (Tel Aviv) with three drones. Targeted a vital Israeli military position in the occupied Ashkelon area with a drone. Targeted the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the northern Red Sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nigeria Joining BRICS as Partner Country Sputnik News 20250118 BUENOS AIRES (Sputnik) - Nigeria has become the ninth country to join BRICS as a partner state, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry said. "As part of its temporary BRICS presidency, the Brazilian government announces on January 17 the formal admission of Nigeria to the group as a partner country. The Brazilian government welcomes the decision of the Nigerian government," the ministry said in a statement. Thus, Nigeria is becoming the ninth BRICS partner country following Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan, it said. BRICS is an interstate association created in 2006 by Russia, China, India and Brazil. South Africa joined in 2011. Since the beginning of 2024, a number of other countries have joined BRICS. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KYODO NEWS - Jan 19, 2025 - 09:22 | World, All China's trade with North Korea in 2024 fell 5 percent from the previous year to about $2.18 billion, official data showed Saturday, as two-way trade lacked momentum despite Beijing and Pyongyang marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The latest data came after Beijing-Pyongyang trade in 2023 recovered to roughly 82 percent of the pre-coronavirus pandemic levels of 2019, with the resumption of bilateral freight shipments following the easing of restrictions. China is North Korea's closest and most influential ally in economic terms. However, some observers say ties between the countries have been shaky amid increased military cooperation between North Korea and Russia as Moscow continues its military aggression against Ukraine. The Asian neighbors held an opening ceremony last April in Pyongyang for events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of ties, but a closing ceremony was not organized by the end of the year. Pyongyang's main export items to China include wigs and artificial eyelashes, with cheap North Korean labor processing raw materials delivered from Chinese dealers and sending market-ready products back. Bilateral trade exceeded $6.5 billion in 2013 but began dropping sharply in 2018 after U.N. Security Council resolutions were adopted in December 2017 against Pyongyang over its launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Related coverage: China-North Korea trade in 2024 set to post year-on-year decline N. Korea-Russia alliance could impact Indo-Pacific security: Sweden G7 raps North Korean troops in Russia as threat to Indo-Pacific security "We will mobilize all our means to heal the bleeding wounds of Gaza during the ceasefire period as well" Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey 18.01.2025 Addressing AK Party's provincial congress in Adana, President Erdogan said: "Just as we never left alone or unprotected our Gazan brothers and sisters for 467 days, we will inshallah mobilize all our means to heal the bleeding wounds of Gaza during the ceasefire period as well. Our fight aimed at bringing all those committing war crimes and crimes against humanity to account one by one will increasingly continue." President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech at the party's 8th ordinary provincial congress in Adana. "WE PURSUE A POLICY THAT BEFITS OUR FAITH AND CULTURE" Drawing attention to the regional developments, President Erdogan stated that the Baathist regime's 61-year-long order of oppression and the 14-year-long bloody war eventually ended in Syria, and said: "Our Syrian brothers and sisters sacrificed 1 million people for the sake of their independence. However, they never refrained from patiently resisting the regime's merciless attacks for 14 years. And, we pursued a policy, which befits our faith, culture and history, during this period when our humanity and brotherhood was challenged. I am asking our youth: What did we do? We embraced the oppressed, held the hands of the poor, protected the orphans and put one more plate on our tables for the muhajirun." "TURKIYE WILL PROVIDE ITS BROTHERS AND SISTERS WITH ANY KIND OF SUPPORT" Pointing out that they, while facilitating the voluntary return of Turkiye's guests to their homeland after a 13-year-long homesickness, does not force anyone to do so, President Erdogan added: "The new administration in the country is displaying a moderate approach that embraces all the religions, sects and ethnicities. We follow with appreciation the sincere efforts the new administration is exerting to ensure Syria's political and geographical unity. As a result of this development, the project aimed at dividing Syria into three parts, and thus turning it into easily-swallowed bites was foiled. Turkiye will provide its brothers and sisters with any kind of support in order for Syria to rapidly leave behind the grave destructions and pains it suffered, and once again become a united, strong and prosperous country." "THE PEOPLE OF GAZA WILL BREATHE A BIT OF A SIGH OF RELIEF AFTER 15 MONTHS" Also touching upon the ceasefire deal reached by Hamas, the Palestinian resistance movement, and Israel through Turkiye's intensive efforts and suggestions as well, President Erdogan said: "The people of Gaza will inshallah breathe a bit of a sigh of relief after 15 months. We must note hereby that the Israeli government has failed to break our Gazan brothers and sisters' will to resist despite the genocide and massacre it has carried out for 467 days. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that they have bombed for months our 2 million brothers and sisters, whom they have confined to a 363-squarekilometer area. They have killed children. They have razed hospitals to the ground. They have reduced schools, mosques, churches to rubble. They have nefariously massacred doctors, healthcare workers and journalists. They have hit civilians waiting on the food line. They have hit trucks carrying humanitarian aid. They have condemned babies to hunger and have watched them die." "They have displayed all kinds of oppression, cruelty and atrocity in Gaza, and yet they have failed to make our Gazan brothers and sisters kneel down. Over 50 thousand people, most of them children and women, have been martyred. Over 110 thousand civilians have been injured. The whereabouts of more than 10 thousand Gazans is unknown. One of the biggest genocides of the century has taken place before the eyes of the whole world, what is more, for 467 days. Despite all this, the Palestinian people have not given in, have not surrendered, could not be captured, could not be made kneel down," President Erdogan said. "WE HAVE STOOD WITH THE OPPRESSED, THE DOWNTRODDEN AND JUSTICE" President Erdogan continued as follows: "We know very well that Israel, Netanyahu in particular, has a long record in ceasefire violations. It should not be allowed this time. All should do their part, and a constant pressure should be put on Israel in order not to return to the former times in Gaza. Just as we never left alone or unprotected our Gazan brothers and sisters for 467 days, we will inshallah mobilize all our means to heal the bleeding wounds of Gaza during the ceasefire period as well. Our fight aimed at bringing all those committing war crimes and crimes against humanity to account one by one will increasingly continue." Further stressing that they have stood with the oppressed, the downtrodden and justice in both the Syrian conflict and Gaza crisis, President Erdogan: "We have taken our own religious, cultural and civilizational codes as reference, not what the West or imperialist powers say. We have not paid heed to what Europe, America, or the Zionist lobby would say. We have said that our place is with the oppressed. When the entire world became deaf and mute, this brother of yours spoke of justice, stood with the righteous, never fearing anyone." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Philippines, U.S. Partner in Maritime Cooperative Activity in South China Sea US Navy 18 January 2025 From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet SOUTH CHINA SEA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Navy conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea, Jan. 17-18, 2025. MCAs demonstrate a collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. This MCA is designed to emphasize our longstanding partnership between the two militaries in the maritime domain. "Professional engagement with allies, partners, and friends in the region allows us to build upon our existing, strong relationships and continue to learn from each other," said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1). "The U.S. and the Philippines are ironclad allies. As fellow maritime nations, we share the common goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific, assuring access to the seas." Each subsequent MCA builds upon the last, enabling added levels of complexity and interoperability which advance and strengthen combined capabilities, tactics, techniques and procedures. "Bilateral exercises in the region have grown in scale, scope and complexity, and we are proud to participate in combined operations that maintain stability in the region and reinforce deterrence," said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). "As the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 1, Carl Vinson is both excited and honored to conduct maritime exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines." MCAs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states. Participating units include the U.S. Navy Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and a U.S. Navy P-8A assigned to Commander, Task Force 72, alongside Gregorio del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS 17) and Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151) from the Philippine Navy. CSG-1 consists of Carl Vinson, embarked staffs of CSG-1 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) one, Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110). CVW-2 is composed of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey and MH-60R/S Seahawks. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza ceasefire set to begin, implementing it will be up to Trump By Patsy Widakuswara January 18, 2025 Israel's Cabinet approved a deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight ministers rejecting the agreement. The deal is scheduled to be implemented beginning Sunday. 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, nonresident 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. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. Two-state solution The Biden administration's 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, Riyadh's recognition would represent a breakthrough for the Jewish state. Trump's main objective now is to ensure that whatever happens in Gaza does not prevent him from securing that deal, while Israel's 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. Trump's 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 Trump's 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. "We've sent a signal to the incoming team that we're prepared to work with them on this issue," national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that day. Shortly after, Sullivan and Biden's 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 Witkoff's and Trump's 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 Israel's 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 Trump's victory, Netanyahu's 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." Trump's 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 minister's 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 Netanyahu's 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza ceasefire to begin Sunday morning as Israel continues strikes By VOA News January 18, 2025 A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is set to begin Sunday at 8:30 a.m., mediator Qatar said Saturday after Israel's 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 Netanyahu's office said in a statement. Netanyahu's 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, Israel's ultra-nationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir quit Netanyahu's 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. Israel's 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. Egypt's 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 18 January 2025 - Day 1060 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 176 combat clashes. The largest number of fights took place in the Pokrovsky direction. Russian terrorists launched four missiles and 22 aviation strikes, engaging six missiles and dropping 30 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, the Russian enemy attacked 817 kamikaze drones and carried out more than 4,300 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian troops five times in the Vovchanska area. In the direction of Kupyans komu, Russian forces carried out offensive actions near Petropavlivka, Lozovai and Pi any. Six combat clashes completed, one enemy attack is ongoing so far. The Russian aggressor attacked the glushkivka kabama. In the Lyman direction Russian zagarbniki stormed the positions of Defense Forces near the settlements of Green Gai, Pershotravneve, Kopanky, Novoyegorivka, Novosadove, Novolubivka and Zarichne. Ukrainian defenders stopped eight Russian attacks, two more combat clashes are still ongoing. Russian forces struck kabama on shiikivka and borivs kij andriyivka. Sever direction: Russian forces once stormed Ukrainian positions near Bilogorivka, unsuccessful. In the Kramators komu direction, the Russian occupiers attacked 10 times in the areas of Stupochok, the precinct and the Time Yar, all attempts by the Russian zagarbniks to advance stopped by Ukrainian soldiers. On Mark's opponent dropped two KABs. In the Torec komu direction, Russian forces carried out 19 assault actions. Zagarbniki stormed the positions of Ukrainian units near Toretsk, Crimea and Scherbinivka, three confrontations are still ongoing. The invaders threw the CAB on Petrivka. Intercession direction: since the beginning of this day, Russian forces 84 times attacked in the areas of populated areas Vodyane Second, Green Field, Malinivka, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Zvirove, Udaachne, Novoandriivka, Elizabethtivka, Ray, Fox, Zelene, Shevchenko, Uspenivka, Slovyanka, Andriyivka, Dachne, Ulakly and Amber. Fourteen fighting clashes are still ongoing. According to the current data, Russian losses, in this direction, for today, 335 soldiers killed and wounded, three vehicles destroyed, BPLA antenna, in addition, two more enemy vehicles were significantly damaged. In the Novopavlivs komu direction, the Russian zagarbniki attacked 17 times near the Velika Novosilka. The fights are still on. The enemy caused aviation strikes controlled bombs in the areas of settlements Odradne, Konstantinopil, Novosilka, Rozliv, Vesele and Temirivka. In the direction of Gulyaipils .komu, Russian forces did not carry out offensive actions. In the Orihivsk direction, Russian forces unsuccessfully attacked the settlement of Novodanilivka. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Defense Forces of Ukraine was stopped one Russian attack. In the Kursk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 Russian attacks, one combat confrontation is ongoing so far. Russian forces launched five air strikes with five controlled bombs and carried out 409 artillery shells, including 18 from the reactive systems of arson fire. In other directions of the front, there have been no significant changes. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that that morning, in response to the fire of U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles on civilian infrastructure in Belgorod region, the Russian Armed Forces carried out a group high-precision strike against the Ukrainian defence industry facilities, including the Luch design bureau, which is designing and manufacturing Neptune long-range guided missiles and Olkha MLRS rockets. All objectives achieved, targets engaged. In Kharkov direction, the Sever Group of Forces hit formations of a motorised infantry brigade and a national guard brigades close to Volchansk and Glubokoye (Kharkov region). The AFU lost up to 30 men, two motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian units hit manpower and hardware of two airmobile brigades and an air assault regiment of the AFU close to Lozovaya and Zagryzovo (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 470 troops, a tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, including a U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, five motor vehicles, and eight field artillery guns, including two manufactured by NATO states. One ammunition depot was wiped out. The Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical position. Russian troops hit formations of three mechanised brigades, an airmobile brigade, and an assault brigade of the AFU near Seversk, Novodmitrovka, Chasov Yar, Dachnoye, and Konstantinovka of the Donetsk People's Republic. The AFU losses amounted to more then 245 troops and four motor vehicles. One ammunition depot was wiped out. As a result of the successful offensive, the Tsentr Group of Forces units liberated Petropavlovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian forces engaged manpower and materiel of seven mechanised brigades of the AFU near Petrovka, Dzerzhinsk, Solenoye, Petropavlovka, Peschanoye, Novovasilyevka, and Slavyanka of the Donetsk People's Republic. The enemy lost up up to 585 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and four artillery guns. The Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing to the depths of the enemy's defence and liberated Vremevka (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian units hit a mechanised brigade and an air assault brigade near Konstantinopol and Velikaya Novoselka of the Donetsk People's Republic. The AFU losses amounted to up to 135 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, and five foreign-made field artillery guns. One ammunition depot was wiped out. The units of the Dnepr Group of Forces have engaged the manpower and hardware of the two marine brigades close to Antonovka and Kazatskoye (Kherson region). The enemy lost up to 65 troops, eight motor vehicles, a field artillery gun, and a Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged the infrastructure of military airfields, the production and assembly plant of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as clusters of enemy manpower and hardware in 156 areas. Air defence units shot down 83 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 652 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 40,726 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,658 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,510 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,764 field artillery guns and mortars, and 30,459 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. The Sever Group of Forces engaged formations of one tank brigade, a heavy mechanised brigade, four mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, a marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Guyevo, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, Sverdlikovo, Sudzha, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. One AFU counter-attack was repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware near Viktorovka, Zaoleshenka, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Kubatkin, Kurilovka, Loknya, Martynovka, Melovoy, Nikolsky as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to over 210 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, an artillery gun, two mortars, an ammunition depot, and a UAV command post. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 52,660 troops, 304 tanks, 231 infantry fighting vehicles, 174 armoured personnel carriers, 1,567 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,502 motor vehicles, 372 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 93 EW stations, 14 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 30 units of engineering and other materiel, including 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Upcoming Belarus Election Cannot Be Credible In Current 'Repressive Environment,' Says Blinken By RFE/RL January 18, 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), which featured interviews with jailed RFE/RL's journalists. 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), which featured interviews with jailed RFE/RL's journalists. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi says ready to push for new achievements in building China-Vietnam community with a shared future People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:23, January 18, 2025 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KYODO NEWS - Jan 19, 2025 - 19:40 | Sports, All, Japan Wrestlers from sumo's top division will make a two-day exhibition tour to Paris in June 2026, the third of its kind in the French capital, the Japan Sumo Association said Sunday. One-day tournaments will be held on June 13 and 14 in a venue that accommodates about 15,000 people, and a playoff will be contested on the final day if there are different tournament winners over the two days. "We'll make every possible preparation to have spectators enjoy the charm of traditional culture and the power of the raised ring," sumo association head Hakkaku told a press conference in Tokyo. "Our traditional culture has been recognized. We'd like to continue doing this as long as it doesn't put a burden on wrestlers." Sumo's previous visits to Paris were in 1986 and 1995. London's Royal Albert Hall is scheduled to host a five-day tournament this October. Related coverage: Sumo association to visit London after 20-year overseas hiatus What A Potential TikTok Ban Means For U.S.-China Competition By Reid Standish January 18, 2025 TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, is facing a ban in the United States. What happens next will have major repercussions for the global technology competition between China and the United States and could set the tone for incoming U.S. President Donald Trump's relationship with Beijing. The popular video platform is China's first global app and has outperformed U.S.-owned rivals such as Instagram, Facebook, or 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. The law called for ByteDance to sell the app by January 19 or face a ban. While critics of the ban say similar data and privacy concerns exist for U.S. social media platforms, the issue of Chinese ownership adds a new dimension. Cybersecurity firms have suggested that the app is capable of collecting 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. 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. Hacking, Spying Concerns All of this comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Washington, as well as rising concerns over Chinese espionage and hacking in the United States. Trump has indicated he is against the ban, after initially supporting the move, and said on January 17 that his decision on TikTok "will be made in the not too distant future." He also revealed he had spoken to Chinese leader Xi Jinping and discussed TikTok, among other issues. Trump's last presidential term between 2016-2020 was characterized by being tough on China and targeting Chinese companies at home and abroad, from 5G telecommunications infrastructure to surveillance camera firms, against the backdrop of a deepening technology race between Beijing and Washington. TikTok is the international version of ByteDance's Douyin, which serves markets in Hong Kong and China and adheres to Beijing's strict censorship apparatus. While also a successful business, its popularity and influence has been a global boost for Beijing. ByteDance's unwillingness to divest ownership also shows both the value placed on its proprietary algorithm and on TikTok remaining a Chinese company. How Trump approaches a potential ban could be an early bellwether for how he will approach relations with China and the type of dynamic he will develop with Xi. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tiktok-ban-us-china-biden-trump/33280440.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rubio vows to oppose Thai Uyghur deportations as US secretary of state By Kasim Kashgar January 18, 2025 U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of state, is pledging to press Thailand to prevent the deportation of 48 Uyghurs held there since 2014 after fleeing alleged persecution in Xinjiang, in northwest China. "Thailand is a very strong U.S. partner, a strong historical ally," Rubio said during his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday. "That is an area where I think diplomacy could really achieve results because of how important that relationship is and how close it is." Describing the Uyghurs' plight in China as "one of the most horrifying things that has ever happened," he said, "These are people who are basically being rounded up because of their ethnicity and religion, and they are being put into camps ... stripped of their identity... and into forced labor literally, slave labor." Human rights advocates say returning the Uyghurs to China risks torture, long imprisonment, or disappearance. Rubio, a leading critic of Beijing, co-sponsored the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which bans imports from Xinjiang unless free of forced labor. His stance for human rights in China has subjected him to Chinese sanctions since 2020. China refutes accusations of genocide Both the Biden and previous Trump administrations have classified China's actions in Xinjiang as genocide, while a 2022 United Nations report said Beijing's policies may constitute crimes against humanity. China rejects these accusations, framing its actions as anti-terrorism measures. The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok claimed on Wednesday that Uyghur detainees in Thailand had terrorist ties. "A small number of individuals, enticed by external forces, fled abroad and even joined the 'East Turkestan Islamic Movement,' [ETIM] a terrorist organization recognized by the United Nations, becoming terrorists themselves," the embassy stated. Although ETIM was listed as a terror group in 2002, the U.S. delisted it in 2020, citing no "clear and convincing evidence of ETIM's existence," according to Congressional Research Service. Julie Millsap, government relations manager at the Washington-based group No Business With Genocide, dismissed China's claims. There has been "no evidence presented to link these men to terrorism," Millsap told VOA. "The PRC cannot claim concurrently that it has a population of happy, dancing Uyghurs while labeling asylum seekers as extremists." Arslan Hidayat, team lead of the Save Uyghur campaign by U.S.-based Justice for All, said Uyghur detainees in Thailand recently faced a troubling development. "Last week, I learned from the detainees that Thai immigration officers attempted to photograph 43 Uyghur detainees and have them sign documents similar to those used in 2015, when more than 100 Uyghurs were forcibly repatriated to China," Hidayat told VOA Friday. "Fearing a repeat of that mass deportation, the detainees refused and launched a hunger strike, which continues to this day," he said. 'Degrading treatment or even torture' In addition to the 43 Uyghurs in Thailand's IDC, five are imprisoned after a failed escape attempt. A U.N. report cited "degrading treatment or even torture" and five deaths, including two children, urging Thai authorities against deportation without due process and individual protection assessments. Human Rights Watch on Friday urged Thailand to release detained Uyghurs and grant them safe passage to a third country. "Successive Thai governments have kept the Uyghurs in inhumane detention, while under pressure from the Chinese government to send them to China," said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, calling on Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government to end this cycle. VOA contacted the Thai Embassy in Washington and the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry for comment on the Uyghurs' status and the reports of potential repatriation but received no response. Babar Baloch, global spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, told VOA the agency is closely monitoring the situation and has sought assurances from Thai authorities. "We continue to remind the authorities of their obligations on non-refoulement and to advocate for alternatives to detention," he said Friday. Zumretay Arkin, vice president of the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress, cited ongoing discussions between China and Thailand about deportations in the context of the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. "We remain concerned about their fate and continue to increase public pressure," Arkin told VOA, adding that her group had called on partner organizations to organize global protests outside Thai diplomatic missions. Family torn apart Rahile, a 32-year-old Uyghur mother of three living in Turkey, has been separated from her husband, detained in Bangkok for nearly a decade. She asked that his name not be used, fearing reprisal from Thai authorities. "We had just built our home [in Xinjiang] and were living a normal life when everything turned into a nightmare 12 years ago," she told VOA from Kayseri, Turkey, requesting her last name be withheld to protect relatives in southern Xinjiang. Their ordeal began in 2013 when a Uyghur working for the Chinese government warned her husband that his name was on a detention list as authorities targeted Uyghur men under vague suspicions of alleged separatism and extremism. "My husband learned of an escape route and asked if I would follow or stay behind," Rahile said. "People around us were disappearing. He had no choice but to leave." The couple fled without passports, relying on smugglers to cross into Southeast Asia. Intercepted in Thailand in 2014, Rahile and her two young sons spent 18 months in detention before Turkey resettled more than 170 women and children. Her husband remained with more than 150 Uyghur migrants in Thailand. Weeks later, over 100 Uyghurs were forcibly deported to China. "They were never heard from again," she said. "I was relieved my husband was still in Thailand. I hoped we'd reunite soon." A decade later, her youngest son, born in Thai detention, has never met his father. "The space was so cramped my children could sleep, but I had to stand," she said. "Now, my husband has endured that pain for 11 years." In Turkey, Rahile juggles jobs to support her family after initial aid from the local community. "My children ask why their father isn't here," she said. "I have no answer for them." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address INDIAN NAVAL SHIP MUMBAI TO PARTICIPATE IN MULTI-NATIONAL EXERCISE LA PEROUSE India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Mission deployed in the South Eastern Ocean Region, the indigenous destroyer arrived at Jakarta, Indonesia on an operational visit. Posted On: 18 JAN 2025 12:47PM by PIB Delhi 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 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. 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. 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. 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. __________________________ VM/SPS 17/25 (Release ID: 2093998) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President orders security agencies to investigate assassination of Supreme Court judges IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 18, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed security and law enforcement agencies to immediately launch an investigation into a shooting attack that claimed the lives of two Supreme Court justices in Tehran. In a statement on Saturday, Pezeshkian, who is chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, extended his condolences over the deaths of Hojjatoleslam Ali Razini and Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Moqiseh, who were assassinated earlier in the day when a gunman infiltrated the tribunal building in central Tehran and opened fire. The president hailed the slain judges, each of whom presided over different branches of the Supreme Court, for their lifelong dedication to combating crimes against national security and defending the rights of Iranian citizens. He promised that their sacrifices would not be in vain and that there would be no disruption in the pursuit of justice in the country. Pezeshkian ordered security and law enforcement agencies to look into various dimensions of this "reprehensible act" and bring those responsible to justice. The identity of the assailant, who killed himself after opening fire, and his motive were not immediately clear. An investigation is underway to identify and arrest other suspects who may have been involved in the attack. 4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran prosecutor general orders speedy probe into assassination of two Supreme Court judges IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 18, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Prosecutor General has ordered an immediate investigation into a deadly attack in downtown Tehran in which two Supreme Court judges of the country were assassinated. In his order on Saturday, Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Movahhedi Azad tasked Tehran prosecutor general with an immediate and accurate probing into the incident which happened earlier in the day. He urged the need for identifying and arresting those behind this act of terrorism. Hours after the Prosecutor General's order, Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir said that arrests have been made in connection with the attack. Jahangiri explained that "some people have been identified, summoned or arrested" as part of the investigation into the incident. He also said that images of the assailant and his weapon, which have been circulating on social media, are fake. In a terrorist shooting on a busy square in Tehran on Saturday morning, Hojjatoleslam Ali Razini, head of Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, and Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Moqiseh, head of Branch 53, we assassinated. They were both known for dealing with cases associated with crimes against national security, spies, and terrorism. In a statement, the Judiciary's media office said that right after the terrorist act, an attempt was made to arrest the gunman, who then quickly committed suicide. 9341**2050**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ayatollah Khamenei offers condolences over martyrdom of two senior judges in Tehran Iran Press TV Saturday, 18 January 2025 6:49 PM Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has expressed his condolences over the martyrdom of two high-profile Iranian judges in a terrorist attack in Tehran. The prominent judges -- identified as Ali Razini, head of Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, and Mohammad Moqiseh, head of Branch 53 - were assassinated in a terrorist attack at the Supreme Court building in downtown Tehran on Saturday. The judges worked on cases fighting crimes against national security, espionage, and terrorism. In a message on Saturday, the Leader extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the two judges over their sad demise. The Leader said that Razini had been a target of an assassination attempt by ill-wishers in the past and had been suffering pains as a veteran, adding that two of his brothers had also been martyred. Ayatollah Khamenei asked God Almighty to grant their patient families mercy and solace. In a message, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also expressed condolences over the martyrdom of the two judges in a "cowardly" and "inhumane" terror attack, emphasizing that security and law enforcement forces should take immediate action to identify the perpetrators of this crime. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC chief unveils new strategic underground storage facility in south Iran Iran Press TV Saturday, 18 January 2025 6:39 PM The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a new strategic subterranean storage facility built on the shores of Iran's southern waters to house a large fleet of fast attack craft and other vessels. IRGC Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami and Commander of the IRGC Navy Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri unveiled the facility on Saturday. In comments during the visit to the facility, the IRGC chief stated that the installation accommodates a considerable number of homegrown Iranian fast attack craft in addition to vessels equipped with torpedo launch systems and mine laying features. He stated that the subterranean naval facility represents only a small fraction of the IRGC Navy's capabilities. Major General Salami added that the IRGC Navy is continuously enhancing its combat readiness and defense capabilities, emphasizing that the vessels and the missile systems fitted in them add to the combat capabilities of numerous domestically developed craft that are currently patrolling the Persian Gulf waters to defend Iran's sovereignty and maritime borders. In addition to these vessels and missile launchers, other systems are deployed on the islands and shores of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and they are ready to carry out various missions, the IRGC chief commander pointed out. "By God's grace, significant progress has been made in the IRGC Navy over the past years, both in terms of quantity and quality of the force's offensive systems." Major General Salami continued. He stated that the operational range of vessels and the optimum speed they can cruise, the range of missiles they are furnished with, as well as their pin-point accuracy and destructive power, have all increased dramatically. The IRGC Navy is now capable of fighting a war from both close and faraway ranges, and can track multiple layers of defense offensively and strategically, Major General Hossein Salami stated. He said indigenous capabilities can vigorously and triumphantly face up to small and implacable enemies in seas, irrespective of their firepower. Iranian Armed Forces, including the IRGC and the country's Army, have been continuously enhancing their military hardware and combat readiness in line with the directives of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The forces have vowed to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of the threats by the Iranian nation's enemies. The Islamic Republic launched some 200 missiles at the Israeli entity's military, and espionage and intelligence bases all over the occupied territories on October 1 as part of Operation True Promise II. The operation came in response to the regime's assassinations of senior leaders of the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance and a senior IRGC commander. In the early hours of October 26, Israel targeted two Iranian border provinces, Ilam and Khuzestan, as well as Tehran. The country's integrated air defense system successfully intercepted and countered the aggression. Iran has said it will respond to the recent Israeli act of aggression against the country and will not abandon its rights. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KYODO NEWS - Jan 19, 2025 - 20:11 | All, World, Japan A new U.N. standard inspired by Japan's volunteer probation officer system is being developed, government sources said Sunday, reflecting the country's leading role in drafting the document amid growing global interest in recidivism prevention. The draft guidelines to reduce reoffending, set to be finalized by the end of the month at a meeting of experts in Vienna, will be submitted to the U.N. Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for approval. Japan aims for their adoption at the U.N. General Assembly by the end of the year. The Japanese government regards community probation officers, known as "hogoshi," as key to offender rehabilitation. Volunteering as part-time public servants, their role is to act as "supporting neighbors" to probationers and parolees by conducting regular interviews, listening to their concerns, and offering guidance. As of January 2024, there were 46,584 such officers in Japan. The Japanese Justice Ministry has also supported other nations in Asia and Africa in introducing the system, with a similar program already established in the Philippines. U.N. standards and norms outline a set of basic principles on specific themes, serving as a reference for policy-making and lawmaking for member states. Among them are the Nelson Mandela Rules, which lay out minimum prison conditions and was named in honor of the late South African president, who spent 27 years behind bars. According to the Japanese ministry, recidivism prevention remains a key challenge for many countries. At the U.N. Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Kyoto in March 2021, measures taken by Japan, including public-private partnerships to support former offenders, received high praise from participating nations. A declaration adopted at a related event emphasized the "pivotal role of community support and public understanding for the promotion of offender supervision and rehabilitation." Japan proposed the creation of a relevant U.N. standard and took on the role of coordinating input from various countries, according to the ministry. The tentatively titled "Kyoto Model Strategy" guidelines include nearly 20 provisions, such as volunteer support in rehabilitation programs, stating that activities fostering connections with local communities by engaging with offenders on an equal footing should be considered, government sources said. Japan's citizen probation officer program is expected to be cited as a successful example. The guidelines will also incorporate recidivism prevention measures, such as collaboration between prisons and welfare organizations and public-private partnerships to employ former offenders, according to the sources. Related coverage: G7 defense chiefs oppose status quo change in East, South China seas Top U.N. officials congratulate A-bomb survivors on Nobel Peace Prize Iran-Russia partnership deal primarily covers economic cooperation: Foreign Minister Araghchi Iran Press TV Saturday, 18 January 2025 5:26 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed between Iran and Russia covers cooperation in all sectors, with a primary focus on economic matters. "The nature of this treaty is primarily economic and it encompasses all economic areas such as trade and tourism, transportation and energy," Araghchi said on Saturday. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement for long-term cooperation in Moscow on Friday. The top Iranian diplomat noted that the document was crafted in alignment with the interests of both countries and to chart the path of cooperation between Iran and Russia with a bright horizon. Araghchi expressed hope that Tehran and Moscow would move towards improving cooperation in the economic, political and cultural fields "with more facilitation and within a better framework" by the signing of the strategic deal. He noted that the deal also touches on cultural, scientific, judicial, legal and communications cooperation and "covers almost all aspects of relations between the two countries." Iran and Russia have long shared a close partnership, particularly in military, nuclear, and defense technologies. However, their evolving alliance goes far beyond these fields, reshaping regional geopolitics and creating a stronghold for the Global Majoritynations that seek a democratic world order where justice and sovereignty are prioritized This partnership is an essential step in challenging the imperialist structures that dominate global politics. Iran and Russia are both subject to illegal Western sanctions. They have over the past years deepened their cooperation in various sectors. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar military regime enters year 5 in terminal decline The junta still holds a third of Myanmar, and two-thirds of the population, but misrule has left the regime broke. By Zachary Abuza 2025.01.18 -- Myanmar's military approaches the fourth anniversary of the coup d'etat that put them in power in terminal decline. The economy continues to atrophy, with even more pronounced energy shortages, less foreign exchange, and an even larger share of the budget allocated to the military. The battlefield losses are staggering, as the opposition has withstood Chinese pressure to stop their offensives, and continues to hand the over-stretched military defeat after defeat. Opposition forces now control two of the 14 military regional commands. According to the National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Defense, the opposition is in full control of 95 of 330 townships, while the State Administrative Council (SAC), as the junta calls itself, had full control over 107 townships. By the junta's own admission, they are only able to conduct a census and safely organize elections in 161 of Myanmar's 330 townships. Losses on all battlefronts Having taken 15 of 17 townships in Rakhine state, the Arakan Army is now in almost total control of the key western state. They've surrounded the Rakhine capital of Sittwe and come up to the border of Kyaukphyu where China's special economic zone and port are located. Although the capture of Buthidaung and Ann were neither quick nor easy, the AA was able to sustain sieges of over a month at each, and in the case of the former, tunneled beneath the last military outpost in a stunning display of grit. Having captured the southern city of Gwa, the Arakan Army has now crossed into Ayeyarwaddy, taking the fight into the Bamar ethnic majority heartland. In the north, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has shrugged off extensive Chinese pressure, and taken the strategic junction town of Mansi, which will make the overland resupply of the besieged city of Bhamo from Mandalay very hard for the junta. Fighting is ongoing in Bhamo, Kachin's second largest city. The KIA is now in control of well over half of Kachin, including most of the resource rich regions. Although they are known for fractiousness, Chin opposition forces are now in almost full control of that state that borders India and Bangladesh, holding five of nine townships, roughly 85% of the territory. In Shan state, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) temporarily succumbed to Chinese pressure to stop their offensive in November, but they've neither surrendered Lashio nor ceded territory, despite airstrikes. Citing a new military offensive in Naungcho township, the TNLA, which controls nine townships, announced an end to the ceasefire on Jan. 9. In eastern Myanmar, Karenni resistance have continued to battle, despite concerted military regime efforts and airstrikes, and their acknowledged ammunition shortages. The Karenni National Defense Force and allied People's Defense Forces (PDFs) militias claim to control 80% of Kayah state. Further south, the Karen National Liberation Army and allied people's defense forces (PDFs) are slowly taking pro-junta border guard posts along the frontier with Thailand. In Tanintharyi, local PDFs have increased their coordination and are pushing west from the Thai border towards the Andaman Sea coast, diminishing the scope of the military-controlled patchwork of terrain in Myanmar's southernmost state. Some of the most intense fighting of late has been in the Bamar heartland, including Sagaing, Magway, and Mandalay. The military has stepped up their bombings, artillery strikes, and arson, intentionally targeting civilians for their support of the opposition forces. A number of PDFs have expanded their operations into the dry zone. Mounting troubles The Myanmar military regime faces severe headwinds as the fourth anniversary of the Feb. 1, 2021 coup approaches. Prisoners of war from multiple fronts have recounted that the military's ability to resupply and reinforce troops in the field has all but broken down. They have a limited number of heavy lift helicopters, including three new Mi-17s that entered service in December. But even those are vulnerable: Some six Mi-17s and two other helicopters have been lost since the coup. In some cases, the military has tried to parachute in supplies, but those often fall into the hands of the opposition forces. Nothing demoralizes troops more than the feeling that the headquarters has abandoned them. The military has always treated Myanmar as a country under occupation, with thousands of remote outposts scattered throughout the country. The NUG claims that opposition forces have captured 741 of these through 2024, and they continue to fall. The military is increasingly short of manpower. Over a thousand POWs have been taken in recent months, more have surrendered and others have deserted. The military has now taken in nine tranches of conscripts, amounting to roughly 45,000 troops, and is increasingly dragooning men. But they are deployed almost immediately and are untrained and poorly motivated, in sharp contrast with ethnic resistance organizations (EROs) and PDFs. That loss of manpower includes senior officers. The NUG claims that in 2024, 53 senior officers, ranked colonel to major general, were killed, captured or injured. The military is so broke that they recently announced that they would no longer pay death benefits to conscripts. At the same time, the military is often labeling their dead as "MIA", rather than "KIA", to avoid paying benefits. While the junta fumbles, the degree of tactical battlefield coordination between the legacy ethnic armies and the new PDFs is unprecedented. Every major offensive outside of Rakhine, entails cooperation between them, and even there, the AA was assisted by Chin PDFs who blocked the military's resupply from Magway. The increased PDF operations have been made possible by increased assistance from EROs. The AA and Chin PDFs are pushing in from the west and assisting local PDFs in the Bamar heartland. The AA's foray into Ayeyarwaddy was done in concert with local PDFs. The United Wa State Army appears to be defying China by arming and equipping the Mandalay PDF and others that are operating in Mandalay, Magway, and Sagaing. In its favor, the military has finally caught up to the opposition and effectively employed unmanned aerial systems down to the tactical level. These include drones that can drop munitions, kamikaze drones, and those for intelligence gathering or for more accurate targeting of artillery. This has proven costly for the opposition and impeded some of their offensives. Nonetheless, their deployment of drones has been too little too late, and will not fundamentally alter the battlefield dynamics. The military continues to use air power. Indeed, they put their fifth and sixth SU-30 imported from Russia and three more FTC-2000Gs imported from China into service in December. It's the economy But air power is primarily used as a punitive weapon against unarmed civilian targets, not in support of ground forces. For example, the Jan. 9 bombing in Rakhine's Yanbye township that killed 52, wounded over 40 and destroyed 500 homes, had no military utility. Finally, the state of the economy is even more precarious given the loss of almost all border crossings. Although the SAC technically still controls Muse and Myawaddy, which links them to China and Thailand, respectively, opposition forces control much of the surrounding territory. While Karen forces have not made a bid to take Myawaddy, the main border crossing, they are pinching in along Asia Highway 1 to Yangon. On Jan. 11, some 500 reinforcements in 30 armored personnel carriers were deployed from Hpa-An to Kawkareik in Kayan state near the Thai border to keep the last main overland trade artery open. To sum it up, the junta is entering the fifth year of military rule with its power rapidly slipping away. Although they still control one-third of the country - land that holds two-thirds of the population - their mismanagement of the economy has left the military regime broke. Spread too thin across too many fronts simultaneously, it's hard to see the SAC doing anything to arrest their terminal decline in 2025. Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or Radio Free Asia. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Will those responsible for atrocities in Syria finally face justice? By Conor Lennon 18 January 2025 - Hopes are rising that, with the support of the United Nations, the architects of the brutal former regime of Bashar al Assad in Syria will eventually be held accountable for their crimes. For years, UN human rights bodies have been documenting, monitoring and publishing reports on abuses, and bringing Syria's dire human rights record to the world's attention. The fall of Bashar al Assad in December 2024 was largely greeted with euphoria by the Syrian people, but images of hundreds of people pouring into the notorious Sednaya Prison, desperately searching for friends or relatives, and testimony from former prisoners, recounting the sadism and torture they endured, was a vivid reminder of the atrocities committed under the former regime. Since 2016, the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM), has been amassing a vast collection of evidence, aiming to ensure that those responsible are eventually held accountable. In the eight years since, consistently denied access to Syria, they have had to work from outside the country. However, everything changed after the rapid collapse of the regime. Just days later the head of the IIIM, Robert Petit, was able to travel to Syria where he met members of the de facto authorities. During this historic visit, he made a point of emphasizing the importance of preserving evidence before it's lost forever. UN News interviewed Mr. Petit from his offices in Geneva and began by asking him to describe the reactions of the Syrians he met during his visit. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Robert Petit: It was a sobering and emotional time. I experienced a mix of hope and joy, as well as fear and anxiety, and a lot of sadness from the families of prisoners who had been killed. But there was definitely a sense of change across the board. It's my personal hope that the aspirations of Syrians will be fully realized with the help of the international community. UN News: What was the purpose of your visit, and was it successful? Robert Petit: As with most of the world, we were shocked at the speed with which the regime crumbled, although in hindsight we should have realized that the foundations were completely eroding for years. We had to quickly start thinking about how to address this new situation: for the first time in eight years, we have the chance to really fulfill our mandate. The main purpose of the visit was to start engaging diplomatically and explain to the new authorities what our role is and what we would like to do and get permission to do so. We found them to be receptive. We formally requested permission to send teams to work and discharge our mandate in Syria. That was back on December 21. We're still waiting for the answer. I have no reason to believe that we will not be granted permission. I think it's a matter of processes rather than willingness, and we're hoping that within days we will get that permission and then we will deploy as soon as we can. UN News: How hard was it to collect evidence during the years that you were denied access to the country? Robert Petit: Syrian civil society and Syrians in general have, since March 2011, been the best documenters of their own victimization. They accumulated an enormous quantity of evidence of crimes, often at great risk the cost of their own lives. Every year since we were created, we tried to access Syria. We could not get permission, but we developed close relationships with some of these civil society actors, media stakeholders and individuals who collected credible evidence, as did other institutions. We accumulated over 284 terabytes of data over the years to build cases and support 16 different jurisdictions in prosecuting, investigating and prosecuting their own cases. Now we potentially have access to a wealth of fresh evidence of crimes, and we're hoping to be able to exploit that opportunity very soon. UN News: During the Assad years, though, you had no guarantee that anyone would be brought to justice. Robert Petit: Our mandate has been very clear from the beginning: prepare cases to support current and future jurisdiction. And that's what we've been doing. There was always a hope that there was going to be some kind of tribunal, or comprehensive justice for the crimes in Syria. In anticipation of that, we have been building cases and we hope to build a wealth of understanding of the situation and the evidence that could support these cases. At the same time, we've been supporting 16 jurisdictions all over the world prosecuting these cases, and I'm very happy to say that we have been able to support over almost 250 of those investigations and prosecutions and will continue to do so. UN News: During your trip you said there's a small window of opportunity to secure sites and the material they hold. Why? Robert Petit: Syria's state apparatus functioned for years, so there will be a lot of evidence, but things go missing, they get destroyed and disappear. So, there is a time issue. UN News: Are the de facto authorities in Syria helping you to secure evidence? Robert Petit: We had messaging from the caretaker authorities that they were conscious of the importance of preserving all this evidence. The fact is that they have been in control for barely six weeks, so there are obviously a lot of competing priorities. I think the situation in Damascus is relatively good in that a lot of the sites, the main ones at least, are secured. Outside of Damascus, I think the situation is a lot more fluid and probably worse. UN News: When Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, visited Syria in January he called for fair, impartial justice in the wake of the end of the Assad regime. But he also said that the extent of atrocity crimes "beggars belief". Do you personally think that justice rather than revenge, in a place where people have been so badly brutalized, is possible or likely? Robert Petit: That's for the Syrians to answer themselves and hopefully be heard and supported in what they will define as justice for them and for what they've suffered. If people are given the hope that there will be in place a system that will deal fairly and transparently with at least those most responsible for the atrocities, it will give them hope and patience. I think it is possible. I have worked in enough of these situations to know that a variety of things can be done to address these very complex situations, but it must be Syria-led, and they must have the support of the international community. UN News: Do you envisage that criminal trials would take place in Syria at a national level or at an international level, for example at the International Criminal Court? Robert Petit: Again, it will depend on what Syrians want. You're talking about literally thousands of perpetrators, and a whole state apparatus dedicated to the commission of mass atrocities. It's an incredible challenge to define what accountability means. In my opinion, those most responsible, the architects of the system, must be held criminally accountability. For everyone else, the ways a post-conflict society tackles the issue varies. Rwanda, for example, tried to use traditional forms of dispute resolution to try 1.2 million perpetrators over a decade. Others, like Cambodia, simply try to bury the past, and pretend it never happened. The best solution is the one that Syrians will decide for themselves. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MOFA calls out China for its 'erroneous claim' over Taiwan ROC Central News Agency 01/18/2025 04:50 PM Taipei, Jan. 18 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Saturday called out China for its "erroneous claim" about Taiwan and reaffirmed its stance that the country is sovereign and independent. MOFA's response follows comments made by Chinese President Xi Jinping () regarding Taiwan's sovereignty during his phone call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday. Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and this has been a universally acknowledged fact and is the internationally recognized status quo, the foreign ministry told CNA. Taiwan looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with the new Trump administration based on the solid and friendly foundation of Taiwan-U.S. relations, it said. The two sides will continue to jointly promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the region, it added. According to a press release issued by China's foreign affairs ministry, Xi told Trump during Friday's phone call that it was natural for two big countries to have some disagreements. "The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The U.S. side needs to approach it with prudence," the press release quoted Xi as saying. (By Wu Shu-wei and Ko Lin) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KYODO NEWS - Jan 19, 2025 - 22:00 | All, World, Japan The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- U.N. standard to feature Japan's volunteer probation officer system TOKYO - A new U.N. standard inspired by Japan's volunteer probation officer system is being developed, government sources said Sunday, reflecting the country's leading role in drafting the document amid growing global interest in recidivism prevention. The draft guidelines to reduce reoffending, set to be finalized by the end of the month at a meeting of experts in Vienna, will be submitted to the U.N. Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for approval. Japan aims for their adoption at the U.N. General Assembly by the end of the year. ---------- Ishiba says ruling bloc aims for upper house majority in election TOKYO - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Sunday that his Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner must at least retain majority control of the upper house in the summer election after a setback in last year's polls for the more powerful lower house forced the formation of a minority government. "We should retain a majority of (seats in) the upper house as a ruling coalition. This is our baseline," Ishiba said on a TV program ahead of the beginning of a 150-day regular session of Japan's parliament on Friday. ---------- TikTok goes dark for U.S. users hours ahead of ban WASHINGTON - TikTok went offline Saturday night in the United States hours before a new federal law banning the popular short-form video-sharing platform was set to take effect. TikTok went dark after the Supreme Court on Friday decided to uphold the ban requiring the social media app's Chinese owner, ByteDance Ltd., to sell its U.S. version by Sunday or face a nationwide shutdown, citing national security concerns. ---------- PM Ishiba vows success of Osaka Expo in 1st visit to inspect progress OSAKA - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday pledged to ensure the success of the World Exposition in Osaka during a visit to the venue, as organizers face slower-than-expected advance ticket sales. It is the first time since becoming Japan's leader in October that Ishiba has toured the site on the artificial island of Yumeshima, where construction of pavilions and other preparations continue with fewer than three months until the expo opens. ---------- Japan top diplomat leaves for U.S. to attend Trump's inauguration TOKYO - Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya embarked Sunday for the United States to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration the following day, aiming to hold talks with key figures in the incoming U.S. administration during his five-day trip. During his stay in Washington, Iwaya is eying a meeting with Sen. Marco Rubio, the nominee for U.S. secretary of state awaiting Senate confirmation, to lay the groundwork for a summit between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. ---------- Japan gov't-backed lender to fund major German telecom's 5G expansion TOKYO - The Japan Bank for International Cooperation will provide up to 800 million euros ($822 million) in loans to a major German telecom company to support 5G development, in an apparent bid to help the European nation curb dependence on China. The deal, signed late last month, comes as Germany has been seeking to phase out components from Chinese telecom giants Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp. in its 5G network by 2029, aiming to address national security risks potentially posed by a single country. ---------- Sumo: Top wrestlers set for Paris exhibition tour in June 2026 TOKYO - Wrestlers from sumo's top division will make a two-day exhibition tour to Paris in June 2026, the third of its kind in the French capital, the Japan Sumo Association said Sunday. One-day tournaments will be held on June 13 and 14 in a venue that accommodates about 15,000 people, and a playoff will be contested on the final day if there are different tournament winners over the two days. ---------- Snowboarding: Ruka Hirano wins silver, Ayumu Hirano bronze in Laax LAAX, Switzerland - Japan's Ruka Hirano took silver and compatriot Ayumu Hirano bronze as Australian Scotty James claimed his fourth Laax Open snowboarding halfpipe championship in Switzerland on Saturday. Beijing Winter Olympic silver medalist James won the World Cup event with a score of 95.75 for his second and final attempt on the renowned Laax halfpipe, adding to his victories in 2024, 2020 and 2019. Video: Fire festival on cape facing the Pacific Ocean in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (18 January 2025) 18.01.2025 The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. The Sever Group of Forces engaged formations of one tank brigade, a heavy mechanised brigade, four mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, a marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Guyevo, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, Sverdlikovo, Sudzha, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. One AFU counter-attack was repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware near Viktorovka, Zaoleshenka, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Kubatkin, Kurilovka, Loknya, Martynovka, Melovoy, Nikolsky as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to over 210 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, an artillery gun, two mortars, an ammunition depot, and a UAV command post. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 52,660 troops, 304 tanks, 231 infantry fighting vehicles, 174 armoured personnel carriers, 1,567 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,502 motor vehicles, 372 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 93 EW stations, 14 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 30 units of engineering and other materiel, including 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Warns Against UK-Ukraine Claims to Azov Sea Sputnik News 20250118 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - 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. "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. "Behind this, we see London's long-standing desire to gain a foothold in these waters, especially in the Azov-Black Sea basin. Kiev, despite all its geopolitical claims, has been assigned only a supporting role in this," Zakharova said. 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Strike Ukrainian Defense Sites in Response to ATACMS Attacks, Free Two Villages Sputnik News 20250118 On Saturday morning, in response to Ukrainian forces firing ATACMS missiles at Russia's Belgorod region, the Russian military launched a coordinated strike with high-precision weaponry on Ukraine's defense industry facilities. 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. "Units of the Vostok Battlegroup continued advancing into enemy defenses and liberated the settlement of Vremevka in the Donetsk People's Republic," the MoD said. The MoD noted that the battlegroup's 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 town's 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: - Around135 soldiers - Two armored fighting vehicles - Three cars - Five Western-made field artillery pieces - One ammunition depot 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 army's losses in the Tsentr group's zone over the past day were: - Approximately 585 soldiers killed and wounded - Three armored fighting vehicles - Four cars - Four artillery pieces Other Developments Sever Battlegroup - Eliminated up to 30 Ukrainian soldiers in the Kharkov Region - Neutralized two vehicles and three field artillery pieces - Engaged motorized infantry and National Guard units near Volchansk and Glubokoye Yug Battlegroup - Improved tactical positions near Severosk and Novodmitrovka - Eliminated over 245 Ukrainian soldiers and destroyed an ammunition depot - Struck Ukrainian mechanized and assault brigades in multiple towns Zapad Battlegroup - Eliminated up to 470 Ukrainian soldiers in Lozovaya and Zagryzovo - Destroyed eight field artillery pieces, including NATO-made equipment and a tank - Seized better positions and knocked out a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier and an ammunition depot Dnepr Battlegroup - Eliminated up to 65 Ukrainian personnel near Antonovka and Kazatske - Destroyed eight cars, one artillery piece and a Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station - Targeted Ukrainian marines near several settlements Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Anyone Who Stands Against Ukraine or Defies the Laws of Ukraine Must Remember: They Will Face a Response - Address by the President President of Ukraine 18 January 2025 - 19:47 Dear Ukrainians! Today, after the missile strike on Kyiv, debris removal continued throughout the day. It was finished only in the evening. Efforts are still underway in Zaporizhzhia - they are looking for a person under the rubble. Meanwhile, rescuers are working at the site of a missile strike in the Kharkiv region. All those affected by these strikes are receiving the necessary assistance. I am grateful to all the doctors, State Emergency Service employees, municipal services, and our police officers involved in the rescue efforts. Tragically, lives have been taken by these missiles. Both Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia have reported fatalities. My condolences to all their families and loved ones. The strikes were carried out, in particular, by ballistic missiles. We are constantly working to secure more air defense systems for Ukraine - modern systems - capable of intercepting these types of ballistic missiles. Additionally, we are focused on ensuring that our Ukrainian army can take active action against enemy launchers, including those on Russian territory. I am grateful to all our partners who are supporting us in these efforts. Our long-range capabilities are one of the key tools for protecting lives. And I thank all our warriors of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Defense Intelligence, the Foreign Intelligence Service, who ensure the necessary long-range capabilities for us, for all Ukrainians, including with our own forces. Every night we can see how the war is returning home - quite justly - to Russian military facilities, thanks to our drones and missiles. Today, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have also performed very well: the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, the National Police, and our Prosecutor's Office. Traitors and various schemes that weakened our state and our Ukrainian society are being countered. And anyone who stands against Ukraine or defies the laws of Ukraine must remember that they will face a response. We are also preparing a new decision on the sanctions of the National Security and Defense Council - a decree will be issued tomorrow. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Customers Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: CUBI) between March 1, 2024 and August 8, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the January 31, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased Customers Bancorp 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 Customers Bancorp class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=28067 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 January 31, 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, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Customers Bancorp had inadequate anti-money laundering practices; (2) as a result, it was not in compliance with its legal obligations, which subjected it to heightened regulatory risk; and (3) as a result, defendants statements about Customers Bancorps business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Customers Bancorp class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=28067 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 NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) resulting from allegations that Unisys may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Unisys securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9648 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. What is this about: On October 22, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it had charged four companies, including Unisys, with making materially misleading disclosures regarding cybersecurity risks and intrusions. Further, the SEC also charged Unisys with disclosure controls and procedures violations. On this news, Unisys stock fell 8.6% on October 22, 2024. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com VANCOUVER, January 18, 2025 - 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 KYODO NEWS - Jan 19, 2025 - 09:09 | World, All Detained South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol became on Sunday the first sitting leader of the nation to be formally arrested after he incited an insurrection by declaring martial law in December. An anti-corruption agency served an arrest warrant for Yoon, who has been in custody since Wednesday. Some Yoon supporters became violent in protest and vandalized the premises of the Seoul Western District Court after it issued the warrant in the early hours of Sunday. The warrant, requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials which has led the probe, permits authorities to detain Yoon for up to 20 days. The office sought the warrant due to "the seriousness of the crime" and the risk of the president repeating it. The court said it authorized the arrest to prevent Yoon from possibly destroying evidence. Yoon is accused of attempting to lock down parliament by deploying the military to block a bid by lawmakers to vote to nullify his martial law declaration, as well as trying to have senior politicians including ruling and opposition party leaders detained. Yoon's camp has said the declaration of martial law by a president does not constitute an insurrection and the ongoing investigation into the case is illegal, as the anti-corruption agency is not authorized to probe charges of insurrection. The president refused to appear for questioning on Thursday and Friday, but attended a court session on Saturday in which the need for an arrest warrant was examined. He was detained and transported from the official presidential residence to the headquarters of the office outside Seoul on Wednesday. Staging an insurrection, the sole charge for which South Korean presidents are not immune from prosecution, is punishable under the law by up to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Before Wednesday's detention, the president had ignored three summonses from a joint investigation team comprising the anti-corruption agency, the police and the Defense Ministry for questioning over his actions. The martial law decree lasted only six hours, starting on the night of Dec. 3, before being rescinded through a vote by lawmakers. On Friday, Yoon said in a message to the public through his lawyers, "I heard many people are out on the streets coming together for the sake of our country. I sincerely thank you for your passionate patriotism," referring to his supporters who gathered outside the detention center to call for his release. His presidential authority has been suspended since Dec. 14, when parliament passed an impeachment motion submitted by opposition parties who accused him of failing to meet constitutional requirements when he declared martial law. Related coverage: South Korean President Yoon detained over martial law declaration Japan, South Korea affirm ties' importance amid Seoul political turmoil South Korean investigators fail to detain Yoon in standoff with security Previous article: Several dead as military clashes with illegal miners in Obuasi Featured Former First Lady Naadu Mills visits first family to offer congratulations GNA Jan - 19 - 2025 , 10:52 2 minutes read Former First Lady Ernestina Naadu Mills has visited President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina to congratulate them on their historic return to the Flagstaff House. Mrs Mills, who was received by the First Family in their home in Accra, visited them to congratulate President Mahama on his victory in the December 2024 election. It would be recalled that during the tenure Mrs Mills husband, President Professor John Evans Atta Mills from January 7, 2009, to July 24, 2012, President John Dramani Mahama was then the Vice President. Mr. Sharaf Mahama, son of President John Mahama, extends his warm greetings to former Fist Lady Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills. Advertisement Following the passing of President Mills on July 24, 2012, then Vice President John Dramani Mahama was constitutionally sworn-in as Ghanas President. He then went on to win the December 7, 2012 Presidential Election and was inaugurated for his first four-year term of office on January 7, 2013. President Mahama served his first term from January 7, 2013 to January 7, 2017. Losing the December 7, 2016 general election to the Candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President Mahama handed over power on January 7, 2017. After eight years in opposition, President Mahama won a decisive victory in the December 7 2024 general election and was inaugurated into office for a second term on January 7, 2025. Mrs Mills after leaving office as First Lady following the demise of her husband, has maintained a low public profile and avoided state functions. Her Saturdays engagement with the Mahamas is one of her rare public engagements over the past 12 years. Featured GES interdicts Tsito SHTS headmaster and two others over alleged food diversion Mohammed Ali Jan - 19 - 2025 , 22:24 2 minutes read The Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted Rev. Joy Kafui Akpebu, Headmaster of Tsito Senior High Technical School (SHTS). Also interdicted are Sylvanus Awunyo, the schools storekeeper, and Samuel Kwame Ampeh, the driver, over allegations of diverting 100 cartons of tinned tomatoes meant for student meals. The GES announced that the interdiction, carried out in line with Section 8, Clauses (i-v) of the GES Code of Conduct, is to ensure the accused do not interfere with ongoing investigations. The alleged diversion came to public attention on Friday, January 17, 2025, following a citizens arrest by Apostle Ekatso, the founder and leader of Apostle Ekatso Ministry. Advertisement According to him, he intercepted a taxi loaded with cartons of tinned tomatoes on the Sokode Gborgame-Akrofu road in the Volta Region. In a video shared on social media on Friday, January 17, 2025, the apostle narrated that he saw a Tsito SHTS-branded bus offloading the cartons into a bush. Shortly after, a taxi, an Opel Astra with registration number GR 5051 U, arrived to load the goods. I stopped my car when I saw what was happening, he explained in the video. The goods, meant for students, were being offloaded in the bush for the taxi driver to pick up. This kind of sabotage is unacceptable. Police officers from the Ho Central Police Station were called to the scene, where they arrested the taxi driver and impounded the goods. In a statement, the GES emphasised that the interdiction of the three officials was a necessary step to ensure accountability. They assured the public that appropriate measures would be taken following the conclusion of the investigation. Watch the video of the incident: Featured Why President Mahama used his brother's private jet on his trip to Senegal & Gambia Mohammed Ali Jan - 19 - 2025 , 09:33 2 minutes read President John Mahamas decision to use his brother Ibrahim Mahamas private jet for an official trip to Senegal and The Gambia was necessitated by a pending review of the presidential aircraft, according to his acting spokesperson Felix Ofosu Kwakye. Speaking on Saturday, January 18, 2025, Mr Ofosu Kwakye explained that the president is awaiting a detailed report on the condition of the Communications Squadron, the Air Force unit responsible for managing the presidential fleet. Until the review is complete, President Mahama has opted for alternative arrangements that do not burden the public purse. The most critical point is that this alternative arrangement has not in any way, shape, or form cost the Ghanaian taxpayer a dime, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said in an interview with TV3. President Mahama is mindful of the precarious economic situation and is committed to utilizing public funds prudently. Advertisement He added that the private jet, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, has been available to the president since before his election and was used because it was readily accessible for the trip. Mr Ofosu Kwakye assured the public that President Mahama would return to using the official presidential jet once the Air Forces review is completed. Critics have questioned the use of a private jet, but Mr Kwakye Ofosu dismissed concerns, emphasising that the jet is privately owned and has incurred no financial implications for the state. The decision, he stressed, aligns with President Mahamas commitment to ensuring efficient use of public resources, particularly during a time of economic challenges. Next article: Video: Mahama worships with Rev Opambour during Kumasi regional tour Previous article: VIDEO: Prez Mahama appeals to Asantehene for support in addressing economic challenges Featured 7 illegal miners killed in shootout with Ghana Armed Forces at AngloGold Ashanti mines Mohammed Ali Jan - 19 - 2025 , 16:20 2 minutes read The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners after a violent confrontation with military personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site in Obuasi on Saturday night, 18 January 2025. According to a statement signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations, the clash occurred around 11:00 pm when approximately 60 illegal miners breached the mines security fence at Cote dOr Ramp. The miners reportedly attempted to access the Deep Decline section of the mine. Armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, and other tools, the miners fired at a military patrol team on Operation HALT II duties. Advertisement The soldiers returned fire in self-defence, killing seven miners and leaving one seriously injured. One soldier was also injured by pellets from a pump-action gun but has since received medical treatment. Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene. The GAF emphasised that military personnel on authorised duty have the right to use necessary force, including lethal measures, to protect themselves, civilians, and property. They warned illegal miners against encroaching on mining concessions or engaging in armed confrontations, stressing that such actions could have fatal outcomes. The incident has sparked heightened concerns, with videos circulating on social media showing bodies at the scene, heavy smoke, and chaotic moments. The military called on illegal miners to respect the law and avoid activities that put lives and property at risk. Next article: VIDEO: Prez Mahama appeals to Asantehene for support in addressing economic challenges Previous article: GES interdicts Tsito SHTS headmaster and two others over alleged food diversion Featured President Mahama orders investigation into AngloGold Ashanti mine deaths Kweku Zurek Jan - 19 - 2025 , 18:29 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has directed an immediate investigation into the violent clash at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site in Obuasi that resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, reportedly illegal miners. In a statement issued on Sunday, January 19, 2025, the Presidency expressed deep regret over the tragic incident, describing the loss of life as a matter of great concern. The Government wishes to express deep regret over the tragic loss of up to eight (8) lives, said to be illegal miners, following a violent clash at a mining site in Obuasi, the statement read. President Mahama has instructed that the investigation uncover the circumstances leading to the confrontation and ensure that any individuals found culpable face justice. Advertisement President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the clashes and ensure that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully are brought to justice, said the statement signed by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President. The government has also tasked AngloGold Ashanti to take responsibility for the medical expenses of the injured and to assist with burial arrangements for those who lost their lives. Security measures and background Security agencies have been directed to restore calm in the area and implement measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. The directive comes after the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners in a violent clash with military personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti mining site on Saturday night, 18 January 2025. According to a GAF statement signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, approximately 60 illegal miners armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, machetes, and other tools breached the mines security fence at Cote dOr Ramp around 11:00 pm. The miners attempted to access the Deep Decline section of the mine. When the military patrol team deployed under Operation HALT II tried to intervene, the miners fired at them. The soldiers returned fire in self-defence, killing seven miners and leaving one seriously injured, the GAF statement said. One soldier sustained injuries from a pump-action gun but has since been treated. Six pump-action BB cartridges were retrieved from the scene. The military reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and warned illegal miners against encroaching on mining concessions or engaging in armed confrontations, which, they emphasised, could have fatal outcomes. The incident has sparked public concern, with videos circulating on social media showing chaotic scenes, including heavy smoke and bodies at the site. Previous article: Why President Mahama used his brother's private jet on his trip to Senegal & Gambia Featured President Mahama visits Ghanaian troops in Gambia Graphic.com.gh Jan - 19 - 2025 , 06:52 1 minute read President John Dramani Mahama visited Ghanaian troops deployed with the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) during his first international trip since his inauguration. The trip, which occurred on Friday, January 17, 2025, included meetings between President Mahama and Gambian officials to discuss security cooperation and bilateral relations. President Mahama commended the troops for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to maintaining peace and security in The Gambia, emphasising their critical role in supporting stability and democratic governance. He reiterated Ghanas support for The Gambias efforts to address past injustices and enhance its institutions through the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission." Featured President Mahama worships with Opambour Kester Aburam Korankye Jan - 19 - 2025 , 14:59 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama joined Reverend Ebenezer Opambour Adarkwa Yiadom, also known as Prophet 1, for Sunday service at the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre in Ahenema Kokoben, near Kumasi, today. President Mahama during the service expressed optimism that with God's guidance, Ghana will overcome its challenges under his leadership. He acknowledged the significant challenges facing the country, stating that his brief time in government had exposed the extent of the economic crisis. However, he expressed hope and courage in finding solutions. Advertisement "The challenge ahead is huge; my few days in government has exposed a lot, and we have seen how the economy has been messed up, but we have hope and with courage we shall solve it," he said. President Mahama also praised Reverend Opambour for his boldness in prophesying despite facing suppression. He called for God's direction and protection for Reverend Opambour, describing him as a courageous man of God. President Mahama was accompanied by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, son of the President, Sharaf Mahama and Ashanti regional executives of the party. Faith Reverend Opambour emphasised the importance of faith in God, stating that without Him, there is no hope. He also reiterated his prophecy that President Mahama is destined for the presidency. "God prophesied through me, and true to His word, HE John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana," he said. Reverend Opambour further urged Ghanaians to have faith in God, saying, "There is no hope without God. God is the reason for our survival, and you shall never be disgraced if you have faith in Him." Next article: Several dead as military clashes with illegal miners in Obuasi Featured President Mahama appoints Afetsi Awoonor as acting MD of BOST Graphic.com.gh Jan - 19 - 2025 , 11:44 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Afetsi Awoonor as the Acting Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST). The appointment letter, signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, was issued in line with Article 195(1) of the Constitution, pending consultation with the Public Services Commission and the required advice from the Minister for Energy and Green Transition. Mr Awoonor is a business leader and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience in managing multicultural teams and projects across the public and private sectors. He has significant expertise in structuring, negotiating, and implementing partnerships throughout Africa, especially in the energy and defence industries. Advertisement He previously held the role of Government Relations Manager at BOST, where he managed both government-to-government and business-to-government initiatives. In 2011, he founded JBW Limited, a defence and energy tech startup operating in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and he currently serves as Chairman of the Board. BOST Union reacts Meanwhile, the Senior Staff Union of the Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) has congratulated to Mr Awonoor on his appointment as Managing Director of BOST. "We are confident that Mr. Awonoor's extensive experience will be invaluable in guiding BOST towards a prosperous future. The Senior Staff Union pledges its full support and cooperation to Mr. Awonoor and his leadership team as we work together to achieve the company's strategic objectives," the union said in a statement signed by Chairman Andrew Gyamfi and Assistant Secretary Abdul Jalil Abdul Rahman. "We express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency the President for appointing Mr. Awonoor to this critical role. This appointment demonstrates the President's commitment to selecting highly qualified individuals to lead key institutions in Ghana. "We warmly welcome Mr. Awonoor to the BOST family and wish him every success in his new role. We are confident that under his leadership, BOST will continue to play a vital role in Ghanas development". Weta Chiefs grateful to Prez. Mahama The Chiefs and people of the Weta Traditional Area, under the auspices of His Royal Majesty Togbiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI - The Paramount Chief of Weta Traditional Area, in a letter to the President also expressed gratitude "for appointing our distinguished son, Mr. Afetsi Awoonor, as Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Company". "This appointment not only reflects your commitment to recognizing capable leaders like Mr. Awoonor, whose expertise and dedication will significantly contribute to the success of BOST and the nation as a whole, but it has also brought immense pride and joy to the entire Weta community. "Your Excellency, Mr.Awoonors selection aligns with your reset agenda, and we are confident he will serve with excellence and integrity to meet your expectations. Once again, we express our sincere gratitude for this honour and assure you of our prayers and unwavering support as you continue to advance Ghanas development". Featured VIDEO: Watch Aglow's prayer for President Mahama Graphic.com.gh Jan - 19 - 2025 , 10:06 2 minutes read Aglow International Ghana commenced its first monthly intercessory prayer for the nation this weekend focusing on divine guidance for President John Dramani Mahama as he sifts through thousands of CVs to select government appointees. Participants gathered to pray for wisdom and discernment in the appointment process, emphasising the importance of choosing qualified individuals who can contribute positively to the countrys development. The group expressed hope that their prayers would influence the decision-making process and lead to appointments that align with the nations goals and aspirations. The President has spoken about his pledge to maintain a lean government with only 60 ministers despite being inundated with thousands of CVs. Speaking at the Presidential Dinner in Accra on Wednesday, January 8, the President highlighted the challenges of assembling a capable and efficient team amid heightened expectations from Ghanaians. I have hit the ground running, President Mahama stated. Today, I had several meetings with all our key, multilateral and bilateral partners to try to see how we can kick-start things to make the lives of our people better, to look at issues to do with the economy and all that. And so I expect that all of us who would have a role to play would also be the same. He acknowledged the difficulty of selecting a small team of ministers from the overwhelming number of applicants while emphasising the need for a lean and effective government. You wouldnt want to be in my shoes when youve promised to appoint only 60 ministers, yet thousands of people are sending in their CVs. Then maybe some people will be disappointed, he remarked. Watch the video below: KYODO NEWS - Jan 19, 2025 - 09:39 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism Japan's struggling regional economies could receive a much-needed boost via the recent introduction of high-end train tours that offer travelers a chance to sample less-visited locations in luxury. The development comes as local train lines and communities in graying Japan are under pressure from declining passenger numbers and a shrinking population, with governments and private companies searching for ways to encourage overseas tourists to find destinations off the beaten path. Among such tours are the ones on Tokyu Corp.'s luxury Royal Express train, operated across various parts of Japan. On tours conducted in Shizuoka Prefecture in November and December, jointly operated by Tokyu and Central Japan Railway Co., passengers spend three days and four nights in the central Japan prefecture enjoying views of Mt. Fuji and sampling local eel dishes among other treats. Although tickets were pricey at 750,000 yen ($4,800) to 820,000 yen per person, all six tours sold out. In western Japan, the West Japan Railway Co.'s Twilight Express Mizukaze is bringing passengers to less-populated lines and helping to preserve local traditions. At the unmanned Higashihama Station in Tottori Prefecture, locals voluntarily showed off a folk singing tradition from the area to welcome passengers. Masuo Hamaguchi, one of the troupe's dancers, said the trains had "brought more tourists and made the town lively." Takeshi Sakimoto, a sociology professor at Edogawa University specializing in tourism studies, said there is "considerable growth potential" from the country's underexposed regional tourism spots. "Luxury train tours have the scope to become a powerful catalyst for struggling local railway lines," he said, pointing to their potential to draw foreign tourists away from city destinations, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, that are struggling under the weight of tourists. Related coverage: Japan sake-brewing added to UNESCO intangible heritage Utsunomiya tram's rejuvenation achievements a model for other cities Japan drops subsidy plan to draw women to rural areas upon marriage The OnePlus 13 was originally unveiled a while back, but it is a new arrival in Europe. The phone exudes flagship with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a 6.82 1440p+ LTPO display, three 50MP Hasselblad cameras, an IP68/IP69 rating and a 6,000mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging support. Check out our written review and our video review for a closer look. Note that weve only linked the 16/512GB variant as that currently has a 150 discount (dropping its price to match the 12/256GB variant). The OnePlus Nord 4 combines an aluminum unibody with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 its no match for the Elite chip, but its as fast as flagship chips from a few generations ago. The phone has a 50MP main camera (1/1.95, OIS) and an 8MP ultra wide, plus a 16MP selfie. The battery is quite large at 5,500mAh and it supports fast 100W charging (100% in 28 minutes). The metal body is rated IP65 for resistance against water jets but not submersion. 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 8/256GB 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 also has 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. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Weekly poll: which Honor Magic7 model is the right one for you? While not new, the Honor Magic7 Pro and Magic7 Lite arrived in Europe earlier this week on Wednesday, the Lite went on sale while the Pro went on pre-order. Then, a day later, the Magic7 RSR Porsche Design joined them. First, the Pro and RSR models are mostly the same the latter stands out with a bespoke design, a larger 5,850mAh battery (the global Pro has a 5,270mAh battery) and a different telephoto camera. Honor Magic7 Pro The Honor Magic7 Pro has a gently curved 6.8 display, a 10-bit LTPO panel with up to 120Hz refresh rate, plus Dolby Vision and HDR support and Giant Rhino Glass protection. The phone is rated IP68/IP69 for protection against submersion and hot water jets. The Magic7 Pro and the RSR Porsche Design are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. They have 50MP main cameras (large 1/1.3 sensors) with a variable aperture (f/1.4-f/2.0) and OIS, plus a 50MP ultra-wide (12mm, 122). The Pro has a 200MP 3x tele camera (f/2.6), while the RSR gets a 180MP tele camera (with a brighter f/1.9 lens), both with OIS. Charging is done at 100W over USB-C and at 80W wirelessly. Honor confirmed to us that it will provide 5 years of OS updates and security patches for the Pro and RSR. The Honor Magic7 Lite is a mid-ranger with the older Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip. It has a pretty good 6.78 OLED display, a curved 10-bit panel with 120Hz refresh rate (but isnt LTPO) and up to 4,000 nits peak brightness. Thats almost as high as the Pro/RSR display, which peaks at 5,000 nits. Honor Magic7 Lite However, the 108MP rear camera (1/1.67, OIS, fixed aperture) and ultra-wide camera with only a 5MP sensor show that this is no flagship. The selfie camera is also quite basic with a 16MP sensor, compared to the 50MP unit on the pricier models. On the plus side, the battery is absolutely massive at 6,600mAh and has fast 66W charging. Naturally, there is a difference in prices too. Check out the table below. Note that the Pro comes with a free Honor MagicPad 2 (normally 600/500 on its own), while the Lite is paired with the Honor Earbuds Open (worth 150 normally). Honor Storage EU UK Magic7 Lite 8/256GB 370 - 8/512GB 400 400 Magic7 Pro 12/512GB 1,300 1,100 Magic7 RSR 16/512GB 1,800 - Honor Magic7 Pro Can the Honor Magic7 Pro be your next flagship? Vote below: What about the Honor Magic7 RSR Porsche Design are you the type to splurge on something fancy? Finally, what do you think of the Honor Magic7 Lite? A man is facing charges of strangulation and family violence after allegedly hitting a 15-year-old boy known to him, despite promising he wouldnt abuse him and his mother again, according to a magistrate complaint filed in the Superior Court of Guam. Joshua Eric Moye, 37, is charged with third-degree strangulation and misdemeanor family violence. The incident occurred around 7:08 a.m. on Jan. 16, when a woman and the 15-year-old boy went to the Central Precinct to report the alleged abuse. They told police that earlier that morning, around 6 a.m., the woman and Moye got into an argument. Moye became frustrated with the teenager for neglecting to do his chores. The woman had noticed the boy had not cleaned the dog kennels after taking the dogs for a walk. She reminded him to clean the kennels, but Moye interjected, asking if it was necessary for her to remind the child. When she shook her head, Moye demanded a verbal response. The woman became frustrated and started cursing at him. Moye then turned to the teenager and asked if he had heard the woman curse at him but when the boy said he hadnt, Moye swung his right hand at him with an open palm, striking the left side of the boys face near his eye, causing him to fall to the ground, court documents state. The teenager stood up, but Moye got in his face and shouted, You were always testing me. You were waiting for this to happen. After the boy stood up, Moye allegedly grabbed him by the neck, pinned him against the wall, and choked him, making it difficult for him to breathe and causing him to feel as though he lost consciousness, court documents state. The woman told officers Moye had allegedly promised never to abuse her or the children again after a history of verbal and physical abuse. Local authorities spoke with the teenager, who corroborated the womans account. According to court documents, both the woman and the teenager were described as visibly upset and crying and needed to pause several times to catch their breath while speaking. Police observed swelling around the teenagers left eye and a slight abrasion near the corner of the eye. Moye was brought to the precinct for questioning later that morning. He allegedly admitted to police to hitting the boy and explained that he was angry with the woman for not making the boy do his chores. Moye was subsequently arrested. He was released on a $3,000 personal recognizance bond. KYODO NEWS - Jan 19, 2025 - 16:59 | All, Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Sunday that his Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner must at least retain majority control of the upper house in the summer election after a setback in last year's polls for the more powerful lower house forced the formation of a minority government. "We should retain a majority of (seats in) the upper house as a ruling coalition. This is our baseline," Ishiba said on a TV program ahead of the beginning of a 150-day regular session of Japan's parliament on Friday. The election must be held by late July, with half of the 248-member House of Councillors seats up for grabs. Upper house members serve six years in Japan, and an election in which half of the chamber's seats are contested takes place every three years. Ishiba did not rule out dissolving the House of Representatives for a snap election if a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet is approved. The regular Diet session will be Ishiba's first since the LDP and Komeito lost their majority in the lower house following the Oct. 27 election. After taking office on Oct. 1, Ishiba swiftly called a general election to strengthen his hold on power, but the strategy backfired. Uncertainty looms over whether Ishiba's minority government can pass the state budget for the next fiscal year, as opposition parties are expected to maintain a confrontational stance over a fundraising scandal involving LDP lawmakers. Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said opposition parties will aim to block the ruling parties from securing a majority in the upper house election. Related coverage: Japan PM urges party unity, upper house majority at stake in election Japan PM Ishiba rules out forming grand coalition for now FOCUS: Japan's main opposition party fails to boost clout after Oct. vote Haiti - FLASH : Results of the Bac 1st session of the failed for the 10 departments (2024-2025) The Ministry of National Education has just published the results of the exams of the first session of the failed (Bac permanent) of the academic year 2024-2025 for the 10 departments. According to the data communicated by the National Bureau of State Examinations (BUNEXE) (in descending order): Nippes : out of a total of 2,203 participants, 1,523 are admitted, i.e. a success rate of 69.13%, slightly up from the previous year (68.56%) North : out of a total of 1,578 participants, 967 are admitted, i.e. a success rate of 61.28%, up from the previous year (56.37%); West : out of a total of 14,623 participants, 8,072 candidates were admitted, representing a success rate of 55.2%, a sharp increase compared to the previous year (38.74%); Centre : out of a total of 1,992 participants, 1,090 candidates were admitted, representing a success rate of 54.72%, a sharp increase compared to the previous year (36.92%); Grand'Anse : out of a total of 1,888 participants, 1,016 candidates were admitted, representing a success rate of 53.81%, a very sharp increase compared to the previous year (24.02%); South : out of a total of 1,744 participants, 749 are admitted, representing a success rate of 42.95%, a very sharp increase compared to the previous year (13.12%); Artibonite : out of a total of 5,286 participants, 1,658 are admitted, representing a success rate of 31.37%. A very slight decrease compared to the previous year (31.45%); South-East : out of a total of 1,416 participants, 388 are admitted, representing a success rate of 27.4%, a sharp decrease compared to the previous year (39.98%); Northeast : out of a total of 5,621 participants, 1,394 were admitted, representing a success rate of 24.8%, a sharp drop compared to the previous year (61.97%); Northwest : out of a total of 3,135 participants, 404 were admitted, representing a success rate of 12.89%, a sharp drop compared to the previous year (24.86%). School heads are invited to collect their school's ranking from the relevant Departmental Directorate of Education (DDE). The Ministry invites candidates to check their results which will be posted in the DDE See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44072-haiti-flash-results-of-the-bac-1st-session-of-the-failed-for-3-departments.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Justice : Judge Merlan Belabre suspended for 3 months by the CSPJ The Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ) has decided to place Judge Merlan Belabre on leave for a period of three months. This decision, notified to the judge in a letter dated January 17, 2025 and signed by Me Jean Joseph Lebrun, President of the CSPJ, follows a complaint filed on January 7, 2025, after Judge Merlan Belabre released Rene Toussaint, a school principal accused of raping a 14-year-old minor, who became pregnant as a result of this assault. Furthermore, Judge Belabre is regularly denounced for his release decisions deemed questionable. Letter from CSPJ: "Magistrate Merlan Belabre, Judge and Examining Magistrate at the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince Magistrate, The Superior Council of the Judiciary informs you that following the complaint filed against you on January 7, 2025 relating to a case of rape of a minor for which you are responsible and the results of the investigation that followed, it was decided, at the statutory meeting of Thursday, January 16, 2025, to place you on leave for a period of three (3) months pending your appearance before the Disciplinary Court which will rule definitively on your situation. Receive Magistrate, Greetings from the Council Magistrate Jean Joesph Lebrun President of the CSPJ. Cc. Dean of the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince, Personnel Service of the Higher Council of the Judiciary." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... National Carnival 2025 in Fort Liberte No edition of the National Carnival has been celebrated since 2021 due to insecurity. Only a few limited carnival festivities were organized the following 3 years. Saturday, January 18, Patrick Delatour, the Minister of Culture, announced that the edition of the National Carnival 2025 will be held this year in Fort-Liberte, from March 2 to 4 around the theme "Haiti standing" (Haiti debout). According to Akinson Belizaire alias "Zagalo", promoter of the event, T-Vice, Kreyol La, RAM, Boukman Eksperyans, and Tropicana d'Haiti would have confirmed their participation conditional on ensuring security. USA Congratulates Kenyan Reinforcements The United States welcomes the arrival of new members of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) from Kenya https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44091-haiti-flash-218-kenyan-soldiers-arrived-in-haiti-video.html . The United States remains with the Haitian people and is committed to doing its part to ensure a safer and brighter future for all Haitians. Teachers' strike Concerned by the persistence of the strike observed by teachers in public schools and high schools since January 13, 2025, to demand better working conditions, Antoine Augustin, the Minister of National Education and Vocational Training, met with the strikers on Friday, January 17, with a view to thawing the situation. Discussions are underway between Minister Augustin to find an agreement and end their strike that is paralyzing public schools. Another meeting is scheduled for this Sunday, according to Josue Merilien Coordinator of the National Union of Haitian Normaliens (UNNOH) Cleaning on the Champ de Mars A cleaning operation took place on Champ de Mars to remove waste and restore order in the area. The goal is to make this space clean and welcoming for all. This is a big step towards improving the environment of Port-au-Prince. Cleaning in several important areas such as Capois Street, Christophe Avenue, Wa Street, Waag Street, Chavanne Street, Jean-Paul II Avenue and other nearby locations. Jacmel : Prelude to President Petro's visit The Ministry of Tourism is very present alongside other public institutions in the mobilization in prelude to the visit of Colombian President Gustavo Petro to Jacmel on January 22. Teams are hard at work on the tourist port as well as at Petion and Bolivar Square as part of renovation work in the historic city center. BINUH : Training for officers from Guatemala and El Salvador The human rights section of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), in coordination with the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) in Haiti, conducted 2 days of training for officers from Guatemala and El Salvador https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43993-haiti-flash-a-second-group-of-75-guatemalan-soldiers-has-arrived.html and https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43986-haiti-flash-first-reinforcements-from-guatemala-and-el-salvador-have-arrived-video.html newly deployed within the Mission. Topics covered: Human Rights Compliance Framework; Principles of the Use of Force and the Responsibilities of Commanders; Protection against Sexual Abuse and Exploitation; Management of children associated with gangs and humanitarian principles. 63 participants, including 10 women, participated in this training session. HL/ HaitiLibre NATO is responding to the increasing damage to submarine cables in the Baltic Sea with an initiative: among other things, unmanned boats are to make the affected waters safer, even in autonomous operation. Baltric Sentry is the name of the project with which several NATO member states want to counter sabotage attempts with a "robust and decisive response". Anzeige As French Admiral Pierre Vandier, Commander-in-Chief of NATO's Allied Command Transformation, announced according to the portal "The War Zone", the drone boats, known as uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), are to begin operations in a few weeks' time. The venture is "an operational experiment in response to an operational problem", the admiral added. No information yet on USV make The aim is to create a comprehensive surveillance network that combines video, radar data and evaluation systems. The aim is to provide the various stakeholders, "whether industry, coastguard or police", with faster information for further measures, explained Vandier. According to Vandier, the exact make of the UPSs has not yet been determined. The USVs will initially still be under human control, but it is planned that they will later operate "with greater autonomy". They will complement the existing Baltric Sentry operation, which includes several surface vessels and reconnaissance aircraft. Supporters of the initiative include Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. The UK is already pursuing the approach of using AI to combat acts of sabotage. Operation Nordic Warden will use AI to analyze data from a range of sources, such as the ships' Automatic Identification System (AIS), to calculate the risk of detected ships entering "areas of interest". After a data cable between Finland and Germany and one between Sweden and Lithuania were presumably damaged by a Chinese ship at the end of November, four submarine cables off the coast of Finland failed over the Christmas period. Anzeige (nen) During my research over many years and multiple Freedom of Information Requests it became clear that violence in the region had mutated. On 23rd May 2017 , I was due to defend my PhD on Collective Violence in the North of England at the University of Helsinki. In the early hours before the defence, I was awakened by my colleague in the UK turn on the TV. Salman Abedi had just detonated his suicide bomb in Manchester (North of England) and 22 were killed with hundreds injured. The doctoral defence was a funeral for me. Violent riots by Pakistani heritage immigrants broke out in Bradford, 1995. Few rioters were convicted of crimes. But this was replaced by draconian punishments after the 2001 riots when the same community was involved in more riots. The wrath of the authorities put a lid on the riots, but it only led to the diffusion of violence underground. Violence moved from the streets to the front room behind closed doors. Only this time the victims were young girls. This week, Police reports in Finland put the focus on criminality in public spaces but child sex abuse has been increasing in Finland for many years It has been happening for years in the UK. Mawby had identified patterns in the 1990s and an NGO had highlighted concerns about the sexual abuse of predominantly white girls in Bradford. Fast forward to 2025 and you have Elon Musk attacking the UK elite for ignoring the child sex abuse in multiple urban areas by Pakistani heritage grooming gangs. However, the elites had been investigating. Local investigations revealed an industrial level of sexual abuse in over 40 cities e.g. Rotherham, Telford, OxfordThere was even the 400+ page National Report into Child Sex Abuse (2022) that took 7 years and cost millions. It identified systemic problems of child sex abuse across all communities and institutions. Every part of the UK was infected. Most cases were in the home involving family relatives and in the white community. After all it is still a white, Christian majority country. But the report did not address the scale of the grooming gangs in multiple urban areas. In 2021, I wrote to the National Inquiry asking questions about their methodology and research parameters as it was clearly flawed. Not only had I been researching the issue, but I come from Bradford and in the 90s it could clearly be seen what was happening. The key hubs for the grooming gangs were the takeaway restaurants, taxi firms, railway stations, or street corners. The Inquiry replied that it was outside their remit to investigate these phenomena. By default, they were intentionally ignoring key factors. This should have been raising red flags -it did not. The problems were compounded by a Police force and Judiciary that were blighted by operational incompetence, inconsistency in recording data and overall fear of offending certain communities by having charging strategies that were diluted or non-existent. This was confirmed in numerous local investigations. During my research, I was in Bradford a lot and interviewed leaders from the Kashmiri community. I have nothing but positive observations to make and rightly they pointed out this was a minority. But the problem is that the scale, intensity and duration of the problem transcend generations, and it is still happening today. However, people for too long have tried to push the issue under the carpet. Some like Maajid Nawaz, a leading British Pakistani political commentator claim there has been a cover-up. After all, the grooming gangs have been identified mostly in constituencies controlled by the Labour party who rely on the immigrant vote. But people do not want to be confronted by uncomfortable facts like the sentencing remarks of Judge Peter Rook QC from the Oxford case in 2013. They are horrific descriptions of what the victims experienced. Mainstream media for too long has been largely silent on the issue and even today they are reacting and not initiating investigations. The initiatives are being made in alternative media and this might account for why many traditional media platforms are losing readers. This is what happens when the media are too frightened to ask questions or try to promote their own world view and forget the value of diverse opinions. As for promoting their own world view, the academic community, especially those in the Social Sciences has been muted. In 2018, Sheffield University (in the North of England) hosted a conference Religion and Rape. There was no presentation on the 1400 girls that had been sexually abused in the nearby city of Rotherham and there was no reference to the grooming gangs. When I asked about this, there was no reply. Keir Starmer was the top legal officer in the UK throughout the time this scandal was unfolding. His default strategy is labelling everyone as Far Right if they do not agree with him. It also happened with the 2024 summer riots. Questions are going to be asked of his role in the grooming scandal, as with the riots. There are skeletons in his cupboard as well as elephants in the room. The political elite of all persuasion have created this dystopian nightmare in the UK and other European states are not immune from the same critique. If it takes Musk to get involved and hold the British political elite accountable, then it should be welcomed. The Labour Party is recoiling in horror at coming under the spotlight. To date, no police officer, local politician, legal official or social welfare officer has been made accountable. On the 8.1.2025 the UK Labour government rejected calls for a national inquiry. A Council of Europe country report on Finland in April 2023 highlights poverty as a key driver behind sexual exploitation. In the UK multiple deprivation stalks all urban landscapes, but can the same be said of Finland? They also identify human trafficking as a crucial factor and Finland is blighted with this, and so is the UK. Factor in the drug trade and the problem of porous borders and you might wake up to the real questions that need to be asked. I posed the question at the end of the Preface to my research is Finland really immune from the insidious mutations of collective violence? By Graham Wood Graham Wood has been a lecturer at the University of Helsinki for over thirty years. He gained his Executive MBA from Aalto and his PhD from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Helsinki University where he researched conflict and collective violence. He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK. This is a "Viewpoint" opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of The Helsinki Times. This column is not fact checked and HT is not be responsible for any possible inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article. HT In an interview with Turun Sanomat, Halla-aho argued that avoiding recognition of the situation could lead to greater risks. Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho has voiced concerns that the world might already be in the midst of World War III, urging Finland and its allies to treat current geopolitical tensions as if they signify a state of war. If we dont know whether we are at war, its always best to assume that we are, he said. He compared todays circumstances to the early stages of World War II, when the global conflict was not immediately recognised as such. Halla-aho emphasised the necessity of prioritising Ukraines defence and Russias defeat, calling the latter even more crucial than a Ukrainian victory. A failure to stop Russia, he warned, would embolden other authoritarian states to engage in imperialist aggression. Russias victory would signal to rogue states that the high cost of imperialist adventures is worth paying, as Western resolve would eventually falter, he said. Halla-aho urged Finland to increase its support for Ukraine and push other nations to do the same. He criticised vague statements that suggest Russia might retain some gains from the conflict, arguing that such messages only encourage Moscow to pursue further negotiations on its terms. Citing the increased prevalence of hybrid warfare, Halla-aho said that even if full-scale military conflict has not erupted globally, proxy wars and hybrid attacks present a dangerous state of "neither war nor peace." Finland and the Baltic states understand what is at stake, he said, acknowledging the limited resources of smaller nations. Our role is to lead by example and encourage larger countries to take stronger action. Halla-aho noted that Finlands support for Ukraine should remain steadfast but pragmatic. Its not about supporting Ukraine as long as necessaryits about supporting Ukraine with as much as necessary, as quickly as possible, he said. Halla-aho, a former chair of the Finns Party, has brought a distinctive voice to Finnish politics. Fluent in Russian and Ukrainian, he has a PhD in Slavic Studies and previously worked at Finlands embassy in Kyiv. His expertise in regional issues has added weight to his calls for Finland to play a proactive role in addressing the crisis. In late 2023, Halla-aho delivered a speech in Ukrainian at the Parliament in Kyiv, where President Volodymyr Zelensky presented him with a medal of honour. Finland, now a NATO member, has joined its allies in strengthening its defences and supporting Ukraine. While Finland faces no immediate military threat, Halla-aho reiterated the importance of preparation. Assuming war will come compels us to prepare, and preparation reduces the likelihood of war, he said. HT NAIROBI/BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- On a sleek train between Nairobi and Mombasa, young stewards warmly welcome passengers. In the bustling Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, young workers proudly produce goods stamped with "Made in Africa." In Nigeria, young employees efficiently manage parcel deliveries at a booming e-commerce logistics hub. Across the continent, young people are not just participants, they are catalysts accelerating Africa's transformation. According to the African Union (AU) and the African Development Bank, Africa is home to the youngest population in the world, with over 400 million people aged 15 to 35 and its youth population is expected to surpass 830 million by 2050. This demographic, fueled by the digital revolution and a shift toward green energy, is unlocking new opportunities on the continent. By collaborating with global partners like China, African nations are tapping into this demographic dividend, empowering their youth to shape a brighter, more innovative future. DEMOGRAPHIC ASSET According to Statista, an international data and business intelligence platform, Africa's total population exceeded 1.46 billion as of 2023 and is projected to reach about 2.5 billion by 2050. In "AI and the Future of Work in Africa White Paper," Microsoft estimated that by the end of the 21st century, Africa will be home to almost half of the world's youth population, nearly twice the entire population of Europe. The strong presence of young workers is invigorating traditional sectors such as agriculture, industry and services, while accelerating the development of emerging sectors like the digital economy, and renewable energy and artificial intelligence (AI). Furthermore, these young generations serve as a major consumption force, contributing to the growing attraction of the African market. Youth are a crucial driving force for Africa's socio-economic development, said Liu Tiannan, associate professor at the French Department of Foreign Languages Faculty and director of African Studies Institute at the University of International Relations in China. "The youth bulge in Africa could prove to be the regions' most valuable asset moving forward" as other regions of the world grapple with population aging and labor shortages, said the International Labour Organization in its report titled "Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024." IMMERSION IN MODERN TRENDS At Yaxare, an herbal tea company based in the Gambian capital Banjul, 33-year-old founder Fatoumata Njie oversees the packaging of her products, which have gained popularity among local consumers largely due to the integration of digital technologies in her business management. To enhance the quality and yield of local medicinal herbs, Njie developed a mobile application called "Happy Farm," helping farmers improve soil quality and boost harvests. Meanwhile, she regularly orders packaging and tea processing equipment from e-commerce platforms to deliver attractive, high-quality products to her customers. Thanks to digital transformation, the daily lives of many young Africans like Njie are undergoing a significant shift. Across the continent, e-commerce and digital finance are making impressive strides, while mobile payments are rapidly expanding. As communication infrastructure continues to improve, new job and entrepreneurial opportunities are increasing for Africa's youth. Meanwhile, more young Africans are increasingly engaging in the energy transition, particularly amid the escalating threat of climate change. They are driving innovation in energy technologies and supporting the electrification of rural areas, helping steer the continent toward a green economy. Doreen Orishaba, managing director at BasiGo, a Kenyan company specializing in new-energy vehicles, has spent over a year promoting Chinese electric buses in Rwanda, where fuel imports are expensive and fuel consumption is high due to the mountainous roads. Her efforts have raised awareness among local bus operators about the environmental and economic benefits of these vehicles, prompting their order of more than a hundred electric buses. "For every bus BasiGO puts on a Rwandan road, we are helping mitigate up to 30 tons of CO2 emissions," she said. UNLOCKING YOUTH POTENTIAL Liu said that for Africa's youth potential to become a true demographic dividend, it is essential to improve the education system, enhance skill development, expand employment opportunities and promote entrepreneurship among young people. Henok Amanuel Emiru, a 26-year-old Ethiopian student, never imagined he would win the highest distinction among African candidates at the Belt and Road International Skills Competition hosted in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality last June. This success is the result of training at the Ethiopian Luban Workshop, designated by the AU Headquarters as a high-quality skill-training center for the entire African continent. Through the shared expertise of his instructors, Emiru gained a mastery of techniques at the vocational training workshop. The Luban Workshop is just a microcosm of Sino-African cooperation in youth education. Over the next three years, China will continue implementing Future of Africa, a project for China-Africa cooperation on vocational education, building schools of engineering technology with African countries, establishing or upgrading 10 Luban Workshops and 20 schools, and providing training opportunities with programs for youth development. African countries are also making efforts to empower youth through tailored development programs, such as Morocco's government plan to invest 14 billion Moroccan dirhams (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) in youth employment, Senegal's National Youth Development Program 2025-2029, and Zambia's digital and green skills training projects until 2027. "Together, we can build a continent where young people are at the forefront of innovation, governance and sustainable development," said Chido Mpemba, the AU youth envoy. Sunday January 19, 2025 Kenyan police officers arrive at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 18, 2025. The officers are part of a multinational force that aims to curb gang violence in Haiti. Kenya's interior minister said the east African nation has deployed another 217 police officers to Haiti as part of a multinational force to curb gang violence. Kipchumba Murkomen said in a statement Saturday that the police officers left Kenya on Friday. Kenya's "commitment to this historic mission is unwavering," he said.Kenya first sent troops to the Caribbean nation in June and the total deployment now exceeds 600. Kenya's President William Ruto has pledged to deploy 1,000 troops as part of the United Nations-backed force in Haiti.Gang violence has left more than 700,000 Haitians homeless in recent years, with many crowding into makeshift and unsanitary shelters after gunmen razed their homes.More than 5,600 people were reported killed across Haiti last year, according to the United Nations. The number of killings increased by more than 20% compared with all of 2023, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office. In addition, more than 2,200 people were reported injured and nearly 1,500 kidnapped, it said. A Chinese-Vietnamese couple captivated attendees Friday at a parallel dialogue of the Global Mayors Dialogue event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, sharing their story of intertwining romance with tourism entrepreneurship. Their experience highlighted the growing cultural and tourism connections between China and ASEAN countries and resonated with the broader theme of the dialogue, which focused on promoting city prosperity through cultural and tourism cooperation. Qin Qiaozhen and her husband, Nguyen Duc Tho, share their story during a parallel dialogue at the Global Mayors Dialogue event in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Jan. 17, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn] Qin Qiaozhen, a native of Guangxi, and her Vietnamese husband, Nguyen Duc Tho, met while studying tourism in Guilin, Guangxi. Qin was an undergraduate, and Nguyen was pursuing postgraduate studies at Guangxi Normal University. After their marriage, they settled in Nanning and launched a travel agency in 2023, focusing on attracting Vietnamese tourists to China. Their agency has successfully welcomed 150,000 visitors to date. "Guangxi's Youyiguan and Dongxing ports are close to Nanning," Qin said. "These ports make it convenient for Vietnamese visitors to travel to Nanning and then explore other cities across China." She noted that Vietnamese tourists are drawn to shopping for clothing, home appliances and tea. She expressed her desire to make Nanning a popular weekend destination for them. Nguyen stressed the importance of the cultural connection between China and Vietnam, which adds depth to the travel experience. "Vietnamese tourists are particularly fascinated by China's cultural heritage, historical towns and cuisine," he said. During the dialogue, Guo Wei, vice mayor of Nanning, described the city as a hub of public goods and services, emphasizing that its value is found in its distinctive offerings. These include hosting the China-ASEAN Expo for 21 consecutive years, the China-ASEAN (Nanning) Theater Week, and the 2024 China-ASEAN Dragon Boat Open, as well as its role as a regional center for agricultural products and Chinese herbal medicine trading. Nanning has established sister city relationships with 31 cities worldwide, including 10 within ASEAN. Yun Sinang, deputy director of the Administration of Siem Reap Municipality in Cambodia, emphasized her citys commitment to enriching visitor experiences while preserving cultural heritage. "Siem Reap isnt just about Angkor Wat," she said, highlighting the citys diverse cultural and historical sites. She credited Chinas infrastructure support through the Belt and Road Initiative, which led to the opening of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in 2023. This development, she noted, has significantly improved tourism access in Cambodia. Yun advocated for greater cultural tourism collaboration between China and ASEAN countries, proposing educational exchanges, sustainable tourism projects and sharing best practices in heritage preservation to maintain traditions for future generations. Attendees of the Global Mayors Dialogue event enjoy a lion dance performance in Nanning's Sanjie Liangxiang historical district, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Jan. 15, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn] Sabin bin Samitah, mayor of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, reflected on the shared cultural heritage between his country and China, noting the prominent role of the lion dance in both cultures. He recalled enjoying a lion dance performance in Nanning's Sanjie Liangxiang historical district. As 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, the two countries agreed to jointly apply for the inclusion of the lion dance on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Sabin also highlighted Malaysia's Dragon Boat Festival, which attracts tourists from Singapore, Brunei, and other countries and regions. Adding to the discussion, Malaysian Chinese Choong Chee Keong, a senior professor at Malaysia's Tunku Abdul Rahman University, emphasized the cultural significance of inscribing the Spring Festival along with the social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional New Year on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. He noted that this recognition would help preserve and promote traditional Chinese culture, contributing to its continued dissemination across Southeast Asia. GAZA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement delivered on Sunday the names of the three hostages who would be released today, a Palestinian official source said on Sunday. The source told Xinhua that Hamas had delivered the names of the three hostages in the upcoming minutes to start the ceasefire in Gaza. Earlier in the day, Hamas said that the delay in delivering the names of the hostages came as a result of field technical reasons, adding that it is committed to the ceasefire agreement. JERUSALEM/GAZA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Hamas began releasing three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross on Sunday, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported, hours after a Gaza ceasefire took effect, marking the first of dozens expected to be freed under the agreement. The Palestinian news agency SAFA reported that Hamas' military arm was delivering the three to the Red Cross in the area of Saraya Square in Gaza City. The Israeli army released a statement without immediately commenting on media reports of their release, stating that military helicopters were "prepared for the process of receiving the hostages returning from the Gaza Strip" at the Gaza border and transporting them to a hospital outside Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Palestinian security sources confirmed to Xinhua that the Red Cross team crossed the Netzarim checkpoint that separates the northern Gaza Strip from the south to receive the Israeli hostages. Video footage widely circulated on social media showed the team traveling in four vehicles belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross, carrying its flags. An Israeli official confirmed the names of the hostages: Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli; Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse; and Romi Gonen, 23, abducted from the Nova music festival. They will be transferred to the Red Cross and then to a military compound near the Gaza border before being transported to Sheba Medical Center outside Tel Aviv, where they will reunite with their families. The hospital said isolated areas were prepared for them where they could begin recovering in privacy. This marks the first release of hostages under the three-phase agreement that paused the fighting that began in October 2023. A total of 90 Palestinian detainees are set to be released from Israeli jails later on Sunday. Under the terms of the deal, 33 hostages will be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees in the first phase. JERUSALEM, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his party announced on Sunday they quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, leaving him with a razor-thin majority in the parliament, citing opposition to the Gaza ceasefire deal. ALMATY, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture has decided to impose a six-month ban on potato exports to non-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries to stabilize domestic potato prices, a statement published by the ministry said on Sunday. Due to increased demand from neighboring countries and high export prices this year, potato exports have surged by 1.5 times, affecting local markets, said the ministry. The ban, which will not apply to trade with EAEU member states, aims to prevent speculative price hikes ensure market stability, said the ministry, stressing that current potato reserves are sufficient to meet domestic demand until the early 2025 harvest. As of Sunday, total reserves exceed 850,000 tons, excluding stock held in retail chains. The 2024 harvest was 2.9 million tons. JERUSALEM, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israeli authorities began transferring Palestinian detainees to Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank on Sunday in preparation for their release later in the evening, Israel's state media reported. According to the state-owned Kan TV news, the move came after the Red Cross began heading to a meeting point with Hamas forces, where the first three Israeli hostages would be transferred to the international organization before being taken to Israel. An Israeli government official told Xinhua that a total of 90 Palestinians are expected to be released, including 78 residents of the West Bank and 12 from East Jerusalem. Most of the detainees are women and minors. Hamas announced that Israel was expected to release the detainees' names, but as of 3:30 p.m. local time (1330 GMT), about four hours into the ceasefire, the names had not been disclosed, according to Israeli officials. Before their release, the detainees will undergo medical examinations and identification procedures at Ofer Prison, according to Kan. The detainees will be handed over to the Red Cross once Hamas transfers three Israeli women hostages to the organization in Gaza. Under the first phase of the deal, a total of 33 hostages are expected to be released by Hamas, while Israel will release between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners. An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows damaged houses after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- A tense ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday, initiating six weeks of calm and raising hopes for an end to 15 months of Israeli assaults on Gaza that devastated the enclave and for the release of dozens of hostages held there. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the ceasefire by nearly three hours after Hamas missed an 8:30 a.m. (0630 GMT) deadline to submit the names of the first three hostages to be released later in the day. Hamas cited technical reasons for the delay but later provided the list. At 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT), the Israeli military ordered its units in Gaza to cease fire, marking the start of the truce brokered after about a year of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. An Israeli official confirmed the names of the hostages: Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli; Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse; and Romi Gonen, 23, abducted from the Nova music festival. They will be transferred to the Red Cross and then to a military compound near the Gaza border before being transported to Sheba Medical Center outside Tel Aviv, where they will reunite with their families. The hospital said isolated areas were prepared for them where they could begin recovering in privacy. In exchange, Israel is expected to release on Sunday about 90 Palestinian detainees from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, primarily women and minors. Israeli tanks and warplanes bombarded Gaza until the final moments before the ceasefire. The Israeli military claimed its strikes targeted militants, while Gaza's health authorities reported at least 14 deaths and 25 injuries in the last day of fighting. Black plumes of smoke rose over northern Gaza as airstrikes continued. Broadcasts from Gaza showed Palestinians walking freely in the streets for the first time after a previous truce collapsed in late 2023, waving flags and celebrating. Aid trucks were seen entering the enclave, providing much-needed flour and other products to the population. In northern Gaza's Jabalia and Rafah, displaced residents returned to scenes of widespread devastation, with razed buildings and infrastructure reduced to rubble. Most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents were displaced multiple times during the conflict. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported a death toll of 46,913, with 110,750 injured in the Israeli strikes since October 2023. In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered in Hostage Square to show solidarity with the families of those still held in Gaza and to urge the Israeli government to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. A large digital clock displayed the duration of the hostages' captivity since their abduction in Hamas' cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in the killing of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. So far, almost 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel estimating that half are still alive. Under the three-phase agreement, Hamas will release the final 14 hostages only if Israel completes the deal's implementation, including a complete withdrawal from Gaza and ending the war. In the first phase, fighting will be halted for 42 days, during which Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages, including women, children, and men over 50. Israel, in turn, will release between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners, including all women and minors under 19. The Israeli military announced it had begun withdrawing ground forces from Gaza as part of the truce. Soldiers are expected to pull back to a perimeter around the Gaza Strip and the Netzarim Corridor, which divides northern and southern Gaza. By the 42nd day of the truce, forces are expected to start withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, completing the withdrawal by the 50th day. Videos circulating on social media showed tanks and military vehicles leaving Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stressed in a press briefing that Hamas must be removed from power to ensure regional stability. "If Hamas remains in power, the instability it causes will continue," he said. The agreement allows for a significant increase in aid to Gaza, with at least 600 trucks per day delivering supplies, including fuel to restore electricity. This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows damaged houses after Israeli airstrikes at Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians are seen on a street with destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians are seen with destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians are seen with destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians are seen with destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian is seen with destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian is seen with destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows damaged houses after Israeli airstrikes at Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows damaged houses after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows damaged houses after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows damaged houses after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The top commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said his fighters do not intend to surrender their weapons or dissolve their ranks, but are willing to negotiate their incorporation into Syria's future military structure. In an interview with Al Arabiya on Saturday, Mazloum Abdi warned that any approach other than a joint agreement would "lead to major problems." "We haven't decided to give up our arms or disband," Abdi said, noting that the SDF is open to talks about forming "a single national army." He added that the SDF proposed creating a joint military committee to study the issue, and emphasized his opposition to "two separate armies in Syria." Abdi remarked that SDF representatives were not invited to discussions led by Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa regarding the integration of various factions into Syria's new Defense Ministry. "The outcome of those meetings does not concern us, because we were not part of them," he stated, underscoring that the SDF's relationship with al-Sharaa "depends on actions, not words." Refuting rumors that Iran has supplied the SDF with weaponry, Abdi dismissed the need for Iranian arms, including drones, and underlined that U.S. forces remain important mediators. "We value the presence of American troops in Syria to help narrow differences in viewpoints," he said. The SDF, bolstered by U.S. support and dominated by Kurdish units, controls extensive areas in northern and eastern Syria. An SDF delegation met with al-Sharaa in Damascus on Dec. 30 for the first time since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government on Dec. 8, 2024. Amid the surprise advance led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces into Damascus in early December, Turkish-backed factions launched an offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, forcing the SDF to withdraw from certain areas. Turkiye views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which forms the core of the SDF, as an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). No immediate comment was available from the new Syrian administration regarding Abdi's statements, though officials have previously expressed a desire to incorporate all factions into a unified national force. An Israeli police officer patrols at the scene of a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 18, 2025. A man was seriously injured in a stabbing attack on Saturday in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, according to the Israel Police. The police said the attacker was shot and killed by a civilian at the scene. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A man was seriously injured in a stabbing attack on Saturday in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, according to the Israel Police. A preliminary investigation indicated that the assailant, a Palestinian, attacked the victim with a knife in the restaurant area on Levontin Street in southern Tel Aviv. Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency service, said the victim, in his 20s, was stabbed in the upper body and has been transferred to Sourasky Medical Center. The police said the attacker was shot and killed by a civilian at the scene. Kan TV News, Israel's state-owned network, identified the assailant as Salah Yahya, a 19-year-old Palestinian from Tulkarm in the West Bank. A member of Israeli security personnel patrols at the scene of a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 18, 2025. A man was seriously injured in a stabbing attack on Saturday in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, according to the Israel Police. The police said the attacker was shot and killed by a civilian at the scene. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Israeli police officers investigate the scene of a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 18, 2025. A man was seriously injured in a stabbing attack on Saturday in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, according to the Israel Police. The police said the attacker was shot and killed by a civilian at the scene. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Israeli police officers investigate the scene of a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 18, 2025. A man was seriously injured in a stabbing attack on Saturday in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, according to the Israel Police. The police said the attacker was shot and killed by a civilian at the scene. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) An Israeli police officer patrols at the scene of a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 18, 2025. A man was seriously injured in a stabbing attack on Saturday in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, according to the Israel Police. The police said the attacker was shot and killed by a civilian at the scene. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) This photo taken on May 22, 2024 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) The Biden administration's new export controls on artificial intelligence (AI) models and advanced chips faced mounting criticism from industry experts, who worry such controls will impede global AI development. While aimed at addressing so-called national security concerns, the rule restricts the export of advanced AI chips and technologies to strategic competitors. It has raised pressing concerns about its implications for U.S. competitiveness and the global AI ecosystem. SACRAMENTO, the United States, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Biden administration's new export controls on artificial intelligence (AI) models and advanced chips faced mounting criticism from industry experts, who worry such controls will impede global AI development. After the administration unveiled the framework on Monday, the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security published updated export controls on advanced computing items on Wednesday, including the first-ever export controls on AI models and worldwide license requirements for advanced chips. These changes are effective as of Monday, but the compliance date for the new license requirements is not until May 13, which is also the deadline for the public comments period. While aimed at addressing so-called national security concerns, the rule restricts the export of advanced AI chips and technologies to strategic competitors. It has raised pressing concerns about its implications for U.S. competitiveness and the global AI ecosystem. "The U.S. government spent a lot of time talking about the need to be open and bottom-up, decentralized in many areas of the Internet and tech system, but in AI, they seem to be kind of going the opposite," said Daniel Castro, vice president of Washington D.C.-based think tank the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). He told a virtual panel discussion hosted by ITIF on Thursday that he had talked to "some folks in different countries" about the proposed rule. "They're shocked about this policy and what this means for how the U.S. sees them as one of these tier-two countries," he said. The framework creates a complex new system where only 18 "trusted" economies, including close U.S. allies like Britain, Japan and Germany, would be exempt from strict export caps, which is called the "tier-one" group. The "tier-two" group covers most of the world, including Israel, Singapore, Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. They would face significant restrictions with tight country-specific limits on chip imports. Officials in Poland and Israel have protested against the new framework. Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitalization Krzysztof Gawkowski called the policy "incomprehensible and not based on any substantive reasons." An Israeli parliamentary subcommittee on Wednesday called for an urgent meeting to discuss how the new limits could set back its AI development and "how these controls on both the (AI) models and the chips are setting a new precedent, particularly in the tech space," said Castro. But he added that this approach "seems familiar," with the crypto wars in the 1990s as an example. Visitors try VR (virtual reality) games during the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan. 9, 2020. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) The U.S. export controls on encryption technologies caused economic pressure on U.S. tech companies, which have argued that the restrictions hurt their competitiveness in global markets. In 1999, the White House announced a major policy shift that effectively ended the most contentious phase of the crypto wars. "I think it's not unprecedented. Unfortunately, what might be unprecedented is we've forgotten that it didn't work in previous efforts, the crypto wars being one of them," said James Lewis, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He alluded to another example of U.S. export controls on satellite technology, particularly remote sensing satellites. To prevent this technology from spreading, the United States imposed strict export controls on remote sensing satellites and related technologies. These restrictions had a negative impact on U.S. companies in the satellite industry, limiting their ability to compete globally. As a result of these restrictions, other countries developed their own satellite industries to fill the gap. "So, I see this more as incentivizing foreign competition to create substitutes, unnaturally damaging America's technological leadership," said Lewis. "We always say that we're all for peace and harmony and sharing global technology, but when it actually comes to implementing it, we're much more risk-averse." by Olatunji Saliu ABUJA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- A mass funeral has been held for the victims of Saturday's gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria's north-central state of Niger, local authorities said on Sunday, while confirming that the death toll has risen from 80 to 86. A total of 80 bodies were buried in a mass grave in the Gurara local government area after the tanker laden with gasoline exploded when it overturned, spilling its contents on a busy road in the Dikko area of the state on Saturday morning, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, told reporters on Sunday. The bodies of "five identifiable victims" were taken away by their relatives for burial, and one of the injured victims died while receiving treatment at a local health facility in the Dikko area, Baba-Arah said. The mass burial was done with the support of local government authorities and volunteers. At least 55 people are now receiving treatment at local health facilities, the emergency response official added. Tragedy struck Saturday morning as many residents in the Dikko area of Niger State were caught in a heavy fire while trying to scoop fuel from the fallen gasoline tanker. Some residents had besieged the fallen tanker, scooping fuel while an attempt to switch on a power generator to ease the transfer of the petrol triggered an explosion, resulting in the deaths and destruction of properties, witnesses said. Most of the victims were said to have burned beyond recognition. Reacting to the "worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate" incident, Mohammed Bago, governor of Niger State, blamed "reckless truck drivers" for causing a menace to the lives of local citizens. The governor, while assessing the extent of damage caused by the incident and the loss of lives, issued a ban on the movement of heavy-duty trucks plying the route where the explosion took place on Saturday. Nantewe Yilwatda, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, expressed concern over the rising frequency of tanker explosions in the country, warning motorists against reckless driving that could endanger innocent lives. He also urged tanker drivers and other motorists to adhere strictly to road traffic regulations. Gasoline tanker explosions are not uncommon in Nigeria, often causing heavy casualties and nationwide grief. In September 2024, at least 48 people were killed after a gasoline-laden tanker exploded on a busy highway in Niger State. 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 a statement, the Nigerian Governors' Forum, statutorily consisting of all 36 state governors in the country, said the incident on Saturday "had cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation." The forum said it is united in calling for stricter enforcement of safety measures across the country, particularly regarding the transportation and handling of hazardous materials. "This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to enhance our regulatory frameworks to prevent such occurrences in the future," it emphasized. Expressing "deep sorrow" over the incident and the immense human toll in a statement, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu described the explosion as "devastating." The Nigerian leader underscored the "tragic and preventable nature of the incident," directed relevant authorities to provide comprehensive medical care to the injured, and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents. He also strongly advised all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, as they are highly explosive. In addition, the president mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign. This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, he added. Earlier in October last year, 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. ITB Berlin Convention 2025: Insightful Program for the Evolving Travel Industry - Image Credit ITB Berlin The ITB Berlin Convention 2025 is set to host an extensive program featuring a range of experts, insightful presentations, and debates. This year, the event, taking place from March 4 to 6, focuses on the theme The Power of Transition lives here, reflecting the current state of the travel industry. The Berlin Exhibition Grounds will serve as the key knowledge-sharing and networking platform. Over 400 international experts will provide insights into current projects and analyze key trends in more than 200 sessions across 17 theme tracks. Participants can attend the sessions in person or, for the first time, stream them live via the ITB Navigator. These sessions will also be available later on ITB Berlins YouTube channel. The ITB Navigator offers detailed information on exhibitors, convention and event programs, and hall maps. The convention is divided into four stages. The Orange Stage in Hall 7.1 will discuss developments in marketing, sales, and long-term sustainability in the industry. Notable speakers include Mitra Sorrells and Zoritsa Urosevic. The Blue Stage in Hall 7.1 provides a platform for tour operators, airlines, tourist boards, cruise companies, hoteliers, and other industry stakeholders. Among the speakers are Dimitrios Buhalis and Vicki Miller, who will discuss the role of AI in destination marketing. The Green Stage in Hall 3.1 will focus on specific target groups and special interest offerings, including a new Corporate Culture Clash Track that explores workplace culture challenges. The Red eTravel Stage in Hall 6.1 is centered on digitalizing marketing and sales, with tracks exploring topics such as AI, the metaverse, hyper-personalization, Web3, and blockchain technology. For the first time, the convention will feature the ITB Transition Lab. This format will offer concise, high-value information, with marketing experts from the destinations and hospitality sectors providing data-driven recommendations. Attendees can now register online for ITB Berlin 2025. On-site accreditation will not be available. Successful registrants will receive their accreditation and badge with a personal QR code for entry, sent via email as a PDF attachment. Tickets are non-transferable. Additional information is available at www.itb.com. Big Y Partners with Red Cross Relief Campaign in Response to California Wildfires SPRINGFIELD, Mass. Big Y is partnering with the American Red Cross to raise donations for those affected by the California Wildfires. Now through Friday, Jan. 31st, Big Y customers and employees will have the opportunity to donate to American Red Cross Disaster Relief at all Big Y supermarket locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Donation containers for cash donations will be available at all Big Y registers, with the ability to donate with credit or debit at the register, via the myExpress Checkout app or https://bit.ly/BigYCaliforniaWildfiresSupport "The American Red Cross is focused on making sure everyone has a safe place to stay, and no one faces this heartbreaking crisis alone," said Holly Grant, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Massachusetts Region. The Red Cross is working closely with our partners to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support and other critical services to those in need." According to President and CEO Michael P. D'Amour, "For years, our Big Y customers and employees have come together to support those in need through the Red Cross. Currently, their kindness and ongoing contributions are making a meaningful difference in the lives of families affected by these wildfires. We are deeply thankful for everyone's generosity and commitment to helping those facing this devastation." The funds raised through this campaign will support people in the communities affected by these fires. Train Car Uncoupling Closes Ashton Avenue in North Adams NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Ashton Avenue was closed for nearly two hours on Saturday after one of the cars on a westbound train uncoupled. The track runs along the north side of the Hoosac River and crosses Ashton Avenue near the Blackinton Mill. Firefighters, Northern Berkshire EMS and North Adams and Williamstown Police responded to the scene. Railroad crews arrived to resolve the issues. "Although people may have heard that there was a train derailment it has been confirmed that there is no derailment," according to a post by the Northern Berkshire Emergency Planning Committee at about 6:30 p.m. "Train crews are currently working to make repairs, which should be complete within the hour." There were no injuries and no cars off the track though residents reported a loud bang when the coupler broke. The march makes its way down North Street before gathering for speakers at Park Square. March organizer Meg Arvin of Western MA 4 the Future says it's important to build community as a bulwark against oppression. Councilor at Large Alisa Costa told attendees to use whatever privilege they have to stand up and make sure they represent people who can't be there. PreviousNext Progressives March for Human Rights in Pittsfield Amelia Gilardi addresses the crowd at Park Square. PITTSFIELD, Mass. Around 100 people marched down North Street on Saturday in support of human rights. The Pittsfield People's March was designed to unite community members, raise awareness, and promote the fundamental rights of all people. It was one of numerous marches across the nation, including in Boston and the annual one (formerly the Women's March) in Washington, D.C. The marches started in 2017 in response to the first election of Donald Trump, who is set to sworn in for a second term on Monday. Saturday's marchers expressed their fears that the incoming administration will place money and power over the needs of the people. "For me, the motivation of this march was to make people see that we are all feeling similarly, that we are not isolated in our feelings, and that your neighbor feels like that, too," said march organizer Meg Arvin of Western MA 4 the Future. "So one, it's not just you thinking this way, and two, you have other people that you can lean on to build that community with to feel like you are not in this by yourself and that you have other people who will be here to support you." The first march, and its successors, have focused on fears of rights being chipped away, including women's bodily rights, free speech rights, voting rights and civil rights. The first Washington march drew nearly 500,000; Saturday's was estimated at 5,000. Arvin, who moved from Tennessee a few years ago, said she comes from a state where rights have been taken away and knows what it looks like for people to be desperate for representation. While recognizing that Massachusetts is more progressive than its southern counterparts, she said the incoming presidency should alarm us all that "everything is up for grabs." "You are worthy of being pissed off with all of this," the activist told fellow progressives at Park Square, "I'm pissed with you." "Everything you do counts," Arvin told the crowd. "Sending an email, making a phone call, sending mass texts, doing the postcarding, voting, standing behind a candidate, shouting into the void about being pissed off. None of us are going to be complacent. Complacency is what got us here." She said just because Massachusetts is a blue state doesn't mean that it's guaranteed to stay blue. "You have to fight. Everything we've done and everything we've won has been a fight," Arvin asserted. "Don't let the people out here with the dog whistles shouting about how we are intolerant left get you down. We are tolerant but we will not put up with abuse or bad behavior or bad policy or bad politicians, bad representation. We deserve better. We know that's why we are here because we care about our community." Councilor at Large Alisa Costa told attendees to use whatever privilege they have to stand up and make sure they represent people who can't be there. "We can't just sit here and say 'Well, I disagree and that's it,'" she said. "We have to call our elected officials. We have to get our friends out to vote, even in local elections because almost everybody who is on the national stage now has at one point won a local election. So please talk to your neighbors even if it is uncomfortable and talk about your values and what you share in those values and why you vote the way that you do." High schooler Amelia Gilardi said people are marching for different reasons but for the same cause: to defend their rights, freedom, and future. "We're marching in solidarity with each other, with marginalized groups, and those who feel like their voices aren't heard," she said. "We're marching to remind those in power the change on the issues that matter most to us in Western Mass is happening too slowly or not at all." Gilardi called for freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom to "love who we love," and freedom to be protected from PCBs, radio frequency radiation, and "everything unfair going on." She and her mother, Courtney Gilardi, have called for protection from RF radiation since a Verizon cell tower was erected near their home in 2020. Reflecting on her time in Tennessee, Arvin observed that people are more comfortable being and expressing themselves in Massachusetts. "I don't want to blanket the South as like, a bunch of intolerance because that's not true," she said, adding that while the commonwealth has its pockets of conservatism, it is a lot more accepted to have a visible difference here. DOHA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, met here on Sunday with a delegation from Palestinian factions to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire agreement. According to a statement from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on the progress and key dimensions of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, including the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the return of displaced individuals to their areas. Al Thani emphasized the importance of ensuring the full implementation of the agreement to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the region. He also reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting the people of Gaza by continuing the airlift of humanitarian aid as outlined in the agreement. In addition, the prime minister reiterated Qatar's steadfast position on the justice of the Palestinian cause, the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Sunday 19 January 2025, 15:40 - Last updated: 19:12 He thanked both Trump and Biden, as well as Qatar and Egypt. The Pope's first words of gratitude were directed towards the key mediators who, in recent weeks, have worked tirelessly to broker the negotiations and achieve today's ceasefire. Pope Francis states: Never invest in weapons. The speech at the Catholic Foundation Pope's Francis words From the window of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis did not hide his relief upon hearing the news about the concrete start of the initial phases of the negotiations, marked by the release of the first Israeli hostages: three women aged between 28 and 31, who had been held by terrorists in Gaza for over 460 days. "I express gratitude to all the mediators: its a great achievement to mediate for peace. I thank all the parties involved in this important result and hope that the agreements made will be respected immediately by all sides, so that all hostages can finally return home to embrace their loved ones. I pray for them and for their families," he said. Occasionally, the Pontiff was interrupted by coughing fits, a sign that the inflammation in his respiratory tract persists, though his recent fall on his left arm caused no lasting consequences. At the window, he appeared without the brace that had previously immobilized his dislocated arm. Over the past months, the Pope has consistently called for the release of over a hundred Israelis taken hostage since October 7, 2023, through repeated appeals. However, he has always avoided naming Hamas and labeling it a terrorist organization, despite its designation as such by several states, including European countries. In his Angelus appeal, Francis also urged that humanitarian aid reach the population of Gaza more swiftly, as it remains in urgent need. "Both Israelis and Palestinians need clear signs of hope," he said. As for the future of the region, he continues to support the idea of two peoples and two states, hoping that the political leaders of both sides, with the help of the international community, will find the right solution. "Everyone must say yes to dialogue, yes to reconciliation, yes to peace." The truce, as is known, will last for 42 days, divided into three phases. The first phase involves an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are terrorists, along with access to humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces to buffer zones. The second phase will focus on completing the first, while the third phase is expected to plan for reconstruction and a new administrative structure in Gaza. At this point, the details still appear to be in the works. The mediation was sped up by the impact of the situation on Hamas in Syria, where the fall of Assad disrupted the corridor between Iran and Hezbollah that Palestinian urban militias had relied upon. It was also influenced by Trump's push, which included threats to escalate the situation in Gaza further. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Josh Gad has revealed that Jake Gyllenhaal warned him against accepting a role in The Book of Mormon because it was too controversial. The divisive musical comedy, from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda to spread the word of Joseph Smith. Gad, who was shooting Ed Zwicks 2010 romcom Love & Other Drugsalongside Gyllenhaal after his first Book of Mormon workshop, asked the Oscar nominee for his opinion on the shows music. In his memoir In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some, the star recalled: One day as Jake and I were driving home from set in Pittsburgh, I asked him if I could play a demo of a new musical that I had recently done a workshop for in New York, hoping to get his advice as to whether or not I should pursue it further. He said, Yeah, pop it on, and I played the opening number, Gad wrote, per Variety. The actor explained that although his co-star had laughed his ass off at the musicals wholesome opening number Hello!, his verdict changed as the tracks became progressively more outrageous. I skipped to another track on the album and his face slowly went from joyful enthusiasm to abject fear and terror, the Frozen star explained. open image in gallery Josh Gad Jake Gyllenhaal in Love & Other Drugs ( Fox ) He stopped the car and said, Dude, you cannot do whatever this is. This will be way too controversial. Who the hell wrote this anyway? I paused the music and looked over at him. The South Park guys. Although Gyllenhaal advised Gad against being involved in The Book of Mormon, he played the role of Elder Cunningham on Broadway for 15 months anyway. In 2011, Gad was nominated for a Tony Award for lead actor for his performance, losing out to Norbert Leo Butz as Carl Hanratty in Catch Me If You Can. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Elsewhere in his memoir, Gad squashed claims his character in the 2017 live-action film Beauty and the Beast, LeFou, was intended to be Disneys first-ever gay character. open image in gallery Gad and his The Book of Mormon co-stars Nikki M. James, Andrew Rannells, and Rory OMalley ( Getty ) I cant quite imagine a Pride celebration in honour of the cinematic watershed moment involving a quasi-villainous Disney sidekick dancing with a man for half a second. I mean, if I were gay, Im sure Id be pissed,, he wrote. Gad also revealed that LeFous sexuality was never once discussed with the movies creative team and described the infamous dancing scene as harmless and a fun blink-and-youll-miss-it little beat. He wrote: It was both too little and not enough to be anything more than it was. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A tantalising detail has been unearthed about the fate of American Primeval. The new series has become a hit for Netflix since its release earlier this month, shooting to the top of its most-watched charts alongside other big releases, Miss You and XO, Kitty. Created by Friday Night Lights Peter Berg, American Primeval, starring Betty Gilpin, Taylor Kitsch and Dane DeHaan, is a gritty western following a mother and son fleeing from their past while confronting a the harsh landscape of the American West. After tearing through the shows seven episodes, Netflix users have been left wondering whether it will return and a clue about what a follow-up season would look like has arrived thanks to Berg. Its currently unknown if American Primeval will return considering Netflix has labelled the show a miniseries, which typically means a release lasting for just one run. However, its success will no doubt lead to discussions around a second season. Other shows that started life as a miniseries, but ended up being recommissioned due to big ratings, were The White Lotus and Shogun. When asked about the possibility of a follow-up, Berg confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter: Were talking about it right now. He also shone the light on what a new season would look like after being told the character of Isaac was ripe for a prequel series. Berg replied: Good pick. Thats the way wed go if we do it, and I dont know if we will, but that would be the way we would go. Isaac is played in the series by Kitsch, who played Tim Riggins in Bergs Friday Night Lights. Taylor Kitsch as Isaac in American Primeval ( Netflix ) Also starring in American Primeval are Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Shawnee Pourier and Kim Coates. The Independent spoke to cast member DeHaan, who plays Jacob Pratt, a Mormon travelling west when he and his family are attacked and left for dead during the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The actor said of the series: Its hard to put into words how intense this show really is, adding: American Primeval is like if you tookYellowstone, doused it in gasoline and set it on fire. This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows an aid truck running at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Egypt resumed on Sunday sending humanitarian aid trucks to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the enclave after the recently reached Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement started taking effect, the Egyptian State TV reported. An initial batch of 95 aid trucks crossed the Egyptian side of the crossing bound for Gaza, and approximately 500 more trucks will follow throughout the day, the report added. This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows an aid truck running at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Aid trucks wait to enter Gaza at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) An aid truck enters Gaza from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Aid trucks wait to enter Gaza at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) An aid truck enters Gaza from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Aid trucks wait to enter Gaza at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) An aid truck enters Gaza from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Aid trucks wait to enter Gaza at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Aid trucks wait to enter Gaza at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) An aid truck waits to enter Gaza from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Dave Chappelle, a three-time Saturday Night Live host, returned to the Studio 8H stage for a fourth time less than 48 hours before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. Chappelle began his monologue by discussing the Los Angeles fires before moving on to his absence from Sean Diddy Combs freak offs and giving Trump advice for returning to his old gig on Monday. The presidency is no place for petty people, Chappelle said, before speaking directly to the incoming commander-in-chief. Donald Trump, I know you watch the show. Man, remember whether people voted for you or not, they're all counting on you. Whether they like you or not, theyre all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you. I mean this when I say this: Good luck. Please do better next time. Please all of us, do better next time. Do not forget your humanity and please have empathy for displaced people, whether theyre in the Palisades or Palestine. When SNL producers contacted Chappelle to host an episode this season, he initially refused but decided it would be a good opportunity to get rid of his old Trump jokes and start fresh, the comedian quipped. He asked for the date closest to January 6. Dave Chappelle on SNL ( NBC ) Since he agreed to the appearance, Los Angeles began battling several fires across the Southern California region. The comedian explained it was too soon to make jokes about the tragedy and said he was trying to turn over a new leaf after jokes he made about transgender people drew controversy. It was difficult to tell if he was being serious as he winked at the audience after making the remarks. Chappelle explained that while hes never been a big fan of Los Angeles, hes built many memories there and felt badly for his friends who had lost their properties. He called out internet users who appeared to blame celebrities for fires consuming their homes. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free That right there, thats why I hate poor people, Chappelle said. Fires in Los Angeles have burned more than 40,000 acres this month and resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people. Chappelle praised Canada and Mexico for sending fire personnel to respond to the crisis. However, he joked Trump would probably like them to leave the country as soon as they finish. Chappelle pointed out some disparaging comments the president-elect has made about migrants, particularly about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, not far from where the comedian lives. While debating Vice President Kamala Harris in September, Trump claimed migrants were eating the pets of the citys residents. The comments, which had no basis in reality, led to migrants contemplating whether to move from the area. The focus of the comedians monologue shifted to Combs parties known as freak offs in which he would allegedly force women to engage in sex acts with male sex workers. Combs has denied any wrongdoing. Chappelle joked he wasnt invited to the parties because Im ugly, adding the revelations were a tough way to find out everyone in Hollywood had an orgy behind your back. The comedian wrapped up by discussing the legacy of President Jimmy Carter. Chappelle said he wouldnt comment on whether Carter was a good president but called him a great man as he discussed his decision to visit Palestinian territory despite ongoing risks. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jon Sopel has opened up about his success after leaving the BBC and revealed whether he thinks his ex-colleagues hate him. The former chief political correspondent, 65, who joined the broadcaster at the age of 24, quit the BBC with Emily Maitlis in 2022 and launched The News Agents podcast with Lewis Goodall the same year. Since its launch, The News Agents has established itself as one of the UKs most popular daily news podcasts, celebrating 100 million downloads last July. Speaking to The Times, Sopel said of what many considered as a bold career move: At the BBC there was a view that once you left youd never do anything significant again. But since weve been doing News Agents, weve found that it really resonates. Weve just reached 100 million downloads about 200,000 listeners per show. He claimed: So, broadly speaking, were now beating anything the BBC has to offer. According to the most recent figures, Newsnight - formerly fronted by Maitlis - has a viewership of just under 300,000, with budget cuts prompting Mark Urban to also leave the programme last April. open image in gallery Jon Sopel and Emily Maitlis left the BBC last year to join media group Global ( PA Media ) Addressing whether his former colleagues hate him for moving on, Sopel said: Look, I have a lot of friends at the BBC, but they do give you a different sendoff if you are being made redundant or retiring compared with what you get if you launch a competitive programme. When questioned about his earnings, The News Agents host responded: Im doing fine, thanks. Sopel described his decision to leave the BBC as a wrench in a statement shared to X/Twitter in 2022. Opportunities like this just dont come along very often, he wrote. But [I] am sad to leave the BBC which has been home for so long." Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery Sopel was previously chief political correspondent for the BBC ( BBC ) He continued: "I leave with nothing but good feelings towards the Corporation, and wish all the best to my colleagues and friends there. Jonathan Munro, interim director of BBC News, thanked the pair for their work at the corporation at the time. He said in a statement: "Wed like to thank both Emily and Jon for their many years of sterling service to the BBC and wish them the very best in their new endeavours at Global." Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Michael Sheen has issued a warning to online scammers using his name to exploit his fans on social media. The Good Omens actor, 55, sprang into action after a now suspended account on X/Twitter began sending Sheen fans messages on his behalf thanking them for their years of support. Despite having no affiliation with the actor, the fraudsters have seemingly been luring Sheens followers into private conversations in their direct messages in an attempt to scam them. Sheen wrote in response to the imposters: Whoever you are - and I really want to be clear about this - GO F*** YOURSELF. If you try to exploit one more person I will hunt you down myself and make sure its the last time it ever happens, he added. Fans were quick to thank the actor for calling out the fraudster. Oh good lord. Ive seen this guy around lately, and had to block him, one person replied. I hate when people are taken advantage of, honestly. Good on you for standing up! Meanwhile, another person replied: Oh good grief, wonder if its the same dude that tried to get me. A third follower said: Some people have too much time on their hands and too much hate in their hearts. Thank you, Michael, for stepping up. The Independent has contacted Sheens representatives for comment. It comes days after Sheen launched a theatre company called Welsh National Theatre, which he says will bring a new dawn in the country. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free National Theatre Wales closed its doors in its current form as a theatre company in December, after funding was withdrawn in 2023. open image in gallery Michael Sheen has issued a warning to fraudsters attempting to scam his fans online ( Getty Images ) Well be a home for our greatest talent, bringing them together to create ambitious theatre which makes our national story come alive, Sheen said. Thats what national theatres should do. Sheen is far from the first celebrity whose fandom has been targeted by scammers. Last week, Johnny Depp was forced to make a statement after a rise in fraudulent social media posts. Depp, who recently appeared on a list naming the celebrities most commonly misused in scams, wrote: As part of their tactics, they create multiple, deceptive social media and email accounts impersonating me and members of my team. open image in gallery Johnny Depp also warned fans against scammers impersonating him online this January ( Getty Images for The Red Sea Int ) The 61-year-old also addressed the dangers of AI, stating: Today, AI can create the illusion of my face and voice. Scammers may look and sound just like the real me. However, he assured his fans that neither I, nor my team, will ask you for money or your personal information. We are actively working to combat these illicit schemes, he said, before laying down some truths for the protection and awareness of my fans. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Supporters of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol broke into a court building early Sunday after his detention was extended, injuring many police officers in the ensuing chaos. Mr Yoon became the first sitting president of South Korea to be arrested on Wednesday, a month after he stunned the world by imposing martial law, which was swiftly revoked by a parliamentary vote. Shortly after the decision to extend his detention was announced at 3am local time, angry supporters of Mr Yoon breached the court by breaking through police lines, shattering the entrance doors and windows of the building. Videos showed the protesters blasting fire extinguishers at lines of police guarding the front entrance, then flooding inside and destroying office equipment, fittings and furniture. They used plastic chairs, metal beams and police shields they had managed to wrestle away from officers. Many of them tried to reach the judge who had issued the warrant, but she had already left. Police restored order a few hours later after arresting at least 46 protesters and vowing to track down the others involved. open image in gallery Supporters of impeached South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally to oppose his arrest in Seoul ( AP ) open image in gallery Supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol confront police outside the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul ( AFP via Getty ) 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 authorities would step up safety measures around gatherings. Nine police officers were injured in the chaos, state news agency Yonhap said. Police were not immediately available for comment about the injured officers. In all, an emergency responder near the Seoul Western District Court said, around 40 people suffered minor injuries in the chaos. Mr Yoons ruling People Power Party called the courts decision to extend his detention a great pity. Theres a question whether repercussions of detaining a sitting president were sufficiently considered, the party said in a statement. The 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. open image in gallery A protester jumps over a fence at the court during a rally ( REUTERS ) open image in gallery Supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol walk past the destroyed wall at the Seoul Western District Court ( AFP via Getty ) Mr Yoon appeared for a five-hour hearing on Saturday and watched as the judge granted a new warrant extending his detention for up to 20 days due to "concern that the suspect may destroy evidence". South Korean law requires a suspect detained under a warrant to undergo a physical exam, have a mugshot taken and wear a jail uniform. Mr Yoon is being held in a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Centre. The Corruption Investigation, which is probing Mr Yoon on charges of insurrection and abuse of power, said it had called him for further questioning on Sunday afternoon, but he again did not show up. The agency said it would now summon the president for questioning on Monday. Mr Yoons lawyers argued his arrest was illegal because the warrant was issued in the wrong jurisdiction and that the investigating team had no mandate. Mr Yoon is facing a charge of insurrection, which 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. open image in gallery Police officers patrol inside Seoul Western District Court after supporters of impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol broke into the court on 19 January 2025 ( AP ) open image in gallery Supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol gather outside the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul on 18 January 2025 ( AFP via Getty ) Mr Yoon, through his lawyers, described the violence at the court as "shocking and unfortunate" and called on people to express their opinions peacefully. The president said he wouldnt give up and would correct the wrong, even if it took time", the lawyers said in a statement. Saying he understood many people were feeling "rage and unfairness", Mr Yoon asked police to take a "tolerant position". Mr Yoon, 64, was suspended and stripped of his presidential powers last month after being impeached by the parliament. South Koreas Constitutional Court launched separate proceedings on Tuesday to decide if Mr Yoons impeachment was valid and if she should be permanently removed from office. He did not attend that hearing. Additional reporting by agencies. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A tourist and a paragliding instructor were killed after falling into a ravine in the coastal India state of Goa, police said on Sunday. Shivani Dable, 27, from Pune, Maharashtra, and Sumal Nepali, 26, a Nepalese national, died near Querim beach after the rope of their parachute snapped midair, causing them to fall into the ravine. The incident took place at around 4.30pm on Saturday. Police filed a complaint against the paragliding companys owner, Shekhar Raizada, accusing him of endangering life. According to the complaint, the paraglider plunged into the ravine soon after taking off from a cliff. Police were investigating if negligence or inadequate safety measures contributed to the fatal mishap. Police said Dable had come to Goa with a friend for a vacation and was participating in a paragliding session when the accident happened. She and the instructor were taken to a hospital with fractures and other injuries. The hospital declared them brought dead, a phrase commonly used when a person is already deceased when they arrive at a hospital or medical facility. Goa, Indias smallest state by area situated along its western coast, attracts millions of domestic and foreign tourists annually to its scenic beaches and idyllic landscapes, especially in the months of December and January. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Whipping winds are intensifying natural disasters fueled by climate change, stoking raging California wildfires and supercharging major Atlantic hurricanes. With destructive force, they have the ability to tear off roofs, flatten neighborhoods, and rip trees from the soil, leaving a barren environment in their wake. In the last few weeks, theyve helped to set Southern California on fire, along with the effects of climate change on the arid region. There are a lot of people that believe that climate change is happening and real, but not many people believe that they are actually currently experiencing climate change themselves personally. But, they are, Daniel Gilford, a meteorologist and atmospheric scientist with Climate Central, told The Independent on Friday. Climate change is creating conditions ripe for fire growth in areas affected by the winds. Warmer temperatures caused by climate change and atmospheric warming fuel droughts - notably, Southern California hasnt seen rain for months - that dry out fuels like grasses. As the climate warms, more water evaporates from the ground and vegetation. And, wildfire is also driven by hydroclimate whiplash and volatility: rapid swings between unusually wet and dry periods. Warmer temperatures can also result in more rain and heavier precipitation events, like the atmospheric river storms that have slammed the Golden State over the last couple of years. The precipitation allows for intense growth of grasses that will die out. open image in gallery A person tries to hose down embers from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, earlier this month. Hurricane-force winds helped the deadly wildfires spread across the region, alongside impacts from climate change ( AP ) Still, it remains hard to say whether the Santa Ana winds are becoming more or less frequent due to climate change - it may even decrease them. The data [is] unclear, I would say, in terms of how climate change might affect Santa Ana winds and those strong, sort of accelerating downslope winds toward the ocean that can really promote that extensive wildfire spread. And, maybe serve as a start to, if youre knocking down powerlines, infrastructure, things like that, that can ... create those sparks that start a fire, Andrew Winters, assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at Colorado University Boulder, explained. When a fire is lit, winds can serve as a blow torch, helping it quickly spread. Two of Californias largest wildfires this month were driven by hurricane-force winds gusting up to 100 mph. Videos showed 70-to-90 mph winds blowing a blizzard of embers across front yards in Altadena and through palm trees, setting them ablaze. Winds that strong can turn a bad situation into a nightmare, grounding firefighting aircraft when they blow over 40 mph, according to Cal Fire Incident Commander Gerry Magana. This month wasnt the first time the winds have had that destructive force in Los Angeles County, and it surely wont be the last. The Santa Ana winds, cool and dry winds blowing from the desert out to the Pacific Ocean, have been a part of the ecosystem for centuries. Winters pointed out that, due to warming from climate change, the position of the upper level jet stream in the northern hemisphere is expected to shift north. The jet stream is a fast-moving ribbon of wind within the atmosphere that can significantly influence weather patterns. The jet stream moving north would focus the potential for precipitation to impact the Pacific Northwest and leave California with the expectation of more dry days in the future. And, with those drying conditions, its almost like youre stacking the deck for a catastrophic fire to develop, he said. So, kind of the footprint from climate change potentially on what were seeing in California is really in the context of how climate change can alter the large-scale atmospheric circulation and wind patterns in a way that favors these prolonged drought periods that can contribute to the development of favorable sort of fuel conditions ... that can lead to rapid wildfire growth. While the effect of climate change on the Santa Anas remains up in the air, the impact on hurricanes is clearer. open image in gallery An aerial photo shows houses damaged after Hurricane Helene made landfall last September in Horseshoe Beach, Florida. Hurricanes wind speeds are increasing due to climate change ( AFP via Getty Images ) Gilford led research on how climate change powered up hurricanes churning in the Atlantic Ocean last year, more than 2,500 miles away. He found that climate change increased the maximum wind speeds for every Atlantic hurricane last year, raising their highest sustained wind speeds by between nine and 28 mph. The increase helped move seven hurricanes to a higher category on the classifying Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, and strengthened tropical storms into hurricanes. Record ocean warmth during the hurricane season due to climate change made major Hurricanes Helene and Milton stronger, adding 16 to 24 mph respectively, according to the study from the non-profit Climate Central. Storms like Beryl and Raphael formed in ocean waters that were made 1.3 or 1.4 degrees Celsius warmer than they would have been 100 years ago, Gilford said. The storm has this speed limit at which it can spin based on its environmental conditions. And, the warmer the sea surface temperatures, the faster a hurricane can spin, he noted, adding that hurricanes care about sea surface temperatures like cars care about fuel sources. Scientists have yet to fully capture how the atmosphere could be changing and affecting these hurricanes, according to Gilford. But, there will definitely be more intense storms as the planet continues to get hotter. Last year was the hottest year on record. We know that climate change is happening all around us. Its influencing our lives right now. Its affecting the storms that were living through, the terrible disasters that we see on TV, or the terrible heat we might experience outside for a given day, he explained. Climate change is living. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A woman says she was left stranded in Brazil when airline staff refused to let her board her flight home to the UK after refusing to accept her eVisa. Maria Juliana Marquez Monsalve, 29, claims staff at Belem International airport told her she needed in-date physical proof of her immigration status to travel rather than an electronic visa. Millions of people have had their physical immigration documents expire on 31 December 2024 as the Home Office transfers to a digital system. Foreign nationals are now dependent on eVisas, which are linked to their passports, to prove their right to live and work in the UK. However, some travellers have been facing difficulties with foreign airport staff who are unaware of the changes. Have you faced problems with your eVisa? contact holly.bancroft@independent.co.uk The Home Office has introduced a grace period of three months to allow travellers to fly on their expired British Residence Permits (BRP), but Ms Marquez Monsalve says she was not allowed to board her flight on 28 December. She told The Independent the experience was horrible, adding: I couldnt breathe, I nearly collapsed. She says she was forced to spend over 750 on alternative flights back to the UK with a different airline, and that she has so far been denied compensation from the original airline TAP Air. open image in gallery Maria Juliana was left stranded in Brazil after TAP Air airline staff refused to let her board her flight ( Maria Juliana Marquez Monslave ) She said airline staff told her that she couldnt travel on her BRP card because it was about to expire and instructed her to go to a UK embassy in a different city to get an up-to-date visa, despite Ms Marquez Monsalve explaining that she already had an eVisa. Ms Marquez Monsalve, who is Colombian but lives in the UK and is married to a Briton, said: I was in Brazil for a friends wedding. I had gone through security and immigration, had got a stamp in my passport, and had already checked in online. I was waiting with two of my friends, who were on the same flight, outside the gate when I heard my name. The girl at the desk by the gate asked for my passport and my boarding pass and so I showed it to her. She checked my boarding pass and then the size of my luggage but said both were fine. Then she came back to ask again for my passport and my BRP card. It was very weird. My British friend came with me to ask her what the problem was and she said something was coming up in the system, that my information was not right. I was worried but she said I would be able to fly as normal. open image in gallery Maria Juliana had to pay over 700 for new flights ( Maria Juliana Marquez Monslave ) Finally it came to boarding and my friends went on first because they had premium class, but they were waiting by the door for me, she continued. I was in the queue and the lady checked my passport again, and by this point there were about five people checking the computer. The girl said you cant take this flight and I was so shocked. They are closing the gate and Im asking why, can you tell me why. I was really anxious, I couldnt breathe, I nearly collapsed. I got on the phone to my husband because I was so stressed. My friends were trying to come back and help me but they werent allowed. Finally they said it was because my British Residence Permit would expire on the 31 December, and it was 28 December. I said, but I have an eVisa, and I was starting to cry. I got up the UK website, I logged in and showed them my eVisa. I was saying, look this BRP expires but is replaced by the eVisa. I told them that even if I didnt have an eVisa I can still travel on the expired BRP until March, but they didnt care about that. They said, no you need a visa, you need to go the UK embassy and ask for a visa. Ms Marquez Monsalve says she was told to leave the gate and border officials had to cancel the stamp in her passport. She was able to stay with her friends mother until she could book another flight. She decided to buy new flights with a different airline on 30 December and faced no problems with her eVisa or passport on this journey. She said she had got her eVisa far in advance of the 31 December deadline and had already travelled to Egypt with it earlier in the year. Her husband Andrew said they had paid 763 for new flights to get his wife home, adding: She had no issues at all with the different route. UKVI and the passport control confirmed she should have been allowed to fly. Speaking about his wifes experience, he said: The way she was treated was a disgrace, she felt like a criminal. The Independent has contacted TAP Air for comment. A Home Office spokesperson said: We are listening to concerns people might have and are working closely with carriers and international stakeholders to ensure the rollout of eVisas is smooth. eVisas bring significant benefits, and many thousands of passengers have travelled successfully since most physical documents expired on 31 December 2024. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lidl has issued an urgent recall of infected cheddar cheese over fears it can cause flu-like symptoms and severe infections to babies, the elderly and pregnant women. Some Deluxe Sriracha Cheddar Cheese Wedges, sold in branches of the budget supermarket in Northern Ireland, were found to contain a dangerous bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. The batches of the spicy cheese being recalled have a best before date of May 5, Lidl said in posters being put up in affected stores. In a statement, the Food Standards Agency said: Lidl Northern Ireland is recalling a batch of Deluxe Sriracha Cheddar Cheese Wedge because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in this product. open image in gallery ( FSA ) Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems. If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return the product to where it was bought for a full refund. Symptoms caused by this bacteria can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis. Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems. Last month, Braga Freshs ready-to-eat 12oz Marketside Broccoli Florets was also recalled, after the product was sold at Walmart stores in 20 different states. The broccoli was recalled because of the possibility it was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can also cause intestinal illness. The possible listeria contamination of Braga Freshs broccoli was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services from a Texas store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result, according to the FDA. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Survivors of sexual violence were among the tens of thousands who took to the streets across the UK to march in solidarity with all oppressed women and girls around the world. Around 5,000 demonstrators walked alongside loved ones and strangers in London on Saturday, shouting chants like My body, my choice, and What do we want? Safety. When do we want it? Now, while intricate homemade signs reading And still we rise and Women hold up half the sky were held up. Organisers estimated up to 21,000 women turned out at 21 marches around the country, coming together in their fight for equality at a pivotal time two days ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration. open image in gallery Thousands of women attended events across the country ( Tara Cobham / The Independent ) Demi Reilly, 30, told The Independent she attended: To represent the woman oppressed everywhere. Collectively we need to raise our voices. No woman is free until all women are free... we cant let s*** slide anymore. Anne-Marie Langeveldt, 42, who came from Watford to be there with her mother, pointed to the statistic that around one in three women and girls worldwide are subjected to physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). She described this as all of societys problem and said she was protesting for the next generation. open image in gallery Demi Reilly (right) travelled to the capital from Northampton to attend the London march with her sister (left) ( Tara Cobham / The Independent ) open image in gallery The protesters came together in their fight for equality at a pivotal time, when womens rights are under threat globally ( Tara Cobham / The Independent ) An emphasis was put on the intersectionality of the events, with speakers in the capital highlighting that combatting other forms of discrimination, including transphobia, homophobia, ableism, racism, ageism and classism are all part of the feminist fight. Organisers said they have been left deeply inspired, after the demonstrations illustrated the power of collective action and solidarity. Ms Langeveldt, whose relatives are from Zimbabwe, explained that the women in her family have had a traumatic history, so were marching for our women back in Zimbabwe as well. She said she was also demonstrating for the women in Afghanistan too who have no voice whatsoever, with women and girls there enduring what the UN has called a gender apartheid at the hands of the Taliban. Other protesters also cited the plight of women and girls in Iran, where Amnesty highlighted oppression was further escalated last month when the country introduced a law permitting the imposition of the death penalty for peaceful activism against its discriminatory compulsory veiling laws. open image in gallery Anne-Marie Langeveldt (left) travelled from Watford to London to march with her mother (right) ( Tara Cobham / The Independent ) open image in gallery Up to 20,000 were estimated by organisers to have turned out at 21 marches around the country ( Tara Cobham / The Independent ) With the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas set to come into effect on Sunday, thoughts were also with Palestinian women and girls, who have suffered under heavy bombardment for 15 months. It was the inauguration of a convicted felon in America on Monday though that prompted the organisation of the march in the days before, with a Peoples March also held on Saturday in Washington DC, eight years after nearly half a million demonstrators attended the inaugural Womens March there. Many attendees were fearful of what is to come, with the president-elect having boasted about grabbing [women] by the p***y in a 2005 Access Hollywood tape, been accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women, and bragged about killing Roe v Wade. And British police have warned violence against women and girls is a national emergency, after related crime increased by 37 per cent between 2018 and 2023. open image in gallery One-year-old Eliza (left) was at the London march with her mother Hollie Deaves (centre) and grandmother Susan (right) ( Tara Cobham / The Independent ) open image in gallery Around 5,000 demonstrators walked alongside loved ones and strangers in London on Saturday ( Tara Cobham / The Independent ) The Independent spoke with a group of 12- and 13-year-olds who all replied scared or its scary when asked how they were feeling about the future, especially with a view to Mr Trumps second presidential term. Its about our future, said Bea, Nerys, Annie and Nell, who were all attending the march in London with their mothers. Well be the generation affected, well be the ones growing up with Trumps laws. The girls said they were also compelled to come out and protest after finding out about the horror endured in France by Gisele Pelicot, 72, who was drugged by her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and then raped by him and dozens of other men, between 2011 and 2020. open image in gallery Bea, Nerys, Annie and Nell all say they are scared about what is to come with Donald Trumps second presidential term ( Tara Cobham / The Independent ) open image in gallery Lana was among the attendees at the London march ( Tara Cobham / The Independent ) An even younger attendee was one-year-old Eliza, who was there with her mother Hollie Deaves, 24, and grandmother Susan. Ms Deaves said she and her mother both became emotional as they marched from Waterloo Station across Westminster Bridge, past Big Ben and the House of Parliament, before congregating at Old Palace Yard with the rest of the crowds. Among the reasons she was demonstrating, the 24-year-old said: To show solidarity, to show were not alone. Gesturing to her toddler Eliza, who was dressed in a bright yellow high-visibility vest reading Please dont make me a commodity, Ms Deaves added: And for her future too. Organisers Ashley Donaldson, Carolyn Storer and Hollie Jordan said: This is just the beginning for the UK Womens March. We remain steadfast in our commitment to campaigning and marching until all women worldwide are free, have equitable access to healthcare, and no longer live in fear of violence and oppression. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ministers are set to unveil plans for digital driving licences next week, according to reports. The licences will be available through a new government app, potentially by the end of this year, according to The Times. Officials have emphasised that a digital licence would not be mandatory. The digital wallet that will contain the licence would be accessed through a government app which will have security measures similar to banking apps, according to reports. There will also be protections in place to ensure only the licence holder will be able to access it, and it is understood this will be made possible through inbuilt security features already in smartphones. A Government spokesperson said: This Government is committed to using technology to make peoples lives easier and transform public services. Technology now makes it possible for digital identities to be more secure than physical ones, but we remain clear that they will not be made mandatory. The photocard driving licence was introduced to the UK in 1998. It had to be used in conjunction with a paper counterpart until that requirement was abolished in 2015. The licences would be the latest step by the Labour government to transform public services with technology. Earlier this week, Keir Starmer unveiled plans to champion AI, describing it as a unique chance to boost growth and raise living standards. Tech entrepreneur Matt Clifford has written an AI opportunities action plan, of which ministers have accepted all recommendations. The plan is aimed at improving the UKs use of artificial intelligence technology. Sir Keir said: Harnessing AI and using it to deliver our plan for change requires ambition, purpose and focus. This is a unique chance to boost growth, raise living standards, transform public services, create the companies of the future in Britain and deliver our plan for change. Among the recommendations the Government has accepted is a commitment to set out within six months plans to improve the UKs AI infrastructure. Ministers will aim to expand the UKs sovereign, publicly owned AI capacity twentyfold by 2030, and plan to deliver a new state of the art supercomputing facility for research purposes. CAIRO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Egypt announced on Saturday that Israel will release more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) releasing 33 Israeli detainees during the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. This agreement, reached through Egyptian mediation with regional and international partners, is scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT) Sunday, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. During the first phase of the ceasefire, extending for 42 days, Hamas will release 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for Israel releasing more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners, the ministry said. It emphasized the commitment of the mediators to ensure the full and timely implementation of the agreement in all its three stages. Egypt expressed hope that this ceasefire agreement will mark the beginning of a path towards alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, calling upon the international community, particularly the United States, to support and consolidate the agreement and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire. Furthermore, Egypt urged the international community to provide all necessary humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people and to develop an urgent plan for the reconstruction of Gaza. Egypt stressed the importance of accelerating the development of a roadmap to rebuild trust between the two sides, noting that this roadmap should facilitate a return to the negotiating table and address the Palestinian cause within the framework of the two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. This solution aims to establish an independent Palestinian state on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the statement. Egypt, in coordination with Qatar and the United States, will establish a joint operations room headquartered in Egypt, the statement said, adding that this room will be responsible for monitoring the exchange of detainees and prisoners, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the movement of individuals after the reopening of the Rafah crossing. Israel and Hamas have agreed on a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal after intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. 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. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump and his team will be in a two-year race to change the US and the world from the moment he is inaugurated inside the Capitol on Monday. Sources close to the 47th president of the United States of America have privately noted that he has until the midterm elections in November 2026 to fulfil his policy agenda while the Republicans still have control of the Congress and Senate. After that, the tone will probably switch to who will succeed him as the Republican nominee in 2028, with vice-president JD Vance currently in the driving seat but not guaranteed. open image in gallery Donald Trumps inauguration will herald big changes ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) It means that within hours of being sworn in, the new president is expected to issue scores of executive orders already prepared for him by the controversial right-wing Project 2025 plans led by the Heritage Foundation. He will seek to rapidly push through a radical domestic agenda of deregulation and anti-immigration measures as well as opening up parts of the US for oil and gas drilling as he seeks to crush net zero policies. A senior source in the Trump team told The Independent: In reality, this is a two-year race. We know that it will be very difficult to hold on to the House and possibly the Senate in the midterms. So we have a two-year window to get everything done. After 2026 there is a danger that Mr Trump, who will not be allowed to run again due to the two-term rule, will become a lame duck president. It will be very much about who comes next in the second half of the administration, the source added. But the president-elect is ready, he has a big agenda for change and he is in a hurry to get it done. open image in gallery Sadiq Khan said the spectre of a resurgent fascism haunts the West ( PA Wire ) Mr Trump, with the aid of his new secretary of state Marco Rubio, will also seek to reshape the world with a deal to end the Ukraine war, strong actions against China and Iran and a series of tariffs disrupting international trade. Already he appears to have forced Israel and Hamas into a peace deal in the Middle East, while leaving the door open for Israel to re-engage in military action if hostages are dead or not released. Also on his agenda will be relations with the UK, which look to be in a perilous state with the growing strains between the incoming Trump administration and Sir Keir Starmers Labour government. The UK government is bracing itself for two potential early humiliations after The Independent revealed that Mr Trump may reject Sir Keirs nomination of Peter Mandelson as Britains ambassador to the US. The incoming president is also likely to force Sir Keir to back down on plans to hand over the Chagos Islands where the UK and US have a joint air base to Mauritius. open image in gallery US president-elect Donald Trump alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage ( PA Archive ) Mr Trumps British political friend and ally Nigel Farage has promised that Trump will change the world for the better and be the first step in taking back the West. Mr Farage insists that Mr Trump is an anglophile but those in his inner circle say that he is furious with the way Labour sent 100 activists to help Kamala Harris in the election. They also perceive the UK government to be anti-free speech. The Reform UK leader told BBC Radio 4s Westminster Hour that relations could still be positive between Britain and the US, although there is growing evidence that Mr Trump is attempting to help his party win power at the next election. I just feel that Starmer is in a very weak position, Mr Farage said. Hes pro-European Union; Trump is probably more Eurosceptic than me, when it comes to Brussels. Its going to be very difficult. And he repeated his offer to act as a bridgehead between the two nations. I could be very, very useful if the government chose to use me. I have talked to them about this and I have said anything I did would be completely unofficial, completely below the radar, he added. Weve got every opportunity for a fantastic relationship with an incoming administration who are anglophile to their fingertips. Weve got an amazing opportunity here to get way outside of any tariff regimes, to negotiate sectoral free trade deals. These opportunities are all on the table and Trump wants to do it. open image in gallery Ed Davey has called for British leadership in trade and defence ( EPA ) Among other British politicians in Washington for the inauguration is former Tory prime minister Liz Truss, who believes Mr Trump will save Western civilisation. Tory shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel further claimed the Republican billionaire will stand up for freedom and prosperity across the world. But there are many who fear a renewed wave of rightwing populism about to engulf the globe. Labour London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan warned on the eve of the inauguration about a resurgence in fascism with Mr Trump. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey warned: Donald Trump returning to the White House will be deeply worrying for millions of people in the UK and around the world. With a president who promises trade wars, undermines Nato and praises Vladimir Putin, the threats to our national security and our economy are clear. The UK must lead on the world stage again, standing up for our interests by working closely with other countries, above all our European neighbours. However, speaking for the UK government on the Sunday morning broadcast round, Treasury secretary Darren Jones insisted that relations will be strong as he distanced himself and the government from Sir Sadiqs comments. Mr Jones suggested Sir Sadiq is allowed to make that case, but I dont agree with it. I speak on behalf of the government and we dont agree with it, he added. President-elect Trump has an important mandate in the United States and we look forward to working with him in the interests of both of our economies. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cats and dancing videos do not seem like a national security threat, a Cabinet minister has said, as he confirmed there were no plans to ban TikTok in the UK. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said the Government was not currently intending to follow in the footsteps of the US, which has removed the platform from prominent app stores. But Mr Jones did suggest the UKs position could change if there was a threat that we are concerned about. The social media giant lost a last-ditch legal bid on Friday to have a ban declared unconstitutional on free speech grounds, with the US Supreme Court rejecting TikToks appeal and unanimously upholding the law. 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 American government. 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. Mr Jones told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: We always keep all of these technology issues under consideration, whether its for national security or data privacy concerns. We have laws in place and processes to do that. We have no plans right now to ban TikTok from the UK. So, we wont be following the same path that the Americans have followed unless or until at some point in the future there is a threat that we are concerned about in the British interest. At that point, he suggested things were kept under review. He added: On Government devices, for example, weve not been allowed to use TikTok for many years, the last Conservative government took the same position because theres sensitive information on those devices. But for consumers who want to post videos of their cats or dancing, that doesnt seem like a national security threat to me. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said she was not considering pushing for the UK to ban TikTok, but that the Government should be looking at what other countries were doing. Also speaking on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, she said: Ive looked at online platforms and the permissive nature of them, but of course when it comes to TikTok specifically, it is linked to China. We have a very, very clear approach not just from my party, but also in the UK in terms of China and some of the national security, and, dare I say it, just the day-to-day security concerns that their platforms bring to our country. Its too binary to say should we just ban this in the UK?, we have to look at the concerns that are reflected overseas ... learn some lessons and take some of those considerations into our own judgment before we come up with policy ideas Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel I think it is fair to say we will be following what is happening in America with regards to TikTok on many of the concerns that have been raised over here. Asked if she would ban TikTok, the former home secretary said: Im not considering it. We should always be looking at what other countries are doing. Its too binary to say should we just ban this in the UK?, we have to look at the concerns that are reflected overseas, so here in America, learn some lessons and take some of those considerations into our own judgment before we come up with policy ideas. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer has been warned not to cosy up to the White House as a new poll shows nearly two in three Labour voters believe he should build closer economic and security ties to Europe as Donald Trump returns to power. The same proportion of Labour voters, 67 per cent, say they are worried about the impact of Mr Trumps presidency. The findings will pile pressure on Sir Keir to accelerate talks to improve UK-EU relations as the world braces for Mr Trumps second term. The Savanta poll, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, also found nearly half of voters, 47 per cent, are concerned that Nigel Farages close ties with Mr Trump risk undermining the UKs national interests. open image in gallery Two-thirds of Labour voters back closer post-Brexit ties with Europe, given Donald Trumps presidency ( Getty ) That figure was even higher among Labour voters, at 61 per cent. The prime minister has promised to fix Britains damaged relationship with the European Union for the benefit of generations to come. But he has faced criticism for the slow pace of talks, and for rejecting a Brussels-backed youth mobility scheme to allow the under-30s to live and work in the EU. The new poll found that 64 per cent of those who voted Labour at last years general election agree that the UK should build closer economic and security ties with Europe, given Mr Trumps imminent arrival in the White House. Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson, said: We all know what Donald Trumps leadership looked like last time: inconstant, unreliable, occasionally menacing. Its no wonder voters are worried about how hell impact our national security not to mention their pockets. A clear majority of the people who put Labour in power want action to support our economy and security in the wake of Trump, and that means forging closer ties with Europe. Keir Starmer must listen to them and accelerate talks with Europe. open image in gallery The prime minister has promised to fix Britains damaged relationship with the European Union for the benefit of generations to come ( PA Archive ) Naomi Smith, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain, said: The Labour governments number one mission is to deliver economic growth, and beneficial alignment with our largest trading partner in the EU is crucial to achieving that goal. British businesses, particularly our SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises], are being held back by Brexit red tape and consumers are paying the price with higher prices and less choice. Best for Britain research consistently shows that a closer trading relationship with Europe is voters preferred choice, and not just with those who backed Labour in 2024. Even in the most heavily Leave-voting areas, people know that the status quo isn't working. Molly Scott Cato, professor of economics and vice-chair of European Movement UK, said: We dont know what the next four years will bring. But its clear that the imperative for us to renew ties with our friends in Europe is stronger than ever. With Putin on the doorstep of Europe and Trump's threat to withdraw from Nato, we need to stay close to our geographic and cultural neighbours and friends. As Trump threatens tariffs against the EU, there are hints that Starmer may seek appeasement with the Trump White House. Choosing to cosy up to Trumps administration would be economically misguided, since trade lost with the EU is much larger than the reduction on our trade with the US that tariffs would cause. Savanta interviewed 2,205 UK adults between 10-12 January 2025. Labour and Reform have been approached for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer is embroiled in another row over Donald Trump after the Labour mayor of London warned of a resurgent fascism on the eve of his inauguration. Allies of the prime minister slapped down Sir Sadiq Khan, distancing the government from his comments, while the Tories condemned them as unacceptable. The latest spat comes at a difficult time for the UK-US relationship. In what would be an extremely rare move, Mr Trump is considering rejecting Sir Keirs nominee for UK ambassador to the US, Lord Mandelson. The Trump team is also still angry Labour staffers travelled to the US to campaign for their rivals, the Democrats, in the presidential race. open image in gallery Sadiq Khan is a longtime critic of Donald Trump ( PA/Getty ) Sir Sadiq warned of a "resurgent fascism" and deeply worrying times, especially if you're a member of a minority community", in The Observer. By exploiting economic concerns and a growing distrust of political and media institutions, these reactionary populists have been able to attract new supporters, he wrote. In Germany, the AfD is on course for a breakthrough in next months federal elections. In France, the National Rally is topping presidential polls. And, of course, in the US, Donald Trump is back. He also hit out at close Trump ally Elon Musk, adding: A billionaire bully shouldnt be able to use his social media platform as a propaganda tool to amplify lies and advance the cause of the far right. Asked about his comments on the BBC on Sunday, Treasury minister Darren Jones said: I dont agree with it. I speak on behalf of the government, and we dont agree with it. He added: President-elect Trump won an enormous election victory in the United States. He also said Lord Mandelson would make a brilliant ambassador. He said: 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. I think Peter Mandelson will be a brilliant ambassador for us and will form a very strong partnership with the new administration." And he said yes when asked if he was "confident" that Trump's administration will accept Lord Mandelsons nomination. open image in gallery Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said the comments were unacceptable ( PA ) Mr Khans warning was slammed by the shadow foreign secretary, Dame Priti Patel. She told The Camilla Tominey Show on GB News: I think Sadiq Khan's comments are absolutely unacceptable. She added: The challenge and the onus now is on Sir Keir Starmer, his Labour government. Perhaps his mayor should really now just keep his views to himself, because Trump has a mandate and a big majority and we should respect that. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the prime minister was getting off to the worst possible start with the new president. He said that with the row over Lord Mandelson: The honest truth is that our government is getting off to the worst possible start with the incoming Trump administration. It is not the first time Sir Keir has been embroiled in a row over a senior Labour politicians comments about Mr Trump. In 2018 the now foreign secretary David Lammy called Mr Trump a neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath. A year earlier Mr Lammy also tweeted: Yes, if Trump comes to the UK I will be out protesting on the streets. He is a racist KKK and Nazi sympathiser. Mr Lammy has played down the comments, saying all politicians had something to say about Trump back in the day. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cats and dancing videos do not seem like a national security threat, a Cabinet minister has said, as he confirmed there were no plans to ban TikTok in the UK. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said the Government was not currently intending to follow in the footsteps of the US, which has removed the platform from prominent app stores. But Mr Jones did suggest the UKs position could change if there was a threat that we are concerned about. The social media giant lost a last-ditch legal bid on Friday to have a ban declared unconstitutional on free speech grounds, with the US Supreme Court rejecting TikToks appeal and unanimously upholding the law. open image in gallery This message appears for anyone trying to use TikTok in the US ( TikTok ) 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 American government. 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. Mr Jones told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: We always keep all of these technology issues under consideration, whether its for national security or data privacy concerns. We have laws in place and processes to do that. We have no plans right now to ban TikTok from the UK. So, we wont be following the same path that the Americans have followed unless or until at some point in the future there is a threat that we are concerned about in the British interest. At that point, he suggested things were kept under review. open image in gallery Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones was speaking on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme ( PA Wire ) He added: On Government devices, for example, weve not been allowed to use TikTok for many years, the last Conservative government took the same position because theres sensitive information on those devices. But for consumers who want to post videos of their cats or dancing, that doesnt seem like a national security threat to me. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said she was not considering pushing for the UK to ban TikTok, but that the Government should be looking at what other countries were doing. Also speaking on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, she said: Ive looked at online platforms and the permissive nature of them, but of course when it comes to TikTok specifically, it is linked to China. We have a very, very clear approach not just from my party, but also in the UK in terms of China and some of the national security, and, dare I say it, just the day-to-day security concerns that their platforms bring to our country. I think it is fair to say we will be following what is happening in America with regards to TikTok on many of the concerns that have been raised over here. Asked if she would ban TikTok, the former home secretary said: Im not considering it. We should always be looking at what other countries are doing. Its too binary to say should we just ban this in the UK?, we have to look at the concerns that are reflected overseas, so here in America, learn some lessons and take some of those considerations into our own judgment before we come up with policy ideas. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The sister of a Utah nurse found dead at the bottom of a stairwell has paid tribute to her radiant soul and her devotion to helping others. Autumn Mercado, a 39-year-old mother-of-three, died at the family home in Salt Lake City on Monday. Autumn had a truly radiant soul, both inside and out, her sister Summer Chistiansen-Ward told The Independent. Autumns husband, Carlos Mercado, 47, told investigators that his wife fell down the stairs. He reportedly covered her with a blanket and went out drinking, leaving her body in the house with their young children. He was taken into custody in connection with the investigation, and booked Tuesday into the Salt Lake County Jail on failure to report a death and two counts of child abandonment, said West Jordan Police Department Sergeant Andrew Hercules. Carlos Mercado has not been charged over her death and is no longer in custody, according to Salt Lake County booking records. open image in gallery Autumn Mercado, 39, a mother-of-three, was found lying dead at the bottom of a stairwell at a home in Salt Lake City Monday afternoon ( GoFundMe ) Autumns work in healthcare reflected her deep love for others, her sister says. As a dedicated registered nurse, she channeled her sharp intellect and compassionate spirit to care for others with the same devotion she showed her own family. Autumns dream was to become a nurse practitioner, driven by her passion for helping people. She deeply loved her children and took immense pride in being their mother. Her smile, warm demeanor, and quick wit could light up any room, leaving an unforgettable impression on those fortunate enough to know her, Christiansen-Ward continued. Autumns boundless heart touched countless lives, and her family will forever cherish the laughter, love, and beautiful memories they created together. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and love will remain a guiding light for all who knew her. open image in gallery Autumn Mercado was a devoted mother and nurse ( Summer Christiansen-Ward ) Christiansen-Ward has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the family with her sisters death. Were raising funds for her unexpected funeral costs and to support her children in rebuilding their lives, the page reads. Investigators visited the family home on Monday after carrying out a welfare check after a call from a concerned coworker. Carlos invited the responding officers into the residence, where they noticed Autumn lying deceased at the bottom of the stairs, an affidavit seen by KSLTV said. Autumns feet were discolored, and signs of rigor mortis appeared to be present. Autumns husband reportedly told officers that his wife had passed out from vertigo before tumbling down the stairs. Officers noted that Carlos Mercado had alcohol on his breath and struggled to maintain his balance. Two children, aged one and four, were also found in the home without clothes and reportedly standing near their deceased mother, according to Fox13. open image in gallery Autumns sister has paid tribute to her and said she was a radiant soul ( Summer Christiansen-Ward ) When police interviewed Carlos Mercado he stated that he and Autumn had been drinking the night before and claimed that he fell asleep around 4 or 5 p.m. He said he found Autumn at the bottom of the stairs when he woke and attempted to rouse her, before covering her body with a blanket. Carlos Mercado then reportedly booked a ride share to head out for more beers while abandoning both children and Autumn at home, reported Fox13. An alert was raised after she failed to show up for work and the coworker could not reach her, say police. Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Mercados death with the Office of the Medical Examiner. According to court records seen by 2KUTV, Carlos Mercardo was found guilty of assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child in 2022 along with a spate of other assault charges. The Independent has contacted the West Jordan Police Department for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch again as outgoing President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Sunday (19 January) as Hamas released the first hostages in the Israel ceasefire deal. The Israeli military confirmed it had received the first three hostages and they are being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment. British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, was among those abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, as well as Romi Gonen, 24, who was ambushed as she tried to escape from the Supernova Festival. Veterinary nurse Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who was in her apartment in southern Israel when Hamas attacked is also set for release. Meanwhile, Palestinians have taken to the streets of the besieged enclave to celebrate the truce, and have started to return to their homes, many of which have been reduced to rubble. At least eight have been killed and 25 others injured, medics in Gaza have said, while the ceasefire was delayed. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy TikTok went dark in the US 90 minutes before a federal ban was set to go into effect on Sunday. Around 10:30 p.m., TikTok users opened the platform to find the following message: 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. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! The platform then gave its 170 million American users the option to click close app or learn more, taking them back to the same screen. open image in gallery A message that appeared on the screens of TikTok users when they tried accessing the app on Saturday evening ( TikTok ) The origins of the ban began in the first Trump administration, with Trump announcing plans to block the app in 2020. On Sunday he posted on Truth Social that he will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The shutdown comes a day after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a law barring TikTok from U.S. consumers, citing threats to national security. President Joe Biden signed legislation in April requiring TikTok to be sold by its owner, Chinese company ByteDance, or face a ban. The law, called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, gave the company 270 days. The clock was due to run out on Saturday night and no buyer had emerged in public. Backers of the law argue that ByteDances ownership gives the Chinese government a potential backdoor into the private information of its U.S. users and a powerful covert propaganda tool. TikTok and its supporters argue that the company has already made efforts to separate its U.S. users data from ByteDance and that banning it would infringe on free speech and the livelihoods of millions of people. About seven million people in the U.S. make an income from TikTok. open image in gallery Donald Trump has both tried to ban TikTok and hinted he will be its savior ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In a last-minute effort to save the app from being barred across the country, artificial intelligence company, Perplexity AI, submitted a bid Saturday to merge its platform with TikTok. The proposal was submitted to ByteDance. The new product would have combined Perplexity, TikTok U.S. and new partners, according to CNBC, and enabled a majority of current investors to keep their equity stakes. But, that merger wouldve likely taken months. After the Supreme Court decision, TikTok warned it would go dark in the U.S. on Sunday unless the Biden administration provided clarity on how the ban would be enforced. Service providers like Google and Apple were concerned theyd be subjected to heavy penalties if they continued to host the app. President-elect Donald Trump had asked the Supreme Court to delay its decision while he sought a political solution. The incoming president could try to negotiate a deal with TikTok and ByteDance or lobby Congress to repeal or amend the legislation to ensure the platforms continued existence in the U.S. Its unclear how feasible that would be. In his Truth Social post on Sunday, he argued that with a delay, hed be able to change the ownership of the company. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to s[t]ay up, he wrote. Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions. Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose. Even if Trump does approve the extension, its unknown what will happen once it expires. There is no precedent for banning a social media platform in the U.S. Additionally, ByteDance has publicly implied it does not intend to sell the app. One reason for the extension seems to be to ensure his own inauguration gets a wide audience. Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations, Trump wrote. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Steve Bannon has intensified the MAGA civil war by comparing the sudden support for Donald Trump from tech titans Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos to the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. Trumps one-time White House chief strategist fired his latest broadside against Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk in an interview with ABC News the weekend before his former boss is sworn in for a second term. The two have crossed swords in recent weeks on the subject of H-1B visas, which are used to attract highly skilled foreign workers. Musk, who spent nearly a quarter of a billion dollars helping Trump get elected and is now seen as almost inseparable from the president-elect, supports them; Bannon, and other longtime anti-immigration Trump faithful, fiercely oppose them. open image in gallery Steve Bannon speaking to Jonathan Karl on ABC News show This Week ( ABC News ) Bannon told ABC Newss Jonathan Karl that the decision of Musk, Meta CEO Zuckerberg and Amazons Bezos to attend Mondays inauguration made them supplicants. He invoked US General Douglas MacArthur receiving Imperial Japans unconditional surrender on the deck of the USS Missouri in 1945 to paint a picture of the tech titans bending the knee to Trump. And he mocked Zuckerbergs decision to back away from Facebooks former policy on fact-checking, something that has become a bone of contention in Trump circles because of the freewheeling attitude to facts of the president-elect and his supporters. As soon as Zuckerberg said, Im invited, Im going the floodgates opened up and they were all there knocking, trying to be supplicants, Bannon said. So I look at this, and I think most people in our movement look at this, as President Trump broke the oligarchs. He broke them. And they surrendered. They came and said oh, well take off any constraints, therell be no more checking. He added: I view this as September of 1945 the Missouri and you have the Imperial High Command and he (Trump) is like Douglas MacArthur. House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke with Trump and Musk before shutdown vote That is an official surrender, OK? And I think its powerful. Earlier this month Bannon called for a 100 percent moratorium on all immigration, while upping the rhetoric against Musk, suggesting he would rip your face off unless he stopped pushing for more visas. He said: We love converts. But the converts sit in the back and study for years and years and years to make sure you understand the faith and you understand the nuances of the faith and understand how you can internalize the faith. Bannon told Musk not to come up and go to the pulpit in your first week here and start lecturing people about the way things are going to be. If youre going to do that, were going to rip your face off. Bezos has faced backlash for pulling an endorsement of Kamala Harris from the Washington Post, which he owns, before the election. Other staff have left the paper since the election, including a cartoonist whose drawing of Bezos and others kneeling in front of Trump was pulled. The paper insisted that it was not censoring the cartoon and said it was repeating points made in a column on the subject. open image in gallery Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckberg are putting aside their differences to focus on their current shared interest: supporting Donald Trump ( Getty / Getty / AP ) The hostilities represent a growing schism within MAGA ranks that Trump will need to navigate carefully. Musk and fellow tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have been put in charge of a government advisory agency called DOGE which aims to cut billions from federal spending. The Tesla boss has already flexed his new political muscles when a deal to avert a government shutdown fell apart at his urging last month. Bannon, while no longer a key figure in the Trump set-up, is seen as representing the views of many of the incoming presidents most loyal supporters. Bannons reference to the three billionaires as oligarchs echoes the nickname given to a group of ambitious entrepreneurs in Russia who made their fortunes and accumulated political power amid the collapse of the Soviet Union and during the shaky rule of Boris Yeltsin only to be forced to bend the knee to Vladimir Putin once he took power, or else face prison or exile abroad. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President-elect Donald Trump is likely to give TikTok a 90-day reprieve as the app says it will go dark Sunday after the Supreme Court upheld a federal law banning it this week. Trump made the comment in a phone interview with NBC Newss Kristen Welker a day after the ruling was issued. I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at, he said. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate. You know, its appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation. If a reprieve is issued, Trump will most likely announce it on Monday, he told the outlet. open image in gallery A woman shows her TikTok feed in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C. this week ( REUTERS ) Following the Supreme Court decision Friday, TikTok said it would shut down in the US unless the Biden administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement. President Joe Biden has signaled he will not enforce the ban. If he did, he would only be able to do so during his final day in office on Sunday. There is no precedent for a social media ban and its unclear how one could be enforced. TikTok is used by 170 million people in the US and seven million of those individuals make an income from the short-video platform. TikTok took in $10bn in revenue last year, according to The New York Times. Lawmakers and Bidens administration have raised concerns over potential risks associated with the app. Among them are beliefs that the platform might be owned or controlled by the Chinese government. The company has said it is not. Still, US officials have claimed Chinese officials could use the platform to spy on Americans or influence Americans by surreptitiously harvesting users data, and amplifying or suppressing certain content. Its a position the Supreme Court sided with, determining that national security threats overrode concerns about the First Amendment. Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary, the court wrote in its ruling. In April, Biden signed legislation requiring TikTok to be sold by its owner, Chinese company ByteDance, or face a ban. The law, called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, gave the company 270 days. The clock runs out Sunday. TikTok and its parent company sued the Biden administration in the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit in May over the law, claiming it violated the First Amendment. But, that legal effort failed when the Supreme Court issued its ruling. Ultimately, enforcing such a ban will fall to the Trump administration. The law does allow for the president to grant a one-time 90-day extension from January 19. open image in gallery Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Beijing in 2017. The pair discussed the future of TikTok by phone on Friday ( REUTERS ) Trump, who has 14.7 million followers on the platform, reportedly made TikTok one of his key discussion topics with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week. Hed previously asked the Supreme Court to stay a ban so he could work out a deal to sell the app to American buyers. In comments made after the call, Trump said the two leaders had a great talk about TikTok. Upon signaling his readiness to stop a ban, the companys CEO Shou Zi Chew issued a video statement on the platform. On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the US. This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship, Chew said. We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a President who truly understands our platform. Trump could only grant the extension on Monday after hes sworn in, meaning the app could still turn off Sunday. Service providers like Google and Apple could face financial and legal penalties for allowing users to continue accessing the platform. Even if the incoming president does grant the reprieve, its unclear if hed have any recourse once the extension expires. Already, TikTok users are discussing how to bypass a federal ban, including through the use of virtual private networks which are often used in China to get through the countrys Great Firewall. Experts have said the app wont disappear from users phones but new users wont be able to download it and updates wont be available for existing users. Tiktok ban to move forward this Sunday The platform allows users to go through hundreds of short, seconds-long, videos in about half an hour and is considered highly addictive. In October, more than a dozen states and the District of Colombia sued TikTok claiming it harms the mental health of children on the platform. Speaking at a news conference after filing the suit, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the apps leaders have chosen profit over the health and safety, well-being and future of our children... And that is not something we can accept. So weve sued. At the time, TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said: Were proud of and remain deeply committed to the work weve done to protect teens and we will continue to update and improve our product. This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows a view of the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement in Gaza came into effect on Sunday, after more than 15 months of deadly strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the beginning of the ceasefire in a statement, after Hamas released the names of the first three female hostages set to be freed later in the day. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, was scheduled to go into effect at 0830 a.m. (0630 GMT). However, Netanyahu ordered the military to continue the assault, vowing not to cease fighting until Hamas provided the list of hostages. In a statement, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the deal but said the delay of providing the list was due to technical reasons. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it conducted artillery and airstrikes in several locations across Gaza. Palestinian health authorities reported at least eight people were killed in the attacks. This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows a view of the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows a view of the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) A location in Gaza is under attack on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) A location in Gaza is under attack on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) A location in Gaza is under attack on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Destroyed buildings are pictured after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua) Palestinians are pictured with destroyed buildings after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua) A Palestinian stands on destroyed buildings after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua) Palestinians are pictured with destroyed buildings after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua) Palestinians are pictured with destroyed buildings at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua) Palestinians return to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians return to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians return to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians return to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians return to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians return to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians return to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians return to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians return to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump has reportedly said the three main themes of his inaugural speech on Monday will be unity, strength and fairness. The president-elect, who will be sworn in for his second term at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., has also said that he will sign around 100 executive actions on his first day, with the focus on immigration. He has previously promised action on at least 59 topics on his first day in office, including the largest deportation in US history, ending the war in Ukraine and pardoning the January 6 rioters. The new administrations deportation efforts are expected to begin in Chicago, with some 200 ICE agents targeting scores of migrants, including those with low-level criminal histories that wouldve been deemed low priority by the Biden administration. open image in gallery Donald Trump, his wife Melania and their son Barron set off for Washington, D.C. from their home in Florida ( REUTERS ) Once he has taken office again, Trump is reportedly teasing an early visit to California, where wildfires in Los Angeles have killed more than 20 people, caused thousands to evacuate and caused millions in damage. Reports suggest he could also be planning a trip to China ahead of what many expect to be a gruelling trade war between the worlds two biggest economies. Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs of up to 60 percent against Beijing, which economists predict will hurt both countries economies and, consequently, the wider world economy. On Saturday afternoon, ABC News senior political correspondent Rachel Scott tweeted: President-elect Donald Trump me tells me the three themes of his inauguration speech will be unity, strength and fairness. He revealed the focus of his executive actions on Day One telling me to expect a large focus on immigration and a rollback of Bidens electric mandates. She added: Trump confirms he will likely do a 90-day extension for TikTok and he plans to travel to California on Friday or sometime early next week. open image in gallery ( X / Rachel Scott ) The reported themes of his speech would provide a stark contrast with his inaugural address on January 20, 2017, when he was sworn in for his first term. That speech, which came to be known as American Carnage, painted a dystopian vision of the US as a land of economic decline, rampant crime and political corruption. In it, Trump said: Politicians prospered but the jobs left, and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nations capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land. ... The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Trump's inauguration moved indoors Elsewhere in the speech he said: Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential. This American carnage stops right here and stops right now. The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump has told advisers he wants to make a trip to China, possibly during his first 100 days in office. It would be his second trip there following his first in 2017. open image in gallery Trump and Xi at a G20 summit in Osaka, Japan in 2019 ( REUTERS ) Trumps relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping have been mixed, going from an apparently burgeoning friendship in the first years of his first term, to attacking him over Beijings handling of the Covid pandemic, which started in the Chinese city of Wuhan and which Trump repeatedly referred to as the China virus or Kung Flu. The two leaders spoke by telephone on Friday. Xi had previously been invited to Mondays inauguration but is sending his vice-president instead. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Political commentators have suggested that the drama surrounding TikTok is a scam to make President-elect Donald Trump look good after he has vowed to save it. The Chinese-owned social media app went dark in the U.S. on Saturday night and posted a message at about 10.30 p.m. Eastern time saying: Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! The Biden administration blasted TikToks statement as a stunt in a statement on Saturday. And on Sunday morning, Trump vowed to issue an executive order on Monday, the day of his inauguration, to give the apps parent company ByteDance more time to find a buyer. Early Sunday afternoon, TikTok announced it was in the process of restoring service to the app and thanked Trump for his support. 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, it said in a statement. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. Skeptics have highlighted how Trump was the one who initially called for the controversial Chinese-owned social media app to be banned in 2020. But since Trumps following on TikTok grew he has now amassed 14.8 million followers and he hinted it helped to clinch the election, the president-elect has changed his tune. I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points, Trump said in December. And there are those that say TikTok had something to do with that. open image in gallery Trump signed an executive order to impose sanctions on TikTok in August 2020 ( REUTERS ) This TikTok scam by Trump is really something, Ron Filipowski, a defense attorney and editor-in-chief of the left-leaning MeidasTouch news outlet said. In a few days, we will be hearing from Trump about how he saved Tik Tok & brought it back. He literally created the problem by calling for a ban. Rs pass a law. It gets banned. It goes dark for a day or 2, then Trump saves it. Journalist Aaron Rupar said that Trump now has the big tech companies working on his behalf. Trump hated TikTok (because China) until it helped him win an election (as even he acknowledges) and now hes going to save it and take a victory lap, Rupar said. So hell have X, TikTok, Insta, and Facebook all working on his behalf. Thats a big difference between now and 2017. open image in gallery The message U.S. TikTok users were greeted with when the app went dark ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Heath Mayo, founder of the conservative group Principles First, added: Trump got China to place what amounts to a front-page ad on the phone of every American on TikTok. Selling out US national security to promote himself as some savior. Surprise, surprise. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Ct) said the move by Trump was terrifying. TikTok tucking itself in with Trump. Twitter under control of the White House. Facebook making major changes to placate MAGA, doing PR campaign to align w Trump, Murphy wrote in a post on X. Does everyone not see whats happening here and how terrifying this is. Others shared dismay at the idea that Trump can effectively void a federal law. Im trying, and I hope other people will try, to hold onto the simple notion that a US president cannot simply declare a federal law that was passed last year and literally upheld this week to be a nullityeven if its a not-so-hot law, writer and lawyer Luppe B. Luppen said in a post on BlueSky. The Congress is the body that can amend or repeal federal laws. On August 6, 2020, Trump issued an executive order to impose sanctions on TikTok. The United States must take aggressive action against the owners of TikTok to protect our national security, Trump said in the order. It called for ByteDance to divest its U.S. interests or face sanctions, but Trumps effort to ban the app was then blocked by a federal judge. open image in gallery Trump has thrown his support behind the app more recently ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Since then, he has pledged support for the social media giant, even inviting TikToks CEO to his inauguration. The Independent has contacted the Trump transition team for comment. Trumps incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz defended the president-elect on Sunday. He said that Trump was working in real time with tech companies to reach an agreement for new US ownership of TikTok something a number of his allies, including Canadas Kevin OLeary, have also been at work seeking to make a reality. Waltz also indicated that it was possible for TikTok to remain under Chinese ownership, albeit with firewalls (such as Americans data being stored in US-based servers) to guard against perceived national security threats. Asked by CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union whether that meant "capitulating" to China by accepting a deal wherein the app was not sold, Waltz issued a denial. No, no, no, he told Bash. Both can be true at the same time. TikTok can continue to exist, and whether thats in American hands, owned by an American company, or whether the data and algorithms are fully protected from Chinese interference, theres a number of...formulas this can take. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Serge in his blue anorak, Olena in her black faux fur jacket an inconspicuous couple on a trip in Kyiv to show their daughter the capital they did so much to save three years ago. Their clandestine work as part of self-starting groups of volunteers, heroic by the standards of any war, turned back two invading Russian convoys as they converged on Kyiv in 2022. Serge and a small group of comrades, veterans of Russias 2014 invasion of Ukraine, took on Putins invaders in hit-and-run raids using pickup trucks and weapons they found in a warehouse in Sumy province. Now Donald Trump is threatening to turn the course of history against Ukraine, by cutting US military support to the embattled nation. This could ultimately allow Vladimir Putin to hang on to the 20 per cent of the country Russia has already taken as part of a future peace deal forced on Kyiv. We cant have a peace deal of any kind with Russia, Serge said on Saturday, two days before Mr Trumps inauguration. If we freeze the front lines then Putin will just re-arm and invade again. And now Russia is better equipped, has better tactics, knows how the weapons weve had from Nato work. He wont stop and so neither will the killing. He should know. He volunteered in 2014 to fight the Russians, re-enlisting in early 2022 to join a small band of bandit-like resistance fighters who reinvented the kind of dare-to-win tactics which made Britains SAS the model unit for special forces around the world. open image in gallery Serge and Olena Kravchenko took on the Russians in Kyiv ( Supplied ) Serge, as a native of Sumy, was key to the success of the unit of about eight men. Olena, his wife, perhaps more so. Thick snow muffled the crack and crunch of the movements of Serge and a comrade as they crept through Russian lines, using the forest as cover to meet up with Olena in early March, just a couple of weeks after Putins full-scale invasion threatened to topple Kyiv in a lightening strike. They appeared at Olenas kitchen window at dawn after a 12-hour infiltration in civilian clothes, armed only with 9mm pistols. They were wet, cold and smiling, a few days after the Russians had overrun her village. With enemy patrols of infantry outside and as Russian tanks tore up the mud and snow around their homes, the Kravchenkos set her up as the centre of a spy network. For the next month or so, Olena and her female neighbours, sat in the front rooms of their homes texting details of Russian troop movements, locations of headquarters, logistics concentrations and, above all, coordinates of enemy positions to Serge and his team. The gang managed to get hold of some NLAW and Javelin anti-tank missiles from the UK and US. They taught themselves how to use the weapons in real-life ambushes against Russian columns. They were relentless hitting convoys and camps every day, sometimes several times a day by leaving their vehicles hidden, sneaking, on foot, through miles of woodland and across snow-covered fields at night, then attacking targets found by Olenas network. On one occasion they returned from a successful ambush to find their pickups, which theyd hidden in abandoned farm buildings, burned out and nearly panicked. open image in gallery The couple have raised concerns, like many Ukrainians, about the impact of Donald Trumps return to power ( AP ) We thought wed been caught by Russian spetznatz (special forces), Serge said. We had been stupid and left our anti-tank missiles and ammunition in the cars for the Russians to take and we thought we were about to die. Then a babushka (granny) emerged from a building. Are those your cars? she asked. Im so sorry, I thought you were the Russians so I burned them when you left them here. But, she went on. Not before I stole all the weapons. She revealed tens of thousands of dollars worth of Nato high-tech anti-tank missile systems tucked up warmly under straw in a barn. In one day, Serges unit had stolen an abandoned Russian T-80 tank, used the weapon against a Russian camp and destroyed 14 armoured vehicles in a base north of Trsotyanets, in Sumy province. The tank, named Bunny, went on to see service in Izium, and close to Slaviansk before being abandoned and disabled under a bridge in Bakhmut. The role of units like Serges gang, along with Nato intelligence and conventional forces, stopped the Kremlins attacks on Kyiv and turned around the invading convoys after weeks of heavy Russian losses. They stalled Putins invasion plans. Serges reconnaissance unit went on to fight in the Donbas, mostly in Bakhmut, where thousands died in the meat grinder attacks launched by waves of Russian conscripts, prisoners and the Wagner mercenary group. Key members of Serges team died in the rubble there. open image in gallery Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, April 2022 ( Ap ) At least half of Serges group had been killed and two others permanently maimed by the time we met a year ago, close to Avdiivka on the eastern front. He was then running a platoon of drone experts, hunting Russians in the churned wastelands of the eastern front. His drones hung like spiders on the walls of a hovel he occupied. These skilfully adapted commercially available little machines were adapted to carry grenades. They were often the best, or only, weapon holding the Russians back. Nato weapons, including about $60bn worth of US gear, had kept Ukraine fighting but had not allowed the invaded nation to win. Long-range rockets and cruise missiles could break the spine of Russias invading forces by targeting its command structures and logistics centres. The US and Europe have been slow, even reluctant, to risk a Ukrainian victory giving the defending forces enough weaponry to maintain only a bloody stalemate. Only recently has the UK agreed that British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles can be used against Russian targets. The US is deeply reluctant to allow Ukraine to get hold of significant amounts of long-range surface-to-surface rockets. Serge has spent another year holding the Russians back. His two young male nephews are approaching military age and hes desperate to keep them out of the fight, persuading one at least to study drone technology away from front lines. Ive spent most of my adult life fighting, he said. My friends are dead and if they could have died for a peace to hold that would be alright. But only driving the Russians out will bring peace. And if Russia prevails, he added, it would not be long before small groups of Poles, Lithuanians, Germans and Britons may find themselves fighting the Kremlins armies in their own forests and fields. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch again as crowds gathered in Tel Aviv as the Israel and Hamas ceasefire saw the first hostages released on Sunday (19 January) after 470 days. The first three hostage were handed over to the Red Cross, with British-Israeli Emily Damari among the group. The 28-year-old was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza by the terrorist group on October 7. Ms Damari was among those abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, as well as Romi Gonen, 24, who was ambushed as she tried to escape from the Supernova Festival. Veterinary nurse Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who was in her apartment in southern Israel when Hamas attacked is also set for release. Meanwhile, Palestinians have taken to the streets of the besieged enclave to celebrate the truce, and have started to return to their homes, many of which have been reduced to rubble. At least eight have been killed and 25 others injured, medics in Gaza have said, while the ceasefire was delayed. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The last remaining British hostage inside Gaza is among three women Hamas militant group said it would release Sunday afternoon, as a long-awaited ceasefire finally came into effect following an eleventh-hour delay. British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, 28, Doron Steinbrecher,31 and Romi Goren, 24 are poised for release Sunday afternoon after over 15 months inside Gaza, as the truce finally came into effect around 11am local time. Emily, whose mother was born in Surrey, and Doron were both seized by militants from Kfar Aza kibbutz on 7 October while Romi was taken from the Nova music festival. The British government welcomed the news adding We stand ready to support her upon her release. However the deal, which will also see a surge in much-needed humanitarian aid in to Gaza, nearly collapsed in the final hours. Accusing Hamas of breaking the terms of the deal by not releasing names, Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to continue its operations, with tanks and plans hitting northern and central Gaza past the original deadline of 8.30am local time. Hamas blamed the initial delay in handing over the names on technical field reasons. The first three hostages, whose physical conditions are not known, are expected to be released after 4pm local time. open image in gallery Emily Damari has been named as among three female hostages set for release ( Mandy Damari ) The last minute delay underscored the fragility of the deal, which was finally reached after a year of intense mediation by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.Families of the many hostages and trapped civilians in Gaza hope the long-fought for agreement will pave the way for the end of 15 months of ruinous conflict that has claimed the lives of over 46,000 people in Gaza and more than 1000 in Israel. It has also devastate the besieged and devastated Gaza Strip, where 90 percent of the population has been displaced. Under the terms of the first six-week phases of the deal, Hamas is set to release 33 hostages, while Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. Israeli forces will pull back into a buffer zone inside Gaza, and many displaced Palestinians will be able to return home. The devastated territory is also expected to see a surge in humanitarian aid. open image in gallery The ceasefire was delayed until Hamas released a full list of names ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire are set to begin in just over two weeks and see the remaining hostages released and more Palestinian prisoners. But there are concerns the war could resume once phase one is completed - especially as Netanyahu faces growing pressure from extreme right members of his coalition, including several ministers, resigned from his cabinet on Sunday over the deal. In Israel and beyond, families of the hostages were holding their breath right up to the wire. Ms Damaris family, who initially shied from speaking out publicly, were anxiously waiting for the return of their daughter - with one source close to them telling the BBC that it has been a torturous 471 and all her mother Mandy wanted to do is hug Emily. Mandy Damari, who has described her daughter as an avid Spurs fan who loved the UK, has spoken in the past about her fears Emily is dead. She told the BBC in December that Emily had been shot in the hand and suffered shrapnel wounds - and that even if she was alive shes not getting enough food to eat, shes not able to wash herself, drink water, she could be ill. Emily was seized form her home in Kfar Aza on 7 October along with her friends Gali and Ziv Berman, who remain in captivity, and Doron Steinbrecher who is slated for release on Sunday as well. Ms Doron, 31, is a veterinary nurse who has a chronic illness and needs daily medicine. She was taken by militants from her home where she lived alone, her sister told The Independent at the end of last year. The last message she sent was a voice note to friends at 10.30am that day where she shouted repeatedly they caught me. The only proof of life the family have had since then was when she appeared in a Hamas video 107 days later, in January 2024, in which she begged for help. Romi Goren, 24, also on the list to be released, who lives in Kfar Vradim was seized from the Nova Festival on 7 October. Her sister Yarden said at a gathering for the hostages in the US last week, she nearly escaped but she ambushed, shot in the hand and dragged by her hair to Gaza. Her best friend was killed in front of her. The families of the three declined to speak in the immediate lead up to their release. In Hostage Square - the rallying point for relatives of the hostages - Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Chaimi was killed on 7 October and his body taken by militants to Gaza, said the families were thrilled that at least three hostages were saved and their relatives can end the continuous hell that they have been living in. open image in gallery Large parts of Gaza have been razed to the ground in the 15-month war ( REUTERS ) But at the same time I am incredibly tense and nervous because a lot can go wrong today. A lot can go wrong between today and next week, he told The Independent. And [for] the families of the hostages which are not within the list of 33 it is a long struggle ahead of us. In Gaza, families who have been displaced multiple times, lost dozens of family members and lived through famine, said they were also nervous. Some began returning to their homes in parts of Gaza City early Sunday, with photos shared online of families transporting their belongings on horseback through the destruction.Others who were displaced further south said it was too dangerous to move and return home until Israeli forces fully withdrew from the Netzarim military corridor - a stretch of land occupied by Israeli forces which effectively cuts Gaza in two. Israeli forces are due to withdraw from the area in the initial phase of the deal. In Mawasi so-called humanitarian zone where more than a million displaced people are sheltering mostly in tents, Essam Rajab, 38, from north Gaza said his family barely survived 15 months of fierce bombardment, hunger, disease, and living in a tent. He talked about the enormous task ahead to rebuild Gaza. You are talking about people whose past has been erased and every horizon of the near future has been erased, everything we have has faced massive destruction and damage. Everything has to be built from nothing, he told The Independent. Palestinian prisoners are also due to be released Sunday afternoon. Families of the detainees were also anxious. Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 734 Palestinian prisoners to be freed in the deals first phase last week - among them dozens of women and minors, with the youngest detainee being just 16 years old. Rana the sister of Raed Al-Hajj Hamad, 42, who was set to be released on Sunday as part of the prisoner swap said they were waiting impatiently for the moment they would see him.Raed, who is from Gaza, was arrested in 2004 when he was 21 and sentenced to 20 years in jail according to his family he completed his sentence he completed last January but was not released because of the war. Additional reporting by Nedal Hamdouna in Gaza For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza has come into effect after a delay in the list of 33 Israeli hostages due to be freed threatened to derail the truce. Fighting finally stopped after an almost three-hour delay on Sunday, which saw continued airstrikes kill eight Palestinians and injure 25 others, according to medics in Gaza. However peace began at 9.15am UK time, with the first three hostages set to be freed after 2pm. They include British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, 28, who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, as well as Romi Gonen, 24, who was ambushed as she tried to escape from the Supernova Festival. Veterinary nurse Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who was in her apartment in southern Israel when Hamas attacked is also set for release. Four more female hostages will be released in seven days under plans to gradually release hostages over 42 days in the first phase of the truce. In exchange, some 1,900 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be freed. On its official X account, the Israeli government posted a list of the 33 hostages it said were to be released. The Independent takes a look: open image in gallery A woman walks past photos of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Many Israelis have celebrated the ceasefire, with others describing it as capitulation to Hamas ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Women and children Romi Gonen, 23 Emily Damari, 27 Arbel Yehud, 29 Doron Steinbrecher, 31 Ariel Bibas, 5 Kfir Bibas, 2 Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33 Liri Albag, 19 Karina Ariev, 20 Agam Berger, 21 Danielle Gilboa, 20 Naama Levy, 20 Older men Ohad Ben-Ami, 58 Gadi Moshe Moses, 80 Keith Siegel, 65 Ofer Calderon, 54 Eli Sharabi, 52 Itzik Elgarat, 70 Shlomo Mansour, 86 Ohad Yahalomi, 50 Oded Lifshitz, 84 Tsahi Idan, 50 open image in gallery The home of 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz, which was destroyed by Hamas militants on 7 October 2023 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press All rights reserved ) Younger men Hisham al-Sayed, 36 Yarden Bibas, 35 Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36 Yair Horn, 46 Omer Wenkert, 23 Sasha Trufanov, 28 open image in gallery Ofri Bibas Levy shows a picture of her brother Yarden, 35, who was captured by Hamas ( REUTERS ) Eliya Cohen, 27 Or Levy, 34 Avera Mengistu, 38 Tal Shoham, 39 Omer Shem-Tov, 22 Those on the list, to be returned over a period of 42 days, are so-called humanitarian cases: women, children, elderly individuals and the infirm. Israel has not been told how many of the 33 are alive, though it expects the majority are. The identities of those set to return are expected to be provided 24 hours before each release. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Families in Gaza described Sundays ceasefire with Israel as a glimmer of hope in a cycle of death as they celebrated what they hope marks the end of Israels ferocious bombardment of the strip, which has killed over 46,000 people. As the long-awaited truce between Hamas and Israel came into effect at 11am on Sunday, families were filmed travelling on foot, in donkey carts and cars through wastelands of destruction, many searching for the remains of their homes. In other clips shared online, Palestinian journalists removed their body armour live on air for the first time. Crowds chanted, sang and whistled in the background. open image in gallery The long awaited but fragile truce came into effect on Sunday ( EPA ) Many hope the truce, brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt, will herald the permanent end of the conflict that has ravaged Gaza and will secure the release of nearly 100 hostages abducted from Israel during the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. In Gaza, one of the most densely populated places on earth, Israels bombardment has killed over 46,000 people, including at least 14,500 children, according to the local health ministry. It has displaced 90 per cent of the more than two million residents and destroyed nearly 70 per cent of all buildings, according to the United Nations. A spokesperson for the UNs child agency told The Independent that the truce was a critical first step to stop the killing of Gazas civilians and to bring hostages home, but emphasised that the scale of destruction in the strip meant it was insufficient to address the deep suffering. open image in gallery Nearly two million Palestinians have been displaced by the Israeli assaults ( EPA ) We need the operational environment inside Gaza to considerably improve, which is going to be challenging, they said, adding that there needed to be unfettered transport of aid. Civilians, many of whom have been displaced more than five times and have lost countless family members, told The Independent that this ceasefire was a glimmer of hope but just the beginning of a long process of rehabilitation and reconstruction. You are talking about people whose past has been erased, and every horizon of the near future has been wiped away, said Essam Raja, 38, who was forced to flee his home in northern Gaza. He is now living in a tent in the so-called humanitarian zone of al-Mawasi, which was bombed before the ceasefire came into effect on Sunday. Everything we have has faced massive destruction and damage, he said. For the near future, everything is completely destroyed. There is a mix of conflicting emotions: joy and relief at the end of the tragedy, and sadness over the loss of loved ones, relatives, and friends. open image in gallery Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah as the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect ( AP ) Mohamed, 44, who was also displaced to al-Mawasi from Gaza City, said he hoped the ceasefire would restore peoples confidence that there is a glimmer of hope to escape the cycle of death weve endured since 7 October. Right now, we live a life of misery in every sense of the word, he told The Independent. People are looking forward to a better future a safe and prosperous life, away from the sound of planes, cannons, and bombs, so that our children can feel safe and secure. The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see the release of 33 hostages seized by Hamas militants during their bloody 7 October assault on Israel, during which they also killed over 1,200 people. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli prisons, including dozens of women and children, are expected to be released with Palestinian media releasing details of 90 people slated to be freed on Sunday. There is also expected to be a surge of humanitarian aid, with as many as 600 trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before. open image in gallery Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble with the majority of the population displaced ( Reuters ) The United Nations World Food Programme reported that trucks began entering through two crossings after the ceasefire took effect. Unicefs Rosalia Bollen told The Independent that Unicef alone had the equivalent of 1,300 trucks of nutritional items, sanitation, and hygiene kits ready to bring in immediately if operational access could improve. But she said they faced significant challenges including heavy checks at the entry points, extensive damage to Gazas infrastructure such as roads, and security concerns, including a vicious downward spiral of scarcity and looting. Unicef estimates there are also tens of thousands of severely wounded children, many struggling with life-changing and lifelong injuries such as amputations. Unicef also estimates that there are at least 17,000 children who are essentially orphaned: now unaccompanied or separated from their families due to the war. And so the suffering isnt just physical. Every single child in Gaza has been deeply psychologically scarred by the unrelenting nature of this conflict. Children have witnessed things that no child should ever witness, Ms Bollen continued. The trauma is real and incredibly severe, and it needs to be addressed. Every single child in Gaza needs psychosocial support. open image in gallery Hamas militants keep guard as people gather in Gaza City on Sunday before the release of hostages kidnapped during the 7 October 2023, attack ( Reuters ) This is only the second ceasefire in the war but it is longer and more consequential than a week-long pause in November 2023, with the potential to bring the fighting to an end. However, there are concerns negotiations will be far more complex for the second phase of the ceasefire which is set to begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the first phase and how the remaining hostages in Gaza will be freed. Across the Gaza Strip, celebrations erupted despite the anxieties. Masked militants did appear at some celebrations, where crowds chanted slogans in support of them, according to Associated Press reporters in Gaza. The Hamas-run police also began deploying publicly, having stayed out of sight during Israeli airstrikes. Civilians expressed desperation to return to their homes and find missing loved ones. In the southern city of Rafah, residents returned to scenes of massive destruction. Some found human remains, including skulls, amid the rubble. Wael Mohamed, 50, who is sheltering in the central area of Deir al-Balah after fleeing northern Gaza, said families needed to begin extracting the dead from the rubble, bringing them for burial, and treating the injured. Alaa Qahman, 32, a mother of two displaced in Khan Younis, said it was vital that the ceasefire held. People everywhere, from the far south to the north, are clutching at the faint straw of hope as soon as they hear news of a truce, she told The Independent. They desperately need a ceasefire so that they can continue their lives in safety, away from danger. The people of Gaza have suffered and are still suffering from the horrors of this war. We are talking about orphans, widows, the wounded, and the disabled. A ceasefire is very important: the people need to heal their wounds and rebuild what was destroyed. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Relatives of hostages set to be freed in Sundays ceasefire say they do not know whether to prepare for a festival or a funeral as tensions between both sides soared just hours before the deal was slated to begin. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a fresh warning on Saturday evening, saying his government was unable to move forward with the framework of the deal, sparking further concerns about the fragile agreement. He said Israel had yet to 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, he said, before threatening a continuation of hostilities. We are holding onto some significant assets to ensure the return all of the hostages fighting. We withhold the right to resume fighting if the second stage seems pointless. If we resume combat we will do it in new ways and in tremendous force. Hamas tried to dictate to us but I adamantly objected. We retain the right to resume the war if we are not satisfied with the backing of the US. open image in gallery Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel retains the right to resume the war ( IsraeliPM ) Israeli warplanes and tanks, meanwhile, pounded the Gaza Strip in the hours leading up to the truce, hitting 50 targets since Friday, the Israeli military said. Israeli tanks shelled Gaza City, and airstrikes hit central and southern Gaza, including displaced people in tents in the so-called humanitarian zone of the Mawasi area. In total, since the ceasefire deal was announced on Wednesday, Palestinian media said strikes have killed at least 123 Palestinians. Families of those expected to be among the first batch to be released said they were worried that the deal is so complicated and fragile that it could easily collapse before the remaining 65 hostages are due to be freed. They are also concerned that no one knows how many of the 33 hostages set to be released in the first six weeks are still alive. Israeli media reported that eight of them may have passed away during the last 15 months of captivity under fire. Ofri Bibas Levy, aunt of of the youngest hostage Kfir Bibas, spoke at a rally about her concerns that he had not made. Kfir was just 8 months old when he was abuducted with his five-year-old brother and mother, and turned two years old on Saturday,. "Today, I tried to write a birthday message for Kfir for the second time. A message for a child who cannot celebrate, she said in tears addressing a rally in Tel Aviv. A child who isn't here. A child trapped in hell. A child who might not even be alive. But no words come out, only tears. How could they rob Kfir of his right to enjoy his birthday? I'm sorry, Kfir. You should have been home by now. Daniel Lifshitz, whose 84-year-old grandfather Oded is among the oldest hostages due to be released, told The Independent that the last known proof of life the family had was from November 2023. open image in gallery This picture taken from the Israeli side of the border shows smoke plumes rising from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday ( AFP via Getty Images ) Oded, a retired journalist and peace activist who has British family, was seized along with his wife Yocheved from Nir Oz on 7 October. He has a lung disease and high blood pressure and was last seen by another hostage over a year ago. I dont know what to prepare for: a festival or a funeral, he told The Independent on Saturday evening. Both are really possible. So how can I prepare for one of them and face the other? Time will tell. We just hope that the miracle will come. That he will return on two legs and we will accept him with blessings and love. Maybe its time humanity is coming back. Humanitarian aid is going into Gaza. Our hostages are coming back. In Gaza, families said they were cautiously optimistic about the ceasefire but were increasingly worried as the strip was pounded by airstrikes. open image in gallery Daniel Lifshitz, grandson of 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz, who was taken hostage on 7 October ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) We are trying not to get too excited in case things dont go as planned, said Ansam, 20, who has been displaced five times and lost over a dozen members of her extended family. At night the airstrikes are heavy, she added. The Gaza ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and the US, is due to come into effect at 6.30am GMT on Sunday, according to the foreign minister of Qatar, with the actual exchange set to take place at 4pm local time. Many hope it will herald the end of a devastating 15-month conflict that has claimed the lives of 46,000 Palestinians more than half of them women and children as well as over 1,000 Israelis. The White House expects three female hostages to be released to Israel in the afternoon through the Red Cross. The remaining 30, including women, children, men over 50, and sick or wounded people, will be released in groups of three or four 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 734 Palestinian prisoners to be freed in the deals first phase, among them dozens of women and minors, with the youngest detainee being just 16 years old. open image in gallery Palestinians await the ceasefire after 15 months of war that has left tens of thousands dead ( AFP/Getty ) A senior official in the Israeli military said preparations to receive the hostages were complete, with three reception points along the border region between Gaza and Israel: at Zikim for the northern part of the strip, Kerem Shalom for the south, and another in the centre set up for when hostages are delivered there by the Red Cross. The hostages will be met by Israeli military members, medics, and mental health specialists for an initial assessment before being taken by road or helicopter to six hospitals across the country. The official said the Israeli military was also adjusting deployment in Gaza along with a gradual withdrawal from specific locations and routes within Gaza. He said the 162nd Division will take responsibility for the northern part of Gaza. The 143rd Division will take responsibility for the southern Gaza Strip. The 99th Division is in the Netzarim corridor an area under Israeli control since November 2023, which splits Gaza in half and will be gradually moving as this agreement goes on. open image in gallery The ceasefire deal includes the release of 33 hostages but nearly as many more remain captive ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Israeli forces are supposed to start withdrawing from the Netzarim corridor on the seventh day. By the end of the first 42 days, they are also supposed to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, which is an area along the border between Gaza and Egypt. The official said Palestinian civilians in Gaza should not approach areas where IDF soldiers are stationed, which will change as the gradual withdrawal continues. Israel has continued to pound Gaza, killing at least 23 people in the past 24 hours alone. A tent housing a family who were displaced from other parts of Gaza was among the areas hit. 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 two and seven, were killed. In the afternoon sirens sounded across central and southern Israel, including Tel Aviv, 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. Later on Saturday, Israeli police said one person had been seriously wounded in a stabbing in central Tel Aviv that they labelled a terrorist attack. The incident has raised fears among civilians in both Gaza and Israel. In Gaza, Ansam said her family were hopeful the ceasefire would hold, adding that one of the immediate benefits of the announcement of the agreement was that food prices, which are prohibitively expensive, had started to come down. Gaza has been in the grip of famine. For the first time, we can buy flour; we can eat three meals a day, she said. For the last two months, it had got so bad we were only able to eat once a day. In Israel, famlilDaniel, who was waiting anxiously for news of his grandfather, told The Independent his family was worried the ceasefire wouldnt even hold until the end of the first phase, let alone continue for phases two and three, because it was so complicated. He called on the world to work day and night to try to see it through, adding: I believe it will move forward, and I believe everyone will come back. LHASA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region has targeted strong economic and social development in 2025, with infrastructure construction, eco-environmental conservation and reconstruction in the quake-hit areas some of its priorities listed in the regional government work report. Xizang's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 6.3 percent in 2024, and this year the region has set a growth target of over 7 percent, striving to reach 8 percent, Gama Cedain, acting chairman of the regional government, said on Sunday in the report delivered at the annual session of the regional people's congress. The year 2025 marks the 60th founding anniversary of the Xizang Autonomous Region. In the year, the region plans to invest more than 200 billion yuan (about 27.8 billion U.S. dollars) into the construction of major projects, including the Sichuan-Xizang Railway, according to the report. The investment is much more than that in 2024 when over 170 billion yuan was spent on 21 major projects. Among the projects was the Lhasa-Xigaze Highway, which began operating in 2024. The region continues to prioritize ecology while developing its economy, according to the government report. It plans to promote the legislation of solid waste pollution prevention and control regulations in 2025. Afforestation of more than 1 million mu (about 66,667 hectares) is expected to be completed in the year. While delivering the report, Gama Cedain expressed gratitude to all the rescue forces and people of all ethnic groups who have dedicated themselves to the earthquake relief. On Jan. 7, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Xizang's Dingri County, claiming 126 lives and leveling thousands of houses. According to the statistics released on Thursday, 5,152 makeshift houses have been set up to shield the affected residents from the cold. The region will continue to carry out post-disaster relief work, and coordinate temporary and transitional resettlement to ensure a safe and warm winter for quake-affected people, Gama Cedain said in the report. Post-disaster reconstruction will be accelerated, while the earthquake resistance of houses and infrastructure in key areas will be further enhanced, he added. Close Netanyahu thanks Trump for helping free Israeli hostages For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. Thousands of people set to march from three parks around Washington DC on Saturday, 18 January ahead of Donalds Trumps presidential inauguration on Monday. Anti-Trump protesters are calling this Peoples March, an updated version of Womens March in 2017 which was attended by half a million demonstrators. Though this march didnt see as many people, it was focused on national issues that concern the nation. Chants of Stand up, fight back echoed in the streets of Washington DC. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President-elect Donald Trump is not someone who plays down expectations, whether about himself or the United States. And he raises the expectations of others accordingly. His re-entry onto the world stage after his victory in last years election prompted urgent shifts in international dynamics on the part of national leaders around the world, simply in anticipation. From midday on Monday, Mr Trumps power is real. With it comes promise and peril. Four years ago, the inauguration of Joe Biden as US president was greeted, especially in Europe, as heralding a welcome return to normality. By which was meant a re-emphasis on Atlanticism abroad, a respect for the constitution at home, and, above all, a steady, predictable hand on the global tiller. That is not quite how it turned out. From the chaotic end to the US-led intervention in Afghanistan to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the new hostilities in the Middle East, Bidens four years encompassed as much, if not more, destructive disruption as any recent US presidents term. That needs to be borne in mind as Mr Trump enters the White House again. Stuff happens. But Mr Trump is different and not just from his predecessor in both the scope of his personal ambition and how he believes he can use American power, but also in the extent to which his personality dictates the terms and draws the limelight for better and worse. Early proof of the promise his presidency could bring were the joyous scenes that followed the agreement between Israel and Hamas; the celebrations on the streets of Tel Aviv, the festivities even amid the devastation of Gaza, and the rapturous reception, on both sides, for the released captives. The Biden and Trump teams may dispute where the credit lies for this lamentably overdue ceasefire, but Mr Trumps imminent inauguration and the pressure exerted by his envoy on the hitherto immovable Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu are surely part of the explanation. It must be hoped that President Trump we must become used to hearing that combination again can follow through, not only to pre-empt any backsliding by either signatory to this agreement but to ensure that the next stages are honoured, bringing the release of all Hamas hostages, and the possibility of rebuilding in a peace that increasingly embraces the whole region. This will not be easy; Syria, Iran and maybe Turkey are, or could all be, in the throes of change. Mr Trumps other foreign policy projects, as so far outlined, present at least as much peril as promise. He has undertaken to end the war in Ukraine, but he must do so without placing Ukraines future at still greater risk or appearing to acquiesce in the change of national borders by military force. Unpredictability and risk-taking here could have lethal consequences. European members of Nato have been making some efforts to prepare for a time when they might have to take more responsibility for Europes security, but there is a long way still to go. Trump 1.0 raised concerns in the end unwarranted that the US could forsake Europe. There is less alarm over Trump 2.0 but no room for complacency, either. Mr Trump has a keen sense of where power lies, abroad as at home. He has US relations with China in his sights as a priority hence the invitation to President Xi Jinping to his inauguration. Mr Xi himself is not going but he is sending a deputy; the honour, in other words, was recognised, not spurned. Will Mr Trump suspend, or soften, the ban on the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, if only as a gesture? Is that the right thing to do? Will Mr Trump start a wider trade war with his threat to impose tariffs, or is the threat more by way of a signal from this arch-realist and disruptor that the rest of the world must strike new bargains to protect what he sees as the US national interest? Europe, in particular, must be as much on its guard as it was eight years ago, so as not to be wrong-footed by a US president whose exclusive concern, to a greater extent than many recent predecessors, is the security and prosperity of the United States. This is also how his striking talk about Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal might be taken, as a 21st-century Monroe Doctrine, which sees the US in hemisphere, rather than global, terms. There have been mixed signals about how far Mr Trumps British in fact, Scottish connection could translate into closer, or less close, relations with the UK. With gaps already evident over policy towards Ukraine and the Middle East, not to mention the Chagos Islands, this is already looking to be a delicate relationship, even as it has become more crucial for the UK after Brexit. If, however, as The Independent has reported, the new US administration could decide to reject Sir Keir Starmers nominee for ambassador, that could not but sour relations, while underlining the disparity in power. Lord Mandelson has his flaws but an ambassador with the ear of the prime minister and expertise in trade matters can be an asset for both sides. President Trump is nothing if not his own man, and a respecter of power his own and that of others. The UKs position vis-a-vis the United States under such a president would be stronger, the more it can make common cause with the EU and the European members of Nato. A strong and united voice in Washington from across the Atlantic would be one way, probably the best way, to make the most of Mr Trumps promise, while reducing the peril. Given that we lived through the first one, we have a reasonably clear idea about what the second coming of Donald John Trump will be like: a recurring nightmare. As the fashionable cliche goes, Weve seen this movie before literally, in my case. Pondering what President Trump has in store for us on inauguration day, I took the trouble to watch the address he delivered on 20 January 2017... After everything that has transpired during the intervening eight years, it actually seems pretty tame by Trumpian standards. There was even a reference ironic, given Trumps attempted coup and boycott of Bidens inauguration in 2021 to the democratic tradition: Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent. His speech comes after a lot of self-congratulatory preparatory words from various dignitaries about how remarkable it is that something so miraculous in human history the peaceful, dignified, seamless, democratic transfer of power had become so routine and taken for granted. It was George Washington who said that the first such ceremonial, in 1801, was the most significant because it established the precedent that has stood the test of time. America did not, as some feared, fall into the ways of absolutist monarchies. Little did we realise then that the man taking the oath of office some 216 years later was to try and prove otherwise. But much of Trumps language in 2017 was an all-too-reliable precursor to what followed. America First, so redolent of the fascist movement of the 1930s, was proclaimed as the new vision: Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. Despite the odd ritualistic reference to healing, the Trumpian theme then, as it will surely be again, was division. Division, that is, between Americans at home, the Maga movement and some tiny elite consorting against them, and between America and its allies: We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength Politicians prospered but the jobs left, and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Observers will find much to fear and little to inspire in this speech, with no quotes for the ages ( Getty ) Just as he had in the 2016 campaign, and again in 2020 and 2024, he sought to set us against them, and that means protectionism, nativism and isolationism. America First is a zero-sum doctrine, like tariffs and protectionism, which precludes the notion that both sides of any given relationship can prosper from a deal or an alliance. It is, indeed, the mentality of the property developer rather than the statesman. This time round, then, more of the same, but with some new emphases. Unless he is really in the mood, he probably wont go off on one of his semi-conversational rambles but there will be disturbing declarations about deportations (a Maga priority), punitive tariffs and the territorial expansion of the United States to be secured by military or economic coercion. Active hostility towards nations that are supposed to be allies and friends will be set as American policy as never before. Trump, in other words, has an undimmed capacity to shock, as well as to brag and distort reality to guard an oversized and brittle ego. Observers will, then, find much to fear and little to inspire in this speech, with no quotes for the ages. You simply cannot imagine him emulating the most celebrated phrase-making from the past. It would be appropriate (but inconceivable) for this to say anything like Abraham Lincolns appeal, to a broken union in 1865: With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nations wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. Trump isnt the type, as Lincoln was, to ask mankind to listen to its better angels. Nor might we expect Trump to tell us that America shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of Liberty, as President Kennedy did. From what we know of his life and career, The Donald would also be ill-placed to tell anyone to: Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. And as for Franklin Roosevelts invocation that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, well, Trump lives and thrives by stirring up baseless fears among the followers he so cynically exploits. So there will be no surprises, at least not on the upside. You may recall that Trump, half-joking, said hed like to be a dictator on day one of returning to power. It will be like that. Trump has already promised major presidential pardons, and that hell free the January 6 violent insurrectionists in his first hour in office, thus desecrating, once again, his oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States in record time. Hell pull out of the Paris climate accords, again, and hell set in motion one of his most chilling pledges: To those who have been wronged and betrayed, of which there are many people out there, I will be your retribution. The justice department and the entire machinery of federal government will be abused in the pursuit of Trumps interests and, as convenient to them, the oligarchy that surrounds and supports him. He will not just be inaugurating a second term but something like a reign of fear more a case of malice toward all with charity for none. We cant say we werent warned. AI and schools: Why classrooms and Leaving Cert reform must adapt for new technology and quickly TCD professor Damian Murchan says theres no point ignoring artificial intelligence tools and students must be examined on how they use them Major new research will examine how artificial intelligence might play a role in future for teaching, learning and the State exams Wayne O'Connor Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 03:30 Artificial intelligence (AI) will need to be incorporated into redeveloped Leaving Cert subjects so students are examined on how they use the technology, according to a leading academic expert. Tech outsourcing firm Cognizant blames Google after refusing 75 staff work-from-home requests Company said it was constrained by tech giants client delivery model Google HQ on Barrow Street, Dublin 4 Mark Tighe Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 03:30 Cognizant, an outsourcing company that supplies hundreds of workers for tech giants based in Dublin, has told 75 staff that Googles requirement for them to be in offices is the reason it had to refuse their applications to work from home. Irish politicians are so blinded by hatred of Israel that theyll hurt their own economy Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich Envoy back in Dublin to close the embassy warns of economic fallout for Ireland if the Occupied Territories Bill is passed 'Ireland is a hostile place' says outgoing Israeli ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich Niamh Horan Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 03:30 Its Thursday morning at the Jewish Museum on Dublins South Circular Road. A security guard wants to know if anyone has given me a package for the Israeli ambassador, Dana Erlich, who I am due to meet. Security is at an all-time high because, as the ambassador will tell me, her life is under threat here. Pharmacies nationwide have no idea when the incoming government will remedy a broken pre-budget promise to provide free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to tens of thousands of women from January 1. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly pledged in Budget 2025 to introduce free HRT from New Years Day. But despite this, no infrastructural plan was put in place for pharmacies to roll out this ambitious pledge. Since January 1, menopausal and peri-menopausal women have been enquiring with pharmacists about acquiring their prescribed medication free of charge. Stock image/Getty The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) wrote to the Department of Health in early December asking about the roll-out of its plans, as promised in its pre-budget submission. However, it has yet to receive a response, according to Kathy Maher, chair of the Pharmacy Contactors Committee at the IPU. We submitted a number of queries and suggestions to the Department of Health on December 3. We suggested it should be rolled out as part of an integrated womens health plan using the IT system already in place, under the free contraction scheme. Weve had no feedback and have yet to receive a formal response, Ms Maher said. There needs to be secondary legislation in place to roll out free HRT. We fully support it. It is ambitious, but we welcome it. But we dont expect any real movement until a new minister for health is appointed. What has been disappointing from pharmacists point of view is that there was no communication from government to women about this delay. The Department of Health said it was engaging with the HSE and the IPU over the practical implementation of the scheme "Pharmacists were given no guidance as to what to tell women asking us about this. Thats deeply disappointing, said Ms Maher, who runs a pharmacy in Duleek in Co Meath. Pharmacists have estimated HRT can cost anywhere from 18 to 1,224 annually per patient, with the price depending on the type of medication and complexity of symptoms, as well as other variables. When contacted by the Sunday Independent, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said it was engaging with the HSE and the IPU over the practical implementation of the Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Bill 2024. Ms Maher said it would take a significant amount of time to roll out a new IT system The statement said the free HRT scheme would happen as soon as possible, but declined to provide specifics. Secondary legislation to support the Provision of Menopause Products Bill 2024 passed in November is required, the IPU has warned. However, this piece of legislation has not yet been drafted. The IPU wrote to the department a number of times between October and December, to highlight its concerns. Ms Maher said it would take a significant amount of time to roll out a new IT system for the free HRT plan, and it would be advisable for the department to utilise the IT system already in place under the free contraception scheme. We could have been working on a solution in the background to roll this out for several months. But we havent been engaged or consulted. Women now need to be placed front and centre of this plan now, she said. Mackenzie Michalski murder: Our daughter wanted to be in the ER, saving lives she went above and beyond for her patients Parents grieve for their daughter, allegedly killed in Budapest by an Irishman Mackenzie Michalski Ali Bracken Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 03:30 Mackenzie Michalski should be celebrating her 32nd birthday this weekend with family and friends. Taoiseach Simon Harris welcomes Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages Occupied Territories Bill to be scrapped and replaced, Micheal Martin says The Occupied Territories Bill will be abandoned in its current format and replaced by new legislation, Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin has said. The soon-to-be elected taoiseach said a new bill banning the import of goods from areas of Palestine illegally occupied by Israeli settlers was needed because the legislation drafted by Independent Senator Frances Black was unconstitutional. Speaking at a special Fianna Fail ard fheis to ratify the Programme of Government, the Tanaiste said: I instructed my officials prior to the general election to work on amendments to the then Occupied Territories Bill. Virtually every section of that bill will have to be amended. So the issue is whether we have a new bill. I think probably we will move forward to a new bill in respect of imports into Ireland from the occupied territories, because I think it needs a full debate on the Dail second stage. Mr Martin said it had been acknowledged by all sides that Ms Blacks bill was unconstitutional as drafted and in other areas deficient. The Fianna Fail leader also welcomed the ceasefire in Israels war on Gaza. Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 19th I think that is long overdue. The collective punishment of the people of Gaza was unacceptable. Ireland took a strong leadership position, primarily in terms of the humanitarian context, he said. Mr Martin said modern warfare was reprehensible and could be seen in the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and also Sudan. This is a challenge to world leaders to pull back from this type of warfare, he said. Mr Martin spoke about Irelands decision to join South Africas case at the International Court of Justice alleging genocide by Israel in Gaza. Ireland, through our intervention in the case that South Africa has taken before the International Court is founded on humanitarian corridors, and the absolute necessity that there can never be a denial or a refusal to allow humanitarian aid into areas affected by conflict, he added. Taoiseach Simon Harris welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages on Sunday. "I welcome the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which offers hope after a brutal 15 months of war, Mr Harris said in a statement. "Today, families will be reunited with their loved ones after being abducted and held hostage following the despicable Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. "I urge both sides to respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement and to implement it in good faith. "I welcome the release of the first three hostages. "The rest of the hostages must be released. They and their heartbroken families and friends have suffered for far too long. Their enforced captivity is completely unacceptable. "The people of Gaza, who have endured unimaginable hardship and trauma, must be allowed to return to their homes and to start to rebuild their lives. "There must be an immediate surge in the much-needed humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. I welcome that the first UN aid trucks have begun to enter Gaza. This access must continue unimpeded and in increased volumes. "The hope of this ceasefire must now be translated into efforts to secure a complete cessation of the fighting and to work towards a lasting peace. The way to bring about peace and stability to the Middle East is a two-state solution. "Ireland wants to see the State of Israel and the State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security. "Ireland will play its part in supporting the international community to ensure this is the way forward." Separately, Mr Martin said he was not excited about the controversy surrounding a number of Independent TDs supporting the next government while forming a technical group on the Opposition benches. The public are interested in the fundamentals that are facing us in terms of critical challenges facing this country, he said. He said they wanted disability services fixed once and for all, an assurance that the government would have a pro-enterprise economic outlook, and action on the expansion of the single market in the European Union. He noted that there was a precedent in the past of Independent TDs supporting governments from the Opposition benches. Foreign student volunteers pose for photos with railway workers and passengers at Lanzhou West Railway Station in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 18, 2025. During this year's Spring Festival travel rush, busy staff members at Lanzhou West Railway Station are joined by a group of foreign students, who help passengers carry luggage, assist with security checks, and provide inquiry services. This team of foreign student volunteers consists of 10 members from countries such as Kenya, Chad, Laos, Afghanistan and Madagascar, who are studying at Lanzhou University. The volunteers, invited by the railway department, have been given the opportunity to feel the unique vibe of China's Spring Festival travel season. "As the Spring Festival is around the corner, being a volunteer for the travel season and helping passengers return home for family reunions is a joyful experience to be proud of," said Kalbe Brai Madoue, a student from Chad. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) EXCLUSIVE | President Michael D Higgins rejects call by Israeli ambassador to step down from giving keynote speech at Holocaust memorial Dana Erlich says President will be a distraction as she also criticises Simon Harris President Michael D Higgins and outgoing Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich Niamh Horan Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 03:30 President Michael D Higgins has rejected calls from the Israeli ambassador to cancel plans to deliver the keynote speech at this years National Holocaust Memorial Day. The Government has been warned the care system for vulnerable children is in danger of replicating a permacrisis in the homeless sector unless additional supports and funding are provided to Tusla. Correspondence sent to Simon Harris and Micheal Martin during the government formation talks highlighted how the care sector is in danger of deteriorating into a deepening crisis within the next five years without significant intervention. Wayne Stanley, the chief executive of Epic a charity supporting children in care told Mr Harris and Mr Martin a plan was needed to end the use of unregulated residential care placements. The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) last week raised concerns about the use of these Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs) and that there are insufficient placements to support vulnerable children. They are sometimes used for children who have been placed in State care by the courts. The current funding model has necessitated a crisis management position Mr Stanley said while Tusla, the child and family agency, demonstrates a commitment to adequately support children in care, its efforts are hampered by a lack of political priority. The current funding model has necessitated a crisis management position that has seen the growth in SEAs. The challenges for Tusla are clear: a shortage of suitable care placements, weak inter-agency co-operation, critical staffing deficits among social care and social work professionals and a lack of political priority. These issues have led to an overreliance on private care providers and unregulated accommodation which can compromise the stability and welfare of children. Wayne Stanley of Epic Mr Stanley, who worked with Simon Communities of Ireland up to last year, said since moving to the care sector he has been struck by some of the commonality of challenges he experienced during two decades working in the homelessness sector. It is clear to me that it is still a window of opportunity for the next government, with a clear focus and ambition, to get ahead of the structural issues that are having such a heavy impact on children in care and young people leaving care, he said. The lack of a clear commitment to end the use of SEAs remains a concern However, it is a closing window and if the opportunity is not grasped within the lifetime of the next government we could see a deterioration to a state of permacrisis that we have seen in homelessness. The new Programme for Government commits to supporting Tusla in recruiting and retaining staff, developing a short-term plan and a long-term vision to improve the care sector and enhancing structures to safeguard children. This weekend Epic welcomed these commitments but said clearer targets are needed to end the use of SEAs. While our reading of the programme is that it implies that the use of SEAs should be ended, the lack of a clear and unambiguous commitment to end the use of SEAs remains a concern. These temporary, often unregulated, arrangements house children as young as nine due to insufficient care placements, Mr Stanley said. We will be eager to engage with the incoming Minister for Children and government to ensure the commitments to care experienced young people in this programme are translated into real, lasting change when this programme is agreed, and the government is formed in the coming days. An investigation is under way to determine if contaminants were a feature in two suspected drug tragedies in Cork. The two deaths occurred separately within hours of each other last Friday. A young man in his 20s was discovered unresponsive near toilets in Fitzgerald Park on Friday morning. Several hours later, a man in his 30s was found unresponsive near Kyrl's Quay in the city centre at 3pm. The 31-year-old man found dead in Kyrls Quay has been named as father of three Shane OSullivan. He was from Togher Road and late of Gurranabraher in the city. His funeral arrangements will be announced on Monday. Mr OSullivan is survived by his parents and a sister who have asked that donations be made to the Simon Community or Street Angels in lieu of flowers. Friends said that Mr OSullivan was a gentle soul who didnt have a bad bone in his body. Separately, the 28-year-old man found dead at Fitzgerald's Park has been named as Shane Grimes. Funeral arrangements for Mr Grimes will be announced in the coming days. It is understood that he was living in the northside of Cork city at the time of his death. Both were pronounced dead before they could be rushed to hospital. Post mortem examinations were ordered in both cases. It will be several days before the results of toxicology tests are available. However, both deaths are being investigated as suspected overdoses. It prompted immediate concerns that the city may have been hit by an excessively strong batch of drugs or that the material involved may have been contaminated. However, the Health Service Executive (HSE) stressed that it has no indication of dangerous new drugs in circulation locally. At this moment in time, the HSE has no information to indicate that concern is emerging on the Cork heroin market or that new batches are in circulation, a spokesperson explained. Communications are issued when extra risky batches are identified on the market." Local services in Cork will support service users during the weekend and will work with the HSE to monitor the market to identify if extra risky substances are circulating. The most recent risk communications circulated by the HSE relate to counterfeit tablets with different products currently in circulation that could contain novel benzodiazepines or synthetic opioids. Files will now be prepared by the Gardai on both tragedies for Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn. Neither death is being treated as suspicious and are believed to be drug-related tragedies. Both men were found unresponsive with drug paraphernalia scattered nearby. The HSE said it is reviewing the matter with stakeholders in Ireland's drug treatment services to determine if new or emerging trends are involved. Concern has risen that 'overdose clusters' which occurred in Dublin and Cork over the past 18 months are linked to a powerful synthetic opioid, Nitazine, and its derivatives. Dublin reported a surge in overdoses within a 72-hour period 18 months ago when the synthetic drug hit the streets. Nitazine and similar synthetic opioids can be hundreds of times stronger than traditional heroin. However, Nitazines can prove lethal if unscrupulous drug suppliers mix or 'cut' them into other drugs to save money. In 2021, for the first time in history, more than 100,000 people in the United States suffered drug-related deaths. The vast majority of the fatalities were connected to Fentanyl, a drug which is 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is being illegally sold as an opioid and also added to other drugs like cocaine or heroin to make them more potent. Aircraft leasing veteran Denis Hogan has seen everything from Tony Ryans GPA to Putins invasion of Ukraine. Theres always a crisis coming, he says From pandemics and wars to corporate bankruptcies and recession, aviation is always on the cusp of disaster but the MD of the Irish arm of Alton Aviation says 'the drug... the kerosene keeps pulling him into the cut and thrust of the business Since Covid, airlines have been fragile and restructuring is a key part of his new remit. Above, Hogan, pictured in Alton's offices on Pembroke Street in Dublin. Photo: Frank McGrath Fearghal O'Connor Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 03:30 If there is one thing Denis Hogan has learned from three decades in aviation, its that there is always a new crisis coming. Daniel Mulhall: Cool heads, tact and skill are required in the EU and Ireland as Donald Trump takes the helm in the US We must engage constructively with new Washington team and build on our close relationship Joe Biden, right, will hand over his office to Donald Trump tomorrow. Photo: Reuters Daniel Mulhall Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 03:30 Self-proclaimed Irishman Joe Biden will hand over his office to Donald Trump tomorrow and many of us are naturally wondering how Ireland will fare with a new US president at the helm, one with very different economic policies, and without the same heartfelt ties to this country. The Santa Ana winds that ignited Los Angeles on January 7 are easing, and the apocalyptic red sky has returned to blue small comfort for those whose homes the flames claimed, but a relief of sorts for firefighters who have battled to contain the raging inferno devouring almost everything in its wake. As the quintessential embodiment of British defiance, Winston Churchill may be an unlikely inspiration for Irish nationalists. His support for Home Rule notwithstanding, Britains wartime leader who died 60 years ago this week was the antithesis of many of the values espoused by those seeking Irish self-determination. Mother of freed British hostage thanks those who kept fighting for Emily Emily Damari, 28, was held in captivity for more than 15 months Emily Damaris mother has thanked people for their support (Family handout/PA) Ellie Ng, Caitlin Doherty and Rhiannon James Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 18:57 The mother of freed British hostage Emily Damari has thanked those who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal after she was released by Hamas in the first step of a ceasefire agreement. LATEST | Trump says he will revive TikTok - but he wants 50pc US ownership Trump says he will issue executive order Monday expanding time before TikTok law takes effectTrump says he wants 50pc American ownershipTikTok stops working in US before federal ban Sunday The ban is now in force on the Chinese=owned app. (James Manning/PA) David Shepardson Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 17:15 President-elect Donald Trump said he would revive TikTok access in the U.S. by executive order after he is sworn in on Monday, but said he wants the popular social media app to be at least half owned by U.S. investors. This photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows stray dogs at an animals rescue shelter on the outskirt of Yangon, Myanmar. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) YANGON, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Golden Heart disabled animals rescue shelter, founded in January 2014 by Hnin Si Myint, was a sanctuary for stray animals across the country on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar. The shelter is home to 850 dogs, 150 cats, 13 cows, and 10 goats rescued from various disturbing situations, including car accidents, knife attacks, and cruel acts involving hot water or acid. "We are dedicated to healing not just their bodies but also their spirits, providing them with care and love they deserve," Hnin Si Myint said. "My compassion for animals led me to start this shelter. Many of these dogs are stray and rarely get medical care. I want to ensure they receive proper nutrition and spend their last days with less pain," she said. With over 30 employees, the shelter provides two nutritious meals per day, along with regular cleaning. A monthly expenditure for food amounts to approximately 60 million kyats (about 28,571 U.S. dollars), she said, adding that most of the amount is covered by donations from generous contributors. In addition to providing daily meals, the shelter prioritized medical care for the animals. This included neutering procedures, treatment for skin diseases, cancer care, and vaccination against infectious diseases and rabies vaccinations, she said. The Golden Heart shelter thrives thanks to the dedication and compassion of its staff and donors, who play a crucial role in ensuring the shelter operates smoothly. Having worked at the shelter for nearly seven years, Wai Lin Phyo, 22, handles a wide range of responsibilities, including cleaning, feeding, and assisting with vaccinations. As for challenges, such as being bitten by newly arrived dogs, he had to remain vigilant and careful when treating and caring for the animals. Most of the dogs that arrived have suffered from serious diseases and severe conditions such as paralysis. The dedicated team worked tirelessly to save these animals from life-threatening situations, providing them with medical attention and care they desperately need, he said. Witnessing their recovery is a rewarding experience, and seeing them regain strength and improve in condition brought immense joy and fulfillment, he added. "I believe the shelter is a lifeline for stray and disabled dogs who would otherwise perish on the streets," he said. A former taxi driver, San Taw Moe, 33, joined the shelter about four years ago, initially inspired by his frequent trips transporting injured animals to hospital, a task refused by other drivers due to smell. "With my car, I have rescued hundreds of animals, ensuring they receive care and treatment they need," he said. "Working here as a dedicated team member is a win-win situation. I can earn a living while performing good deeds," he added. The shelter has conducted rabies vaccination in nearby streets and monasteries to prevent injuries or deaths caused by rabies, along with neutering to control the stray animal population and fight the spread of rabies. Widespread participation in rabies vaccination and neutering initiatives can pave the way for a more compassionate and balanced world, the founder of the shelter said. This photo taken on Jan. 18, 2025 shows stray cats at an animals rescue shelter on the outskirt of Yangon, Myanmar. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) A cat drinks water at an animals rescue shelter on the outskirt of Yangon, Myanmar, Jan. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) A staff member holds a stray cat at an animals rescue shelter on the outskirt of Yangon, Myanmar on Jan 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) Livermore, CA (94550) Today Rain early. A mix of sun and clouds by afternoon. High 54F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low 42F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Henry Cavill is now a dad! The actor and his girlfriend, Natalie Viscuso, a TV executive, have welcomed their first baby together, and it seems like they're already hands-on with this new chapter in their lives. The couple was spotted strolling around Australia with their little one on Saturday, with Natalie spotted pushing a stroller. The Man of Steel star had revealed back in April about their pregnancy. Henry Cavill and girlfriend Natalie Viscuso welcome first child. Hollywood heartthrob Henry Cavill has traded his Superman cape for a diaper bag, and the internet couldn't be more thrilled. The actor has welcomed his first baby with girlfriend Natalie Viscuso after dating for over three years. The family of three is currently in Australia, with Natalie and their newborn accompanying the actor on the sets of his upcoming film. Henry Cavill and Natalie Viscuso in Australia with their newborn baby pic.twitter.com/WumfrQGKjl Henry Cavill Updates (@updatesofHC) January 18, 2025 It was back in April 2024 that Henry announced they were expecting a baby at the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare premiere. The actor later took to his Instagram account to share a picture with a wooden baby crib, revealing he is setting up the nursery for his little one. Are Henry and Natalie engaged? Henry Cavill and Natalie Viscuso's outing with their new baby has sparked not only congratulations but also speculation about their relationship status. In the photos published by DailyMail and now going viral on X, Henry and Natalie looked every bit the happy couple, with Henry keeping it casual in a white shirt and blue jeans, while Natalie opted for a stylish black maxi dress with a green outer layer. However, it's the ring on Natalie's finger that's got everyone talking. The ring, which appears to be on her engagement finger, has sparked rumours that Henry might have popped the big question to Natalie before welcoming the baby. A post shared by pop culture page Deuxmoi gave a closer glimpse into Natalie's ring on that finger, sparking engagement rumours amid the couple's baby news. When Henry Cavill opened up about being a dad Henry Cavill had opened up about being a dad and the kind of father he wants to be in 2017. In an interview with Men's Health U.K., Henry shared his aspirations for fatherhood, saying, "If I ever have kids one day, I want to be the dad who's running round after them." He also expressed his desire to be a hands-on and energetic parent, rather than one who's struggling to keep up. He joked about not wanting to be "hobbling round like, 'OK, I'm just going to catch a breather." For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. In a shocking twist of events, the last elimination from the Bigg Boss 18 grand finale is rumoured to be Rajat Dalal as the third finalist. Seeing the rumoured social media posts, a shocking reaction video of Rajat Dalal's friend surfaced online. Since morning, one of the front-runners of the trophy race was Rajat Dalal; however, this isn't the case as per the latest buzz on the internet. Friends of Rajat Dalal call for a boycott of the show. Shocking reaction of Rajat Dalal's friends surfaced A video of Rajat Dalal's on X (formerly called Twitter) shows a group of friends of the finalist getting angry at his elimination. The video seemingly confirms the news of Rajat Dalal's eviction, as one of his friends is seen saying that Rajat was placed on the third number and that his fans should not watch the grand finale anymore. The video contains explicit language, and his friends urged people to not watch the grand finale and claimed that the viewership of the Bigg Boss grand finale should fall as Rajat had not won despite massive voting and efforts made by his supporters. Truth behind Wikipedia's Bigg Boss 18 winner prediction According to a report by Times Now, Wikipedia has named Rajat Dalal as the winner of Bigg Boss 18, which leaves fans and netizens shocked. However, that doesn't seem to be the case anymore, as per new reports, given that Wikipedia has an open-edit policy and this information remains unverified. A look at Rajat Dalal's journey Rajat Dalal's journey in Bigg Boss 18 was marked by some intense confrontations, strategic gameplay, and major alliances that he made in the show, which made him stand out from the others. Rajat Dalal entered the show as a fitness influencer and quickly established himself as a formidable presence in the house. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. BTS fans, known as ARMYs, were in for a treat at Coldplay's Mumbai concert on Saturday night as Chris Martin brought the house down with an electric performance of My Universe. For those who may not know, Coldplay collaborated with the Korean septet in 2021 for My Universe. Coldplay perform BTS collab My Universe at the Mumbai concert! It was all yellow, but it was also purple! Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, surprised the packed house at his Mumbai concert on Saturday night by performing his 2021 song My Universe, which is a collaboration with BTS. Clips of Chris Martin wowing fans with the hit track have now gone viral on social media, and ARMYs are surprised to see the audience's reaction to the track. What really caught the attention of ARMYs was that the crowd was not just singing along to the English verse but also the Korean parts of the song. Many also wondered how music can bring people together, regardless of their language or cultural background, a belief BTS has always upheld. Mumbai is ready for a BTS concert: ARMYs react to Coldplay's My Universe performance. As clips of Mumbai grooving and singing along to a BTS song hit the internet, fans are now saying that India is ready for a BTS concert. The desi ARMYs (Indian BTS fans) are over the moon to see their fellow countrymen embracing and enjoying a Korean song, even if it's just half of the track. "My Universe" by @coldplay and @BTS_twt at Today's Coldplay Concert held in Mumbai , India pic.twitter.com/XKKtbbDC1m BTS Trend Songs (@BTSTrendSongs) January 18, 2025 The entire crowd sings along to "My Universe" at Coldplay's concert in Mumbai, India.pic.twitter.com/vJgxhHulwQ Pop Core (@TheePopCore) January 19, 2025 The whole crowd singing "My Universe" at Coldplay's concert in Mumbai, India. This is so beautiful pic.twitter.com/L1koIebnXH K | BTS YEAR (@tksovers) January 18, 2025 for everyone's who is asking for "my universe" video. 1. you can hear seokjin's vocals. i started to tear up so much. 2. the demonic voices in background yelling "jhope hobi yoongi" and singing the song are of mine and my bestie's. pls ignore. #ColdplayMumbai https://t.co/Cv20ARsbCy pic.twitter.com/BeQauKYeyf jams is happy ahead (@freerantings) January 18, 2025 With the K-pop community rapidly growing in India, it's about time BTS announced an India concert. Amid a highly anticipated comeback and a group tour on the cards, the possibility is on the horizon, and fans couldn't be more excited. "YALL, MUMBAI IS SO READY FOR A BTS CONCERT!! THE WAY EVERYONE SCREAMED FOR MY UNIVERSE AND SUNG EVERY SINGLE KOREAN LYRIC?!? MUMBAI LOVES BTS FR!!" one user wrote on X. YALL MUMBAI IS SO READY FOR A BTS CONCERT!! THE WAY EVERYONE SCREAMED FOR MY UNIVERSE AND SUNG EVERY SINGLE KOREAN LYRIC?!? MUMBAI LOVES BTS FR !! . (@UGHIMFINE) January 18, 2025 Another BTS fan added, "Coldplay singing My Universe in Mumbai. I believe BTS will be next to perform there. Indian Armys have been working hard." Coldplay singing My Universe in Mumbai. I believe BTS will be next to perform there. Indian Armys have been working hard.pic.twitter.com/3HpiWcGwUg Purple_Army ARMY ONLY (@Borahae_321) January 18, 2025 More about Coldplay's India tour Coldplay's highly-anticipated India tour got off to a spectacular start in Mumbai on Saturday evening, with the Chris Martin-led band delivering a mesmerizing performance at the DY Patil Stadium. The crowd was treated to a musical extravaganza, with the band belting out their iconic hits like Fix You and A Sky Full of Stars that had the audience singing along in unison. The British band is slated to hold four more concerts in India across two cities. Chris Martin on collaborating with BTS for My Universe In a recent interview, Chris Martin shared his enthusiasm for the band's collaboration with BTS on their hit song My Universe. He fondly recalled the experience, calling it "the most uplifting, natural collaboration," and expressed his deep admiration for the K-pop group's members. He also joked that he's the 8th member of the boy band, saying, "Now were a boy band of seven really good-looking young Koreans and one old white guy, and its fine. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Bigg Boss contestant: The reality show Bigg Boss has seen many celebrities enter its house, but none have been as highly compensated as Pamela Anderson. The Canadian-American actress, famous for her role in Baywatch, made headlines when she earned an astonishing 2.5 crore for just three days of participation in BB Season 4 of the show. This remarkable payment surpasses that of other well-known contestants like Sidharth Shukla and Hina Khan, establishing Anderson as the highest-paid contestant in Bigg Boss history. Her brief yet impactful appearance not only brought glamour to the show but also set a record that remains unmatched to this day. The Highest-Earning Bigg Boss Contestant, Guess Who? In a surprising revelation, it has been confirmed that Canadian-American actress Pamela Anderson holds the title of the highest-paid contestant in the history of Bigg Boss. Earning a staggering 2.5 crore for just three days of participation during Season 4, Anderson's brief stint has set a record that surpasses even the most popular contestants like Sidharth Shukla and Vivian Dsena. Pamela Andersons Record-Breaking Three-Day Stint on Bigg Boss Pamela Anderson, best known for her iconic role as C.J. Parker on the television series Baywatch, made her appearance in Bigg Boss during its fourth season, which was also notable for being hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan for the first time. Her presence not only brought glamour to the show but also attracted significant media attention, making her three-day stay one of the most talked-about events in Bigg Boss history. Celebrity Paychecks on Bigg Boss: Pamela Anderson Tops the List The Bigg Boss franchise has long been known for attracting high-profile celebrities who are compensated handsomely for their participation. While many contestants earn impressive amounts, Pamela's earnings stand out dramatically: Pamela Anderson : 2.5 crore for three days : 2.5 crore for three days The Great Khali : 50 lakh per week : 50 lakh per week Sreesanth : 50 lakh per week : 50 lakh per week Karanvir Bohra : 20 lakh per week : 20 lakh per week Vivian Dsena : 5 lakh per week : 5 lakh per week Hina Khan: 2 lakh per episode Pamela Anderson's Impact: Changing the Face of Bigg Boss Forever Pamela Anderson joining Bigg Boss shows her star power and the show's smart plan of bringing in international celebrities to make it more appealing. Her involvement was a well-thought-out decision that worked, attracting a lot of viewers and sparking conversations on many platforms, making Bigg Boss an even bigger cultural hit in India. As Bigg Boss 18 continues with its exciting mix of drama and fun, Pamela Anderson's record earnings show how the show brings in famous people and big money. Every season, Bigg Boss not only entertains but also changes the world of reality TV in India, setting new standards for how much contestants get paid and how celebrities join the show. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The Mumbai Police have apprehended the suspect who attacked Saif Ali Khan at his residence in Bandra West. The accused, identified as Vijay Das, was arrested on late Saturday and has confessed to committing the crime. According to the police, Das was caught after a thorough investigation, which included scanning CCTV footage and tracking his movements across the city. Saif, who was stabbed multiple times on Thursday, is currently recovering in the hospital and is said to be out of danger. Saif Ali Khan stabbing case accused arrested from Mumbai Mumbai police have arrested the man who stabbed Saif Ali Khan multiple times at his Bandra residence in Mumbai in the early hours of Thursday. The accused was caught near the Hiranandani Estate in Kasarvadavali, approximately 35 kilometres from the crime scene. The arrest resulted from a joint operation conducted by DCP Zone-6 Navnath Dhavale's team and the Kasarvadavali police, who located the suspect at a labour camp near a metro construction site in Thane West. Vijay Das used multiple aliases: Mumbai Police According to the news agency IANS, Mumbai Police also confirmed that Das was a waiter at a restaurant. During the investigation, the police discovered that the accused had used multiple aliases, including Bijoy Das and Mohammed Iliyas. He was previously honoured as the 'best employee' at the restaurant he worked at but left the job under unknown circumstances. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Vijay Das, the accused in the Bandra assault case, was arrested after hours of search in thorn bushes. He previously worked at a hotel, where he was awarded "Best Employee" before quitting pic.twitter.com/OH2l1UMlPp IANS (@ians_india) January 18, 2025 About the Saif Ali Khan stabbing incident The shocking incident occurred at Saif Ali Khan's residence on Thursday, between 2 am and 2:30 am. According to multiple reports, an individual allegedly entered the 11th-floor apartment of the actor's house in the Satguru Sharan building complex in Bandra, injured the family's nanny, and then attacked him with a knife, causing multiple injuries. Following the incident, Saif was taken to the Lilavati hospital by his family, where he received medical attention for his injuries. He underwent surgery and, according to senior doctors, is currently in a stable condition and out of danger. Meanwhile, on Friday, it was reported that the Mumbai police have detained an individual in connection with the case, bringing him in for questioning at the Bandra police station. However, after a five-hour interrogation, police released him after concluding he had no connection with the case. According to police sources, the man was initially picked up due to his resemblance to the suspect captured on CCTV footage at the actor's house and his history of minor mischiefs. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. As a Greek-American, returning to serve in the land where my parents were born has made this journey even more meaningful, Tsunis wrote in a social media post. He praised Greeces philoxenia, wisdom, and enduring spirit, noting their profound impact on him during his tenure. Hellen Ati, the Kenyan woman who claimed to be the mother of celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priests child, has taken to Instagram to accuse him of neglecting two children he allegedly fathered in Malaysia. In her post on Sunday, Hellen shared images of the boys with Cubana Chief Priest, expressing her frustration over his lack of involvement in their lives. Advertisement She highlighted that she isnt the only one enduring hardship due to his actions, adding that the children left behind in Malaysia are also his and deserve proper care. Hellen also chastised him for his public remarks about children being a blessing, pointing out the contradiction with his alleged abandonment of his sons. READ MORE: Cubana Chief Priests Alleged Baby Mama Challenges His Denial, Demands DNA Test Furthermore, Hellen reiterated her willingness to undergo a DNA test to establish the paternity of her child. She wrote, So I am not just the only woman who is going through pain and suffering in your hands. You are shouting children are a blessing and this is also your children that you abandoned in Malaysia. You dont have luck in giving birth to a girl child because you dont even respect women who sacrifice a lot to bring life to this world for you. If you think I will give up or relent I suggest you think twice . I am prepared for a DNA test and let us see. You are number one to say children are a blessing yet you throw away your male children to suffer .At this point I Dnt care anybodys opinions period. SEE POST: Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider conducting by-elections, citing unnecessary financial expenditure. Falana argued that votes cast during elections belong to political parties, not individual candidates. According to him, when an elected official dies or resigns, the political party that sponsored the candidate should simply nominate a replacement, eliminating the need for a costly electoral process. Advertisement He stated, The political parties that sponsored the candidates that die or resign should be directed to fill the vacancy by nominating another candidate. READ ALSO: After Sending Thugs To Hijack EndSARS Protest Failed, Govt. Then Sent Soldiers To Kill The Young Protesters Femi Falana Falana also called for an amendment to the Electoral Act, allowing political parties to replace elected public officers who lose their positions due to death, resignation, or impeachment. He noted, By virtue of Section 221 of the Nigerian Constitution, elections are won by political parties and not by candidates. Falana cited previous court cases, including Amaechi vs. INEC & Ors (2008), to support his argument. He also referenced the case of PDP v. INEC (1999), where Mr. Boni Haruna was allowed to become the Governor of Adamawa State following the resignation of the elected Governor, Atiku Abubakar. LA PAZ, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed, and several others injured in a five-vehicle collision early Saturday on a key highway connecting Bolivia and Chile, the police said. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicles collided violently due to excessive speed. Local media suggested that the vehicles may be transporting contraband, a claim supported by the presence of anti-smuggling authorities at the scene. Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has said that he was threatened that he would not become governor unless he performed some certain traditional sacrifices. Governor Diri made this known on Friday during the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area Annual Day of Thanksgiving held in the Sampou area of the state. He revealed that a senior citizen in the country invited him to Abuja and advised him to perform certain rituals if he wanted to be governor, but he turned down the offer. Advertisement He said that at that time, he had challenged the All Progressives Congress candidates declaration as the winner of the November 2019 governorship election, and the matter was then pending at the Supreme Court. READ MORE: Off-Cycle Poll: INEC Conducted One Of The Best Elections Ever Bayelsa Gov, Diri Governor Diri added that the senior citizen flew in some marabouts from Senegal to perform the rituals, and when he rejected the offer, he said the man demanded a refund of the money spent to transport them into the country, and he had to pay him the sum of $10,000. He said: Let me reveal to you why it is important to thank God and have faith in Him. Sometime ago, a senior citizen of this country invited me to Abuja and asked me to perform certain sacrifices but I declined. I told him my faith in God would not allow me to do it. He got angry and told me I would never become governor He told me that he had spent $10,000 to bring the people for the sacrifice and asked for a refund, which I obliged. When the supreme courts pronouncement came, the man was shocked and could not call me. Sadly, he passed on after some time. The story I have narrated was witnessed by my deputy and a friend in Abuja as both of them accompanied me to visit the senior citizen. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that in 2019, Peoples Democratic Party and Diri, its governorship candidate, had filed a suit against Lyon, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, his running mate; and INEC, seeking the disqualification of the APC deputy governorship candidate. On February 13, 2020, the supreme court sacked Lyon less than 24 hours before his inauguration as governor of Bayelsa. The supreme court had affirmed the verdict of a federal high court disqualifying Degi-Eremienyo, Lyons running mate, for submitting forged credentials to INEC. The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources enforcement team has taken action against some hoodlums. They were punished for defecating at the Ile Epo Pedestrian Bridge in the Abule Egba area of the state. Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday via X. Advertisement READ MORE: Sokoto Police Arrest Two Suspects For Vandalism, Motorcycle Theft Wahab said, The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources enforcement team has taken decisive action at Ile Epo Pedestrian Bridge, addressing the issue of hoodlums who defiled the bridge with waste and defecation. The statement mentioned that the punishment followed the arrest of the individuals on Saturday. They were instructed to clean up all the waste and restore the bridge to a hygienic and safe condition. Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the founder of the gospel record label Eezee Conceptz, has spoken out regarding lawsuits filed against him by former artists Mercy Chinwo and JudiKay. According to reports, JudiKay, who departed from Eezee Conceptz five years ago, has taken Onyedikachukwu to court over claims of financial irregularities. An audit conducted by the independent firm Pearson Consulting reportedly revealed that $264,000 generated from platforms such as YouTube was not transferred to JudiKay as expected. Advertisement The findings were submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), resulting in Onyedikachukwu facing three charges in court. The matter is currently being addressed by the Federal High Court of Nigeria. READ MORE: EFCC Files Charges Against Former Mercy Chinwo Label Boss For Alleged Fraud In Judikays Earnings In a post shared on his Instagram page on Saturday, Onyedikachukwu addressed the allegations, stating that he had attempted to resolve the situation amicably by contacting individuals who could mediate. However, he claimed his efforts were met with rejection. He expressed disappointment, particularly after being told by a well-known pastor that The Body of Christ will be fine, despite his willingness to make sacrifices to preserve unity within the Christian community. He described the situation as deeply upsetting, adding that his reputation, sacrifices, and even his safety were being disregarded. He wrote in part, I reached out to some, hoping to resolve this matter amicably. Many of them shut their doors and refused to intervene, despite knowing the truth. I was even willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom (The Body of Christ). Yet, I was told by a notable pastor, The Body of Christ will be fine. That statement shattered me. How could I stay quiet while my reputation was being attacked, my sacrifices disregarded, and my life threatened? If their goal is to destroy me, theyve underestimated my resolve.. SEE POST: A 26-year-old nursing student, identified as Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. It was gathered that Esther, who is also a 200-level student at Noida International University, Uttar Pradesh, India, was apprehended at Royal Park Hotel, Sabon Gari, Kano, hours before her scheduled Qatar Airways flight to Delhi on Saturday. The anti-drug agency also recovered a total number of 76 wraps of cocaine ready to be exported to India from the suspects. Advertisement This was disclosed in a statement by NDLEAS Spokesman, Femi Babafemi on Sunday. READ MORE: NDLEA Arrests Motivational Speaker, Nollywood Filmmaker In Lagos Over Illicit Drug Shipment Mr. Femi said: An attempt by 26-year-old Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, a 200-level nursing student at Noida International University, Uttar Pradesh, India, to swallow 76 wraps of cocaine hours before her return flight to the South Asian country through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, has been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Esther was scheduled to return to Delhi, India, from MAKIA, Kano, on Qatar Airways flight 1432 on Friday, 17 January 2025, but was arrested in her hotel room at 11:30 pm on Thursday, 16 January, at Royal Park Hotel, Sabon Gari, Kano, while awaiting the cocaine consignment she was meant to ingest before her flight the following morning. President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of some residents who lost their lives during a fuel tanker explosion in Niger State. Recall that the unfortunate incident happened on Saturday at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of the state. Reacting to the accident on Sunday, in a statement by his Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu mourned the victims and expressed his condolences to the families affected. Advertisement Onanuga said that the President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents. He added that the former governor of Lagos State ordered for the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents. READ MORE: Niger Govt Mourns As Petrol Tanker Explodes, Claims Lives The statement partly reads: The President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents. The President has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign. This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers. Nigerias ongoing economic reforms are yielding positive results, according to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. Oyedele, speaking on Saturday, via The Platform, expressed optimism about the countrys economic future, stating, Going by available data, I personally believe that the worst is behind us. The removal of fuel subsidies, a key component of President Tinubus economic reforms, has been a contentious issue. Advertisement However, Oyedele emphasized that it was a necessary step, saying, Removing subsidies is the best decision we made as a country. And we can now say that for once, subsidy is gone. He further explained, 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? READ ALSO: Nigerias Budget Too Small For Meaningful Development, Says Oyedele Oyedele acknowledged that the removal of subsidies has led to an increase in prices of goods and services. Nevertheless, he believes that the long-term benefits of the reforms will outweigh the short-term challenges. The economic reforms also include the introduction of new tax bills, which have been met with resistance from some stakeholders. Oyedele, however, is confident that the reforms will ultimately stimulate economic growth and improve Nigerias fiscal situation. Nigerias tax reforms are expected to take effect in July, with legislation set to be passed this quarter. The reforms aim to simplify Nigerias tax system and reduce the number of taxes and levies from over 60 to just six. As Nigeria navigates its economic challenges, Oyedele urged citizens to adopt a positive outlook, saying, There is nothing wrong with Nigeria. But maybe there is something wrong with the people ruling Nigeria. The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 16-year-old boy, Ademola Bolu, for allegedly stealing aluminium roofing sheets. The items, worth N180,000, were taken from Christ Light Deliverance Ministry Church in Orile-Ilugun, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. According to PUNCH Metro, Bolu was caught with two sacks containing the stolen roofing sheets, alongside two accomplices who are still on the run. The sheets had reportedly been cut into pieces and prepared for transportation. Advertisement READ MORE: Police Uncover Illegal Weapons Factory In Benue, Arrest Cultist In Delta, Two For Murder In Kebbi SP Omolola Odutola, the states police public relations officer, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday. She said, We received a report at the station that one Ademola Bolu, male, aged 16, and two others now at large were caught with two sacks containing aluminium roofing sheets belonging to Christ Light Deliverance Ministry Church, valued at N180,000, which had been cut into pieces. Upon receiving the complaint, detectives from the station promptly rushed to the scene and arrested the suspect, while the other two accomplices escaped before the police arrived. Odutola revealed that the suspect admitted to the crime during questioning, leading to the recovery of the stolen items. She further stated that efforts are underway to capture the accomplices who are still at large. The police reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding lives and property throughout the state. Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the withdrawal of Peoples Democratic Party from the state January 18th local government polls as an act of cowardice. Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had reported that PDP, on Friday, announced its decision to pull out from the LG polls, citing doubt about a credible election. Addressing newsmen on Saturday, after casting his vote at ward 4, polling unit 5 in the Ilaje LGA of the state, Aiyedatiwa, said that he believed Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission would conduct a free and fair election. Advertisement He said: I just cast my vote without any crisis. This is just what happened on the November 16 election, which was free and fair. READ MORE: PDP Pulls Out From Ondo LG Poll, Says ODIEC Lacks Transparency The materials arrived early, and the security and the citizens are here. They are participating, and at the end of the day, just as we have in the last election, we dont expect anything else. For the PDP to pull out, that is cowardness. They participated in the whole process, the ODIEC released the timetable for the election, I dont know the reason for that. Maybe the fear of losing. Every election has its own logistics and other political parties are participating. Whatever reason that made them withdraw, I am not privy to that. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on US President-elect Donald Trump to identify and recover stolen Nigerian assets hidden in the United States. In a statement released on Sunday via X, SERAP urged Trumps administration to ensure the return of these assets to the Nigerian people. Weve urged US President-elect Trump and his incoming administration to identify US-based stolen assets traced to Nigerian public officials and to ensure the return of any such assets to the Nigerian people, SERAP stated. Advertisement The organization also demanded that Nigerian public officials implicated in the theft of these assets be banned from entering the US. Meanwhile in the letter, Trump was urged to attach and release to Nigeria some $500 million worth of US-based proceeds of corruption traced to former Nigerian dictator General Sani Abacha. SERAPs request aligns with the UN Convention Against Corruption, which both the US and Nigeria have ratified. READ ALSO: SERAP Urges Akpabio, Abbas to Cut Presidency, NASS Budgets The organization emphasized that the US Department of Justice should initiate civil asset forfeiture proceedings to fulfill the US commitment to assisting Nigeria in recovering looted assets. In the letter, SERAP explained that these proceeds are separate from the $480 million of Abacha-origin funds that have been forfeited to the US under an August 2014 US federal district court order. SERAP urged Trumps administration to initiate discussions with the Nigerian government to fulfill the objective of returning the stolen assets within an agreed framework and timeline. The organization also stressed the importance of acknowledging the role of civil society in asset recovery matters. SERAP noted that the UN Convention Against Corruption requires states to return corrupt assets to their countries of origin. The organization noted it believes that Nigeria has met the requirements for the return of the $500 million in proceeds. The letter was signed by SERAPs US Volunteer Counsel Professor Alexander W. Sierck and Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni, and copied to the US Ambassador to Nigeria Stuart Symington and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. A pharmacy on Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, has been shut down by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for selling expired and unregistered drugs. This was revealed in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. The closure followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen, leading to an enforcement operation by NAFDAC officials. During the raid, the team uncovered expired products worth over seven million naira, including H-Pylori test kits, which pose significant health risks. Advertisement The pharmacys Managing Director and Superintendent Pharmacist were detained for interrogation as part of the investigation. READ MORE: NSCDC Apprehends 36 Scavengers For Vandalism, Theft In Abuja The statement reads, NAFDAC has sealed off a pharmacy located at Onitsha Crescent, Area 11 Garki, Abuja, for selling expired and unregistered drugs. Acting on a tip-off from a concerned citizen, NAFDACs enforcement team uncovered several expired items worth over seven million naira, including expired H-Pylori test kits, which posed significant risks to public health. Despite attempts by the pharmacy staff to obstruct the operation, the enforcement team successfully confiscated the expired products and secured the premises. The pharmacys Managing Director and Superintendent Pharmacist were arrested for further questioning, while stringent sanctions will be imposed as a deterrent to unethical practices. NAFDAC urges the public to remain vigilant when purchasing regulated products and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office. SEE POST: Student volunteer Kalbe Brai Madoue from Chad helps a passenger at the waiting hall of the Lanzhou West Railway Station in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 18, 2025. During this year's Spring Festival travel rush, busy staff members at Lanzhou West Railway Station are joined by a group of foreign students, who help passengers carry luggage, assist with security checks, and provide inquiry services. This team of foreign student volunteers consists of 10 members from countries such as Kenya, Chad, Laos, Afghanistan and Madagascar, who are studying at Lanzhou University. The volunteers, invited by the railway department, have been given the opportunity to feel the unique vibe of China's Spring Festival travel season. "As the Spring Festival is around the corner, being a volunteer for the travel season and helping passengers return home for family reunions is a joyful experience to be proud of," said Kalbe Brai Madoue, a student from Chad. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Student volunteer Ali Reza Rezaie (C) from Afghanistan writes Spring Festival couplets with calligraphy lovers at Lanzhou West Railway Station in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 18, 2025. During this year's Spring Festival travel rush, busy staff members at Lanzhou West Railway Station are joined by a group of foreign students, who help passengers carry luggage, assist with security checks, and provide inquiry services. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Student volunteer Kalbe Brai Madoue (R) from Chad presents Spring Festival couplets to a child at Lanzhou West Railway Station in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 18, 2025. During this year's Spring Festival travel rush, busy staff members at Lanzhou West Railway Station are joined by a group of foreign students, who help passengers carry luggage, assist with security checks, and provide inquiry services.(Xinhua/Chen Bin) Student volunteer Sylvia Ngaira (R) from Kenya presents Spring Festival couplets to passengers at Lanzhou West Railway Station in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 18, 2025. During this year's Spring Festival travel rush, busy staff members at Lanzhou West Railway Station are joined by a group of foreign students, who help passengers carry luggage, assist with security checks, and provide inquiry services. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Student volunteer Sylvia Ngaira (front, L) from Kenya helps passengers carry luggage at the Lanzhou West Railway Station in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 18, 2025. During this year's Spring Festival travel rush, busy staff members at Lanzhou West Railway Station are joined by a group of foreign students, who help passengers carry luggage, assist with security checks, and provide inquiry services. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Foreign student volunteers pose for photos with railway workers and passengers at Lanzhou West Railway Station in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 18, 2025. During this year's Spring Festival travel rush, busy staff members at Lanzhou West Railway Station are joined by a group of foreign students, who help passengers carry luggage, assist with security checks, and provide inquiry services. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Some yet to be identified gunmen has killed Prophet, Yomi Adetula, the spiritual head of Celestial Church of Christ, Eagle Parish, in Idiroko area of Ogun State. It was gathered that the incident occurred during service on Sunday, when the assailants were said to have opened fire on the victim. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that Prophet Adetula, until his death, was a Commander of the Ogun State So-Safe Security outfit, aged 54. Advertisement Confirming the incident on Sunday, in a statement by Ogun State Police Commands Spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, disclosed that the suspects fled the scene immediately after carrying out the horrible act. She said: A prophet of Celestial Church of Christ Eagle parish was shot by unknown assailants who opened fire during an active church service and the suspects fled. On the 19/01/25 at about 1030HRS the divisional police officer of Idiroko invested (sic) a message that someone has been killed at Celestial Church along old Baggage road, Odo Eran, Idiroko. Police officers raced to the scene and saw one Yomi Adetula m aged about 54 years lifeless, in the pool of his blood which stained his white Celestial Garment lying face up. On careful observation, his body was riddled with bullets and his head was not speared, to ensure the victim was really dead it was mangled to death. On police inquiry, information further revealed that three men came into the church brought out long double barrel gun aimed at their target and fire a shot that brought the deceased down. Normalcy has been restored while possible clue will be revealed in the coming days as investigation has been launched into the very sad occurrence. The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has proposed a revised Value-Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula, which has been accepted by the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms. Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the committee, stated that they have no objections to the new formula, emphasizing the importance of considering political factors in addition to technical correctness. The revised formula allocates 50% of VAT revenue based on equality, 30% on derivation, and 20% on population. Advertisement This proposal came after the NGF initially opposed the committees suggested formula, citing unfavorable treatment of northern states. Oyedele, speaking on Saturday at The Platform, an event organised by The Covenant Nation, noted that the proposed VAT-sharing formula will positively impact all sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture, manufacturing, and industries. READ ALSO: Tax Reform Bills: Governors Endorsement Not Enough- Ali Ndume Insists He also highlighted the inclusion of priority sectors, such as power generation and innovation, which will receive incentives. You also need to consider other things, including political considerations, and so once the governors proposed their formula for sharing the VAT revenue, he said. We have no objections to that, because, at the end of the day, if you need to move one kilometre, you dont have to move all of that at once; you cant even jump one kilometre at once. Maybe sometimes you need to just move gradually. You know, you take a breather. You reflect, have more data, and then you move again, he said. The NGFs revised proposal is part of a broader effort to reform Nigerias fiscal policies and tax system. Modern European architectural ideas landed in Philadelphia in the middle of the last century, making it a center of modern design. But unlike in the movie The Brutalist, there was no singular architect like Laszlo Toth (Adrien Brody) leading the charge. Instead, the city reflects the vision of multiple architects who helped develop mid-century style. Heres a look at some of Phillys iconic mid-century architecture, and the real-life architects who defined it: PSFS Building (William Lescaze and George Howe) William Lescaze and George Howe were an architectural odd couple. Howe was a Harvard-educated architect who had designed houses for wealthy Philadelphians. He came to Philadelphia in 1913 to work for Frank Furness firm. In 1916, he joined a partnership of two Philadelphia architects to form Mellor, Meigs, and Howe. Advertisement Lescaze was a Swiss architect who immigrated to the U.S. at age 24, in 1920. By the late 20s, Howe had been approached by a previous client, the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society, about their new headquarters. His search for a new partner with modernist ideas led him to Lescaze. Lescazes European education had exposed him to the new modernist style of architecture catching hold in Europe, promoted by another Swiss-born architect who went by the pseudonym of Le Corbusier and a German architect, Walter Gropius, who led a German design school, the Bauhaus (which gets a shout-out in the movie). In 1929, Howe, 43, and Lescaze, 34, gave the PSFS board a radically modern design for a 36-story skyscraper. Unlike the art deco style popular at the time, the building wouldnt have any applied decoration but would depend exclusively on its bold massing and materials for visual impact all ideas from European modernism. When it was completed at 12th and Market Streets, in 1932, the building probably looked like a spaceship that had landed in the mostly Victorian Center City. It remains, to this day, the most architecturally important building in the city the first International Style skyscraper in the world. In another echo of the movie, the architects also designed modern furniture for the building reminiscent of Bauhaus furniture of the era, very like the tubular steel furniture designed by Toth for his Philadelphian cousin Atillas (Alessandro Nivola) store. The Carl Mackley Houses (Oscar Stonorov) The European modernists also had a radical social agenda. Architecture was no longer to be a plaything of the rich but should provide for the needs of average people. Architect Oscar Stonorov believed in this principle very strongly. Born in Germany but educated in other European countries, Stonorov came to Philadelphia in 1929. His education had also exposed him to the ideas of modernism. In 1933, Stonorov, along with Alfred Kastner, designed the Carl Mackley Houses near Kensington, a revolutionarily modern group of low-rise housing units for the Philadelphia Hosiery Workers Union. The complex included open space, below-grade parking for automobiles, and amenities like a small grocery store and day care facilities, fulfilling many of modern architectures goals about caring for the average people of a society. As the Great Depression gripped America and money dried up in the 1930s, Howe began working for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, where he met Louis Kahn. Kahns family had emigrated from Estonia when he was 5, and like Atilla, his Jewish family Americanized their names. After receiving an architecture degree at Penn in 1924, Kahn worked around Philadelphia until the Depression hit. Howe and Kahn would work together at PHA for several years and later collaborated with Stonorov. Kahn and Stonorov created a partnership from 1942 to 1947, when Kahn began teaching, ending up at Penn in 1957. After the war, when The Brutalist begins, many European modernists came to the United States, and the style they had created was now being called the International Style. Some emigres, particularly Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, began designing in a particular form of the style with an almost painfully minimalist steel and glass aesthetic. Critics often loved it, partially for its novelty, but many people felt it was a cold, soulless form of architecture devoted to corporate America; one that turned its back on the social goals of modernism. It was not lost on some that both Mies van der Rohe and another architect, Philip Johnson, had had significant ties to authoritarianism and the Third Reich. Trenton Bath House (Louis Kahn) In this world, Louis Kahn began to have doubts about the International Style. In 1950, he again went to Europe and was impressed by the monumental massing and beautiful attention to detail lavished on masonry construction of medieval and Renaissance buildings. In 1954, he and one of his students, Ann Tyng, designed the Trenton Bath House for Ewing Townships Jewish Community Center. Like PSFS, it would also look unlike almost anything that was being built bold masonry, geometric shapes intricately related to one another, with a preoccupation with the effects of natural light on form. It was a radical departure from the cool steel and glass elegance of the Mies van der Rohe approach and it was also arguably the first Brutalist building in the United States. Schuylkill Falls Public Housing (Stonorov) Stonorov remained committed to housing. In the postwar drive to provide public housing, planners and architects dusted off prewar modernist ideas about housing people economically in towers and providing open space on the ground. For PHA, Stonorov designed the Schuylkill Falls Public Housing in 1954. Other cities tried the same approach, and it proliferated quickly perhaps too quickly because severe problems like vandalism and dependence on elevators prone to failure began appearing. The cold gray concrete, beloved by the architects for its economy and honesty (Brutalism refers to the French term for unfinished or raw) was often despised by the residents forced to live there. READ MORE: This 1950s pro-Pennsylvania film has a starring role in The Brutalist Richards Medical Building at Penn and Erdman Hall Dormitories at Bryn Mawr (Kahn) Kahn would go on to develop his ideas around mass, volume, and the control of natural light. In this region, two examples are the Richards Medical Building at Penn in 1957 and Erdman Hall Dormitories at Bryn Mawr in 1960. These were done in a Brutalist style but its a particularly humane form where Kahn mixes materials and masses to eliminate or minimize the impact of unending expanses of plain gray concrete. Kahn died in 1974 at the age of 73, one of the most influential architects in America. Lescaze would continue to live and work in New York until his death in 1969 at the age of 72, but PSFS would remain his crowning achievement. Howe built infrequently but headed the architecture department at Yale until his death in 1955 at 68. Stonorov continued his commitment to housing and socially meaningful architecture. At 64, he died in a 1970 airplane crash flying with Walther Reuther, the pugnacious president of the United Auto Workers, to inspect an education and recreation facility in Black Lake, Mich., he had designed for the union. Overall, Brutalism has had a mixed history as a style. As shown in the movie, some Brutalist buildings like religious spaces, academic buildings, and high-end homes have fared well and are loved by their owners other projects, not so much. William Penn High School In the public eye, the style has become identified with unrelenting cold, gray ugliness, and even authoritarianism. Numerous high-rise public housing projects in Philadelphia were demolished, including Stonorovs Schuylkill Falls project. Brutalist public schools, like the William Penn High School at Broad and Girard met the same fate. Commercial Brutalist buildings have also faced challenges. While born of modernisms desire to help the masses, many felt the buildings represented a contempt for the occupants and the public by unfeeling bureaucracies and corporations. In addition to Kahns Richards Medical Building and Erdman dormitories mentioned above, some Brutalist buildings around Philadelphia include: University of Pennsylvania Museum Addition, 3220 South St., 1971, Mitchell/Giurgola George Pepper Middle School, 2901 S. 84th St., 1976, Caudill Rowlett Scott International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 1970, Bower & Fradley Moore College of Art & Design (American Society for Testing of Materials Building), 1916 Race St., 1964, Carroll, Grisdale, Van Alen United Way Building, 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 1971, Mitchell/Giurgola Centre Square, 1500 Market St., 1967, Vincent Kling Penn Mutual Tower, 510 Walnut St., 1975, Mitchell/Giurgola The Brutalist is playing in local theaters. Warren Williams is a retired architect who lectures and leads walking tours focused on Philadelphia architecture. Aminata Sy holds the book she self published, documenting her journey from high school dropout to Ivy League graduate and a career as an American diplomat. Read more Aminata Sy was just 10 when her parents sent her from their home in the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo to live with a relative in Senegal. It was supposed to be for a short time, but she never was able to return. She wouldnt learn until years later that her parents feared she would be raped, a danger that young girls there faced. Advertisement But for Sy, who dropped out of high school in Senegal and came to the United States at age 21, already married, it was just the beginning of the traumas and challenges that shaped her life but also led to her monumental accomplishments. The married mother of three obtained her associates degree from Community College of Philadelphia, where she started in remedial classes but eventually mounted a 4.0 GPA. As she prepared to graduate in 2015, she told The Inquirer she had come there, having a 7-month-old baby, two other children, being married, and having a weak academic background. But by the time I finished my first year, I had this feeling I could do anything. She was accepted to the University of Pennsylvanias College of Liberal and Professional Studies. After obtaining her bachelors at Penn, where she met then-Vice President Joe Biden and other dignitaries, she earned her masters at American University and was accepted into the competitive, prestigious Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program aimed at preparing people from diverse backgrounds for careers in foreign service. Along her journey, she endured a difficult pregnancy, the loss of a restaurant she and her husband started, and a grueling commute to American, in Washington. Sy, now 44, was determined to help lift her family economically, and in 2022 began her career as a U.S. diplomat in Brazil, moving her family there. She details her story in Destined: A Story of Resilience and Beating the Odds, her self-published book that comes out Feb. 4. From Nairobi, Kenya, where she is stationed as a diplomat and lives with her husband and two children, ages 22 and 13 (her third child, 20, attends Temple University), Sy talked to The Inquirer. She plans to return to Philadelphia in February to discuss her book, with appearances at Blackwell Library, CCP, and Penn. This interview was edited for length and clarity. Why did you write the book? It was important for me to tell the story because I understand what it is like to struggle. Sharing that, both the struggle and the progress, could be helpful to someone else. I came to Community College as an English language learner, so at that point, I wasnt thinking Im going to write a book. Then as life went on, I continued to grow as a writer. I eventually moved on to Penn, moved on to American, started in journalism [Sy wrote for the student newspaper, The Inquirer, and the Philadelphia Tribune, among others], worked in nonprofit. I thought maybe I could pull all of these things together in the hopes that it would inspire someone. READ MORE: More support needed for students who dont speak English | Opinion Just because you are struggling today, that doesnt mean thats the end of your story. If you stay at it, you could experience something else that you never would have imagined in your life. You overcame many obstacles. Which was the toughest? If Im to pick two, I would say separating from my parents as a child was really, really hard for me. If I was to pick a second, it would be raising my kids and trying to go back to school and doing all these other things. What was it like for you being uprooted from your parents and sent to live with your aunt? Mostly what I felt was confusion. I was trying to integrate into Senegalese society and trying to learn the language, trying to learn the culture. It was a lot of confusion, a lot of pain. READ MORE: Philadelphias many African students need culturally inclusive education | Opinion Your aunt didnt have a lot of resources, but years later you really ended up appreciating what she did for you? It was really a process, living with someone who is struggling to make it and within that struggle trying to help you as a kid growing up. All I could see most of the time was just a struggle. When I left her, I carried a lot of pain, a lot of trauma. But as I became a mother myself, things really started to shift within me. Around 27, I started to think I dont want to carry the burden of trauma I carried as a kid. I want to forgive, because its heavy, and I want to let it go. It allowed me to see my aunt in a different light, a light of someone who had awesome responsibility in her hands and a woman who tried to do her best with that awesome responsibility but did not have much to work with. This woman was amazing. I literally carry her spirit with me to this day. Why did you drop out of high school? I repeated ninth grade twice. I was struggling. Im showing up not really understanding anything. My mind feels like its blocked. There is no point. Im just going to stop. How hard was it to lose the restaurant you and your husband ran following a difficult pregnancy? The restaurant was an amazing experience but a short one. It was visiting your childrens preschool and grade school that reignited your longing for a new start at school? Absolutely. It felt like a rush of that started coming back to me. Both the desire to learn, the desire to teach. To be better at reading, writing, so I could help my kids. Eventually that evolved into something else. How did you like CCP? CCP allowed me to basically drop many of the doubts I had in myself as a student and as an intellectual. Eventually I started reporting for the student newspaper. I was constantly paying attention to local news, national news. That pushed me intellectually to another level. And Penn? Penn took me to a whole other level. I got to work with professors who are top-notch in their fields, [be] among the most competitive students in the country. You cant ask for more. [Its when she started a nonprofit education program in her basement for children from African backgrounds, which was relocated to a library and then a high school.] Most of the resources that I used were resources I got through connections at Penn or literally from Penn administrators and staff who were following my work and wanted to support what I do. I have nothing but love for Penn. But you also felt like people didnt appreciate your husbands profession as a parking attendant? The Penn world is a world of big titles. If you dont have the big titles, then all of a sudden the conversation is not so interesting. The commute to American University sounded brutal. I would start at around 5 a.m. and end around 1 a.m. I was doing it twice a week, but it felt like I was doing it more because of the fatigue I was feeling. But I had to live [in Philadelphia] to continue to monitor my kids education. But classes went remote during COVID-19? It allowed me to stop the commute. You became a U.S. diplomat in Brazil in 2022, but you didnt write much about that. Why? The book was not really about the job. The book was about the journey that got me to the job. How do you like the job? As someone who didnt even grow up in the United States to go to a point where I am able to represent the country, its a tremendous, tremendous honor for me and privilege to do that. A photo showing Drexel University's two types of self-heating concrete and a control slab of normal concrete. L-R: A slab of normal concrete; a slab of concrete mixed with pebbles infused with paraffin; and a slab of concrete mixed with capsules of paraffin. Read more Dropping temperatures and the prospect of snow looming in the forecast have Philadelphians crunching through layers of road salt that keep ice and snow from settling on sidewalks and streets. But what if a sidewalk could melt ice on its own? Advertisement Thats the goal of a three-year-long project at Drexel University to develop self-heating concrete, which can keep streets safe from icy conditions while avoiding the environmental and cost concerns associated with traditional road salt. Salting a citys streets requires lots of man power and can damage roadways and contaminate the soil around them, said Amir Farnam, an associate engineering professor who leads Drexels Advanced Infrastructure Materials Lab. We wanted to create an alternative solution, he said. Farnams team developed two types of concrete that use paraffin wax, a petroleum-based oil used in candles and crayons. Then they placed several slabs in a university courtyard and let nature take its course. Although each performed better in different weather conditions, both types were able to melt snow on their own. Researchers captured proof during a February 2022 snowstorm, recording video footage that showed a slab of normal concrete blanketed in white. But its self-heating counterparts kept the flurries off for days. The concept utilizes the unique properties of materials known as phase-change materials. In warm, sunny conditions, a phase-change material like paraffin will liquefy. But in cold conditions, it will slowly harden into a solid. As it solidifies, it gives off heat. Its kind of like a battery paraffins recharge when theres sun and heat, turning into their liquid phase, Farnam said. And when snow or rain or a cold event comes, they start [solidifying] and releasing heat. Farnams team experimented with two methods of mixing concrete with paraffin. Both have useful applications depending on weather conditions, he said. Depending on the weather, one would outperform the other one, he said. One method involves placing paraffin inside capsules, then mixing the capsules into concrete. This method helps melt snow quickly, but it was effective across only a short range of temperatures. In another method, Farnams team infused pebbles and stone fragments with paraffin, then combined those pebbles with a standard concrete mix. The concrete with pebbles treated with paraffin released heat over a longer period of time, so it wasnt as good at quickly melting snow. But it was effective across a wide range of temperatures, he said. For example, Farnam said, it could prove useful for detaching ice from the surface of a road so it can be plowed away. Philadelphia shouldnt retire its snowplows and salting teams just yet, Farnam said. In a 10-day cold snap, for example, paraffin will release heat as temperatures drop and then stay solid until they rise again. If youre designing for Philly, its not going to be working 100% of the time, he said. But the Drexel teams self-heating concrete worked effectively more than 50% of the time during snowy conditions in Philadelphia between 2021 and 2024, he said. During that time, the temperature dropped below freezing 32 times and the city saw more than an inch of snow five times, according to a Drexel article on the experiment. Self-heating concrete is more resilient to the cycles of freezing and thawing that create potholes and damage roads, Farnam said. And the technology can help cities use less salt. You want to do a combination of, maybe, salt and this technology, Farnam said. Even a 50% reduction in salt use in 10 to 15 years of a roads service life thats enormous," Farnam said. You save costs, energy, and you can extend the service life. Instead of a road that lasts 10 years, you could have 20 years. It remains to be seen whether cities or developers will adopt the technology. Farnam, who has a patent pending for the concrete developed at Drexel, said his most recent research was funded by a company interested in selling self-heating concrete. And a decade ago, when he was researching these materials as a Ph.D. student, he and his adviser fielded some interest from the Federal Aviation Administration, which was looking into ways to better de-ice runways. The upfront cost is going to be high twofold or threefold [the cost of traditional concrete], so it would be really hard to convince a Department of Transportation to implement it, Farnam said. But, ultimately, he said, self-heating concrete could lower costs for maintenance and replacement of roads. You could save a lot of taxpayers money, he said. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker talks with Inquirer reporters during an interview in Philadelphia City Hall in December. Parker, like some other Democrats, has expressed openness to working with incoming President Donald Trump. Read more As Mayor Cherelle L. Parker campaigned around Philadelphia for Democrats last fall, she never seemed too keen to say President-elect Donald Trumps name. When asked about the former president, Parker would often refer to Trump as this guy, leveling a brief criticism and quickly pivoting to say something nice about his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Advertisement So it is perhaps unsurprising that, as Trump is set to be sworn in for a second time Monday, Parker wont be caught in a sound bite attacking the incoming commander in chief. The mayor, a Democrat who is entering her second year overseeing the largest city in Pennsylvania, has instead vowed to work with the incoming Trump administration on their shared priorities if there are any. In this moment in our citys history, we need everybody to help move us forward, Parker said during a news conference this month when asked if she would meet with the president. And thats what leaders do. Check your egos, your pride, and your emotions at the door, and you come together to try to find solutions to problems. Parkers openness to working with a president who on the campaign trail often vilified Democrat-run cities comes as others in her party have also signaled they may be less openly hostile to Trump than they were at the beginning of his first term. It could be in part because Trump and Republicans won decisively, and Democrats want to show they are responsive to an electorate ready for change. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman recently made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago, Trumps Florida estate, to meet with the president-elect. Gov. Josh Shapiro, who, ahead of the election, portrayed Trump as an existential threat to democracy, now says hes ready to work with him. Other prominent Democratic governors have highlighted areas of potential collaboration. Still, the lack of resistance is especially notable coming from Parker, who governs a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans 6-1, and who almost certainly doesnt need Philadelphias Trump supporters in her corner if she decides to run for reelection. Those close to Parker say her calculus may be more about governance than personal politics. Philadelphia receives hundreds of millions of dollars a year in federal funding from a variety of streams, and it might need more. In her second year in office, Parker is prioritizing a housing plan aimed at increasing the citys supply of affordable units a significant undertaking that could require funding and grant dollars from outside the city. She is also looking to expand the citys support services for people with substance use disorder as part of a broader effort to end open-air drug markets. Earlier this month, the administration opened a massive new recovery house in Northeast Philadelphia. City Council already approved $100 million in funding for the project, but Parker said that the administration already needs $50 million to $75 million more, and that the incoming Trump administration could be a potential partner. I dont care Democrat, Republican. I dont care who you are, she said at the opening of the facility. This is about addressing an issue in the city of Philadelphia. READ MORE: Philly Mayor Cherelle L. Parker says election is in the rearview mirror as she prepares to work with Trump administration Her posture is a 180 from her predecessor, former Mayor Jim Kenney, who led the city during Trumps first administration and seemed to relish taking the fight to the White House, calling Trump everything from a con man to an idiot. After Trumps first election win in 2015, Kenney, too, expressed openness to meeting with him. But the collegiality didnt last, largely because of Trumps maximalist immigration policies, which Kenney who made standing up for immigrants a cornerstone of his political identity despised. Parker is already facing pressure to take a more Kenney-style approach to immigration. Activists want her to vow Philadelphias status as a sanctuary city is here to stay, despite threats from Trump and incoming administration officials to strip federal funding from cities that protect undocumented immigrants. This isnt 2016 Richardson Dilworth, a professor and head of the Department of Politics at Drexel University, said Trump has created an environment of uncertainty by repeatedly making unspecific threats of retaliation against cities and states that do not fall in line with his administrations vision on immigration. He has at times said he would use the military to carry out deportations or strip federal funding from cities that do not assist. Dilworth said that Trump and his administration are coming in with the experience of a first term, making any threat more serious this time. This isnt 2016, he said. I dont think theres a lot of electoral benefit for [Parker] or even a benefit in general to take the sort of antagonist stance that the Kenney administration had and everyone had. Thats clearly not the vibe now. READ MORE: Fetterman will meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, culminating months of working more openly with the GOP Parker has never been quite like Kenney, who was seen as a socially progressive member of City Council before he became mayor. Parker is a more moderate Democrat who ran for mayor on a tough-on-crime platform. Her first election was to the state House, where she occasionally worked alongside Republicans to advance policy a sort of bipartisanship rarely necessary in City Hall, where Democrats reign. When she ran in the Democratic primary for mayor in 2023, she spoke often on the campaign trail about her experience working with Republicans in Harrisburg and described it as evidence that she was not driven by ideology. She has continued to resist political tribalism since taking office. Despite campaigning for Democrats ahead of the November election, Parker has since gone out of her way to strike a bipartisan tone. Parker has said she will work with new Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick. And she has on several occasions publicly congratulated new State Sen. Joe Picozzi, a Northeast Philadelphia Republican who stunned Democrats in November when he ousted one of Parkers allies: then-Sen. Jimmy Dillon. Picozzi, the first Republican state senator from Philadelphia in more than 20 years, joined Parker and other Democrats on stage last month when she delivered a major State of the City address. She greeted Picozzi during the speech and said his presence there was a symbol of her commitment to intergovernmental cooperation. The people of Philadelphia elected me to do a job, she said. And I need to say to you, as your mayor, that no election result will change my focus. Period. Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Prabowo Subianto, president of Indonesia and general chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 16, 2025. A delegation of the CPC, led by Liu Jianchao, visited Indonesia from Thursday to Sunday. During the visit, Liu held talks with Indonesian political leaders, including Prabowo Subianto, president of Indonesia and general chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party, Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and former president, Bahlil Lahadalia, chairman of the Golkar Party and minister of energy and mineral resources. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) JAKARTA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, visited Indonesia from Thursday to Sunday. During the visit, Liu held talks with Indonesian political leaders, including Prabowo Subianto, president of Indonesia and general chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party, Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and former president, Bahlil Lahadalia, chairman of the Golkar Party and minister of energy and mineral resources. The discussions focused on implementing the key consensuses reached by leaders of the two countries, advancing the building of a China-Indonesia community with a shared future, and deepening inter-party and practical cooperation. Liu also delivered a speech at the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, where he introduced the reform measures determined at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and elaborated on China's Asia policy. Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivers a speech at the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 18, 2025. A delegation of the CPC, led by Liu Jianchao, visited Indonesia from Thursday to Sunday. During the visit, Liu held talks with Indonesian political leaders, including Prabowo Subianto, president of Indonesia and general chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party, Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and former president, Bahlil Lahadalia, chairman of the Golkar Party and minister of energy and mineral resources. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) The statement top From Sophie Ellis Bextor to Fearne Cotton, Suki Waterhouse and our own Vogue Williams, 2024 was a big year for Spanish designer Celia Bernardo. And 2025 looks set to be an even bigger one for her slow fashion label Celia B which has injected our social media feeds with a welcome dose of bright colours, maximalist patterns and ostentatious structures. Willem Top Green, 249.95, from Spanish slow-fashion brand Celia B Here's to embracing more in-your-face dressing and less fade-away neutrals this new year. Willem top in green, 249.95. The restaurant deal After the excesses of the festive season, we are particularly primed to take up hospitality businesses on any January offerings they send our way, and this one from Milano is calling our name. The pizza chain is once again this year offering their 1 pizza deal - buy one Classic or Leggera pizza, get another for just 1. Milanos 1 pizza offer this January For those looking to up their greens and reduce their carbs this new year, the Leggera comes with a salad-filled hole in its centre and a third fewer calories than the Classic variety. What's not to love? The health shot Mushrooms have been in vogue for a while now, and with Marks & Spencers latest launch, it looks like they wont be going anywhere anytime soon. M&S Yay! Mushrooms AM Shot For mushroom phobes, their latest YAY! MUSHROOMS range offers a handy way to get the benefits of our funghi friends without having to confront that squishy texture head-on (we may be one such phobe). The AM & PM cold pressed health shots are our favourite from the range. The AM is a zingy hit of apple, ginger and lime with the much-praised Lions Mane, while the PM features cherry and coconut with Reishi. Duo pack 4.50 for 200ml, or 2.40 per 100ml shot. The exhibition Julian Opie's first solo Irish exhibition opens at Gormleys Dublin today. Julian Opies Sidewalk 1, 2022, edition of 40, valued at 39,500, will feature at Gormleys, Dublin from January 18 to February 8. See Gormleys.ie. Image - Alex Delfanne. One of Britains most renowned contemporary artists, he is most notable for designing the iconic cover of Blur's 'Best Of' album. Anyone who has visited Hugh Lane Gallery will also recognise his permanent digital sculpture Suzanne Walking. Now, you can experience more of his human portraits, which utilize geometric forms and bold outlines, in this free exhibition open to all until February 8. The yoga mat Need a little extra motivation to keep those New Years resolutions? Cork-based yoga instructor Hazel Buckley has launched a collection of yoga mats. The Yoga Tree mats are 4.5mm thick, they provide optimal support and cushioning, are made from PU (polyurethane) fabric for superior grip (even when sweaty), and feature an eco-conscious design. The Yoga Tree. Picture: Miki Barlok The collection includes five breathtaking designs, created in collaboration with international artists: Barleycove Bliss by Samitha Perera (Sri Lanka); Flowly Dreamscape by Rebecca Kumar (South Africa); Moon Sky by Samitha Perera (Sri Lanka); Serene Mountains by Rebecca Kumar (South Africa); and Whispering Clouds by German Bernales (Argentina). Each mat is priced at 99 and includes free shipping within Ireland. The initiative Christmas is a magical time, but it can also be a time of serious excess and overconsumption especially when it comes to toys. The Toy Library, a platform established to embrace and promote the circular economy, will host their first toy swap of the year tomorrow, Sunday, January 19 at University College Cork, from 11am to 2pm. The Toy Librarys Circular Christmas events. The social enterprise, started in June last year, is all about redefining toy consumption, and in the process, reducing waste, saving families money and strengthening community connections. Attendees are invited to bring up to five toys in good condition to swap, share or donate. Dont worry if you dont have any to share all are welcome to attend and bring toys home. The Teddy Bear Hospital will also be in operation on the day thanks to UCCs Medical Society, so children can bring their favourite teddies for a check-up while enjoying face painting and other activities. The scent Last year, Galway-based VOYA teamed up with luxury airline Emirates to design an exclusive scent for the airlines first and business class passengers. Now, Tempest and Nerolia, are available to all. Tempest, designed with men in mind, combines bergamot, pepper, and white floral to evoke a fresh but earthy scent, with the aim of eliciting a sense of the Atlantic shoreline and forest, where the brand has its roots. VOYAs Nerolia Eau de Toilette for Women Nerolia, meanwhile, celebrates the coasts sand dunes and cliffs with orange, basil, and vetiver, balanced by woody tones of cedarwood and gurjun balsam. Both are housed in an elegated sea-glass-inspired pebble-like bottle. 66 for 50ml. What is the Irish Stoat Citizen Science Survey? Launched in February 2023, the Irish Stoat Citizen Science Survey is a two-year project that aims to uncover insights into its current distribution and establish baseline data to guide future research. With the help of citizen scientists, researchers can better understand and protect this charismatic species. The project is led by Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, the University of Galway, and the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording. VWT is a wildlife charity focused on conserving British and Irish mammals, with its work in Ireland supported by funding from the Irish Environmental Network, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Heritage Council. Why is the survey important? The Irish stoat, a legally protected animal, remains one of Irelands lesser-known species. Its small size, speed, and elusive behaviour make it notoriously difficult to monitor. Unlike its relatives, which include otters and pine martens, stoats leave few obvious field signs such as footprints, fur or scats (carnivore droppings), which makes it harder to study. Irish stoat. Picture: Dermot Breen / Vincent Wildlife Trust Keen to know more about these lively little mammals? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions Vincent Wildlife Trust receives about stoats... What do Irish stoats look like? Stoats are often confused with other small carnivores in Ireland, including ferrets, American mink and the pine marten. Although similar in some ways, you could say stoats are stoatally different! All four species share the same long, thin body shape and short legs, but stoats differ in their much smaller size (far smaller than a cat), chestnut brown coat with creamy white underside, and the very distinctive black tip to their tail. How to identify an Irish stoat. Pictures: Carl Morrow / Vincent Wildlife Trust Why do stoats have this black tip to their tails? The black-tipped tail is the stoat's most distinctive feature, but it's not there just to look good. In an experiment conducted by Roger Powell using captive hawks and model stoats, it was observed that the models with black-tipped tails were less likely to be successfully targeted by the hawks compared to those with black spots in other areas or no black markings. This suggests that the black tip on the tail may draw away a predators attention from more vulnerable areas like the head and neck. What is so special about the Irish stoat? The Irish stoat, Mustela erminea hibernica, is a unique subspecies only found on the islands of Ireland and the Isle of Man. It differs physically and genetically from stoats found in Britain and Europe the Irish stoat tends to be smaller, it doesnt turn white in the winter, and the line dividing the chestnut-coloured upper fur and the creamy-coloured fur on its belly is usually irregular. How long have they been in Ireland? Fossil bones of the animal have been found in two caves in County Cork, with one set dating back between 27,000 and 35,000 years and a second set around 10,680 years ago. There is compelling evidence that the species survived the last Ice Age under the snow, making it one of our oldest mammal inhabitants, along with the Irish hare. When and where am I most likely to see one? Stoats thrive in many habitats but are often seen darting across roads to dive into stone walls or hedgerows, which offer protection from predators. Theyre active all year round, day and night, though colder days may keep them underground. Irish stoats on Bull Island. Picture: Mark Collins / Vincent Wildlife Trust What do they eat? Stoats are carnivorous and opportunistic hunters. They feed primarily on small mammals such as rabbits, rats, mice, voles and shrews. They also eat fish, birds, eggs and occasionally insects. Despite their small size, stoats are fearless predators and can take down prey much larger than themselves, such as rabbits, by targeting the neck with one lethal bite. From chasing down prey to playing house guest, check out these fab videos sent into the Irish Stoat Survey! Do you have a stoat video to share? Wed love to see more. Seen an Irish stoat? Submit your sighting below. RoI: https://t.co/rFlJgVtaXl NI: https://t.co/DrCyUUsPro pic.twitter.com/RDYV8ODsY2 IrishStoatSurvey (@IrishStoatSurv) December 13, 2024 Are stoats dangerous to me or my pets? Stoats pose no significant danger to humans and pets like cats and dogs. Their natural behaviour is to avoid contact with people and much larger animals such as cats and dogs. However, stoats can prey on birds such as chickens and take their eggs if given the opportunity. Making sure chicken enclosures are well maintained and free of gaps will prevent stoats from getting in. What threatens stoat populations? Stoats are frequent victims of road traffic collisions, and their numbers may also be affected by habitat loss and changes in land use. Stoats and weasels: whats the difference? Irish stoats are often called weasels. However, weasels are not present in Ireland. If you visit Britain or mainland Europe, where both species are present, the main differences are size (stoats are larger) and weasels dont have a black tip to the tail. But, confusingly, stoats, pine martens, mink, otters and badgers all belong to the Family Mustelidae, which is also known as the weasel family! Irish stoat. Picture: C Crowley / Crossing the Line Films. Vincent Wildlife Trust Stoats and mink: why protect one and cull the other? A common question is why mink, another small mustelid, can be trapped and killed, while stoats are protected. American mink were introduced to Ireland for fur farming but escaped into the wild, where they now cause significant harm to bird populations and other small animals. Stoats, by contrast, are native to Ireland and so have an important role to play in regulating other wildlife and helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. How can I help? Your sightings are invaluable and by participating in the Irish Stoat Citizen Science Survey, youll help fill critical knowledge gaps. How can I find out more about the survey? To stay updated on the survey, visit vincentwildlife.ie or follow our social media: Facebook: Irish Stoat Survey X: @IrishStoatSurv Want to dive deeper? Check out this new publication from The New Naturalist Library Stoats, Weasels, Martens & Polecats by Jenny MacPherson, Vincent Wildlife Trusts principal scientist. Ireland has garnered a reputation as being one of the world's most generous nations when it comes to donating to worthy causes. For six straight years, this country has topped the donor league compiled by the online fundraising platform GoFundMe. The Irish Examiner has revisited some of the biggest GoFundMe campaigns from last year to see how the money is being spent, and the positive impact it is having. Killeagh tragedies A fundraiser for an East Cork family struck by a double tragedy has raised more than 500,000 following an overwhelming response from the local community. The Walsh family of Killeagh, near Midleton, were devastated in April 2023 after a fire reduced their family home to ruins. Just over a week later, the family was struck by a second hammer blow, when father-of-five Brendan passed away tragically. The following months saw both the locality and the wider GAA community rally around the family in spectacular fashion. After the establishment of a GoFundMe, which made clear the esteem in which the Walsh family is held within the locality, more than 7,000 donors stepped forward to help contribute towards a fund aimed at rebuilding the family home. It was a double tragedy for the Walshes losing their home and their dad within 10 days. But from a community point of view the response was just overwhelming, Denis OSullivan, vice chair of Killeagh GAA Club, for whom Brendan played with distinction and which organised the fundraiser, says. Denis notes that the GAA is supposed to be the biggest network in the world. So we sent the GoFundMe to every county board in the county. That saw it go to every county board in Ireland, and thus on to every club secretary, and then to every member. So youre hitting a huge proportion of the population. But so many others contributed also, he says. The Walsh familys misfortune was one of two tragedies to strike the local GAA community in just 12 months, with young player Rory Motherway (pictured) suffering life-changing spinal injuries in a car crash in May 2024. The Walsh familys misfortune was one of two tragedies to strike the local GAA community in just 12 months, with young player Rory Motherway suffering life-changing spinal injuries in a car crash in May 2024. That tragedy also led to a GoFundMe fundraiser, one which saw an additional 250,000 sourced from kindhearted donors. Within a very short time wed raised a quarter of a million to refit the family home to get Rory home, Denis OSullivan says. Killeagh has a population of 500 people. To raise 750,000 in 12 months from such a small community is phenomenal I think. He says that the tragedies which befell Killeagh, and the response locally and across Ireland in both cases, showcases the much-maligned world of social media at its very best. There is no way any organisation would have been able to raise those funds if it didnt have those media tools available to it. Everyone was sharing the link, Denis says. Both the Walsh and Motherway GoFundMes have now shut. Construction work on the rebuild of the Walshs home has begun within the last few weeks, meanwhile, with Denis OSullivan acting as intermediary between the GAA club and the family in terms of disbursing the funds raised. The rebuild has been a learning process for all concerned, as you have to go for planning all over again, he says. You have to go for demolition first, and then for a brand new application. We hope the funds will be sufficient, the costs of building have obviously increased dramatically in recent years, but not only did we receive contributions of money, but also there were pledges from companies in terms of the materials needed. So hopefully we will get there, he says. A Garda has been hospitalised after he was injured during a raid on a house in an operation targeting illegal drugs in the north side of Cork city. The garda was injured when pursuing a suspect to arrest him. One man, aged in his 40s, was arrested and detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. Drugs and cash were seized by gardai during a subsequent search of a residence. The raid in the northside of Cork City on Saturday was part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of illegal drugs in Cork by gardai in Cork city, assisted by the Divisional Drugs Unit. The injured garda was transferred to Cork University Hospital for treatment for a non-life-threatening injury. He remains off duty at this time. The injured garda may have fallen while pursuing the suspect, it is understood. He may have suffered a broken kneecap in the incident, Paul Byrne Media reports. Investigations are ongoing. Garda welfare services have been put in place for the injured Garda member and his colleagues, gardai confirmed. The drugs raid came after two men were found dead from suspected overdoses in Cork city on Friday. One of the men, aged in his 20s, was found dead in a toilet in Fitzgerald's Park. The other man, in his early 30s, was found dead in an alley on Kyrl's Quay, just yards from the busy North Gate Bridge. There were concerns that the deaths could be the result of a contaminated or extra-strong batch of drugs. The incoming government is to shelve the existing Occupied Territories Bill and instead draft new laws to ban imports of goods from the occupied West Bank. The new Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independent coalition is set to introduce their own legislation on the occupied territories, rather than using the existing draft bill. Speaking at the special Fianna Fail Ard Fheis in Dublin, incoming Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that work on drafting amendments to the Occupied Territories Bill has been complete. Virtually every section of that bill [Occupied Territories Bill] will have to be amended, Mr Martin said. So the issue is whether we have a new bill, which I think well probably move towards a new bill in respect of imports into Ireland from the occupied territories, because I think it needs a full debate in the Dail at second stage. Mr Martin rejected any assertion that a new bill would be watered down, saying that there is widespread acknowledgment that the current Occupied Territories Bill is unconstitutional and, in some areas, deficient. The Fianna Fail leader welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza, saying that it has been long overdue. The collective punishment of the people of Gaza was unacceptable. Ireland took a strong leadership position, particularly in terms of humanitarian context, Mr Martin said. He said that the conduct of modern warfare is reprehensible and that it is being seen in other countries such as Sudan, where he added that it is not receiving enough attention. On the Occupied Territories Bill, the draft programme for government commits to progress legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories, which was agreed in the wake of the International Court of Justices (ICJ) advisory opinion. The ICJ ruling set out that the ongoing Israeli occupation of both the Gaza strip and the West Bank is unlawful. After more than a year of devastating war, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin on Sunday, pausing the 15-month conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in Gaza. The deal is the most significant breakthrough in the war, but its implementation is complex and fragile. It requires co-operation between Palestinian militant groups, the International Red Cross, the Israeli military, mediators from multiple countries and an Israeli government whose coalition is starting to fray as hardline ministers express their disapproval. The pause has lifted spirits in Gaza, where 90% of the population has been displaced by Israels punishing ground and air bombardments, and vast swathes of the territory reduced to rubble. In Israel, families are desperate to embrace relatives Hamas took captive in the October 7 2023 cross-border attack that triggered the war. Israel says 98 hostages are still being held in Gaza, but little is known about their conditions, including if they are even still alive. Demonstrators hold portraits of hostages as a video featuring Ariel Bibas, who, along with his parents Shiri and Yarden Bibas, and his brother Kfir, is still being held hostage in Gaza, plays behind them during a protest in Tel Aviv (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) What will happen on Sunday? The ceasefire goes into effect at 8.30am local time (6.30am GMT). According to the plan, three living female hostages are to be released after 4pm (2pm GMT). Soon afterwards, 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 had still 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 at 10am 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 desperately needed 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 January 25. Hamas is supposed to release four living female hostages. In exchange, Israel will release between 30-50 Palestinian detainees 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 worked out, according to an Israeli military official who spoke on condition of anonymity under military guidelines. Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) In each exchange, prisoners will be released only after the hostages have arrived safely in Israel. All Palestinian prisoners 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. Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty said on Saturday that Egypt hopes to facilitate more than 600 trucks of aid a day going into Gaza, almost three times the amount of peak levels during the war. The most important thing now, in addition to the sustainability of the ceasefire, is to fix the disastrous humanitarian situation inside the Gaza Strip, he said. 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 Palestinians 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, and elderly and sick hostages. The prisoners and detainees that Israel will release include more than 700 Palestinian prisoners from the Israel-occupied West Bank and Jerusalem whom Israel accuses of being involved in militant activity, as well as almost 1,200 Palestinians from Gaza who are held in Israeli detention. As the ceasefire progresses, three hostages will be freed each week in exchange for prisoners and detainees. By the end of the sixth week, all the remaining hostages on the initial list of 33 hostages will be released. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, centre, with his security Cabinet (Koby Gideon/Israeli Government Press Office via AP) What happens after that? 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 will not agree to a complete withdrawal until Hamass 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, hoping to persuade his far-right allies to remain in his wobbly governing coalition despite their opposition to a ceasefire, has offered the public no guarantees that Israel will make it to Phase 2. That leaves many families of hostages afraid that loved ones still in Gaza will be left behind. We must protect our ability to return to fighting if we need, Mr Netanyahu said late on Saturday. Supporters of South Koreas impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol have been detained by police after protesting his formal arrest over the brief imposition of martial law. Mr Yoons arrest was confirmed by the Seoul Western District on Saturday after he was apprehended at his presidential compound in the capital. The courts decision triggered unrest with dozens of his supporters breaking, 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. Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, sits in a car as he heads to a detention centre in Uiwang (Kim Sung-min/Yonhap/AP) 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. 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. Mr Yoon faces possible imprisonment over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month. Following eight hours of deliberation, the court granted law enforcements request for an arrest warrant, saying Mr Yoon was a threat to destroy evidence. The president and his lawyers argued for his release. Mr Yoon, who has been in detention since he was apprehended on Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at his residential compound, faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on December 3, which set off the countrys most serious political crisis since its democratisation in the late 1980s. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and the military, can extend his detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment. Mr Yoons lawyers could also file a petition to challenge the courts arrest warrant. Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gather outside the Seoul Western District Court (Seo Dae-yeon/Yonhap/AP) Mr 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 Mr Yoons arrest. The presidents lawyers said he spoke for about 40 minutes to the judge during the nearly five-hour closed-door hearing. His legal team and anti-corruption agencies presented opposing arguments about whether he should be held in custody. Mr Yoons defence minister, police chief and several top military commanders have already been arrested and indicted for their roles in the enforcement of martial law. 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 the presidents claim that his martial law decree was a legitimate act of governance. A blue van carrying impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at Seoul Western District Court (Kim Hong-ji/Pool Photo/AP) He pointed to the chaos at the Seoul Western Court and said Mr Yoons arrest would inspire more anger from his supporters. Mr 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 December 14, said his arrest would be a cornerstone for restoring the collapsed constitutional order. Supreme Court justice Cheon Dae-yeop, who heads the National Court Administration, said the rioters displayed a denial and challenge to the rule of law and promised swift measures. The countrys acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, did not immediately comment on Mr Yoons arrest or the riot. Mr 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. He says troops sent to the National Election Commission offices were to investigate election fraud allegations, which remain unsubstantiated in South Korea. SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's top court on Sunday denounced the violence of supporters for the arrested President Yoon Suk-yeol as a grave "challenge to rule of law." Chun Dae-yup, the national court administration chief under the direction of the Supreme Court, said in a statement that the top court expresses serious concern and strong regret over the intrusion of some protesters into the Seoul Western District Court. Chun stressed that it was "the general denial of and the grave challenge to rule of law," which should never happen and be tolerated, adding that it should be followed by doing thorough fact-checking and holding violators strictly accountable. The Seoul court granted a warrant early Sunday to detain Yoon for up to 20 days after he was arrested in the presidential residence on Wednesday over his martial law imposition. Following the decision, some of the enraged supporters of Yoon stormed the court building by climbing over walls and breaking windows. They vandalized facilities inside the court, threw trash and other objects, and threatened police officers. The number of violators who were apprehended at the scene was 86, according to multiple media outlets. The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2024, and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's presidential power is suspended. Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on an insurrection charge, declared martial law on the night of Dec. 3, 2024, but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later. 20,000 Reward Offered for Information on Three Abandoned Siblings in London A 20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to identifying the parents of three siblings who were found abandoned in London over eight years ago, coinciding with the first anniversary of the third childs discovery. The Metropolitan Police stated that, despite the review of more than 450 hours of CCTV footage, the parents of the three childrenidentified as Elsa, Roman, and Harryremain unknown. However, it is believed that their mother has been living in an area of east London for the past six years. Elsa was thought to be less than an hour old when she was discovered by a dog walker on 18 January last year, abandoned at the junction of Greenway and High Street South in East Ham, east London. Subsequently, it was revealed that Elsa has two siblings who were also abandoned under similar circumstances in the same area of London, in 2017 and 2019. Detective Inspector Jamie Humm from the Mets child abuse investigation team stated: We have undertaken extensive inquiries over the past year to locate Elsas parents. This has included reviewing over 450 hours of CCTV footage and completing a full DNA profile of the mother. We have collaborated with broader specialists who believe that the mother, and possibly the father, have been residing in the Plaistow or East Ham area over the last six years. We are seriously concerned for the wellbeing of the parents, particularly the mother, and we continue to work closely with Newham Council while also appealing to the public for any information. I believe that someone in the area may have been aware of the mothers pregnancies, and there may have been concerns for her welfare within the community. I share these concerns with you; if you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please reach out to us. Thanks to the DNA work from our forensic colleagues, police can quickly and accurately eliminate any unrelated individuals, so I urge you to contact us with confidence. I also appeal to professionals in fields such as health, care, education, or the charitable sector to reflect on whether they may have interacted with the mother without realizing it at the time. The three babies involved in this investigation are thankfully healthy and well, and we are maintaining momentum in our efforts to identify the parents. Elsa was found wrapped in a towel inside a reusable shopping bag, which police have also released a new image of, and was kept warm by the dog walker. She was unharmed. At the time, police indicated that it was highly likely she was born after a concealed pregnancy. Officers reported that a woman was seen entering the Greenway from the High Street South entrance at approximately 8:45 PM on 18 January, wearing a large dark coat with a light-colored scarf or hood around her neck and carrying a rucksack. The BBC noted that, during an initial court hearing, East London Family Court was informed that it took medical staff three hours to record Elsas temperature due to the cold weather, with the Met Office indicating that temperatures plummeted to as low as -4C that night. Hospital staff gave her the name Elsa, drawing reference from the character in the film Frozen. In June, Judge Carol Atkinson permitted reporting on the fact that Elsa has two siblings found under similar circumstances in the same London area. In September 2017, Harry was discovered wrapped in a white blanket on Balaam Street, Plaistow. Roman was similarly found in a playground off Roman Road, Newham, in late January 2019, as the city was gripped by freezing temperatures and snow. Harry and Romannames not used in real lifehave since been adopted, and the court was informed that Elsa is doing very well. Judge Atkinson ruled that restrictions should be lifted to allow reporting on the relationship between the children, emphasizing the need for openness of justice. The police investigation into the identities of the childrens parents is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police at 101 or reach out via @MetCC referencing Operation Wolcott. Individuals can also reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at any time by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting Crimestoppers-uk.org. The reward is only applicable for information provided directly to Crimestoppers, not to the police, and a reward code must be requested. Anyone contacting Crimestoppers online should use the keeping in contact feature and ask for a reward code. A ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is scheduled to take effect later this morning, with a hostage release expected to follow a few hours later, potentially paving the way for an end to a 15-month conflict that has disrupted the Middle East. This agreement came after months of intermittent negotiations facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, coinciding with the upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. The ceasefire, which is structured in three phases, will officially commence at 6:30 AM Irish time today. Israels military has advised Gaza residents to refrain from approaching its troops or moving around the Palestinian territory until the ceasefire is in place, stating that a statement and instructions will be issued on safe transit methods once movement is permitted. The upcoming hostage release includes 737 male, female, and teenage prisoners, some of whom are affiliated with militant groups and have been convicted of attacks that resulted in numerous Israeli casualties, along with hundreds of Palestinians from Gaza who have been detained since the conflict began. Three female hostages are anticipated to be released this afternoon via the Red Cross, in exchange for 30 prisoners. Trucks filled with humanitarian aid are stationed on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza. Following the release of the hostages, lead US negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the agreement also stipulates the release of four additional female hostages after seven days, with three more hostages to be freed every subsequent week. President Joe Bidens administration collaborated closely with Mr. Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to finalize the deal. As Mr. Trumps inauguration neared, he reiterated his demand for a swift resolution, issuing warnings that there would be hell to pay if the hostages were not released. What follows in post-war Gaza remains uncertain, particularly without a comprehensive plan addressing the future of the enclave, which will necessitate significant financial investment and years of reconstruction. Despite the stated objective of the ceasefire to fully conclude the war, it is fragile and open to collapse. Hamas, which has governed Gaza for nearly two decades, has endured significant losses, including its top leadership and thousands of fighters. Israel has committed to preventing Hamas from re-establishing power and has cleared large sections of land within Gaza, a move believed to be aimed at creating a buffer zone allowing its military to operate freely against perceived threats. Read more: Netanyahu: Israel retains right to resume war if necessary In Israel, the return of hostages may alleviate some public discontent directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition following the security breakdown on October 7, which resulted in the deadliest day in the nations history. However, hardline members of his administration have already threatened to resign if military action against Hamas is not reinstated, placing Mr. Netanyahu in a precarious position between the USs wish for an end to the conflict and his far-right political partners in Israel. If hostilities resume, many hostages may be left in Gaza. The war has reverberated throughout the region, igniting conflict with the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah and marking a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran for the first time. More than a year post-conflict, the dynamics of the Middle East have shifted significantly. Iran, which invested billions in establishing a network of militant allies surrounding Israel, has witnessed its Axis of Resistance crumble and was unable to inflict more than superficial damage on Israel during two major missile strikes. Hezbollah, previously viewed as Israels greatest threat due to its extensive missile stockpile, has suffered significant losses, including the deaths of top leaders and destruction of most of its military capacity. In the aftermath, the long-standing Assad regime in Syria has been destabilized, removing another key Iranian ally and leaving Israels military largely unchallenged in the region. Nevertheless, diplomatically, Israel faces backlash and isolation due to the devastation and casualties in Gaza. Mr. Netanyahu is currently faced with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over allegations of war crimes, along with separate genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice. Israel has reacted with indignation to these cases, denouncing the allegations as politically motivated and accusing South Africaoriginator of the ICJ caseand the countries supporting it of antisemitism. The conflict was ignited by Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken, according to Israeli estimates. Over 400 Israeli soldiers have since died in combat in Gaza. Israels extensive campaign in Gaza has reportedly resulted in nearly 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians, leaving the narrow coastal enclave in ruins. Health officials claim that most casualties are civilians, while Israel contends that over a third are militants. Lyle and Erik Menendez, currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murder of their parents, have had their resentencing hearing postponed due to the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires. Prosecutors and defense attorneys convened with LA Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic, resulting in a new hearing date set for March 20-21. The continuance is due to the effects of recent wildfires on the extensive preparations for the hearings, announced LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who has recently taken over from George Gascon. The hearing was initially slated for January 30-31. The Menendez brothers have never contested that they were responsible for the fatal shots that resulted in the deaths of their parents, Jose and Mary Louise Kitty Menendez, on August 20, 1989, in their Beverly Hills residence. Nonetheless, they have consistently maintained that their actions were a form of self-defense, stemming from physical and sexual abuse inflicted by their father. After a documentary series aired, then-District Attorney Gascon announced his recommendation for the brothers resentencing, which has garnered support from a majority of their family members and public figures like Kim Kardashian. Resentencing could potentially lead to the brothers immediate release from prison, but it requires judicial approval. During the previous court hearing, family members expressed heartfelt pleas in favor of the brothers release. Joan Vander Molen, Kitty Menendezs sister, told the court that no child should have to suffer what the brothers experienced 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 eldest sister of Jose Menendez, stated, Thirty-five years is a long time; I believe it is time for them to go home. The brothers were convicted and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in 1996 and are currently incarcerated at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. This followed an initial mistrial, where the jury was deadlocked; prosecutors argued that there was no evidence of abuse and that the brothers murdered their parents to gain access to the family fortune. Mr. Gascon later backed the brothers clemency request to California Governor Gavin Newsom, noting that all family members, except for Milton Andersenthe brother of Kitty Menendezsupported the petition. by Aziz Mustafa ( Middle East Monitor ) The report by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics at the beginning of the new year, 2025, regarding the reverse immigration of Jews was like fuel poured on the fire of political conflicts in Israel, because the bleak number appearing in the headlines of the Israeli media represented the balance of reverse immigration of Jews outside the Occupation state. 82,000 were removed from the population figure, which was bad news for its political and security circles. This shocking statistic immediately turned into a new political debate among Israelis, added to their series of endless debates, especially since the available data indicated that this immigration was concentrated on professionals, doctors and technicians due to their despair over the conditions of the state. While right-wing supporters have exploited these shocking figures to criticise those who are migrating from the state, opponents of the government have used them to attack it. Between the two sides, the phenomenon of reverse migration has turned into another battlefront added to the seven-front war fought by the Occupying state, and evidence that life in it has become unbearable. While Israelis appear in a hurry to disagree and differ about the accuracy of these figures, and to put the blame on each other, it is impossible to understand what is causing the sharp jump in this reverse migration, given the assertions of the Israelis who are migrating outside the state that they have lost hope in it. At the same time, this data confirms that experts in the fields of technology, economics, medicine and culture are the main examples of those migrating from the state, because they are no longer able to find a place for themselves in a state that promotes laws limiting their personal freedom, stifle creativity and suppress their private property. It is worth noting that reverse migration of Jews began during the time of the protests that took place against the legal coup, with the Gaza war giving many of them the sense that it was time to leave. Moreover, the unfair economic policy of the right-wing government, the Haredis opposition to compulsory military service, the threats against academic institutions, the attacks on the Supreme Court, the ongoing war in Gaza and the failure to return the kidnapped soldiers, have all restored the fears of Israelis, their lack of confidence in their state, and their fear that they will face more trouble and will not be able to return to it in the future. Along with the media outlets that have reported the data on reverse Jewish immigration, in recent months, Israeli research centres have noticeably focused on the growing trend of educated young Jews leaving the country, which could harm its economy and social structure. Their motivation behind leaving includes political instability, the economic situation, the cost of living, social tensions and fears of a legal coup. Exodus, Digital, ChatGPT, 2024 What truly worries Israel is the age of these immigrants, as 48 per cent of them are between 20 and 45 years old, and 27 per cent are children and adolescents. The vast majority are under 45 years old and are looking for a better quality of life, due to the deteriorating economic situation, the increasing cost of living and the difficulty of obtaining housing and employment, with a greater degree of inability to access good public services. There is a prevalent belief among Israelis that the repercussions of this reverse migration on Israel will be major, while the right-wing government is content with attacking the phenomenon through populist posts on the Internet, without in-depth analysis, and without providing practical solutions. This is because, in practice, these immigrants have a decreased sense of belonging to the state and its culture, and their connection to it has declined, due to the shock of war, the loss of confidence in the leadership and the economic crisis. The increasing number of Israelis who are reverse migrating from the Occupying state nowadays coincides with the wave of anti-Occupation sentiments and hatred that is raging in the world due to its crimes against the Palestinian people. Given the political and social division that the country is witnessing, the immediate result of this phenomenon is the radical step towards immigrants being separated from the country, family, friends and immediate surroundings and, in some cases, there is no way back. In conclusion, the phenomenon of Jews reverse migration from Israel signifies a moral failure of the state, and an explicit declaration of its failure to strengthen the connection of Jews coming from all over the world to an Occupied land that is not their land. This is an expected result of the deepening social division in recent years, the prevalence of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric among them and the states permission allowing extremist fascist forces to drag the rest of the Israelis into dangerous internal conflicts that may destroy what remains of the states immunity. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment. Middle East Monitor JERUSALEM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday evening that "if we have to return to war, we will do so in new ways and with great force." In a video statement on the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, set to take effect Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), Netanyahu noted that both outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and incoming President Donald Trump have given full backing to Israel's right to return to fighting if negotiations on the second phase of the agreement are "futile." Netanyahu noted that in a conversation with him on Wednesday evening, Trump emphasized that the first phase of the agreement is a temporary ceasefire. Netanyahu stated that Israel will maintain the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza borders, adding, "Not only will we not reduce the forces there, we will even increase them a little." He noted that Israeli forces will be deployed inside the Gaza Strip and will close it off from all sides. "We will not allow weapons to be smuggled in, nor allow our hostages to be smuggled out," Netanyahu said. He added that most of the 33 Israeli hostages, who are due to be released starting Sunday in the first phase of the agreement, are alive. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The British Parliament has the longest history of any parliament, since it was the first, so it has had time to make a lot of mistakes. On the other hand, it is generally far less an embarrassment than the U.S. Congress. This principle was demonstrated on Friday when the International Development Committee (do we even have one of those?) issued a Report on the situation in Israel and Palestine. The committee is not a court, and noted its lack of ability to render a legal verdict, but said: In line with a growing list of experts, we believe that there is a plausible risk that Israels military campaign in Gaza may have included grave violations of international humanitarian law, which has given rise to accusations of genocide. They add, this Report also calls on the Government to set out further details and a timeline for the recognition of a Palestinian state a statement of intent to match the rhetoric of this and previous Governments. This recognition, alongside safety and security for Israel, are necessary for a sustainable and long-lasting peace. Although there are individual congressmen who might say such a sensible thing, I cant imagine a whole committee of our US House of Representatives coming up with such language. The Committee is entirely correct. As I pointed out in my book, Gaza Yet Stands, the statelessness of the Palestinians is a constant obstacle to their well-being. Stateless people dont have the right to have rights. You can make a treaty with them, like the 1993 Oslo Accords, which Israel signed off on, and then just entirely renege on it. What are they going to do? Sue? That Palestinians have no citizenship in a state also means that there is no real reason for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire deal his cabinet approved just before midnight on Friday. Apparently incoming president Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff flew to Israel last weekend and read Netanyahu the riot act. Netanyahu blew off and humiliated Joe Biden for over 15 months, but he folded after some choice expletives from Witkoff. Photo by @nomundodejr Jr.: https://www.pexels.com/photo/thames-river-panorama-with-big-ben-and-westminster-bridge-london-england-17487791/ Im not sure why, but Trump appears to have felt that it was important for his image that the Gaza War wind down before his inauguration, and Netanyahu decided not to cross him, even though the Israeli cabinet did not want this deal and Netanyahu did not want the deal. The members of the far, far right Jewish Power bloc, the Israel equivalent of Neo-Nazis, resigned in protest, including Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. The problem is that the long 3-stage peace process in Gaza will only succeed if both Hamas and the Israeli government abide by it. And we cant be sure that Trump or Witkoff will keep the pressure on. Moreover, when they speak about Palestine, many US congressmen and senators appear to have a nervous breakdown and they start shouting AIPAC slogans and denigrating and dehumanizing Palestinians, so you cant expect this Congress to play a positive role in upholding the peace process. If Washington loses interest or turns even more malicious than usual, and given that the Palestinians are stateless and without any power or leverage, then Netanyahu can restart his extermination of the Palestinians of Gaza at any time. The UK parliamentary committee continued, We call on the Government to treat the removal of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank, through co-ordinated destruction of property and settler violence, as forcible transfer, which is illegal under international law, rather than simply displacement. Finally, we restate our view that it is imperative that UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East be permitted to carry on its UN-mandated role across the Occupied Palestinian Territory unimpeded, in the light of laws passed recently by the Israeli Knesset that will effectively ban UNRWA from the region. Beyond Gaza, the committee is worried about the Israeli expulsion of Palestinians from Occupied Territories, including the Palestinian West Bank, and urges the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognize these actions as severe violations of international law. [They violate the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.] Member of Parliament for the Labour Party Sarah Champion heads the committee, and has a long record of speaking out about Palestine and of visiting there. The death toll from attacks by ELN rebels in Colombia has risen to 60 in the country's Catatumbo region near the border with Venezuela, the Ombudsman's Office reported Saturday. Rival groups have for years been fighting in the region over control of the cocaine trade. The latest fighting pitted rebels from the left-wing National Liberation Army (ELN) -- the biggest of the armed groups still active in Colombia -- against FARC dissidents, who signed a peace deal with the state in 2016 after more than 50 years of war. "Around 60 people have died violently" in several municipalities across Catatumbo, Colombia's Ombudsman Office said Saturday night on social media platform X. The office had previously reported 40 dead. President Gustavo Petro had paused already-sputtering peace negotiations with the ELN on Friday during the fresh wave of unrest. The country'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. Accusing the ELN of committing "war crimes," Petro said on X "that is why we are suspending dialogue with this group, because the ELN shows no willingness to make peace." On Saturday, the government announced it had reinforced its military offensive in the Catatumbo area. "At this moment, there is a very critical situation in this region of the country," army commander General Luis Emilio Cardozo told deployed troops. The offensive broke a truce between the two guerrilla groups -- ELN and dissidents of FARC -- who until then were conducting parallel peace negotiations with Petro's government. There was a "break" of the alliance which "has generated a very significant impact on the civilian population," the general said, according to a video released by the army on X. "They have taken people from their homes and murdered them in a miserable way, violating all human rights of the people. It is up to us as the national Army to stabilize the territory," Cardozo said. More than 2,500 people had fled to the town of Tibu, it mayor, Richar Claro, said Saturday. The thousands-strong ELN is one of the biggest armed groups still active in Colombia. While claiming to be driven by leftist and nationalist ideology, the group is deeply involved in the drug trade and has become one of the region's most powerful organized crime groups. bur-dhc/cwl X Russia on Sunday said it had opened a criminal investigation into allegations that Ukrainian troops killed civilians in a Russian village that had been seized by Kyiv's army. Ukraine has taken dozens of border settlements under its control in the western Russian Kursk region since launching a surprise offensive there last August, and says around 2,000 civilians still live in areas under its occupation. Russia has slowly been pushing Ukraine back and has retaken a number of villages. Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, on Sunday alleged Ukrainian troops "committed the murder of at least seven civilians, who were sheltering in the basement of a residential house" in the village of Russkoe Porechnoye, some 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the border. Several Russian state media outlets had overnight published video, supplied by the army, that they said showed Russian troops discovering several dead bodies in a dark basement. AFP could not immediately verify the claims or the video, which showed troops in a dark room moving blankets and clothes off the bodies and faces of what they said were dead civilians. There has been no official response from Ukraine. In a statement, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of the "cannibalistic massacre of civilians". Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of having killed and targeted civilians throughout the three-year conflict. Russian forces are accused of having murdered hundreds of civilians in the Ukrainian town of Bucha, during a month-long occupation at the start of the conflict. AFP reporters were among the international journalists to witness and photograph the bodies of killed Ukrainian civilians, including some with their hands tied, in the town. The pictures and first-hand accounts from the town triggered outrage in the West and widespread condemnation of alleged Russian "war crimes". Moscow has rejected committing atrocities in Bucha and accused Kyiv of staging the images -- a claim which has been debunked by several independent fact-checking organisations and media outlets, including AFP. Russia's army said it retook Russkoe Porechnoye from Ukrainian control last week. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form DAMASCUS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their home country since December last year, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said Saturday. As of Jan. 16, about 195,200 Syrians have returned home since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's government on Dec. 8, 2024, according to figures posted by Grandi on social media platform X. He also announced plans to visit Syria and neighboring countries soon to strengthen the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, for returnees and host communities, though the timeline remains unspecified. Meanwhile, according to the post, the UNHCR estimates more than 550,000 Syrians returned to their home country in 2024, with the northern Aleppo governorate receiving the largest share -- about 23 percent of the returnees. While many Syrian refugees have shown interest in returning, a UNHCR report released on Friday noted mixed sentiments, as some refugees remain cautious. Many of them have emphasized the need for financial and logistical assistance to be able to return and rebuild their lives and homes inside Syria. In response, the UNHCR and its partner organizations advance an inter-agency plan to facilitate refugee returns, according to the report. The agency also underscored the importance of sustained funding and protection programs for both refugees and host communities. Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta for urging young Kenyans, commonly referred to as Gen Z, to wake up from slumber and fight for their rights. Speaking during an event on Saturday, January 18, 2025, Duale criticized Uhurus remarks, describing them as incitement against President William Rutos government. According to the CS, Uhurus remarks were reckless and may promote unrest in the country. He advised the former president and other political leaders in the country to lead by example for the youth. It is very unfortunate if we the leaders, current and former, set the stage where we tell the young people of our nation to commit acts of violence and disobedience. "I think by doing so, we lose the moral high ground, Duale said. Duales remarks emerged after Uhuru while attending the burial of his relative on Friday, January 17, 2025, asked Gen Zs to stand up and fight for their rights. Gen Zs are the story of the future. Fight for your rights. Fight to ensure you are getting what is rightfully yours, Uhuru said. Dont stand and watch as your wealth is taken from you. Everything is worth fighting for. If you do not fight for it, dont cry if it is taken away, he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 The ongoing abductions in the country have got former Prime Minister Raila Odinga pretty worked up. This is after he criticized President William Ruto and his government for failing to tame the abductions. In a new twist of events since the formation of the broad-based government, Raila challenged Rutos government to be truthful with Kenyans over the ongoing abductions. Speaking during the burial of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson Roseline Adhiambo Odede, Raila demanded an end to the cases of abductions as Ruto had promised, failure to which things will never be the same again. At the same time, the former PM called for the compensation of kidnapped victims. "I said before closing the year that abductions must come to an end. If Ruto said it would end, then it should end. We should stop arresting these children," Raila ascertained. He went on to question why no one had been arrested in connection to the abductions. While poking holes into the Police IG, Douglas Kanja, Raila questioned why Kanja had denied knowledge of who is behind the abductions yet during the disappearances abductees are handcuffed. "Handcuffs are not items that can just be bought from the shop. It is only the police with them. Who are those with handcuffs?" Raila questioned. Raila went on to call out leaders for lying to Kenyans. According to Raila, a country cannot be built on lies but on integrity. Raila assured Kenyans that despite his AUC bid, he has not changed and he will continue to fight for Kenya's rights. "Even if I am going to Addis Ababa, no one is taking me there. It is not that I have changed. We must speak on these issues," Raila assured. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 In a surprising turn of events, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga found himself in unfamiliar territory after ODM generals accused him of being President William Rutos sycophant. While speaking during the burial of former Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chair Roseline Odede, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Siaya Governor James Orengo hit out at Raila and a section of ODM leaders, accusing them of being tone-deaf to the needs of Kenyans in the wake of closing ranks with Ruto. The two leaders reprimanded members of ODM for being sycophants, urging them to call out Ruto on injustices that are going on in the country. Sifuna, on his part, emphasised the need for the leaders of the Orange Party to remember their responsibility to Kenyans despite their increased access to power. Despite Railas instructions, Sifuna intimated that some leaders within the popular political outfit were out to undermine his efforts to uphold the issued guidelines. Sifunas comments were echoed by senior ODM figurehead James Orengo, who warned against too much sycophancy. We (ODM) have an identity. If you lose that identity for easy victories, we are going to pay for it in the future. If you must make compromises, you must make compromises on matters of principle. Do not be part of praise and worship. When there is too much sycophancy, people lose sight of their fundamentals, Orengo affirmed. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua came out guns blazing after former Mungiki Leader Maina Njenga stormed the prayer event organized by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and disrupted it. Dorcas was hosting a prayer event in Nyeri yesterday when Maina Njenga, accompanied by youths, stormed in and disrupted the event, forcing Dorcas to vacate the event using the back exit. She was in the company of Nyeri Deputy Governor David Wairui when they hurriedly exited. The prayer event was happening at the Kamukunji Grounds in Nyeri, where Dorcas was scheduled to evangelize. While the attendants were singing songs of praise with Dorcas in the VIP tent, Maina Njenga, accompanied by youths, stormed in. Reacting to the disruption, Gachagua accused President William Ruto and his government of orchestrating the whole fracas. According to former DP, Rutos government sent Njenga to frustrate his wife. He accused the government of unleashing criminal gangs to disrupt a peaceful prayer meeting. "Unleashing the leader of an outlawed criminal gang and his goons to disrupt peaceful prayers and desecrate the altar is the lowest any Government can go no matter the level of desperation," Gachagua said in a tweet. Immediately after Dorcas exited, Njenga went to the tent where she was seated and took her place. This was the third time Njenga was in Nyeri within the last three weeks. Gachagua and Njenga have always been at odds, with pundits suggesting that Njenga is being used by the government to undermine Gachagua's prominence in the Mt. Kenya region. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Sunday Nation reports that controversial UDA Senator Karen Nyamu was involved in an altercation at a high-security facility during a meeting attended by a prominent politician. Go and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and get the best videos around the country, go HERE>>> Sunday, January 19, 2025 - A senior member of the dreaded Mungiki sect was captured on camera accompanying Maina Njenga to Kamukunji grounds in Nyeri, where they disrupted a prayer meeting presided over by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas wife, Pastor Dorcas. Reports indicate that the man in the trending photo is the leader of the Mungiki sect in Kiambu. He reportedly organized goons to attack Gachagua during a burial in Limuru. Gachagua skipped the prayer event in Nyeri after he got wind of a plan to attack him. See his photo below. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas wife Dorcas has called out the nation's struggles, stating that the country is not faring well. Speaking at a prayer event in the Kamukunji area of Nyeri County on Saturday, Dorcas said she cannot claim the country is doing well when it is not. To encourage local residents to pray for the country, Gachagua's spouse said that God is seeking individuals who will stand up for the nation and correct its wrongs. "We cannot sit as Kenyans and lie to ourselves and say the country is doing well. It is not doing well. "We have so much wickedness in the country. God is looking for those who can be able to correct an error," Dorcas said. Shortly after her remarks, the prayer event was disrupted by Mungiki adherents led by Maina Njenga who stormed the gathering, forcing the former deputy president's wife to flee for safety. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Molo Member of Parliament Kimani Kuria has issued a statement after an influential youth leader from his constituent was killed by unknown people at night. Read. Dear constituents, this morning we woke up to the sad news of the death of a youth leader, trailblazer, and community mobilizer, Richard Raymond. Unconfirmed reports reveal that Raymond, met his untimely death under mysterious circumstances last night and his body was discovered outside the gate to his rented apartment. Although the circumstances surrounding this murder most foul have not yet been established, it is believed that Raymond was headed home when unknown assailants accosted and attacked him, inflicting serious injuries on him, leading to his death. I have known Raymond throughout my political career and he has been a true champion on issues affecting the youth, women, and less privileged in the society. His contributions to the sociopolitical welfare of the community living within the larger Molo Constituency and Nakuru County by extension, have been profound and have impacted many lives. Unfortunately, the cruel hand of death has robbed us of one of Molos true sons whose bravery, steadfastness, and courage even in times of adversity shall be missed by all those whose lives he touched in one way or another. In this regard, I have been in contact with the Rift Valley Regional Criminal Investigations Officer, the Nakuru County, and Molo security teams and demanded expeditious investigations into this matter. I therefore urge all of us to remain calm and give our investigative bodies time to conduct their investigations and bring the perpetrators to book. I will be issuing a further update as and when we receive more details and shall be following up on this matter until its logical conclusion. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 The newly sworn-in Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged all Kenyans to rally behind President William Ruto and his government for the sake of development of the country. In a statement, Kagwe observed that Kenya was limping and, therefore, everyone's efforts were needed to get the country back on track. He called on the citizenry to shelve their political differences and support Ruto in his quest to transform the country. The CS said he would use his new capacity to contribute to the country's building. "As I humbly take up office, I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead. "This is an opportunity to also turn those challenges into opportunities. "I shall, at all times, serve with diligence and integrity in observance of the constitution and in the best interests of the people of Kenya. "I urge all of us to put our differences aside and come together to work, heal, and rebuild our nation, for that is what true leadership is. This is a New Era, a New Dawn," he said. During his swearing-in at State House on Friday, Ruto expressed his admiration for Kagwe during his vetting by Parliament. The president praised Kagwe for his articulate responses to questions from Members of Parliament. The Head of State commended Kagwes deep understanding of the governments vision for the ministry and expressed confidence in his leadership, stating that he would rely on him to steer the ministry forward. Kagwe took over from Andrew Karanja, who has already been gazetted as Kenya's ambassador to Brazil. The Kenyan DAILY POST. A staff member works at the cashmere yarn production workshop of a cashmere products manufacturer in Qinghe County, Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Cashmere products manufacturers in Qinghe County are busy with production for orders before the upcoming Spring Festival holidays. Qinghe County is a renowned cashmere raw material processing and distribution center, cashmere spinning base and an important production and marketing base of cashmere products in China. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A staff member works at the cashmere yarn production workshop of a cashmere products manufacturer in Qinghe County, Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Cashmere products manufacturers in Qinghe County are busy with production for orders before the upcoming Spring Festival holidays. Qinghe County is a renowned cashmere raw material processing and distribution center, cashmere spinning base and an important production and marketing base of cashmere products in China. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A staff member arranges cashmere clothes at the exhibition hall of a cashmere products manufacturer in Qinghe County, Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Cashmere products manufacturers in Qinghe County are busy with production for orders before the upcoming Spring Festival holidays. Qinghe County is a renowned cashmere raw material processing and distribution center, cashmere spinning base and an important production and marketing base of cashmere products in China. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A staff member sells cashmere clothes via live-streaming at a store in Qinghe County, Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Cashmere products manufacturers in Qinghe County are busy with production for orders before the upcoming Spring Festival holidays. Qinghe County is a renowned cashmere raw material processing and distribution center, cashmere spinning base and an important production and marketing base of cashmere products in China. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A staff member introduces cashmere sweaters to a customer at the exhibition hall of a cashmere products manufacturer in Qinghe County, Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Cashmere products manufacturers in Qinghe County are busy with production for orders before the upcoming Spring Festival holidays. Qinghe County is a renowned cashmere raw material processing and distribution center, cashmere spinning base and an important production and marketing base of cashmere products in China. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A staff member organizes products for sale in the live broadcast base of a cashmere products manufacturer in Qinghe County, Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Cashmere products manufacturers in Qinghe County are busy with production for orders before the upcoming Spring Festival holidays. Qinghe County is a renowned cashmere raw material processing and distribution center, cashmere spinning base and an important production and marketing base of cashmere products in China. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Staff members examine the quality of cashmere clothes at a cashmere products manufacturer in Qinghe County, Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Cashmere products manufacturers in Qinghe County are busy with production for orders before the upcoming Spring Festival holidays. Qinghe County is a renowned cashmere raw material processing and distribution center, cashmere spinning base and an important production and marketing base of cashmere products in China. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Siaya County Governor, James Orengo, has blasted a section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members for following President William Ruto blindly without questioning the errors in his administration. Speaking during the burial of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Roseline Odede in Uyoma Rarieda Sub-county, Orengo urged the opposition to stand firm and be on the right side of history. "The law can never be suspended, you must always live by the dictates of the Constitution. When (Adolf) Hitler formed the government, it was a coalition and that coalition died so I pray that ODM can withstand any storm," Orengo said. "Even if you make compromises, you must do so on principle. Don't be part of praise and worship, we must stand firm." Orengo also expressed concern over the rise in abduction cases in recent months, urging the government to address the issue and put an end to the menace. "Kenya is crying that we must stop abductions, and extrajudicial killings so that we can be a republic. When there is too much sycophancy in government, people lose sight of their fundamentals."The governor stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Sunday Nation reports that embattled former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has promised to support Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as he seeks to oust Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in 2027. Gachagua has assured Babu that he will mobilize members of the Kikuyu community to vote for him. Babu has chosen to defy his political camps discourse after his party leader Raila Odinga formed a broad-based with Ruto to secure the promised bloc. Look. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Residebts of Elburgon town in Molo took to the streets to protest the murder of an influential youth leader. Richard Otieno alias Molo Prezident was reportedly killed by unknown hitmen. The residents removed his body from the morgue and marched in the streets carrying it while protesting the murder. Richard was a well-known political mobilizer in the area and a critic of the Kenya Kwanza regime. It is not clear whether his murder is politically motivated. Police have launched investigations to establish the motive behind his murder. Watch video. Protest Rock Elburgon town, residents use force to remove the body of Richard Otieno alias Molo Prezident from the morgue. Wanatembea na mwili Kwa streets. The youthful leader was killed last night by unknown hitmen. #NgigeUpdates pic.twitter.com/ld3fPhVtCI (@MosesNgigeKE) January 19, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 - A slay queen was arrested for speeding during a road trip to Samburu, and instead of arguing, she asked the cop to join her in a trending TikTok dance challenge. The friendly cop obliged and by the time they were done, he had forgotten why he stopped her and let her go. In the video shared by former Governor Mike Sonko on his X account, the youthful police officer is seen dancing to the viral Set It club banger alongside the lady. Watch the video. A cop arrested her for speeding but instead of arguing, she asked the cop to do a TikTok dance. By the time they finished, he forgot why he stopped her. Gen Z strikes again pic.twitter.com/defim2HSY6 Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) January 18, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has urged party members in government to speak out against injustices in the country. Speaking on Saturday during the burial of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Roseline Odede in Uyoma Rarieda Sub-county, Sifuna reprimanded ODM members for being sycophants, urging them to call out Ruto on injustices that are going on in the country. "Sifuna, who is also the Nairobi County Senator, emphasized the importance of Orange Party leaders remembering their responsibility to Kenyans, despite their increased access to power." We must stop being sycophants. If something is wrong, it is wrong. I will not participate in the activities of my fellow ODM members who are enjoying the fruits of being in Rutos government and are stifling my efforts to call out the government, Sifuna asserted. Sifunas comments were echoed by senior ODM figurehead James Orengo, who warned against too much sycophancy. We (ODM) have an identity. If you lose that identity for easy victories, we are going to pay for it in the future. "If you must make compromises, you must make compromises on matters of principle. "Do not be part of praise and worship. When there is too much sycophancy, people lose sight of their fundamentals, Orengo affirmed. The Kenyan DAILY POST. A man who crashed through a traffic island after going to buy phone coverage after a drink with colleagues was disqualified for two years and fined a total of 800 for his troubles. Athy District Court heard how Robert Dobson (43), originally from Belfast, but with digs in Forest Farm, Athy while working in Kildare, crashed through the traffic island on the Dublin Road on 23 August 2024. When breathalysed after the collision, he returned a reading of 52 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. He had one previous conviction from over ten years ago, according to Sergeant Dave Hanrahan. He wasnt injured, said the sergeant. Solicitor Brian Duffy explained his northern origins and why he was in Athy to work as a pipe fitter. On the night in question, he had a couple of drinks with colleagues, who had dropped him home to his digs, he said. Because he needed international coverage on his phone, he decided to drive the two miles to get it, and thats when the accident happened." He added: He has done volunteer work in Uganda." Judge Desmond Zaidan fined Mr Dobson 400 for the drink-driving, as well as a mandatory two-year ban, and fined him a further 400 for the careless driving charge. Youre very fortunate you didnt hurt yourself, youre a really lucky man, the judge concluded. By David Young, PA Micheal Martin stood by his past criticism of Michael Lowry as he defended negotiating the programme for government with the controversial Independent TD. Mr Martin once called on Tipperary North TD Mr Lowry to resign from the Dail after a corruption investigation heavily criticised his conduct. During at times heated exchanges with reporters on Sunday, the Fianna Fail leader was challenged on how he could justify striking a coalition deal with Mr Lowry, who chaired the Regional Independents negotiating team, given the damning findings of the Moriarty Tribunal. The tribunal, which was established in 1997, examined payments to former Taoiseach Charles Haughey and Mr Lowry and other matters relating to the contentious awarding of a mobile phone operating licence in Ireland. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin faced reporters questions on Sunday evening (Gareth Chaney/PA) Among its findings, the tribunal criticised former Fine Gael minister Mr Lowrys behaviour as profoundly corrupt to a degree that was nothing short of breathtaking. The 70-year-old politician, who has always denied wrongdoing, has served as an independent TD since leaving Fine Gael in the 1990s. Pressed on the matter on Sunday, Mr Martin stressed that Mr Lowry would not be a minister in the new coalition. He also made clear he stood by his past criticism of Mr Lowry but insisted he had to respect the mandate he has repeatedly secured from voters in Tipperary. Mr Martin also suggested that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael had limited options for coalition partners, as he claimed Labour and the Social Democrats were not disposed to going into government. First of all, what I said back then stands, what was revealed in the Moriarty Tribunal was shocking and was wrong, and I condemned it at the time and still do, he said. The people of Tipperary and the people of a number of other constituencies have elected independents. I have an overriding obligation now to form a government and to work to form a government, and its with quite a number of independents, not just Michael Lowry, but all the others that get forgotten about in all of the assessment of this and commentary on this. He added: So we have, yes, negotiated with Regional Independent group. They elected Michael Lowry as their chair. It was clear the Labour Party and the Social Democrats were not really in a position or disposed to going into government. Thats the reality of that. Im determined to form a government that lasts five years, and Im going to do that, and likewise in the last government we enabled it to go five years. And I dont in any way condone what happened or the actions that were covered by the Moriarty Tribunal, but the people of Tipperary have elected Michael Lowry as well, we cant ignore that. I cant ignore the mandates that independents have received. Mr Martin claimed a negative agenda was being pursued to criticise the government before it was even officially appointed. Its as if a lot of people in the commentary world are very disappointed with the outcome of the election, he said. And from day one, its been negativity all the way towards this government, and it hasnt even been established. There needs to be a bit of balance here. Michael Lowry is not in government, he was nominated by the Regional Independent group to chair their group for the negotiations. We met them, we met the negotiating team, and met all of the independents myself before we got down to negotiation. And weve negotiated a policy platform, which I think is a good, positive policy platform for the next five years, and thats it. I mean, as I said, the alternatives facing us are very much determined by the decision of the Irish people in the Dail that theyve re-elected with quite a number of independents, with quite a number of small parties, and with three parties in around 20 per cent each. And that means there will be coalition governments formed now and well into the future. Last week, Mr Lowry accused members of the media of trying to undermine his mandate. Asked whether he could commit not to engage in behaviour similar to that outlined in the Moriarty Tribunal, he said: The media has been over-consumed by this. You have given the past month trying to undermine my position and the very strong mandate I got from the people of Tipperary and north Kilkenny. Youve been ranting for the last month in your publications. Let me say I enjoy the confidence of my group. I also enjoy the confidence of the Taoiseach (Simon Harris) and Tanaiste (Micheal Martin) in the negotiations that I had. He added: Unlike you, they respected the mandate that I have from the people. TOKYO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire that broke out on Saturday in the mountains spanning Japan's Kofu City and Fuefuki City in Yamanashi prefecture remained uncontained, local media reported on Sunday. The fire started at around 1:30 p.m. local time on Saturday in the mountain area. Despite firefighting efforts, including the deployment of helicopters from neighboring prefectures and the Self-Defense Forces, the fire has not been brought under control, the national broadcaster NHK reported. So far, there have been no injuries, and the fire did not pose an immediate threat to residential areas at the mountain's base, according to the report. Authorities have continued to monitor the situation, with plans to resume firefighting at dawn on Monday. Yamanashi prefecture has seen multiple wildfires since last month, including accidents in Ichikawamisato Town and Uenohara City. By David Young, PA The new Government is set to shelve a stalled Bill designed to prohibit imports to Ireland from the Occupied Palestinian Territory and replace it with fresh legislation, Micheal Martin has said. The Fianna Fail leader said there was widespread acceptance that the draft Occupied Territories Bill proposed by Independent senator Frances Black was unconstitutional in its current form and virtually every section of it would require amendment. Mr Martin said it was likely the incoming Fianna Fail and Fine Gael-led coalition would table a new Bill dealing with imports into Ireland from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, rather than seek wide-ranging changes to the existing private members Bill. Ms Black tabled the Occupied Territories Bill in 2018 in a bid to ban the import into Ireland of goods and services originating in illegal settlements in lands deemed as occupied under international law. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin speaking to the media at the Fianna Fail ard fheis in Dublin (Gareth Chaney/PA) The Irish Government had previously contended that the Bill would breach EU law. However, ministers sought fresh legal advice on the position last year in the wake of a non-binding advisory opinion handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that declared that Israels occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal under international law. Following receipt of the revised legal advice from Attorney General Rossa Fanning, the Government signalled a desire to support the Bill, arguing the ICJ ruling had significantly changed the context. However, at the time ministers cautioned that it would require significant amendments to make it a legally-sound piece of legislation capable of withstanding challenge in the courts. The new coalitions draft programme for government contains a commitment to progress legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories without specifying what legislation. Mr Martin was asked by reporters on Sunday about the fate of the Occupied Territories Bill following a report in the Irish Mail on Sunday that claimed the Government was set to drop the trade ban proposal in an attempt to appease incoming US President Donald Trump. I am not responsible for that report, said the Tanaiste. What I can say is I instructed my officials prior to the general election to work on amendments to the then Occupied Territories Bill. All that work has been done. And, in fact, virtually every section of that Bill will have to be amended. So, the issue is whether we have a new Bill, which I think probably well move towards a new Bill in respect of imports into Ireland from the Occupied Territories, because I think it needs a full debate in the Dail second stage and so on like that. In terms of the legislation, its acknowledged by all sides in relation to this Bill that the Bill was unconstitutional as drafted, and in other areas was deficient also. The proposed ban on imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories was one factor in the deterioration of Irelands diplomatic relations with Israel. The last governments move to officially recognise the state of Palestine last year also angered the Israeli government, which in December announced it was closing its embassy in Dublin. Mr Martin was attending the Fianna Fail ard fheis in Dublin on Sunday where members gathered to ratify the programme for government. A small but vocal pro-Palestine demonstration was held outside the venue, with activists calling for the immediate implementation of the current Occupied Territories Bill. Speaking to reporters inside, Mr Martin welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza. I think that is long overdue, he said. The collective punishment of the people of Gaza was unacceptable. Ireland took a strong leadership position, primarily in terms of the humanitarian context. By David Young, PA The President has rejected calls from Israels outgoing ambassador to the country to cancel a planned speech to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day. Dana Erlich accused Michael D Higgins of making anti-Israeli statements and said he should stay away from the event planned for the Mansion House in Dublin next Sunday in light of the concerns of the Jewish community. In December, the Israeli government announced plans to close its embassy in Ireland as it accused the Government of antisemitic rhetoric and pursing extreme anti-Israel policies. The move came after Ireland formally recognised the state of Palestine and amid moves by the Government to ban imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In response to the Israeli governments move, President Higgins said it was a deep slander and gross defamation to accuse Irish people of being antisemitic and said it was part of a pattern to damage Ireland. Israels ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich accused Michael D Higgins of making anti-Israeli statements (Niall Carson/PA) In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Ms Erlich said Mr Higgins presence at the memorial event would overshadow it. The fact that, right now, we are not talking about the event, but we are talking about his presence. I think it distracts from the event, she said. If there were many events it would have been different, but I think the president has many opportunities to speak about and echo his opinions I think on that event it should be something solemn, focusing on Holocaust remembrance, Holocaust education, and preventing antisemitism from rising again. In response, a statement on behalf of President Higgins said: All of President Higgins statements will show, through this work in politics and as President, that he has again and again strongly condemned antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism. Evidence of this is clear on the public record, in print and on the public website of the President of Ireland. Throughout his life, President Higgins has stressed the importance of values that respect the fullness, importance and dignity of all of humanity in its diversity. Included in the Presidents statements is, for example, the clear suggestion that any targeting of Jewish or Israeli people in Ireland is completely wrong and should be addressed immediately by the State and non-State actors. The statement went on to highlight public comments in which the president had expressed support for the Jewish community. It continued: As to the horrific circumstances of the present, the President has strongly expressed the hope that a hostage release and ceasefire agreement such as will bring the release of all hostages and an end to the horrific loss of life and destruction which has taken place can be agreed, and his hope that it can be the beginning of a meaningful discussion and sustained diplomatic initiative from the international community to bring a lasting peace and security to Israel, Palestine and the greater region a peace for which so many have hoped for so long. The President received an invitation from Holocaust Education Ireland to address what it an important, solemn and public occasion commemorating a genocide which we must never forget and from which we must learn the National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration, which will take place in the Mansion House on 26 January. This will be the seventh time that President Higgins has accepted an invitation and spoken at this event. TEN silver centenarian coins along with letters and centenarian bounty cheques from the President of Ireland are to be returned to the office of the President of Ireland. That was the ruling of Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court on Friday when a Police Property Application came before him for consideration. Those with an interest in the property - Aras An Uachtarain along with Seamus and Margaret Bergin had been notified that the issue was coming before the court for consideration. Solicitor Philip Meagher who had represented Margaret Bergin, who had been jailed for Social Welfare fraud, said that she had no interest in laying claim to the items The application before Judge Cody concerned the property and cheques that were issued by The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins on behalf of the State to the late John Bergin, who died over 30 years ago in November 1993. Judge Cody noted that : No effort was made to register his death by his son Seamus or daughter-in-law Margret. He said Margaret Bergin had pleaded guilty to several charges of theft and larceny relating to the claiming of her late father-in-laws pension over a period in excess of 28 years. Judge Cody said the issue surrounding the medals and centenarian bounty cheques, only came to light when an amateur genealogist by the name of Mr McCoy was undertaking research and discovered that there was a person purportedly living in Laois by the name of John Bergin who was reputedly 110-years of age and contacted the office of the President to inquire about their records relating to the late John Bergin and the centenarian bounty. Gardai were subsequently alerted and they conducted a search of the Bergin home and found, in a handbag belonging to Margret Bergin, the 10 silver centenarian coins, the letters from the President and the 10 centenarian bounty cheques. Mrs Bergin was arrested and acknowledged she had claimed the pension falsely or that she had signed documents in the name of the late Mr John Bergin. Judge Cody said: While Margret Bergin received a sentence of five years and six months for Social Welfare fraud and Judge Johnson suspended the final three years and six months of that sentence for a period of six years, she was not prosecuted for any offence involving the centenarians letters, cheques or coins and accordingly these were not the subject matter of any criminal prosecution. In his sentencing Judge Johnson said the following:-I cannot believe that correspondence which had been received at least annually in the name of John Bergin could not have been seen by other members of the household particularly the correspondence and centenarian coins from Aras An Uachtarain which would have been unique and noticeable..... I cannot help but feel, despite her assertions to the contrary, that Mrs Bergin has allowed herself to be offered as a sacrificial lamb for the offending and that full responsibility does not rest exclusively with her. Judge Cody went on to say: In my view the responsibility for dealing with any correspondence arriving to any household decades after a person has passed away rests with their next of kin, living at that address, and in this case that is his son Seamus. In relation to this application John Bergins son Seamus continued for 10 years to accept these coins, cheques and letters without ever alerting the President's office or returning them to their rightful owner. I am satisfied that these medals were in the possession of Seamus Bergin and/or Margret Bergin as a result of deliberate and repeated fraud and have no rightful claim whatsoever on the medals, letters and coins I am satisfied that they should be returned to their rightful owner, the office of the President of Ireland. The Police Property Act provides that a can make an order for the delivery of the property to the person appearing to the court to be the rightful owner or, if the owner cannot be ascertained, make such order as the court considers proper. This may be done even if no person has been charged with an offence in connection with the property in question. The tradition by which centenarians receive what is described as a bounty goes back to the first President of Ireland Douglas Hyde in the 1940s and people who have reached their 100th birthday receive a gift from the State of 2,540, a letter from the President of Ireland, wishing them a happy birthday and congratulating them for their longevity and a special commemorative coin. Similar gifts and letters are sent on their 101st and every subsequent birthday. NAAS Lions Club have launched a new initative that encourages people to keep their personal and medical details in a common place which can be found easily in case of an emergency. The group launched the Message in a Bottle campaign on Tuesday 14 January at Naas Garda Station, with an Garda Siochana on board with this great initiative. Emergency services members together with local community groups gathered with members of Naas Lions for the launch including Civil Defence, Order of Malta, National Ambulance Service & Fire Service, Alone, Naas General Hospital, Naas Men's Shed, Naas Care of the Aged, Sallins Sunshine Club. Tom Keightley and Club President Luke Sparrow, Naas Lions, Damian Carberry, Message In a Bottle District Officer for Lions International, and Dr John Kehoe, Naas Lions, pictured launching their Message in a Bottle initiative at Naas Garda Station, on Tuesday 14 January This is an initiative that the Lions club are hoping to roll out successfully in the local garda district and then to be further rolled out within the garda division, with the intent to roll it out nationally. The initiative encourages people to keep their personal and medical details in a common place, mainly top shelf of fridge, where it can be easily found in an emergency. At a minimum it will save the emergency services valuable time identifying someone in difficulty and will quickly provide his or her emergency contacts. Tom Keightley and Club President Luke Sparrow, Naas Lions, Damian Carberry, Message In a Bottle District Officer for Lions International, and Dr John Kehoe, Naas Lions, pictured launching their Message in a Bottle initiative at Naas Garda Station Its a simple form that consists of all personal details and medical details for a person. This form is to be filled out and then popped into the bottle. This bottle is kept in the fridge so emergency services will know exactly where it is in the event of an emergency. The bottle will have two labels. One is fixed on the inside of the front door of your house and the other on the door of the fridge, so it can be easily accessed by emergency services. The bottle costs 1. The main target audience is for vulnerable people living on their own, elderly and people who have medical conditions. For more information contact Mary Burke on 086-8178790 of Naas Care of the Aged or the community policing unit at Naas Garda Station on 045-884300. Blue Road - The Edna OBrien Story directed by Sinead OShea (Pray for Our Sinners, A Mother Brings her Son to be Shot) will be screened at the IMC in Kilkenny later this month. The highly-anticipated film, which won Best New Irish Feature at the Cork Film Festival has also been nominated for has a release date of January 31. The film has also been nominated for the George Morrison Documentary Award at the 2025 IFTAs. Blue Road The Edna O Brien Story is a candid portrait of one of the worlds greatest and most charismatic writers, Irish author Edna OBrien. Her books were banned and burned in her native Ireland. In London and New York, she had illicit love affairs, hosted star-studded parties, and made and lost a fortune. In her final year, aged 93, she shares her diaries and gives one last interview to filmmaker Sinead OShea about her extraordinary life. Her diaries are read aloud by Oscar-nominated actress Jessie Buckley. Blue Road The Edna OBrien Story is an SOS Production in co-production with Tara Films, with backing from Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland, Sky and the UK Global Screen Fund. It is directed by Sinead OShea, produced by Claire McCabe, Eleanor Emptage and Sinead OShea with Katie Holly and Barbara Broccoli serving as executive producers. The new government is set to shelve a stalled Bill designed to prohibit imports to Ireland from the Occupied Palestinian Territory and replace it with fresh legislation, Micheal Martin has said. The Fianna Fail leader said there was widespread acceptance that the draft Occupied Territories Bill proposed by independent senator Frances Black was unconstitutional in its current form and virtually every section of it would require amendment. Mr Martin said it was likely the incoming Fianna Fail and Fine Gael-led coalition would table a new Bill dealing with imports into Ireland from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, rather than seek wide-ranging changes to the existing private members Bill. Ms Black tabled the Occupied Territories Bill in 2018 in a bid to ban the import into Ireland of goods and services originating in illegal settlements in lands deemed as occupied under international law. The Irish Government had previously contended that the Bill would breach EU law. However, ministers sought fresh legal advice on the position last year in the wake of a non-binding advisory opinion handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that declared that Israels occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal under international law. Following receipt of the revised legal advice from Attorney General Rossa Fanning, the Government signalled a desire to support the Bill, arguing the ICJ ruling had significantly changed the context. However, at the time ministers cautioned that it would require significant amendments to make it a legally-sound piece of legislation capable of withstanding challenge in the courts. The new coalitions draft programme for government contains a commitment to progress legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories without specifying what legislation. Mr Martin was asked by reporters on Sunday about the fate of the Occupied Territories Bill following a report in the Irish Mail on Sunday that claimed the Government was set to drop the trade ban proposal in an attempt to appease incoming US President Donald Trump. I am not responsible for that report, said the Tanaiste. What I can say is I instructed my officials prior to the general election to work on amendments to the then Occupied Territories Bill. All that work has been done. And, in fact, virtually every section of that Bill will have to be amended. So, the issue is whether we have a new Bill, which I think probably well move towards a new Bill in respect of imports into Ireland from the Occupied Territories, because I think it needs a full debate in the Dail second stage and so on like that. In terms of the legislation, its acknowledged by all sides in relation to this Bill that the Bill was unconstitutional as drafted, and in other areas was deficient also. The proposed ban on imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories was one factor in the deterioration of Irelands diplomatic relations with Israel. The last governments move to officially recognise the state of Palestine last year also angered the Israeli government, which in December announced it was closing its embassy in Dublin. Mr Martin was attending the Fianna Fail ard fheis in Dublin on Sunday where members gathered to ratify the programme for government. A small but vocal pro-Palestine demonstration was held outside the venue, with activists calling for the immediate implementation of the current Occupied Territories Bill. Speaking to reporters inside, Mr Martin welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza. I think that is long overdue, he said. The collective punishment of the people of Gaza was unacceptable. Ireland took a strong leadership position, primarily in terms of the humanitarian context. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Chris Lynch reports: A Christchurch bar has threatened to cancel a music event if the promoters dont change their racially tiered ticket pricing model. Browntown, founded last year by Devyn Baileh, Grace Colcord, and Shea Watene, promotes itself as a platform for cultural engagement aimed at addressing racism. However, its ticketing structure for the Sunday Sessions music event at Muy Muy in late January has sparked accusations of racism. Tickets for the event, featuring artists such as King Kapisi, were sold at three price points. Early bird (for all Tangata): $15, Tangata Moana (for our Maori and Pacific Tangata): $20 and Tangata Tiriti (for our allies): $30. Critics argue that the pricing breaches New Zealands Human Rights Act 1993, which prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or national origin in the provision of goods, services, and access to public venues. Members of the Pacifica community told chrislynchmedia.com the pricing was appalling. Last year, Brown Town received $35,000 from Creative New Zealands Creative Impact Fund (Pacific arts) to deliver a yearlong series of free creative workshops and forums for Tangata Moana communities in Christchurch. Creative New Zealand said the grant aimed to ensure New Zealanders participate in the arts. Of course they got funding from the taxpayer! This is a blatant attempt to manufacture victimhood, and Creative New Zealand fell for it. Charging higher prices for white people doesnt foster unity; it drives a wedge between communities, they said. However, Browntown Founder and Director Grace Colcord defended the pricing model as part of the groups commitment to accessibility and equity. She told chrislynchmedia.com In line with our kaupapa, we recognise that systemic inequities have historically impacted Maori and Pacific communities in many ways, including access to arts and cultural events. By offering tiered pricing, we aim to reduce financial barriers for Tangata Moana, ensuring they can engage fully with an event designed to celebrate their culture and creativity, Colcord said. There is a racist assumption to this that all Maori are poor and all non-Maori are well off. If they want to reduce financial barriers they can do that by having a lower price for low income people. Radio NZ reports: Christchurchs mayor has taken it upon himself to shift an abandoned double trailer unit following months of inaction by his council. The Press reported Aranui residents had complained to the council 20 times about the now graffitied trailer blocking views from their homes for eight months. I just hate it. Every morning when you come out of the house its right in your face its absolutely massive, local man Paul Gallagher told the paper. In a video post to social media on Saturday, Phil Mauger was seen hooking the unit to a truck before towing it down Cuthberts Road, out of sight of neighbouring residents. Mauger said he took action after nothing was done. People take part in a dragon dance rehearsal in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Jan. 18, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) Children try dragon dance at a kindergarten in Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 17, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua) Citizens take part in a riddle game during an event celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival in Jinhua City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 17, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Hu Xiaofei/Xinhua) Children select Spring Festival decorations at a supermarket in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, Jan. 17, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Zhao Jun/Xinhua) Tourists enjoy a molten iron fireworks show while taking bamboo rafts on the Gongshui River in Xuan'en County, central China's Hubei Province, Jan. 17, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Song Wen/Xinhua) Calligraphers write Spring Festival couplets for tourists during an event celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival in Shijiazhuang City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua) Children try lion dance at a kindergarten in Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 17, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua) People perform dragon dance during an event celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival at Caijie Village in Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Yao Haixiang/Xinhua) Customers select Spring Festival decorations at a supermarket in Xinle City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Jia Minjie/Xinhua) People select Spring Festival decorations at a market in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Yuan Fuhong/Xinhua) Citizens select Spring Festival decorations at a market in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 18, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua) A customer selects Spring Festival decorations at a market in Tengzhou City, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 17, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Li Zhijun/Xinhua) Citizens shop for the upcoming Spring Festival at a market in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 18, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua) Children select Spring Festival decorations at a market in Yongzhou City, central China's Hunan Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Jiang Keqing/Xinhua) Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. People take selfies before light installations in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 18, 2025. Lanterns and light installations have been arranged across China for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua) Customers buy lanterns at a market in Qingzhou City, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 19, 2025. Lanterns and light installations have been arranged across China for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Wang Jilin/Xinhua) People take photos before light installations in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 18, 2025. Lanterns and light installations have been arranged across China for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua) Tourists visit a lantern fair in Chengde, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Lanterns and light installations have been arranged across China for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Liu Huanyu/Xinhua) Jingshan Park is decorated with lanterns in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 19, 2025. Lanterns and light installations have been arranged across China for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Li Menglan/Xinhua) A drone photo shows people visiting a night market in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Lanterns and light installations have been arranged across China for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Hu Xuejun/Xinhua) Beihai Park is decorated with lanterns in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 19, 2025. Lanterns and light installations have been arranged across China for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Li Menglan/Xinhua) A drone photo shows people visiting a night market in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Lanterns and light installations have been arranged across China for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Hu Xuejun/Xinhua) A drone photo shows people taking photos of light installations in Deqing County, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 18, 2025. Lanterns and light installations have been arranged across China for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. (Photo by Xie Shangguo/Xinhua) By KTimes Actor Um Ki-joon announced that he married his noncelebrity partner in December, in a social media post on Saturday, expressing gratitude and joy. Um said, "At 49, I have finally gotten married. I will live happily and always enjoy life. Thank you." The post included a photo of him in a white tuxedo. Um and his noncelebrity wife tied the knot in December last year. In May, Um expressed his affection for his wife through a handwritten letter shared on social media. At the time, he wrote, "I thought meeting someone to spend my life with was not in the cards for me. However, I met someone warm and considerate, and I have begun a new chapter with her through marriage." Born in 1976, Um debuted on stage in 1995 with the play "Richard III" and has since engaged audiences through numerous performances in theater and musicals. He ventured into television in 2006 with "Drama City: Who Loved Her?" and has built a successful career with roles in dramas such as "Worlds Within," "Phantom," and "The Penthouse: War in Life." He is currently appearing in the musical "Werther." This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. By Park Jin-hai JTBC's fusion period drama, "The Tale of Lady Ok," tells the story of a lowly female slave in the Joseon Dynasty. However, unlike the typical damsel-in-distress trope seen in many historical dramas, the show has won the hearts of modern audiences by featuring a strong and independent female lead, Goo-deok. The drama, which premiered on Nov. 30, follows the story of Goo-deok (Lim Ji-yeon), a woman who escapes her abusive master's house and is later adopted by the noble Ok family. However, when the family's daughter, Ok Tae-young, dies, Goo-deok assumes her identity and her elevated status. Lim, who gained widespread recognition with the Netflix series, "The Glory," landed her first leading role in this drama and has been a driving force behind its popularity. The 34-year-old actress plays a woman who, after gaining noble status and becoming a renowned lawyer, takes control of her own life, defying the traditional image of women in the Joseon Dynasty. The drama is part of a growing trend toward more empowered female characters in historical dramas. While past series like "Dae Jang Geum" (2003) and "Dong Yi" (2010) featured strong female leads, those women were often portrayed as more passive, with the men around them taking the lead. Although they were still resilient, the narrative often centered on the actions of the men. However, times are changing, and "The Tale of Lady Ok" is a prime example of this shift in this story, the women are the ones driving the plot. When a nobleman tries to harm her, Goo-deok is the one who fights back with a sickle and escapes her life as a slave. After rising to the status of a noblewoman, she doesnt stop there. Goo-deok is determined to live her life in Ok's place, embracing the subversive yet beautiful ideology of human equality that she had taught her. Goo-deok then discards the headdress she had worn to conceal her true identity, stepping into the public eye and boldly voicing her opinions. Recognizing her ability to speak out against the injustices faced by Baek-i, her maidservant, and her mother Mak-sim, she takes on the role of an "oejibu" a figure in the Joseon Dynasty who acts as a legal representative for the common people. These individuals would write legal documents and represent clients in court for a fee, as most commoners had little knowledge of the law. After embarking on the path of a oejibu, Goo-deok marries Seong Yoon-gyeom (Choo Young-woo), the son of a magistrate. When her family faces ruin due to the scheming of those who envy the magistrate, Goo-deok takes matters into her own hands. She restores her family's honor and protects her loved ones, proving her strength and resolve. Furthermore, as the master of her own destiny, Goo-deok's efforts lead to the rescue of slaves exploited by their masters, children forced into illegal mining, and the exoneration of innocent widows who had been victimized by the construction of chastity arches in Confucian society where it was considered immoral for a woman to remarry after her husband's death. Through her actions, she challenges the injustices of the time and fights for the oppressed. By extending her influence beyond her own happiness and beliefs, Goo-deok demonstrates the true meaning of a life lived with responsibility. In many ways, she becomes a superhero for the underprivileged. The actors and the people behind the scenes were committed to emphasizing the character's independence. "Goo-deok, as Ok, wanted to live her life on her own terms", Lim, the main character, said. Writer Park Ji-suk added, "Although Goo-deok was born into a low social class, she never gave up. She fought against her fate and forged her own path. Despite facing numerous challenges, she always survived, proving her strength and determination." The drama started with a 4.2 percent viewership rating for its first episode, but word of mouth spread quickly thanks to Lim's performance. As a result, the drama gained popularity, reaching a self-recorded high of 11.1 percent in its 10th episode. Instead of merely depicting the past as it was, the period drama incorporates modern ideas about what truly matters. Ok's proactive actions, defined by her unwavering pursuit of her ideals and her compassionate heart, even in the face of adversity, bring depth and emotional resonance to the intense web of deception surrounding the runaway slave storyline. The Saturday, Sunday drama will air its final episode on Jan. 26. MBK warns cumulative system will be exploited to extend chairmans tenure By Jun Ji-hye Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), one of the worlds largest sovereign wealth funds, has voiced its opposition to a cumulative voting system proposed by Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-beom. The proposed system has also sparked concerns among major institutional investors, including the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), the largest public pension funds in the United States. These investors argue that the cumulative voting system, in general, is considered to benefit minority shareholders, but in this case, it could produce unintended consequences that dilute the reform efforts pursued by MBK Partners and Young Poong. The opposition came after the board of directors at Korea Zinc, in December, resolved to introduce the cumulative voting system and impose a cap on the total number of directors at 19. These measures were part of efforts to defend the chairman amid a months-long management rights dispute with an alliance composed of the private equity firm and Young Poong. The two proposals have been added to the agenda for an extraordinary shareholders' meeting scheduled for Thursday. The Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability, a domestic proxy advisory firm, also recommended against the introduction of the cumulative voting system. In contrast, the National Pension Service (NPS), which holds a 4.51 percent stake in Korea Zinc, has decided to support both the introduction of the cumulative voting system and the cap on the number of directors on the board by voting in favor of the proposals. Several domestic and international proxy advisory firms, including Glass Lewis, have also recommended approving the proposals. With domestic and international funds and proxy advisory firms divided on the cumulative voting system, all eyes are on how other institutional investors, general shareholders and the broader business community who have traditionally opposed the system will vote during the shareholders' meeting. The cumulative voting system allows shareholders to allocate their voting rights, which are equal to the number of director candidates, to a single candidate. This system can potentially consolidate votes in favor of a preferred candidate, giving them greater influence in the election of board members. Although Choi holds a smaller stake compared to the MBK alliance, the passage of both the cumulative voting system and the cap on the number of directors at the upcoming meeting will significantly increase his chances of successfully defending his management rights. Currently, the MBK alliance is the largest shareholder of Korea Zinc with about a 47 percent voting share, while Choi and his allies are estimated to hold a 33 to 34 percent stake. On Saturday, NBIM disclosed its voting decisions on the agenda for Korea Zincs extraordinary shareholders meeting, expressing opposition not only to the cumulative voting system but also to the proposal to limit the number of directors. Furthermore, it cast votes in favor of all 14 board candidates recommended by the MBK alliance, while opposing all candidates recommended by Korea Zinc. The company should have a robust nomination and election process to ensure an effective board that is accountable to shareholders, the NBIM said on its website. On Thursday, CalPERS and CalSTRS also voted against the proposed cumulative voting system. Given that North American pension funds are highly sensitive to environmental, social and governance practices and corporate governance issues, their opposition to the cumulative voting system is expected to significantly influence the voting decisions of other pension funds and institutional investors. On Jan. 9, global proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services released a report recommending institutional investors oppose the introduction of the cumulative voting system. Meanwhile, the NPS decided to support both the introduction of the cumulative voting system and the establishment of the cap on the number of directors during its committee meeting on Saturday. The decision by the NPS carries significant influence over other institutional investors. MBK noted that if the cumulative voting system is introduced, the original purpose of the system protecting minority shareholders will be undermined and instead exploited as a tool to extend Chois tenure. The adoption of the system is likely to prolong the power struggle between the largest and second-largest shareholders, which would have negative consequences not only for the company but also for its shareholders, an MBK official said. MBK Partners and Young Poong remain committed to persuading domestic and international institutional investors, as well as general shareholders, to ensure that the proposed amendment to introduce the system is not passed. Seoul urged to leverage business ties, personal connections with new US administration By Lee Hyo-jin U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will officially return to power with his inauguration ceremony on Monday (local time), four years after leaving the White House. His comeback is expected to have a significant impact on U.S. allies around the world, many of whom remain wary of the Republican leaders unorthodox foreign policies. In South Korea, however, there seems to be little preparation for Trumps return as the nation is grappling with a political crisis. President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose duties have been suspended, is battling for his political survival amid impeachment proceedings at the Constitutional Court over his failed martial law declaration late last year. If the court upholds Yoons impeachment, South Koreans will head to the polls for a snap presidential election. Even if the embattled president survives, his ability to govern is expected to be severely weakened. Yoons remaining term would likely be marked by diminished influence, with public trust in him greatly eroded by the fallout from his martial law declaration. Yet even without the leadership void, analysts suggest that the Korean Peninsula is unlikely to be a priority for Trump, as his administration will likely focus on other pressing global issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. "Right now, I would argue Korean affairs are something the Trump team is not tracking on a day-to-day basis. They are focused on about six to eight other issues before these even track on their radar," said Harry Kazianis, president of the Rogue States Project, a security think tank. "The sad reality is that Korea has dropped out of the top five issues Democrats and Republicans care about since late 2019," he added. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, head of the Department of International Relations at Kings College London, viewed that summit-level exchanges between Washington and Seoul will be delayed, saying, "I assume that Trump himself will wait until South Korea has a new president to hold a high-level meeting." Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is currently serving as acting president, but his authority and diplomatic experience are limited. Considering Trumps tendency to sit down with prominent leaders, he may be hesitant to meet with the interim leader. Although not immediately, Trump may eventually shift his focus back to the Korean Peninsula, especially if the Ukraine war subsides, as addressing North Koreas nuclear threats remains one of his unfinished legacies. In the meantime, analysts suggest that leveraging business partnerships and political ties could be a practical way for South Korea to build ties with the Trump administration. Henry Haggard, a senior advisor at Washington-based consulting firm, WestExec Advisors, and a former U.S. State Department official, encouraged Korean business conglomerates to play a role in bolstering the alliance. "Companies like Hyundai Motor, in its recent $8 billion investment announcement, are indeed stepping up to ensure the Trump team sees that the South Korea of 2025 is different than the South Korea of 2021," Haggard said. "There are over 100 billion reasons why South Korea of today is more important to the U.S., and that is the over $100 billion of foreign direct investment that South Korean companies have sent to the U.S. in the last several years." Kazianis recommended that politicians from both wings should send delegations to Mar-a-Lago, Trumps residence, as soon as possible to get South Korea back on his radar, saying, "The best strategy for South Korea is to make personal connections with Trump and his team." However, when South Korea comes back under Trump's radar, things may not necessarily be favorable for Seoul. A key concern for the Asian nation is whether the Republican leader will once again demand a substantial increase in Seouls contribution to the cost of stationing 25,800 U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troops on the peninsula. During his first term, Trump demanded that Seoul increase its share of defense costs from $900 million to $5 billion, straining the bilateral alliance. During his recent campaign, he openly expressed discontent with what he perceives as insufficient contributions from a wealthy ally. More recently, Trump's Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth emphasized the need for increased burden sharing among America's allies. "The United States maintains the strongest alliance system in the world, and the common defense of our mutual interests with our allies and partners creates an unmatched strategic advantage," he said in written answers submitted to the Senate ahead of his confirmation hearing last week. Hegseth added, "Increased ally and partner defense spending and burden sharing are critical to ensuring that our relationships are not one-sided." While the nominee did not specifically mention the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), his remarks align with Trump's repeated calls for greater financial contributions from Seoul. It would not surprise me if Trump revisited the cost-sharing issue. The Joe Biden administration negotiated the current deal a year early to avoid negotiating with a Trump administration which, in my view, put a bullseye on the deal, Haggard said. Last October, South Korea and the U.S. signed the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA), which outlines Seouls financial contribution to the cost of stationing USFK troops starting in 2026, marking an 8.3 percent increase from 2025. The agreement was finalized ahead of schedule, with many interpreting it as a move by the allies to safeguard it from being renegotiated during Trump's potential return to office. "I think that Trump will want to renegotiate the cost-sharing agreement, since previously he stated that South Korea should pay even more. I dont think that this will be affected by the political situation in South Korea," Pacheco Pardo said. Trump could also push to scale down the regular South Korea-U.S. joint military drills as a precondition to resume talks with Pyongyang. "I do see Trump if he ends the Ukraine war could start to refocus on Korea and demand an end to large 'war games' and training with South Korea, seeing it as provocative and making North Korea upset," Kazianis said. Meanwhile, South Korea may not need to worry too much about Trump potentially reversing U.S. security commitments made under Biden, according to the experts, who viewed that the Washington Declaration and the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) are expected to remain intact. This is largely because, from Trumps perspective where the main priority is deterring Chinas threats the security partnership with South Korea remains of significant value. "Trumps laser focus on China means he will hope South Korea will remain able to stand with the U.S. on important China-related policy issues ... The Trump team will accept the Washington Declaration, NCG and trilateral partnership with Japan to the extent they support Trumps goal of competing more effectively with China," Haggard said. This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows the policemen deployed near the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea. The Seoul Western District Court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. After the approval of the warrant, some of Yoon's supporters protesting outside the court climbed over the court's rear fence and threw stones to shatter windows. In response, a significant police force was deployed to disperse the protesters. (NEWSIS via Xinhua) SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok on Sunday ordered a stern investigation into the violence of the supporters of impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol at a Seoul court that granted a warrant for Yoon's extended detention. Choi said in a statement that the government expresses strong regret over illegal violence, which is unimaginable in a democratic society. The acting president ordered the police to sternly investigate the incident, vowing to hold violators legally responsible. He instructed relevant authorities to tighten security around relevant facilities and thoroughly manage protest rallies against Yoon's extended detention. The Seoul Western District Court issued the warrant early Sunday to detain the already arrested Yoon for up to 20 days over his martial law imposition, making Yoon the country's first sitting president to be formally arrested. Following the decision, some of the enraged supporters of Yoon stormed the court building by climbing over walls and breaking windows. They vandalized facilities inside the court, threw trash and other objects, and threatened police officers. The number of violators who were apprehended at the scene was 86, according to multiple media outlets. 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 martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later. This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows a damaged building at the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea. The Seoul Western District Court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. After the approval of the warrant, some of Yoon's supporters protesting outside the court climbed over the court's rear fence and threw stones to shatter windows. In response, a significant police force was deployed to disperse the protesters. (NEWSIS via Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows a damaged building at the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea. The Seoul Western District Court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. After the approval of the warrant, some of Yoon's supporters protesting outside the court climbed over the court's rear fence and threw stones to shatter windows. In response, a significant police force was deployed to disperse the protesters. (NEWSIS via Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows a damaged building at the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea. The Seoul Western District Court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. After the approval of the warrant, some of Yoon's supporters protesting outside the court climbed over the court's rear fence and threw stones to shatter windows. In response, a significant police force was deployed to disperse the protesters. (NEWSIS via Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows the policemen deployed near the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea. The Seoul Western District Court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. After the approval of the warrant, some of Yoon's supporters protesting outside the court climbed over the court's rear fence and threw stones to shatter windows. In response, a significant police force was deployed to disperse the protesters. (NEWSIS via Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows the policemen (rear) deployed in front of the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea. The Seoul Western District Court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. After the approval of the warrant, some of Yoon's supporters protesting outside the court climbed over the court's rear fence and threw stones to shatter windows. In response, a significant police force was deployed to disperse the protesters. (NEWSIS via Xinhua) Senior politicians and business leaders have departed for the United States to attend Donald Trump's presidential inauguration ceremony, officials said Sunday. With Trump set to return to the White House, questions have been raised over whether Korea can push for high-level engagement with the incoming U.S. administration in the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law imposition and his subsequent impeachment. Seven lawmakers of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, including Rep. Kim Seok-ki from the ruling People Power Party (PPP), departed for Washington on Saturday. The PPP also sent a separate diplomatic delegation to the U.S., and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo and Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok will also attend Trump's inauguration ceremony slated for Monday (U.S. time). Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin will attend the inauguration ceremony, along with Coupang Chairman Kim Bom; Ryu Jin, Poongsan Group chairman and head of the Federation of Korean Industries; Woo Oh-hyun, chairman of construction and shipping conglomerate SM Group; and bakery giant SPC Group Chairman Hur Young-in. Among them, Chung and Kim will also attend the presidential inaugural ball to be held in the evening of the inauguration day. (Yonhap) U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has jokingly said "everyone calls me chaotic, but look at South Korea," a news report said Sunday, in an apparent reference to the political turmoil sparked by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid. His remarks were reported by U.S. broadcaster CBS based on interviews with a dozen people with knowledge of events at Mar-a-Lago in the weeks between Election Day in November and Inauguration Day, set for Monday. "Trump cracked jokes -- 'everyone calls me chaotic, but look at South Korea,' he said one day," according to CBS. "He said he'd meet with Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol 'if they ever stop impeaching him,'" it said. When Trump made such remarks was not immediately known, but he appears to refer to the political crisis caused by Yoon's martial law declaration on Dec. 3 and his subsequent impeachment by the National Assembly. It is believed to be Trump's first reported comment on South Korea's political situation related to Yoon's botched martial law bid. (Yonhap) Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Sunday expressed strong regret over the violence at a court following the court's decision to formally arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. "I strongly regret the violence that is unimaginable in a democratic society," Choi said in a statement. Cho ordered police to "sternly investigate the incident, which undermines democracy and the rule of law, in accordance with the law and principles" and to "hold those responsible accountable." Choi also directed authorities to tighten security around government facilities amid the ongoing investigation into Yoon, who faces accusations of insurrection and abuse of power through the short-lived imposition of martial law on Dec. 3. Yoon's supporters stormed the Seoul Western District Court, vandalizing facilities, throwing objects and threatening police officers. Police apprehended 45 protesters at the scene. (Yonhap) By Jung Da-hyun President Yoon Suk Yeol, arrested on charges of treason and abuse of power on Sunday, is expected to face trial early next month following a 20-day investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). Since the CIO lacks the legal authority to indict a president, the prosecution's special investigation headquarters, dedicated to investigating the martial law decree, is expected to take over the case from the CIO. After reviewing the CIOs investigation, the prosecution will likely arrest and formally charge Yoon, with the indictment filed with the Seoul Central District Court. Considering that the first trial court can restrain the accused for up to six months with an extension, a courts decision is expected to be delivered by early August. If a courts ruling is not made within this period, Yoon will be released and will stand trial without detention. However, if Yoon challenges the evidence presented by the investigative agency, the trial could be further delayed. Key officials accused of being accomplices in Yoon's martial law imposition, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, National Police Agency Commissioner Cho Ji-ho, former Seoul Metropolitan Police Chief Kim Bong-sik and Noh Sang-won, former commander of the Defense Intelligence Command, have all been indicted on charges related to treason before Yoon. Their cases have been assigned to the Seoul Central District Court. It is possible that Yoon's case will be reviewed by the same court, as a standard procedure allows related cases to be assigned to the same court handling the first case. However, it is not mandatory for related cases to be assigned to the same court. The cases could be split across multiple courts for trial efficiency, especially if a large number of individuals are to be prosecuted. Legal experts say Yoon could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted of treason. Under the country's Criminal Act, the head of treason can be sentenced to the death penalty or life in prison. However, if mitigating factors are found, the sentence could be reduced to a finite term. By KTimes Sunday's unprecedented intrusion and violence at Seoul Western District Court, triggered by enraged supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol after the issuance of a warrant to arrest him, marked a troubling and dark chapter in Korean judicial history. The attack, led by radical supporters and far-right YouTubers, has been described as judicial terrorism. While those who stormed the court did not belong to a single organization, they were united by a shared determination to punish the court for issuing what Yoon's supporters view as an illegal warrant. Figures such as Jun Kwang-hoon, the pastor of Sarang Jeil Church and leader of the far-right "Taegukgi Brigade" (named after the Korean national flag), along with conservative YouTubers with over a million subscribers, played a key role in fueling the flames of anger. Chaos at court Thousands gathered around the district court in Mapo over two days, despite no officially registered protests. These guerrilla-style gatherings violated the Assembly and Demonstration Act, which prohibits protests within 100 meters of court buildings. Dozens of Yoon supporters camped outside the courts main gate from dawn on Saturday, defying police orders and eventually being forcibly dispersed. As Yoons warrant hearing began, over 10,000 demonstrators, according to police estimates, surged through barricades and reached the courts walls. No single organization spearheaded the protests, but conservative groups and YouTubers mobilized resources to amplify the unrest. One man, believed to be a YouTuber, stood atop a loudspeaker-equipped vehicle, chanting slogans such as illegal arrest and dismiss the warrant, which thousands of protesters echoed in unison. Later that day, the conservative pastor urged participants at his downtown rally to head to the court, further swelling the crowd. Major far-right YouTube channels, including Ko Sung-kuk TV and Gods Hand, also urged their audiences to join the protests. Violence erupts The protest turned violent early on Sunday, when news broke around 3 a.m. that Yoons arrest warrant had been issued. About 100 protesters, led by men in their 20s and 30s, broke through police lines and headed to the courts back entrance. Some physically overpowered officers, stole riot shields, and used fire extinguishers to smash windows and doors, clearing the way for others to storm the court building. The intruders searched the building floor by floor, damaging property before police apprehended them. Of the 46 individuals apprehended for trespassing, a significant number were men in their 20s and 30s. Among the arrested were several YouTubers livestreaming the events. The operator of the YouTube channel Rock TV (www.youtube.com/@TV-ROCK) was apprehended on-site for unlawful entry after following protesters into the building. A far-right YouTuber, Song, 32, who runs a conservative channel (www.youtube.com/@RedOUTT) with 820,000 subscribers, was taken into custody while broadcasting outside the court. Before his apprehension, Song said on his livestream, If any 20-30-year-olds arrested need legal fees, Ill help. The judge issuing the warrant is the one breaking the law. Adding fuel to fire Some conservative groups supported the violence from behind the scenes. Bae In-kyu, head of New Mens Solidarity, known for its anti-communist and anti-feminist stance, urged his YouTube followers during a livestream to delete any videos showing protesters breaking windows in order to avoid police scrutiny. Despite police warnings of strict consequences, the protests continued. On Sunday, Yoon's supporters marched to the Constitutional Court, chanting, Stop the illegal arrest! While organizers claimed these were spontaneous gatherings, police apprehended four more individuals, including one man who climbed over the wall of the Constitutional Court. The far-right YouTuber group Free YouTube Alliance, led by Shin Hye-sik of Gods Hand, held a press conference demanding the release of those arrested during the protests. A total of 87 individuals were taken into custody from Saturday to early Sunday from Yoon's supporters. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. By Jung Da-hyun President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested early Sunday, making him the first sitting president in Koreas history to be arrested. He is the fifth Korean president to face arrest, following predecessors who underwent criminal investigations and imprisonment after leaving office. Former Presidents Roh Tae-woo, Chun Doo-hwan, Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak were convicted and imprisoned, all having been arrested and investigated after leaving office. Roh was the first president, former or incumbent, to be arrested in the countrys history. He was taken into custody on Nov. 16, 1995, on charges of accepting 283.8 billion won ($19.45 million) in bribes from business leaders during his presidency. Following Rohs arrest, then-President Kim Young-sam enacted a special law to prosecute those responsible for the military coup and the violent suppression of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. A special investigation team was established at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office. On Dec. 3 of the same year, 17 days after Rohs arrest, Chun was imprisoned at Anyang Correctional Institution on charges related to the Dec. 12 military insurrection and the creation of slush funds. On April 17, 1997, Chun was sentenced to life in prison, and Roh was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Both died in 2021. Park was arrested in 2017 following an investigation into her involvement in a state affairs manipulation scandal. She faced charges of accepting 43.3 billion won in bribes from Samsung, abusing her authority and leaking official secrets. She became the first sitting president to be formally booked as a criminal suspect. While in office, Park refused to cooperate with prosecutors, but after being removed from office on March 10, 2017, through a Constitutional Courts impeachment ruling, she complied with the investigation. Six days after being summoned for questioning, prosecutors sought an arrest warrant, which a court granted on March 31. She was then detained at the Seoul Detention Center. In January 2021, Park was sentenced to 20 years in prison, more than four years after the scandal broke out. Lee was arrested on March 22, 2018, on charges of accepting 11 billion won in bribes and embezzling 35 billion won while in office. His arrest followed a yearslong investigation into allegations surrounding DAS, an auto parts company, and the investment firm BBK accusations that first surfaced during the 2007 presidential election. Although he was granted bail and had his detention temporarily suspended at times, Lee was released and re-arrested multiple times as appellate and Supreme Court rulings upheld his convictions. In October 2020, the Supreme Court finalized his 17-year sentence. All four former presidents were convicted and imprisoned but were eventually released through special pardons. Roh and Chun were pardoned by then-President Kim on Dec. 22, 1997 the same year they were sentenced. Roh served 767 days in prison, while Chun spent 750 days behind bars. Park was also granted a special pardon by then-President Moon Jae-in on Dec. 31, 2021, after serving 1,736 days approximately four years and nine months the longest time spent in prison by any convicted Korean president. For Lee, prosecutors suspended his sentence in June 2022, following Yoon's inauguration, after he requested the suspension due to health issues. After serving 958 days in prison, he was formally pardoned on Dec. 28, 2022. 87 protesters apprehended; 9 police officers injured in violent clash By Lee Hyo-jin An unprecedented act of mob violence by President Yoon Suk Yeol's staunch supporters at a Seoul court, in protest of his formal arrest, sparked widespread condemnation from both political and judicial circles, Sunday. Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered a thorough police investigation into the "unlawful violent incident," while prosecutors established a task force to address what they have called "a very serious crime that fundamentally undermines the judicial system." Dozens of pro-Yoon protesters stormed the Seoul Western District Court in the early morning hours, violently protesting a judges decision to issue an arrest warrant for the embattled president who is facing treason charges related to his martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024. The protesters, who had gathered near the court in the hours leading up to the announcement, stormed into the building at around 3 a.m., just minutes after the warrant was issued. Footage captured by YouTubers and media outlets showed chaos as the angry protesters climbed over the court walls, smashed windows and doors and threw fire extinguishers, causing extensive damage inside the compound. The mob also attacked vehicles carrying investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), who had requested the warrant, and hurled insults at the judge who approved it. Around 1,400 officers, including riot police in full gear, were deployed to the site and forced the protesters out of the compound about three hours later. Nine officers were injuried, five of whom were seriously hurt, according to the police. A total of 87 individuals linked to the incident were apprehended and all are currently under investigation at 18 different police stations across Seoul. Additionally, the police have placed Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who issued the warrant, under protection and are investigating murder threats against her circulating online. The judiciary strongly condemned the mob violence, calling it "a complete denial" of the rule of law. "I feel devastated," Cheon Dae-yeop, head of the National Court Administration, told reporters during his visit to the court after the violence subsided. He said the protesters damaged not just the lobby but also to the upper floors where court employees work. "I have served as a judge for 30 years, but I never predicted such an unprecedented situation. This is a complete denial of the rule of law and, from a criminal perspective, a serious offense," he added. The acting president also condemned the incident. We express strong regret over the occurrence of an unlawful and violent incident at the Seoul Western District Court, something that is unimaginable in a democratic society, Choi was quoted as saying by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Choi directed the police to "conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable based on law and principle." The Supreme Prosecutors Office said it has launched an investigation team consisting of nine prosecutors for a swift probe. "This is a very serious crime that fundamentally denies the rule of law and the judicial system. We have instructed the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office to form a dedicated team to respond strictly," the office said in a statement. "The team will work closely with the police to conduct a thorough investigation, including the detainment of all major protestors." The detained protesters could face severe consequences for their violence against the court, a constitutional institution. Riot charges may apply if they are found to have engaged in organized violent actions. Under the criminal law, those convicted of riot could face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 15 million won ($10,280). Additional charges may include obstruction of official duties, as the demonstrators physically clashed with police officers. The fact that the clashes resulted in injuries to some officers could lead to aggravated penalties. Other allegations could also include unlawful entry into a state facility and vandalism of public property. Lee Ho-young, acting commissioner of the National Police Agency, said the investigation could extend to far-right YouTubers if they are suspected of inciting the violence. These YouTubers, who take part in pro-Yoon rallies, have faced growing scrutiny for profiting from a donation system in exchange for provocative actions and rhetoric. Later in the day, Yoon's supporters marched to the Constitutional Court in Jongno District, central Seoul, where the president being tried in an impeachment case over his martial law declaration. The protesters held a rally at the site, calling for Yoon's immediate release. According to police, three men were apprehended near the Constitutional Court on charges of trespassing and obstructing official duties. One of the individuals was reportedly carrying a crowbar. Meanwhile, Yoon, who is now under formal arrest at a detention facilty, asked his supporters to express their views in a "peaceful manner." "I fully understand the frustration and anger of the many citizens, but I ask them you to express their views peacefully," he said in a statement delivered by his lawyers. However, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) accused Yoon of being the main culprit behind the riot, criticizing that he incited his supporters to engage in violent actions due to his continued uncooperative stance with the court's decision and the ongoing investigation. "Yoon is fundamentally responsible for this entire incident," DPK floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae said. "Instead of apologizing and reflecting on his martial law declaration, he has been making absurd claims and inciting violence among his supporters." The ruling People Power Party (PPP) expressed regret over the court's decision to place the president under arrest, but distanced itself from the violent protesters. "Violence helps no one. It is not in support of the president," Rep. Kwon Yeong-se, the party's interim leader, said. By KTimes The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has prohibited non-legal visits to President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was arrested on Sunday. According to sources, the CIO issued an order to Seoul Detention Center on the same day, citing concerns over evidence tampering. Under South Koreas Criminal Procedure Code, visits by non-legal representatives can be restricted if there is a risk of evidence destruction or escape. As a result, Yoons wife, Kim Keon Hee, is also barred from visiting him. However, the CIO did not restrict the sending or receiving of letters. Yoon was arrested early on Sunday on charges of treason as a leader of the alleged conspiracy and abuse of power. He is accused of blocking the National Assembly, obstructing the revocation of martial law, operating arrest squads for key figures, and attempting to seize servers from the National Election Commission before and after the declaration of martial law. The arrest warrant, issued by Judge Cha Eun-kyung of the Seoul Western District Court at 2:50 a.m. after a nearly 13-hour pretrial detention hearing, cited concerns of evidence tampering. A similar restriction was previously imposed on former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was arrested last month on charges related to martial law activities. The prosecution barred him from receiving visitors or sending and receiving letters. Kim challenged the order by filing a quasi-appeal on Saturday, but the Seoul Central District Court dismissed it on Jan. 7. A quasi-appeal is a legal procedure requesting the court to cancel or modify the prosecutions decisions regarding detention or seizure. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. By Shin Hye-suk Hannam-dong in Seoul has become a hub of unrest, overwhelmed by noise, traffic congestion and protests. Police shields stand as barriers, separating ruling and opposition party supporters from clashing over their beliefs. Amid this chaos are uncertain youths caught in the crossfire, their faces reflecting confusion and fear, untouched by the political disputes around them. Passing through this volatile scene, I cant help but feel a sense of pity. Citizens on both sides those supporting and opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law shout fiercely, defending their convictions. Yet beneath their fiery resolve lies a deeper fear: the fear of being ostracized or even harmed for daring to express dissenting views. My foreign friends, observing this turmoil, often voice their concerns, wondering if Korea is teetering on the edge of civil conflict. They express their hopes for avoiding such a disastrous fate. Like them, I am deeply unsettled. Quietly, I walk past these scenes daily, silently documenting these historic yet disheartening moments. Living near the official presidential residence, I witness these events up close. Even ordinary citizens like me, who once remained indifferent to politics, now find ourselves reflecting deeply on the state of our society. We tread this troubled path with growing unease and concern, especially in the wake of martial law. What has gone so wrong? Politicians claim to work for the people, yet their actions tell a different story. Ideological conflicts and political infighting have undermined their ability to serve the public. These power struggles harm the very citizens they are meant to represent. So why cant they rise above division and cooperate for the greater good of Korea? The government has been crippled by internal disunity, with political circles failing to secure bipartisan support for policies that serve the public good. Opposition parties, focused on undermining the administration, have introduced nearly 30 impeachment bills over the past two years and sharply cut the presidents and governments special and annual expenses, pushing the government to the brink of collapse. Even the presidents declaration of martial law, ostensibly as a warning, does not reflect the qualities of wise leadership. Has there been any genuine effort to engage with groups holding differing ideologies? As head of state, wise leadership requires open communication and sincere service to the people. This entrenched attitude of "I'm right, and you're wrong" has caused enormous economic and social costs. Politicians must redirect their focus toward reducing these unnecessary expenses and prioritizing public welfare. The relentless power struggles of self-serving politicians have tarnished the states dignity, weakened economic vitality and sown confusion and anxiety across society. As 2025 begins, I hope for a genuine leader someone who can overcome these challenges, demonstrate exemplary leadership and guide our nation toward unity, stability and lasting progress, leaving behind conflicts. Shin Hye-suk (sinesu@naver.com), who also goes by Shindy, completed a doctorate in sociology and has devoted two decades of her life to academic pursuits at a university in Japan. She is also a florist and has served as president of the Rotary International Seoul Club Korea. Concerns grow over impact on economy, foreign policy The Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been suspended from his duties since December following the passage of an impeachment motion by the National Assembly. With the arrest, Yoon became the first sitting president in Koreas history to be arrested for insurrection. Ultimately, Yoon is responsible for his unfortunate fate. However, his responsibilities go far beyond his uncertain future. His declaration of martial law set off an irreversible shockwave that affected key policy areas, leaving the nation to cope with the consequences of an ongoing crisis. After an hours-long review of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials' (CIO) request, the court approved the arrest warrant early Sunday morning, citing concerns over the potential destruction of evidence. The central issue in the case is whether Yoons brief declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, along with his subsequent actions, can be classified as insurrection. The court determined that these actions, supported by testimonies from several military commanders, were enough to substantiate the charge that Yoon had instigated insurrection. Yoons legal team responded vehemently to the court's decision, condemning the approval of the arrest warrant as "nonsensical" and asserting it proves that "justice is dead." Yoon was arrested 47 days after his martial law decree, an abrupt decision that sent shockwaves through the nation and triggered months of political turmoil. The decree split the country into two opposing camps those who support Yoon and those who oppose him. This division has deepened a political rift, making national unity seem increasingly unattainable at a time when it is needed more than ever. Every weekend, Yoons supporters gather in central Seoul to rally for his reinstatement. These demonstrations have caused significant disruptions, including noise and traffic control issues. At the same time, anti-Yoon protests continue across the city, urging the Constitutional Court to proceed with his impeachment. The fear of clashes between the opposing sides has heightened, prompting police to deploy in larger numbers to maintain order. The ongoing political crisis is also taking a toll on Korea's economy. The Korean wons depreciation against the U.S. dollar has put pressure on businesses and families with children studying abroad. Stock market volatility has intensified as investors worry about the protracted political instability, which shows few signs of being resolved in the near future. This crisis is also bound to affect Koreas foreign policies, especially at this pivotal moment in history. On Monday, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the new U.S. president, signaling a likely shift in U.S. trade and foreign policy. However, Korea is ill-prepared to navigate its relationship with the incoming Trump administration, having been consumed by the political fallout of Yoons martial law decree. The rise of Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), as the leading presidential contender adds another layer of complexity to Koreas future. Lees pro-China stance has raised concerns about the potential weakening of the trilateral relationship between Korea, the U.S., and Japan. In a document titled South Korea Political Crisis: Martial Law and Impeachment, last updated on Dec. 31, 2024, the U.S. Congressional Research Service expressed concerns about the impact of South Koreas internal turmoil on its foreign policy. Yoons suspension and possible removal from office raise questions about the continuation of several foreign policies, the report stated. Recognizing these concerns, Rep. Lee has attempted to reassure both the U.S. and Japan by moderating his rhetoric during meetings with officials from both countries. Yoons martial law declaration and the political crisis it triggered have had far-reaching consequences not only in domestic politics, but also on the economy, foreign policy, and broader governance. The situation remains fluid and its full impact will unfold in the coming months. This file photo taken on May 27, 2024 shows South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol speaking at an event. A South Korean court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's court issued a warrant early Sunday to detain the arrested President Yoon Suk-yeol for up to 20 days, raising a possibility that he would be indicted under detention for insurrection charge over his botched martial law imposition. The Seoul Western District Court accepted the warrant request that was made Friday by the joint investigation unit, composed of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the National Office of Investigation (NOI), and the defense ministry's investigative headquarters. The embattled Yoon decided to attend the five-hour hearing to explain the legitimacy of his martial law declaration and restore his reputation, according to Yoon's defense counsel. Yoon claimed that the martial law imposition was an act of presidential governance, which could not be subject to a court trial, but investigative agencies said Yoon declared the martial law for no reason with the announcement of a martial law decree illegally banning the political activity of lawmakers who have right to lift the martial law. With the warrant issuance, the possibility grew that Yoon would be prosecuted under detention for insurrection charge. Before the indictment, Yoon will be questioned by the CIO for the initial 10 days, including an arrest period, and by the prosecution for the latter 10 days as the two sides agreed to jointly investigate Yoon's insurrection charge. Yoon has been in custody at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, some 20 km south of Seoul and just 5 km away from the CIO building. He was arrested in the presidential office on Wednesday and became the first incumbent president to be apprehended in the country's modern history. Yoon will separately have to stand trial for his impeachment that was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2024, and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which his presidency is suspended. The constitutional court on Thursday held the second hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial over his declaration of an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 that was revoked by the National Assembly hours later. The next hearings will be held on 21 and 23 of January and on 4, 6, 11 and 13 of February. Two newly appointed justices filled two of three vacancies in the nine-member bench, launching their duties earlier this month. To oust Yoon from office, at least six justices of the court are required to uphold the impeachment. A vehicle carrying impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol leaves the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 18, 2025. A South Korean court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) A vehicle carrying impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol arrives at the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 18, 2025. A South Korean court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) By Bernard Rowan At present, several fires continue to burn in the Los Angeles area, inflicting untold costs and suffering on thousands of people. CNN reports that millions are under a critical fire threat. The L.A., California and national governments appear mostly powerless. Each new buffeting of winds threatens to spawn other fires. The song It Never Rains in Southern California comes to mind. Its a pity. Untold costs and suffering affect thousands and thousands of people. Last month, 179 passengers died when a Jeju Air flight crashed in Muan County, South Korea. The airport authorities should answer for the concrete barrier that served as a contemporary guillotine for the plane. It was a tragic and sad day, and like the California fires, its impacts and effects are inestimable and continue. In the 21st century, such national events emerge as world events. People around the world see and feel from afar the same tragedies that unfold locally. These days, there are always investigations and calls for accountability. Usually, there are one to several direct causes and sometimes culpability. Matters are addressed, and corrective actions occur again where possible. The news and the global mindset moves on. These tragedies should prompt more sustained action, certainly cumulatively. I think the southwestern states of the U.S. and the federal government must invest massively in firefighting and water technologies. A small drone took out one specially equipped firefighting plane. The need is for tens of thousands of them. It might form a special corps of the Army or the California National Guard. I think the Chinese have invented a way to prompt rain with cloud seeding. America needs to invent ways to harness seawater, make water and create redundant pipelines of water inventions or other ways of addressing the crisis of water shortage and fire prevention and firefighting that are so lacking. I dont think meteorologists predict a change in the basic weather and geographic conditions for some time to come. Likewise, South Korea may need to look at how its airports are constructed. Perhaps some of them shouldnt be in existence, absent major reconstruction, to shore up the kinds of preparations needed for emergency landings. That should go for all other nations. This includes how plane engines are constructed and the matter of birds. I suppose we need to study how many aviation accidents were occasioned by fowl, but in this day and age, we ought to have engines that dont suffer from this kind of hazard. Human ingenuity continues to spawn new kinds of cars, vehicles, batteries and other types of engines. There is a wealth of talent and imagination in the world to put into addressing the capacity to handle fire and air emergencies and pandemics as well. Expectations are higher now since so many people live or work in forested and wooded areas, and since we have sold our souls to the skies flying hither and thither all the time. Its easy for me to write in this vein, but I also think that humanity has advanced to the point where daily instances of the tragic create as much negative feedback for civilization as sitting idly by while Rome is burning, be it in L.A. or at a South Korean airport. Time is nigh and always renewing for the efforts of human ingenuity to create the technologies of today and tomorrow. Safety and happiness require greater efforts to address global conditions and their impacts on local populations. President-elect Trump and the present and next South Korean presidents should begin a plan to create technologies to avoid and end the recurrence of these tragedies. Many other nations and the United Nations should issue calls for the collaboration of scientists and inventors to work on these monumental tasks. The public should urge lawmakers to incorporate investments in planning that mitigate and prevent disasters, pandemics and recurring tragedies in public spaces. Ive read that estimates of the L.A. fires cost at present is $50 billion, a number destined to grow. Ive not identified the cost of the Muan plane crash. Flyfreshflight.com estimates that the total cost of plane crashes in 2024 stood at 2.5 billion. The cost of U.S. forest fires annually over the last decade has been roughly $2.9 billion per year, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Surely, these tremendous sums warrant tremendous investments that will reap greater savings as the inventions and processes to mitigate and avoid disasters take form. Bernard Rowan is associate provost for contract administration and academic services at Chicago State University, and a professor of political science. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and a past visiting professor at Hanyang University. Chey emphasizes need to attract 5 million migrants By Park Jae-hyuk Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Chey Tae-won advised policymakers to strengthen international economic solidarity to cope with the forthcoming changes in the global order after U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday. Chey, who also leads SK Group, emphasized the need for an alternative to the export-reliant economy, calling for policies aimed at attracting long-term foreign residents. The transformation of the global economic order means that we should play under the rules of swimming instead of wrestling, the business tycoon said during his appearance on a current affairs television show on Sunday, a day before Trumps inauguration. Players who are good at wrestling will face difficulties in swimming (if they cling to the rule of wrestling), he added, alluding to changes in the international trade framework. Chey noted that the international trade order has transformed from multilateralism to bilateralism. Mentioning the United States, China and the European Union as the three largest economies that determine international rules, the chairman proposed economic solidarity with Japan to make Koreas voice heard globally. The size of Japans economy is larger than that of Koreas, but the two countries are similar in terms of getting used to accepting international rules rather than making the rules, he said. Chey also pointed out that Koreas overseas investments have not been systematic enough, considering the size of its economy. Im skeptical of how large Koreas proportion of Nvidias investors will be when the company grows enormously, he said. Regarding the necessity of shifting focus from hardware to software, Chey advised Korea to export its culture, which can be relatively free from trade barriers. As an example, he mentioned the systematic globalization of Korean cuisine and food. Amid ongoing difficulties in solving the countrys low birthrate and aging population, the chairman pushed for strategies to attract foreigners who will work, pay taxes and increase domestic consumption in Korea. Korea needs the inflow of around 5 million migrants, who will account for approximately 10 percent of the countrys population, he said. Additionally, Chey proposed the idea of a reward system for people who solve social problems. If Korea has a systematic method to make many creative people solve social problems, it will be able to save social costs, he said. Top exec to focus on reducing complaints from employees, shareholders By Lee Min-hyung Song Bo-young, the new head of Asiana Airlines, is tasked with completing Korean Air's takeover on time, while minimizing potential backlash from employees and shareholders of the formerly cash-strapped airline, industry officials said Sunday. Song took office as CEO of Asiana on Jan. 16 after serving as head of passenger sales and network at Korean Air. The seamless integration of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines is the top priority under Songs leadership. Last month, Korean Air deployed a team of eight executives specializing in safety, personnel, finance, flight management and maintenance to Asiana Airlines to expedite the nations flag carrier's takeover. The move, however, has raised concerns among Asiana employees, as the significant reshuffle of top management increases the likelihood of substantial organizational restructuring at the airline. Under the latest reshuffle, a total of 12 executives from Asiana Airlines left their posts, with those from Korean Air stepping into their roles. This has elevated Asiana employees' fears of restructuring. In response, Hanjin Group and Korean Air Chairman Cho Won-tae quelled such concerns, saying that Korean Air does not want Asiana Airlines to lose its own corporate culture due to the integration. Industry officials noted that Song will likely focus on reducing potential internal resistance, while carrying out manpower relocation from Asiana Airlines. Korean Air pledged not to push for any compulsory restructuring after ending its legal procedure to acquire Asiana Airlines, but the latest executive reshuffle showed otherwise, an official from the aviation industry said. Some employees from Asiana are still worried about possible manpower reduction. Another major challenge for Song is the complaints from Asianas shareholders. According to an Asiana shareholders' meeting last week, shareholders from the airline can exercise their appraisal right and demand the company purchase their shares at 10,355 won ($7.09) per share if they oppose Asianas integration with Korean Air. The stock price of Asiana Airlines extended a losing streak for the past decade on its weak profitability and gloomy outlook for business rebound. The price will not be satisfactory enough for most Asiana shareholders, as only a few of them will have generated profits under the price level, a minority shareholder at Asiana Airlines said. Song joined Korean Air in 1988 and has since taken on key posts. He led regional offices in Southeast Asia and America, and is regarded for his comprehensive understanding of the global aviation business. Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden is set to leave office next week, handing over to his successor Donald Trump a reinvigorated network of America's alliances and partnerships, and a disheartening scorecard on efforts toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Biden's presidency is set to end at noon Monday, when Trump will be officially sworn in as the United States' 47th president to face a full plate of nettlesome policy challenges, including North Korea's evolving nuclear threats and its growing military alignment with Russia. Four years ago, Biden came into office on a pledge to knit back America's alliances that he claimed had "atrophied" during Trump's first term, as the Democratic president repeatedly stressed the importance of allies and partners as the U.S.' "greatest strategic assets." Over the past years, the Biden administration has indeed delivered on the pledge to strengthen the U.S. alliance-based cooperation network to confront shared challenges, ranging from maritime security to technological advances to supply chain resiliency. It has pursued a "lattice-like" architecture, which involves bringing together America's regional allies for multilateral cooperation to respond to China's increasing assertiveness and other challenges, in a move away from a "hub-and-spoke" system that centers on bilateral alliance cooperation. Progress in Biden's pursuit of a robust alliance system was most salient in the forging of the trilateral partnership among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan a task that gained traction due in part to now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's decision to address the issue of Japan's wartime forced labor in March 2023. "We did it what few felt was possible to build the first-ever trilateral partnership between the U.S., Japan and South Korea ... drawing close to our Pacific allies to defend our shared security and prosperity," Biden said in a speech at the State Department last week. The three countries' cooperation culminated in the first-ever standalone trilateral summit among Yoon, Biden and then Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Camp David in Maryland in August 2023. It produced a series of landmark agreements, including the "Commitment to Consult" each other in the event of a shared threat. Since the summit, the three sides have launched a system for the real-time sharing of North Korean ballistic missile warning data, created a trilateral military exercise named "Freedom Edge" and installed a trilateral secretariat to institutionalize their cooperation. Moreover, the Biden administration has further reinforced the Quad security forum that consists of the U.S., Australia, India and Japan, and led the creation of the AUKUS security partnership involving the U.S., Britain and Australia. It has also pushed for stronger cooperation between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the transatlantic alliance's four Indo-Pacific partners South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Despite substantial progress in the reinforcement of these fit-for-purpose groupings, there has been little headway on efforts toward the oft-repeated goal of the "complete" denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. "We, like our predecessors, going back to Clinton, we're obviously not able to make substantial progress on the issue of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The trend there continues in the wrong direction, as it has under multiple presidents," Jake Sullivan, Biden's top national security adviser, told reporters this month. "I didn't come in with particularly optimistic views on what we would be able to accomplish, but that's an area that remains of considerable concern," he added. Although Washington repeatedly expressed its desire to engage with Pyongyang "without preconditions," its overtures fell on deaf ears. Pyongyang has defiantly doubled down on its nuclear and missile programs as evidenced by its relentless weapons tests, including its recent test of a hypersonic ballistic missile. The threat from the North further escalated as the recalcitrant regime has been striving to deepen its military cooperation with Russia in line with the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" treaty that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed last year. To deter the threats, the Biden administration sharpened its focus on bolstering nuclear deterrence for South Korea and deterring the Asian ally from considering its own nuclear program. A key achievement of nuclear deterrence cooperation between Seoul and Washington was the launch of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), the allies' key deterrence body introduced in the Washington Declaration that Yoon and Biden signed during their summit in April 2023. Under the NCG framework, Seoul and Washington crafted nuclear deterrence guidelines in July in a milestone to enhance the credibility of America's extended deterrence commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally. It remains to be seen whether the incoming Trump administration will inherit the alliance-based cooperation mechanisms created under Trump. But observers say that Trump might see the value of the cooperative bodies as the U.S. cannot act alone to address regional and global challenges. "This notion that allies are liabilities or free riders is simply not true," Vipin Narang, former acting assistant secretary of defense for space policy under Biden, told a forum this month, calling the allies "force multipliers." "When we provide a united front to our adversaries, we are stronger, and the allies provide capability and geography, and we share values," he added. (Yonhap) Under his America First leitmotif, incoming U.S. President Donald Trump appears poised to bring a shift in the United States' approach to the alliance with South Korea, North Korea's unabated nuclear threats, trade and other key issues. Trump will take the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday as the U.S.' 47th president amid expectations that he will employ a diplomatic playbook that seeks to curtail America's costly overseas engagement, pressure allies to shoulder more security burden and redress U.S. trade deficits for the sake of American interests. His swearing-in comes as South Korea is reeling from the aftermath of now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid last month, with the current period of political uncertainty feared to weaken Seoul's hands in policy coordination with the Trump administration. In his second term, Trump's America First credo is expected to be an overarching theme of his administration's policy formulation and implementation given that he has named stalwart loyalists for Cabinet posts in the absence of the "axis of adults" that can help stably guide the U.S.' foreign and security policy. U.S. allies like South Korea have now been bracing for the return of Trump's perceived transactional foreign policy approach a far cry from the Biden administration's formula centering on rebuilding and cementing a network of allies and partners as America's "greatest strategic asset." "We know the transition from the Biden to the Trump administration represents a significant shift in how the United States approaches allies," Patrick Cronin, chair for Asia-Pacific Security at the Washington-based Hudson Institute, told Yonhap News Agency via email. "There is a time for strenuous demands on allies, but now is not that time for South Korea." In South Korea, concerns have persisted that Trump could demand Seoul raise its financial contributions to the stationing of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), though a new cost-sharing deal for the 2026-30 period was signed last year. Trump has already asserted the need for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states to spend 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense much higher than the current 2 percent guideline of the transatlantic alliance. In his campaign remarks in October, Trump called South Korea a "money machine" and claimed that South Korea would be paying $10 billion a year for the upkeep of USFK if he was in the White House. Under the new cost-sharing deal, Seoul is to pay 1.52 trillion won ($1.04 billion) in 2026, up from 1.4 trillion won in 2025. Trump's picks for Cabinet posts underscored that they are in sync with Trump's view on NATO and other allies, when they appeared at recent Senate confirmation hearings. "I think there's been broad acknowledgement across Europe and across multiple administrations, both Republican and Democrat, that our NATO partners ... these are rich, advanced economies, need to contribute more to their own defense and ultimately to the NATO partnership as well," Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio said. The Florida senator added that what matters is for the U.S. not just to have defense allies, but to have "capable" allies that are able to defend their own region. When it comes to diplomacy toward North Korea, expectations remain high that Trump might seek to resume his direct diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, given that on the stump, he repeatedly boasted about his personal ties with the reclusive leader. During his time in office, Trump employed a direct leader-to-leader approach with the North, leading to three in-person meetings with Kim, including the first-ever bilateral summit in Singapore in 2018, though serious nuclear talks have been stalled since the no-deal summit in Hanoi in February 2019. Trump's recent personnel choices have added to growing expectations for a rekindling of diplomacy between the U.S. and the North. Earlier this month, Trump picked William Harrison an aide, who was involved in planning summits with the North Korean leader during his first term as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for operations. Last month, he named former Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell as his presidential envoy for special missions that he said covers "some of the hottest spots" around the world, including North Korea, while tapping Alex Wong, who was engaged in working-level nuclear talks with the North, as his principal deputy national security adviser. Still, it remains to be seen whether Pyongyang has an appetite to reengage with Washington as it now relies on Russia for food, fuel, security assistance and other forms of support in the wake of its support for Moscow's protracted war in Ukraine. In Seoul, concerns have persisted that with Yoon's suspension from official duties and the absence of a fully elected president in office, policy coordination with the Trump administration could weaken, or South Korea could be sidelined or bypassed during Trump's diplomacy toward Pyongyang. This is a key line of concern over the future trajectory of the Seoul-Washington alliance under Trump as the political turmoil continues in the Asian country currently led by acting President Choi Sang-mok. "This is a tale of two allies on different tracks. The U.S. will be starting a new government that will move at 100 miles per hour starting January 21. Trump will be signing EOs (executive orders) on all sorts of issues," Victor Cha, president of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Yonhap News via email. "Meanwhile, South Korea is stuck in neutral gear, not moving forward, and politically paralyzed by the impeachment crisis. It is imperative that the adjudication of the case be done promptly and without partisan bickering. The longer the delay in resolving the situation however it is resolved the more disadvantageous to the alliance," he added. Frank Aum, a former senior Pentagon adviser on Korea, said the lack of certainty and direction in Seoul's foreign policy might increase the likelihood for the Trump administration to take greater initiative on the alliance and North Korea policy. "A stronger, more legitimate ROK president would be in the best position to advocate for ROK interests, especially in instances whether Washington and Seoul are not on the same page," Aum told Yonhap via email. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. Trump's unconventional, uncertainty-laced brand of diplomacy has been what keeps allies and partners on edge. Recently, Trump took them by surprise when he refused to rule out using military or economic coercion to retake the canal that Panama took control of in 1999 and acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory a move that some say has laid bare an expansionist facet of his foreign policy. Nam Chang-hee, political science professor at Korea's Inha University, interpreted Trump's move on the Panama Canal and Greenland in a broader geopolitical context, saying the new president looks set to conduct a global "chess game" against China, a rival that has steadily been striving to expand its sphere of influence. In the midst of the intensifying rivalry with China, Trump would come to grips with the strategic value of South Korea, a capable treaty ally home to major U.S. Army and Air Force installations in close proximity to China's mainland. "Taken together in a broader scheme of things, I don' think that the South Korea-U.S. relationship would waver significantly during the Trump administration, compared with the NATO alliance," Nam said. "If the defense cost issue is not handled wisely, it could become a source of friction or lead to a dissonance between the allies in a microscopic light, although the strategic value of South Korea would improve given the Sino-U.S. chess game." Some observers construed Trump's move on the Panal Canal and Greenland as another indication of the new U.S. president giving a short shrift to international norms or institutions, and aggressively tripling down on his America First agenda. "I think that it would become difficult to expect the role of America's global leadership, and my concern is that in a post-Trump era, things might proceed in a similar way," Kim Tae-hyung, professor of international politics at Soongsil University, said. On trade, Trump is poised to introduce new tariffs on all imported goods a measure that would also affect South Korea's trade with the world's largest economy. He has pledged to slap blanket tariffs of 10 to 20 percent on all imports, and threatened to impose tariffs of up to 60 percent on Chinese goods. During his Senate confirmation hearing this month, Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent said that under the incoming administration, tariffs will be used for remedying unfair trade practices by China and other countries as well as for negotiations. Wendy Cutler, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute and former negotiator of the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, said that Seoul needs to signal to Trump Seoul's efforts to help reduce America's trade deficit, and pitch itself as a crucial partner based on a story of Korean businesses' substantial investment in the U.S. "Even though a trade deficit can't be turned around overnight, I think that Korea could signal that it takes this seriously and is taking steps, including efforts to buy more U.S. goods and services and export less to the United States, that it's taking these steps in an effort to help bring the deficit down," Cutler said in a recent interview with Yonhap. (Yonhap) A long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza began after a three-hour delay as Hamas named the three female hostages it plans to free later on Sunday. Israel had vowed to keep fighting until it received the names, as the long and uncertain process aimed at ending the war got off to a bumpy start. Celebrations erupted across the war-ravaged territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes despite the delay, which underscored the fragility of the agreement. The truce, which started at 11:15 a.m. local time, is a first step toward ultimately ending the conflict and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier Hamas had not lived up to its commitment to provide the names of the three hostages it was set to release in exchange for scores of Palestinian prisoners. The names of the three hostages had not been handed over when the deadline for the truce to begin passed at 8:30 a.m. local time. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top Israeli military spokesman, said the army continues to attack" and would until Hamas complies with the agreement. The military later said it had struck a number of militant targets in northern and central Gaza. An Israeli airstrike killed at least eight people in the southern city of Khan Younis after the ceasefire was delayed. Nasser Hospital confirmed the casualties from Sundays strike, which it said had occurred around two hours after the truce was supposed to take effect. Gaza's Health Ministry reported another three deaths from strikes on Sunday in Gaza City. Hamas had earlier blamed the delay in handing over the names on technical field reasons. It said in a statement that it is committed to the ceasefire deal announced last week. The party of Israels hard-line National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir meanwhile said its Cabinet ministers submitted their resignations from the government on Sunday in opposition to the ceasefire. The departure of the Jewish Power party weakens Netanyahus coalition but will not affect the ceasefire. In a separate development, 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. The planned ceasefire, agreed after a year of intensive mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, is the first step in a long and fragile process aimed at winding down the 15-month war. 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. The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see a total of 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. Israeli forces should pull back into a buffer zone inside Gaza, and many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home. The devastated territory should also see a surge in humanitarian aid. This is just the second ceasefire in the war, longer and more consequential than the weeklong pause over a year ago, with the potential to end the fighting for good. Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire should begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the six-week first phase and how the rest of the nearly 100 hostages in Gaza will be freed. Dozens of people took to the streets in Gazas southern city of Khan Younis to celebrate the ceasefire, according to an Associated Press reporter. Four masked and armed Hamas fighters arrived in two vehicles as the celebrations were underway, with people welcoming them and chanting slogans in support of the militant group. Gazas Civil Defense, first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government, held a parade in Gaza City, where the rescuers waved a Palestinian flag alongside other revelers, according to AP footage, which also showed a small group of people carrying the flags of Islamic Jihad, the second largest militant group after Hamas, which took part in the Oct. 7 attack. The Hamas-run police began deploying in public after mostly lying low due to Israeli airstrikes. Gaza City residents said they had seen them operating in parts of the city, and the AP reporter in Khan Younis saw a small number out on the streets. Palestinian residents began returning to their homes in parts of Gaza City early Sunday, even as tank shelling continued to the east, closer to the Israeli border, overnight. Families could be seen making their way back on foot, with their belongings loaded on donkey carts, residents said. The sound of shelling and explosions didnt stop, said Ahmed Matter, a Gaza City resident. He said he saw many families leaving their shelters and returning to their homes. People are impatient. They want this madness to end," he said. Israels Cabinet approved the ceasefire early Saturday in a rare session during the Jewish Sabbath, more than two days after mediators announced the deal. The warring sides were under pressure from both the outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump to achieve a deal before the U.S. presidential inauguration on Monday. The toll of the war has been immense , and new details on its scope will now emerge. Over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that sparked the war killed over 1,200. Hundreds of Israeli soldiers have died. Some 90% of Gazas population has been displaced. The United Nations says the health system, road network and other vital infrastructure have been badly damaged. Rebuilding if the ceasefire reaches its final phase will take several years at least . Major questions about Gazas future, political and otherwise, remain unresolved. (AP) Four thousand people are expected to visit a once-abandoned 300-year-old hakka village near the Hong Kong border with mainland China for a festival this weekend and next, as the city taps countryside resources for tourist attractions. Stephen Tang Man-Bun, the head of the Countryside Conservation Office, which organized the event at Kuk Po village, said on Saturday he hoped to bring people a new experience that was different from their daily lives. The Countryside Harvest Festival: Kuk Po "Sound-Sight-Taste Fusion" Tour opened to the public on Saturday and will run for two consecutive weekends. The event includes arts installations, workshops and performances. "Based on our calculations, the four-day event will have about 4,000 participants, which means there will be 1,000 people a day," Tang said. "About half of the participants are members of the public who signed up for the event, the others are villagers who learned about the festival and are coming back specifically for it, as well as our different partnering organisations." Tang said the event combined elements of nature, beautiful scenery, history and local customs. "We hope through this immersive experience, we can bring a new experience that is different to everyone's daily life, no matter if they are tourists or residents." Kuk Po is located at the northeastern fringe of the New Territories near Plover Cove Country Park, with Starling Inlet to the north. Paul Chan Chi-yuen, co-founder of Walk in Hong Kong which organises walking tours and collaborates with the office on the tours, said visitors could not only access the scenic village, but also traditional wisdom, cultural heritage and architecture of the restored destination. "It is a combination of natural landscape, history and human stories of the once-lost village," he said. "This echoes the government's policy of island hopping and everywhere is a tourist attraction." Nestled in a valley, Kuk Po had some key restoration work done in the past couple of years in a collaboration between the office, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University. Attractions include a two- story ancestral house built almost a century ago for a Lee family and restored by Chinese University architecture students. A school for village children has also been restored. Between the 17th and 18th century, Kuk Po served as a rice and poultry trading hub in Sha Tau Kok for the rest of Hong Kong, with more than 500 residents. However, urbanization and the construction of Plover Cove Reservoir more than 50 years ago stifled farming activities. The village was subsequently deserted. Village chief Yeung Yuk-fung, 72, who was born and raised in Kuk Po, said he was "very happy" to see people back there and described it as "a paradise in Hong Kong." "Kuk Po village has been neglected for dozens of years, we used to be thriving," he said. "I am very happy to see people here, I am so touched that I could almost cry from the bottom of my heart." Among the visitors at the festival on Saturday were retirees Gabee Yuen and her friend. Yuen, 60, said her impression of the area had changed after seeing it for the first time. "I am quite surprised there is something so special here ... the natural environment here is very beautiful," she said. Yuen said she hoped there could be more transport arrangements and more promotion of the village to the public. Visitors are required to apply for a permit to get into the Sha Tau Kok restricted area, which has a daily quota of 2,300 for individuals. Groups are confined to 700 visitors a day on weekends and public holidays, but none on weekdays. In the restricted area, they need to take a speed boat to get to Kuk Po in about five minutes. Asked about future festivals, Tang said the office would review and consolidate the experience after hosting the event for the first time. "Hong Kong has a lot of different beautiful countryside locations, we hope to use different ways to show it to everyone. We hope that everyone will find their own fun and destinations in the countryside once they fall in love with it," he said. Read the full story at SCMP. TAKEO, Cambodia, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian villagers benefiting from a China-aided poverty alleviation project on Sunday celebrated the upcoming Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival. Held at Tanorn village in Bati district, roughly 60 km south of the capital Phnom Penh, the event provided an opportunity for participants to experience Spring Festival traditions, including red lanterns and couplets. Vannary, a 31-year-old teacher at the Angkomnob Primary School in Bati district, said she was delighted to take part in the event, as it gave her a chance to enjoy Chinese New Year traditions. "This is the first time that the celebration of the Chinese New Year is organized at Tanorn village, and I'm very happy to join it," she told Xinhua. "Traditional Chinese New Year is very popular among Cambodian people as many people celebrate it," Vannary said. Veng Soknea, 28-year-old teacher at the school, said Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in the Southeast Asian country because many of Cambodian people have Chinese ancestry. "My family is of Chinese descent, so we celebrate it every year at our house as well," she told Xinhua. "Days prior to the Chinese New Year, we clean our house and decorate it with red lanterns and flowers." Khlok Chamroeun, 62-year-old deputy chief of Tanorn village, said the village has a total area of 72 hectares and is currently home to over 130 households with more than 600 people. He added that about 30 percent of the villagers in Tanorn village celebrate the Chinese New Year. "People believe that celebrating the Chinese New Year can help increase their luck, promoting their business to make more money," he told Xinhua. The event was co-organized by the Civil Society Alliance Forum (CSAF) in Cambodia, the China Foundation for Peace and Development (CFPD), and the Cambodia-China Friendship Radio. CSAF Deputy Secretary General Chea Peou said Tanorn village has served as a bridge between the peoples of Cambodia and China. "This Chinese New Year celebration is a testament to the profound bond of friendship between the peoples of Cambodia and China, who have always provided mutual help and support to each other in all circumstances," he said. Once a poor, isolated and quiet village, the tiny Tanorn village has now developed into a modern village under the Cambodia-China Friendship Village for Poverty Alleviation Project, which was launched in January 2021. ARE you or a local group interested in hosting a large culture night event in your town or village on Friday 19 September? If so, an information night about the awards and opportunities of the grants on offer is taking place on Wednesday 22 January at 7pm in the Portlaoise Parish Centre. An online Microsoft Teams information meeting will also be held on Thursday 23 January at 7pm. To book a place email arts@laoiscoco.ie Culture Night in Rathdowney last year. Laois County Councils Art Office is seeking applications from groups and individuals from towns and villages in the county who are interested in being considered to put on a spectacle event on Culture Night Friday 19 September. A creative team including a producer, Music Generation and artists will guide the town in making the successful applicants event, a night to remember. The winning entrant will be expected to work closely with the creative team and to involve as many stakeholders as possible including schools, community groups, mens sheds, ICA, resident groups, artists, and musicians, etc. Some of those who took part in the night work art shops preparing for their Night Creatures project in Stradbally's 2023 Culture Night. The effect this level of involvement in a Culture Night event can be profound on a town. It increases confidence and skills in hosting and producing a large-scale event, under the guidance of a professional team. Art, music, dance, and drama workshops are held in advance of the Culture Night event, with the schools and community. Taking part in the Culture Night - Night Creatures Parade in Stradbally in 2023. Night Creatures Parade took place on Culture Night 2023 in Stradbally was a great success. It included students from Cosby NS, St Colemans NS, drummers from Music Generation Laois and dancers from the Buggie School of Dance. There was a parade and illuminations. Rathdowney Revels was the title of the 2024 Culture Night event. It included dance, music and illuminations with radiant creatures inhabiting the Square led by a firmament of sun, moon and stars. Those who took part included children and young people from Scoil Bhride NS and Saint Fergals College, residents from Erkina House, The Commercial Inn and the wider Rathdowney community. Night Creatures illuminations in Stradbally during their 2023 Culture Night celebrations. The Culture Night events were produced by Laois County Council Arts Service in partnership with Music Generation Laois. Details and application forms for this year events are available from The Arts Office, Laois County Council, Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Also by phoning 057 866 4163, be emailing arts@laoiscoco.ie or by logging onto its website www.laois.ie. Closing date for receipt of the completed application is 5pm on Friday 28 February. Gardai are appealing to landowners to check their land for stolen property, after a car was broken into in a local car park. A number of items were stolen from the car on Friday afternoon at the car park in Heywood, Ballinakill. The theft happened just before darkness fell, between 4.25pm and 5pm on 17 January. In an appeal on social media today, gardai asked landowners in the area to check their property for items that may have been discarded following the theft. The break-in is being investigated by Abbeyleix gardai, who can be contacted at 057 8730580. Gardai added: When parking at any amenity area or in general, make sure there are no items of value left in your car. Gardai advised motorists to park smart using the following guidelines: 1. Remove all valuables from your vehicle dont leave temptation on display. 2. Lock your car every time, even if youre just stepping away for a moment. 3. Double-check that windows and doors are secured before you walk away. They said: Together, we can help prevent these incidents from happening again. Lets work as a community to keep our streets safe. New Delhi [India], January 19 (ANI): Reacting to the Saif Ali Khan attack case, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva on Sunday lashed out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and former Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal and said that the BJP has been saying from the first day that the Bangladeshi Rohingyas are a threat to the security of Delhi as well as the entire country. He further stated that Kejriwal must now be held accountable for why he works to save Bangladeshis. "We have been saying from the first day that Bangladeshi Rohingyas are a threat to the security of Delhi and the country...Arvind Kejriwal should tell why he works to save Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. You should now answer why Arvind Kejriwal works to nurture criminals who are a threat to the country's security," said Sachdeva. Also Read | 'Baseless': Motilal Oswal Responds to Rumours, Denies Accusations Circulating on Social Media. The Mumbai Police on Sunday morning confirmed that the person arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan is an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh. The accused, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. As per the police statement, various investigation teams were formed to investigate the crime, and a case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal 'Attack': BJP Says 'Sympathy Stunt', Congress Claims 'Distraction' From Main Issues Ahead of Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 (Watch Videos). Further, according to the police, the accused was about to flee to his native village when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. It was revealed that the accused is a native of the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh. The attack was reported by Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on January 16, during which Saif Ali Khan was attacked and sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. During a press conference earlier today, the Mumbai Police stated that there was preliminary evidence suggesting the accused is a Bangladeshi national. "He does not have valid Indian documents. Some items seized indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national," said Dixit Gedam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone 9. This development comes after Khan was stabbed multiple times in his Bandra apartment in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, where he received treatment for serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is recovering 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. While the actor is now "out of danger," medical staff are closely monitoring his condition. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Aizawl, Jan 19 (PTI) Mizoram, the "first among the northeastern states", has distributed property cards under the Centre's village survey scheme to 2,909 beneficiaries since April 2023, officials said on Sunday. They said 1,754 property cardholders from 18 villages in the state were among 65 lakh beneficiaries across 10 states and two Union Territories (UT), who were handed over property cards by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. Also Read | Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Fire: PM Narendra Modi Speaks to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath To Take Stock of Situation After Blaze Gutted Several Tents at Mahakumbh Mela Venue in Prayagraj. The Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA), a scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, provides a 'Record of Rights' to village household owners with the issuance of legal ownership cards to property owners by mapping land parcels using drone technology. "Mizoram became the first state in the northeastern region to distribute property cards on April 24, 2023. Since then, a total of 2,909 property cards have been distributed to the owners," an official said. Also Read | Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Fire: Blaze Erupts at Mahakumbh Mela Venue in Prayagraj After 'Gas Cylinder Explosion' Inside Tent (Watch Video). Around 35,000 property cards will also be distributed in the state in the coming phases, he said. Mizoram Governor General VK Singh virtually participated in the nationwide property cards distribution event held on Saturday, an official statement said here. The governor lauded the SVAMITVA scheme and expressed his pride in Mizoram being the first state in the northeast region to distribute property cards under the central programme, it said. He commended the state's Land Revenue and Settlement Department for its efforts and urged it to continue working towards the scheme's objectives. Singh also congratulated the beneficiaries and extended his best wishes to them. The SVAMITVA scheme was launched by the prime minister on April 24, 2020. The scheme aimed at creating records of rights in revenue documents for inhabited areas in villages using drone and GIS technology., another official said. These property cards serve not only as legal documentation but also as collateral for bank loans and various other important purposes, he said. The Mizoram government signed an agreement with Survey of India on July 8, 2021 for the effective implementation of the scheme, according to the officials. Drone surveys were taken up in villages on December 9, 2021 and the exercise completed on December 2, 2024, covering 319 rural areas across nine districts of the state, they said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna, Jan 19 (PTI) The ruling NDA in Bihar on Sunday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for terming as "fake" the caste survey conducted by Nitish Kumar government in the state. On his first tour of the state since Lok Sabha polls, Gandhi on Saturday vowed to push for a nationwide caste census and declaimed that he would see to it that the exercise was "not fake... intended to befool people" like the one conducted in Bihar in 2022-23. Also Read | 'Baseless': Motilal Oswal Responds to Rumours, Denies Accusations Circulating on Social Media. Reacting to the statement, state minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary of the JD(U) said "we cannot expect anything better from a politician who is unable to differentiate between Indian government and Indian state". The allusion was to a recent remark by Gandhi in Delhi, which has led to an FIR against the Congress in BJP-ruled Assam. Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal 'Attack': BJP Says 'Sympathy Stunt', Congress Claims 'Distraction' From Main Issues Ahead of Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 (Watch Videos). Chaudhary reminded Gandhi that "his party had been supporting the caste survey all through. The government has also been willing to set right anomalies if these were pointed out with tangible evidence. In such a backdrop, the comment by Gandhi is just another example of his propensity to speak things that sound ridiculous". Senior BJP leader and former minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain expressed similar sentiments and pointed out "till recently, Rahul Gandhi used to claim credit for Bihar's caste survey. It is bewildering on his part to call the survey fake". State minister Dilip Jaiswal, who is also the Bihar BJP chief, mockingly said, "Before holding forth on caste census, Rahul Gandhi should tell us to which caste does he belong". Incidentally, the Congress was a partner in the government headed by Nitish Kumar when the findings of the survey were made public in October 2023. The survey highlighted a rise in the population percentage of Dalits and backward classes. Reacting to the attack on the party's top leader, state Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh claimed Gandhi had meant to underscore that the survey has since been "put in cold storage". "Nitish Kumar left us and joined hands with the BJP shortly after the survey's report was published. He has since been dragging his feet which makes one question his intentions," the former Union minister alleged. The Rajya Sabha MP pointed out that "quotas for Dalits and backwards were raised in light of the findings of the survey. The legislation was set aside by the Patna High Court and the government has challenged the order in Supreme Court. Nitish Kumar is now hiding behind the excuse that the matter is before the court". "If the CM is serious about ensuring that deprived sections receive benefits, he should withdraw the petition, bring in a fresh legislation and then use his party's clout in the Centre to protect the new law from any judicial intervention by getting it placed in the ninth schedule of the Constitution," 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) BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday unveiled a new educational blueprint, vowing to build a strong education system by 2035 to support its modernization drive and national rejuvenation. The 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education was jointly issued by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council. The strong education system of socialism with Chinese characteristics will feature powerful ideological and political leadership, talent competitiveness, scientific and technological underpinning, livelihood security, social synergy, and international influence, according to the document. Building a leading country in education has been an aspiration of the Chinese nation since the advent of modern times. In 2022, the CPC set the goal to be achieved by 2035. By 2027, a high-quality education system is expected to be initially established, and independent cultivation of talent will be greatly improved, leading to a steady stream of outstanding, innovative individuals, according to the document. By 2035, a high-quality education system will be fully established. The accessibility and quality of basic education will remain among the best in the world. A fully developed learning society will be in place, and overall educational modernization will be achieved, it added. This is the first national action plan focused on building China into a leading country in education to support the country's modernization in all respects. HIGHER EDUCATION According to the document, China will accelerate the development of advanced research universities, encourage high-level foreign universities in science and engineering to offer programs in China, and vigorously promote professional postgraduate degree programs. A mechanism needs be put in place to adjust disciplines and majors in alignment with advancements in science and technology as well as the country's national strategies, said the document. It called for extraordinary efforts to set up urgently needed disciplines and majors, and stressed the need to strengthen foundational, emerging and interdisciplinary disciplines, and support endangered and less popular disciplines. The country will implement plans for foundational and interdisciplinary breakthrough research. The document stressed that China will foster an environment that encourages exploration and tolerates failure, with the goal of cultivating high-caliber faculty and master scholars, according to the document. Wu Yan, vice minister of education, revealed at a press conference last September that China added 1,673 undergraduate programs urgently needed for national strategies and removed 1,670 that do not align with economic and social development in 2024, an adjustment he described as "unprecedented." Among the new majors are intelligent maritime equipment, intelligent material technology, and interdisciplinary engineering. For example, South China University of Technology was the first to apply to offer programs in soft matter science and engineering major and intelligent maritime equipment. These are two majors designed to support the upgrading of China's strategic industries and the development of high-tech industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. There are 1,308 undergraduate universities in China, offering 816 majors across 93 subcategories within 12 categories. Since 2012, educational authorities have added 21,000 undergraduate programs and canceled or suspended 12,000, according to the ministry. OPENING UP The new educational blueprint devoted significant attention to opening up. China will enhance its capacity to train and attract global talent, expand youth exchanges between China and other countries, and implement international summer school programs. Wu said at the September press conference that China will launch 800 key international summer school projects in the next three years. Additionally, it will invite 50,000 American teenagers to China for exchange programs over the next five years and 10,000 French teenagers in the next three years. Notably, the country will expand academic exchanges and educational and research cooperation with the rest of the world, while supporting its universities in initiating and participating in international scientific programs, according to the document. Chinese scientists have taken the lead in international high-profile projects including the Deep-time Digital Earth and Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions. China will also actively participate in global education governance and support the establishment and development of international STEM education institutions. The Sunday document also highlighted the need to monitor demographic shifts across different school-age groups in basic education, advance high-quality, balanced development and urban-rural integration in compulsory education, and cultivate more master craftsmen and highly-skilled workers. Jabalpur (MP), Jan 19 (PTI) A 64-year-old man was killed after a rod from a flex banner structure fell and pierced his neck in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur, an official said on Sunday. A contractual employee of the local civic body was fixing the flex banner structure in Allahabad Bank Chowk on Saturday when a rod fell on a pedestrian, Civil Line police station in-charge Nehru Khandate said. Also Read | Rajouri Deaths: Inter-Ministerial Team, Formed by MHA, To Visit Jammu and Kashmir Today To Probe 'Mysterious Deaths' in Budhal Village. He said the rod fell on Kishan Kumar Rajak and pierced his neck. The man was taken to a hospital, where the doctors declared him dead, the official said, adding that a case has been registered and a probe is underway to find out if the employee had followed safety protocol. Also Read | Infosys, TCS Take Biggest Hit As Mcap of 6 of 10 Most Valued IT Firms Erodes by INR 1.71 Lakh Crore. (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 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday highlighted India's "historic achievements" in the field of Space. "My dear countrymen, in the beginning of 2025 itself, India has attained many historic achievements in the field of Space," PM Modi said. He lauded Bengaluru-based private space-tech startup Pixxel for its significant contribution in strengthening the space sector of the country. "Today, I am proud to convey that an Indian Space-Tech start-up, Bengaluru based Pixxel has successfully launched India's first private satellite constellation - 'Firefly'. This satellite constellation is the world's topmost high-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation," he said. Mann Ki Baat on January 19, 2025 Live Streaming: Watch and Listen to PM Narendra Modis Address to the Nation via Radio Programme. The Prime Minister said that this achievement has not only made India a leader in modern space technology, but is also a big step towards a self-reliant India. "This success is a symbol of the growing strength and innovation of our private Space Sector. On behalf of the entire country, I congratulate the team of Pixxel, ISRO and IN-SPACe for this achievement." PM Modi also mentioned ISRO's successful docking of satellites. "Friends, a few days ago, our scientists marked another major achievement in the Space Sector. Our scientists have undertaken space docking of satellites. When two Space crafts are connected in Space, this process is called Space Docking. This technology is important for sending supplies to Space Stations and crew missions in Space. India has become the fourth country to have achieved this success," the PM said. Mann Ki Baat 118th Episode: PM Narendra Modi To Address His First Monthly Radio Broadcast of 2025 on January 19. He said that Indian scientists are also making efforts to grow plants in Space and make them survive. For this, ISRO scientists chose seeds of cow pea. " These seeds, sent on the 30th of December, germinated in Space itself. This is a very inspiring experiment which will pave the way for growing vegetables in Space in future. This shows how far-sightedly our scientists are working," he said. The Prime Minister also said that IIT Madras's ExTeM Centre is working on new technologies for manufacturing in Space. "This Centre is conducting research on technologies like 3D-printed buildings, metal foams and optical fibres in Space. This Centre is also developing revolutionary methods like concrete construction without water. This research of ExTeM will strengthen India's Gaganyaan mission and the future Space Station. This will also open new avenues of modern technology in manufacturing," he said. "Friends, all these achievements are proof of how visionary India's scientists and innovators are, in providing solutions to future challenges. Today, our country is setting new benchmarks in Space technology. I extend my best wishes to India's scientists, innovators and young entrepreneurs on behalf of the entire nation," he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 19 (ANI): Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced various allocations of funds on Sunday, for a government college, hospital and a shopping complex, while addressing a public gathering in the Kangra district of the state. According to a statement by the CMO, Rs 5 crore was allocated for Arya Government Degree College in Nurpur; Rs 3 crore to operationalise the Mother and Child Hospital; Rs 2 crore for a shopping complex at Wazir Ram Singh Pathania Stadium; Rs 2 crore for road maintenance in Nurpur; Rs 2 crore for the Jasur- Katahal road. Also Read | NDRF Has Set Global Standards in Disaster Response, Management, Says PM Narendra Modi. The CM also assured the swift initiation of the Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School project in Nurpur and promised to address the town's parking issues. According to the statement, the CM also gave a stern warning to the drug mafia, stating that the current government will take strict action against those jeopardizing the future of the youth. He highlighted that the police have launched extensive campaigns against drug traffickers in recent months, confiscating assets worth Rs. 11 crore from them. The state government has implemented the PIT-NDPS Act, enabling the detention of habitual offenders in drug trafficking to safeguard the public interest. Also Read | Bihar Hooch Tragedy: 7 Killed After Consuming Spurious Liquor in West Champaran District, Probe Ordered. Referring to the financial challenges inherited from the previous government, he revealed that the BJP government left a debt of Rs 75,000 crore along with pending liabilities of Rs 10,000 crore for employees. Despite this, the current government is striving to deliver quality services to the people through systemic reforms. He criticised the BJP for failing to mobilize resources and for opposing the reforms that the people of the state support wholeheartedly. The Chief Minister emphasized efforts to improve education and healthcare. He pointed out the lack of modern equipment for timely diagnosis in health institutions during the BJP regime. The current government is equipping major hospitals and medical colleges with advanced technology to provide specialist services locally. To further enhance healthcare delivery, the government will separate the cadres of the Directorate of Health Services and Medical Colleges. To further enhance healthcare delivery, he announced that the government will separate the cadres of the Directorate of Health Services and Medical Colleges. "During the 2023 natural disaster, the state government provided a special relief package of Rs. 4,500 crore and he instructed the officers to increase the compensation for fully damaged houses to Rs.7 lakh," the Himachal CM said. The Chief Minister disclosed that the current government has taken loans amounting to Rs.28,000 crore over the past two years, of which Rs.18,000 crore was spent on repaying old debts and interest. Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, Vice-Chairman State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, MLA Malendra Rajan, Vice-Chairman Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation Vishal Chambial, Congress leader Karn Pathania, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 19 (PTI) A delegation of Tanzania's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on Sunday expressed interest in understanding and collaborating with Kerala's IT sector with focus in the fields of integrated development of higher education and the overall ecosystem. The visiting team met Technopark CEO Col Sanjeev Nair (Retd), Santhosh C Kurup, Professor of Practice, Digital University Kerala (DUK) and Riji N Das of ICT Academy of Kerala (ICTAK) at Technopark here on Saturday as part of their Indian benchmarking tour. Also Read | Bhopal: Boy Suffocates to Death After Swing's Rope Tightens Around His Neck While Playing With Sister in MP. The objective of the tour was to understand the development of the educational system in India and the advancements made in the education domain, an official statement said. Nair gave insight into Technopark, the first IT Park in the country, and how it benefited the state's IT landscape. Also Read | Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Fire: Blaze at Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj Brought Under Control, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Visits Site (Watch Videos). He also added how government interventions and support made the Technopark model a success and an ecosystem enabler. The interaction with the delegation is the first step towards collaboration between Tanzania and Kerala's IT sector, it said. Santhosh Kurup gave insight into DUK, the premier institute of Kerala that is digitally empowering the state. He added that there are immense opportunities of exploring academia-academia and academia-industry collaboration between the two countries. Riji N Das brought out the aspect of how ICTAK is bridging the skill gap to make the students industry ready in the ICT domain. The idea of exploring the possibilities of student exchange programmes with the east African country was also discussed, besides an exchange of academic and industrial expertise in the field of higher education in Tanzania. Prof Peter Msoffe, who is the Director of Higher Education under Tanzania's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, described the Kerala model as "truly remarkable", the statement said. "The way Kerala has expanded its IT landscape with government-aided initiatives is a big takeaway for us. How academia and industry is being connected -- like in Kerala's Digital University where students are getting industry experience while they're studying -- is a model we can emulate in Tanzania," he said. The visiting delegates evinced keenness of signing MoU on collaboration prospects with the IT sector of Kerala. He added that it can help us seek the possibility of utilising the academic resources of Kerala for the development of our higher education and developing our IT landscape. Pointing out that Tanzania was now focusing on developing its service sector, Prof Msoffe said the delegation would also consider the scope of conducting internships, workshops and certification programmes in collaboration with Kerala's IT sector for Tanzanian students. Among the top priorities of the delegation's visit to India are coordination of education, training, curriculum implementation and management, internship programmes, integration of technology and stakeholder engagement. The other members of the touring delegation were Science, Technology and Innovation Director (under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology) Prof Ladislaus Mnyoinne, Tanzania Commission for Universities Executive Secretary Prof Charles Kihampa, MJNUAT Deputy Vice Councilor (Academic, Research and Consultancy) Prof Joel Mtebe and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Principal officer Ms Kadole M. Kilugala, it said. The delegation interacted with lead strategists and IT fellows supporting the High Power IT committee, representatives of Higher Education and Industries Departments, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala Startup Mission, ICT Academy, Kerala Development and Innovative Strategic Council and Additional Skill Acquisition Programme, the statement added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Jan 19 (PTI) Japanese auto major Toyota will launch electric vehicles in India, as part of its multi-technology approach towards combating carbon emission in the country, which EVs alone cannot tackle, according to top officials of the company's Indian arm. The company feels that under the current circumstances, strong hybrid is the most practical solution supplemented by other technologies, including electric, flex fuel, electrified flex fuel, and plug-in hybrid in India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor & Lexus India, Deputy Managing Director - Sales-Service-Used Car, Tadashi Asazuma told PTI. Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for January 19, 2025 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. "India itself is one of the most important country markets that we recognise. So in terms of the technologies, we are thinking of how to contribute to the Indian auto market, what will best suit India. "However, as of now, we think that the strong hybrid is a kind of practical answer to start with," he said here in an interview on the sidelines of the Auto Expo held as part of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Also Read | 8th Pay Commission Salary Pay Matrix: What Will Be Revised Salaries, Pensions for Central Govt Employees?. Elaborating further, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Executive Vice President & Country Head Vikram Gulati said the company has a multi pathway corridor ranging from a battery electric to hydrogen, plug-in hybrid and flex fuels. "Our approach is that we feel we have to tackle the problem of carbon (emission) and energy at a much faster scale. For that, everything is needed, including electric, flex fuel, flex fuel-electrified, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, because all consumers don't have the same need," Gulati noted. When asked about Toyota's plans for a full-electric vehicle in India, "Of course, we are thinking. However, as we have repeatedly said as a solution (EV) is not the only answer. We have many answers." He said EVs have seen a slowdown in the global market in the recent past, which may or may not happen in India and the company would first like to "check the customer preferences". "We will... but as a corporate policy we do not spell out," Gulati said when asked if Toyota will launch EV in India and how soon, considering Suzuki with which the company has a product and technology partnership globally has introduced its electric SUV e VITARA. He asserted that in terms of EV technology availability, "it is not a challenge at all as Toyota had it since 1996". At the expo, TKM showcased the all-electric 'bZ4X' and 'URBAN BEV' concept besides other fuel technologies as part of its multi-pathway approach towards driving carbon neutrality. When asked if Toyota is considering bringing more vehicles in SUVs, MPVs, and bigger sized cars as the Indian market is moving towards those, Asazuma said, "Why not? If there is a customer trend, we would like to meet those." He further said, "That is the reason why we are enhancing our production capacity after seeing this kind of momentum and how we can provide the best cars." Gulati said Toyota Kirloskar Motor had recently announced a major investment of Rs 3,300 crore for a third line at the Bidadi plant in Karnataka. It will increase the production capacity at the plant by 1 lakh units annually taking it to 4.4 lakh units per annum when fully operational by 2026. (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 19 (PTI) Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company, recently in the spotlight on social media due to allegations involving Kalyan Jewellers' stock, has strongly refuted the claims, describing them as "baseless, malicious, and defamatory". The company stated that these accusations on social media are a "deliberate attempt" to damage its reputation. Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for January 19, 2025 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. The statement came in response to rumours on social media that claimed Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company (MOAMC) money managers may have been bribed to stock up on Kalyan Jewellers. "We categorically deny the baseless, malicious, and defamatory allegations circulating on social media against MOAMC and its officials. These baseless accusations are a deliberate attempt by individuals with vested interests to malign the good reputation that our firm and leadership have built over decades," the company said in a statement. Also Read | 8th Pay Commission Salary Pay Matrix: What Will Be Revised Salaries, Pensions for Central Govt Employees?. It further said that allegations made against the firm and its officials about rumours related to resignation, unethical practices, or search are totally false and a blatant attempt to mislead the public. "We urge people not to believe these baseless and unethical attempts to spread misinformation. We urge all stakeholders to rely on credible and verified sources of information. We reassure our investors, distributors, shareholders and all other stakeholders that we follow the highest level of compliance standards and we have full faith in our systems, processes and fund managers," it added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Katihar, January 19: Three people were killed and four others went missing after a boat capsized in the Ganga in Bihar's Katihar district on Sunday, officials said. The boat, with 17 people on board, capsized near Golaghat in the Amdabad area, they said. Ten people have been rescued so far, officials said, adding that most of them managed to swim to the bank. Mumbai Boat Capsize: 1 Dead as Boat Heading to Elephanta Island With 60 Passengers Overturns Near Gateway of India (Watch Video). "The rescue operation is still underway for the four missing persons. An investigation has been ordered to find the cause of the incident," District Magistrate Manesh Kumar Meena told PTI. Two of the deceased were identified as Pawan Kumar (60) and Sudhir Mandal (70), while the other person could not be identified yet, officials said. Lucknow, January 19: In a shocking incident in Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow, a deadly case of obsession unfolded in Mallihabads Isapur village on Saturday when Vikas Jaiswal (25) brutally murdered Geeta (25) and her six-year-old daughter, Deepika, in a fit of rage after being ignored. Jaiswal, arrested by the police, confessed to the crime, revealing his frustration over Geetas lack of attention despite his emotional and financial investments in their illicit relationship. Geeta, whose husband Prakash Kanaujia works in Mumbai, had been caring for her two children. On January 15, when her son Dipanshu was staying with relatives, Geeta and Deepika were alone at home. The next day, concerned family members found their blood-soaked bodies, with severe injuries and slit throats, after using a ladder to access the locked house. Pune Shocker: Man Kills Wife and Son by Administering Heavy Dose of Sleeping Pills, Survives Suicide Bid; Blames Moneylenders for Harassment. DCP West Zone Vishwajeet Srivastava revealed Jaiswals obsession, highlighted by 1,600 calls to Geeta over the past 11 months. Suspicion grew when Dipanshu mentioned Jaiswals frequent visits. During interrogation, Jaiswal admitted the relationship began during the COVID-19 lockdown but deteriorated as Geeta distanced herself. Bengaluru Shocker: Man Slits Wifes Throat Over Infidelity Suspicion, Kills Daughter and Niece for Supporting Her; Surrenders With Blood-Stained Weapon in Peenya. On the fateful night, Jaiswal climbed a pole to enter Geetas house. Enraged when she demanded he leave, he attacked her with a stick. When her daughter woke up, he killed her too before slitting their throats with a kitchen knife. To mislead investigators, Jaiswal stole jewelry he had gifted Geeta, staged the scene as a robbery, and even consoled the family. Police recovered phone and call records which lead to his arrest. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 19, 2025 03:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, January 19: Samsung is planning to launch its latest smartphones from the Galaxy S25 series during the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, which will take place on January 22, 2025. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series will feature three smartphone models, the Samsung Galaxy S25, the Samsung Galaxy S25+, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Reports suggest that the new features of the upcoming smartphones will focus on the AI-powered Sketch to Image tool, which was launched last year. It is expected to see major enhancements in the Galaxy S25 series. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim is anticipated to be included to the Galaxy S25 series of smartphones. There are mixed reports about the launch of Galaxy S25 Slim. Some reports indicate that it might be launched on the same day as the other models, while others believe it could be introduced later in May. Before the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, various leaks emerged regarding the price and specifications of the upcoming smartphones. Realme 14 Pro 5G, Realme 14 Pro Plus 5G Launched in India With 120x Digital Zoom; Check Price, Features and Specifications. Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Specifications and Features (Expected) The Samsung Galaxy S25 is expected to come with a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and may be paied with 12GB of RAM. The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is anticipated to have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display and may also use the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, along with a 4,900mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.9-inch AMOLED display and will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB of RAM. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be equipped with a 5,000mAh battery. The smartphones from the Galaxy S25 series will likely run on One UI 7.0 based on Android 15. The Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S25+ smartphones may feature a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. These smartphones will likely include a 12MP front-facing camera. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to come with a 200MP primary rear camera with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. It may feature a 12MP front camera. Samsung Galaxy F06, Samsung Galaxy M06 To Launch Soon in India; Know Expected Specifications and Features of Upcoming Budget Smartphones. Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price (Expected) As per a tipster, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is expected to be priced at approximately INR 84,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, while the 12GB + 512GB variant may be priced at around INR 94,999. The Galaxy S25+ is likely to start at INR 1,04,999 for the 12GB + 256GB, and the 12GB + 512GB variant may be priced at about INR 1,14,999. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is anticipated to be priced at INR 1,34,999 for the 12GB + 256GB, the 16GB + 512GB variant is expected to be priced at INR 1,44,999, and the 16GB + 1TB variant is likely to come at a price of INR 1,64,999. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 19, 2025 05:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Actor Rick Jason, who played the hard-boiled leader Lt. Gil Hanley on the 1960s television drama Combat!, was found dead Monday in his house. He was 74. Jason died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and was found by his wife about 5 a.m., said Ventura County Deputy Coroner Craig Stevens. He left no note, and authorities only said that he was despondent over personal matters. Funeral arrangements were pending. In a career that spanned more than 35 years and included notable roles on stage, film and television, Jason continued to be known most widely for his portrayal in the World War II drama that ran from 1960 to 1967. Advertisement As recently as this month, he attended a Combat! reunion in Las Vegas to meet fans and be reunited with fellow cast members, according to the shows Web site. Combat!, which also starred the late Vic Morrow, focused on the front line of U.S. infantrymen and illustrated the ravages of the European invasion. The show attracted guest stars such as Lee Marvin, Telly Savalas, Sal Mineo, Ted Knight, Eddie Albert and James Coburn. Members of the cast maintained close ties, and six of them went on a reunion cruise in 1996. It was the first time they had been together since Morrow died in a 1982 helicopter accident while he was filming Twilight Zone: The Movie. Advertisement Before his success on TV, Jason starred with Joi Lansing and Dan Tobin in Orson Welles The Fountain of Youth, a 1956 television comedy about love and the search for eternal youth. Tobin portrayed a scientist enamored of a blond bombshell actress played by Lansing, who eventually throws him over for a handsome, much younger man, played by Jason. His other credits included the popular 1960 television series The Case of Dangerous Robin, in which he was suave insurance investigator Robin Scott. The show ran for 38 episodes and made Jason one of the first actors to use martial arts on television. Advertisement Jason had a recurring role in 1973 on the daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless and also made guest appearances on Murder, She Wrote in 1984, Matt Houston in 1982 and Wonder Woman in 1976. He also wrote Scrapbooks of My Mind: A Hollywood Autobiography. Jason was born May 21, 1926, in New York City. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II from 1943 to 1945 and then returned to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before pursuing his acting career. The Combat! Web site says Jason enjoyed collecting wine, sculpting and painting, flying, playing guitar and breeding tropical fish. After leaving Hollywood and moving to Moorpark with his wife, Cindy, Jason continued to do voice-overs for commercials. DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 overseas Chinese in Tanzania gathered in the port city of Dar es Salaam on Saturday to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, which marks the first day of the lunar calendar. The celebration was guided by the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania and organized by overseas Chinese; the audience enjoyed a gala featuring traditional Chinese music, dance, and other performances. Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said the Spring Festival is the social practice of the Chinese people to celebrate the traditional New Year, which has been included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Spring Festival falls on Jan. 29 this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. It is an important part of traditional Chinese culture, carrying the common expectations of mankind for reunion, happiness, satisfaction, and well-being, Chen said. "We look forward to working with everyone in the New Year to make the China-Tanzania friendship tree more deeply rooted and fruitful," she said. "Watching all these programs, I can truly feel that the festive atmosphere is becoming more vivid and the spirit of the Spring Festival is all around," said Zhou Dao, a Chinese logistics worker working in Tanzania. An early move into the Spring Festival mode would greatly help promote excellent traditional culture, boost the development of the holiday consumer market, and balance supply and demand, said Zhou Qingjie, a professor at China's Beijing Technology and Business University. A 40-year-old Bethlehem man was convicted last week of an attempted carjacking that left a man seriously injured. Elon James was found guilty of charges that included aggravated assault, attempted robbery of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. A Lehigh County jury convicted him Thursday after a two-day trial before Common Pleas Judge James T. Anthony. The incident unfolded around 8 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2023, in a restaurant parking lot along West Broad Street in Bethlehem. Authorities said James attempted to steal the car of a married couple and assaulted the male victim, who suffered serious injuries. Bethlehem Police Officer Douglas Pascoe was in the area and located James within minutes of the attack. James initially ran, but was taken into custody nearby, police said. With the verdict, James bail was revoked and he was sent to Lehigh County Jail. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 26, when he faces as much as 42 years in prison, District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan said. Robert Sletvold, James public defender, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Sunday. The investigation was assisted by the James B. Martin Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center. The case was investigated by Bethlehem Police Officer Andrew Wirth and prosecuted by Lehigh County Chief Deputy District Attorney David J. Mussel. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. A woman admitted stealing from shops and possessing drugs in Laois. Eva Duskevic (23) with addresses at 7 Oaklawn, Ballyfin Road, Portlaoise and Flat 3 OConnell House, OConnell Street, Mountmellick pleaded guilty to the offences at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. She admitted having heroin for sale or supply and possession of methadone and cocaine at OConnell House, Mountmellick on May 11, 2023. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a tick list, heroin valued at 300, methadone worth 20 and cocaine valued at 60 were discovered during a search of her address in Mountmellick on May 11. On July 13, gardai searched the address again and found heroin worth 750, cannabis valued at 250. Sgt Kirby said there was someone else at the address with her and they would have been the main player. The defendant was stopped on Patrick Street, Mountmellick on July 29, 2023 and gardai found heroin valued at 280. She admitted stealing a Four Loko alcoholic beverage worth 5.50 from Supervalu, Lyster Square, Portlaoise. On December 13, 2023 she stole a jacket valued at 159.99 from TK Maxx, Kyle Centre, Portlaoise. On January 25, 2024 she stole groceries valued at 44.95 from Centra, Main Street, Shinrone, Offaly. Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client had suffered addiction issues with drugs and alcohol and had been homeless for a time. Mr Fitzgerald explained that the woman had gone down the wrong path after she had begun a relationship with a drug user. He said the woman was now engaging with Merchants Quay Ireland and the recent pattern has been much better as she was not engaging with negative peer groups and had moved to Cashel. He said the best option for the defendant and society was to allow her to continue with her rehab. She is aware that she is very much on the precipice, said Mr Fitzgerald. Judge Susan Fay said I am going to order a probation report and include a community service suitability assessment. If suitable, she said this would normally consider 180 hours of community service in lieu of three months in prison. He adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on May 12 for a probation report. Recruitment problems at Portlaoise hospital mean its Emergency Department (ED/A&E) has a small number of doctors relative to other hospitals while a UK-based consultant works remotely from England to prevent the spread of infection. It is also reported that recruitment restrictions means the hospitals dedicated patient complaints post is vacant. HIQA also revealed that there is no full pharmacy service in place with nearly a third of pharmacy department posts unfilled. High risks related to staffing are also recorded on management's prioritised log of recognised threats to operations. These are some of the findings in a newly published Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspection report on the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. While no non-compliance with standards was found in the Laois hospital, the watchdogs report has identified some key issues to be addressed in the interest of patient safety. While many clinical and nursing posts were found to be filled, HIQA reported that staffing is a constant concern for management. A number of high-rated risks related to staffing were recorded on the hospitals corporate risk register. Workforce management was a standing agenda item at the monthly performance meeting with the Dublin Midland Hospital Group, it said. The inspection report is based on a visit to the hospital in May 2024. There were three consultant posts in emergency medicine two of whom were locum on the day of inspection. They covered a 24/7 on-call rota for the emergency department. The report indicated that this represents understaffing relative patient numbers. The emergency department had a small number of consultants relative to the number of attendances (42,616 in 2023), said the report. HIQA said this level of staffing contrasts the HSEs 2024 Urgent and Emergency Care report data 2024 for hospitals in Sligo, Tullamore, Kerry and Mullingar. Another risk highlighted was a continued dependency on an English-based consultant. The consultant microbiologists position was filled on a locum basis and the microbiologist was consulting remotely from the UK. This arrangement had been risk assessed and remained on the hospitals risk register, it said. Microbiologists can diagnose, treat and prevent the spread of infection, making a major contribution to hospital clinical infection management. Pharmacy services were also short-staffed with a medication safety pharmacist post among the vacancies. Pharmacy was carrying a deficit of 30% of pharmacist grade staff, which affected the hospitals ability to provide a full clinical pharmacy service across the hospital including antimicrobial stewardship, HIQA reported. The report said the risks associated with these unfilled posts were escalated to the hospitals corporate risk register and to the DMHG, it said. HIQA also found that there were were vacant posts in the quality and patient safety department such as the quality patient safety manager grade-eight, the consumer affairs manager and the clinical risk officer (maternity services). Recruitment of replacement posts was impacted by the HSE recruitment embargo of late 2023, said the report. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Staff from several trade unions protested at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise in November 2024 over staffing in Laois and other hospitals. HIQA also highlighted issues about space and capacity. While it was noted that construction work due to complete to expand the Emergency Department on 2025, the report found that A&E staff depend on the Acute Medical and Surgical Assessment Unit (AMSAU) when patient numbers surge. Staff had to use surge capacity on nearly 90% of days from January to the end of May 2024. HIQA says the usefulness of the AMSAU diminishes when it is used to cope with patient surges. Issues with the main Dunamaise Ward were highlighted which the hospital identifies as an ongoing risk. Most patients on Dunamaise ward were accommodated in six bedded multiple-occupancy rooms. These rooms were small and patients complained that this affected their comfort. Privacy curtains were used to promote the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients receiving care in multi-occupancy rooms, it said. The report acknowledges the existence of plans to improve the situation. Some elements of capital plans to improve the campus were at an advanced stage while others were still at the planning stage. This continuing scheme of works will be essential in providing a physical environment that supports the delivery of high quality, safe, reliable care, said HIQA. The Inspection report also highlighted a Governance issue regarding patient safety which led to previous big problems for the hospital. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Pictured: Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Inspectors found that the hospital had formalised corporate and clinical governance arrangements in place but the hospitals Quality and Safety Executive Committee (QSEC), with responsibility for governance and oversight of improving the quality and safety of healthcare services at the hospital, had only met once since the HIQA inspection in 2023. It had only met once since 2020. The inspection team concluded that overall the hospital promoted a person-centred approach to care with staff observed to being kind and caring to patients. Hospital management and staff were found to be aware of the need to respect and promote the dignity, privacy and autonomy of patients. Rehearsals are continuing for The Wizard of Oz, The Ballet by The Kildare Youth Ballet Company (KYBC) at the Moat Theatre. The students have been working on the production for many months and bring their sensational original show to The Moat Theatre, Naas this Friday, January 24 at 8pm, Saturday 25 for the matinee at 2pm and an evening show at 7pm. The show tells the story of a young Kansas girl who dreams of a better life "somewhere over the rainbow" and is caught in the eye of a cyclone and lands in the fantasy world of Oz. She meets lots of wonderful characters in Oz from the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, Munchkins, the Wicked Witch and the magical Glinda. She learns about thinking, feeling and courage and realises that everything she ever wanted, she had at home in Kansas. The Great and Powerful Oz will help her to return home but first she must defeat the Wicked Witch. With the guidance of the Magical Glonda, she returns to Kansas and realises, "There's no place like Home". Disneyland Paris is hosting auditions in Dublin and giving people the chance to join their team on February 10 2025. The auditions will be held in Liffey Trust Studios in North Dock, Dublin at 9:30am. Disneyland Paris is looking for Disney character look-alike's, Disney character performers and parade performers that are "able to demonstrate high energy level, a full range of motions with their bodies, and good coordination." "An added Parade Performer level to Character roles, requires solid dance and/or acting skills through significant training and/or stage experiences," Disneyland Paris added. Audition process: Create a profile and check in at In@DisneyAuditions.com The location: Liffey Trust studios 117-126 Upper Sheriff Street North Dock, DUBLIN DO1 HW96 Recommended attire: For the audition, Disneyland Paris advise to wear comfortable clothing. READ NEXT: Brewing up a storm! Arctic beast set to return to Ireland as shown on new maps Successful candidates: Contracts can start within a six-month period following the audition. Housing possibilities are available if coming from outside of Paris suburbs or overseas. Visa applications to work in France can be available for non-EU citizens. Each successful candidates concerned will be informed of the necessary process. These positions may include some night work and are subject to French law, in accordance with the protection of young workers, candidates must be 18 years of age to legally work in France. About Disneyland Paris As the leading European company in entertainment, Disneyland Paris creates and produces the "most Magical shows, parades and festivals throughout the year on 16 different stages." Click here for more information: Disneyland Paris Auditions The Irish President has rejected calls from Israels outgoing ambassador to the country to cancel a planned speech to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day. Dana Erlich accused Michael D Higgins of making anti-Israeli statements and said he should stay away from the event planned for the Mansion House in Dublin next Sunday in light of the concerns of the Jewish community. In December, the Israeli government announced plans to close its embassy in Ireland as it accused the Irish government of antisemitic rhetoric and pursing extreme anti-Israel policies. The move came after Ireland formally recognised the state of Palestine and amid moves by the government to ban imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In response to the Israeli governments move, President Higgins said it was a deep slander and gross defamation to accuse Irish people of being antisemitic and said it was part of a pattern to damage Ireland. In an interview with the Independent on Sunday newspaper, Ms Erlich said Mr Higgins presence at the memorial event would overshadow it. The fact that, right now, we are not talking about the event, but we are talking about his presence. I think it distracts from the event, she said. If there were many events it would have been different, but I think the president has many opportunities to speak about and echo his opinions I think on that event it should be something solemn, focusing on Holocaust remembrance, Holocaust education, and preventing antisemitism from rising again. In response, a statement on behalf of President Higgins said: All of President Higgins statements will show, through this work in politics and as President, that he has again and again strongly condemned antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism. Evidence of this is clear on the public record, in print and on the public website of the President of Ireland. Throughout his life, President Higgins has stressed the importance of values that respect the fullness, importance and dignity of all of humanity in its diversity. Included in the Presidents statements is, for example, the clear suggestion that any targeting of Jewish or Israeli people in Ireland is completely wrong and should be addressed immediately by the State and non-State actors. The statement went on to highlight public comments in which the president had expressed support for the Jewish community. It continued: As to the horrific circumstances of the present, the President has strongly expressed the hope that a hostage release and ceasefire agreement such as will bring the release of all hostages and an end to the horrific loss of life and destruction which has taken place can be agreed, and his hope that it can be the beginning of a meaningful discussion and sustained diplomatic initiative from the international community to bring a lasting peace and security to Israel, Palestine and the greater region a peace for which so many have hoped for so long. The President received an invitation from Holocaust Education Ireland to address what it an important, solemn and public occasion commemorating a genocide which we must never forget and from which we must learn the National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration, which will take place in the Mansion House on 26 January. This will be the seventh time that President Higgins has accepted an invitation and spoken at this event. Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin said it was right that President Higgins addressed the event. I think the presidency is the highest office in the land and I think our president is a very wise, well-rounded individual, the Tanaiste told reporters in Dublin on Sunday. He has studied politics and history, and I think he is in a position to deliver an appropriate and well-balanced contribution to that event. I think hes been consistent throughout his life in respect of being against antisemitism and being pro-tolerance and inclusivity, and so I do think its appropriate, as our head of state, that he would deliver that, particularly in the context of the world that we are in today. From January 1, farmers have been prohibited from using splash plates to spread slurry on their farms under the Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations. This change requires farmers with stocking rates of 100kg nitrogen per hectare to use low-emission slurry spreading equipment (LESS) for spreading slurry. Citing the challenges posed by much of Leitrims undulating farmland, Cllr James Gilmartin proposed a motion to write to the incoming Minister for Agriculture requesting an amendment to the ban. Cllr Gilmartin explained that splash plates cause 80 to 100 percent of ammonia from slurry to be released into the air as it spreads, and that the goal of LESS is to reduce the emissions by injecting them into the ground. However, many farms in Leitrim have uneven terrain where LESS equipment may not be usable. In such areas, farmers rely on splash plates. What some farmers will be forced to do is spread slurry on the double using this equipment that normally would only spread half the amount with a splash plate, Cllr Gilmartin said. Cllr Gilmartin noted other issues that may come from the ban such as water quality. To put this on farmers to spread all their slurry using this type of method is going to be counterproductive. Other members expressed their support for Cllr Gilmartins motion. The system needs to be tweaked to suit the land of the north west of Ireland, Cllr Justin Warnock said. Farmers were under huge stress last year to get slurry spread within the time limit and this will only put more pressure on that as theyll either have to invest in new equipment or get contractors to do it, Cllr Roisin Kenny added. Not every place in Ireland is the same, Cllr Mitchell said. We need to be cognizant of the conditions in Leitrim. The motion received unanimous support, and the incoming Minister for Agriculture will be contacted in hopes of addressing the issue. READ MORE: Outrage over "eyesore" art installation Mohill AMMAN, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi on Sunday expressed his country's readiness to work immediately and effectively with the European Union (EU) to facilitate the entry of European aid into the Gaza Strip. He made the remarks in a meeting in Amman with European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, the state-run Petra news agency reported. During the meeting, Safadi and Lahbib discussed relations between Jordan and the EU and ways to develop them across various fields, in light of the two sides' intention to sign an agreement to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in multiple areas. They also reviewed the developments in Gaza, including the delivery of sufficient and immediate aid, particularly after the implementation of a ceasefire, and the need to increase assistance to address the humanitarian disaster in the enclave. Safadi stressed the importance of collective efforts to stabilize the ceasefire agreement and of a just and comprehensive solution that meets the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of their independent, sovereign state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution. The two sides also discussed developments in Syria and affirmed their coordination in providing humanitarian aid to Syria. They emphasized support for the Syrian people during this transitional phase to rebuild their country and institutions on foundations that ensure the country's security, stability, and sovereignty while safeguarding the rights of all its citizens. For her part, in a post on the social media platform X, Lahbib said she had discussed regional challenges, access to Gaza, and Jordan as a logistical hub for (aid to) Syria during the meeting with Safadi. SCHOOL is fundamental to maximising childrens potential and their ability to pursue new opportunities. Despite the many positive and rewarding outcomes of attending school, however, the prevalence of school-based anxiety and subsequent effects on school attendance remains high in Ireland. School-based anxiety is common among many children and young people, and can be experienced for a variety of reasons such as academic difficulties, social expectations, difficult relationships with peers and/or teachers, and so on. Parents and caregivers can often be faced with the dilemma of supporting their childs wellbeing, while at the same time experiencing pressure to enforce attendance to maximise academic attainment. School-based anxiety can present in a variety of ways for children. Some children may exhibit externalising behaviours, which are behaviours that can be observed. These can often be perceived as unfavourable behaviours, such as aggressive or defiant behaviour. On the other hand, some children can have internalising behaviours, which are behaviours that are directed inwards toward oneself, and reflect the childs inner world of thoughts and emotions. Internalising behaviours can often be more difficult to notice and identify, and can include worry, rumination and social withdrawal. It is important to try to notice any patterns in your childs behaviours. Much of this anxiety and related behaviours are typically more prevalent on weekday mornings or Sunday nights with the build-up ahead of school. Why are some children and adolescents more likely to feel anxious? There is really never one single cause as to why a child feels anxious. Some children are naturally more sensitive to emotions than others, similar to how some children are more sensitive to pollen in the air! These characteristics can sometimes be inherited genetic traits, or can be a symptom of different life events and experiences that have caused the childs threat response in the brain to be more alert. READ MORE: PICTURES: Sunshine greets bigs crowds at the Tom Walsh Memorial Run & Walk in Limerick Children also tend to look to their caregivers for clues on how to judge whether a situation is safe or not and can pick up on parents own sense of fear and anxiety in certain situations. While worries are part of life and learning to deal with these challenges is important, sometimes these school-related worries can get so big that they can lead to the child avoiding school altogether - and this can be a difficult cycle to break. As childrens brains are still developing during school-age, it is much more difficult for them to manage their anxiety and to regulate themselves when they experience an intense emotion. Therefore, children and young people benefit hugely from supportive adults in their life, who have a deeper understanding of their behaviour (internalising or externalising), and recognise the underlying emotional need. For example, noticing that your child has more frequent outbursts on Sunday evenings, and recognising this as potential anxiety about school on Monday. Children will benefit from their caregivers co-regulating with them during times of difficulty by providing them with opportunities to express their emotions and to feel heard and validated. After co-regulation, when your child becomes calm, you can then look to problem solve with your child. For further guidance on school attendance issues, go to the resources page of www.limerickservices.ie and download Working with your Child to Address School Avoidance. This article was written by Miranda Comar, psychology assistant and Aimee Walsh, clinical psychologist, with the Primary Care Child and Family Psychology Service, , Limerick. This service is a member of Parenting Limerick, a network of parenting and family support services across Limerick city and county. NEW DELHI : State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) may no longer be a potential divestment target as the government considers categorizing the maker of rail coaches to power generation equipment as a strategic" public sector unit, according to two people close to the development. Now that a parliamentary committee has also recommended the tag of strategic PSU for the company, there would be further thought on this," said one of the two people cited above, requesting anonymity. The move reflects the importance of BHEL, which will be crucial as India looks to bolster local production of industrial equipment across sectors, including renewable energy and defence. The company--having forayed into electric mobility, and nuclear and renewable power--has seen its fortunes revive with large thermal power and railway equipment orders. Read this | BHEL's fortunes poised for revival as order book fills up on demand for coal-fired power While the government is not actively discussing disinvesting from the company, BHEL was among the first companies to be considered for stake sale. Once categorized as strategic, it would be completely out of the stake sale considerations," said the second person quoted earlier. Under the New Public Sector Enterprise Policy, the government identifies central PSUs in non-strategic sectors for closure or privatization in consultation with the administrative ministries concerned, NITI Aayog, the department of expenditure (DoE), and the department of investment and public asset management (DIPAM). The ministry of heavy industries, DIPAM, and DoE will likely discuss the matter. Queries emailed to the ministry and the two departments remained unanswered till press time. BHEL is about 63.17% owned by the government, while the remaining 36.83% of its shareholding is held by public. Its stock closed 1.59% higher on the BSE at 213.95 on Friday, at a market capitalization of 74,498.75 crore. In its December report, the committee on public undertakings noted BHELs active participation in various critical sectors such as hydro power, nuclear power, defence, space, renewable energy, and international operations. "The committee feels that as India steadily asserts its position as a global leader, safeguarding its strategic interests becomes imperative, and BHEL has the potential to make substantial contributions under these circumstances," the panel report said. Therefore, the committee strongly recommends that the government consider bestowing upon BHEL the status of a strategic PSU." Read this | Can BHEL reclaim its crown? BHEL received orders worth nearly 78,000 crore in 2023-24, the highest ever in a fiscal and an over threefold jump from orders worth 23,548 crore in FY23, and a surge of nearly seven times from 11,470 crore in 2020-21. The orders in the last fiscal largely came from the power sector, followed by railways, including for 80 Vande Bharat trains, and 20 units of super rapid gun mounts (SRGM) for the Indian Navy's warships. The power ministry's push to set up an additional 80 gigawatts of coal-based power projects in the country by 2032 has led to BHEL having a full order book for boilers in power plants. The company's annual report for FY24 said, Our thermal power business witnessed a resurgence, securing orders worth 9.6GW and achieving 100% market share." BHEL would also focus on the transmission business as the need for a stable power grid grows with the addition of renewable power in the country. India targets 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. The second person mentioned above said that BHEL's order book stands at 1.6 trillion, and the company has been asked to complete the outstanding orders where 85-90% of the work has been completed as soon as possible. Also read | Fresh capital for PSU general insurers likely in budget Earlier this month, Meta, the parent company of four of the worlds top 10 social media platforms, including Facebook, announced it would end its third-party fact-checking programme in the US. Instead, it plans to implement a community notes system similar to that used by X (formerly Twitter). In a similar vein, Alphabet, which owns YouTubethe second-largest social media platformrecently informed the European Union that it would not integrate fact-checking into Google search results or YouTube videos, despite new EU regulatory requirements. Metas decision, currently limited to the US, has sparked concerns among fact-checking organizations. Read this | Mint Primer | Fact and fiction: (Un)importance of fact-checkers The rise of digital media and social media influencers has driven an increase in fact-checking organizations. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, approximately 21% of US adults regularly get their news from influencers on social media. These influencers are primarily active on X, though many maintain a presence on other platforms as well. The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) has 137 signatory organizations worldwide. Metas fact-checking programme, the largest of any platform, partners with over 90 fact-checking organizations and supports content in more than 60 languages. Between 2016 and 2022, Meta reported contributing over $100 million to its fact-checking initiatives. TikTok, by comparison, has partnered with around 15 organizations. Despite these partnerships, funding and financial sustainability remain the primary concerns for fact-checking organizations, according to the IFCNs State of Fact-Checkers 2023 report. Metas decision to end its programme in the US is expected to further strain these organizations, prompting them to seek alternative funding sources. These include grantswhich surpassed Meta's contributions as the largest funding source in 2023as well as training programmes and user donations. Global risk Although Metas decision is currently limited to the US, its platforms, along with social media at large, are increasingly influential on a global scale. About two-thirds of the worlds population is online, with roughly 5 billion users engaging with social media. In 20 of the 27 countries surveyed by the Pew Research Center, a majority of respondents believe social media has benefited democracy in their respective nations. However, these platforms have also become major sources of misinformation. In its Global Risks Report, the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlighted misinformation and disinformation as critical global risks, particularly over the next two years. It is a leading mechanism for foreign entities to affect voter intentions; it can sow doubt among the general public worldwide about what is happening in conflict zones; or it can be used to tarnish the image of products or services from another country," it said. Read this | Do we need to fact-check the fact-checker? As such, fact-checking will be essential in mitigating these risks. Spotting fake news According to Oxford University's Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2024, 59% of survey participants expressed concern about distinguishing between real and fake content on the internet. This concern has grown by 3 percentage points since 2023. Approximately a quarter of respondents said they struggled to identify trustworthy news on X. Since 2021, X has attempted to address this issue through its community notes feature (formerly Birdwatch). This tool allows registered users to anonymously add fact-checks, contextual information, or missing details to posts. Some studies suggest it has been effective in highlighting inaccuracies, reducing retweets, and even leading to the deletion of original tweets. However, other studies have noted that not all misinformation is flagged, and even when it is, the notes can take time to appear, allowing the misinformation to spread in the interim. Double-edged sword Despite its limitations, the core purpose of community notesidentifying and correcting false informationhas generally been recognized as an effective strategy for combating misinformation. A meta-analysis of 43 experiments from 18 peer-reviewed studies, conducted by the International Panel on the Information Environment, found that content labelling and the publication of corrective information were among the most effective methods. While artificial intelligence (AI) has often been criticized for contributing to the spread of misinformation, it is also playing a supportive role in fact-checking. Also read | The trouble with government in fact checking According to IFCN, 55% of fact-checking organizations surveyed use generative AI to assist with early research, and 47% are in the process of finalizing or developing editorial guidelines for AI. In a test by the Reuters Institute on AI chatbots performance regarding the 2024 UK general elections, ChatGPT-4.0 provided accurate answers 78% of the time, while Perplexity.ai did so 83% of the time. As AI continues to improve, it could become a powerful tool for fact-checkers, with or without the involvement of Meta. www.howindialives.com is a database and search engine for public data. In a year when everything seemed to go up, the industry generated some of its strongest, and most consistent, returns in a decade. The big question for investors: Was 2024 a turning point, or will the recent trend of so-soand sometimes dismalreturns quickly reassert itself? On average, hedge funds gained 10.7% after fees last year, according to an index from PivotalPath tracking more than 1,100 funds. That was the best year since 2020, when they made 11.4% amid pandemic-fueled volatility. Before that, the last time the industry saw double-digit gains was 2013. Every strategy tracked by the research firm made money on averageunusual in an industry where multiple strategies typically falter in any given year. Last year was probably one of the best years in a long time for hedge funds," said Caron Bastianpillai, a senior portfolio manager at NS Partners, a Geneva-based investment-management firm that allocates money to hedge funds. Everything has been working. Its rare that you find that." Among numerous big winners were Castle Hook Partners in New York, a specialist in macro investing; Florida-based Infinitum Partners, which focuses on technology stocks; and Helikon Investments in London, whose big investments included backing one of Greeces banks. All three firms returned more than 60% after fees. It is a welcome showing for an industry that has faced growing competition for investor dollars from areas such as private credit, plus criticism for charging high fees while often delivering middling returns. Even with last years strong outturn, the hedge-fund industry still delivered less than half of the S&P 500s 25% total return, including dividends. Hedge-fund firms say they arent simply trying to beat indexes. Instead, they focus on making money no matter if broader markets rise or fall. Their appeal to big investors, such as pension funds and endowments, is that they try to protect money during downturns and generate returns that arent correlated to investors other holdings. That could be particularly important this year, when markets might face a bumpier ride as global central-bank policy diverges and a new U.S. president takes office. Many hedge-fund managers say higher volatility could yield big investment gainsso long as they are positioned correctly. Rob Christian, head of absolute return strategies at Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, said his units hedge-fund portfolio logged its best performance in five years in 2024. The unit invests more than $10 billion of client money into hedge funds. His team typically rebalances hedge-fund allocations at year-end, Christian said, but this time is putting more money with managers it thinks have further to run. Were pressing our winners," he said. That includes long-short equity hedge funds that bet on and against stocks. Anticipating dealmaking will pick up, his team has also marginally increased exposure to merger-arbitrage funds, he said. The years best-performing strategy: funds trading technology, media and telecoms stocks, which averaged a nearly 23% return, according to the PivotalPath data. Those buying and selling distressed credit also did well, as did quantitative stock funds. Those two strategies averaged between 15% and 16%. Dispersion in equity markets was high, meaning there was a lot of variation in the returns from holding different stocks. That aided firms that focus on shares, giving skillful stock pickers more room to outpace competitors and indexes by picking standout winners or shorting potential losers. Elsewhere, esoteric markets such as Argentine debt, bankruptcy claims tied to defunct crypto exchange FTX and commodities like copper also yielded opportunities. Some notable performances, according to people familiar with the matter and figures seen by The Wall Street Journal: Rokos Capital Management gained 30.7%, according to people familiar with the matter, helped by prescient bets that investors were too optimistic about Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2024. London-based Rokos manages about $19 billion.Florida-based Infinitum gained about 72%. The firm, which oversees about $250 million, takes long and short positions in technology stocks. Its largest position last year was in Singapore-based Sea, a tech conglomerate whose shares more than doubled last year.Castle Hook was up more than 60%. It was one of a number of firms that piled into the AI power trade." It also benefited from a postelection rally in the U.S. dollar and falling U.S. bond prices.The main fund of London-based Helikon, a long-short firm managing more than $4 billion, gained nearly 62%. Big holdings included Eurobank Ergasias of Greece, whose shares surged 39%.Multimanager firms, or pod shops," had another strong year. Among the biggest players, Point72 made 19%. The firm told clients that it would hand back as much as $5 billion this year. Meanwhile, Millennium Management and Citadels flagship fund both returned about 15%.Comparatively smaller multimanagers rebounded after a lackluster 2023. Walleye Capital, which manages $7.7 billion, gained 17.8%. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors, which oversees around $12 billion, returned 19.7% in its flagship fund. From the late 1990s through the aftermath of the global financial crisis, hedge funds often averaged double-digit-percentage annual returns. But that changed as the easy monetary policy of the 2010s tamped down market volatility, and the industry largely shifted from focusing on big, swashbuckling bets to generate steadier returns with a closer eye on risk management. Swaths of capital flowed into multimanager firms such as Citadel and Millennium, and star traderswho historically might have struck out on their ownjoined the firms. Meanwhile, hundreds of hedge funds shut their doors. There are some signs this might be reversing, said Jon Caplis, chief executive of PivotalPath. He tracks what he calls high-quality hedge-fund debuts, or firms launched by founders leaving managers who oversee $1 billion or more, and expects to see 145 of these from the start of 2024 through the second quarter of this year. The average launch size is $300 million, he said. These are very healthy launches." Write to Caitlin McCabe at caitlin.mccabe@wsj.com Gage then makes his big offer: a million bucks for a night with Dianano aftermath, no strings. Its just my body, Diana explains. Its not my mind. I was glad to have that cleared up, though it does raise an interesting question: How much would you pay for an evening with Demi Moores mind?" This is from Anthony Lanes 1993 review of Indecent Proposal in The New Yorker. Its mean in a way that stings, switching from character to actor at the moment of punchline. I dont mean to single out Lane, one of the great comic stylists of film criticism. Most working critics have said worse, and less musically. We dont often imagine actors, especially big stars, reading reviews and feeling hurt. But it must happen more than we think. Something last week made me rethink Lanes jab. Demi Moore won the Golden Globe for Best ActressMusical or Comedy, for her role as the ageing actress in The Substance, a wild body horror film by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat. In her acceptance speech, Moore recalled how, 30 years earlier, a producer calling her a popcorn actress" coloured her idea of herself. I made that mean that this (award) wasnt something that I was allowed to have. That I could do movies that were successful, that made a lot of money, but that I couldnt be acknowledged, and I bought in and I believed that. And that corroded me over time, to the point where I thought, a few years ago, that maybe this was it." I decided early Id seen all I needed to of Demi Moore. She was a huge star by the time I could watch grown-up movies. Her popularity mystified me. She had an unfortunate radar for productions that were so misguided they became cautionary talesThe Scarlet Letter (1995), Striptease (1996), Charlies Angels: Full Throttle (2003). I didnt care when she tried to branch out (G.I. Jane). I stopped seeking out her films, and though she would occasionally enter my viewing orbitholding her own in Margin Call (2011), touching as socialite Ann Woodward in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (2024)these werent productions that rested on her, or really needed her. The Substance, however, needs Moore, or at least is custom-built for her. Elisabeth Sparkle is an actress in her 50s, an Oscar winner once, now the fading host of an aerobics shownot all that far from Moore, once the highest paid actress in Hollywood, but rarely brought up now. Elisabeth is fired from the show by the producer (a disgustingly funny Dennis Quaid), then lands up in hospital after a car crash. An unnervingly beautiful nurse hands her a flash drive; it has an ad for something called The Substance, which promises a better version of yourself". Elisabeth wrestles a while, then gives in and places an order. The transformation scene is a startling showcase of physical acting. Elisabeth, naked in her bathroom, injects a serum, then stares at a mirror. Nothing happensand then everything explodes. The room spins, she reels, curls up on the floor, breathless with pain. We see her body pulse and ripple. Then, her back rips open, and, like an insect exiting a cocoon, a woman crawls out, younger, hotter. Shell take the name Sue, replace Elisabeth at the TV network. But theres a catchthey are one person. They must keep up a complicated regimen of serums and food injections. And they must switch" every week. The rest of Fargeats film unfolds like an unhinged, gender-switched Jekyll and Hyde tale. Elisabeth quickly becomes jealous of Sue; one of the wildest scenes is her as a wizened crone cooking haute cuisine and yelling at the TV as her alternate version schmoozes on a talk show. And Sue resents having to switch back to Elisabeth every other week and starts messing with the regimen. Margaret Qualleydaughter of actress Andie MacDowell, Moores contemporaryis tartly funny as the preening starlet who puts her future health at risk to meet beauty standards of the present (theres symbolism around every corner in this film). But The Substance turns on Moores daring turn, by turn funny, ugly, vulnerable, slapstick and corrosive. There are moments in the key of Lyncheverything Quaid does, as well as the ominous electronic burps and farts on the soundtrackand Cronenberg. But I see more Verhoeven in Fargeats gleeful, grotesque skewering of American celebrity culture. She brings a cool outsiders eye to this demolition job, all gleaming surfaces, disorienting perspectives and bold colours (and butt shots, so many butt shots). Its not like this film completely turned me around on Moore. But its a useful reminder that anyoneactor, writer, directormight mean nothing to you for decades and then do something undeniably cool. This is an evening well spent with Demi Moore. The Substance is on Mubi. I started the year with the good intention of reading more and reading more attentively. I reached for Mortimer Adlers How to Read a Book for advice. First written in the 1940s and updated in the 1970s, the book was intended to nudge people to read more systematically, analytically and consistently. Weirdly enough, many of Adlers recommendations can easily apply to promoting a culture of tea. Adler himself writes in the book, The beauty of any work of art is related to the pleasure it gives us when we know it well." It sounds snobbish but if you think about it, its not unlike genre against literary fiction or fast food vs slow food. I may or may not follow Adlers advice on reading, but heres my very loose adaptation of it as we embark on another year of tea discovery. We are programmed to respond to the call of caffeine at specified times of day that is satiated by a familiar cup. But if we are to actively pursue the exploration of tea, there is only one way to do so, and thats to taste several teas. On your explorations, you will encounter two kinds of tea, one that you can enjoy effortlessly and another which may challenge you to understand it. This tea may well remain beyond your grasp but as a tea explorer, you are tasked with making the effort to understand it. To understand a tea calls for more than a passing acquaintance with it. Taste it several times (for books, Adler suggests three readings) and get to know the tea. Start with obvious details: what tea is it, where and when was it made, who made it. Expand to other specifics: how do you brew it right, in how many ways can you brew it and how many times. Next, what are you tasting, what do you like about it (or not), and how does it make you feel. We learn the facts but also their significance to understanding a tea. And teas that are acknowledged as great or good deserve this attention. Be an active learner. There are two ways to do this, discover new teas on your own or learn from others. Some of the great teas are the most enjoyable. Sure, they may pose a barrier at first, being harder to grasp or understand right away. Great teas, when we come to appreciate them, can become staunch favourites. Try a tea multiple times, and taste it along with other similar teas to understand how they are alike and also how different. Find your vocabulary for tea and use it so that you are not a passive participant on this journey. Before you dismiss a tea as not one for you, ask if you have made an honest effort to appreciate it. When you judge a tea, your first criticisms are more about your personal preferences but to complete the task of criticism", you must be able to point to qualities in the tea that provoked the reaction. As Adler writes, Taste may not be arguable, but critical appraisals can be assailed and defended." And lastly, where do you start? With books, Adler recommends the great books" that have stood the test of time. In tea, we have a fine set of those too. Tea Nanny is a fortnightly series on the world of tea. Aravinda Anantharaman is a tea drinker, writer and editor. She posts @AravindaAnanth1 on Twitter. Also read: How to pick the right tea Ankit Shah* (name changed), a 38-year-old Mumbai-based IT professional, suffers from acute shoulder pain due to a past injury and takes CBD oil (from BOHECO) to relieve pain. He shares that he only takes it on days when the pain is unbearable or on days when he hasnt slept well. Shah says that he'd recommend CBD products for stress and pain relief and assures that it's not habit-forming. I only use it on a need-to basis," he says. Ramesh S* (name changed on request), a 31-year-old Bengaluru-based writer, began using a CBD oil in 2019 to help him get restful sleep after seeing it advertised on Instagram. I found it greatly improved my sleep and I'd wake up feeling rested," he recalls of the initial days. Shah and Ramesh are just examples of consumers in India who are openly embracing CBD wellness products as a natural alternative for managing niggline issues like stress, sleep, and chronic pain. If one had to trace back the rise of CBD products in the country, in 2018, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to legalise industrial hemp farming, Uttar Pradesh followed suit, and recently, Himachal Pradesh has legalised it. In the same year, the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), started handing out licenses for sale of cannabis and derived products in the form of oils and tablets for medicinal use. And in 2021, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stated that the sale of hemp seeds and related products is standardised under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011. Since 2018, several direct-to-consumer (D2C) companies like BOHECO, Qurist and Awshad among others that sell CBD oils and pills have come up. CBD or cannabis oil, is said to help those with anxiety, severe migraine and provide relief for patients under palliative care. According to a 2021 report by Market Research Future, the Indian CBD Oil market was one of the fastest-growing in the Asia-Pacific region, indicating that Indians are becoming more open to using CBD oil to tackle pain, anxiety and insomnia. In India, consumer behavior towards CBD oil and cannabis at large has transformed significantly since 2013 (when BOHECO started out). Back then, awareness was minimal, and cannabis-based products were largely stigmatized. Today, there is growing acceptance, driven by increased education, healthcare integration, and advocacy from companies like ours," says Yash Kotak, co-founder and chief marketing officer, BOHECO (Bombay Hemp Company). Consumers now understand finer nuances like the difference between CBD (cannabidiol, or the chemical substance found in cannabis) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana), Kotak observes. Regulatory clarity and doctor's trust in the space have further expanded acceptability, even in smaller cities. However, lingering stigma, regulatory challenges, and cost sensitivity remain barriers to widespread adoption," Kotak adds. CBD: A PAINFREE SOLUTION? CBD may be used for issues like seizure disorder (epilepsy), anxiety, pain, dystonia, Parkinson's disease, Crohn disease, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), explains Dr Manish Pendse, senior consultant physician & diabetologist at Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. He adds a warning however. There can be many people who might be tempted to use CBD products without the doctors knowledge. But since consuming them can cause side effects like dry mouth, poor appetite, diarrhoea, drowsiness and fatigue, sleepiness, eye problems, liver inflammation and damage, and slow breathing, it's highly recommended that they be used only with a prescription or medical guidance," Pendse clarifies. Ramesh says that over the years he's had mixed reactions to CBD products. A couple of years later, I decided to try a CBD formulation for stress. That seemed to have no effect. Sometimes it has made me feel better but at other times it has given me mild anxiety. I didn't feel it was habit-forming per se, though there were perks that made me want to take it I enjoyed eating food more as it improved my appetite. However, the anxiety it sometimes gave me, more than made up for the pros and over time I stopped using them," he shares. The effectiveness of CBD oil may vary, so does the risk. More concrete research needs to be done to understand the effectiveness of using CBD oil for multiple purposes. Those who are pregnant, actively breastfeeding, taking certain medications, or previous history of substance abuse should refrain from using CBD oil as it can worsen their health condition," says Dr Ankit Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai. He also cautions against using CBD oil on children, especially without guidance from a doctor. Several research studies have shown that CBD usually carries a lower risk of making people addicted to it. Most individuals easily get influenced by seeing others and try to order this oil to seek instant relief from several problems like anxiety, sleep disorders, and pain without consulting their doctor. These impulsive habits can be harmful to their overall well-being," Mule cautions. Karan Mehta, a 26-year-old Pune-based entrepreneur says he used CBD oil about three years ago, when fractured his clavicle bone post an accident. My aunt, who lives in the US introduced me to CBD oil to manage the pain. And it really worked wonders. It also helped me calm down (I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child). It helped me focus better and grounded me. I would take it twice a day early in the morning and before bed." Mehta doesnt use CBD oil anymore, unless he feels very anxious, or disorientedwhich is a rarity. Mehta hasnt tried CBD products from any of the Indian brands as he feels theyre very highly priced. WHAT THE BRANDS SAY Samisht Sehgal, founder and CEO of Qurist, a Gurgaon-based company selling medical cannabis products, says that his motivation for starting the company was his grandmother being diagnosed with breast cancer. In India, we give importance to length of life, rather than to quality of life. But, I really wanted my grandmom to enjoy quality life despite her cancer diagnosis. So, I got special permission and flew in CBD oil from the US. Her quality of life improved greatly she could manage pain better, her appetite improved and she was less anxious." Sehgal shares that their most popular product is Pain Away, a pill containing CBD oil. Most of our consumers use our products for pain management, for arthritis, cancer care and palliative care," says Kotak. As for demographics, he shares that Bliss (pure CBD oil) for anxiety and stress management is popular amongst users between ages 30-45 while Combat (pure spectrum leaf extract), for pain management and palliative care is preferred by consumers aged 40-60. And while Kotak says that CBD products have several benefits, including improved focus, he says that products with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), should be used with caution, as theres a probability of it being abused. Thanks to regular news reports, there's better awareness of CBD products in urban India but Sehgal says that it's not enough. A lot of times, people are just surprised to know that medical cannabis is legal. Then the questions that we usually get are, Does it have any side-effects? Will it interact with the medicines Im already taking? Do I need to stop the medication Im already taking to try medical cannabis? and so on," he shares. Another factor that stops people from readily trying out these products is the compulsory mandate of a medical prescription. Yes, the need for a prescription from a doctor does dissuade customers as it can seem like too much trouble. But we highly recommend consulting a doctor before taking medical cannabis, because only a doctor can tell you how to adjust the dosage of your other medication accordingly," he says. Another aspect is that the formulations for medical cannabis arent standardised, which can affect the impact of the product on every user. It isnt like paracetamol, where one could take 250mg. Every brand has a different formulation, every brands CBD and THC levels may vary and the method of extraction differs," Sehgal adds. Formulations may differ but quality control is something that the brands don't compromise on. We ensure the quality of our raw materials. We partner with trusted suppliers, conduct thorough third-party lab tests, and follow strict quality control measures at every stage of sourcing and production. While this does add to the expenses, its essential to guarantee the safety, efficacy, and consistency of products, ultimately ensuring a better experience for customers," reveals Kotak. While the premium price can be a deterrent for some, Kotak says that its often offset by effectiveness of the products, especially when recommended by doctors for specific conditions. The key challenges in attracting more customers include overcoming the lingering stigma around cannabis-based medicines and the limited awareness about CBDs benefits," he adds. As a wellness category still in its nascence in India, there's a long way to go before CBD products are wholly accepted. Pendse reflects that view when he says that he would not prescribe CBD oil to any of his patients as it could interact with other medications of the patient and reduce their efficiency. Mule feels that more concrete research needs to be done on the effectiveness of CBD products for various conditions. Sumitra Nair is an independent writer based in Kochi, Kerala. Imagine a day without Google, an Uber ride, WhatsApp, or even spreadsheets at work. Picture an evening without Instagram memes or relaxing on a weekend without Netflix. It seems almost unfathomable, doesnt it? These platforms have woven themselves deeply into our daily lives, serving billions globally. So, why not seize the opportunity to invest in the companies that power these experiences? Investing in US stocks allows Indian investors to own a slice of the worlds most influential companies, while global exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide an avenue to diversify portfolios beyond domestic markets. While Indias mutual fund (MF) industry has hit the Reserve Bank of Indias $7 billion cap for overseas investments, platforms such as Vested Finance, INDmoney, and Appreciate offer an alternative route for Indian investors to access US markets through the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS). Read this | International funds: Which are still open and what alternatives do Indian investors have? How it works Under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme, Indian residents are allowed to remit up to $250,000 annually. Platforms like Vested Finance, INDmoney, and Appreciate have leveraged this provision to simplify US stock and ETF investments. The process begins with a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, which is fully digital across all three platforms. The KYC process on the INDmoney app is entirely digital and takes just a few minutes to complete," says Ashish Kashyap, founder and CEO of INDmoney. All you need is your PAN card and Aadhaar details." Appreciate offers a similar experience. The KYC process on the Appreciate app can be completed in 5-6 minutes using just your PAN card and Aadhaar," explains Shlok Srivastav, co-founder and COO of Appreciate. Vested Finance, likewise, provides a quick and hassle-free process, allowing users to complete their KYC in under five minutes. Once the KYC process is completed, the next step is linking your bank account and setting up an LRS account. Platforms like INDmoney and Appreciate integrate these steps directly into their onboarding process, ensuring minimal friction. On Appreciate, for example, users are required to open a zero-balance savings account with Yes Bank, which is then linked to the platform for investment purposes. We are also in the process of integrating with more banks to provide our customers with additional options," Srivastav adds. Vested Finance allows users to transfer funds from any Indian bank, although it has partnerships with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank that enable transfers within one business day. Transfers from other banks may take three to four business days. For INDmoney, transfers can be made using HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, or Federal Bank. Users may also link any bank account for withdrawal purposes. Once linked, the platform creates a US stock wallet for seamless transactions in US-listed securities. This wallet, managed by broker-dealer DriveWealth, ensures secure transactions. Fund transfers between your Indian bank account and the US wallet typically take 8-24 hours. Read this | International ETFs are trading at premiums. What should investors do? "Once your LRS account is set up and funds are transferred, you can start investing in US equities," explains Viram Shah, founder and CEO of Vested Finance. "The US wallet within the app is hosted with DriveWealth, a registered broker-dealer in the US, ensuring your investments are securely held in a US-regulated entity." View Full Image (Graphics: Mint) Costs and charges While setting up an account is free across platforms, transaction fees vary. Currency conversion and brokerage fees differ from one platform to another. For INDmoney, banks charge an interchange rate ranging from 0.40% to 1.5%. Vested Finance and Appreciate typically apply a foreign exchange (FX) markup of 1-1.2%. Brokerage fees for INDmoney are 0.25% of the trade amount, while Appreciate charges 5 or 0.05%, whichever is higher. Both platforms do not impose withdrawal fees, making them cost-effective options. Vested Finance charges a brokerage fee of 0.25% of the trade amount, plus $5 per withdrawal. US-registered brokers like Interactive Brokers, which has a presence in India, also offer similar services. Investors should also consider the tax implications when investing in U.S. stocks. Dividends are subject to a 25% withholding tax in the US, but this can be claimed back or offset against Indian income tax liabilities. Read this | How to choose a crypto-trading platform for investing in digital assets US withholding tax refers to the portion of income deducted at source before it reaches the recipient. For instance, a $100 dividend from a US company would incur a $25 withholding tax. As dividends are taxed at the Indian slab rate, including those from foreign stocks, this withholding tax can be offset against that liability. Capital gains taxes are applied in India, not the US. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax is levied at 12.5% if the stocks are held for over 24 months, while short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed according to the investor's income tax bracket. Moreover, if annual remittances exceed 7 lakh, a 20% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies. This TCS can be claimed in the investor's income tax return or adjusted against other tax liabilities. Additionally, the US imposes an estate duty on non-residents for balances exceeding $60,000. Indian investors are also required to report foreign assets and income in Schedule FA of their Income Tax Return. Non-compliance could result in penalties under the Black Money Act. User trends Indian investors are increasingly turning to U.S. stocks for diversification and growth. On Vested, trading volumes surged by 177% in 2024, driven by interest in tech giants like NVIDIA and Tesla, as well as niche markets such as crypto ETFs and leveraged ETFs. Tech stocks continue to dominate, but theres growing interest in alternative investments like crypto ETFs," notes Shah. Appreciate has experienced rapid growth since its launch last year, with the average ticket size growing sevenfold. Investors on the platform typically execute 4-5 trades per month, with average LRS order values ranging from 9,000 to 10,000. Final thoughts Platforms like Vested Finance, INDmoney, and Appreciate are transforming how Indian investors access US. markets. With streamlined KYC processes, integrated bank linking, and secure US wallets, these platforms make global investing more accessible and efficient. We are actively working to ensure our customers can invest in the US markets with minimal costs and maximum convenience," says Srivastav. Also read | Why Motilal Oswal AMCs Pratik Oswal prefers the Nifty 500 over the Nifty 50 For Indian investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and tap into the growth of global giants, the LRS route through these platforms provides a reliable and straightforward gateway to the US stock market. WASHINGTONDonald Trump has told advisers he wants to travel to China after he takes office, according to people familiar with the discussions, seeking to deepen a relationship with Xi Jinping strained by the president-elects threat to impose steeper tariffs on Chinese imports. Trump visited Beijing in 2017, nearly a year into his first term. Aides cautioned that no decision has been made for him to go again. One of the people familiar with the discussions said Trump has expressed interest in traveling to China in his first 100 days in office. Trumps transition team didnt respond to a request for comment. Trump and Xi spoke by phone on Friday for the first time since the November election, discussing trade, fentanyl, TikTok and other subjects. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately," Trump wrote on social media after the call. People close to Beijings decision-making said Trump and Xi, through their representatives, have discussed meeting in person, with one option involving the incoming American president inviting the Chinese leader to the U.S. It wasnt clear if Trump raised a visit to China in his Friday conversation with Xi. Trump had invited Xi to his inauguration on Monday, but the Chinese leader is sending Vice President Han Zheng instead. With economic pressure building in China, Beijing has a strong interest in engaging in negotiations to fend off, or at least slow down, tariff hikes promised by Trump. A summit between the two leaders, the people close to Beijings decision-making said, could help jump-start the process. Trump has pledged to impose tariffs of up to 60% on imports from China. Chinas official account of Fridays phone call between Trump and Xi said the two leaders agreed to establish a strategic communication channel. It quoted Trump telling the Chinese leader that he was looking forward to meeting with President Xi as soon as possible." Trumps visit to Beijing in late 2017 came months after meeting Xi face-to-face for the first time at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate. He toured the Forbidden City and took in a Peking Opera performance. Trump has also talked to advisers about a possible trip to India, according to people close to him. His initial focus is expected to be on domestic moves, including sharp new border security measures and increased deportations. He is expected to travel around the U.S. in his first week in office to tout executive orders hes planning to sign on energy and other issues, according to people familiar with his plans. Trump is planning to tour fire-ravaged Los Angeles later in the week. A Beijing meeting would come at a fraught moment in the relationship between the worlds leading superpowers. Along with new tariffs on Chinese imports, Trump has also pushed Beijing to crack down on Chinese chemical producers that supply the ingredients for fentanyl to Mexican cartels. Another potential flashpoint is Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory and hasnt ruled out using force to take. Trump hasnt said much about how he will handle the delicate U.S. relationship with Taipei, other than pressing its leaders to spend significantly more on defense. In their call Friday, Xi also reminded Trump to handle the issue of Taiwan with prudence," calling it a concern of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, state media said. Han Kuo-yu, the speaker of Taiwans Legislative Yuan, will lead a Taiwanese delegation including lawmakers from both the Democratic and Nationalist, or Kuomintang, parties to attend Trumps inauguration. Its about representing the government in a bipartisan way, showing how much we value Taiwan-U.S. relations, and taking this chance to congratulate the new Trump administration," Lin Chia-lung, Taiwans foreign minister, told reporters early this month. Han, Xis special envoy for Trumps inauguration, is seen as a pragmatist by many in Washington. He largely plays a ceremonial role as the vice president. An English speaker, Han ran Shanghai for years, and American businesses considered him an ally who supported foreign investment. Some executives have hoped that Xi would pick Han as his representative to the inauguration as that could signal to the Trump team Beijings willingness to negotiate a trade deal. Trump could see Xi as a partner in helping bring the war in Ukraine to an end, as China has provided support to Russia, drawing the ire of U.S. lawmakers. Trumps social-media post about Fridays call with Xi didnt mention the conflict. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!" he said. Annie Linskey contributed to this article. People celebrate as three Israeli hostages were released from the Gaza Strip under a ceasefire agreement at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, Jan. 19, 2025. (JINI via Xinhua) JERUSALEM/GAZA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The first three Israeli hostages released from the Gaza Strip under a ceasefire agreement that took effect on Sunday have returned to Israel and reunited with their families. Meanwhile, Gazans are immersed in celebrations marking the end of over 15 months of deadly Israeli strikes. The ceasefire ended an Israeli offensive that claimed more than 46,900 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza's health authorities. The deadly fighting also razed much of Gaza and caused widespread hunger and diseases in the strip. Among the three released women are Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli and Doron Steinbrecher, a Romanian-Israeli veterinary nurse aged 30, both of whom were abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza outside northern Gaza, and Romi Gonen, 23, who was taken from the Nova music festival. A live broadcast from Gaza showed the hostages, freed from 471 days of captivity, being transferred from a Hamas vehicle surrounded by armed militants to a Red Cross vehicle, which transported them to Israeli forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released photos of the women embracing their mothers at a military compound outside Gaza. Later, helicopters flew them to Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, where they received medical and psychological care. The Red Cross earlier informed the Israeli side that their condition was "good." However, a screenshot of Damari during a video call showed her with a bandaged hand missing two fingers, an injury sustained during her abduction by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Her mother, Mandy, expressed in a statement her gratitude to supporters, saying, "After 471 days, Emily is finally home." In Gaza, celebrations erupted in the streets, with people chanting and waving the flag of Palestine. Displaced residents began returning to their homes in northern and southern regions, only to find much of the infrastructure reduced to dust. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel is set to release 90 Palestinian detainees on Sunday, primarily women and children from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Over the next six weeks, Hamas is to release 33 hostages in phases, including women, children, men over 50, the sick, and the injured. Deceased hostages are expected to be returned in later stages. Israel estimates that about half of the 98 hostages still held in Gaza are alive, though Hamas has not provided confirmation. In Tel Aviv, large crowds gathered at Hostage Square to celebrate and demand adherence to the agreement. Families and friends of the hostages were seen following the news of their release, cheering and bursting into tears as the women were transferred to Israeli forces. Netanyahu called the release "a great moment, an exciting moment...," adding that the three "went through hell." Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Daniel Hagari, speaking at a press briefing, warned the military was boosting forces in the West Bank and remaining prepared for military action if Hamas violates the truce. Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said on Sunday that Al-Qassam and other Palestinian factions are committed to the ceasefire deal. "We, along with other resistance factions, declare our full commitment to the ceasefire agreement, but this remains contingent on the enemy's adherence," Ubaida emphasized in a televised statement. Also on Sunday, the first humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza from Egypt, Palestinian sources confirmed. Based on the ceasefire agreement, about 600 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid, including 50 fuel trucks, will enter Gaza every day to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aims to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas that was triggered by Hamas' cross-border assault on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in the killing of 1,200 people in Israel and the kidnapping of about 250 others. This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows an ambulance carrying released hostages arriving at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel. (JINI via Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025 shows an ambulance carrying released hostages arriving at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel. (JINI via Xinhua) People wait for Israeli hostages released from the Gaza Strip under a ceasefire agreement at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, Jan. 19, 2025. (JINI via Xinhua) In 2017, Nathan Anderson established Hindenburg Research with a purpose as pointed as its name: to uncover corporate disasters of human making and hold them accountable. Over the years, Hindenburg became a lightning rod for controversy, dissecting companies and exposing everything from accounting fraud to undisclosed conflicts of interest. Last week, much to the glee of many in the corporate world, Anderson announced that he was stepping away from the firm he built, citing the unrelenting pressure of the work. His departure feels symbolica reminder of how fragile the fight for corporate accountability can be when left to a few determined to wage these battles. Despite decades of financial regulation globally, we need more Hindenburgs, not fewer. Also Read: The exit of Hindenburg Research exposes a failure of the market Businesses are the lifeblood of modern economies, but without checks and balances, they can also be their undoing. Regulators, while necessary, operate within the constraints of bureaucracy and politics. They are reactive, not proactive. Investors, particularly large institutions, often find it easier to look the other way than confront the companies they bankroll. Governance, transparency and ethical behaviour are often hash-tagged with the brute force of influence and profits. Yes, Hindenburg profited many times from its reports. The veracity of its claims has also been doubted. But still, short selling is legal. It operates within the same framework that lets us purchase and hold securities. Yet, the practice is often vilified as though its nefarious. While short sellers like Hindenburg are not infallible, they contribute far more to market efficiency than theyre given credit for. By challenging valuations and exposing fraud, they prevent bubbles that can destabilize economies when they burst. Why is it that we celebrate those who sing the praises of our favourite companies but demonize those who challenge them? Short sellers have long been maligned, labelled vultures that thrive on the carcasses of companies they bring down. If a short seller uncovers accounting fraud, do we fault them for revealing the truth or the company for hiding it? When they raise uncomfortable questions about inflated valuations or governance failures, are we outraged because they destabilize markets or because they disturb our illusions? Much of the investing world and many global corporate owners may cheer Hindenburgs closure, but ironically, many of them have used similar short-selling tactics when it served their interests. This caricature ignores the vital role short sellers play in exposing the rot before it metastasizes. Andersons Hindenburg meticulously built its cases, publishing reports that could withstand public scrutiny. Sometimes better than what market regulators are expected to do. The resultant sell-offs were the markets natural response to the truths that were missing in the first place. None of this would be necessary in a world where humans could truly govern themselves earnestly without doing anything theyd want kept hidden. The importance of what short sellers do goes beyond financial markets. Their investigations are designed to make profits, but with principles. By shining a light on corporate misdeeds, they remind us that governance is a non-negotiable pillar of capitalism. For every scandal they exposed, there were likely dozens of boardrooms that felt the ripple effect, forcing businesses to recognize that the cost of opacity and deceit had gone up. In a world where trust is both a currency and a victim, Hindenburg raised the price of misdeeds. Corporate opacity leaves deep scars, disproportionately hurting those who can least afford losses. Hindenburgs work may have ruffled feathers, but it served as a necessary counterweight in a system that often tilts against the little guy. At its core, the debate about Hindenburgs methods isnt merely about short selling or market reactions, but corporate morality. Can capitalism coexist with integrity? Can companies balance the drive for profit with doing the right thing? The message is clear: companies that cannot meet basic standards of governance should not be rewarded with blind trust. This stance isnt anti-capitalist. Its pro-accountability. Hindenburgs work, however controversial, offered a counterbalance in a system often skewed against them. It raised a simple question: If a company has nothing to hide, why fear scrutiny? Isnt it a fundamental expectation of governance to defend data-backed truths, even if it requires additional time and effort? Andersons decision to open-source his techniques would perhaps be his most enduring contribution, an invitation for others to step into the fray and continue such work. Yet, one cannot ignore the personal toll such activism takes. Holding power to account is rarely glamorous. It is exhausting, relentless and often thankless. While we celebrate movies that hero-worship individuals who take on the high and mighty, when it comes to our own investments, we often cry foul when anyone asks questions. Without watchdogs willing to call out malfeasance, society risks sliding into a reality where profits are prioritized over principles. Accountability should not rest on the shoulders of a few brave individuals. Its a shared responsibilityof regulators, investors and corporate boards. The question is whether we will leave this task to a few activists in the hope that theyll do what entire systems often fail to. Markets dont need perfection, but they do need accountability. The author is a corporate advisor and independent director on corporate boards. His X handle is @ssmumbai BETWEEN 2016 AND 2022, Western diplomats and journalists frequently asked Ukrainian officials what Ukraine was prepared to concede to Russia for peace. This was more than mere curiosity. It was the tip of a policy iceberg submersed in the belief that peace could be achieved by sacrificing Ukrainian interests to Russia. Look at the headlines since February 2022 to see where this approach has led. Since Donald Trumps re-election, Ive spoken to European and American media outlets only to learn that, nearly three years into Russias full-scale invasion, we are back to these same questions. It is painful to realise that Ukrainians may again pay the price imposed by those who misunderstand the situation. Whatever ideas Mr Trump and his entourage may entertain with regard to ending the war, they will be checked by reality. The first question to pose instead has nothing to do with the Ukrainian position: how to pique Vladimir Putins interest in stopping the war? It is undeniable that Russias army is making progress in the creeping occupation of Ukraine. Mr Putin reads that as hard evidence that the current strategy of Ukraine and its partners does not work. He disdains the West for its weakness and indecisiveness, and believes that he will eventually prevail because those partners will be incapable of providing Ukraine with sufficient support to match Russias impressive war effort. Yet, if Mr Putin were as strong as he wants us to believe, why would he import thousands of North Korean troops and rely on North Korean ammunition? Analysts seem to build their peace models on the assumption that Mr Putin is a rational decisionmaker. They miss the point that he is fighting the war of his life, and that his ambitions extend beyond mere territory. On the timeline of Russian history, he places himself as Vladimir III, following Peter I, who drowned Ukraines struggle for independence in blood following the victory at Poltava in 1709, and Catherine II, who dismantled Ukraines autonomy within the empire and destroyed its last Cossack stronghold in 1795. Mr Putin views subjugating Ukraine as a core part of his legacy; any failure to do so would mark him as the first Russian tsar who fell short. That is to say, a loser. Across the Atlantic, Mr Trump cannot afford to appear weak either. He must demonstrate to the entire world that his planwhatever it isis far better than Joe Bidens. He may believe that the current strategy will not stop Russias advances and therefore must change. Fair enough. But he should realise that the strategy is failing not because it is fundamentally flawed, but rather because it was never fully implemented. Half-measures and half-resolve have led to half-results. Many believe Mr Trump will strip Ukraine of financial assistance to force it into a more accommodating mood. Yet President Volodymyr Zelensky would not immediately bend; he would still have some support from America, dispatched in the final days of Mr Bidens administration, plus more from Europe. If the money were to dry up, a new dynamic would come into play, and not all of it on the battlefield. True, bereft of funding, Ukraine could lose ground completely. If the Trump administration then imposed unpalatable peace terms on Ukraine, and if Mr Zelensky agreed (an unlikely scenario), part of Ukrainian society would resist. Domestic unrest would risk the countrys internal collapse. That would give Mr Putin the victory he has long desired, painting Ukraine as a failed statebut responsibility for it would fall squarely on Mr Trump. He cannot afford for Ukraine to become his Afghanistan. Neither Mr Zelensky nor Mr Putin will agree to anything like the Minsk agreements that reduced but did not end hostilities after Russias annexation in 2014 of Crimea. Both leaders have invested too heavily to accept such half-measures now. And the idea that territory-for-security could work is misguided. The war would not end if Ukraine were to reclaim its 1991 borders, nor if both sides were to agree on a new dividing line. The war will end only when Mr Putin accepts Ukraines right to exist as an independent and democratic Western power. Mr Putin will not accept legal losses of his territorial gains, and Ukraine cannot accept otherwise. Hence, even if any temporary solution is reached it will simply be a pause before the next conflict. It may sound counterintuitive, but under these circumstances NATO membership would be the only way to prevent Ukraine from reclaiming its lands in the future. But Mr Putin would not accept Ukrainian membership of NATO. In sum, none of these three leadersTrump, Putin or Zelenskycan afford to lose. Ukrainian and Russian leaders see this war as defining their lives. Mr Trump cannot simply throw Ukraine under the bus. That would make him look weak in the short term, and in the long one force him to restore assistance to a yet more weakened and bleeding Ukraine. Those who crave de-escalation led by the president-elect, then, may be stunned to see the complete opposite in the coming months. Right now both Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin view Mr Trump as their chance to tip the scales in their favour. Mr Trump, in turn, will be compelled to follow them in escalating his own line. It is of course too early to say how this new Ukraine conundrum will play out. But it is clear that instead of focusing on what Ukraine will accept, the only viable way forward should be forcing Russia to accept peace. Dmytro Kuleba is a former foreign minister and deputy prime minister of Ukraine. 2025, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com 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. An able-bodied driver who was caught parked in a disabled bay for a second time has been convicted. Jozef Makuna of 82 Springlawn, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to the offence on Main Street, Longford on June 18, 2024 at 3pm. Sergeant Mark Mahon said the defendant was detected by Gardai parked in a disabled bay at about 3pm.The court heard Makuna had 10 previous convictions, including a previous conviction for parking in a disabled bay handed down on October 18, 2022. Also read: Man who pleaded guilty to Longford drug driving offence put off road for one year A fixed charge penalty notice fine was issued but it went unpaid. Solicitor Frank Gearty addressed Judge Bernadette Owens and said while his client had a previous record he was 'only marginally on the blue section of the disabled bay' on this occasion. Read next: Fundraiser for Cavan murder victim Annie Heyneman's family and husband raises over 30k Mr Gearty described his client as a man who was well known who came from a respected family. "He apologises for allowing the front of his car to go on to the marked area, he talks about the difficulties of life and he has four children aged between six and 18 years of age," he added. Mr Gearty said the fine was sent to a previous address and his client would have paid it but he never received it. Judge Owens decided to convict Makuna and she fined him 300 with six months to pay. 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 630 people had donated in excess of 45,120 - 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. A man in his 40s has been arrested after gardai seized 400,000 worth of cannabis in a raid at a home in Dublin on Saturday. Gardai attached to the Dublin Crime Response Team conducted a search of the property in Swords. The search was part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of illegal drugs and related criminal activity in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. During the search, 40 vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis herb, each weighing approximately 500g, with a combined total of 20kg and a street value of 400,000 were seized. Gardai also seized 7,000 in cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda station in Dublin. The seized drugs will now be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland to undergo analysis. Speaking following the seizure, Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary, DMR said: "This 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. RAMALLAH, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas received on Sunday the Gaza relief, recovery, and emergency response plan presented by the Palestinian government to deal with the emergency situation in the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire takes effect. The Palestinian News Agency WAFA reported that Abbas received the plan during his meeting with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa. Mustafa said that the plan represents the first phase of the government's response, focusing on emergency measures for Gaza during the initial six months following the ceasefire. He added that the plan would be implemented in coordination with international and UN bodies for support, especially with international relief organizations, in a bid to accelerate the entry and delivery of relief aid and the removal of the rubble from the main roads and vital facilities such as hospitals and schools. He stressed the need to provide as many basic services as possible, including water, electricity, communications, sanitation, and temporary shelters, and to enable children to complete their education. At 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT), the Israeli military ordered its units in Gaza to cease fire, marking the start of the truce brokered after about a year of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. SPRINGFIELD Scholarships were awarded to Springfield students who exemplify academic excellence at the 43rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast on Saturday at the Marriott Springfield Downtown. With a theme of A Legacy of Hope, the event, presented by Wesley United Methodist Church, was dedicated to honoring the memory of Dr. King and his dream of equal opportunity through the transformative power of education and his vision of the beloved community. A lucky Massachusetts State Lottery player bought a winning Powerball ticket worth $100,000 at a Cape Cod liquor store on Saturday. The ticket was purchased at Winslow Spirits & Things on Main Street in Brewster. Saturday nights winning numbers were 14, 31, 35, 64 and 69, and the Powerball number was 23. In Powerball, players select five numbers between 1 and 69 and one Powerball number between 1 and 26. They then choose how many drawings they want to use those numbers for. Players that match all five numbers and the Powerball number win the jackpot. They have 1 in 292,201,338 chances of winning this way. Players that match four numbers and the Powerball number win $50,000. They have 1 in 913,129.18 chances of winning this way. The player that won $100,000 on Saturday did so by doubling their prize money through Power Play. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. The jackpot stands at $20 million as of Sunday. Overall, at least 245 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Saturday, including two in Springfield, three in Worcester and 12 in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. A dead body was found floating in water near the Andrew McArdle Bridge in East Boston on Saturday, the Boston Police Department told MassLive. Officers and the Harbor Patrol Unit responded to a radio call reporting an object in the water near the bridge at around 7:20 a.m., the department said. When they arrived, they found the dead body floating in the water. The Harbor Patrol Unit recovered the body, and Boston Emergency Medical Services pronounced the person dead, police said. Detectives from the Boston Police Homicide Unit were also dispatched to the scene. The investigation remains ongoing. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner took custody of the body, the department said. As of Saturday, the persons identity, sex and age were unknown. 12aa DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), passed a resolution on Sunday endorsing Samia Suluhu Hassan and Hussein Ali Mwinyi as the party's official candidates for the Union and Zanzibar presidential elections, respectively. The resolution followed a recommendation by former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who served as Tanzania's head of state from 2005 to 2015. The decision came amid overwhelming support from delegates at the CCM National Congress held in the Tanzanian capital of Dodoma. Kikwete made the recommendation as delegates repeatedly chanted their support for Hassan and Mwinyi, prompting cheers and applause that interrupted his speech. "If we want to decide today that Samia is our candidate and Mwinyi is our candidate, we have the authority to do so," said Kikwete, prompting another round of applause. However, he cautioned against bypassing the legal framework and urged Congress to ensure that the nomination process remains legally sound. Tanzania's general elections will be held in October 2025 to elect the president and members of the National Assembly. A 20-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Bostons Roxbury neighborhood Saturday night, according to police. Officers responded to a report that a car had struck a pedestrian at 1829 Washington St. around 8:30 p.m., Boston police said in a press release. At the scene, they found the 20-year-old woman with life-threatening injuries and a 23-year-old woman with minor injuries. First responders rushed both women to a local hospital, police said. The 20-year-old woman who police have not yet identified was later declared dead at the hospital. Boston Polices homicide detectives and accident reconstruction team are investigating the crash, police said. The SUV depicted in the photo above is believed to be involved in the crash, and investigators are hoping the public can help them locate it. The SUV is described as a small, 20212023 dark-colored Mercedes, police said. It would now have damage to its front grille and light and would be missing its right-side mirror. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-494-TIPS or texting TIP to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department assures the public that all anonymous tips will be handled with strict confidentiality, the department wrote in the release. The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to add big name after big name this offseason. A day after landing Japanese pitching star Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers added to their bullpen when they agreed to terms with Tanner Scott. ESPNs Jeff Passan reported the deal is for four years and $72 million. MassLives Sean McAdam reported the closer could get something in the four-year, $80 million range, which is essentially what the Dodgers will pay him. The Boston Red Sox were linked to Scott in the offseason despite signing Aroldis Chapman. Its unclear if Chapman will be Bostons closer, but once the team signed him, Scott seemed unlikely. Scott had a dominant 2024 season that saw him amass a 1.75 ERA in 72 games between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres. The left-hander joins the defending World Series champions as they continue to be the team to beat in MLB. The Dodgers also signed two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell this offseason before they added Sasaki. Chris Ryan, a GOP activist from Hampshire County, plans to board a predawn flight Monday bound for the nations capital. Ryan is eager to welcome the second inauguration of Donald J. Trump, and celebrate a movement that now owns the Republican Party. In Westfield, William Bouyea is a Trump convert; he went from referring to Trump as a villain in 2016 to flying a flag for him at his business last year. A Southampton supporter, Troy Chilson believes Trump has revolutionized the Republican Party. Video News: [Video news] Dimans Politik[Video news] Conference de presse du Reform Party[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 18 janvier 2025[Video news] 5th Entrepreneurial Exchange[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 17 janvier 2025[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video news] Baisse du niveau deau dans les reservoirs[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 15 janvier 2025[Video news] Conference de presse de Patrick Assirvaden[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 11 janvier 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 10 janvier 2025[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 8 janvier 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 7 janvier 2025Se preparer pour le passage dun cyclone[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 4 janvier 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 3 janvier 2025[Document] Les chansons de lannee de 2024 de Radio One[Video news] Petards a Poste de Flacq[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 1er janvier 2025[Video News] Message du nouvel an de Navin Ramgoolam[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du decembre 2024[Video news] Cotton Bay a lheure de 2025[Video News] Pointe aux Sables passe en 2025[Video News] Les consignes de Pravind Rughoo pour les Late Night ShoppersHomelie de Mgr Durhone a loccasion de la messe de Noel a la prison de Melrose[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 28 decembre 2024[Video News] Dawood Rawat a rencontre les investisseurs dans la BAI[Video news] Message de fin dannee de Paul Berenger[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 27 decembre 2024[Video News] Message de Noel de Mgr Jean-Michael Durhone[Video News] Message de Noel de Mgr Stelio Andre[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto et Loto Plus du 25 decembre 2024[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 24 decembre 2024[Video news] Conference de presse du ministre de lEducation[Video News] Kaviraj Rookny et Ranjiv Woochit ont dit[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 21 decembre 2024Wall of Wonders au Tribeca Mall : Lexperience incontournable de cette periode festive[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 20 decembre 2024[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 20 decembre 2024 en Live[Video News] Diner de fin dannee de La Plateforme Militante[Video News] Handover of Medical Equipment and Renovated Fascility to APSA International[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 18 decembre 2024[Video News] Rencontre au ministere de lEnvironnement[Video News] Conference de presse de la Middle Temple Association[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 17 decembre 2024[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 17 decembre 2024 en Live[Video news] New Grove, de Grays Inc. Ltd, devoile sa nouvelle identite[Video News] Dons dequipement medicaux de lAmbassade du Japon a APSA Diabetes Care Centre[Video news] Nouvelles rencontres pour le ministre de lEducation[Video news] Launching of the book The Dodos Legacy The Story of Conservation in Mauritius[Video news] Don de sang @ DLB Construction[Video News] Dimans Politik[Video news] Conference de presse du gouvernement du 14 decembre 2024[Video news] Get Together du CIPR International[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 14 decembre 2024[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 13 decembre 2024[Video news] Lancement du livre The Dodos Legacy [Video news] Un All Night Concert qui promet[Video News] :Caprizzio! Start up de La Turbine : une nouvelle adresse pour des pizzas artisanales[Video news] Caprizzio! @ Cottage[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 11 decembre 2024[Video news] Le programme du Festival Internasional Kreol 2024[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 10 decembre 2024[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 10 decembre 2024 en Live[Video news] Conference de presse de Richard Duval et Sydney Pierre[Video News]Le Fonds de Solidarite Africain presente ses solutions aux acteurs economiques[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 7 decembre 2024[Video news] Conference de presse de Rama Sithanen[Video News] New Grove passe au Bio[Video News] IFRS S1 et S2 : Un cadre global pour le reporting durable et leur impact sur les administrateurs[Video news] AmCham Mauritius a publie le deuxieme rapport de lIndice du Climat des Affaires 2024[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 6 decembre 2024[Video News] Le Fonds de Solidarite Africain presente ses solutions aux acteurs economiques[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 6 novembre 2024 en Live[Video news] Succes retentissant pour Narta Warriors by Night au Tribeca Mall ![Video news] Le MIoD a presente son 9e Directors Forum Position Paper[Video news] Le Fonds de Solidarite Africain a presque triple ses soutiens en deux ans a Maurice[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 4 decembre 2024[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 3 decembre 2024[Video News] La vie dans les profondeurs de lOcean Indien[Video news] Campus Abroad rencontre un franc succes avec le salon Study in the USA 2024[Video news] Vatel Mauritius fete ses 15 ans aux cotes de ses etudiants[Video news]The MBA Conference 2024[Video news] Narta Warriors 2 @ Tribeca[Video news] Anil Baichoo a dit[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 30 novembre 2024[Video news] Lancement dun kit dauto-test du VIH/SIDA[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 29 novembre 2024[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 29 novembre 2024 en Live[Video news] Lancement des oeuvres de Stephan Hart de Keating[Video news] 15 ans de Vatel[Video news] Uma Sooben a dit[Video news] Campus Abroad organise avec succes un salon consacre a leducation internationale a Maurice[Video news] Brew Faya Fest au Cur de la Culture Mauricienne[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 27 novembre 2024[Video news] Forum sur les etudes aux Etats-Unis[Video news] Presentation 2e edition de lAMCHAM Business Index[Video news] Ceremonie douverture du Colloque de la CEDTI[Video news] Seize jours pour combattre les formes de violence basee sur le genre[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 26 novembre 2024 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. by Barbara Lippert , Columnist, January 18, 2025 Image: One of Lynch's ads for Calvin Klein's Obsession fragrance. The amazing human amalgam David Lynch -- Lifetime-Achievement-Oscar-winning film director, one-of-a kind expressionist, surrealist, psychologist, and creator of the revolutionary TV series Twin Peaks -- died last week at age 78. His family announced his passing on his Facebook page. After saying that his death will leave a hole, they added, with true uniquely Lynchian-American verve, Dont remember the hole. Remember the donut. I remember the donut, starting way back with cult favorite Eraserhead, a filmic nuclear bomb, featuring a character who like him, had an enormous, upright shock of hair. His genius film career has been assessed in the most elegiac ways. Less talked about, however, is his ad work: He directed 29 commercials between 1998 and 2014. advertisement advertisement Some were the expected, beautiful kind, like for Calvin Klein's Obsession fragrance, to which he brought atmospherics, intelligence and a patina of nostalgic Hollywood glam. He added unexpected intrigue to much of his work with designers and perfumers, but also helmed spots for more humble packaged goods, like Alka-Seltzer. I sometimes do commercials to make money, he said in a 2008 interview, emphasizing the last two words like a cartoon bad guy. This came during a rant about how product placement in movies is bullshit, and putrifies the environment. And to that I say, like Frank Booth, a psycho in Lynch's Blue Velvet": Heineken? Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon! Still Lynch said he learned a lot from doing commercials -- economy of dialogue, to name one. But in an industry in which clients like to avoid risk, it took a leap of faith to hire him. I spoke with several ad people who had made that leap. One was David Cohen, an executive producer at Ogilvy New York, who worked with Lynch in 1997 on a Clearblue Easy commercial. It was a simple spot: A woman in a bathroom has just done the pregnancy test. She puts the stick down. And for 60 seconds you see whats going on in her mind, Cohen explained. So the spot needed some psychological insight and depth. Theres a visual of a watch dial with the second hand going around as the woman stands in the bathroom, excited but anxious, with the watch dial now reading "Yes/No." Then she picks up the stick and smiles. We spoke to a lot of directors who did beauty work, Cohen said. They all said to get rid of that clock mnemonic, that it was horrible. Finally, we got on the phone with David Lynch, who told us he was on a ladder painting his house. He said, no dont get rid of the clock, its brilliant. Its so simple and it tells the whole story. "Some of the other directors we talked to wanted to build an extravagant bathroom with extra wardrobe, hair and makeup. All for a woman in a bathrobe. Whereas David was the lowest bid. He was the cheapest. "We shot on a tiny little stage. He was so incredible with the talent. "You dont need all the excess in production when you have a smart director who is interested in delivering the story and the message. It was a terrific experience. Andrew MacDonald, aka AndyMac, is a creative director/VX supervisor, known for doing high-end visual effects in movies. He worked with Lynch on two commercials, including one for the Nissan Micra that aired in France. It showed a tiny blue car driving in a fantasy city that had a pair of blue lips following it and whispering, 'Micra, its coming,'" MacDonald said. Give him a vision and he will produce his purest piece of work. He didnt need any whispering from me. MacDonald added a friend told him that meeting David was the closest hed been to a unicorn in the wild. Lynch's "process was a flow. He just flowed," said MacDonald. "He was constantly thinking, and he talked to you through the movie he could see in his head. He wasnt directly engaged in small talk, because he was so incredibly focused. "I learned to speak to him emotionally, like instead of Do you want the green darker? and mention a Pantone number, Id say, 'Do you want the green to feel more like pain and suffering?' "He spoiled me. Ive worked with lots of high-end pros, but they were much more craftsmen. They had a skill: directing. David was a bubble of artistic creation. Madison Wharton, now COO of Residence, was an executive producer and head of production at Momentum when she worked with Lynch in March, 2011, on "Unstaged: An Original Series from American Express." It was a Duran Duran concert shot live at the Mayan Theater in L.A., live-streamed on You Tube, a daunting new medium. I was trying to explain that wed have a range of six to 10 cameras on the band. But he got this idea where he wanted all the cameras on the band, but he also wanted to overlay the live footage with shots like a spatula hitting a hot dog on a grill and an egg beater flopping around, to create more emotion," Wharton said. "He was creating from scenes in his head, responding to how each track made him feel.... When we shot the other scenes overnight at his house, every six hours, wed have to shut everything down, and be completely silent, without moving or talking, so he could do his transcendental meditation. "The shoot the next day was magical. He was wonderful to work with. He embraced this medium and came in with an idea that really challenged us. Directors who want to get a lot of work dont come with challenging ideas. He was so authentic to what he believed in. Ad icon Jerry Della Femina, former chairman of Della Femina, Travisano & Partners, was one of the few not to have a magical reaction to Lynch. I didnt work with him, but my agency did. We were doing a public service commercial for keeping New York City clean. [Lynch] was one of the few people who worked with us who hated us. He didnt like the way it came out -- the way it was edited. The concept was that every time [someone] threw a piece of paper away on the sidewalk, they cut to rats coming out at you. I am afraid of mice, so I close my eyes when I see a rat. So Della Femina wasnt on set. I was frightened by Lynchs work. He thought about things I didnt want to think about. Indeed, the spot is black and white and foreboding, with scary sounds, showing people littering and rats festering. Talk about great moments in advertising history -- lets get David Lynch, he can direct rats! Della Femina said. And, it turns out, everything else. by Ray Schultz , January 19, 2025 The deal for Google to fund journalism in California has been tripped up, at least temporarily. The University of California, Berkeley has backed out of hosting a News Transformation Fund that would be supported by $125 million from Google. The UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism sent a letter stating that the UC Berkeley cannot serve as a passthrough for funds from Google and the state, says a spokesperson for Rep. Buffy Wicks (D), told NPR. However, the letter does express an interest in other potential ways for us to work together, and there have been continuing conversations with members of the journalism school in recent months. It was not clear at deadline if other institutions would step up to house the News Transformation Fund. Last August, California reached an agreement with Google that would provide funding to newsrooms and create an AI accelerator while avoiding a showdown with Google and other firms. advertisement advertisement Wicks is the author of AB 866, a bill that would have forced tech giants to compensate publishers for using their content, but that apparently became moot when the August agreement was signed. The arrangement was to provide nearly $250 million in public and private funding over the next five years, with the majority of this going to newsrooms. As part of the agreement, publishers were to benefit from the News Transformation Fund. In addition, they could explore AI through a National AI Innovation Accelerator, to be run with a private nonprofit. BAGHDAD, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced Sunday the signing of 100 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between Iraqi and Iranian universities to boost scientific cooperation. The MoUs were signed during the Science Week currently being held in Iraq's holy city of Karbala, the ministry said in a statement. The MoUs included enhancing scientific exchange in various scientific and technological disciplines, organizing joint training programs for students and faculty members, developing cooperation in the fields of modern technology and innovation, etc., it said. The universities of the two countries agreed to implement research projects and encourage cooperation in the field of joint scientific supervision, updating curricula, and exchanging scholarships, according to the statement. by Ray Schultz , January 19, 2025 On top of all their other problems, publishers learned last week that syndicated editorial cartoonist Darrin Bell was arrested on charges of possession of child pornography. According to The Washington Post, police claim they discovered more than 100 videos of child sexual abuse, some generated by AI, in a raid at Bells California residence. As of Friday, the Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist reportedly was being held on $1 million bail. Effective this month, California law now prohibits possession of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated child abuse content. Bell is reportedly the first arrest under that measure. Counterpoint Media, the licensing and syndication firm representing Bell, has suspended him from contributing to its daily newsletter, the Post reports. While we are aware that the American system of justice presumes innocence until proven guilty, we feel it necessary to suspend Mr. Bell from future contributions to Counterpoint until more is known about the charges, the media group said in a statement, according to the Post. advertisement advertisement The case began when detectives from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program were informed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that someone had uploaded 18 files containing child sex abuse material, or child pornography, according to the Sacramento County sheriffs office, the Post reports. Detectives say they found 134 videos of such material uploaded by an account owned and controlled by Bell, the Post adds. It was not clear at deadline whether Bell accessed this material for research purposes, assuming he did upload it as charged. Bell received the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning in 2019, the first Black artist to receive that honor. The prize committee said he addressed lies, hypocrisy and fraud in the political turmoil surrounding the Trump administration. Bells work is syndicated in the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and Washington Post, according to Sky News. If nothing else, Bells output could be slowed by the charges. For the Post, at least, this is another hit to its editorial cartooning. In December, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned over the rejection of her cartooning showing Post owner Jeff Bezos and other tech giants bending the knee to Donald Trump. A simple test was found to help predict preterm birth. Trusted Source Neutrophil Elastase as a Predictor of Delivery in Pregnant Women with Preterm Labour Go to source Trusted Source Neutrophil elastase test might be a useful tool for predicting #pretermbirths in women experiencing premature #labor. #pregnancy #childbirth Evaluation of Neutrophil Elastase in Cervicovaginal Fluid for Predicting Preterm Birth Neutrophil Elastase as a Predictor of Delivery in Pregnant Women with Preterm Labour - (https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2472-0712/ERHM-2023-00032) No prior study in Nigeria has examined the role of neutrophil elastase in predicting preterm birth . This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the neutrophil elastase test in predicting birth outcomes in women experiencing preterm labor. (The present prospective cohort study recruited 83 pregnant women with preterm labor between 28 and 36+6 weeks of gestation, and followed up these subjects for 14 days. The controls comprised 85 pregnant women without preterm labor.The cervicovaginal fluid was collected and tested using the neutrophil elastase test. Then, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive parameters were determined. Afterward, the data were scrutinized using the SPSS arithmetic software (Sort23).Among the 168 pregnant women analyzed in the present study, 83 pregnant women were assigned to the preterm labor group, and 85 pregnant women were assigned to the control group. Furthermore, among the 83 pregnant women in the preterm labor group, 11 women had spontaneous preterm delivery, leading to a spontaneous preterm birth proportion of 13.3%.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the neutrophil elastase test within 14 days post-enrollment were 93.8%, 61.2%, 36.6%, 97.6%, and 67.5%, respectively, for the general population, and 87.5%, 66.7%, 35.0%, 96.3%, and 70.2%, respectively, for subjects at <35 weeks of gestation. The positive and negative likelihood ratios for preterm birth prediction were 2.62 and 0.19, respectively.Compared to the controls, the neutrophil elastase test had strong predictive accuracy, in terms of sensitivity and negative predictive value. In regular clinical environments with preterm labor, the neutrophil elastase test may be used as a screening test, rather than as a potential predictive test, when available.Source-Eurekalert Your eyes could hold the key to preventing strokes! Discover how retinal vascular fingerprints are unlocking non-invasive health diagnostics. Highlights: Retinal vascular "fingerprints" can predict stroke risk with accuracy comparable to traditional invasive methods Changes in retinal blood vessel density, caliber, and twistedness are strong indicators of stroke risk This innovative approach could make stroke risk screening more accessible, especially in underserved communities Trusted Source Retinal vascular fingerprints predict incident stroke: findings from the UK Biobank cohort study Go to source Trusted Source Did you know? Your eyes can reveal more than you think! Retinal vascular "fingerprints" may predict stroke risk- offering a non-invasive, accessible path to prevention. #retina #strokerisk #medindia Your eyes can reveal more than you think! Retinal vascular "fingerprints" may predict stroke risk- offering a non-invasive, accessible path to prevention. #retina #strokerisk #medindia Advertisement Identifying a Vascular 'Fingerprint' in the Eyes Advertisement Potential for Less-Invasive Stroke Risk Testing Advertisement Retina is an Extension of the Brain Need for Non-Invasive Diagnostics to Estimate Stroke Risk Retinal vascular fingerprints predict incident stroke: findings from the UK Biobank cohort study - (https://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2025/01/03/heartjnl-2024-324705) While some may believe that the eyes are a window to the soul, doctors have long recognized that the eyes may also provide insight into a person's general health."The retina is one of the few areas in the body where blood arteries can be directly viewed without intrusive procedures," said Mingguang He, M.D., Ph.D., Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology in the School of Optometry and director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong. He said, "Changes in retinal blood vessels can indicate systemic vascular conditions such as hypertension diabetes , and atherosclerosis ."He is the principal author of a new study published in the journal, which discovered that a vascular "fingerprint" on the retina may be able to predict a person's stroke risk in a less intrusive manner than standard examinations ().For this study, researchers examined fundus images of the retinas of over 45,000 Biobank members in the United Kingdom to find detectable biomarker markers in the retina's blood vessels. Following research, scientists discovered 118 quantifiable retinal vascular markers, 29 of which were substantially related to a participant's first-time stroke risk, resulting in a vascular "fingerprint.""Vascular 'fingerprint' on the retina refers to unique retinal parameters or patterns in an individual's retina," he wrote. "Analyzing vascular fingerprints on the retina across populations can help identify trends and risk factors associated with stroke."Seventeen of the 29 indicators measure density. Researchers discovered that every change in these variables increased the risk of stroke by 10-19%. Changes to the three caliber markers in the "fingerprint" were associated with a 10-14% increase in stroke risk. Changes in the complexity and twistedness markers were associated with a 10.5-19.5% increased risk of stroke.Researchers found that the retina vascular "fingerprint" was as effective as standard risk factors for predicting future stroke risk, even when combined with only age and gender stroke risk factors."Traditional ways (blood tests) to predict stroke risk are limited by relatively low accuracy, invasiveness, and high cost," the doctor stated. "We are planning to use the same method to conduct risk prediction for other diseases such as heart disease and dementia ," said the researcher.Alexander Solomon, M.D., a surgical neuro-ophthalmologist and strabismus surgeon at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, said, "While overall, the findings of this study will be of little surprise to most ophthalmologists, it's nice to see a study that formalizes this relationship and starts to really break down some of the metrics of retinal vasculature that reflect higher risk changes associated with increased risk of stroke.""The link between retinal vascular alterations and stroke is unsurprising given that the retina is essentially an extension of the brain . As a result, it is made up of a sequence of neurons (brain cells) that are sensitive to and process light, so a retinal exam may always be evaluating a section of your brain," said Alexander Solomon, M.D."We also know that these arteries change in response to a number of systemic vasculopathy diseases, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders, all of which can raise the risk of stroke. Again, knowing which qualities are more hazardous is both important and exciting," Solomon stated."Many of the components of this 'fingerprinting' can be qualitatively appreciated but not numerically evaluated during a standard eye exam. It would be both useful and intriguing to make the study more widely available so that eye doctors may better counsel their patients, as well as to increase the generalizability described above," he said.Christopher Yi, M.D., a board-certified vascular surgeon at Memorial Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, said, "As a physician working with patients who suffer from strokes, this is definitely an exciting and innovative discovery.""The discovery of a non-invasive approach for predicting stroke risk using retinal vascular 'fingerprints' is remarkable. It not only provides a realistic approach to early detection, but it has the potential to make stroke risk screening more accessible and resource-efficient, particularly in underprivileged populations," said Chris Yi, M.D."Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, with many cases attributed to modifiable risk factors. Current risk prediction algorithms rely mainly on invasive tests such as blood draws, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs , which can be expensive and impractical for large-scale screening," Yi explained."A retinal-based approach uses a noninvasive, basic diagnostic tool that may be readily integrated into routine eye exams, especially in primary care settings. "By improving early detection, healthcare providers can intervene earlier to manage risk factors and potentially prevent strokes," he explained."This study is a huge step forward in preventative medicine, offering promise for lowering the global burden of stroke. It demonstrates the possibility of interdisciplinary techniques that combine ophthalmology, cardiology, and technology to solve complicated health issues," he said.Source-Medindia Tanner Scott is headed to Chavez Ravine, as he became the Dodgers latest big-ticket acquisition when he signed a four-year, $72MM deal earlier today. The Cubs, Braves, Mets, and Yankees had all been linked to Scotts market earlier this winter, but various reports from this afternoon indicated that the Blue Jays, Orioles, and Red Sox also had interest in the left-handers services. The willingness of the Dodgers and other teams to give Scott four guaranteed years seemed to be the dealbreaker for at least a couple of teams. The Baltimore Banners Andy Kostka and MassLive.coms Chris Cotillo wrote that the Orioles and Red Sox, respectively, each had misgivings about that long of a commitment. In particular, Cotillo poured cold water on speculation that Boston offered Scott a longer deal with a larger average annual value, as a source tells Cotillo that such reports of a bigger offer were very inaccurate. The Os still at least remained engaged on Scott as of a few days ago, Kostka wrote, which could speak to the teams familiarity with the reliever. Of course, Scott began his career as a Baltimore draft pick and spent his first five MLB seasons in an Orioles uniform, posting a 4.73 ERA over his 156 innings out of the teams bullpen. The big strikeout numbers and potential was clearly already present for Scott during his time in Baltimore, though it wasnt until the 2023 season (when Scott was with the Marlins) that he finally seemed to solve his longstanding control problems. Baltimores one-year, $10MM deal with Andrew Kittredge from earlier this week also seems to generally line up with Kostkas timeline, so it isnt surprising that the Os moved away from Scott after landing another high-leverage reliever at a much lower price tag. Kittredge projects as the Orioles top setup man in front of closer Felix Bautista, who is returning after a year recovering from Tommy John surgery. Kittredge is the highest-profile reliever the Os have acquired this winter, while the Red Sox brought in Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson on guaranteed contracts, and a few other veterans on minor league deals. As Cotillo notes, the Red Sox had talks with Scott, Kittredge, and several other relievers who have since signed contracts, as Boston continues to look for help at the back end of its bullpen. Liam Hendriks is penciled into the closers role, though some depth is a necessity since Hendriks (like Bautista) also missed 2024 while rehabbing from a TJ procedure. Toronto fans wont be pleased to hear the Blue Jays lost another target to the Dodgers, but the New York Posts Jon Heyman indeed reports that the Jays were among [the] teams in on Scott. The depth of the Blue Jays interest isnt known, and since the Jays landed Jeff Hoffman last week, it seems possible that the Hoffman signing was a pivot away from Scotts escalating market. That said, the Blue Jays have already been more aggressive than usual in adding relief pitching, which isnt a surprise given the dire performance of their 2024 bullpen. Toronto has already added Hoffman, Nick Sandlin, and old friend Yimi Garcia as part of the bullpen overhaul, and depending on whether or not the Jays acquire another starting pitcher, Yariel Rodriguez might be part of the relief mix as well if he isnt used as the fifth starter. ALGER COUNTY, MI A portion of M-28 is closed in both directions due to whiteout conditions, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. MDOT officials at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, closed the eastbound and westbound lanes between Kawbawgam Road and M-94, also known as Munising Avenue, in Alger County. Moderate lake effect snow will accumulate Sunday and into Monday, the National Weather Service reports. Dangerously cold arctic air will continue throughout Sunday. ANN ARBOR, MI - Dining out can get expensive in Ann Arbor, but one upcoming event is giving diners an excuse to give some higher-end restaurants a try. Ann Arbor Restaurant Week is set to feature deals from more than 40 participating restaurants. The event starts Sunday, Jan. 19, and ends Friday, Jan. 24. Read more: Your guide to Ann Arbor Restaurant Week: Where to eat & save Here is a list of 10 high-end restaurants participating in Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Dynamite scallops at Gandy Dancer Monday, May 13 2019.Jacob Hamilton Gandy Dancer An Ann Arbor classic is giving diners a chance to sample a bit of its menu on a discount. Gandy Dancer, 401 Depot St., is offering both a special lunch menu and a chefs highlights menu for Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Both menus will be available for dine-in and takeout. Diners get to choose a starter, a main course and a dessert for $45 on the chefs highlights menu, or they can spend $29 for a starter and main course for lunch. The lunch menu has options for starters like butternut squash bisque, a kale and arugula Caesar salad, chowder or its Marthas Vineyard Salad. Main courses include parmesan crusted sole, shrimp and artichoke linguine, smoked mozzarella ravioli and lemon chicken. The other menu will offer the same starters and feature main courses like the parmesan crusted sole, jumbo shrimp scampi, Pork Osso Bucco, tortellini formaggio and gouda stuffed chicken. Dessert includes either key lime pie or Turtle Cheesecake served with cinnamon caramel apple ice cream. Gandy Dancers hours during Ann Arbor Restaurant Week are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Find it online. The Earle, inside a former hotel's basement, serves provincial French and Italian style dishes with over 1,000 wines available. Michigan's Best Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez visited the Ann Arbor restaurant on their search for Michigan's Most Iconic restaurant on Monday, May 14, 2019. Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com The Earle Restaurant The Earle Restaurant is another fine dining favorite that will be serving deals for everyone to enjoy. The downtown eatery is also offering a chefs highlight menu where diners will be able to choose either a soup or salad along with an entree and dessert. The meal is priced by the entree selected and ranges from $30 to $48. Options include duck breasts, Chicken Saltimbocca, whitefish, grilled salmon with shrimp, linguine with garlic sausage and winter squash penne. Dessert options include white chocolate cheesecake, raspberry chocolate mousse, carrot cake and lemon rosemary sorbet. The Earle Restaurant, 121 W. Washington St., will be open 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday during Restaurant Week. Find it online. Read more: Restaurant Week perfect time to go fancy with The Earles duck breast Paella Americana at Aventura Restaurant, 216 E Washington St. in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Paella Americana is made with boneless chicken thigh, catalan sausage, chorizo, english pea, cauliflower, romano bean, broccolini, piquillo pepper, saffron, and sofrito. Josh Boland | MLive.com Aventura Aventura is set to bring its Spanish flavor and flair to a discounted menu. The restaurant at 216 S Washington St. has a three-course menu that will cost $36 and will be served with Gazpacho Chupito beforehand. Customers will choose between the Croqueta de Morcilla, Chipsy Mejillones and Hummus Con Encurtidos for their first course. The second course will feature dishes with American wagyu and bone marrow mashed potatoes, Atlantic salmon with butter, lemon, capers, parsley, gigante beans and braised leek as well as a vegetarian Spanish flatbread made with grilled carrot, turnip, fennel, winter squash, salsa verde and manchego. Desserts include either churros or Aventuras Sorbete de Cava. Aventuras Ann Arbor Restaurant Week hours will be 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday. Find it online. Read more: Aventura brings authenticity & a taste of Spain to Ann Arbor From left, seafood pasta, branzino, chocolate tart and Hamachi crudo at Black Pearl, 302 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.comJacob Hamilton | MLive.com Black Pearl Anyone can get a taste of Black Pearls popular fish tacos with its Ann Arbor Restaurant Week deal. Black Pearls chef highlights menu will cost $35 per person for dine-in only. Diners will build their own three course meal with options on the menu. First course will include options like a mini seasonal salad, seafood gumbo or fried Brussels sprouts while the second course will feature salmon Tikka Masala, fish tacos, Tuscan tortellini pasta or scallops. The third course will include options for either Tres Leches carrot cake or a chocolate torte. Black Pearl, 302 S. Main St., is set to be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday during Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Find it online. Read more: Fish tacos at Black Pearl shine bright in Ann Arbors happy hour scene Pacific Rim Pacific Rim brings something different to Ann Arbor with its contemporary pan-Asian cuisine. The restaurant at 114 W. Liberty St. will have some of its own Ann Arbor Restaurant Week deals, including a three-course meal that will cost $38 a person for dine-in only. Pacific Rim will have options for customers to choose something for each course. The first course will feature Saigon Spring Rolls, Pacific Rim Crabcake, Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps, Scallion Crepes and Roasted Berkshire Pork Belly, while the second course will feature either roasted winter squash soup or a winter salad with soy-balsamic vinaigrette. The third and final course will have options for Miso-Teriyaki Salmon, Thai Bouillabaisse, Thai Peanut Noodles, Braised Lamb Shank and Pan-Roasted Berkshire Pork Loin. Theres also a vegetarian menu available for the week of discounts. Pacific Rims Ann Arbor Restaurant Week hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday. Find it online. A smoked tomahawk heritage pork chop is served with cheesy grits and patty pans at Vinology, 110 S. Main St., in downtown Ann Arbor on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The restaurant also offers a lower-level event space.Sydney Verlinde | MLive.com Vinology Vinology is bringing a three-course menu to downtown Ann Arborites that costs $35 per person. Customers will choose between rosemary-garlic focaccia bread, red pepper tomato bisque or a roasted grape salad for the first course and either Vino Braised Short Ribs, Faroe Island Seared Salmon, Frascatelli Pasta or eggplant steak for the second course. Dessert includes options like apple cobbler, key lime pie and a Tres Leches Tiramisu. The restaurant is also offering $80 family to-go dinner with four servings of braised short rib, whipped potatoes and focaccia bread. Its Jan. 19 brunch will offer complimentary biscuits to every table Vinology, 110 S. Main St., will be open for brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and for dinner from 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Friday during Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Find it online. Read more: Michigans Best Local Eats: Vinology brings seasonal menu, wide selection of wines to Ann Arbor Webers Restaurant Anyone looking to explore Ann Arbors restaurant scene beyond downtown can do so at Webers Restaurant at 3050 Jackson Road. The restaurant will be offering its own three-course chefs highlight menu which be based on the entree price. Entrees range anywhere from $18.99 to $40.99. Webers Restaurants first course will feature either soups or a house salad while its second course has options like salmon, crab cakes, scallops, lobster tail, filet mignon, chicken breast, duck and more. Desserts include house made ice cream and sorbet, carrot cakes or premium desserts are available for an upcharge. Webers Restaurant will be open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Find it online. Selection of menu and drink items at Peridot in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.Christina Merrill | MLive.com Peridot Peridot is offering an excuse for couples to give its food a try with its menu for two. The restaurant at 118 W. Liberty St. is offering a menu that will be $80 for two or $40 per person for dine-in only. Diners will be able to choose two first course items, which include fried chicken wings, confit duck salad, green papaya salad and its Kampachi Crudo. The menu also features two second course dishes with options to choose from roasted root vegetables, grilled mushrooms, fried tofu or ketchup fried rice. The third course will let diners choose one plate to share. Dishes include shaking beef hanger steak, curried prawns, crab fried rice and seared Bok Choy. Peridot will be open 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday during Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Find it online. Read more: Ann Arbor bar Peridot blend concepts of The Last Word, Pacific Rim with Vietnamese fare Pomodoro ravioli, featuring house Mae ravioli filled with ricotta, San Marzano tomatoes, arugula pesto and chopped pistachios at Mani Osteria, 341 E. Liberty St. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Aug. 6 2020.Jacob Hamilton/MLive.com Mani Osteria & Bar Get a taste of Mani Osteria & Bar with its Ann Arbor Restaurant Week menu that costs $35 per person. Manis chefs tasting menu is for dine-in customers only and features the Winter Panzanella Salad for the first course, short rib raviolo for the second course and the chocolate torte to top it all off. There will also be a 20% discount off all a la carte menu items, according to Restaurant Week details. The restaurant at 341 E. Liberty St. is open noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 10 p.m. Friday during the event. Find it online. Read more: Ann Arbors Best Food: Every bite of this Mani Osteria pizza is a flavor journey Garrett Lipar, executive chef and partner, places onions onto a spring spaghetti dish at the Dixboro Project in Superior Township on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Rebecca Villagracia | MLive.com The Dixboro Project The Dixboro House a part of the Dixboro Project is bringing its fine dining to customers for lower cost. The restaurant at 5400 Plymouth Road outside of Ann Arbor is offering a dine-in only chefs highlight menu for $52 per person or a lunch menu for $36 per person. The chefs menu features three courses including first course options for beef tartar, green salad and polenta cubes and second course options for whitefish, duck breast, Goulash and Rotolo. Dessert includes either citrus chiffon cake or Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Tart. Lunch options include Smoked Salmon Rillettes, field green salad or butternut squash soup for the first course and shaved beef sandwich, fried chicken plate, braised beans and mortadella pizza for the second course. Desserts include pistachio tiramisu and citrus chiffon cake. The Dixboro House will be open 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday during Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Find it online. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. ANN ARBOR, MI Many tales are told of World War II, but not widely known is the story of a sergeant from Ann Arbor and his decorated monkey friend Pat P. Pat. Anthony V. Grammatico, known as Tony, was a U.S. Army Air Forces technical sergeant stationed in the Philippines in 1944 when a Filipino woman gave him the little monkey four days after D-Day, The Ann Arbor News reported in 1946. Inducted into the Army on Dec. 13, 1944, Pat became the mascot of the 310th Bomb Wing and received several honors for his service, The News reported, saying Grammatico considered him the best morale builder in the Pacific and a good soldier in the fight against Japanese forces. According to members of the Grammatico family who still tell the story, the monkey served as somewhat of a frontlines scout, climbing up trees and using his keen sense of sight and smell to look out for enemies, recognizing their uniforms. Hed run back and make noise, jump around, said Terry Grammatico, son of the late Tony. My dad raised him, so hed tell them something was going on so they were ready for them. They did shoot his tail off, thats a true story. A February 1946 news clipping showing Sgt. Anthony V. Grammatico of Ann Arbor looking on while his monkey friend, First Sgt. Pat P. Pat, displays his World War II medals at The Ann Arbor News offices.Eck Stanger | Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org Pats honors included two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, a Philippine Liberation ribbon with one combat star, a South Pacific Theater ribbon with two combat stars and a Good Conduct Medal, The News reported when Grammatico was back home in February 1946 and brought the monkey to the newsroom. According to his Army record, First Sgt. Pats main occupations during the war were tree climbing and eating, News reporter Emilie Cochran wrote. Now, according to Tony Grammatico, he spends most of his time swimming and taking baths. Still only 2 years old in 1946, Pat was the most highly decorated monkey in the Army, Cochran reported, saying no other monkey had come forth to dispute the claim. He finds Ann Arbors winter weather a little too chilly for him, but since arriving hes grown a luxurious new coat for protection against the northern winds, she wrote. Tony Grammatico, a former Golden Gloves boxer, also received honors for his WWII service, including a Good Conduct Medal, South Pacific Theater ribbon with four bronze combat stars, Philippine Liberation ribbon with two combat stars, American theater ribbon and Victory ribbon, The News reported. A member of a large Italian Catholic family, he lived at 619 Linda Vista St., attended St. Thomas High School in Ann Arbor and worked as a sanitary engineer at Willow Run before serving in the military from 1943 to 1946. He died in 1996 at the age of 76. He told The News the monkey got seasick on the way to Japan during the war as a hurricane pushed their ship over rough waters, so he spent most of the trip below deck, but Pat made up for it when they got to Yokohama, a city south of Tokyo, showing his dislike for the Japanese by biting them. Sgt. Anthony V. Grammatico of Ann Arbor looks on while his monkey friend, First Sgt. Pat P. Pat, displays his World War II medals at The Ann Arbor News offices in February 1946.Eck Stanger | Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org Pats first Purple Heart was awarded when a piece of flak hit his tail and necessitated an operation to remove most of the tail, and the second Purple Heart was presented to the monkey after a bomb fragment lodged in his side, The News reported. Pats sergeant rating was once taken away for insubordination and for stealing equipment and supplies, and he went AWOL on Luzon, but returned when lack of chow forced him back into line, The News reported, relaying he was always first in line outside the mess hall. Terry Grammatico, 71, of Myrtle Beach said he never met Pat, but he saw photos of the monkey when he was growing up and asked his father about him. He and his cousin Ted Grammatico both said its their understanding the Japanese killed Pats mother when he was just a baby. A villager found him and gave him to uncle Tony. The young monkey was so small that he was able to be kept inside Tonys uniform, Ted Grammatico said in an email, saying his uncle fed the monkey by hand and gave him canned milk. One day they apparently captured a Japanese soldier and Pat saw the uniform and started screaming, Ted Grammatico said. He was terrified, and it was clear he remembered them killing his mother, he said, saying his uncle and his unit then realized how valuable Pat could be as a scout, saving lives. Ann Arbor in the 1940s: World War II efforts, movie theaters and more Terry Grammatico said he couldnt believe his father was able to bring Pat back to the United States, but he did so by drugging him so he would stay asleep inside a bag. The 25-year-old returning veteran stayed with his parents back in Ann Arbor, but the monkey apparently wasnt friendly with others and made a mess, Terry Grammatico said. He was pretty wild, he didnt want anything to do with anybody else but my dad, stuff like that, so they had to get rid of him, he said. My mother would talk about how bad she didnt like the monkey and the monkey didnt like her, didnt like my grandparents. But for Tony Grammatico and his unit during the war, having Pat as a companion was like having a pet dog, something to bring them back to reality in a strange place, Terry Grammatico said. I think its kind of cool, he said. Animals have always been part of military life, said Daniel Phoenix, U.S. Air Force historian. Of course, there were many horses and mules, including George Washingtons warhorses Blueskin and Nelson, and the famous Sergeant Reckless, a heroic Marine Corps pack horse during the Korean War, he said. A Newfoundland dog named Seaman accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition and was credited with protecting the company from bears and even charging bison. There have been several famous carrier pigeons including Stumpy John Silver, who is featured at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. U.S. military representatives and records keepers werent able to confirm details of Pat P. Pats service, but The News reported in 1946 his assigned Army serial number was 1,000,000. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. KHARTOUM, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 civilians were killed and five others injured in an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a village in North Darfur State in western Sudan, a government official said on Sunday. "On Saturday, the RSF militia committed a massacre in Jebel Hilla village east of Um Kadada district in North Darfur," Ibrahim Khatir, director-general of the state's health department, told Xinhua, denouncing the "organized targeting of civilians by the RSF" as a violation of international law and norms. He urged the United Nations and other international organizations to intervene to hold the perpetrators accountable. The RSF has not commented on the incident. Meanwhile, the Command of the Sixth Infantry Division of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said in a statement that its warplanes launched three airstrikes on Saturday targeting RSF gatherings and movements in the northeastern and southern parts of El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur, killing more than 40 RSF fighters and injuring many others. Since May 10, 2024, fierce clashes between the SAF and the RSF have been raging in El Fasher. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the two sides since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 29,683 lives and displaced over 14 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organizations. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Slightly under two dozen K-12 schools in Kent County are among Michigans lowest-performing, according to a state watch list that tracks school performance and helps identify where extra support is needed. Of the 228 schools included in the report for Kent County, 21 are placed in three categories that indicate some level of low performance, according to recent reports released by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). RELATED: Which Michigan schools are among the most underperforming and are they improving? Several schools from the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) district, the largest in the area, are on the list, along with several from the Godfrey Lee Public Schools District. The list includes traditional school districts and charter school programs. Many of the Kent County schools are alternative education programs or theme schools, meant to give struggling students an alternative to the traditional public school system. The watch list categories are part of the Michigan School Index, a state system measuring public school performance in areas like student growth, student proficiency, graduation rates and testing participation. Schools receive a score in each area based on their progress towards the indexs targets, with an overall score ranging from 0-100. Schools that land on the states watch list are among the 5% of lowest-performing schools statewide, or those with specific student groups among the lowest performing, categorized under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. RELATED: The top 50 Michigan school districts for each school subject, via test scores The school index is updated annually, while the lists of schools needing support are updated at various intervals. Schools identified as needing support partner with the MDE. The latest Michigan School Index reports were made public in November with information on the 2023-24 school year. In Kent County, 9.6% of its 228 categorized schools were found to need support in some way during the 2023-24 school year. RELATED: Here are the top 10 Grand Rapids area high schools with the highest SAT scores Of those, 4.4% needed comprehensive support and improvement (CSI), meaning they are among the lowest performing 5% of schools in the state, and/or are a high school with four-year graduate rates of 67% or less. Schools identified for CSI receive three years of support while they work to address schoolwide needs. After three years, schools will either exit from CSI or enter another three years with more rigorous supports. The CSI list was last updated in 2021-22. There are three GRPS buildings on the CSI watch list, including Ottawa Hills High School, Alger Middle School and Campus Elementary. Ottawa Hills, one of five GRPS high schools, made the list because of previous graduation rates below the state standard of 67%, while Alger Middle School and Campus Elementary were in the bottom 5% and havent yet fulfilled their three-year requirement. Two Godfrey Lee Public Schools buildings are also on the CSI watch list, including Lee Middle School and East Lee Campus, an alternative education setting within the district. Another 1.3% of Kent County schools need targeted support and improvement (TSI), meaning specific student groups tracked by the index, including minority students and students with disabilities, are performing in the bottom 25% of the state. Schools identified for TSI receive support until they meet district-determined exit criteria. The TSI list is based on 2022-23 data, as an updated list has not been released for 2023-24. The Kent County schools on the TSI list include Wyoming Public Schools Junior High School, along with GRPS Westwood Middle School. East Leonard Elementary, another GRPS school that has since shut its doors, is also on the list. The school was shut down in 2024 due to low enrollment and will now be used for firefighter training. East Leonard was among 10 schools the Grand Rapids Board of Education approved closing in 2023, as part of a campus restructuring plan. Another 3.9% of Kent County schools need additional targeted support (ATS), meaning theyre schools with one or more student groups at or below the lowest-performing 5% of the state. Schools identified for ATS receive support for six years while they work to address the needs of the student subgroup identified as being low performing. After the six years, the school will be reviewed and will either exit from ATS or move to the CSI category. The ATS list was also last updated in 2021-22. This list includes seven GRPS schools, including Riverside Middle School and several alternative education programs and theme schools: Aberdeen Academy, CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Middle/High School, Dickinson Academy, Harrison Park Academy and the Martin Luther King Leadership Academy. So, what are the details on all the Kent County schools being watched by the state? The following are the schools identified on the latest of the three lists. Each entry includes the schools overall index score, any impacted student groups, and specific scores for performance growth and graduation rates. The growth category measures the percent of students on track to reach or maintain proficiency within three years of taking state assessments like the M-STEP, SAT and MI-Access. The proficiency targets for language arts and math are 57.05 and 35.90, respectively. The graduation category calculates a schools success in meeting graduation rate targets in four, five and six-year cohorts. Those goals are 93%, 95.76% and 96.34%, respectively. Schools are ordered based on their overall index score, from lowest to highest. Covenant High School Grand Rapids District or agency: Covenant High School Grand Rapids, is a charter school sponsored by Grand Valley State University. The alternative education program serves students 16-22, including high school dropouts and at-risk youth. Support category: CSI for overall building index and graduation rates in 2021-22, not meeting CSI exit criteria Overall index: 4.19/100 Growth index: 0/100 Graduation rate index: 19.25/100 East Lee Campus District or agency: Godfrey-Lee Public Schools' alternative education program Support category: CSI for not meeting ATS exit criteria in 2021-22, economically disadvantaged students were impacted by lower performance Overall index: 14.36/100 Growth index: 0/100 Graduation rate index: 69.05/100 Crossroads Alternative High School District or agency: Kentwood Public Schools' alternative education program Support category: CSI for overall index and graduation rates in 2021-22, not meeting CSI exit criteria Overall index: 18.07/100 Growth index: 5.66/100 Graduation rate index: 49.58/100 Lighthouse Academy - South Campus District or agency: Lighthouse Academy, charter school, sponsored by Ferris State University. It is one of five strict discipline charter academy schools in the state. Support category: CSI for overall index in 2021-22 Overall index: 18.90/100 Growth index: 4.61/100 Graduation rate index: 29.02/100 Campus Elementary District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: CSI for overall index in 2021-22 Overall index: 20.16/100 Growth index: 19.64/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (pK-5) Alger Middle School District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: CSI for overall index in 2021-22 Overall index: 23.41/100 Growth index: 25.41/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (6-8) William C. Abney Academy Elementary District or agency: William C. Abney Academy, charter school, sponsored by Grand Valley State University Support category: CSI for not meeting CSI exit criteria in 2021-22 Overall index: 26.14/100 Growth index: 23.58/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (pK-6) Ottawa Hills High School District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: CSI for low graduation rates in 2021-22 Overall index: 26.21/100 Growth index: 12.86/100 Graduation rate index: 85.05/100 Westwood Middle School District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: TSI for students with disabilities impacted by low performance. Overall index: 26.86/100 Growth index: 30.17/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (6-8) Burton Middle School District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: ATS for Black/African American students, English learners and students with disabilities impacted by low performance Overall index: 27.69/100 Growth index: 24.61/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (6-8) Riverside Middle School District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: ATS for students with disabilities impacted by low performance. Overall index: 29.53/100 Growth index: 25.77/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (6-8) Martin Luther King Leadership Academy District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: ATS for Black/African American students impacted by low performance Overall index: 34.29/100 Growth index: 41.45/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (pK-8) Dickinson Academy District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: ATS for Black/African American students impacted by low performance Overall index: 37.51 Growth index: 31.63/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (pK-8) Harrison Park Academy District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: ATS for Black/African American students, multi-racial students and students with disabilities impacted by low performance Overall index: 38.73/100 Growth index: 49.51/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (pK-8) Kelloggsville High School District or agency: Kelloggsville Public Schools Support category: ATS for English learners impacted by low performance. Overall index: 39.06/100 Growth index: 21.57/100 Graduation rate index: 89.32/100 NexTech High School District or agency: NexTech High School, charter school, sponsored by Central Michigan University Support category: CSI for not meeting CSI exit criteria in 2021-22 Overall index: 41.8/100 Growth index: 37.29/100 Graduation rate index: 61.44/100 Prepnet Virtual Academy District or agency: Prepnet Virtual Academy, charter school, sponsored by Grand Valley State University Support category: ATS for students with disabilities impacted by low performance Overall index: 50.28/100 Growth index: 59.18/100 Graduation rate index: 39.94/100 Aberdeen Academy District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: ATS for students with disabilities impacted by low performance Overall index: 51.01/100 Growth index: 48.01/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (pK-8) CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Middle/High School District or agency: Grand Rapids Public Schools Support category: ATS for Black/African American students impacted by low performance Overall index: 51.86/100 Growth index: 43.04/100 Graduation rate index: 100/100 Lee Middle School District or agency: Godfrey Lee Public Schools Support category: CSI for not meeting ATS exit criteria in 2021-22, after Black/African American students and students with disabilities were impacted by lower performance Overall index: 54.38/100 Growth index: 56.04/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (6-8) Wyoming Junior High School District or agency: Wyoming Public Schools Support category: TSI for Black/African American students impacted by low performance. Overall index: 56.29/100 Growth index: 60.98/100 Graduation rate index: n/a (7-8) A searchable database with more information on individual Kent County schools can be found below. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. BIG RAPIDS, MI Police have spoken with students allegedly involved in making a bomb threat at Big Rapids Middle School. No charges have been filed, Big Rapids police said. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and charges could potentially be filed at a later time. BAY CITY, MI A second round of layoffs at McLaren Bay Region has some concerned at the start of the new year. Meanwhile, an Essexville has been charged after allegedly robbing a Pet Supplies Plus store of $400 in dog and cat food. Those headlines and others are included below in this years roundup of area news you may have missed. McLaren Bay Region layoffs loom large at start of new year McLaren Bay Region is expecting another round of layoffs to begin the new year, months after announcing layoffs following the closure of a long-term care hospital in favor of a revamped, multispecialty campus. The latest round of layoffs are a part of the health systems ongoing efforts to shore up financial and operational sustainability for long term success, McLaren Marketing and Media Relations Manager Dave Jones wrote in an email to MLive/The Bay City Times. Thoughtful decisions have been made to ensure stable, quality health care in the Bay region and surrounding communities, Jones said. Some of those decisions have impacted internal operations and our labor force. Steps have been made to ensure we have the right staff in the right service areas to deliver first-rate care for our patients, which has involved reductions in certain areas where we have experienced changes in our volumes. Read the full story here. Essexville man charged with robbing Pet Supplies Plus of $400 in dog, cat food An Essexville man is accused of escalating a propensity for shoplifting into armed robbery after he allegedly held up a pet store of nearly $400 in dog and cat food at gunpoint. Damian M. Leske, 22, on Monday, Jan. 13, appeared before Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly for arraignment on charges of armed robbery and possessing fewer than 25 grams of cocaine. The former is a life offense; the latter is a four-year felony. Police at about 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, responded to the reported robbery at Pet Supplies Plus, 2624 Center Ave. in Hampton Township. Read the full story here. See inside charming cottage on Saginaw Bay that could be yours A well-maintained home within the same family for decades is on the market. The home, located at 412 Ricoma Beach Road, comes with 100 feet of waterfront property on Saginaw Bay and is listed for $499,900. Kristi Lambert, of Ayre Rhinehart Bay Realtors, said the view from the home is the best part. Read the full story here. Fran & Dot Boutique opens in downtown Bay City Calli Ruffertshofer was just a young girl when she played with Fashion Plates and paper dolls. She indulged her creative side by imagining a dream world where she dressed up her dolls and decorated their surroundings. Fast forward to today, and Ruffertshofer, 43, a Bay City native, has made that fantasy a reality. She opened Fran & Dot Boutique in downtown Bay City on Dec. 24, drawing from the inspiration that bloomed in her youth. I have been interested in fashion and design since I was a young girl playing with paper dolls and Barbies, she said. I would purchase magazines to cut out photos and create outfits in a notebook. Read the full story here. Bay City school board gives spending approval back to superintendent Approval for credit card spending on travel and meals will come from the district superintendent going forward and not the board of education following a vote Monday, Jan. 13. The board of education voted to once again task the district superintendent with reviewing and approving all purchasing card expenses, including meals and all student in-state and out-of-state travel. Its a job of the superintendent to approve those things, not of a board, Bay City Public Schools Board of Education President Matt Felan said. We did it for a temporary amount of time, so were returning back to normal business. Read the full story here. Bay City Public Schools superintendent search continues as district receives 14 applications Bay City Public Schools has closed the job posting for its superintendent position after months of searching. School board vice president Joslyn Jamrog, who headed the districts superintendent search committee, said Monday, Jan. 13, that the district had received 14 applications for its superintendent posting prior to the post closing Jan. 12. From here, Ray & Associates will determine how to move forward in the process. Candidates will be screened to help the firm determine how they measure up with the qualities the board and district are looking for. They will notify the board of which candidates they want to move forward with, with future meetings expected to take place with finalists. Read the full story here. MDOT to break up ice around Lafayette Bridge for demolition work Michigan state transportation officials are urging people to avoid the waters surrounding Lafayette Bridge, warning that ice may be unstable. Contractors working on the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reconstruction project involving the Lafayette Bridge will be breaking up ice on the Saginaw River around the bridge, MDOT officials wrote in an email. This will be happening throughout the winter, Bay Region Communications Representative Caitlyn French wrote in a statement. Ice fishermen and snowmobilers are advised to use extreme caution and to stay away from the structure. Open water and unstable ice will be present. Read the full story here. Bay Area Chamber of Commerce to host 2025 State of the Community event Feb. 4 The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 25th annual State of the Community event Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-Riverfront. The event will feature chamber members and community leaders offering insights into the current state and outlook of Bay City and Bay County. This event is an incredible opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and align our vision for the future, Magen Samyn, president and CEO of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. Read the full story here. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. HOWELL, MI Theres mutual understanding in their eyes and tears. Gary and Kathy Graves hold each other on the couch at their Howell home, wading through the grief of losing their son, 28-year-old Kevin Graves. Gary has kind of been my rock, Kathy Graves, 67, told MLive in a recent interview at their house. Ive been supportive of him, too. Its just -- we dont know how to act. Weve never been through this before. Theyve been married 45 years. The last six and a half were spent looking for their son after he vanished while attending the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury in 2018. During the years Kevin was reported missing, Kathy and Gary said they were getting used to not knowing. Everything reminded them of Kevin. When Gary, an 80-year-old U.S. Marine who served in the Vietnam War, worked in his barn cluttered with old tools from his former mechanic shop, hed think of Kevin even talk to him. For years, Kathy spent mornings on a stoop in her garage peering out toward the driveway. Each time, her mind flashed back to that day in June 2018 when she watched her son excitedly packing to head off to the music festival. Those are her last mental images of him. If I had known, I would have given him one more hug, she said. Kathy Graves sits on a stoop in the garage of her house at in Howell, Michigan, on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2025. For six years she sat on the stoop, looking out at where she shared her last hug with her son, Kevin, and hoped hed show up in the driveway. Kevin Graves remains were found on Dec. 30, 2024. Right there. Rain or shine, Kathy said. When he got in the car, thats the last time I saw him I wouldve gave him a bigger (hug). Even since hes been found and I know he wont be coming up that driveway again. Im still here.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) On Dec. 31, an Oakland County sheriffs deputy pulled up into the driveway to share the tragic news: the skeletal remains of Kevin were discovered by hunters clearing land near the festival campgrounds. Although they already suspected their son was no longer alive, the finality stung. I just collapsed into Garys arms, Kathy said. It was awful, just awful. A photo of Kevin Graves is decorated with ribbons from Missing in Michigan events at the Graves house in Howell, Michigan, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) PICTURES AND MEMORIES Kathy looks forward to having a memorial service so people can get up and say something about Kevin. I thought that would be nice, she said. Whats left of Kevins life is a mix of memories, pictures, stories and visions of what might have been. He would have turned 35 on Jan. 24. Kathy Graves looks at a photo of her son at her house in Howell, Michigan, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Kathy imagines her son settling down with a steady job -- possibly children. He would have been a great dad, she says. On their oak kitchen table are an array of pictures showing Kevin with his sister and parents. Theyre on snowmobiles and beaches. Kevin is riding his fathers shoulders or working with him in the shop. You are the bravest man I know, and I am happy that you are my friend and father, reads an engraved picture of a teenaged Kevin standing next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington D.C. Dad, you are my hero. Kathy Graves favorite photo of her and her son, Kevin, sits on the dining room table at her house in Howell, Michigan, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Kathy points to a picture of her having a beer and smiling with her son on the porch. Thats my favorite one, she said. The day the picture was taken, shed just come home from work and her son was waiting for her on the porch. KEVINS LIFE Kevin Gary Graves was born in Livonia in 1990. He had a close relationship with his sister, Kellie Farley, who was five years older, and whom Kevin spoke to almost daily up until his death. He loved everybody. He loved his mother and sister. They were like that, he said, clasping his hands together. I mean, they were just like glue. A photo of Kevin Graves and his sister at the Graves house in Howell, Michigan, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Before retirement, Gary owned a mechanic shop in Dearborn and Kathy worked part time for the Secretary of State. The family took trips to Florida and many in-state vacations, especially to the family hunting cabin on 20 acres in Harrison. Gary began building it by hand the year Kevin was born. They recently sold it. He enjoyed going up there, Gary said. Wed take the kids and put them on the front of the snowmobiles and go raise hell. The kids had fun. Theyd fall asleep on the snowmobile ... He got his first turkey up there. THE WRONG CROWD Kevin, who was treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder since childhood, joined the wrestling team in middle school. He was good, his dad said. But the passion faded in high school when Kevin got mixed up with the wrong crowd and these guys got him smoking pot with them. Photos of Kevin Graves spread out on the dining room table at the Graves house in Howell, Michigan, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) This new path led to troubles with the school liaison officer. The officer was always picking on him, Gary said, and it was just one thing after another, because Kevin was a smartass. An average student, Kevin graduated Livonias Clarenceville High School in 2009 and spent a few years figuring out his next move. He had a string of jobs and some run-ins with the law for minor offenses. He just never wanted to take no for an answer, his father said. After a stint in jail on marijuana charges in 2011, Kevin kind of squared his act away and began working at his fathers shop, then took a job in construction. Gary Graves smiles as he looks at photos and remembers the life of his son, Kevin, at his house in Howell, Michigan, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) By 2018, Kevin Graves seemed to find some stability. Hed been in and out of therapy, which his mother said helped with mental health issues, and was well-liked at his job working for a precision coating company. He also purchased marijuana growing equipment with hopes of breaking into the then soon-to-be-legal marijuana industry. Gary was skeptical. I said, Son, Ive been around a long time, and I havent seen anybody make good money in it, unless youre a businessman, he said. And youre not a businessman. You cant smoke your product. TRADITIONS When Kathy Graves talks about her son, she focuses on his sweetness. She remembers him rescuing a feral kitten from a barn as kid. He brought it home and put it in a baking pan with bedding so they could sleep together. He named it Wickett, after the Ewok character from Star Wars. Kevin was the only person the cat would allow to trim its nails, she said. Kevin also lives on through traditions he started and the family continues. At Thanksgiving they all hold hands and say what theyre thankful for. We had never done anything like that before, Kathy Graves said. It was his idea, and he always spoke first. So we continue that, but its very sad. Even though hes no longer there, relatives still make Kevin Graves favorite dessert, Oreo cookie pie, for Christmas. DEATH INVESTIGATION While the search has ended, the investigation continues. Kathy and Gary are still haunted by questions about what happened, why their son ended up alone in a thick patch of woods surrounded by festivalgoers and stopped breathing without anyone noticing. They are now relying on the death investigation for answers. Medical examiners who spoke to MLive said its difficult to determine the cause and manner of death when remains are skeletal. Its expected to be about four months before a death ruling is issued. Kathy and Gary continue to believe there is more to their sons story. Whether or not there was foul play, they think someone knew he died and either intentionally hid his body or didnt report it. But they may never know. Gary said theres a possibility that a cause of death might never be determined. I guess well have to accept it, Gary said. What else can we do. MOM, IM OK Gary can now take the missing person flier out of his pickups window. Its been there for longer than a half-decade. And for years, Kathy refused to believe her son was dead. But now shes found some peace. Kathy Graves holds a small ceramic, one of many that she has in a case, and said it reminded her of her son at the her house in Howell, Michigan, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) She thinks he has already visited to say goodbye. One day, early in the search for Kevin, she stayed in Howell recovering from a foot surgery when she awoke groggy, sitting in a living room chair. She looked to her right. At the end of the couch, I saw Kevin, she remembers. And he just looked like a Precious Moments doll. He had blonde hair. He was wearing a crisp, white dress shirt, which he never wore. He was just smiling at me. It was like, Mom, Im OK. ABUJA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Leading universities in China and Nigeria have called for a greater understanding of diversities among nations, especially in the Global South, while advocating collaboration to foster harmony and civilization with a shared future for mankind. At a forum themed "Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning Between China and Nigeria" held on Friday, participants discussed the need to advance dialogues and understanding between China and Nigeria. "We think a particular population is bad until we share experiences and engage in mutual learning among civilizations," said Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja. The forum was jointly organized by the School of Journalism and Communication at China's Tsinghua University and the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja in Nigeria. At the forum, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai highlighted the platform's role in fostering cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and Nigeria. He reaffirmed China's commitment to working with Nigeria to advance the Global Civilization Initiative in Nigeria. Zhou Qing'an, dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, said that China-Africa cultural exchanges can support building a shared future for mankind and a balanced global order. He encouraged the younger generation to play an active role in this process. ABUJA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed on Sunday that more than 80 people were killed and many others injured after a tanker laden with gasoline exploded when it overturned, spilling its contents on a busy road in the country's north-central state of Niger on Saturday. Expressing "deep sorrow" over the incident and the immense human toll in a statement, Tinubu described the explosion as "devastating," recalling that many residents in the Dikko area of the state were caught in a heavy fire while trying to scoop fuel from the fallen gasoline tanker. The Nigerian leader underscored the "tragic and preventable nature of the incident," directed relevant authorities to provide comprehensive medical care to the injured, and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents. He also advised all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, as they are highly explosive. "Additionally, the president has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign. This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers," the statement added. Gasoline tanker explosions are not uncommon in Nigeria, often causing heavy casualties and nationwide grief. In September 2024, at least 48 people were killed after a gasoline-laden tanker exploded on a busy highway in Niger State. 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. Earlier in October last year, 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. by Shi Xinyi, Diao Wencong, Marwa Yahya 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. 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. 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. 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. WINDHOEK, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) on Saturday welcomed the recent ranking by Altezza Travel, which placed Namibia as the 4th safest country in Africa. Altezza Travel's acknowledgment of Namibia's safety, political stability, and well-developed tourism infrastructure is a significant achievement, MEFT spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said in a statement, adding that this ranking not only enhances the country's international image but also reinforces Namibia's position as a prime travel destination. According to Muyunda, Namibia was ranked fourth behind Mauritius in first place, Ghana in second, and Zambia in third. "This ranking points out our peaceful nature as Namibians, but also highlights that our collective efforts to ensure peace and stability are being recognized. The ministry would commend the Namibian people, security clusters, law enforcement agencies, and all stakeholders for fostering law and order in the country," he added. Muyunda said safety is an important factor in the travel and tourism sectors; therefore, this ranking gives Namibia more recognition around the globe and will steer more recommendations by travelers to visit the country. The spokesperson noted that even though Namibia is ranked fourth, the ministry believes that the country has the potential to be the safest country in Africa. Meanwhile, the rankings came against the backdrop of the ongoing tourism safety campaign being spearheaded by the ministry in cooperation with the Namibian police, tour operators, and selected regional councils, among others. "We must, as a country, prioritize peace and stability as this will not only attract tourists but also much-needed investors that will enhance economic development," he said. Altezza Travel, a destination management company headquartered in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, compiled the rankings by reviewing leading global studies from recent years, including official statistics and citizens' perceptions of personal safety. A Sudanese resident carries plastic water containers in Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Jan. 18, 2025. For over a week, the Sudanese capital Khartoum has been witnessing power and water outages, exacerbating the suffering of the citizens who wait for long hours at wells operated by generators to obtain drinking water. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua) KHARTOUM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, has been facing a significant drinking water crisis over the past five days due to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) attack on the Merowe Dam in Northern State, local authorities said Saturday. "Due to the complete interruption of electricity supply, a water crisis occurred as the Nile stations and wells went out of service," the Khartoum State government said in a statement, attributing the power outage and water shortage to the RSF drone attack on the Merowe Dam, a hydroelectric dam on the Nile River. "We are making intensive efforts to implement some urgent solutions to address the drinking water crisis," it added. The Merowe Dam, located about 350 km north of Khartoum, is one of the largest hydropower projects in Africa. Governor of Khartoum State, Ahmed Osman Hamza, inspected a number of wells in the western districts of Al-Thawra neighborhood, checking the operation of wells with generators, the state's media office said Saturday. It noted that the governor has instructed authorities to supply citizens with water from Al-Manara water station's reserve. Meanwhile, Khartoum State Water Corporation said its engineers were working on implementing emergency measures to operate the water wells and restore water flow into the national network. It revealed that 15 wells have been activated in several neighborhoods, which has significantly contributed to providing water supply to some areas. Omdurman, Sudan's second most populous city, has seen a surge in population after it became one of the safest areas in the state, prompting thousands of displaced people to move to the city. Amid the severe water shortage, residents have to stand in long queues to obtain water from old wells or water trucks. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 29,683 lives and displaced nearly 15 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organizations. Sudanese residents line up to obtain drinking water from a well in Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Jan. 18, 2025. For over a week, the Sudanese capital Khartoum has been witnessing power and water outages, exacerbating the suffering of the citizens who wait for long hours at wells operated by generators to obtain drinking water. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua) Sudanese residents line up to obtain drinking water from a well in Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Jan. 18, 2025. For over a week, the Sudanese capital Khartoum has been witnessing power and water outages, exacerbating the suffering of the citizens who wait for long hours at wells operated by generators to obtain drinking water. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua) Sudanese residents line up to obtain drinking water from a well in Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Jan. 18, 2025. For over a week, the Sudanese capital Khartoum has been witnessing power and water outages, exacerbating the suffering of the citizens who wait for long hours at wells operated by generators to obtain drinking water. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua) ULAN BATOR, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia welcomed 727,400 foreign tourists in 2024, a record high for the country's tourism sector, local media reported on Saturday, citing the National Statistics Office (NSO). In addition to the record number of visitors, Mongolia generated 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from tourism in 2024, setting another all-time high, according to the NSO. Tourism is regarded as a key sector in Mongolia's efforts to diversify its economy, which has traditionally depended on the export-oriented mining industry. As part of this strategy, the government has declared 2023-2028 as the "Years to Visit Mongolia," aiming to attract at least 1 million foreign tourists annually. In 2023, Mongolia hosted over 650,000 foreign visitors and earned 1.2 billion dollars in tourism revenue, both of which were records at the time. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Keen to have manufacturing in India, visa issue not affecting operations: BYD 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Top 5 Alternatives to IIT JEE Every Engineering Aspirant Should Know Saurav Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Hrithik Roshan honored at Joy Awards in Riyadh; says he finally understands acting after 25 years Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Nora Fatehi and Malaika Arora sizzle in sarees and groove with Jason Derulo to his latest hit 'Snake', watch Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Saif Ai Khan attack: accused confesses to the crime, says "Ha maine hi kiya" Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt. With the warrant, Yoon's detention will be extended to up to 20 days, including the arrest period. On Saturday, Yoon appeared at the Seoul Western District Court to attend the detention necessity hearing on whether to be kept in custody for up to 20 days. After being questioned by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for the initial 10 days, Yoon will be interrogated by the prosecution for the rest 10 days before being indicted as the two sides agreed to jointly investigate Yoon's insurrection charge. Yoon was arrested in the presidential residence Wednesday, becoming the country's first sitting president to be arrested. After the approval of the warrant, some of Yoon's supporters protesting outside the court climbed over the court's rear fence and threw stones to shatter windows. In response, a significant police force was deployed to disperse the protesters. Saif Ali Khan Attack: 'The police have no proof that he is a Bangladeshi,' claims accused's advocate M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Saif Ali Khan's residence yields evidence: Part of knife used to attack the actor recovered Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Where was Saif Ali Khan's attacker hiding for 70 hours after stabbing the actor? Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Centre to hold meeting with protesting farmers on Feb 14; Dallewal agrees to take medical aid 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Kejriwal writes to PM Modi, proposes joint housing scheme with Centre for govt employees in Delhi Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Lex Fridman to host podcast with PM Modi during first visit to India in February Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept NEW DELHI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- India's federal government Saturday ordered the formation of an inter-ministerial team to probe the mystery deaths at a village in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. The orders to constitute the team have been issued by federal Home Minister Amit Shah. At least 16 people have died of a mysterious illness over the past 43 days in Budhal village of Rajouri district, about 243 km south of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. People complained of fever, pain, nausea and loss of consciousness before dying within days of their hospitalization. A child admitted to the hospital remains in critical conditions. "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 federal home ministry said in a statement. The team will visit the affected village to ascertain the causes of deaths in three incidents in the past six weeks in Rajouri. "The team would proceed on Sunday 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 the future," the ministry 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." On Thursday, the local government of Indian-controlled Kashmir said investigations and samples empirically indicated that the incidents were not due to a communicable disease of bacterial or viral origin and that there is no public health angle. However, it said toxicological analysis has detected toxins in multiple biological specimens. January 19, 2025 / 21:37 IST The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the three hostages have now entered Israeli territory. In a statement, the IDF said, "A short while ago, with the support of IDF and ISA forces, the released hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory." The hostages are now en route to a reception point in southern Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment. Security of Bollywood Celebs: Ever looming challenge for these 7 police stations of Mumbai J. Kumar is an author, journalist and a political commentator based in in Mumbai who writes on crime and Maharashtra politics. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Who is Lex Fridman, the MIT researcher and podcaster set to interview PM Modi in February Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Who is Shafiqul Islam? Saif Ali Khan's attacker who used fake name Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Donald Trumps Inauguration: Everything you need to know about ceremony and where to watch Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept ISLAMABAD, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to foster a robust digital investment ecosystem, aligning with a global initiative aimed at driving digital foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country. The prime minister issued a statement on Saturday and highlighted Pakistan's strides in digital transformation, which he said are expanding revenues, increasing workforce and boosting exports. "We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to cultivating a thriving digital investment ecosystem, paving the way for digital prosperity for all," he said. The World Economic Forum and the Digital Cooperation Organization launched the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Initiative in 2022 in Davos, Switzerland, to enhance cross-border digital investment, particularly in emerging markets. "Pakistan's Digital FDI-Enabling project is pioneering efforts to foster digital growth through targeted actions", said a report by the forum on Friday, adding that the project is structured around four pillars, including digital infrastructure, digital adoption, new digital activities and digital services exports. The forum outlined targeted actions taken by Pakistan in critical areas for growth, carefully tailored to Pakistan's socioeconomic conditions, regulatory framework and evolving digital landscape. After Donald Trump's pledge, TikTok says in process to restore services in US 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Donald Trump wants to visit China, talked about possible trip to India: Report 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Truckloads of daily supplies, release of hostages: What are the key terms of Gaza ceasefire deal Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Davos 2025: Delhi can learn from Beijings success in tackling air pollution, says Dr Shyam Bishen Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Naina Sood USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Davos 2025: India can take its AI-driven healthcare solutions to global South and beyond, says Dr Shyam Bishen Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Naina Sood USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept TikTok ban in US: What Google and Apple have to say on removing the app from app stores Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Giacomo Bechini plays with his cat at home in Florence, Italy, Jan. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ren Yaoting) FLORENCE, Italy, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- For Giacomo Bechini, a 29-year-old web designer of Florence, Italy, this year's Chinese Spring Festival is more than a holiday - it's a chance to deepen his connection with his wife's homeland and immerse himself in traditions he's long been eager to experience. Married to Li Hui, a Chinese livestreaming professional, Bechini has spent years cultivating a passion for Chinese culture. "She gave me a love for the culture, and we decided this year would be the perfect time to go to China and celebrate the Spring Festival with her family," Bechini said, his excitement palpable. The couple began their romance in Florence four years ago, and got married in June 2024. Since then, Bechini has embraced learning about China, stocking their home with Chinese language books and culture materials. Now, he is ready for his first visit to the country, a 22-day trip thanks to China's 30-day visa-free policy. Bechini plans to start the journey in Beijing, visiting iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. From there, he will travel to Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in north China's Hebei Province, for a family reunion and explore the Chinese seaside he's always been curious about. Stops in Hefei, Anhui Province, and Shanghai, where he hopes to witness the cutting-edge technologies he's read about, round out his itinerary. "I'm amazed by China's technological advancements," Bechini said. "It's going to be incredible to see them in person." He is also eager to test out the basic Chinese he has been learning. The couple plans to document their journey in China on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, or "Red Note." "We're excited to blog about this trip," Bechini beamed. "It will be amazing to share my first experience in China with others." Bechini has also been preparing for the cultural highlights of the Spring Festival. "I've learned that dumplings are an essential part of the New Year dinner, and I can't wait to try them," he told Xinhua with undisguised enthusiasm. Exploring vibrant markets filled with traditional Chinese foods is also high on his must-do list. His fascination with the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which ties the Spring Festival to the moon's phases and solar year, has added another layer of appreciation for the holiday. "It's incredible how the Spring Festival is tied to a different calendar. I've been learning about its symbolic meanings and how the festivities last for a whole week," he explained. Reflecting on the importance of sharing Chinese traditions globally, Bechini noted the Chinese Spring Festival is part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. "This is a moment where we can all learn and discover more about a country with so much history and meaning." As he prepares to board his flight to Beijing, Bechini is filled with excitement and anticipation. "I hope this journey inspires others to connect with Chinese culture," he said with a smile. This photo taken in June, 2024 shows Giacomo Bechini and his wife Li Hui at their wedding site in Italy. (Xinhua) Giacomo Bechini speaks during an interview with Xinhua at home in Florence, Italy, Jan. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ren Yaoting) Actors perform dragon dance during a Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, Jan. 17, 2025. Disney California Adventure Park kicked off its 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations during the weekend, featuring a variety of Asian cultural performances, culinary delights and fun festivities.(Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) by Xinhua Writers Tan Jingjing, Gao Shan LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Disney California Adventure Park kicked off its 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations during the weekend, featuring a variety of Asian cultural performances, culinary delights and fun festivities. The park, located in Anaheim, Southern California, is adorned in brilliant red and gold, symbolizing good luck, health and prosperity. The annual celebrations have drawn visitors around the world in recent years. The 2025 Lunar New Year falls on Jan. 29. It coincides with the date of new moon and signals the start of the Year of the Snake. At the Lunar New Year Wishing Wall in the park, visitors shared their messages of hope, health and happiness for the year ahead. "Best fortunes to all the California fire victims and their families! We pray for them and all their losses of the New Year and Beyond," says a card written by a visitor named D.M. Moralos. Chinese calligraphy demonstrations by local artisans were another attraction. Roger Sueng, one of the calligraphers, told Xinhua he was glad to introduce Chinese traditional art to American audiences. Many Americans have great interest in Chinese calligraphy, and "love" and "good fortunes" are among the most popular Chinese characters they would like to have, Sueng said. China's legendary warrior character Mulan and her wisecracking dragon friend Mushu led the way in a Lunar New Year Procession, which honors family, friendship and the potential for a fortune-filled year. A dazzling nighttime water show, Hurry Home, tells visitors the story of a little lantern's quest to reunite with family for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune. Accompanied by a stirring musical score, created by Academy Award-winning Chinese-born American composer Tan Dun, visitors are immersed in the magic of a six-minute tale. Lunar New Year marketplaces and dining locations at the park offer an array of dishes and beverages inspired by Asian cuisines, prepared with a uniquely Disney twist. Among the flavorful selections are scallion pancake tostada, shrimp fried noodles, kung pao beef and tropical coconut drink. "Southern California is such a huge melting pot of all kinds of cultures. Lunar New Year celebrations help us to explore Asian cultures, and enhance our understanding about each other," said Rebekah Negrete, a resident of Long Beach, Southern California. The Chinese New Year celebration, also known as Spring Festival, has been officially inscribed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Negrete said it would help promote the Chinese culture to the world. "It's wonderful that we can all embrace each other's different heritage." The Lunar New Year festivities at Disney California Adventure Park run from Jan. 17 through Feb. 16. Visitors hang cards with written wishes at a wish wall during a Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, Jan. 17, 2025. Disney California Adventure Park kicked off its 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations during the weekend, featuring a variety of Asian cultural performances, culinary delights and fun festivities.(Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Performers dressed as Mulan and Mushu perform during a Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, Jan. 17, 2025. Disney California Adventure Park kicked off its 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations during the weekend, featuring a variety of Asian cultural performances, culinary delights and fun festivities.(Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Saving the Iberian lynx: How humans rescued this rare feline from extinction Earth.com Despite Biotech Efforts to Revive Species, Extinction Is Still Forever Yale Environment 360 Running From Zombies in The Snow: A Guide to The Arctic Apocalypse The Sentinel Intelligence Walgreens replaced its refrigerator doors with digitized ad-laden glass. It might become a $200 million debacle Fortune California Burning Climate/Environment We All Live in the Firestorm: Infinite Crisis and the LA Wildfires The Tech Bubble Pandemics The Koreas Protesters storm South Korea court after it extends Yoons detention Channel News Asia China? European Disunion Revolving Wall Street door threatens EU sovereignty Thomas Fazi, Unherd O Canada IMF raises US economic forecast as Canada and Europe fall behind Semafor Syraqistan Netanyahu says cease-fire temporary, reserves right to resume war Ynet If all this is not done as preparation for an attack against Iran, or a major provocation (two Supreme Court judges were assassinated in Teheran today, but thats just a minor distraction) Im going to be left genuinely surprised. Israel cannot continue with the perception Alon Mizrahi (@alon_mizrahi) January 18, 2025 The USA is building a new megastructure HQ in Lebanon over 43 acres as an Embassy. Lebanon is a country with the area and population of Yorkshire or Connecticut, but a tenth of the economy. So what is it? pic.twitter.com/iVK6Mjeq9l Craig Murray (@CraigMurrayOrg) January 18, 2025 New Not-So-Cold War the Ukraine war, so gleefully welcomed by Acela Corridor hacks & weapons industry-funded think-tankers, ending up so predictably awful and weve barely begun the consequences phase of this warhttps://t.co/PCfrip2HrR Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) January 18, 2025 *** Love in the Baltics in a time of war bne Intellinews Baerbock left the government meeting, refusing to be photographed, after Scholzs decision to block a new 3 billion aid package for Ukraine. memes didnt wait long via @DD_Geopolitics pic.twitter.com/NQdWu84JKV GEROMAN time will tell (@GeromanAT) January 18, 2025 South of the Border B-a-a-a-a-d Banks Regional Banks Face Headache From Rising Treasury Yields Bloomberg The Problem of Good Conduct among Financial Advisers Journal of Economic Perspectives approximately one in fifteen advisers has a history of serious misconduct, with this rate rising to one in six in certain regions and firms. Biden Administration Goodbye to Joe Biden, and Whoever Was President the Last Four Years Matt Taibbi, Racket News Trump 2.0 Democrats en deshabille No one worked harder to get Trump elected more than the Democrats. They refused to back down from their genocide, they refused to remove Biden until it became a public embarrassment; they refused a democratic process for picking the replacement, instead choosing a candidate who https://t.co/Ah4UwdFRWw Sana Saeed (@SanaSaeed) January 18, 2025 Police State Watch Background checks may be the future of 3D printers News 10 Immigration Outsourcing Lobbyists Astroturfed Support for H-1B Visas During the Obama Era Lee Fang Imperial Collapse Watch Groves of Academe AHA vetoes resolution on scholasticide in Gaza. Rather than putting the resolution to a vote of the entire organization, they chose to disillusion a generation of their most active members. Drawbridges raised once again to protect the shrinking kingdom. https://t.co/AEyQ9YUTQ8 Nikhil Pal Singh (@nikhil_palsingh) January 17, 2025 TikTok TikTok AI Fearing AI Will Take Their Jobs, Workers Plan a Long Battle Against Tech The Markup Guillotine Watch The Bezzle Thinking about this again as Solana is now host to a Trump memecoin and is being talked about as one of several US-made tokens the new admin might support. A policy assist from crypto czar David Sacks. https://t.co/yo1r2RmZVP Jacob Silverman (@SilvermanJacob) January 18, 2025 SFs biggest Trumper sells dinner with the Donald to crypto elites for $1 million The San Francisco Standard Class Warfare Change the story, change the future Common Weal Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Lit up by dazzling Chinese red decorations, the lobby of the main building at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York brimmed with cheerful songs and laughter Friday night in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival in many areas around the world. Despite chilly temperatures, the UN Chinese New Year gala, hosted by the UN Chinese Book club, drew over 500 people, including UN officials, ambassadors, and UN staff members from various nations, offering an opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of Chinese traditions. The Chinese UN employees and their family members performed musical and other activities. While the song "My Chinese Heart," which was presented in Chinese, English and Spanish, was greatly applauded, Beijing Opera and the playing of the Chinese zither showcased the charm of Chinese traditional performing arts. In areas adjacent to the main venue, interactive events, such as writing Chinese characters meaning luck and happiness, attracted a lot of people. Dorcus Simpson, a retired Ghanaian UN employee, joined the celebration in her bright, red Chinese-style coat. She told Xinhua that she chose this dress intentionally, which she had bought in Nanjing, China when she made a trip there in 2014. Simpson, 86, said that she had never missed a Chinese Spring Festival gala held in the world body during her career as a UN employee. After her retirement, she has still continued learning Chinese in a UN course. "What a crowd! I was here last year, and I think we've tripled in size," Melissa Fleming, UN under-secretary-general for global communications, told Xinhua. She said she was impressed by the incredible organizing skills the Chinese Book Club showed. The UN Chinese Book Club is the largest organization of the Chinese UN staff members. Founded in 1972, it is committed to promoting Chinese culture and bridging civilizations and peoples. In her speech, Fleming extended warm wishes to the audience for the Year of the Snake, the start of which falls on Jan. 29. "And for those who cannot travel to China to celebrate with their loved ones, today's gathering involves the warmth of your UN family, a chance to celebrate traditions and connections that transcend mortals," she said. Suggesting that the snake symbolizes "wisdom, intelligence, and resilience," and also represents "adaptability, transformation, and renewal," she encouraged everyone to embrace the wisdom of the upcoming Year of the Snake in a troubled world, and keep seeking an end to conflicts and solutions to cascading global crises. The gala took place more than one month after China's Spring Festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Dec. 4, 2024. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations noted that the Spring Festival belongs to both China and the world, and cultural exchanges across nations have also further enriched its global significance. "From the Spring Festival's being listed as a United Nations holiday to its successful application for a world heritage status, this time-honored tradition has been brought into the global spotlight," the Chinese envoy said. "It offers a unique window for people around the world to learn more about China and the Chinese culture, and also serves as a bridge for exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations," he added. Outgoing President Joe Biden used his farewell speech to offer warnings about an American oligarchy taking over the country. He spent about half a century in public office serving the oligarchs and helping them tighten control over the country, but hes not wrong (aside from his choice of verb tense). Despite a lot of hope about Trump reorienting American foreign policy to better reflect the countrys strategic interests, there are two questions that are rarely addressed in these pieces: Is Trump going to take on this entrenched American oligarchy? All evidence points to a resounding no. If not, the only interests that matter are those of the oligarchy, and what does it want? Everything. Until proven otherwise, its probably best to view Americas democratic transitions of power not as a potential change in underlying strategy but as a useful spectacle that allows for a rebrand. What does this mean for Europe? Theres a strong argument that it would be in the US national interest to back out of Europe. And the best thing that could happen to Europe would be a Trump-led US withdrawal from the continent, which would force the EU to rethink some of its economic and security policies. What we are likely witnessing instead is the elevation of putative nationalists like Italian Prime Minister Girogia Meloni and the Alternative for Germany (Afd) party who are able to rebrand Europes vassalage and neoliberalism as some sort of victory against the grating virtue signalling of the Davos cabal while continuing to assist the US oligarchs in the plundering of Europe. In a worst case scenario we are likely to see even more authoritarianism in order to continue to transfer wealth from Europeans to US oligarchs. Europe is now awash with ideas of how to woo Trump which is really about appeasing American oligarchy: buy more weapons, buy more LNG and oil, get tougher with China, and Meloni has set an example of selling off Italian assets to US capital. Why Would Trump Walk Away from a Successful Bust Out Operation? The problem with believing that Project Ukraine and the accompanying subjugation of Europe is simply the product of some liberal-woke-Green-DEI cabal that had power across the West is that it ignores the deep-seated economic interests of American plutocrats seeking to extract wealth from any part of the world they control. Thats what the permanent state, driven by the US numerous buzzing plutocrat-funded think tank hives crafting bills and direct foreign policy essentially acting as a shadow government. In some cases, the oligarchs are increasingly comfortable cutting out the middle man, as Musk shows. Maybe Ive missed it, but while Trump may pursue some modicum of peace in the empires numerous conflicts, a redistribution of wealth from the top down is not on tap, and at best there will be a shift in tactics on how to extract wealth from the rest of the world. Gains are to be increased for American plutocrats at the expense of allies and enemies alike seems closer to the real meaning of America First. When viewed through the more traditional state strategy lens, that permanent state is often accused of suffering from a competency crisis due to its oversight of an endless parade of failures, but if you view the US as more of a gangster state focused on the short-term return for the bosses/oligarchs, well, they might be more competent than they seem. It also means the overarching strategy is unlikely to change while the oligarchs are running the show. With that in mind, despite Ukraines impending defeat on the battlefield, are the US gangsters going to want to lose the gains of splitting Europe from Russia? What about the bonuses of having a terrorist state in Europe funneling arms elsewhere and willing to do dirty work like trying to blow up the TurkStream Pipeline which if successful would benefit American energy companies. And in any detente with Russia, will American oligarchs have any interest in abandoning small progress in the Caucasus and Caspian where they are trying to control the flow of resources toward Europe from that direction as well? In Europe there is no evidence that the old guard or the new faux nationalist political parties arriving on the scene are prepared to take on the US empire. Indeed, even the Alternative for Germany party, which has long been brutally honest about Berlin being a slave to the US, just last week adopted a motion to build closer relations between the two countries. That followed the party receiving some love from Elon Musk and incoming Vice President JD Vance. So is the party now willing to accept its servitude because the new slave master is more friendly or does it expect Trump to set Germany free? Its likely to be disappointed in either case. Even if the US extricates itself from Ukraine while ensuring that a new iron curtain is drawn between Europe and Russia, that might mean good business for US oligarchs, but also that Europes problems will only multiply. Heres the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) highlighting some of what Europe could be expected to do to remain in Trumps/the American oligarchs good graces: Europe can propose creative policies in Trumpian terms, smart deals to cement these shared interests and secure both itself and Ukraine. One is to coordinate the seizure of US$300 billion of Russian central-bank assets frozen in G7 financial systems, and use part of this to buy American weapons for Ukraine. This would boost both Europes security and Americas economy Yes, we cant forget: will the Trump administration pass on the NATO racket of getting member states to pony up Trumps target of 5 percent of GDP to buy (mostly) American-made weapons? Its much more than most European nations can afford financially or politically and will likely require more authoritarian measures to funnel that money out of the country. Are the European members of Trump International going to say no to military expenditures that will cripple what remains of social programs in their countries? Or is it more likely they will privatize in the name of cost-cutting and organize fire sales for American takeovers? NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is already asking European citizens to continue making sacrifices in order to buy more weapons. European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and others are supportive. And Lithuania just became the first EU and NATO country to pledge to meet the 5 percent target starting in 2026. No matter that all the Western wonder weapons failed in Ukraine, the purchases must go on in the name of defense against the Russian horde. Where else can Europeans sacrifice more? They must take a tougher line against China, as IISS again points out: If Russia is Americas problem as well as Europes, it follows that China is Europes problem as well as Americas. The July 2024 NATO Summit labelled China the decisive enabler of Russias war in Ukraine. Europe must therefore integrate economics and security into its China policy more effectively. This is overdue for Europes own security, but will also assuage US concerns about Europes commercial interests in Beijing. Incoming Secretary of State Marco Rubio is a big time believer in such demands: We need to find out if @EmmanuelMacron speaks for Europe After his 6 hour meeting in China he told reporters that Europe should create distance with the U.S. & should not get involved in supporting America over China when it comes to Taiwanhttps://t.co/xoFmUGkumH pic.twitter.com/Ps718bXSyn Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 9, 2023 And theres the issue of enriching American energy companies. Again from IISS: America, for its part, could also replace Europes imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), now at a record high, with American LNG supplies. With Trump expected to lift the Biden administrations ban on new LNG export terminals, this would create synergies of security and prosperity. Going further, Europe could also encourage the US to sell it more oil. Trump has been clear about this: European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who at least is self aware enough to know who she really serves, was quick to come out with suggestions to do just that following Trumps election. And all her tools will continue to be useful if used in service of a more Trump-aligned EU. She has the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive to make business with certain countries more unattractive while simultaneously making US especially energy exports more appealing. Ursula also has the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, International Procurement Instrument, an Anti-Coercion Instrument, and the EU Critical Raw Materials Act at her disposal to use in service of the US empire against whomever it requires. As the IISS and Rubio highlight above, following the successful severance of Europe from Russia the next target is Beijing, and Ursula has increasingly used her tools to, as she calls it, derisk from China. Civilizational Europe The EUs genocide-supporting, anti-free-speech, war-with-russia center has been embracing the right kind of right for some time. As we highlighted last week, Elon Musk and AfD co-chair Alice Weidels X history lesson equating communism with Nazism was right in line with the rules-based international orders longtime efforts to rehabilitate fascists, blame the Russians for WWII, and rewrite history in Ukraine, other former Soviet states, and increasingly in the West itself. Weidel and Musk also propagated the false claim that Hitler was in fact a communist in a bid to portray privatizations and presumably sell-offs of European assets to Musks billionaire friends as anti-Hitlerian. Weidel, of all people should know, should know Hitler wasnt a communist. If he was, one would think that the seed money the AfD received from a reclusive billionaire descendant of prominent Nazis wouldnt have been availabel as it would have long ago been redistributed by Adolf instead. This all of course fits in perfectly with a neoliberal EU that has effectively accommodated the right by eliminating effective working-class opposition. That process could now be openly expedited in order to appease the increasing demands of American and European oligarchs who have seen their dream of plundering Russia and Ukraines natural resources thwarted. Perhaps Europe will now lose the pretense of sovereignty and along with it the green veneer and superior-values schtick and embrace what it champions in the former USSR states and has ushered to the altar in the bloc. Researcher Jonas Elvander,, the editor of foreign affairs at the Swedish socialist magazine Flamman and a PhD researcher in history at the European University Institute in Florence, makes the case this is indeed what is happening: So far, the far right have mostly been sceptical of the EU, but there are no guarantees it will remain so.Since many far-right parties have emerged out of the neoliberal movement, while others are increasingly ready to adopt neoliberal policies in a bargain for power with the centre right, there is little that stops the EU from becoming a vehicle for far-right policies. In many ways we are already seeing the beginnings of such a development today The road had already been paved by the Commissions adoption of a hardline approach to migration and the new Commission portfolio tasked with guarding the European way of life. So its more of the same, but with new branding: One obvious benefit of a marketing rethink from Davos liberalism to a faux nationalism is that its challenging to sell and inspire many people to fight for neoliberalism. In the US, the bourgeoisie might fly a Ukrainian flag above their in this house we believe yard signs, but theyre not prepared to fight. Nationalism, religion, and defense of a common European heritage are more useful tools in whats being pitched as a civilizational battle to come. And thats a scary place for Europe or more accurately working class Europeans to be. A recent Washington Post op-ed asked whether Europe will soon be dominated by US corporations in the same way that the United Fruit Co. once subjugated Honduras. That assumes its not already at the complete mercy of American billionaires a presumption that Musks recent toying with the continents politics likely disproves. And while today Musk is purportedly after a fair shake for the AfD, justice in the UK, and helping friends in Italy, whos to say what his underlying economic interests are or whats being cooked up by his friends in the bowels of the Blob? Maybe tomorrow Musk and Trump decide theyd like to support Europe against Russia the same way the US has been supporting Ukraine. Or maybe they wait a few years until after theyve bled the cash cow dry. POLL: Majority of Indians view Trumps reelection positive for world peace and U.S.-India relations A global poll conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) reveals that a majority of Indians view President-elect Donald Trump's second term as positive for both world peace and U.S.-India relations. India, along with other countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, South Africa, China and Brazil, falls into the 'Trump Welcomers' category, characterized by widespread approval of Trump's leadership. The poll found that 82 percent of Indian respondents believe Trump's reelection would be beneficial for global peace, 84 percent see it as advantageous for India and 85 percent believe it would be good for American citizens. In contrast, European nations, such as the U.K., remain skeptical about Trump's reelection, viewing it as detrimental to global peace and American interests. The ECFR report highlights a divide between Europe's anxiety over Trump's return and the more positive view held by countries like India, indicating a shift in global perceptions of U.S. leadership under Trump. A recent global poll conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) has revealed that a majority of Indians view Donald Trump's reelection as U.S. president as a positive development for both world peace and U.S.-India relations. The poll, titled "Alone in a Trumpian World: The EU and Global Public Opinion after the US Elections" surveyed 28,549 people across 24 countries. The poll, conducted with leading pollsters YouGov, Datapraxis and Gallup International Association, grouped the nations into five categories based on their perception of Trump's return. India falls into the 'Trump Welcomers' category, alongside Saudi Arabia, Russia, South Africa, China and Brazil. This category is characterized by a widespread approval of Trump's leadership, with respondents viewing his reelection as positive for Americans and world peace. "In countries from India and China to Turkey and Brazil, more respondents think Trump will be good for America, for their country and peace in the world than think he will be bad for them," the report stated. The ECFR report reveals that 82 percent of Indian respondents view Trump's reelection as beneficial for global peace, 84 percent see it as advantageous for India and 85 percent believe it would be good for American citizens. Saudi Arabia follows suit with 57 percent believing it would be beneficial for global peace, 61 percent seeing it as good for the country and 69 percent believing it would be good for American citizens. Europeans more anxious about Trump's second term than Americans In contrast, European nations remain skeptical. The U.K., for example, has a significant proportion of "Never Trumpers," who see his return as detrimental to global peace and American interests. "Europe is quite lonely in its anxiety about Trump's return to the White House. While many Europeans view the president-elect as a disrupter, others, elsewhere in the world, see him as a peacemaker. This position leaves Europe at a crossroads in its relations with the new American administration, "Ivan Krastev, co-author of the report, said. In an op-ed article for Politico, journalist Mark Leonard explained the "panic" and "anxiety" that Europeans feel for the upcoming Trump administration this January. "Europe is panicking at the rhetoric surrounding "America First" and the notion that the U.S. will cease to be an upholder of the global order in favor of pursuing its own selfish interests. But this is precisely what people particularly those living in middle powers across the world are impatient for. They no longer want the U.S. to be a self-appointed moral arbiter or global policeman. They're much more comfortable dealing with it as the most powerful country in a more transactional world," Leonard wrote. (Related: POLL: Most Americans are worried about potential post-election violence.) This turn of events comes at a time when many had hoped that Europe would step up to fill the leadership vacuum left by the United States. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was once hailed as the de facto leader of the free world, a title immortalized in a G7 photo showing her towering over a sulking Trump. However, Europe's entire security, economic and political strategy has been built upon the assumption of a strong American ally, an ally that Trump has now declared extinct. Follow Trump.news for more similar stories. Watch the video below to learn more about Donald Trump's poll numbers. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump polling at two-thirds in REAL polls... all the supposed support for Hillary is fabricated... TRUMP CAN WIN. POLL: Majority of Americans support the mass deportation of illegal immigrants. POLL: Trump takes narrow lead against Harris in Pennsylvania. POLL: More voters trust Donald Trump over Kamala Harris on immigration policy and border security. Polls and pollsters all agree that J.D. Vance is more likable than Tim Walz. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com ECFR.eu BusinessStandard.com MSN.com Politico.eu Brighteon.com Massive fire at California battery plant forces evacuations, raises safety concerns for green energy push A massive fire erupted at California's Moss Landing Power Plant, a major battery storage facility, forcing over 2,000 residents to evacuate. Toxic smoke from the lithium-ion battery fire prompted highway closures and evacuation orders, with firefighters allowing the blaze to burn out due to its intensity. Lithium-ion batteries, critical for renewable energy storage, pose significant fire risks, releasing flammable gases and hazardous chemicals when damaged. This is the third fire incident at Moss Landing since 2021, raising concerns about the safety of large-scale battery storage facilities. The fire highlights challenges in Californias green energy transition, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures in battery storage technology. A massive fire erupted Thursday at one of the worlds largest battery storage facilities, the Moss Landing Power Plant, forcing the evacuation of more than 2,000 residents and raising urgent questions about the safety of lithium-ion batteries used to store renewable energy. Located about 77 miles south of San Francisco, the facility, owned by Texas-based Vistra Energy, houses tens of thousands of lithium batteries critical to stabilizing Californias power grid. The fire, which began in the 300-megawatt Phase I energy storage facility, sent toxic smoke billowing into the air, prompting local authorities to issue evacuation orders and close nearby highways. Firefighters opted not to engage directly with the blaze, instead allowing it to burn out on its own due to the extreme difficulty of extinguishing lithium battery fires. Theres no way to sugarcoat it. This is a disaster, is what it is, Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church told KSBW-TV. Why lithium battery fires are so dangerous Lithium-ion batteries, while essential for storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind, pose unique fire risks. When damaged or exposed to high temperatures, they can release flammable gases and burn uncontrollably for days. The U.S. Fire Administration warns that these fires can also expose firefighters to hazardous chemicals, making them particularly challenging to manage. This isnt the first time the Moss Landing facility has faced such an incident. In 2021 and 2022, fires broke out due to malfunctions in the fire suppression system, causing damage to some battery units. Despite these setbacks, the plant has continued to play a pivotal role in Californias push toward a greener energy grid. The Monterey County Sheriffs Office issued evacuation orders for areas surrounding the plant, including Moss Landing, Molera Road, and Monterey Dunes Way. The Castroville Recreation Center was designated as a temporary evacuation point, though most residents sought shelter with friends or family. Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders, said Jenny Lyon, a spokesperson for Vistra Energy. The North Monterey County Unified School District closed all schools and offices Friday due to the fire, affecting more than 4,500 students. Highway 1 and other nearby roads were also shut down, further disrupting daily life in the region. A setback for Californias green energy goals The fire at Moss Landing underscores the challenges of relying on lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage. While these batteries are touted as a key component of the transition to renewable energy, incidents like this highlight their potential dangers. California, a leader in green energy initiatives, has faced criticism for its rapid adoption of battery storage technology without fully addressing safety concerns. In 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill mandating stricter safety protocols for battery storage facilities following a fire at another plant. However, the Moss Landing incident suggests more work is needed to ensure these facilities can operate safely. As the fire at Moss Landing continues to burn, questions remain about the long-term viability of lithium-ion battery storage as a cornerstone of renewable energy infrastructure. While the technology offers significant benefits, its risks cannot be ignored. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and first responders, but the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of achieving a sustainable energy future. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com APNews.com USAToday.com CNN.com New Jersey governor announces plan to stockpile abortion pills as Trump returns to White House New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced the state will stockpile abortion pills, Mifepristone, to ensure reproductive freedom amid growing anti-abortion rhetoric. Murphy called on the New Jersey Legislature to pass a law eliminating out-of-pocket costs for abortion procedures during his state address. Democratic governors across the U.S., including those in Massachusetts, California and Washington, have been stockpiling abortion pills since 2023 to secure access to reproductive care. The stockpiling efforts follow a ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, Texas, who put on hold federal approval of mifepristone, citing safety and efficacy concerns. Murphy emphasized his commitment to protecting abortion access and fundamental rights, stating he would not "give an inch" in the face of challenges. New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has announced that the state will begin stockpiling abortion pills, just days before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House. In his annual state address on Jan. 14, Murphy stressed New Jersey's commitment to defending a "woman's right to bodily autonomy" amid growing conservative anti-abortion rhetoric in Congress. "I will never back away from partnering with the Trump Administration where our priorities align. But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values if and when they are tested," Murphy said during his state address. (Related: Canada passes controversial bill providing FREE contraception and abortion pills to all.) In line with this, he called on the New Jersey Legislature to pass a law eliminating out-of-pocket costs for abortion procedures and announced the state's plan to stockpile Mifepristone, one of the two common drugs used in medication abortion. "A couple of years ago, New Jersey worked proactively to protect abortion rights months before Roe was overturned," he said. "And now, we must further secure our reputation as a safe haven for reproductive freedom. First, I am once again calling on the Legislature to pass a law that will scrap out-of-pocket costs for abortion procedures" "Additionally and in light of the anti-choice policies supported by the current majorities in Congress today, I am also announcing that New Jersey will begin stockpiling a supply of Mifepristone, so every woman can access this crucial form of reproductive care." The governor then assured the public that he would do everything in his power to protect abortion access. "When it comes to protecting fundamental rights, I will not give an inch," he said. Democratic governors have been stockpiling abortion pills since 2023 New Jersey has joined other states led by Democratic governors in taking proactive measures to secure supplies of abortion pills. For instance, in 2023, Democratic Gov. Maura Healey announced that Massachusetts had purchased enough doses of mifepristone to last for over a year. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst acquired 15,000 doses at the governor's request. Additionally, healthcare providers in the state have agreed to purchase additional quantities, with the administration dedicating $1 million to help them cover the costs. That same year, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state's acquisition of an emergency stockpile of up to two million pills of misoprostol, the second drug used in abortion medication. Newsom stressed that abortion remains legal and accessible in California and the state will not stand idly by as fundamental freedoms are threatened. In Washington, Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee announced the purchase of 30,000 doses of the generic version of mifepristone, which he said is sufficient to meet the state's residents' needs for three years. The shipment arrived in late March. The rush to stockpile these medications follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, Texas, who put on hold federal approval of mifepristone, citing concerns about its safety and efficacy. And now, Democratic governors are rushing again before the inauguration of Trump. Visit Abortions.news for similar stories. New pro-life battle exposes the dangers of chemical abortions under the Biden regime. Watch this video. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Man jailed for secretly giving abortion pills to pregnant girlfriend without her consent, killing the baby. Report reveals a Mexican drug cartel is using the U.S. Postal Service to ship black market abortion pills all over America. Kamala Harris blames Georgia abortion laws for death of two pregnant women who took abortion pills. Louisiana classifies abortion pills as controlled DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES. REPORT: FDA used flawed studies, bad data to justify allowing abortion pills to be sent through the mail by pharmacists. Sources include: Infowars.com TheHill.com AP.com Brighteon.com Trump administration plans mass deportations, cuts to sanctuary cities on Day One The Trump administration plans the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting illegal immigrants, especially criminals and public safety threats. Sanctuary cities will lose federal funding if they refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement efforts. Over 1.4 million illegal immigrants with deportation orders remain in the U.S., alongside 300,000 unaccompanied migrant children with unknown whereabouts. The administration blames Bidens open-border policies for record crossings, fentanyl deaths, and increased trafficking and terrorism risks. The incoming Trump administration has announced plans to launch the largest deportation operation in American history and cut federal funding to sanctuary cities starting on Day One. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Border Czar Tom Homan outlined the administrations aggressive strategy during recent meetings with congressional Republicans, vowing to reverse what they describe as the Biden administrations disastrous open-border policies. The announcement comes as the nation grapples with record-breaking illegal border crossings, a surge in fentanyl-related deaths, and growing concerns about public safety. Miller, a key architect of Trumps immigration agenda, declared the administration will act at light speed to secure the border and remove illegal immigrants, many of whom he says pose a threat to national security and public safety. A crackdown on sanctuary cities One of the administrations top priorities is cutting federal funding to sanctuary cities and states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Sanctuary jurisdictions, such as New York City, have long been a flashpoint in the immigration debate, with critics arguing they enable illegal immigration and shield dangerous criminals from deportation. Right now, Im taking sanctuary cities to toll, Homan told Fox Business. Im going around sanctuary cities, hoping to meet with these people, and say, This isnt going to be tolerated anymore. He warned that mayors and other officials who obstruct federal efforts to deport illegal immigrants could face legal consequences. The Trump administrations plan includes withholding federal grants from sanctuary jurisdictions, which received over $1.56 billion in Justice Department funding in 2023 alone. Critics argue that these funds are being misused to support policies that undermine federal immigration laws. The administrations deportation strategy will prioritize removing criminal illegal immigrants and those who pose a threat to public safety. However, Homan emphasized that no one in the country illegally is exempt. He said they're going to "take the handcuffs off ICE and put them on the bad guys. The scale of the operation is unprecedented. Homan cited the more than 1.4 million illegal immigrants who have already been ordered deported but remain in the country. He also highlighted the plight of over 300,000 unaccompanied migrant children whose whereabouts are unknown, many of whom are believed to be victims of trafficking or forced labor. Reversing Bidens open-border policies The Trump administrations plans stand in sharp contrast to the Biden administrations approach, which is being widely blamed for the current crisis. Under President Biden, border crossings have reached historic highs, with over 2 million gotaways individuals who entered the country illegally and evaded capture. Homan pointed to the devastating consequences of these policies, including a 600% increase in sex trafficking, a surge in fentanyl-related deaths, and a 3,500% increase in arrests of individuals on the terrorist watchlist. The border is the biggest national security vulnerability this nation has seen, he said. The Trump administration plans to reinstate several successful policies from its first term, including the Remain in Mexico program, which required asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed. Homan also emphasized the importance of completing the border wall, which he said has proven effective in reducing illegal crossings and saving lives. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, its immigration agenda has sparked both hope and controversy. Supporters argue that strong border enforcement is essential to national security and public safety, while critics accuse the administration of being inhumane. I think people are going to be pleased with the executive orders he is going to sign, Homan said. With the nation at a crossroads, the Trump administrations plans represent a dramatic shift in immigration policy. For millions of Americans who have long called for stronger border security, the promise of action brings a renewed sense of optimism. Sources for this article include: InfoWars.com NYPost.com NYPost.com DailySignal.com The human cost of vaccine rollout: A story of PAIN, LOSS and BETRAYAL from the U.K. COVID inquiry The U.K. COVID-19 Inquiry's Module 4, focusing on vaccines and therapeutics, has started to hear evidence, but many feel it is too late, emphasizing the profound human cost and system failures. Over 34,000 testimonies reveal individuals coerced into taking the vaccine, severe side effects and a lack of support, including cases of forced vaccination as a condition of employment. The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme is criticized for offering insufficient support, with payouts described as inadequate by those who suffered severe side effects or lost loved ones. The inquiry highlights concerns about rushing the vaccine rollout, with safety compromised for speed, leading to tragic consequences for many. Growing demands for accountability from critics like Andrew Bridgen, who calls the vaccine rollout "the greatest medical scandal," underscore the need for transparency and compassion in public health policy. The U.K. COVID-19 Inquirys Module 4, focusing on vaccines and therapeutics, has finally begun to hear evidence, but for many, it is a case of too little, too late. The stories emerging from the inquiry paint a harrowing picture of lives shattered, families torn apart and a system that failed to protect those it was meant to serve. As the inquiry delves into the development and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the voices of the vaccine-injured and bereaved remind us of the profound human cost of decisions made in haste and under pressure. A system that failed its people The inquirys "Every Story Matters" document, published in October 2024, compiles over 34,000 testimonies from across the United Kingdom. These stories reveal a troubling pattern: individuals coerced into taking the vaccine, lives destroyed by severe side effects and a lack of support for those left to pick up the pieces. One frontline worker recounted, I had given over 18 years of commitment, done my job to the best of my ability, had never had one complaint, however, I was set to be sacked if I didnt put this experiment in my body. For many, the vaccine was not a choice but a mandate, a condition of employment, or a prerequisite for participation in society. The consequences of this coercion have been devastating. Kate Scott, representing the group Vaccine Injured and Bereaved U.K. (VIBUK), told the inquiry, We are an uncomfortable truth, but we are a truth, and the truth is for everyone in our group the vaccine caused serious harm and death. Her husband, Jamie Scott, a father of two, was left severely disabled after suffering a rare and life-threatening side effect called vaccine-induced immune thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (VITT). Jamie spent weeks in a coma, suffered a significant brain injury, and is now partially blind. His life, once filled with promise, has been irrevocably altered. Despite receiving the maximum payout of 120,000 from the governments Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, Kate Scott insists it is inadequate. The scheme is inefficient it offers too little, too late and to too few, she said. A rollout rushed, lives ruined The inquiry has also highlighted concerns about the speed at which the vaccine was rolled out. The Scottish Vaccine Injury Group (SVIG), representing 750 people, raised alarms that safety was sacrificed for speed. Ruth ORafferty from SVIG described the process of applying for compensation as a traumatic experience, with many struggling to prove their injuries due to fluctuating conditions and neurological damage. The stories of loss are equally heartbreaking. Peter Rossiter, a talented music teacher, died after contracting COVID-19 in 2021. Despite being a key worker, he did not receive his first vaccine until May 2021, five months after the rollout began. His mother, Jean Rossiter, told the inquiry, He followed the rules, we all did, and it seems to us as parents that we did everything right, and yet Peter lost his life. These testimonies underscore the failures of a system that prioritized speed over safety, ignored individual circumstances, and left many feeling abandoned. As Baroness Hallett, chair of the inquiry, acknowledged, COVID-19 only affects the older people is a dangerous myth. The virus and the vaccine have impacted people of all ages, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. A call for accountability The inquirys findings come amid growing calls for accountability. Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, has been a vocal critic of the vaccine rollout, describing it as the greatest medical scandal in this country in living memory. He has called for the immediate suspension of all mRNA treatments, citing evidence of systemic harm, including cardiac deaths, immune system damage and potential cancer risks. Bridgens concerns are echoed by many who feel betrayed by a system that promised safety and efficacy but delivered pain and loss. The inquirys delay, attributed to political pressure, has only deepened the sense of injustice. For the vaccine-injured and bereaved, the inquiry represents a chance to be heard, but it is also a painful reminder of the lives that have been irrevocably changed. As the inquiry continues, one thing is clear: the human cost of the vaccine rollout cannot be ignored. The stories of those who have suffered must serve as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, accountability and compassion in public health policy. For the thousands of families who have lost loved ones or seen their lives upended, the inquiry is not just about uncovering the truth it is about ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again. The vaccine may have been hailed as a miracle, but for many, it has been a curse. As the inquiry unfolds, the voices of the injured and bereaved must be at the forefront, reminding us that behind every statistic is a human story of pain, loss and resilience. Sources include: TheExpose.com BBCNews.com TheExpose.com What Trump should do American security agencies have long used the cloak of national security to avoid accountability for their crimes, such as the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, and the numerous assassinations of foreign leaders and screw-ups.Beginning with the Clinton regime, presidents and non-security appointees also began escaping accountability. The situation worsened in the George W. Bush/Dick Cheney regime, and it exploded in the Biden regime with the Attorney General, FBI, and Democrat state attorneys general and prosecutors using law as a weapon against Trump, his attorneys, and his supporters.Many people were ruined financially.Many were falsely imprisoned, and Trump himself had his reelection in 2020 stolen by the most brazen and obvious vote theft in American history. The evidence is clear that Biden himself is guilty of selling vice presidential and presidential influence with his son, Hunter, being the marketer and sharing the revenues.Yet the US Department of Justice prevented any investigation and indictmentsThe whore American media covered up the story. (Article republished from PaulCraigRoberts.org) The practice of elevating high office holders to the privileged status of a king or an aristocracy above both the law and the US Constitution must not continue in the Trump regime. If it does, high officials will have gained squatters rights in being above the law, and the US Constitution will be reduced to a dead document. At this point, the only way a collapse of the rule of law in the US can be avoided is for the Trump regime to relentless prosecute the Department of Justice, FBI, and White House officials who selectively applied law in the form of lawfare against political opponents. If those responsible avoid accountability, a legal precedent will have been established, and the differential rights and status based on race and gender that are already in place will be joined by special legal privileges for high government officials. It would mean the end of any possibility of accountable government. This should be the highest priority of the Trump regime. It is even more important than closing the border. On the war front Trump should simply walk away from conflict with Iran and Russia. Wars distract from domestic matters and will prevent focus on making America great again. Wars will bring more propaganda about terrorists and more infringements of US civil liberty, which is not a path to making America great again. There is no reason whatsoever for American blood, taxpayers money, and more issuance of US debt in order to enrich the coffers of the military/security complex and to expand the frontier of Greater Israel. Trump should come to the realization that Israel is of no value to America. Israel is a deadweight burden around our necks, and the unconditional American support for Israels wars and genocide of the Palestinians has cost Americas reputation hugely. If America ever had a moral luster, it no longer does. Iran and Russia do not threaten the US. The Middle East is full of problems for Iran, whose government doesnt need problems with the US. Ukraine is Russias problem, not ours. Washington is responsible for the conflict. Trump should apologize and remove us from the conflict. The minute Trump stops sending money and weapons to Ukraine and Israel, peace will descend on the world. Trump should return to his original position that NATO is of no value to America. If NATO did not exist, Russia and Europe would be engaged in mutually beneficial economic ventures. These ventures would create financing and business opportunities also for Americans. All would prosper. It is Washingtons pursuit of hegemonythe control over othersthat is suppressing economic activity worldwide and eroding the living standard of all Americans except the top one percent. MAGA America has no interest in the agendas of special interest lobby group policies that benefit only a tiny percentage of people who are already so rich that they cant possibly spend their huge amount of income and wealth. The problems of the world originate in Washington and they are institutionalized in the Israel Lobby, the military/security complex, Big Pharma and its control over high cost and ineffective American medicine that sacrifices Americans health and the integrity of doctors to Big Pharmas profits. These are the real threats to America that if America is again to be great, these threats, not Russia and Iran, must be destroyed and eliminated. If the Trump regime can reestablish the respect for a rule of law by indicting and prosecuting DOJ, FBI, and other officials for their criminal behavior, and if Trump can disengage the US/Israeli war machine, he will have saved the world from nuclear war and re-established the United States as the principal nation to whom the world looks for leadership. My concern is that Trump will love the war role. As Winston Churchill believed, there is nothing more exciting than being a war leader, especially if you imagine prospects of winning. Trump is extremely susceptible to getting into war based on advice that Putin has no red lines because Putin is too fearful of conflict. With Irans isolation from the destruction of Syria and a reformist government that wants to be free of religious restrictions and to make money in the West, Trump is being advised it is time to bring Iran down. https://www.rt.com/news/610763-trump-envoy-iran-pressure/ When the Ruling Elite have you blocked elsewhere, their agenda becomes your only choice. Has Trump fought so hard only for the sake of being used by the well-institutionalized American Establishment? The third thing Trump should immediately do is to shut down the US biowarfare labs Washington is operating all over the world. These labs are trying to create deadly pathogens that are highly contagious. The labs are even attempting to target the pathogens at specific ethnicities, collecting, for example, Russian DNA in the hopes of finding some material unique to Russians to which to attach the pathogen. These American labs are all illegal. Washington tries to avoid responsibility by locating its biowarfare labs in other countries. Trump should put an immediate halt to the activity and prosecute those responsible, including the US Congress if Congress authorized this illegal activity. Those who profit from this evil activity claim that we have to do it because our enemies do it, but they never provide any documentation for their claim. Regardless, as the Covid experience proves, when a pathogen is released it goes everywhere. To use one as a weapon results in the same self-destruction as nuclear war. So much of science is committed to weapons. Science needs to be turned back to improving health and the human condition. If Trump can deal with the real challenges that we face instead of being led off to fake challenges serving special interests, he will go down as the greatest American president in history. Read more at: PaulCraigRoberts.org Biden removes Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism in exchange for release of some political prisoners President Joe Biden announced the removal of Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. The White House claims this humanitarian gesture, mediated by the Catholic Church, will secure the release of political prisoners and includes easing some economic pressures placed on Cuba. Critics argue Cuba has not made any meaningful reforms or renounced support for terrorist groups in the Americas and continues to crack down on dissent on the island. Cuba was first added to the terrorism list in 1982 for supporting Marxist insurgencies and terrorist groups. Removed by Obama in 2015, it was reinstated by Trump in 2021 due to Cuba's support for Venezuela's Maduro and harboring U.S. fugitives. In one of his last major acts before leaving office, President Joe Biden has announced his intention to remove Cuba from the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism. The White House claims this move will facilitate the release of "many dozens" of detainees unjustly held by the Cuban government, with the Catholic Church acting as a mediator. In exchange, the U.S. will ease economic pressures on Havana, including reversing aspects of a 2017 memorandum that strengthened sanctions during the first term of incoming President-elect Donald Trump. (Related: Socialism update: No lights in Cuba, no water in L.A.) The U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, maintained by the Department of State, identifies nations that have "repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism." Cuba was first added to the list in 1982 due to its support for Marxist insurgencies and terrorist groups across Latin America. Cuba was first removed from the list in 2015 by former President Barack Obama as part of its broader normalization efforts. Trump reinstated the designation before his first term ended in 2021, citing Havana's support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and its harboring of U.S. fugitives. Critics warn Cuban regime is no different and will continue to crack down on dissenters The Biden administrations decision to reverse this policy raises serious concerns. Critics argue that Cuba has not demonstrated meaningful reform or renounced its support for destabilizing actors in the region. Instead, the regime has intensified its crackdown on dissent, imprisoning hundreds of protesters following the historic anti-government demonstrations of 2021. The timing of this decision is also suspect. With just days remaining in Bidens term, the move appears rushed and politically motivated. Lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), both of whom are of Cuban descent, have condemned the move as a betrayal of U.S. interests and a capitulation to Havana's hostile communist regime. Cuba's response to the decision has been predictably mixed. While Havana described it as a "step in the right direction," it also criticized the timing and emphasized that most U.S. sanctions remain in place. In exchange for the slight loosening of economic sanctions, the Cuban government announced plans to release 553 prisoners, though it provided no details about who would be freed or whether they include the detainees Washington sought to free in the first place. For families of those imprisoned after the 2021 protests, the announcement offers a glimmer of hope, but it also underscores the regimes continued reliance on repression to maintain control. Watch this video of political commentator Alex Christoforou discussing Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This video is from the Oldyoti's Home Page channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Operation Northwoods: Unveiling the MANIPULATION and DECEIT of U.S. military to justify a war against Cuba. A SPY AMONG US: Former U.S. ambassador charged with secretly SPYING for Cuba over a 40-year period. Cut from the same cloth: Cuba agrees to let China construct a SPY BASE on island to intercept American communications. Cuban Missile Crisis 2.0? Putin may put hypersonic missiles, troops in Cuba, Venezuela, as NATO deploys forces closer to Russia. Cuba blocks internet access, ham radio broadcasts after protests to prevent the people from communicating. Sources include: RT.com APNews.com BBC.com Brighteon.com A new CNN poll shows that 56 percent of Americans expect President-elect Donald Trump to perform well during his second term, marking a significant improvement from his 48 percent approval rating after the 2016 election. 55 percent of Americans approve of how Trump handled his transition into office, a substantial increase from the 40 percent approval rating he received eight years ago. The poll indicates that 56 percent of Americans are optimistic about the economy under Trump's leadership, while 52 percent believe the country will be better off at the end of his second term. The majority of Americans (74 percent) expect Trump to follow through with his plan to deport illegal migrants, while fewer (56 percent) think he will shut down the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump outlined a list of 100 executive orders prioritizing border security and domestic energy production, with plans to issue at least 25 executive orders on the first day of his second term, despite potential legal challenges. A new CNN poll has revealed that President-elect Donald Trump is entering his second term with a majority of Americans expecting him to perform well and satisfied with his transition into office. The poll, released on Jan. 16, shows that 56 percent of Americans anticipate that Trump will do a "good job" as the 47th president, marking a significant increase from the 48 percent approval rating he received after his first election victory in 2016. Additionally, the poll found that 55 percent of Americans approve of the way Trump has handled his second transition into public office, which is a substantial improvement from the 40 percent approval rating he received eight years ago. This uptick in approval comes with a favorable rating of 46 percent, the highest it has been since his victory over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. The poll also highlights that most Americans (56 percent) are optimistic about the state of the economy under Trump's leadership, one of the top issues that voters were concerned about on Election Day. A majority of respondents (52 percent) indicated that they believe the country will be better off overall at the end of Trump's second term. In terms of his campaign promises, the poll found that Americans are confident that Trump will deliver on several of his key pledges. An overwhelming majority (80 percent) feel it is likely that Trump will impose tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China, while 50 percent expect the cost of U.S. goods to go down under his leadership. Trump has also vowed to embark on the largest deportation operation in U.S. history and 74 percent of Americans believe he will follow through with this plan to detain and deport migrants who entered the country illegally. However, fewer Americans (56 percent) think he will shut down the U.S. border with Mexico. The poll showed that Americans are more divided on whether Trump will be able to reduce the size and cost of running the federal government (54 percent think he can) and end the war in Ukraine (49 percent believe it is likely). Despite the divided opinions on some of his promises, the overall results of the poll indicate that Trump is entering his second term with a positive outlook from a majority of Americans. (Related: POLL: American voters trust Donald Trump more than Kamala Harris on firearms issues.) Americans hold high hopes in Trump's major campaign promises The country's high expectations are accompanied by a conviction that Trump will fulfill some of his most significant campaign pledges. For instance, on Jan. 15, Trump gave Senate Republicans a preview of his initial agenda during a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill. This preview includes a list of 100 executive orders prioritizing border security and domestic energy production. Among the top priorities outlined by Trump are deporting illegal migrants who have committed crimes, with the military providing planes to transport them out of the country; implementing the "Remain in Mexico" rule for asylum-seekers, halting all migrant flights from the southern border region and ending catch-and-release policies; revoking the travel ban for "terror-plagued countries" and suspending refugee admissions; and halting the automatic conferring of citizenship on children of illegal immigrants born on U.S. soil, which is likely to face legal challenges. Other key points also include reinstating offshore gas and oil drilling and opening Alaskas Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling operations; scrapping outgoing President Joe Biden's electric vehicle mandate and halting a ban on natural gas exports; reversing the Biden administration's attempt to redefine sex as "gender identity" in Title IX; and issuing mass pardons to those arrested in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. However, not all of these executive orders will take effect immediately and some will certainly face legal challenges. Trump has also said he will sign at least 25 executive orders on the first day of his second term, according to previous statements on the campaign trail. Dividend cuts can be devastating to an income-focused investor. You lose a portion of your passive income, and a dividend stock's price tends to fall significantly leading up to and after a payout reduction. Because of that, it's best to avoid that situation at all costs. The best way to do that is to focus on companies that have built a financial fortress around their dividend payments. Three super-safe dividend stocks that also offer above-average payouts are Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), and Realty Income (NYSE: O). That makes them great dividend stocks to buy in 2025 for those seeking income safety in the coming years. A very healthy dividend Johnson & Johnson has one of the strongest financial profiles in the world. The healthcare giant is one of only two companies with a AAA bond rating (higher than the U.S. government). The company, which had a more than $355 billion market cap, ended the third quarter with only $16 billion of net debt ($20 billion in cash against $36 billion of debt). That's a very manageable amount for a company that produced $14 billion in free cash flow over the first nine months of last year. That easily supported the company's $8.8 billion dividend outlay during that period. The healthcare behemoth has an elite record of growing its dividend. Last year was the 62nd year in a row that it increased its dividend. It qualifies as a Dividend King, a company with 50 or more years of consecutive annual dividend growth. That payout currently yields nearly 3.5%, well above the S&P 500's 1.2% yield. Johnson & Johnson should have no trouble continuing to increase its dividend. It invests heavily in research and development ($11.9 billion through the first nine months of last year) and uses its strong balance sheet to make acquisitions. It deployed $18 billion into strategic inorganic growth last year. It started 2025 off by making another acquisition, agreeing to buy Intra-Cellular Therapies in a $14.6 billion deal. These investments should enable Johnson & Johnson to continue growing its revenue, earnings, and free cash flow at healthy rates, which should support a growing dividend. A well-oiled dividend-paying machine An oil stock like ExxonMobil might not seem like the safest dividend stock, given the volatility in that sector and the global push toward cleaner alternatives. However, Exxon isn't just any oil stock. It's the undisputed leader of the oil patch. It led all international oil companies in earnings during the third quarter ($8.6 billion) and cash flow from operations ($17.6 billion). After covering the capital spending needed to maintain and expand its global energy empire, it produced a massive $11.3 billion in free cash flow. Los Angeles wildfires leave displaced residents vulnerable to predatory PRICE GOUGING Landlords and property managers are dramatically increasing rental prices in Southern California, with some listings doubling or tripling in cost, as wildfires displace tens of thousands of residents. Over 105,000 people are under evacuation orders, and more than 12,300 structures have been destroyed, creating a severe housing shortage and exacerbating existing affordable housing issues. California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order capping price increases at 10% above pre-disaster rates, while the state attorney general launched investigations into reports of price gouging. Insurers are withdrawing from high-risk areas, leaving many residents without coverage or facing increased premiums, compounding the housing crisis. Community advocates and officials are urging residents to report violations and are condemning predatory practices as "unacceptable and illegal," emphasizing the need for support during recovery. As wildfires continue to devastate Southern California, displacing tens of thousands of residents, a new crisis has emerged: predatory price gouging by landlords and property managers. With over 105,000 people under evacuation orders and entire neighborhoods reduced to ash, desperate families are facing exorbitant rent hikes as they search for temporary housing. The Los Angeles Tenants Union, a volunteer organization advocating for affordable housing, has identified more than 500 rental listings where prices have skyrocketed since the fires began. In some cases, rents have more than doubled, leaving many evacuees unable to secure shelter. The price gouging is going haywire, its obscene, said Maya Lieberman, a 50-year-old stylist displaced from her Pacific Palisades home. I cant find anywhere for us to go. A crisis of exploitation The fires, which have claimed more than 20 lives and destroyed over 12,300 structures, have created a dire housing shortage. In upscale neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades, where celebrities such as Billy Crystal and Kate Beckinsale once resided, even those whose homes survived the flames are under mandatory evacuation orders. This has created a fertile ground for opportunists. Lieberman recounted her experience with a Santa Monica property listed at $17,000 per month. When she inquired, the agent demanded $30,000, citing multiple cash offers from other applicants. They told me they have people ready to offer more and pay cash. Its absolutely insane, she said. Similar stories are emerging across the region. A Beverly Hills rental home previously listed at $14,000 per month saw its price jump by $4,000 overnighta nearly 30% increase. The realtor justified the hike as a reflection of supply and demand. California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the crisis on Sunday by issuing an executive order capping price increases at 10% above pre-disaster rates. State Attorney General Rob Bonta has launched multiple investigations into reports of price gouging, urging the public to provide evidence such as screenshots, text messages and emails. This is just unimaginable conduct during this time when people need the exact opposite of being preyed on, exploited, victimized, Bonta said at a news conference. They need support and healing and help. A broader housing crisis The wildfires have exacerbated an already strained housing market. Magdaleno Rosales, an organizer with the Los Angeles Tenants Union, reported receiving more than 450 tips about price gouging, with some rents increasing by over 100%. For many, the soaring costs are insurmountable. Joe Thompson, a Pacific Palisades resident forced to evacuate, discovered a five-bedroom home in Santa Monica listed for $28,000 per monthmore than double its previous rate. Despite his home surviving the fires, its future remains uncertain, leaving Thompson and his family among thousands searching for housing in a market with few options. The crisis is not limited to high-income areas. Working-class renters are also struggling to find affordable housing, with many facing bidding wars, waiting lists, or demands for up to a years rent in advance. Insurance challenges compound the crisis Adding to the turmoil, homeowners are grappling with a growing insurance crisis. As insurers withdraw from high-risk areas, many residents are left without coverage or facing skyrocketing premiums. State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance have all reduced their presence in fire-prone regions, forcing homeowners to turn to the California FAIR Plan, a state-backed program offering limited coverage at higher costs. Early estimates suggest insured losses from the wildfires could reach $30 billion, further straining an already fragile system. A call for accountability As investigations into price gouging continue, officials are urging residents to report violations. State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin condemned the predatory practices, calling them unacceptable and illegal. For displaced families like Liebermans, the road to recovery remains uncertain. There are really good people who are compassionate, sympathetic, empathetic, and they want to do something to help, said one LA resident searching for housing for his family of five. And then there are others who smell an opportunity to profit, and thats what I encountered. In the face of tragedy, the wildfires have revealed both the resilience of communities and the darker side of human nature. As Los Angeles begins to rebuild, the fight against exploitation and greed remains a critical part of the recovery process. Sources include: InfoWars.com CBSNews.com LatinTimes.com Zuckerberg faces backlash as leaked recordings reveal Facebooks alleged role in censoring COVID-19 vaccine dissent Leaked recordings from a 2021 Rockefeller Foundation conference call reveal Facebook's collaboration with pro-vaccine organizations to amplify vaccine messaging. Facebook provided significant free advertising credits to organizations promoting government-aligned vaccine narratives, including allocations for high-profile figures like former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The initiative involved anchor organizations such as the Chicago Community Trust, United Way of Greater Newark and Roots Community Health Center. In a recent interview, Zuckerberg claimed that Facebook initially resisted censoring satirical memes about COVID-19 vaccines until government officials threatened to take action. Critics argue that Zuckerberg's allegations are at odds with the evidence presented in the leaked recordings, highlighting a discrepancy between his statements and Facebook's alleged actions. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is under fire following the release of leaked recordings by the O'Keefe Media Group, allegedly showing Facebook collaborating with pro-vaccine organizations to censor dissenting narratives about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). The leaked recordings stem from a 2021 Rockefeller Foundation conference call and raise serious questions about Facebook's content moderation practices and its relationship with public health organizations. The initiative involved anchor organizations such as the Chicago Community Trust, United Way of Greater Newark and Roots Community Health Center, which received ad credits as part of a coordinated effort to amplify vaccine messaging across multiple cities. According to the recordings, Facebook granted significant free advertising credits to organizations promoting government-aligned vaccine narratives, with allocations extending to high-profile figures like former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. (Related: Zuckerberg exposes Biden admin's 'screaming' demands to censor COVID posts.) During the call, Facebook's Director of Health Policy and Communications, Estelle Willie, reportedly disclosed that the platform provided 100,000 ad credits per pilot city to advance public health messaging. "We negotiated $100,000 ad credits per pilot city to use, and then we also got ad credits for Governor Cuomo after he called Otis asking," Willie is heard saying. In a statement accompanying the recordings, James O'Keefe, founder of the O'Keefe Media Group, suggested that Facebook's actions represented more than mere compliance with external pressure. "Facebook's partnership with entities pushing COVID-19 narratives shows active engagement, not just a reaction to government mandates," O'Keefe stated. Zuckerberg earlier slammed the Biden administration for censoring vaccine skepticism on Facebook This development comes as Zuckerberg publicly blamed the Biden administration for pressuring his platform to suppress information. In a recent interview with the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, Zuckerberg revealed that the company initially resisted censoring satirical memes about COVID-19 vaccines until government officials threatened to take action. Zuckerberg said that the White House was pressuring the company to take down content that was deemed "misinformation" about the vaccines and that government officials were "yelling at them and cursing" to get their way. The content in question was a meme featuring a scene from the film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," which implied it would be an ad for a class-action suit for vaccine injuries in about a decade. Outgoing President Joe Biden had made vaccine mandates a key part of his COVID-19 policy, and in July 2021, he claimed that social media was "killing people" by allowing "misinformation" about the vaccines to be posted. Zuckerberg said that the First Amendment, which bans censorship in the U.S. Constitution, does not apply to private companies like Facebook, but that it does apply to the government. He also revealed that Facebook had censored 18 million "instances of COVID-19 misinformation" and shadow-banned "167 million pieces of COVID-19 content" deemed untrue by its fact-checkers. In recent weeks, Zuckerberg announced the end of Facebook's fact-checking program, describing it as "too politically biased" and counterproductive. He said that the program had become "a tool to shut down opinions and shut out people with different ideas." But now, all this has been under intense scrutiny as critics argue that Zuckerberg's allegations are at odds with the evidence presented in the leaked recordings. Head over to Censorship.news for similar stories. Watch this Fox Business report about Rob Flaherty's involvement in the VIP censorship portal used by Facebook to silence content critical of COVID-19. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Zuckerberg slams Biden for censoring vaccine opposition, takes aim at Apple in Rogan interview. Zuckerberg: Biden admin pressured Meta to censor posts about COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Zuckerberg's Rogan interview exposes Big Pharma's grip on COVID censorship. Zuckerberg's meeting with Trump preceded fact-checking policy shift, GOP senator reveals. Zuckerberg's ACCOUNTABILITY ESCAPE STRATEGY includes abandoning his "fact checkers" however META's AI systems are already programmed to commandeer the same narratives. Sources include: YourNews.com RT.com Brighteon.com Whistleblower challenges Gates foundations tax-exempt status amid allegations of for-profit vaccine activities William S. Scott, an attorney, filed a whistleblower claim with the IRS in 2024, alleging that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has engaged in for-profit activities related to COVID-19 vaccines, which should be taxed as ordinary income. The IRS denied Scotts claim in 2024, leading Scott to file an appeal in federal court on Jan. 8, arguing that the foundations actions were not purely charitable. The case highlights the blurred lines between philanthropy and profit-making, particularly in the context of the foundations investments in vaccine manufacturers, which critics claim have created conflicts of interest and should be subject to taxation. The IRS has moved to dismiss the case, citing sovereign immunity and arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction. However, Scott contends that the IRS failed to conduct a proper investigation into his whistleblower claim. In a high-stakes legal battle that could reshape the landscape of nonprofit accountability, a Florida whistleblower is pushing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to investigate the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations alleged for-profit activities tied to COVID-19 vaccines. The case, which has drawn national attention, raises critical questions about the intersection of philanthropy, public health, and corporate profitand whether one of the worlds most influential charitable organizations has crossed the line into commercial enterprise. William S. Scott, an attorney and executive director of the World Peace Through Education Foundation, filed a whistleblower claim with the IRS in May 2024, alleging that the Gates Foundation has engaged in vaccine-related activities that should be taxed as ordinary income. The IRS denied his claim in September 2024, prompting Scott to file an appeal in federal court on Jan. 8. Under the pretense of improving World Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/Trust has been engaged in the promotion, manufacture, and sale of COVID-19 vaccines that were not sufficiently tested for safety or for effectiveness for their intended use, Scott wrote in his appeal. He further accused the foundation of acting in bad faith by claiming its efforts are purely charitable. The case is now before Chief Judge Cecilia Altonaga of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, whose ruling could have far-reaching implications for the Gates Foundation and the broader nonprofit sector. Philanthropy or profit-making At the heart of Scotts claim is the assertion that the Gates Foundation has blurred the line between philanthropy and profit-making. The foundation, which reported $6.8 billion in tax-exempt revenue in 2023, has long been a major player in global health initiatives, including vaccine development and distribution. However, critics argue that its investments in vaccine manufacturers have created significant conflicts of interest. For example, in 2019, the Gates Foundation invested $55 million in BioNTech, a German company that later partnered with Pfizer to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. When the foundation sold its BioNTech shares at the height of their value in 2021, it reportedly earned a 20-to-1 return on its investment. Bill Gates himself has described this as his best investment. Scott contends that such activities should be classified as for-profit transactions, subject to taxation. He is asking the court to compel the IRS to investigate and retroactively tax the foundations vaccine-related income. Sovereign immunity and legal hurdles The IRS has moved to dismiss Scotts case, citing sovereign immunitya legal doctrine that protects the federal government from lawsuits without its consent. In a December 20, 2024, motion, the agency argued that the court lacks jurisdiction and that Scotts claims should be addressed through the U.S. Tax Court. Scott, however, alleges that the IRS failed to conduct a proper investigation into his whistleblower claim. Petitioner believes, and therefore asserts, that the IRS conducted no investigation to reach its decision to deny his Form 211, he wrote in his amended appeal. The case has also drawn scrutiny due to potential conflicts of interest. Matthew L. Paeffgen, one of the Department of Justice attorneys representing the IRS, previously worked for McDermott Will & Emery, a wealth management group that advised Smart Immune, a Gates Foundation partner. Critics argue that this connection raises ethical concerns and could undermine the impartiality of the IRSs defense. Nonprofits under the microscope This case is not the first time a major nonprofit has faced challenges to its tax-exempt status. In 2015, Blue Shield of California lost its state tax-exempt status after regulators determined it was operating like a for-profit company. The Gates Foundation case could set a similar precedent, with implications for other large nonprofits that engage in commercial activities. The IRS has also faced criticism in recent years for its handling of nonprofit applications. During the Tea Party scandal of 2013, the agency was accused of unfairly delaying tax-exempt status for conservative groups. More recently, the IRS has reported a backlog of approximately seven months in processing new applicationsa stark contrast to the five-day response time in Scotts case. Implications for public health and philanthropy If the Gates Foundation were to lose its tax-exempt status, the consequences would be significant. Based on 2023 figures, the foundation could face an estimated $1.44 billion in federal taxes annually. It would also lose the ability to offer tax deductions to donors, potentially impacting its fundraising efforts. Beyond the financial implications, the case raises broader questions about the role of philanthropy in public health. The Gates Foundation has been a major funder of organizations like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Critics argue that such funding can skew research priorities and create conflicts of interest, particularly when the foundation has a financial stake in the outcomes. The conflict of interest apparent in a situation in which Gates receives tax deductions for money spent to fund entities designed to lobby or pressure governments to purchase vaccines in which Gates himself is a major investor, is obvious, said journalist Naomi Wolf, CEO of Daily Clout. Broader debate over transparency and accountability The Gates Foundation case comes at a time of growing public skepticism about the influence of large donors on scientific research and public policy. Studies have shown that conflicts of interest are often underreported in clinical trials, with one 2016 review finding that 43% to 69% of research study reports failed to disclose such ties. This lack of transparency has fueled calls for greater oversight of both nonprofits and federal agencies. The potential confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has added another layer to the debate. Kennedy, a vocal critic of vaccine mandates, has pledged to prioritize transparency and safety in vaccine researcha move that could further intensify scrutiny of organizations like the Gates Foundation. Pivotal moment for nonprofit accountability As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have profound implications for the Gates Foundation, the IRS, and the nonprofit sector as a whole. The case underscores the need for clearer guidelines on what constitutes charitable activity and how nonprofits should be taxed when they engage in commercial ventures. For now, all eyes are on Judge Altonagas courtroom, where a decision could reshape the rules of philanthropy and public health for years to come. Whether the Gates Foundations activities are deemed charitable or commercial, the case has already sparked a much-needed conversation about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of doing good. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org BrokenTruth.tv XtalPi Holdings, an artificial intelligence (AI) drug discovery firm based in the Greater Bay Area, is changing the biopharmaceutical industry by leveraging AI and robotics to transform traditional approaches to drug development. The company's self-developed large language model (LLM), the technology underpinning ChatGPT-like generative AI services, has helped increase the success rate of chemical experiments to 90 per cent from 20 to 30 per cent, according to Zhang Peiyu, the chief scientific officer at Shenzhen-based XtalPi. "There are many good opportunities [for artificial general intelligence] in vertical fields," Zhang told the Post at its China Conference: Greater Bay Area 2025 in Guangzhou. "For the pharmaceutical industry, we have seen great potential to use LLMs for specialised domains." 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. Zhang anticipates that the integration of robotics and AI will reduce drug discovery timelines to just one or two years from four. Peggy Sito (left), business editor at the South China Morning Post moderates a panel with Fosun Health CEO Hu Hang, Professor Li Hongsheng, chief scientist of medical foundation models at SenseTime Healthcare, MingMed vice-president Tu Fuquan, and XtalPi chief scientific officer Zhang Peiyu on January 15 in Guangzhou. Photo: Nora Tam alt=Peggy Sito (left), business editor at the South China Morning Post moderates a panel with Fosun Health CEO Hu Hang, Professor Li Hongsheng, chief scientist of medical foundation models at SenseTime Healthcare, MingMed vice-president Tu Fuquan, and XtalPi chief scientific officer Zhang Peiyu on January 15 in Guangzhou. Photo: Nora Tam> Founded in 2014 by three quantum physicists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, XtalPi a year later established its research and development base in Shenzhen. Located in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Cooperation Zone on the border between the two cities, the company has capitalised on local industrial policies to emerge as a key AI player in drug development, serving nearly four out of every five big pharmaceutical companies globally. Zhang said the company's development has been boosted by regional synergies in the bay area scheme, particularly in talent acquisition, supply chain partnerships and fundraising across cities. The cooperation zone has attracted diverse industry players, including biotech and pharmaceutical start-ups, service providers and regulatory agencies, Zhang said. Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key molecule involved in inflammation and plays an important role in both healthy and diseased states. In disease, high levels of IL-1 in the brain are linked to neuroinflammation, which can disrupt the body's stress response, cause sickness-like behaviors, worsen inflammation by activating brain immune cells, and allow immune cells from the body to enter the brain. It also can lead to brain damage by causing support cells to produce harmful molecules. Elevated IL-1 levels are associated with mood disorders, such as depression, and problems with memory and thinking. Conversely, in normal conditions without inflammation, IL-1 has essential roles in the brain. It helps regulate hormone activity, supports healthy sleep patterns, and improves cognitive functions such as memory and learning. IL-1R1 is like a doorbell on cells that gets rung when there's an infection or injury, and in immune cells, it signals the body to start an immune response. However, neurons that express IL-1R1 are not thought to induce inflammation, suggesting that these cells may actually integrate immune signals into neural ones. It has yet to be revealed where or how IL-1R1 (Interleukin-1 Receptor Type 1) may control or modify normal brain function. Now, a new study by Florida Atlantic University provides the most detailed and comprehensive mapping of neuronal IL-1R1 (nIL-1R1) expression in the mouse brain to date, resolving long-standing inconsistencies. Previous research has suggested that IL-1 signaling in neurons is involved in sickness behaviors, anxiety, and changes in sleep, but the exact neural circuits involved have not been well-defined. The study, published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, narrows down the specific neuronal populations and neurotransmitter systems that could mediate these effects. Researchers were able to tag neuronal populations that express nIL-1R1 using a clever cell tagging approach, offering new insights into the functional roles of this receptor in the central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies conducted by the FAU Quan Laboratory, reveal that chronic IL-1 signaling in glutamatergic neurons influences cognitive and social-avoidance behaviors, particularly in the context of neuroinflammation and stress-related disorders. This supports the idea that nIL-1R1 could play a crucial role in conditions such as chronic stress, depression and anxiety in the unique neural circuits described by the current study. Using genetically modified mice, researchers identified neurons in certain brain areas such as the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus and others, which have neuronal IL-1R1. Most of these neurons use glutamate (a neurotransmitter for signaling), while some use serotonin (important for mood). They found that these IL-1R1-positive neurons are involved in circuits that control sensory processing, mood regulation and memory. Our study shows how certain neurons are connected to immune signals and may help explain how inflammation contributes to sensory, mood and memory disorders. These findings could lead to new ways to treat brain disorders tied to inflammation. In terms of behavioral implications, our results support the hypothesis that nIL-1R1 signaling influences emotional and cognitive behavior." Ning Quan, Ph.D., senior author, professor of biomedical science, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine, and an investigator in the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute Results reveal that nIL-1R1 expression is most prominent in the somatosensory and glutamatergic systems, areas that had previously been understudied in this context. Among the brain regions identified as expressing nIL-1R1, the dentate gyrus (DG) was consistently highlighted, reaffirming its role as a key site for neuronal IL-1R1 expression. The study also pinpoints the thalamic relay centers and various sensory cortical regions, suggesting that IL-1 signaling could play a significant role in sensory processing. "This new discovery opens up questions about whether immune signals influence our sensory processing and whether IL-1R1-mediated alterations of sensory signals contribute to cognitive issues, anxiety or depression," said Dan Nemeth, Ph.D., first author and a postdoctoral fellow, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine and Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. "Furthermore, this study shows that neurons do not signal the same way other IL-1R1-expressing cells do." While researchers found neuronal IL-1R1 in brain regions related to mood, affect and cognition, an unexpected finding is that IL-1R1 is expressed in neurons in the sensory system. Using high-tech spatial transcriptomics, they identified that neuronal IL-1R1 regulates gene pathways involved in synapse organization without triggering typical inflammation. This suggests that IL-1R1 has a role in synaptic formation and can modify neural circuits and their function. "With the most detailed mapping of neuronal IL-1R1 expression in the mouse brain to date, this study brings an unprecedented level of clarity to how IL-1 signaling impacts the neural circuits that govern behavior," said Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., co-author, executive director of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, the David J.S. Nicholson Distinguished Professor in Neuroscience, and a professor of biomedical science in FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine. "The findings open the door to new pathways of exploration, offering critical insights into the mechanisms underlying both normal and disrupted behavioral states seen in stress-related disorders, depression and anxiety." Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. For survivors of the most common type of stroke, called an ischemic stroke, only about 5 percent fully recover. Most others suffer from long-term problems, including weakness, chronic pain, or epilepsy. Now, scientists at Gladstone Institutes and the regenerative medicine company SanBio have shown that a cell therapy derived from stem cells can restore normal patterns of brain activity after a stroke. While most stroke treatments must be administered in the immediate hours after a stroke to have a benefit, the cell therapy was effective in rats even when given one month later. "There are currently no treatments that can be given weeks or months after a stroke to prevent long-term symptoms, so this is incredibly exciting," says Gladstone Investigator Jeanne Paz, PhD, who led the new study published in Molecular Therapy. "Our findings suggest that this timepoint is not too late to intervene and make a difference." The modified stem cells used in the study have been in clinical development for more than a decade to treat stroke and traumatic brain injuries. Clinical trials had already indicated that, in some patients, the stem cells could help people regain control of their arms and legs. However, scientists were unsure what changes in the brain contributed to these improvements in symptoms. The new study is the first to detail the effects of the stem cells on brain activity. The work could lead to improvements to stem cell therapy and contribute to the development of other treatments with similar impacts on the brain. Targeting brain hyperexcitability An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, usually due to a blood clot or narrowing of blood vessels. This deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, causing some cells to die and others to change their activities. Paz has long studied the brain changes that result from strokes and lead to long-term problems such as epilepsy. She and others have found that cells in damaged brain regions can become overly active or hyperexcitable, sending out signals that are too strong or too frequent to other brain regions. "This hyperexcitability has been linked to movement problems and seizures, but no therapies have been developed to effectively reverse it," says Paz, who is also an associate professor in the Department of Neurology at UC San Francisco and a member of the International Post-Stroke Epilepsy Consortium, which aims to accelerate discoveries to prevent the development of epilepsy after stroke. Striking effects In the new study, Paz and her collaborators tested a stem cell therapy under development by SanBio. One month after rats had a stroke, the scientists injected the modified human stem cells into the animals' brains near the site of injury. In the following weeks, they measured electrical activity in the brains and also analyzed individual cells and molecules. They found that the treatment reversed brain hyperexcitability in rats with strokes, restoring balance in neural networks. In addition, a number of proteins and cells that are important for brain function and repair were increased. While fewer than one percent of the human cells remained in the rats' brains after a week following the transplant-the effects of the transplants were long-lasting. It seems these cells are essentially jump-starting the brain's own repair processes. This may open a new window of opportunity for the brain to recover, even in the chronic phase after a stroke." Barbara Klein, PhD, principal scientist at SanBio and first author of the new study The scientists also analyzed blood samples from the rats with and without the stem cell therapy. Through this, they identified a specific combination of molecules in the blood-including many involved in inflammation and brain health-that changed after a stroke but were restored to normal by the therapy. "These effects were so striking that we repeated the experiments over and over because we didn't quite believe them," says Paz. "It's incredible that you can inject something short-lived into the brain and have lasting effects-not only on brain hyperexcitability, but also in the rest of the body." Shaping future treatments The researchers say that the most exciting lesson from the new study is that, even one month after a stroke, treatments have the potential to restore normal excitability in the brain. "This tells us there may be hope for chronic brain injury patients who, until now, did not have any treatment options," says Agnieszka Ciesielska, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Paz's lab at Gladstone, who is another first author on the study. However, more work is needed to prove that the diminished hyperexcitability induced by the stem cells ultimately leads to reduced symptoms in patients. If it does, additional treatments could be developed to calm overactive neurons. The team also hopes to eventually gain a better understanding of how exactly the stem cells improve brain functions. If they can pinpoint a few molecules that play key roles, they may be able to develop small-molecule drugs that mimic the effects of the stem cells. The cells used in the study, known as SB623 cells, have been developed by SanBio for the treatment of chronic neurological motor deficits secondary to both stroke and traumatic brain injury. The treatment was recently approved in Japan for improving chronic motor paralysis following traumatic brain injury. SanBio is also pursuing indication expansion and seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) and Cava (NYSE: CAVA) are among the hottest consumer stocks. Both companies are rising stars with room to expand across the United States. Dutch Bros is disrupting a competitive coffee landscape with its drive-through store model, while Cava Group is establishing its brand as the leader in Mediterranean food. Both stocks have outperformed the broader market over the past 19 months, but that's history. Which stock is the better buy right now? I did the homework on each and compared their business models, finances, and valuations to determine which stock makes more sense for investors today. Here is what you need to know. Dutch Bros may have more expansion potential, but Cava's business performance shines brighter Both companies operate in the same industry but have vastly different business models. Dutch Bros primarily sells coffee and energy drinks, which people often grab and go. The company emphasizes small drive-through stores that can process orders quickly. You can grab a meal from a Cava store on the run, but food is inherently slower to prepare, and people often sit and eat. Restaurants also require kitchens, so they might need more square footage and cost more to open. Dutch Bros currently has 950 stores compared to Cava's 352. Both companies could open new stores for years, but thanks to its drive-through store model, I think Dutch Bros will ultimately open more locations. However, Cava shines at the individual store level. The company has grown same-store sales at a double-digit rate in four of the past five quarters. Meanwhile, Dutch Bros has generally produced low to mid-single-digit same-store sales growth over the past two years. In other words, Dutch Bros is growing more from opening new stores than Cava, which has enjoyed a boost from strong same-store performance. Cava's revenue growth has accelerated in recent quarters while Dutch Bros' has slowed: Long-term investors might hope Dutch Bros follows a trajectory like Starbucks. The coffee giant has over 18,000 stores today in North America. Meanwhile, Cava resembles a fellow niche food restaurant brand in Chipotle Mexican Grill. Chipotle hopes to eventually operate 7,000 stores across North America, a much smaller footprint. The good news is that both can work. Starbucks and Chipotle have enriched investors over the years. Cava's financials could lead to eventual share repurchases The organic same-store growth has also helped Cava's financials. The business is already cash flow-positive with $43 million in free cash flow over the past four quarters on $913 million in revenue. Dutch Bros has generated almost $1.2 billion in revenue but has burned $10 million in cash. Individuals with sickle cell disease a chronic illness where misshapen, sticky blood cells clump together, reducing oxygen delivery to organs are at a higher risk for stroke and resulting cognitive disability. But even in the absence of stroke, many such patients struggle with remembering, focusing, learning and problem solving, among other cognitive problems, with many facing challenges in school and in the workplace. Now a multidisciplinary team of researchers and physicians at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has published a study that helps explain how the illness might affect cognitive performance in sickle cell patients without a history of stroke. The researchers found such participants had brains that appeared older than expected for their age. Individuals experiencing economic deprivation, who struggle to meet basic needs, even in the absence of sickle cell disease, had more-aged appearing brains, the team also found. The study was published January 17 in JAMA Network Open. Our study explains how a chronic illness and low socioeconomic status can cause cognitive problems. We found that such factors could impact brain development and/or aging, which ultimately affects the mental processes involved in thinking, remembering and problem solving, among others. Understanding the influence that sickle cell disease and economic deprivation have on brain structure may lead to treatments and preventive measures that potentially could preserve cognitive function." Andria Ford, MD, professor of neurology and chief of the section of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases at WashU Medicine and corresponding author on the study More than 200 young, Black adults with and without sickle cell disease, living in St. Louis and the surrounding region in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois, participated in brain MRI scans and cognitive tests. The researchers including Yasheng Chen, DSc, an associate professor of neurology at WashU Medicine and senior author on the study calculated each person's brain age using a brain-age prediction tool that was developed using MRI brain scans from a diverse group of more than 14,000 healthy people of known ages. The estimated brain age was compared with the individual's actual age. The researchers found that participants with sickle cell disease had brains that appeared an average of 14 years older than their actual age. Sickle cell participants with older-looking brains also scored lower on cognitive tests. The study also found that socioeconomic status correlates with brain age. On average, a seven-year gap was found between the brain age and the participants' actual age in healthy individuals experiencing poverty. The more severe the economic deprivation, the older the brains of such study subjects appeared. Healthy brains shrink as people age, while premature shrinking is characteristic of neurological illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. But a smaller brain that appears older can also result from stunted growth early in life. Sickle cell disease is congenital, chronically depriving the developing brain of oxygen and possibly affecting its growth from birth. Also, children exposed to long-term economic deprivation and poverty experience cognitive challenges that affect their academic performance, Ford explained. As a part of the same study, the researchers are again performing cognitive tests and scanning the brains of the same healthy and sickle cell participants three years after their first scan to investigate if the older-looking brains aged prematurely, or if their development was stunted. "A single brain scan helps measure the participants' brain age only in that moment," said Ford, who treats patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. "But multiple time points can help us understand if the brain is stable, initially capturing differences that were present since childhood, or prematurely aging and able to predict the trajectory of someone's cognitive decline. Identifying who is at greatest risk for future cognitive disability with a single MRI scan can be a powerful tool for helping patients with neurological conditions." Delhi HC Seeks NBE Stand on Plea Against Admission Restriction in DNB Course Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 15:28 IST In the present case, the petitioner said soon after starting his DNB course, he had to resign from his hospital in Chhattisgarh because it became difficult for him to continue in the "tortuous environment. The petitioner said no action was taken by authorities. (File Photo) The Delhi High Court has sought the stand of the National Board of Examination on a plea against the restriction on candidates, who have resigned from a DNB post diploma course, from joining any other DNB course for two years. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma issued notice to the National Board of Examination (NBE) on an aggrieved candidates plea which stated the restriction in the handbook for admission to the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses was arbitrary and violated fundamental rights as it disregarded exceptional circumstances like verbal abuse and torture. related stories Issue notice to respondent no.1 through all permissible modes, returnable on 23.01.2025," the court said in an order passed on January 17. In the present case, the petitioner said soon after starting his DNB course, he had to resign from his hospital in Chhattisgarh because it became difficult for him to continue in the tortuous environment". The petitioner, represented by advocate Tanvi Dubey, submitted that he had duly raised a complaint regarding the alleged verbal abuse and torture but no action was taken by authorities. He, therefore, argued that the rule should be declared unconstitutional, and the petitioner must be permitted to participate in future DNB counselling or examinations as and despite being a meritorious student, he was unjustly suffering. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all That the respondent No. 1 (NBE) by not allowing the petitioner to participate in the further round of counselling or to allow him to register for DNB-PDCET examination next year, failed to appreciate the reasons for his resignation were beyond his control and the fact that he joined the seat by paying Rs. 1,25,000 as the yearly fee, itself shows the bonafide intention of the petitioner to continue with the course," the plea submitted. However, due to torturous environment which the petitioner was subjected to, he had no other option but to resign. Even before resigning he made attempts to address the situation. However, no cognisance was taken by the authorities on the same," the plea submitted. First Published: January 19, 2025, 15:25 IST SC Appoints Amicus To Examine Plea On Disclosure Of Answer Keys, Marks Of UPSC Civil Service Exam Last Updated: January 20, 2025, 12:29 IST The UPSC in almost all the previous examinations, including the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination of 2023, has maintained that the marks, cut off marks and the answer keys shall be disclosed "only after the entire process of exam is over. The top court posted the matter for further hearing on February 4 (File Photo) The Supreme Court has appointed an amicus curiae to assist it on a plea of civil service aspirants, seeking direction to the UPSC for disclosure of the answer keys, cut-off marks and marks of the candidates appearing in civil service (preliminary) examination. The UPSC in almost all the previous examinations, including the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination of 2023, has maintained that the marks, cut off marks and the answer keys shall be disclosed only" after the entire process of exam is over. related stories A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Misra appointed senior advocate Jaideep Gupta as amicus curiae to assist it in the matter and asked the petitioners to serve a copy of the petition on him. We have requested Jaideep Gupta, senior advocate present in the court to assist the court as amicus curiae in this matter which request Mr Gupta has graciously accepted," it said in its order of January 15. During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for 17 UPSC aspirants, said the UPSCs conduct in not disclosing the details lacks transparency. He said if the answer keys, cut-off marks and marks of the candidates/aspirants are disclosed, they would be entitled to avail "effective" remedies against wrong and incorrect evaluation on rational and demonstrable basis. The top court also asked the Centre and the UPSC to file an additional affidavit explaining the difficulties that the institution(s) may face, if the prayers in the writ petition are accepted with the necessary data available. It posted the matter for further hearing on February 4. The court had in February last year agreed to examine the petition filed through advocate Rajeev Kumar Dubey. The petition argued for making public the answer sheets and other details to safe guard the interests of millions of candidates/aspirants against any glaring mistakes." The petition claimed that that despite several litigations in the past, the Union Public Service Commission has failed to assign any reason as to why it is so "allergic" to the practice of transparency. It claimed that a prompt and timely disclosure" of answer key, cut-off marks and marks were common practice followed by almost every state public service commissions as well as the high courts and several other prestigious institutions such as IIT, IIM and many others. The aspirants said their petition brings out a "serious concerns" of students and opaqueness and lack of transparency and accountability on the part of the UPSC and to check on its conduct, in concealing the material information. As would transpire, there is neither any reason nor rhyme to publish the marks, cut-off marks and answer keys of CS(P) examination, only after entire process of civil services examination is over, except only with sole motive to frustrate of the cause of action, irrespective of howsoever genuine it might be, of the unsuccessful candidates to seek any effective remedy," it said. The plea said that if the details are disclosed, the aspirants would also have the right to know that the candidates who were shortlisted had in fact more marks and hence more deserving to be selected. None of these, could be possible until and unless the respondent UPSC discloses the correct answer keys, which is the basis of evaluation, the minimum cut-off marks, which is the basis for shortlisting the candidates and marks obtained by candidates to identify if they meet minimum cut-off or not. This shall also equip the candidates to be well informed and perhaps better prepared for subsequent attempts in examinations," it said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The petition further added that each year, millions of the aspirants appear in these exams with an ambition to become a part of one of the most prestigious public services of this country and spend years after years of their formative years, preparing. Besides, these all-India services not only affect those who are aspirants of these examinations but the public at large. Therefore, the selection of these posts requires utmost transparency and fairness," it said. First Published: January 19, 2025, 18:28 IST TANCET 2025 Notification Released, Application Process To Begin On January 24 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 11:48 IST TANCET 2025: The application process will commence on January 24 and conclude on February 21 at tancet.annauniv.edu. TANCET 2025: The exam is scheduled to be conducted on March 22 (Representative/File Photo) Anna University has released the notification for the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) 2025. Aspiring candidates can check the registration and exam dates through the official website at tancet.annauniv.edu. The application process will commence on January 24 and conclude on February 21. The TANCET examination serves as the gateway for admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Computer Applications (MCA) courses at various institutions, including Anna University departments, constituent colleges, Annamalai University, government and government-aided colleges, and self-financing colleges in the state of Tamil Nadu. related stories The exam is scheduled to be conducted on March 22. The TANCET MBA entrance exam is scheduled from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, while the MCA exam will be conducted from 10 am to noon. The varsity has also released the notification for the Common Engineering Entrance Test and Admissions (CEETA) PG 2025. The application process for CEETA will take place at the same time as TANCET, that is, from January 24 to February 21. The exam for admission to M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. courses will take place on March 23. TANCET 2025: How to Apply? Step 1. Visit the official website of TANCET, at tancet.annauniv.edu. Step 2. Open the registration link once it is activated and submit the required form. Step 3. Login to your account and proceed to complete the application. Step 4. Read all the provided instructions carefully and make sure you have gathered all the required documents in advance, as per the specified guidelines and dimensions. Step 5. Fill in all the required personal details and educational qualifications accurately. Step 6. Upload your photograph and signature as per the specified guidelines. Step 7. Carefully go through all the details you filled and check everything twice. Step 8. Complete the payment of the application fee through the provided modes. Step 9. Submit your application form and ensure to save the confirmation page. Step 10. Take a print out of the filled application form and confirmation page for future reference. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all TANCET 2025: Application Fee Candidates falling under the Scheduled Caste (SC), Special Central Assistance (SCA), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) of Tamil Nadu are required to pay Rs 500 as an application fee at the time of registration for the TANCET MCA and TANCET MBA programmes. While unreserved category candidates are required to pay Rs 1000. First Published: January 19, 2025, 11:29 IST UP Board Inter Practical Exam 2025 Postponed Due To Clash With JEE Main, To Begin On February 1 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 12:32 IST UP Board Inter Exam 2025: The Intermediate practical exam will now be held in the first phase from February 1 to 8 and in the second phase from February 9 to 16. The decision to postpone the practical exam was taken by UPMSP due to a clash with JEE Main 2025 (Representative Image/File Photo) The UP Board Intermediate practical exam has been postponed. Now the class 12 practicals will be held from February 1 to 16. The decision to postpone the practical exam was taken by UPMSP due to a clash with JEE Main 2025. The Intermediate practical exam will now be held in the first phase from February 1 to 8 and in the second phase from February 9 to 16. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held in two phases from January 23 to 31 and from February 1 to 8. Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh said that some students informed the board that the JEE Main exam is to be held from January 22 to 31. related stories UP Board Inter Practical Exam In Two Phases In the first phase, the Intermediate practical exam will be held from February 1 to 8 in Aligarh, Meerut, Moradabad, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur divisions. The second phase practical examination of Intermediate will be held from February 9 to 16 in Agra, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Lucknow, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Azamgarh, Devipatan, and Basti divisions. UP Board Practical Marks To Be Uploaded On Mobile App UP Board has made a new arrangement to ensure transparency in practical examinations. Now the examiners will have to upload the marks of the students on the special mobile app of the board at the examination centre only. This app will work only within 200 meters of the examination center. Besides, the examiners will have to take selfies with the students and upload them. Apart from this, the Principal has been given the responsibility of monitoring and recording the examination. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | UP Board 10th, 12th Exam Date 2025: UPMSP Class 10, 12 Exams To Begin On Feb 24 Furthermore, to maintain the sanctity of the examinations, it will be conducted under the surveillance of CCTV cameras. UPMSP has also instructed officials to preserve the complete recording of the examination. The appointment of examiners for practical examinations will be managed by the respective regional offices. First Published: January 19, 2025, 12:18 IST Bengaluru Techie Duped Of Rs 11 Crore By Fraudsters Posing As Customs, ED Officials Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 18:40 IST The accused came to know that Vijay Kumar had a market investment that reached Rs 12 crores after which they posed as government officials and threatened to arrest him in a money laundering case. The accused threatened to arrest the victim in a money laundering case by impersonating govt officials. (Representative Image) In the latest case of cyber scams, a Bengaluru man working in the tech industry was reportedly duped of Rs 11 crore when fraudsters posing as customs and ED officials threatened to arrest him in a money laundering case. Three people have been arrested in the case. The accused came to know that the victim Vijay Kumar had a market investment of Rs 50 lakhs that had grown to Rs 12 crores, police said. They posed as officials from the police, customs and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and issued threats over alleged money laundering. related stories Scared, the victim shared personal details like his Aadhaar, PAN Card and KYC information to the accused, who siphoned funds into nine bank accounts over months, according to a report by India Today. They claimed it was part of government procedures to clear his name in the money laundering case. Realising the trap, the victim lodged a complaint to the Crime Police. A later investigation revealed that Rs 7.5 crore was traced to a single account in Allahabad. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The money trail led the police to Surat, where they found out that one of the accused Dhaval Shah, had used the money to purchase gold. Shah confessed to police that he had acted on instructions from a Dubai-based fraudster, earning a Rs 1.5 crore commission for arranging the purchase of gold, which was handed to an unidentified person referred to as Neel Bhai". Two others Tarun Natani and Karan- were arrested alongside Shah and further investigation is underway under relevant sections of the IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). First Published: January 19, 2025, 18:30 IST Class Four Student Dies After Falling From Swing In Odisha's Jajpur Last Updated: January 18, 2025, 23:29 IST The deceased boy was identified as Soumyaranjan Sahu of Bagapatia Upper Primary school under Danagadi block Soumyaranjan's family and locals blamed carelessness of the teachers for his death. (Representational file image via AP) A class 4 student died after falling off a swing on the school premises in Odishas Jajpur district on Saturday, police said. The deceased boy was identified as Soumyaranjan Sahu of Bagapatia Upper Primary school under Danagadi block. related stories The 10-year-old boy was playing on a swing with some of his friends during school hours when he suddenly fell and sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival, police said. Soumyaranjans family and locals blamed carelessness of the teachers for his death. They allegedly detained the teachers after the incident and demanded strict action against them, police added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bagapatia Upper Primary School has 72 students and five teachers including the headmaster, official sources said. This is an unfortunate incident. We cannot compensate for the irreparable loss. However, we will certainly advise all the schools in the block to take necessary precautions to avoid such accidents during school hours," said Subhranshu Puhan, block education officer of Dangdi. Location : Odisha (Orissa), India First Published: January 18, 2025, 23:23 IST 'Consider It My Good Fortune': Rajnath Singh Visits Maha Kumbh, Takes Holy Dip At Sangam Published By : & PTI Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 15:24 IST The Defence Minister first took a dip at the holy Sangam -- the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers -- amid the chanting of mantras. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh | File Image/ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Saturday and said it is a spiritual and cultural mega festival of Indianness," a statement from the Uttar Pradesh government read. Singh, accompanied by BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, was welcomed at Bamrauli Airport by Uttar Pradesh Minister Nand Gopal Gupta. related stories The Defence Minister first took a dip at the holy Sangam the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers amid the chanting of mantras. They also sipped the waters of the Ganga and offered prayers to Lord Surya, the statement added. I consider it my good fortune to have taken a bath in the Prayagraj Sangam today. This is a spiritual and cultural mega festival of Indianness. It should not be seen in association with any sect, community, or religion. If anyone wants to understand India and Indianness, they should come and see the Maha Kumbh," Singh remarked. The Defence Minister is also scheduled to meet with Army officials to discuss security arrangements for the Maha Kumbh, the statement added. After landing at VIP Ghat from the Sangam, he visited and worshipped at Chhatra Akshayvat in the Akshayvat Corridor. He then visited the Patalpuri Temple and Saraswati Koop. Singh visited Bade Hanuman Ji Temple, where he performed special prayers, the statement added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Defence Minister also inquired about the well-being of the temple priest and asked about the arrangements made for the Maha Kumbh. Additionally, he sought information about the security measures in place, given concerns over potential terrorist threats and rumours about a bomb being found at the Maha Kumbh, the statement said. Location : Prayagraj, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 15:24 IST Delhi Man, Out To Distribute His Feb 14 Wedding Cards, Charred To Death After Car Catches Fire Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 14:50 IST The man was set to get married on February 14 and was out to distribute his wedding cards when the unfortunate incident took place in the national capital. Delhi man burnt to death while going to distribute wedding cards (PTI Image) In a tragic incident, a man, who was out to distribute invitation cards for his wedding, was charred to death after his car caught fire in the national capital on Saturday night, the police said. The mishap took place near Baba Banquet Hall in Ghazipur where he was burnt to death inside the car. related stories A resident of Nawada, Anil was set to get married on February 14. The visuals from the spot showed a Wagon R burning to ashes. The cause of the fire is yet not known. VIDEO | Car catches fire on Delhi-Meerut expressway near Ghazipur. More details awaited.(Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/pV1yCMLGcl Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 17, 2025 How Did The Family React? Anils elder brother Sumit said that he had gone out to distribute his wedding invitation cards in the afternoon, and when he did not return until evening, the family attempted to reach out to him on the phone which turned out to be switched off. He further said that the police rang up the family late in the evening by 11.30 pm, informing that Anil was in the hospital after meeting an accident. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Anils brother-in-law Yogesh said that both of them worked together and Anil was to get married to his sister on February 14. We do not know so far how the car caught fire," he said. The deceaseds body was sent for post-mortem. Further investigation in the incident is underway. First Published: January 19, 2025, 14:50 IST Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal Accepts Medical Help | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 13:07 IST Jagjit Singh Dallewal was administered glucose and other necessary components via drip from midnight (January 19) Jagjit Singh Dallewal being given medical help. Following an invite from the central government for talks in Chandigarh on February 14, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, farmer leader and state president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur), who had been on a fast unto death since November 26, agreed to take medical assistance. Accordingly, he was administered glucose and other necessary components via drip from midnight (January 19). Earlier, a delegation of officials from the centre, led by Priya Ranjan, joint secretary, union agriculture ministry, held meetings with Dallewal and representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), who had been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border (Shambhu and Khannauri, district Patiala) since February 13, 2024. related stories Subsequently, a letter was handed over, which extended an invite to SKM NP and KMM for a meeting at 5 pm on February 14 at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration in Sector 26, Chandigarh, to continue the talks which had been held last on February 15, 2024. The letter urged Dallewal to end his hunger strike and participate in talks. WHAT THE SUPREME COURT SAID The Supreme Court had on Wednesday asked the Punjab government for a copy of the health reports of Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast, to be examined for an opinion from the medical board of AIIMS. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh wondered how a person, who had been on fast for nearly 50 days had his health parameters improving and asked the Punjab government chief secretary to submit Dallewals test reports during the course of the day with apex court registrar. It directed the apex court registrar to communicate the reports to the AIIMS director for an opinion on Dallewals test reports from the medical board. The top court also noted the Punjab governments submission that authorities are in deliberations with the protesting farmers and they are hopeful of a solution. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Punjab government, said some progress has been made in connection with the shifting of Dallewal to a makeshift hospital, which has now been set up 10 metres from the protest site. Sibal also informed the bench that representatives of the central government are also meeting the protesting farmers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dallewal is the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) (non-political). Farmers, under the banners of SKM and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 last year, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. With PTI Inputs First Published: January 19, 2025, 13:05 IST The case for buying stock in gas pipeline company Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) in the near to medium term is powerful, not least because of its 4% dividend yield and sustainable cash flows. Still, should investors commit to the stock strategically for the long term or take a more flexible tactical approach? Here's the lowdown. Kinder Morgan stock Kinder Morgan is one of North America's largest energy infrastructure companies and is responsible for transporting 40% of natural gas produced in the U.S. It also transports petroleum products, crude oil, and carbon dioxide and produces renewable natural gas (RNG). The key to its earnings is natural gas transmission and storage. For example, 64% of its cash flows come from natural gas, with 88% of that figure coming from transportation and storage on its 82,000 miles of pipelines and 139 terminals. Energy companies are typically highly cyclical and correlated to energy prices. That said, Kinder Morgan ties its customers into long-term contracts, with 68% of its earnings coming from take-or-pay and hedged contracts (volumes and price are fixed in the contract) and a further 27% on fee-based contracts (price is fixed while volumes are variable), and only 5% on commodity-price contracts. The relative stability of its earnings and cash flow is essential for long term planning to invest in infrastructure like pipelines. A new pipe requires significant upfront outlays and often requires debt (Kinder Morgan had net debt of $31.5 billion at the end of 2023). Being able to do this and sustain a dividend is a challenge. As you can see below, the company's free cash flow per share has easily covered its dividend per share in recent years. A shift in sentiment As outlined above, there's a powerful case for Kinder Morgan offering investors a relatively stable stream of cash flows and dividends, and it's been somewhat strengthened this year by a couple of factors. First is the election of a more pro-energy administration with President Trump seemingly set to encourage fossil fuel production. The second is a growing realization that renewable energy's cost, complexity, and intermittency will slow the clean energy transition pace to levels below those envisaged by many investors. As such, investors need to upgrade their models and assumptions for long-term cash flows from energy companies and gas volumes transmitted through Kinder Morgan pipelines. Image source: Getty Images. A stock to buy for the long term? Kinder Morgan's management cites research estimating that U.S. gas demand will increase by 19% from 2023 to 2030, with LNG and Mexican exports rising by 92% over the same period. The increase in U.S. natural gas demand forecast implies low-single-digit growth, creating a positive trading environment for a company that has recently invested in acquisitions. In addition, the take-or-pay and fee-based contracts give relative stability so that Kinder Morgan can continue to generate healthy earnings even if energy prices fall. In 2025s First Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi Calls Maha Kumbh Symbol Of Unity, Pays Tribute To Netaji Subhas Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 11:46 IST PM Modi on Sunday addressed first episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2025 and touched upon various topics, including Maha Kumbh and Republic Day celebrations this month. PM Modi addressed 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat (Photo: YouTube/Narendra Modi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, stating that it is a symbol of unity in diversity", and lauded the youths for taking part in the historic religious event in large numbers. It is true that when the young generation proudly joins its civilization, then its roots become stronger and its golden future is assured," PM Modi said in the first Mann Ki Baat of 2025 and 118th episode overall. related stories The Prime Ministers monthly radio show is aired on the last Sunday of every month, however, it was put on air on the third Sunday this month due to the celebration of Republic Day which falls on Sunday next week. Tune in to the first #MannKiBaat episode of 2025 as we discuss a wide range of topics. https://t.co/pTRiFkvi5V Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2025 PM Modi On Maha Kumbh The Prime Minister termed the Kumbh Mela as the festival of unity in diversity". The Maha Kumbh has commenced in Prayagraj. An Unforgettable sea of humanity, incredible visuals, and an extraordinary confluence of equality and harmony. This time, many a divine alignment is also converging at the Kumbh. This festival of Kumbh celebrates the festival of unity in diversity," he said. He highlighted how Indian traditions bind the whole country together. The Kumbh event also tells us how our traditions bind the whole of India together. The ways of adhering to the beliefs are the same from north to south. On the one hand, the Kumbh is organized at Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nasik, and Haridwar; on the other, in the southern part, Pushkaram is organized on the banks of Godavari, Krishna, Narmada and Kaveri rivers," he said. The Prime Minister underlined the extensive digital use in the organisation of the Kumbh Mela this time. This time we are also witnessing the digital footprints of the Kumbh on such a large scale. This global popularity of the Kumbh is a matter of pride for every India," he said. PM Modi On Republic Day Celebrations I wish all countrymen a happy republic day in advance," PM Modi said. PM Modi paid tributes to all the members of the Constituent Assembly ahead of the 75th Republic Day celebrations. This Republic Day is very special. This is the 75th anniversary of the Republic of India. This year marks 75 years of the implementation of the Constitution of India. I bow to all those great personalities of the Constituent Assembly, who gave us our sacred Constitution," he said. The Prime Minister played out the voice clips of various members of the Constituent Assembly and said that the people of the country should draw inspiration from them. PM Modi On Election Commission PM Modi thanked the Election Commission for modernising and strengthening the countrys voting process over a period of time. A day before Republic Day, the 25th of January is National Voters Day. This day is important because on this day the Election Commission of India was established. Our constitution makers have accorded a very important place to our Election Commission in the Constitution and equally to peoples participation in democracy," PM Modi said. I would also like to thank the Election Commission, which has modernized and strengthened our voting process from time to time. The Commission has used the power of technology to give more power to the power of the people," he added. PM Modi Pays Tribute To Subhas Chandra Bose PM Modi recalled the bravery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose ahead of his birth anniversary on January 23, celebrated as Parakram Diwas, and urged the youths to know more about him and derive inspiration from the freedom fighter. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Imagine a scene for a moment. It is January in Kolkata. The Second World War is at its peak and anger against the British is at its peak in India. Because of this, policemen are deployed at every nook and corner of the city. The police presence is more vigilant around a house in the middle of Kolkata. Meanwhile, a man wearing a long brown coat, pants and a black hat comes out of a bungalow in the dark of the night in a car. Crossing several heavily guarded checkpoints, he reaches a railway station called Gomo. This station is now in Jharkhand. From here, he catches a train and moves on. After this, he reaches Europe via Afghanistan and all that happens despite the impenetrable fortifications of the British rule," he said. This story may seem like a film scene to you. You may be wondering what kind of mettle this person embodied, to display such courage! Actually, this person was none other than our countrys great personality, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. We now celebrate the 23rd of January, his birth anniversary, as Parakram Diwas. This saga related to his bravery also gives a glimpse of his Parakram," PM Modi added. First Published: January 19, 2025, 11:17 IST Gujarat Teen Ends Pregnancy At Home, Throws Foetus Near Drain; Minor Lover Detained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 09:02 IST Soon after the matter came to light, the foetus, a girl's, was rushed to a hospital but the doctors declared it dead. The girl terminated the pregnancy at home. (Representative image) In a shocking incident in Gujarats Surat, a minor girl, who was impregnated by her 17-year-old social media friend, terminated her pregnancy and and threw the foetus near a drain to get rid of it. This incident is said to have taken place on January 9, according to a report in NDTV. The foetus was later recovered from near a drain when carrion-eating birds were hovering over it. Lying among garbage, the foetus was spotted by a group of children who then raised an alarm upon realising that theres a body. Subsequently, the police were called in. related stories Soon after the matter came to light, the foetus, a girls, was rushed to a hospital but the doctors declared it dead. This prompted police to launch an investigation into the matter. The search led them to the doorstep of a 16-year-old girl. NDTV, citing Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone 4 Vijay Singh Gurjar, reported that initially the girls family denied any wrongdoings. The girl was later taken for medical examination by police where a doctor confirmed that she had been pregnant. It was learnt that the girl had attended school till January 3. During probe it was revealed that the girl had met the 17-year-old boy on Instagram and they became friends. The boy, a resident Pandesara area in Surat, had physical relations with the girl due to which the girl became pregnant, NDTV, quoting police, reported. The police said that upon learning about the minors pregnancy, the boy fled to his home in Uttar Pradesh and then to Mumbai, from where he sent her packet of tablets to end the pregnancy. The girl then consumed two tablets and had a miscarriage at home and later, she threw the foetus away, the girl told the police. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, police have taken their (boy and girl) DNA samples and an investigation is ongoing. The boy has been detained and will be produced before a Juvenile Justice Board. More details are awaited. Location : Surat, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 09:02 IST Kerala Lottery Results 19 January, 2025: Akshaya AK-686 Winners Announced; Here's Full List! Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 22, 2025, 09:08 IST Kerala Lottery Results: Here's full list of winning numbers for Akshaya AK-686 lucky draw for Sunday, January 19, 2025. Kerala Lottery Akshaya AK-686 Results: The first prize winner of Akshaya AK-686 will get Rs 70 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock) KERALA LOTTERY AKSHAYA AK-686 RESULT ON SUNDAY, 19.1.2025, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Win-Win W-805 lottery for Monday, 20 January. The participant with ticket number AX 278750 has won the first prize of Rs 75 lakh. The jackpot-winning ticket was sold at Attingal. Ticket number AS 706450, sold at Thirur, has won the second prize of Rs 5 lakh. The winners of the third prize will each get Rs 1 lakh. Here is the full list of winning numbers for Monday, 20 January 2023. ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results: Fifty Fifty FF-126 Winners For 22 January, 2025; First Prize Rs 1 Crore! related stories FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR AKSHAYA AK-686 LOTTERY WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKH IS AX 278750 (ATTINGAL) Agent Name: GEETHA DEVI WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKH IS AS 706450 (THIRUR) Agent Name: P VIJAYARAGHAVAN Agency No.: M 195 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKH ARE AN 529704 (IRINJALAKUDA) AO 852180 (IDUKKI) AP 126229 (GURUVAYOOR) AR 819128 (PATHANAMTHITTA) AS 555275 (MALAPPURAM) AT 338102 (THIRUR) AU 696915 (IRINJALAKUDA) AV 541090 (IDUKKI) AW 557098 (KOTTAYAM) AX 966022 (PUNALUR) AY 699565 (PAYYANUR) AZ 758912 (THRISSUR) WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE AN 278750 AO 278750 AP 278750 AR 278750 AS 278750 AT 278750 AU 278750 AV 278750 AW 278750 AY 278750 AZ 278750 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE 0721 2270 2380 2900 3183 3262 4170 4931 6617 6734 7053 7103 7759 7816 9027 9567 9635 9839 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE 0260 0276 1719 5669 5997 6350 6755 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE 0018 0050 0550 0709 0903 0938 1196 1935 1994 2820 3117 4318 4648 5290 5736 6039 6256 6346 7013 7108 7399 8008 9175 9355 9613 9712 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE 0012 0284 0579 0594 0855 0917 0937 0995 1165 1168 1410 1517 1610 1895 2090 2296 2429 2433 2499 2651 3034 3290 3354 3462 3483 3738 3840 3900 4090 4204 4393 4474 4500 4514 4582 4624 4837 4858 4907 5044 5124 5320 5351 6154 6290 6422 6678 6910 6987 7060 7190 7274 7309 7360 7414 7422 7466 7521 7780 7861 8170 8236 8709 8842 8967 9130 9198 9235 9721 9732 9738 9808 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE 0087 0098 0159 0601 0639 0761 0843 0869 0992 1025 1160 1247 1268 1317 1328 1381 1515 1519 1594 1777 1822 1880 1952 1967 2001 2125 2229 2302 2381 2449 2526 2726 2728 2766 2780 2943 3022 3063 3079 3166 3172 3226 3330 3457 3651 3707 3718 3808 3880 4121 4124 4150 4161 4166 4385 4528 4556 4797 4843 4924 5193 5278 5307 5425 5431 5571 5677 5795 5899 5940 6174 6201 6314 6444 6521 6558 6692 6745 6802 6804 6936 7009 7155 7183 7268 7290 7509 7689 7694 7731 7764 7966 8116 8125 8186 8223 8249 8411 8431 8494 8533 8558 8566 8695 8764 8769 8825 9091 9121 9137 9141 9332 9353 9366 9533 9584 9590 9605 9611 9678 9692 9869 9881 HOW TO VERIFY AKSHAY AK-686 LOTTERY RESULTS? Visit the official website at www.keralalottery.info to verify the results and winning numbers for the Akshaya AK-686 lottery. The results can also be accessed at the Kerala Government Gazette Office. HOW TO COLLECT YOUR PRIZE MONEY? Cross-check the numbers on your ticket with those listed in the Kerala Government Gazette to confirm if youve won. If your ticket number matches any of the announced winning numbers, you are eligible to claim your prize. Winners must visit the Kerala Lottery offices in Thiruvananthapuram within 30 days of the draw to collect their prize. Ensure you bring the winning ticket along with valid identification for prize verification and collection. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY? A self-attested photocopy of the winning ticket, signed on both sides, is required. Submit two passport-sized photographs, verified and signed by a Gazette official. Provide an additional copy of the participants PAN card. Complete the online prize claim form, attach a revenue stamp, and submit it. Present valid identification documents such as Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN card, ration card, or similar. HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS? Access the official Kerala Lottery websites, keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net. Click on the link to view the Akshaya Lottery Result AK-686. The winning numbers will be displayed on the screen. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Look for the download option on the website. Download the PDF file to access the complete lottery results. Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India First Published: January 19, 2025, 09:00 IST Kumbh Melas IIT Baba Expelled From Juna Akhara: Heres All You Need To Know Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: January 20, 2025, 10:59 IST The actions of Abhay Singh [IIT Baba] violate the sacred guru-shishya (master-disciple) tradition and the core principles of sanyas, said Mahant Hari Giri, chief patron of Juna Akhara Abhay Singh or IIT Baba gained widespread attention at the Kumbh. (News18) Among the most popular figures at Prayagrajs Maha Kumbh 2025, Abhay Singh, an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay graduate who became popular as the IIT Baba", has been expelled from the Juna Akhara for breaching its code of discipline. His removal came after allegations of using abusive language against his guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri. A former aerospace engineer from IIT-B-turned-saint, who was a rising spiritual figure with over one lakh Instagram followers, gained widespread attention at the Kumbh, particularly after a viral interview highlighted his journey from a successful engineering career to spirituality. related stories THE EXPULSION Singh is now banned from entering the akhara camp and its surroundings, with the Akhara emphasising that devotion to ones guru and discipline are fundamental tenets of sanyas. The actions of Abhay Singh violate the sacred guru-shishya (master-disciple) tradition and the core principles of sanyas. Disrespecting ones guru is a profound disregard for Sanatan Dharma and the values upheld by the akhara," said Mahant Hari Giri, chief patron of Juna Akhara. Singh also violated the rules of the akhara by speaking against fellow seers. Hari Giri added, Based on this violation, the akharas disciplinary committee recommended his expulsion." Singh will remain barred until he demonstrates respect and discipline. WHO IS ABHAY SINGH ALIAS IIT BABA? Singh is an aerospace engineering graduate from IIT Bombay (2008-2012 batch) who left behind a promising career to embrace spirituality. Hailing from Sasarouli village in Haryana, he initially pursued a traditional academic path, excelling in his studies and later working in Canada with an annual package of Rs 36 lakh. However, his quest for deeper meaning in life led him to explore Sanskrit, philosophy, and spirituality, culminating in his decision to renounce worldly pleasures and become a saint. At the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Singhs story gained widespread attention, amplified by a viral interview that turned him into an overnight sensation. CONTROVERSIES GALORE Singhs rise to fame was not without challenges. While his decision to follow spirituality inspired many, his actions within the Juna Akhara led to his expulsion. His controversial social media posts, including a video where he referred to his father as Hiranyakashyap" and his guru as pagal" (mad), drew criticism. The Juna Akhara disciplinary committee found his behaviour in violation of the principles of Sanyas, resulting in a ban on his participation in their camp. Despite the controversies, Singhs journey remains a compelling tale of self-discovery and the quest for inner truth, resonating with many who seek purpose beyond material success. HIS IIT JEE RANK Singh reportedly scored AIR 731 in the IIT JEE 2008 exam, although his rank remains unverified. Media reports highlight his admission to IIT Bombay, a premier choice for top JEE rankers. In 2024, the institute continued its dominance, attracting 72 of the top 100 JEE (Advanced) rankers. Data from IIT Madras revealed that among the top 500 rankers, 179 chose IIT Bombay, followed by 109 selecting IIT Delhi and 69 opting for IIT Madras. FATHERS MIXED EMOTIONS Singhs father Karn expressed his emotions over his sons decision to embrace spirituality. A practising lawyer and former president of the Jhajjar Bar Association, Karn revealed that he first learned about Singhs spiritual transformation through social media. Despite being proud of Singhs academic brilliance, he admitted feeling disheartened by his departure from a promising career to adopt a monastic lifestyle. Karn believes Singh may have a larger purpose in spreading a spiritual message but remains deeply affected by his absence. HINTS OF SPIRITUAL INCLINATION Karn said that Abhays spiritual leanings became evident during a visit to a naturopathy centre in Bhiwani after returning from Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Doctors noted his interest in meditation and philosophy, marking the start of his journey away from worldly pursuits. COMMUNICATION BARRIERS Singhs family struggles with limited communication. Karn mentioned that Singh preferred texting over calls to avoid detailed discussions, especially regarding marriage. For the past six months, Singh has blocked all family members, leaving them reliant on social media updates to learn about his life. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ABHAY WILL RETURN HOME ONE DAY Singhs father, while highlighting his disciplined nature and dedication to studies, said despite their heartbreak, the family has chosen not to pressure Singh, respecting his resolute personality. However, he said that the family continues to hope for reconciliation, holding onto the belief that Abhay will return home one day. First Published: January 19, 2025, 17:55 IST Life Imprisonment or Death Penalty? Court To Decide Sentence For RG Kar Rape-Murder Convict Sanjay Roy Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 18:47 IST A Kolkata court will on Monday pronounce the quantum of punishment of Sanjay Roy, convicted of raping and murdering an onduty doctor at the staterun R G Kar Medical College and Hospital here. Sanjay Roy, who was a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was found guilty of the brutal rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at R G Kar Hospital in Kolkata. A Kolkata court will on Monday pronounce the quantum of punishment of Sanjay Roy, convicted of raping and murdering an on-duty doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital here. The charges under which Roy has been convicted entail a minimum sentence of life imprisonment, while the maximum can be capital punishment. related stories Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das, Sealdah court, had on Saturday declared Roy guilty of rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee at the hospital on August 9 last year. The gruesome crime had led to nationwide outrage and prolonged protests. Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was arrested on August 10, 2024, a day after the 31-year-old medics body was found in the seminar room of the hospital. Found guilty of sexually assaulting the doctor and throttling her to death, Roy was convicted on Saturday by the judge under Sections 64, 66 and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 64 (rape) of the BNS entails a punishment of not less than 10 years and can go up to life term. Section 66 (punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim) provides for punishment of not less than 20 years that may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that persons natural life, or with death. Section 103(1) (murder) of BNS provides for death penalty or imprisonment for life to a person convicted of the crime. The judge said the over 160-page judgement, 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. Das said that he has, in the judgement, criticised some activities of the police authority as well as the hospital authority. The investigation into the case was transferred from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Calcutta High Court. The judge said that Roys statement will be heard at 12:30 pm on Monday, and the sentence will be pronounced thereafter. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At the time of delivery of the verdict on Saturday, Roy claimed in court that he had been framed. The parents of the deceased doctor have expressed gratitude to the court for delivering justice. First Published: January 19, 2025, 18:47 IST Traffic Cop Kicks, Slaps Man In Madhya Pradesh For Standing Near Governor's Convoy | Video Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 16:14 IST In the viral video, the constable was seen rushing towards the man without any apparent provocation and assaulting him in full public view. An investigation has been ordered in the matter. The traffic cop assaulted the man in full public view for standing near Governor's convoy. (Photo: X) In a shocking display of public aggression, a traffic police officer was caught on camera brutally assaulting a man for standing near the Governors convoy. The viral video shows the traffic cop rushing up to the man, shoving him to the ground, before kicking and slapping him. The incident occurred at Anand Nagar intersection, where Governor Mangubhai Patels convoy was passing through. The man was seen standing near the convoy, which drew the ire of the traffic police. The constable rushed towards the man without any apparent provocation and assaulted him in full public view. related stories The video spread like wildfire on social media, prompting police to order a thorough investigation. Additional DCP Vikram Raghuvanshi told NDTV that no person is allowed near the Governors convoy, which has Z+ security, due to the risk of accidents. He also said the individual approached the convoy despite being warned by the police. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It was the convoy of His Excellency the Governor, who has Z+ security. The motorcade moves at high speed, and despite being warned by the police, the individual still approached the convoy. You are unidentified why are you going near the convoy? An investigation has been ordered into this matter," Raghuvanshi was quoted as saying. The DCP has directed an ACP-level officer to conduct the inquiry. They have retrieved video footage and started recording statements. Investigations take time, but the facts will eventually come to light," he added. Location : Bhopal, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 16:14 IST Cylinder Blast, 6 Tents Gutted, 1 Injured: All We Know About Maha Kumbh Mela Fire Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 22:49 IST Mahakumbh Mela Fire: The fire initially erupted at 4:30 pm in sector 19 in the tent of Gita Press and spread to nearby six tents. Maha Kumbh Mela Fire | PTI Image Mahakumbh Mela Fire: One person sustained injuries after a massive fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj following the blast of two gas cylinders in the Sector 19 campsite area, said officials. Several fire tenders reached the site immediately as they were already kept ready in the parking zone as part of the Uttar Pradesh governments safety arrangements for the Maha Kumbh Mela. related stories We received information about a cylinder explosion. People were evacuated and the fire was extinguished. There are no reports of any casualties. We have been told that 2 cylinders have exploded, but the investigation is being done," said ADG Bhanu Bhaskar. #WATCH | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: The fire that broke out in #MahaKumbhMela2025 has been brought under control. No causality has been reported. Police, fire administration and SDRF are present at the spot pic.twitter.com/YjvMkuoYxB ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025 District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said that the fire initially erupted at 4:30 pm in sector 19 in the tent of Gita Press and spread to nearby six tents. The police and administration team reached the spot. The fire has been extinguished. There is no information on any casualty. The situation is under control," he added. One Injured, Rushed To Hospital During the chaos after the fire incident, a person, identified as Jaspreet, sustained injuries in his legs, said officials, adding that he was rushed to Swaroop Rani Hospital in Prayagraj after primary check up at a health camp in Maha Kumbh. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak informed that a team of officials from the government and the health department are present at the site to extend assistance to saints and devotees at Maha Kumbh. The government is also keeping a close watch on the entire incident. The situation is completely under control," he said in a post on X in Hindi. PM Modi Dials CM Yogi Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after the fire incident at Maha Kumbh Mela and sought information about the ground situation. Earlier, CM Yogi reached the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and took cognisance of the fire incident. He also inspected the firefighting operation. Senior officials were deployed to the site on his instructions, according to the CMO. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The grand Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced on January 13, aligning with the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima. To date, over 7.72 crore devotees have participated in this sacred Hindu festival by taking a holy dip in the waters. On Sunday alone, more than 46.95 lakh devotees performed the snan (holy dip), according to official reports. Location : Uttar Pradesh, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 18:16 IST Hot Wheels At Maha Kumbh: From Vintage Rolls-Royce To Saffron Audi, Sadhus Turn Heads In Luxury Cars Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 15:04 IST The high-end and unique cars, ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 20 crore, mostly belong to older saints from prominent akharas and were spotted during the 'peshwai', when the akharas arrive at the Maha Kumbh Mahamandaleshwar Pavitranand Giri of the Juna Akhara arrived in a 1965 model Rolls-Royce during the 'peshwai' at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. (Image: News18) Spirituality has hit the top gear at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. From a classic 1965 Rolls-Royce to a high-end and sleek Audi Q7 or Mercedes Benz, and even robust Range Rovers and Defenders ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 20 crore older sadhus from prominent akharas are embracing luxury on wheels. These plush cars are not only making heads turn on the checkered, metal-lined temporary lanes of the mela grounds, but have given a touch of sophistication to one of Indias most revered festivals. related stories Social media is abuzz with reels and videos showcasing interesting tidbits of the festival, from striking looks by sadhus and unique appearances to controversies and statements. But, the saints and akharas are reluctant to come on record about their luxury rides and fancy lifestyle. A majority of the saints in the akharas claimed that most of the luxury vehicles belonged to their seniors, holding the post of peetadheeshwars, maha mandaleshwars, mahants, and mandaleshwars. Only some, it seems, are owned by their disciples. THE VIP ROADS OF MAHA KUMBH Although these luxury vehicles can be spotted zipping across the mela grounds and its 25 sectors, most are visible on Triveni Marg and Kali Marg in Sector 20 that happen to be the VIP" streets of the tent city. The vehicles first caught attention during the peshwai the grand procession that marks the arrival of the akharas at the Maha Kumbh. This ceremonial spectacle features cars, chariots, elephants, horses, acrobatics and martial arts. During the procession, the largest akhara, Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, and the Kinnar Akhara were the first to lead. Mahamandaleshwar Pavitranand Giri of the Juna Akhara arrived in a 1965 model Rolls-Royce, while Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of the Kinnar Akhara sat on a large silver throne during the Devtva Yatra. Indeed, it was a grand entry, which was something beyond imagination at a religious event like kumbh," said Sudhanshu Shukla, a college student from Delhi. VANITY VANS, 2 ROLLS-ROYCE CARS WORTH CRORES Other than the vintage Rolls-Royce, the procession had other high-end cars like Audi Q7, Mercedes Benz, Range Rover and Defender. Apart from these, there were countless other SUVs including Scorpio, Safari, Creta and Fortuner. Though some of the saints associated with the akharas said some of these vehicles are on rent as high as Rs 5,00,000 for a day the remaining ones are owned by priests and sadhus. They said Swami Vasudevanand, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, owns two Rolls-Royce cars worth Rs 20 crore that were also a part of his peshwai. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, head of Tulsi Peeth, has a saffron-coloured Audi worth more than Rs 50 lakh at his camp. The Shri Panch Agni Akhara boasts of a Land Rover Defender, while a striking black Mercedes at the Niranjani Akhara draws significant attention. Other than these cars, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati arrived in a vanity van worth over Rs 1.5 crore, which has reportedly been gifted by an industrialist. It once belonged to his late guru, Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati. Besides, the sprawling tent city also showcases vehicles like Scorpios, Boleros, and Thars, ensuring convenience for saints, pilgrims, and tourists. A majority of sadhus seem to opt for either white or saffron for their vehicles. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Most vehicles sport wide nameplates, proudly announcing the posts of the sadhus or the organisations to which they belong. They can be spotted throughout the day near the camps, especially in the mornings and evenings when the sadhus meet visitors and disciples alike. But, amid the ongoing influx of devotees, the presence of luxury cars like Rolls-Royce, Audis, and Land Rovers continues to elevate the allure of the Maha Kumbh. These cars add a modern touch to age-old traditions, captivating visitors and enhancing the grandeur of this gathering. Location : Prayagraj, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 15:04 IST PM Modi's Next Podcast In February, This Time With Lex Fridman From US | Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 11:11 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his podcast debut with Nikhil Kamath earlier this month. A US podcaster said that he will visit India to interview PM Modi in February. Lex Fridman to conduct podcast with PM Modi (Photo: Instagram/lexfridman, PTI) Lex Fridman, a podcaster in the United States, who is also a renowned AI researcher, said on Sunday that he will visit India next month and do a podcast with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stating that he has never been to India and the February trip would be his first, the podcaster said that he is excited to experience the countrys historic culture and its people. related stories I will be doing a podcast with Narendra Modi (@narendramodi), Prime Minister of India, at the end of February. Ive never been to India, so Im excited to finally visit and experience many facets of its vibrant, historic culture and its amazing people as fully as I can," Fridman posted on X. I will be doing a podcast with Narendra Modi (@narendramodi), Prime Minister of India, at the end of February.Ive never been to India, so Im excited to finally visit and experience many facets of its vibrant, historic culture and its amazing people as fully as I can. Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) January 18, 2025 Fridman is expected to explore a range of topics with PM Modi, including Indias growing digital strength, artificial intelligence, and its influence on the global stage. PM Modis initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India and growth of AI in the country are likely to be the points of the podcast, according to news agency IANS. The US podcaster has so far hosted various towering personalities from all walks of life, including science, sports, and politics. US President-elect Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are among some famous personalities who have featured in his podcasts so far. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Fridman has over 4.5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. The Prime Minister had made his podcast debut this month with Nikhil Kamath. In his podcast, discussions were held on his life, and political life among other topics. First Published: January 19, 2025, 10:35 IST Foreign Link To Be Checked: Mumbai Court Sends Saif Ali Khans Attacker To 5-Day Police Custody Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 15:01 IST Shafiqul Islam (30) was arrested from Thane district in the wee hours of Sunday. Saif Ali Khans Attacker Arrested (Image: CNN-News18, PTI) The accused in Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan attack case, Shafiqul Islam, has been remanded to 5-day police custody by a court in Mumbais Bandra. The accused will remain under police custody till January 24. This comes after the Mumbai Police, investigating the case, sought his 14-day custody. Shafiqul Islam (30) was arrested from Thane district in the wee hours of Sunday. related stories The Mumbai Police told court that the Islam was a Bangladeshi national and there was need to find the motive behind the heinous crime. Police also told court they needed to find out if there was an international conspiracy linked to the case. Accepting the polices contention after perusing documents on record, the court said the prosecutions submission of international conspiracy cannot be said to be impossible". Satisfied By Polices Demand Of Accuseds Custody: Court While passing the order, the Bandra Holiday Court observed that the demand of accuseds police custody is justified as it is an early stage of investigation." The court ruled, We are satisfied by the demand of Mumbai Police. The accused has entered inside the residence of a celebrity and attacked him. The police need to recover the clothes worn by him on that day. Hence, custodial interrogation is required. The police also needs to recover the knife that was used by the accused. The learned defence council has said that no notice was given to the accused U/S43A of the BNS." The court added, After having considered the submission of the defence and the prosecution i find that they are well founded allegations. The investigation is at early stage. The accused has been arrested earlier today. The police therefore are justified in asking sufficient period for an investigation." Accused Arrested From Thane Earlier in the day, Mumbai Police identified the attacker as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national who is accused of entering India illegally and changing his name. Shafiqul Islam, was apprehended in the Labour Camp area of adjoining Thane city. As per preliminary probe, he had entered the Bollywood stars home, in Satguru Sharan building in Bandra, in the early hours of January 16 with the intention of robbery, police said while addressing a press conference earlier in the day. Police revealed that that he had been working as housekeeping staff at Rickys bar in Thane and used the different names to avoid detection Saif Attacked Multiple Times top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 Lilavati Hospital for treatment where a 2.5-inch piece of the blade was removed from his spine after a five-hour-long surgery. First Published: January 19, 2025, 14:37 IST (Reuters) -The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday said Digital Currency Group Inc. and the CEO of its now-defunct subsidiary Genesis Global Capital LLC have agreed to pay a combined $38.5 million in civil penalties to settle charges they misled investors about Genesis's financial condition. Regulators found that DCG and Genesis chief Soichoro Moro downplayed the impact of a mid-2022 default by one of its largest borrowers, Three Arrow Capital, the SEC said in a statement. The SEC said Moro made false or misleading statements on Twitter, now known as X, by characterizing Genesiss balance sheet as strong. Other executives retweeted some of those statements. Neither the firm nor Moro admitted or denied the SEC's findings. Moro's lawyer said in a statement, the executive is pleased to put the matter behind him. "Mr. Moro helped guide Genesis through a period of extreme market volatility and, working with the DCG and Genesis teams, sought to provide truthful and accurate updates about the company along the way," his lawyer Marcus Asner said in the statement. "Genesis met all withdrawal requests and continued to do so for many months after Mr. Moro left Genesis in August 2022." A DCG spokesperson said in a statement that the firm is pleased to have concluded the matter, which was limited in its findings to social media posts by a former executive of the Genesis subsidiary. "DCG has always strived to conduct its business with the highest integrity, and we believe our actions related to Genesis were consistent with that approach," the spokesperson said. (Reporting by Chris Prentice; Editing by Louise Heavens and Diane Craft) 17 Deaths In Over 45 Days: Rajouri's 'Mysterious' Illness & Link With Neurotoxins Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 22, 2025, 12:23 IST Rajouri Mysterious Illness: Rajouri's Badhal village has been declared a containment zone. The district administration has prohibited all public and private gatherings in the region as a precautionary measure to 'control the spread of the infection'. Representative Image The Badhal area in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district has been declared a containment zone after 17 people were killed in 45 days due to a mysterious illness. The district administration has prohibited all public and private gatherings in the region as a precautionary measure to control the spread of the infection". Chief Minister Omar Abdullah last week convened a meeting in this regard and directed the health and police authorities to expedite the probe and identify the causes of deaths. related stories The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply concerning. The government is fully committed to uncovering the root cause and ensuring the safety of our people. All departments must collaborate and leave no stone unturned to resolve this issue," Abdullah said in the meeting. An inter-ministerial team, formed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, had also visited Badhal area on Sunday to investigate the unexplained deaths. The team included experts from forensic departments in Chandigarh and Lucknow. Containment Zones In Badhal Containment Zone 1: According to district magistrate order, entry will be strictly prohibited in this area unless authorized by designated officials. Containment Zone 2: Families identified as close contacts of the deceased will be relocated to Rajouri Government Medical College for continuous health monitoring. This area will then be classified in zone 2. Containment Zone 3: To further curb potential spread, the entire Badhal village has been placed under this zone, with staff deployed to monitor and manage food distribution. Police personnel will be stationed to oversee compliance, ensuring that food consumption is logged three times daily for accountability. The DMs order said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating the cause of the deaths, which have sparked concerns about public health in the region. These measures are part of the effort to prevent further fatalities and protect the community from the ongoing threat," the order read. When Did The First Incident Take Place? The first incident was reported on December 7, 2024, after a family of seven people fell ill following a community meal, leading to five deaths. On December 12, a family of nine was affected, causing three fatalities. The third incident was reported a month later on January 12 in which a family of 10 people fell ill after another community meal. Six children were hospitalised in the incident. Ten-year-old Zabeena Kouser died at Jammus SMGS Hospital on Wednesday night. Her 15-year-old sister Yasmeen Kouser was reportedly critical, the officials said. The government has said that it has taken multiple steps to ascertain the root cause of the illness. How Far Has The Investigation Reached? The health department teams have conducted door-to-door surveys of over 3,000 residents in the affected area and collected and tested samples of water, food, and other materials. All test results, including those for influenza and possible contaminants, have come back negative," an official said. He further stated that even advanced testing conducted by leading national institutes, such as ICMR, the National Institute of Virology, the National Centre for Disease Control, CSIR, DRDO, and PGIMER-Chandigarh, was unable to identify a definitive cause of the deaths. According to the police, the deaths were confined to three families living within 1.5 km distance from each other. Further probe is underway to establish any links or causes behind the deaths. The health department has been active in the area for over 40 days since the first death occurred, and provided ambulances and essential services to manage emergencies, the officials said. Jatti Begum, 60, died of unknown causes on Friday is the latest casualty in the series of deaths. Another girl is still battling for her life, they added. The victims are from Badhaal village in the Kotranka sub-division of Rajouri district, where 16 members of three families have died since December last year, including seven fatalities since Sunday. Authorities have sealed three houses belonging to the affected families and relocated 21 close relatives to government accommodations, where they will be kept under strict observation. However, the autopsy reports of the deceased people by CSIR-IITR revealed the presence of neurotoxins. How Did The Locals React? A new graveyard has been established on agricultural land owned by Mohammad Aslam, who tragically lost five children, along with his maternal uncle and aunt, between January 12 and 17. Yasmeena Jan, Aslams only surviving daughter, remains in critical condition. However, no other villagers have reported illness, deepening the mystery, according to the reports. The first fatalities occurred on December 7 when Aslams brother-in-law, Fazal Hussain, and his four children died under suspicious circumstances, initially attributed to food poisoning after attending a wedding. On December 12, Aslams cousin, Mohd Rafiq, lost his pregnant wife and three children. A local said that their fear of death was never as high as it is at the moment. How Did The Politicians React? A BJP delegation visited the village on Thursday to meet the families of the victims and assured them of stringent action if any evidence of foul play is found. Former J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina-led delegation visited Budhal and met the families and consoled them while also assuring them of justice. The tragic loss of precious lives has shattered the whole region and the party stands with the families in this difficult hour," he said. LG Manoj Sinha also spoke to the grieving families and assured them of quick action. The matter is of grave concern. The loss of precious lives has shaken us all emotionally," Raina said, adding the LG administration is taking the issue seriously and examining all possible angles. Health Minister Sakina Masood said that the situation was being monitored on a regular basis. Investigations and sample analyses indicate that the incidents are not due to a communicable disease of bacterial or viral origin and there is no public health angle," she said. What Are Neurotoxins? A neurotoxin is a substance that disrupts the normal function of the nervous system by damaging or impairing nerve cells (neurons). Neurotoxins can affect the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, leading to a variety of symptoms depending on the toxin and its severity. These substances can be produced by natural organisms, such as bacteria, plants, or animals, or can be synthetic chemicals. The health department experts said on Saturday that the deaths in the village were caused by neurotoxins. Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, Dr AS Bhatia said that the deceased people shared a common medical condition brain swelling, or edema, and damage to the nervous system. Dr Bhatia said that the neurotoxins that were found in the samples analysed by top 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Samples from the village were analyzed at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the National Institute of Virology in Pune, and other laboratories. The tests ruled out any communicable disease, as no virus or bacteria were detected. However, the results confirmed the presence of toxins in the analysed samples. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Rajouri, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 13:59 IST Return Home: Father Of Kumbh Mela's IIT Baba Makes Heartfelt Appeal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 07:53 IST Abhay Singh, an IIT Mumbai graduate, rose to prominence at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj after he revealed that he had studied at IIT Mumbai. Abhey Singh spent four years studying aerospace engineering. (Photo Credit/ 'X') The father of IIT Baba, originally known as Abhay Singh who studied at the prestigious institution in Mumbai and is gaining fame at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, has made a heartfelt appeal to his son to return home. Karan Grewal, the father, however, admitted that it might not be possible for Abhay to return to the family after embracing the life of a saint. He also recalled his sons exceptional academics since childhood. related stories IITian Baba Abhay Singh hails from Haryanas Jhajjar district and has become a hot topic of discussion at the Kumbh after he revealed that he is an IIT graduate and has now become a saint. Grewal, a practicing lawyer in the Jhajjar Court, recounted his sons academic brilliance and said that soon after finishing local schools, Abhay prepared for the IIT entrance exam in Delhi and then pursued his studies at IIT Mumbai. Father Shares Last Conversation With Son Speaking to News18, Grewal shared his last conversation with his son six months ago and said that Abhay distanced himself from the family after it. The father expressed his and his familys deep desire for Abhay Singh to return home, however, acknowledged that it might no longer be possible after he embraced sainthood. Abhay Worked In Canada Before Embracing Sainthood top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After graduating from the IIT, he pursued a Masters in Designing and worked with top companies in Delhi and Canada. 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 else, paving the way for his life in spirituality. He eventually returned to India and spent winters traveling to places like Manali, Shimla, and Haridwar. He is a former aerospace engineer who opted to quit his high-paying job in Canada to embrace spirituality. He was found at the Kumbh Mela as part of the Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara. Location : Prayagraj, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 07:53 IST Revolutionizing Fertility: The Future of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in 2025 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 20, 2025, 10:44 IST By 2025, innovations such as lab-on-a-chip technology, automation, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are expected to enhance accessibility, success rates, and affordability of fertility care The girl terminated the pregnancy at home. (Representative image) Advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are reshaping the future of fertility, with breakthroughs like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) paving the way for significant progress. By 2025, innovations such as lab-on-a-chip technology, automation, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are expected to enhance accessibility, success rates, and affordability of fertility care. Emerging trends also focus on personalized treatments, psychological support, and ethical considerations. With predictions that up to 10% of children in some regions may be conceived through IVF, the next decade promises transformative changes in how humans conceive and experience reproductive care. Dr Muskaan Chhabra, IVF Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, says, Steady advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and their implications for human reproduction depicts a promising future of fertility in 2025 and beyond. Driven by the evolving socio-demographic trends, there has been a significant increase in the demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the fast-paced advancements in reproductive technology is further expected to reshape how humans conceive. Over the next decade, we are likely to see significant improvements in IVF success rates, personalized treatments, and ethical considerations surrounding fertility care. It is likely that in the near future, as many as 10% of all children will be conceived through IVF in many parts of the world." related stories As we look ahead, futuristic approaches and technological innovations in the field hold the potential to improve IVF accessibility and success rates, while also reducing its cost and burden of care. Medical advancements like the utilization of gonadotropins and portable ultrasound devices are expected to simplify monitoring and screening of patients. Integration of psychological screenings and counselling and coping interventions such as e-therapy will further enhance patient support," shares Dr Chhabra. Furthermore, technological innovations like automation and miniaturization of IVF laboratories through concepts like lab-on-a-chip technology are also set to revolutionize IVF. These advancements can significantly lower costs and improve outcomes by enabling the automation of virtually all the steps involved in a single system. Also, integration of microfluidics into the IVF laboratory will facilitate precise gamete manipulation, provide biomimetic environments for culture and facilitate microscale genetic and molecular bioassays. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dr Chhabra adds, The most revolutionary concept in modern reproductive science is that of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG). IVG comprises various approaches that have led to the creation of functional gametes in rodent models. Further innovations like in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tools present new possibilities for creating functional gametes and modifying genetic material." Given the rapid scientific and technological evolution of reproductive genetics, it is imperative that both the public and regulatory bodies will soon be establishing a framework for the ethical evaluation of emerging technologies. First Published: January 19, 2025, 07:04 IST Maharana Pratap Death Anniversary 2025: Life, Death, And 10 Quotes By The Mewar King Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 06:10 IST Maharana Pratap Death Anniversary 2025: Known affectionately as Mewari Rana by his people, Maharana Pratap was not just a king but a symbol of Rajput pride and resistance. The rugged terrain of Haldighati served as the backdrop for Maharana Pratap's epic battle with the Mughal army. (Image: Shutterstock) Maharana Pratap Death Anniversary 2025: The pages of Indian history are adorned with tales of unparalleled bravery and resilience, and Maharana Pratap shines as one of its brightest stars. Born in 1540, this legendary ruler of Mewar carved his name in the annals of time through his relentless defiance of the mighty Mughal Empire. His story is not merely about battles and kingdoms but about the undying spirit of freedom and honour that he embodied. Maharana Prataps life journey came to an end on January 19, 1597, yet his legacy continues to inspire millions. related stories Rajasthan holds him in reverence even centuries after his demise, celebrating him as a hero whose bravery, sacrifice and determination were second to none. Known affectionately as Mewari Rana by his people, Maharana Pratap was not just a king but a symbol of Rajput pride and resistance. Who Was Maharana Pratap? The son of Emperor Rana Udai Singh, Maharana Pratap was destined for greatness. After his father died in 1572, the senior courtiers recognised his extraordinary qualities and saw him as the perfect leader to defend Mewar against the challenges posed by the Mughals. Taking the throne that same year, Pratap quickly established himself as a ruler unlike any other. While many Rajput rulers chose to align with the Mughals, Pratap stood firm, refusing to bow down. Prataps resistance was not limited to words. He fought with valour until his last breath, embodying the virtues of bravery, devotion and chivalry. His personal life was equally remarkablemarried to 11 women, he fathered 17 sons and five daughters. His first wife, Maharani Ajabde Punwar, married him in 1557 and their eldest son, Amar Singh I, later succeeded him as the ruler of Mewar. Battle That Defined Maharana Pratap Among the numerous conflicts Maharana Pratap faced, the Battle of Haldighati in June 1576 remains legendary. It was not just a clash of swords but a confrontation of ideals. Prataps forces, though outnumbered, stood resilient against the Mughal army led by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur under Emperor Akbars command. The rugged terrain of Haldighati served as the backdrop for this epic struggle. Despite suffering a strategic defeat, Maharana Prataps defiance was far from subdued. The battle became a symbol of Rajputs resistance against overwhelming odds. One of the most poignant moments of the battle involved Prataps loyal horse, Chetak. Gravely injured while carrying his master away from danger, Chetaks sacrifice remains an enduring tale of loyalty and courage. Though he lost Chittor to the Mughals, Maharana Pratap regained many territories later and laid a strong foundation for his kingdoms revival. His unwavering commitment to his principles made him a beacon of hope and a symbol of resistance for future generations. How Did Maharana Pratap Die? The life of Maharana Pratap ended in Chavand on January 19, 1597. According to accounts, he succumbed to injuries sustained during a hunting accident. It is said that during his final days, he was deeply concerned about the fate of his kingdom and feared that his successors might be forced to compromise with the Mughals. Prataps eldest son, Amar Singh I, succeeded him and carried forward his fathers legacy. 10 Quotes By The Mewar King top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A true Rajput will never give up, no matter how tough the situation gets." I will not surrender Mewar. I will fight till my last breath." For a Rajput, to die on the battlefield is an honour, and living a life of disgrace is worse than death." Better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as a sheep." Even if I have to face death a thousand times for the sake of my Motherland, I shall not be sorry. Oh, Lord! Grant me success. May the Motherland be ever victorious." A warriors destiny is his own making, and I am the architect of mine." The true strength of a warrior lies not in his weapons, but in his indomitable spirit." Mewar is not just a piece of land; its our pride, our honour, and I will protect it at any cost." It is better to die with glory than to live with ignominy." Those who work or struggle for their work and the world, are remembered forever." Maharana Prataps life was a testament to the enduring power of courage, sacrifice and determination. His legacy lives on, reminding us of the value of standing firm for ones principles, no matter the odds. First Published: January 19, 2025, 06:10 IST National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: NDRF History, Significance, Quotes And How It Is Celebrated Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 06:00 IST In its 18 years of operation, the NDRF, which has 12 battalions and 13,000 men dispersed around the country, has rescued over 7 lakh stranded people and saved more than 1.44 lakh lives. NDRF has built a strong reputation both nationally and internationally for its selfless dedication and unmatched professionalism in disaster management. (Image: Shutterstock) National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day 2025: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrates January 19 as its raising day. Since the official formation of the rescue force in 2006, this day has been marked as the National Disaster Response Force Raising Day. The Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Assam Rifles are among the battalions that comprise the specialised, multi-skilled rescue force. In times of calamity, such as drowning, building collapses, landslides, devastating floods, earthquakes and cyclones, the NDRF is the main organisation in charge of carrying out rescue operations. related stories National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: History Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, India experienced a number of natural disasters. Among these are the earthquakes in Gujarat in 2001, the Mumbai floods in 2005, and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. There was a need for a response force specifically focused on rescue operations, even if the Indian Armed Forces (IAF) were engaged for rescue and recovery operations. As a result, the 2005 Disaster Management Act was passed. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established under the legislation as the highest authority for natural catastrophes, and the NDRF was designated as the specialised rescue force within the NDMAs purview. National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: Significance In its 18 years of operation, the NDRF, which has 12 battalions and 13,000 men dispersed around the country, has rescued over 7 lakh stranded people and saved more than 1.44 lakh lives. Through a variety of rescue efforts, the NDRF reportedly saved about 12,000 lives in 2021 alone. The NDRF Raising Day is significant because it gives the courageous members of the rescue force a chance to be acknowledged, recognised, and given awards for their efforts. The Union Home Ministers Special Operation Medal was presented to eight NDRF rescuers on NDRF Raising Day 2022 in recognition of their outstanding efforts in 2021. National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: Quotes Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it. Thank you, NDRF, for your unwavering commitment. Together, as a force of unity, the NDRF shows us the power of resilience and compassion in rebuilding lives. On NDRF Raising Day, we honour the courage and commitment of every individual who stands ready to face the unknown. Every disaster response is an opportunity for the NDRF to shine, bringing hope where it seems. When nature strikes, the NDRF rises to the occasion, ensuring safety and resilience in the face of calamity. In times of crisis, heroes emerge. Thank you to all the brave hearts of NDRF. Disasters may test our limits, but NDRF proves that no challenge is too great when we stand united. The NDRFs commitment is unwavering, their bravery unmatched, and their resolve unshaken in the battle against disasters. National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: How It Is Celebrated top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Every year on this momentous occasion, a grand parade is held on the battalion grounds. In 2024, the capital citys raising day was held in Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, was the chief guest of the event. NDRF has built a strong reputation both nationally and internationally for its selfless dedication and unmatched professionalism in disaster management. First Published: January 19, 2025, 06:00 IST Do You Plan To Visit Vietnam? But On A Budget: Heres How To Go About Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 15:00 IST For Indian travellers, this is the best option for holidays with friends and family because of its close proximity and shared culture. One of Southeast Asias most reasonably priced travel destinations is Vietnam. Do you wish to take a holiday somewhere abroad but are on a limited budget? Vietnam is the ideal destination for exploration! It is ideal for a budget trip with or without family, as it boasts spectacular scenery, modern history, flowing rice terraces, lovely beaches, dozens of limestone caves, and fantastic street food. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, was recognised as the Worlds Best Culinary City Destination and Asias Best Culinary City Destination at the 2024 World Culinary Awards, while Vietnam was ranked 15th out of the 20 countries in the world for tourists. related stories Choose Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang for your 6-7-day itinerary if this is your first time. Weve covered some information about visas, flights, lodging, how to move around the city, and other information. Visa: Indian citizens have the option of applying for an E-visa or a Visa on Arrival. However, before travel, a pre-approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department is required. Get an approval letter by email after submitting an online application. Additionally, one can apply for a Vietnam Entry Visa at the closest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate; the application process takes five to seven business days. Visa fee: Single 30-day entry costs US$ 44 (about Rs 3,000), while multiple 30-day entries cost US$ 64 (approximately Rs 5,000). Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 100 VND equals to 0.33 INR. Flight: Vietnam Airlines provides direct flights from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh. Economy flights start at Rs 32,000+, whereas VietJet flights on the same itinerary start at Rs 28,000+. The return trip on VietJet is rather long; check before booking. Vietjet offers direct flights from Mumbai to Ho Chi Minh City starting at Rs 34,000+ (flight duration: 4 hours 55 minutes). Accommodation: Hostelworld provides 390 hostels in 31 locations around Vietnam: individual rooms in Ho Chi Minh City start at Rs 1,200 per night, while dorms cost 50 per cent less. Several Airbnb alternatives start at Rs 1,400 per night for a room and Rs 4,000 or more for a full flat. Homestays are less expensive (4 nights for approximately Rs 5,000), but only book with licensed operators. Getting Around: Vietnam Railways manages a single 2,600-kilometer-long track network that connects the north and south. Open-tour buses are popular among budget visitors, particularly in Vietnams southern and central provinces. Renting a scooter or moped is the cheapest and most convenient option (range from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per day). You can also rent a bicycle for intercity travel (rentals start at 20,000 VND per day). Taxis are ubiquitous. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Some tips for saving money: It is common to haggle (bargain) here. You will save a significant amount of money. Flights into Ho Chi Minh City are less expensive than flights into Hanoi. Eat at local eateries, which are usually 35-40 per cent less expensive than posh places. Check for sights that provide free admission several pagodas, temples, and cathedrals are free to visit. Avoid purchasing souvenirs at tourist markets, like as Ho Chi Minh Citys Ben Thanh Market, as they are too costly. Alternatively, visit the Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi or the Cholon Market (Binh Tay Market) in Chinatown. First Published: January 19, 2025, 15:00 IST Neha Sharma Shares Pictures From Her Opatija Holiday: 5 Things To Do In The Croatian Coastal Town Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 11:58 IST Neha Sharma took to her Instagram to share a series of throwback pictures from her Opatija trip. The pictures show her indulging in delicious coffee and even stargazing. Opatija is a coastal town in Croatia which offers beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea. Neha Sharma recently took to her Instagram to share stunning pictures from her trip to Opatija, Croatia. In a series of throwback pictures, the Bad Newz actor gave a glimpse of her quick getaway to the coastal town. Taking to her Instagram, Neha Sharma wrote, Looking at the stars Maybe my most favourite childhood memory #toforeverkeepingthatchildalive #throwback #croatia." The first picture showed her posing outside the Heritage Hotel Imperial in Opatija. The next pictures showed her stargazing from her hotel room window, enjoying the lake views, and enjoying a cup of coffee as she sat in a vintage European restaurant. related stories Take a look at Nehas Opatija travel diary here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neha Sharma (@nehasharmaofficial) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Inspired by Neha Sharma, here are five things that you must do when you are in Opatija. These experiences offer a blend of cultural experiences and relaxation opportunities. 1. Stroll along the Lungomare: This iconic promenade stretches for 12 kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, lush greenery, and elegant villas. Enjoy a leisurely walk, rent a bike, or simply soak in the atmosphere. 2. Visit Villa Angiolina: This 19th-century villa, once a summer residence for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, now houses a museum showcasing the history of tourism in Opatija. 3. Relax at Slatina Beach: This Blue Flag beach offers crystal-clear waters, sun loungers, and umbrellas, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. 4. Indulge in Thalassotherapy: Opatija is renowned for its thalassotherapy centers, offering a range of treatments and therapies using seawater, seaweed, and marine mud. Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or rejuvenating treatment. 5. Explore the Old Town of Volosko: Just a short distance from Opatija, Volosko is a picturesque fishing village with narrow streets, colourful houses, and a charming harbour. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant and soak in the authentic atmosphere. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 11:58 IST World Religion Day 2025: Date, History, Significance, Quotes And Celebrations Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 09:07 IST World Religion Day invites individuals from various faiths to come together, share their beliefs, and promote mutual respect. World Religion Day 2025 will be observed on January 19. (Image: Shutterstock) World Religion Day, marked annually on the third Sunday of January, focuses on fostering interfaith dialogue, understanding, and unity among diverse religious communities. This day invites individuals from various faiths to come together, share their beliefs, and promote mutual respect. By highlighting the common ethical teachings and shared values across the worlds religions, the observance aims to nurture a more peaceful and harmonious global society. It serves as a powerful reminder that, despite differences in practices, shared spiritual principles connect humanity. In 2025, World Religion Day will be observed on January 19. related stories World Religion Day History World Religion Day was founded in 1950 by the Bahai Faith to encourage interfaith dialogue and foster mutual understanding among diverse religious communities. Its primary goal is to promote unity by recognising the shared spiritual truths present in all religious traditions. Initiated by the Bahai community, this observance aims to inspire individuals from all walks of life to respect and learn from one anothers faiths. The day serves as a platform to promote peaceful coexistence and work collectively towards building a harmonious global society. World Religion Day Significance The importance of World Religion Day lies in its ability to cultivate interfaith respect, understanding, and cooperation. It provides an opportunity for individuals of all religious beliefs to come together and celebrate shared values such as love, compassion, and justice. By recognising the common ethical teachings of different religions, this day emphasises the significance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Ultimately, World Religion Day aims to reduce prejudice, promote global unity and encourage a world where people of all faiths can live together in harmony and understanding. How Is It Celebrated Participate in Interfaith Events: Join interfaith gatherings, discussions or events in your community to explore different religious traditions and engage in meaningful conversations. Explore Various Religions: Take time to learn about the beliefs, customs and principles of diverse religions. Visit religious landmarks or read literature on global faiths to broaden your understanding. Exchange Your Beliefs: Share your spiritual practices and beliefs with others, encouraging open, respectful dialogues that foster mutual understanding. Promote Religious Tolerance: Teach children and younger generations the significance of respecting different religions, and the value of diversity and tolerance in building a harmonious society. Support Interfaith Projects: Get involved with or contribute to organizations and movements that focus on promoting interfaith communication, collaboration and peacebuilding around the world. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all World Religion Day Quotes The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion." Thomas Paine The strength of humanity lies in its diversity; each religion is a path to the same goal." Mahatma Gandhi We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." Martin Luther King I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity." B.R. Ambedkar Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark." Rabindranath Tagore. First Published: January 19, 2025, 06:20 IST Last Updated: January 20, 2025, 01:15 IST Bigg Boss 18 Grand Finale Highlights: Karan Veer Mehra has emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss 18, whereas Vivian Dsena is the first runner-up. Hosted by Salman Khan, the grand finale saw Karanveer clinch the trophy and take home a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh. Other contestants who were a part of the finale were Rajat Dalal, Avinash Mishra, Eisha Singh and Chum Darang. Bigg Boss 18 finale was held in Mumbais Film City. The mega show was attended by several celebrities including Aamir Khan and Veer Pahariya. The Bollywood superstar joined his son Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor to promote their upcoming movie, Loveyapa. Former Bigg Boss finalists, Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain also attended the finale to talk about their upcoming show Laughter Chefs 2. Bigg Boss 18: Mannara Chopra Predicts Tough Competition Between Vivian Dsena And Rajat Dalal | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 15:52 IST The final contestants who are hoping to lift the trophy are Vivian Dsena, Avinash Mishra, Karan Veer Mehra, Eisha Singh and Chum Darang. Mannara Chopra predicts about BB 18 winner Bigg Boss 18, a popular reality show, is coming to an end today. The grand finale will take place and the winner will be announced. However, ahead of the finale, former Bigg Boss contestant Mannara Chopra has predicted that there will be tough competition between Vivian Dsena and Rajat Dalal. She has also praised Karanveer. In the video, shared by Viral Bhayani, we can see Mannara speaking about the winner. She said, If I can look at it. I think di se entertain jisne kiya hai vo hai Karanveer. But I think at the end it is gonna be tough competition between Vivan and Rajat. Toh dekhte hai aaj ek actor jita hai ki social media creator. So lets just see. I think kafi interesting and exciting hai. This is what I feel." The final contestants who are hoping to lift the trophy are Vivian Dsena, Avinash Mishra, Karan Veer Mehra, Eisha Singh and Chum Darang. related stories Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Vivian Dsena and Rajat Dalal will also be seen grooving to the track Main Hoon Don during the episode. Speculations are rife about the winners cash prize, which is expected to be a whopping 50 lakh, similar to last season. In Bigg Boss 17, comedian Munawar Faruqui took home the trophy and the same prize amount, setting high expectations for this years winner. Fans can catch the live telecast exclusively on JioCinema, but only with a Premium subscription. This not only allows real-time viewing but also gives viewers a chance to cheer for their favorite contestants. The Bigg Boss 18 finale will also be graced by several celebrities. Aamir Khan will join his son, Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor to promote their upcoming movie, Loveyapa. Former Bigg Boss finalists, Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain will also be attending the finale to talk about their upcoming show Laughter Chefs 2. First Published: January 19, 2025, 15:43 IST Coldplay's Chris Martin Says 'Jai Shree Ram' At Mumbai Concert, Impresses Fans With His Hindi | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 07:53 IST Coldplay has kicked off its India tour with its first concert in Mumbai. Chris Martin speaks in Hindi at Coldplay Mumbai concert (Pic Credit: Instagram/coldplayindia._in) The first show of the highly anticipated Coldplay India concert was held in Mumbai on Saturday, January 18. As photos and videos from the concert have started going viral, one video has particularly caught everyones attention. The video features Chris Martin speaking in Hindi. In the now-viral video, Chris Martin can be seen on stage, walking and reading the fans handmade signs. He then reads a sign in Hindi and says, Jai Shree Ram." The crowd erupts in excitement to hear Chris speak in Hindi. related stories Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) This was not the only time that Chris spoke in Hindi. Chris Martin spoke to his fans in Hindi, expressing his excitement about performing in Mumbai. He said, Good evening everybody. Aap sabka bohot swagat hai. Mumbai mein aakar humein bohot Khushi ho rahi hai (Welcome everyone. We are very happy to be in Mumbai)," and fans went gaga over him. They cheered and screamed with joy as Chris spoke in Hindi. He added that the band was extremely happy to be there since this was their first real show in India. We are so happy to be here. This is our first real show in India. So thank you. Namaste," he said. Videos from Coldplays Mumbai concert have surfaced on social media, giving those who couldnt attend a sneak peek into the spectacular concert. Coldplay is kicking off their highly anticipated Music of the Spheres World Tour with three performances at D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025. Additionally, they will also be performing at Ahmedabads Narendra Modi Stadium on January 25 and 26, 2025. These shows mark Coldplays return to India after their performance at the 2016 Global Citizen Festival. Meanwhile, Chris Martin arrived in Mumbai with his girlfriend Dakota Johnson on Thursday. Pictures from their visit to Shri Babulnath Temple went viral. Dakota was also spotted by the paparazzi at Mumbais Siddhivinayak Temple. She was accompanied by Bollywood actresses Sonali Bendre and Gayatri Oberoi. First Published: January 19, 2025, 07:53 IST Kareena Kapoor Visits Saif Ali Khan With Kids Taimur, Jeh After Attack In Bandra Home | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 12:57 IST Saif Ali Khan is currently recovering at the Lilavati Hospital. Saif Ali Khan with his family. Kareena Kapoor paid a visit to Saif Ali Khan with kids Taimur and Jeh. Saif Ali Khans recent hospitalization has drawn significant concern from fans and the Bollywood fraternity. Following an attempted robbery at his Mumbai residence on Friday, the actor is now recovering at Lilavati Hospital. Kareena Kapoor took kids Taimur and Jeh to visit their dad, Saif Ali Khan, in the hospital. Kareena arrived at the Lilavati Hospital amid heavy security, following the attack on Saif Ali Khan. Other family members, including Saifs sister Soha Ali Khan and her husband Kunal Kemmu, also visited him. related stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) In the wake of the incident, Kareena took to Instagram to reassure fans that Saif was out of danger. In her statement, she expressed, It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded." She also requested privacy during this time, stating, 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." Meanwhile, Mumbai Police on Sunday arrested the main accused in connection with the stabbing case of Saif Ali Khan from Mumbais Thane. The accused, Mohammed Aliyan, was arrested from the Labour Camp area in the city. He worked as a housekeeping staff at Rickys bar in Thane and went by the name, Vijay Das, in fear of getting caught. The Mumbai Police had formed over 10 teams to nab the accused, with over 100 officials involved in the operation. For the unversed, an attempted robbery took place at Saif Ali Khans home in Bandra this week. After a scuffle with the robber, the actor was left heavily injured. 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 for treatment where a 2.5-inch piece of the blade was removed from his spine after a five-hour-long surgery. First Published: January 19, 2025, 12:57 IST Last Updated: January 20, 2025, 11:12 IST Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case Updates: Mumbai Police arrested the primary suspect involved in the stabbing case of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in the early hours of Sunday from Thane. The accused, identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad, was apprehended in the Labour Camp area of the city. Police reported that he had been working as housekeeping staff at Rickys bar in Thane and used the alias Vijay Das to avoid detection. They said he was from Bangladesh and moved to Mumbai four to five months ago. A Mumbai court sent the accused to a five-day police remand on Sunday afternoon. 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 Lilavati Hospital for treatment where a 2.5-inch piece of the blade was removed from his spine after a five-hour-long surgery. Stay tuned with news18.com for the latest updates. Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Accused Arrested From Thane, Mumbai Cops To Question Him Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 09:28 IST Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: The Mumbai Police arrested the main accused in connection with the stabbing case of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan from Maharashtra's Thane on Sunday Saif Ali Khan stabbing case accused Mohammed Aliyan was arrested near a restaurant in Kasar Vadavali, Thane. (Photo: News18/AP) Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: The Mumbai Police arrested the main accused in connection with the stabbing case of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan from Maharashtras Thane in the wee hours of Sunday, confirmed officials. The accused, Shafiqul Islam, was arrested from the Labour Camp area in the city, said police. They added that he worked as a housekeeping staff at Rickys bar in Thane and went by the name, Vijay Das, in fear of getting caught. related stories According to sources, the accused told police he was from Bengal, but police are verifying his identity and ascertaining if he is from India. 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 for treatment where a 2.5-inch piece of the blade was removed from his spine after a five-hour-long surgery. The Mumbai Police will now bring Das to Bandra for questioning in connection with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khans stabbing case, which remained unsolved for more than 60 hours. The sources said that Das will be produced in a city court where the Mumbai Police will seek his custody for further investigation into the case. The Mumbai Police formed over 10 teams to nab the accused, with over 100 officials involved in the operation. Before the breakthrough, posters of the attacker captured on CCTV footage while he was climbing down the stairs of Saif Ali Khans house were installed in Mumbai and nearby areas. The arrest comes after a suspect was detained in Chhattisgarhs Durg in connection with Khans stabbing case. A Mumbai Police team reached Durg to take custody of the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Aakash Kailash Kannojia. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Durg railway station received information about the suspect travelling by Jnaneswari Express train from the Assistant Police Inspector of Juhu Police Station, Mumbai Police. 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. Earlier on Saturday, a man was detained in Madhya Pradesh, leading to speculation about a potential link to Saif Ali Khans stabbing case. However, authorities clarified that the detention was unrelated and was connected to a different case. The Mumbai Police sources have confirmed that earlier suspects detained by the authorities have been found unrelated to the stabbing case. First Published: January 19, 2025, 03:43 IST Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Mumbai Police Discover Second Knife Fragment At Actor's Bandra Residence Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 09:44 IST The investigation into Saif Ali Khan's stabbing incident takes another twist as Mumbai Police recover the second knife fragment from his Bandra home. Mumbai Police recover the second knife fragment from Saif Ali Khans Bandra residence in the ongoing investigation into his stabbing. The investigation into the chilling stabbing incident involving Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan continues to take unexpected turns. In a recent development, the Bandra Police uncovered the second part of the knife used in the attack. This blade fragment was found in the childrens room at the Bandra residence shared by Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The piece has since been sent for forensic examination and fingerprint analysis to assist in unraveling the case. For those unaware, the first part of the knife was surgically extracted from Saif Ali Khans body during a critical operation. According to Dr. Nitin Dange, Chief Neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital, the blade had lodged perilously close to the actors spinal cord. Dr. Dange highlighted that if the knife had gone 2mm deeper, it could have caused permanent paralysis, making the situation even more dire. related stories In a major breakthrough, authorities apprehended the primary suspect, Mohammad Alian, on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in Thane, Maharashtra. Initially attempting to mislead investigators with a false identity, Alian later admitted to breaking into Saif Ali Khans Bandra residence and committing the violent attack. Working at a pub in Thane, Alian was eventually traced to a labor camp near a metro construction site in Hiranandani Estate. Investigators tracked his movements post-incident, discovering that he purchased headphones from a mobile shop in Dadar. Police reviewed CCTV footage from the shop and questioned the vendor, who claimed no knowledge of the crime. Adding to the timeline of events, police also identified and recorded the statement of Bhajan Singh Rana, the auto-rickshaw driver who swiftly transported Saif Ali Khan to Lilavati Hospital. Ranas account provided crucial details, helping the authorities build a clearer picture of the events. For context, the attack occurred during an attempted robbery at Saif Ali Khans Bandra residence earlier this week. The intruder reportedly stabbed the actor six times in his neck and shoulder during a scuffle at around 2:30 am on Thursday. The most serious injury was to his back, where a 2.5-inch blade fragment was lodged near his spine. Following an emergency five-hour surgery at Lilavati Hospital, the fragment was removed, and Saif Ali Khan is currently recovering from the ordeal. The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement working tirelessly to uncover all aspects of this shocking crime. First Published: January 19, 2025, 09:44 IST Soha Ali Khan Thanks Fans As She Gives A Health Update Of Saif Ali Khan: Grateful That It Wasnt... Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 18:15 IST Mumbai Police on Sunday arrested the main accused in connection with the stabbing case and has also produced in the court. Soha Ali Khan shares health update of Saif Ali Khan Saif Ali Khan is currently admitted at Lilavati Hospital after he sustained multiple injuries during a robbery attempt incident at his residence on January 16. Since then fans have been sending wishes to the actor. Recently, Soha Ali Khan shared the actors health update and also thanked everyone. During a recent event, Soha was seen attending and revealed about Saifs health. We are very very happy that he is recovering well and we are very thankful and we feel very blessed and grateful that it wasnt any worse. Thank you for all your wishes," she was quoted saying. related stories Meanwhile, Mumbai Police on Sunday arrested the main accused in connection with the stabbing case and has also produced in the court. The video of accused attacker has gone viral. In the video, shared by Instant Bollywood, we can see Accused surrounded by police coming out of the court. His face is covered and seen walking towards the van. The Bandra Court on Sunday remanded the arrested accused to five-day police custody. The court said that the demand of custody of accused is justified as it is an early stage of investigation. The court ruled, We are satisfied by the demand of Mumbai Police. The accused has entered inside the residence of a celebrity and attacked him. The police need to recover the clothes worn by him on that day. Hence, custodial interrogation is required. The police also needs to recover the knife that was used by the accused. The learned defence council has said that no notice was given to the accused U/S43A of the BNS." The court added, After having considered the submission of the defence and the prosecution i find that they are well founded allegations. The investigation is at early stage. The accused has been arrested earlier today. The police therefore are justified in asking sufficient period for an investigation. While demanding accuseds 14-day custody, police said, The attacker is ruthless as he stabbed Saif Ali Khan several times. We need him in custody to collect more evidence." The investigating officer told court that the accused had attacked Saif Ali Khan on January 16 inside the Mumbai residence. The officer added, We have recovered a part of knife from the wound, the second was recovered from the crime spot and the third is missing. We need to recover that. We have to find the clothes that he was wearing on that day. Also, the accused is a Bangaldeshi national. We have to investigate where he came from. He had recently came to Mumbai." For the unversed, an attempted robbery took place at Saif Ali Khans home in Bandra this week. After a scuffle with the robber, the actor was left heavily injured. 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 for treatment where a 2.5-inch piece of the blade was removed from his spine after a five-hour-long surgery. First Published: January 19, 2025, 18:15 IST Used Fake Name, No Indian Documents: Who Is Shariful Islam, Saif Ali Khan's Attacker? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 09:49 IST Saif Ali Khan's attacker was arrested for over three days of extensive search by the Mumbai Police. The attacker was identified as Shariful Islam who used fake name to evade arrest. Saif Ali Khans Attacker Arrested (Image: CNN-News18, PTI) After three days of extensive manhunt, the Mumbai Police arrested the man who attacked actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence in Bandra on Thursday morning. The attacker was identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad who was arrested from the Labour Camp area near the Hiranandani Estate in Thanes Kasarvadavali, nearly 35 kilometres from the actors Bandra residence where he committed the crime. related stories The police said that he does not possess any Indian documents and noted that there is primary evidence to assume" that the accused is a Bangladeshi national. The police will produce him in court where they will seek his custody for interrogation. He confessed to the police that he entered Saifs house and stabbed him, officials said. Who Is Saif Ali Khans Attacker? The attacker was identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad who attempted to evade arrest by allegedly using a fake name Vijay Das. He worked as a housekeeper in Rickys bar in Thane. He told the police that he hails from West Bengal. The Mumbai Police are verifying his credentials to ascertain if he is from India, sources said. Shariful Islam does small jobs as a labourer. He was allegedly hiding in a bush. The accused does not possess any Indian documents. He has no family in India. The police suspect that the accused might be a foreign national, and they are investigating the matter, sources said. Prima facie the accused is a Bangladeshi and after entering India illegally he changed his name. He was using Vijay Das as his current name. He entered Mumbai 4 to 5 months ago. He lived in the neighbouring towns of Mumbai and only a few days ago he came back to Mumbai, the police said. What Did The Police Say On Attacker? Addressing a press conference, DCP Zone 9 Dikshit Gadam said that no valid documents have been recovered from the arrested accused who looks like" he is a Bangladeshi national. His name is Shariful Islam (30). He entered the house with the intention of robbery. There is primary evidence to assume that this accused is a Bangladeshi. We will produce him in court and seek his police custody for further Investigation. No valid Indian documents have been found with him, it looks like he is a Bangladeshi national," the police said. The official said that relevant sections of the Passport Act have been added to the case as the police have doubts that the accused is of Bangladeshi origin. #WATCH | Saif Ali Khan Attack case | Mumbai: DCP Zone 9 Dixit Gedam says, There is primary evidence to anticipate that the accused is a Bangladeshi. He does not have valid Indian documents. There are some seizures that indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national" pic.twitter.com/zkgY109dMh ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025 Saif Ali Khan Attacked The actor was attacked at his residence as the man broke into his house in the wee hours of Thursday. Saif was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in a heavily bleeding condition, where he underwent an emergency surgery that lasted around five hours. He had sustained six stab injuries including at the neck and near the spine. He was shifted to the ICU for monitoring. The police launched a massive manhunt for the accused who was first captured on CCTV camera exiting Saifs building using the stairs. He looked right into the camera during his downward movement. He was then seen on a CCTV footage at Bandra Railway station bridge, after which the police suspected that he might have fled to the Vasai area. After over 70 hours of search operation by several teams of the Mumbai Police, Shariful Islam, the accused, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday in Thane. First Published: January 19, 2025, 08:50 IST Opinion | Why Bidens Nobel Thoughts Have Floated Away Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 18:39 IST Mar-a-Lago Man has short-circuited Bidens chances of a glorious Peace Prize worthy finale to his Presidency Biden may still have hopes of snagging a Nobel as he has been testily trying to take credit for this past weeks breakthrough on the Israel-Hamas war. (Reuters File) Soon-to-be-former President Joe Biden could not have chosen a worse time to shuffle into the sunset. Not only is his soon-to-be-successor already hogging the limelight with the great and the good beating a path to the Orange House in Florida but the Israeli hostage swap in Gaza is also taking eyeballs away. The American people and the inexorable pace of history are conspiring to deny a resentful old man his final hurrah, and also a possible Nobel prize. Biden may still have hopes of snagging a Nobel as he has been testily trying to take credit for this past weeks breakthrough on the Israel-Hamas war that will see the second swap of hostages and prisoners starting Sunday and the resumption of aid supplies to Gaza. It is another matter that the world and the parties concerned in the latest Middle East peace move credit the Mar-a-Lago Man for exerting the pressure that finally got everyone to sign on the dotted line. related stories But Biden can take heart from the fact that the progressive souls in the Nobel selection committee are partial to Democrats. All three US Presidents and one Veep who got the Nobel Peace Prize so far have been Democrats. Barack Obama got a pre-emptive awardand Jimmy Carter a post-emptive one. Had eloquent Democrat Bill Clinton not blotted his copybook and a certain young interns dress during his second Presidential term, he may well have bagged one too. Republican President Ronald Reagan, who made the first concrete move to stop the arms race when he signed an agreement with Soviet Unions President Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, did not impress the selection panel. However, their reason for en-Nobeling Obama in 2009 even before he had warmed the chair at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, was that he had made extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples". Previous US Vice President Al Gore essentially got the Nobel Prize in 2007 for making an Oscar-winning documentary and writing a book on climate change. Gallingly for Biden, he had to invest Gore with the Presidential Medal of Honor in 2024 too. Having served as Veep and as President, Biden has reason to be peeved that he has not been considered despite undertaking many Nobel-worthy acts, albeit not in the nine months that Obama took to sway selectors. Is it because Biden as President could not remember names, places and events as well as he used to as a senator? Because he sometimes forgot where he was? Well, what does he have a building full of well-paid aides for then, his dear wife Dr Jill would point outin case it escapes Bidens mind. They probably came up with the idea of only autocue appearances and no unscripted interactions that could be overheard or witnessed by the public. And we saw how that worked out. In 2020, no less than 81 Nobel Prize winners endorsed Biden for the presidency race in an open letter, citing his willingness to listen to experts" and his deep appreciation for using science to find solutions." Their vote of confidence was perfect for a Covid-shadowed campaign, but there is no US election-like electoral college of Nobel recipients to weigh in on potential awardees. Besides, Biden listening to experts (like Anthony Fauci) did not age well either. Nor has Bidens Nobel cause been helped by the inconvenient development that the same mainstream media which assiduously pitched in for the Protect Biden From The Public Project is now shamelessly asking questions about why questions were not asked before. At least not until February 2024 when Special Counsel Robert Hur when he said that at any trial Biden would present himself as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory". Biden furiously refuted any suggestions from the Democrat-compliant White House media corps that Hur had revealed a hidden secret. Amazingly, the press meekly piped down, not challenging Bidens decision to seek re-election despite evidence that Hur had let a very geriatric cat out of the bag. The US media was so willing to believe that Aal izz well" with Biden that many were actually surprised when he fumbled and rambled in the first debate" with Trump. Unless and until he (or a proxy) writes his memoirs, we will never know who Biden considers responsible for his ignominious spiral in world opinion and consequent failure to win a Nobel despite over 50 years in politics. He will certainly not blame himself. But he knows that no matter what Donald Trump does for international diplomacy or strengthening cooperation by ending the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere, he will never swing a Nobel either. In 2021, both he and Trump were separately nominated for the Nobel with Biden being recommended, apparently, for his calming influence" Naturally he did not get it. But in 2024, as if it was not bad enough that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did an about-turn and asked Biden to stand down from his re-election bid, she and two other Democrats nominated chef Jose Andres for the Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts to feed people in disaster zones. Not Biden. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump got three nominations for far more solid reasons: for pushing through the bilateral 2020-21 Abraham Accords that resulted in Israel signing documents to normalise ties with Bahrain, UAE, Morocco and Sudan. It was a practical demonstration of his doctrine of reducing wars and would have been a shoo-in for a Nobelhad Trump not beenTrump. That Nobel thought (if he manages to hang on to it, that is) may what will keep Biden going after Monday. The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: January 19, 2025, 18:39 IST The first time I invested a significant amount of money in individual stocks was in 2014. I had been primarily investing in index funds up until that point while learning about things like stock analysis and asset allocation strategies. To be sure, I had been buying small quantities of shares in certain companies since the early 2000s, but I was more than 90% invested in funds. Then, in early 2014, I rolled over a 401(k) from a former employer and decided that it was finally time to buy some larger (for me) positions in individual stocks. I invested in four stocks, two of which are still in my portfolio today. Both have produced positive total returns, but with a 264% total return in about 10 and a half years (about 13% annualized), American Express (NYSE: AXP) has been the standout. Amex has done a great job of moving forward There's a lot that has happened in the 10-and-a-half years since I became an Amex shareholder, and not all of it was good. For example, in 2016, American Express and Costco ended their 16-year partnership, and at the time, Amex's co-branded Costco credit cards made up about 10% of all Amex cards in circulation and about 20% of its interest-bearing credit card loans. However, there have also been some great developments. Not long after the Costco partnership went away, Amex revamped its flagship Platinum Card with benefits such as free Uber rides targeted at younger, affluent customers. The Platinum Card has been a major growth driver in the years since. American Express has also done a good job of embracing online banking products, such as savings accounts, which provide a low-cost source of capital. The 2020 acquisition of Kabbage greatly improved the company's business banking offerings as well. Overall, since I bought shares, American Express has increased its revenue by 94% compared with comparable 2014 levels. On the bottom line, earnings have increased by 147%. And through buybacks, Amex has reduced its outstanding share count by more than 26% since mid-2014. Even in the most recent quarter, Amex grew its revenue by 8% year over year despite significant reports of consumers pumping the brakes on discretionary spending. The company's loan portfolio grew 10% year-over-year to $202 billion, and its annualized card member loan and receivable charge-off rate of 1.9% represents a sequential decline and is far lower than peers, which shows the asset quality Amex has. For context, Capital One has a credit card net charge-off rate of about 5.6%. Why I'm not selling a single share First of all, I bought Amex as a long-term dividend growth opportunity, and the stock (and business) are doing exactly what I want. Management has done a great job of consistently growing the business in a variety of political and economic climates and despite several setbacks, and I have no reason to believe that will change anytime soon. As a credit card lender, Amex has a best-in-class customer base in terms of credit quality and an impressive product portfolio. As a closed-loop payment network, Amex earns swipe fees that should gradually increase with customer spending over time. Parody Account Claims Vivek Ramaswamy Is Running For Ohio Governor, He Reacts Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 08:00 IST Vivek Ramaswamy recently responded to a viral post shared by a parody account, which announced his candidacy for Ohio Governor. Reportedly, Vivek Ramaswamy is in discussions to fill Vice President-elect JD Vances Senate seat in Ohio. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has reacted to the speculation surrounding his potential run for Ohio governor. The Indian-American entrepreneur replied to a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) about him running for the Ohio governor. While he isnt running for governor (at least for now), Ramaswamy humorously responded that it wasnt a bad idea." The Vivek Ramaswamy parody account sparked quite a buzz with a post that read, I am officially announcing my candidacy for governor of Ohio. I am ready to lead with vision, integrity, and a commitment to addressing the needs of every Ohioan. Together, we can build a brighter future for our state." related stories This is not the real account of Vivek Ramaswamy," read the side note. Ramaswamy reshared the post, making it clear that the account wasnt his. Note the below is a parody account. Not a bad idea, though," he said. Note the below is a parody account.(Not a bad idea, though) https://t.co/b0V3cSHAsh Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 17, 2025 Ramaswamys post quickly gained traction, racking up over a million views so far. Though Ramaswamy didnt officially confirm running for Ohio Governor, social media users in the comments section seemed to have a different opinion. Many encouraged him to take the plunge and showed their full support. One user commented, Butwe want you to run." Another followed with, You should run, though." The parody announcement got people excited. Just sayin," a commenter pointed out. Ramaswamy also got direct support from people living in Ohio, with one sharing, I live in Ohio. I would vote for you." Someone else expressed, Vivek for Ohio! Ohio can be a model for the rest of the country!" while another added, I think you will have tremendous success and will be able to defeat any candidate you face. Go for it!" Sometimes parody sparks the best ideas. Maybe its time to consider it?" a person commented. More supportive comments followed with remarks like, Do it Vivek. DO IT!" Love the idea" and Would be awesome." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This response follows reports from Fox News and The Washington Post suggesting that Ramaswamy is indeed preparing for a 2026 gubernatorial run. As Ohios current Republican Governor, Mike DeWine, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, Ramaswamy could be positioning himself as a potential successor. Ramaswamy, who was appointed to lead Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, will be focused on restructuring the federal government and cutting regulations. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 08:00 IST 3000-year-old Religious Shrine Discovered In Heart Of Jerusalem Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 15:00 IST According to the Bible, Hezekiahs reforms aimed to centralise worship at the main temple in Jerusalem and abolish scattered ritual sites across the kingdom. During the excavation, archaeologists uncovered several 8th-century BC artefacts. (Photo Credits: Israel Antiquitis Authority/Atiqot) A religious shrine, believed to have been sealed by the ancestors of Jesus and preserved for nearly 3,000 years, has been uncovered in Jerusalem, according to a report by the New York Post. The shrine, carved into the rock near Temple Mount, features eight rooms including an altar, a sacred standing stone and presses for making olive oil and wine. Experts believe the destruction of this shrine could be linked to the biblical figure Hezekiah, an ancestor of Jesus. Though excavations began in 2010, the northern part of the site was first discovered in 1909 by British explorer Montague Parker. related stories Eli Shukron, the excavation director at the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), published findings in the IAAs scientific journal Atiqot. Shukron explained that the shrine dates back to Hezekiahs reign when other ritual sites existed outside the main temple during the First Temple period. The structure ceased to function during the 8th century BC, possibly as part of King Hezekiahs religious reform," Shukron told the outlet. According to the Bible, Hezekiahs reforms aimed to centralise worship at the temple in Jerusalem and abolish scattered ritual sites across the kingdom. Both Hezekiah and his successor, Josiah, are mentioned as paternal grandfathers of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Hezekiahs actions are described as a campaign to destroy pagan worship locations including sacred stones. The standing stone at this site survived Hezekiahs abolition. Shukron referred to the discovery as the most dramatic and important find in the excavation." It is what makes this place a cultic site. When we uncovered it, we found it standing in its place, with stones around it. The standing stone was covered with earth; it was preserved no one destroyed it," Shukron said. When we found it, it was exactly as it was here 2,800 years ago," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The excavation team also discovered the remnants of an altar, identifiable by a drainage channel that still runs from one of its corners. In another area of the site, obscure v-shaped carvings were found on the floor. These carvings are thought to have supported a ritual tripod. During the excavation, archaeologists uncovered several 8th-century BC artefacts hidden behind a stone wall in a cave. These items included cooking vessels, jars marked with ancient Hebrew inscriptions, and items used for daily life such as loom weights and grinding stones. They also found scarabs and seals with decorative designs. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 15:00 IST 'Too Far Or Just Right?' Internet Reacts To Gen Z Mom's Guidelines Before Having A Baby Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 09:00 IST On social media, a video of radio hosts talking about a list of baby rules created by Gen Z parents has generated a lot of comments. Her list includes having no guests at the hospital. (Photo Credits: Instagram) A radio host who claimed to have read a list of baby guidelines from a Gen Z woman who was ready to give birth has started a social media discussion on generational disparities. Online viewers offered conflicting opinions in response to the video, with some supporting the Gen Z mother. During the Kyle and Jackie O radio show, the list of baby guidelines was read. Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O anchor the Australian breakfast radio program, which airs on KIIS 101.1 in Melbourne and KIIS 106.5 in Sydney. related stories Kyle and Jackie Os Instagram account indicates that they host Australias number one show" on the radio station KIIS 1065. They share content offering a peek into their personal lives, as well as talking about trends and viral social media shares. We are drawing closer to the birth of our daughter, and we couldnt be more excited. Unfortunately, we have to implement some rules and boundaries. We hope you can respect our wishes, and no one takes these personally," Jackie O can be seen reading in the video. She goes on to read the rest of the guidelines, which include things like not having guests in the hospital, not announcing the babys birth or name, not touching or kissing the baby for at least two weeks, and several other rules. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ndidiamaka Mends (@ndijulz) Shared on December 7, the video on Instagram has collected over 3.5 million views so far. Various comments were shared in response to the post. Some people commended the parents for establishing boundaries, while others voiced their opinion that their baby rules" had gone too far. A user said, In a few months, she will be wondering why no one comes to visit and why no one is helping her!" Another commented, The rules themselves are understandable, but the fact they sent a huge announcement to tell people they are excluded and cut off tells me they like the attention and drama. This couple sounds insufferable." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Whats wrong here? Its her boundaries. Her baby. Her rules," a user on Instagram argued and stated. Its their baby so they can do whatever they see fit. If you did not care to check up on your pregnant friends or family then you have no right to see their baby," another wrote. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 09:00 IST UK Influencer Says She Receives 'Woman Tax' As Compensation For Motherhood Challenges, Later Defends It Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 16:00 IST According to Camilla Do Rosario, her husband gives her 85 pounds (approximately Rs 9,000) every two weeks, a total of 2,500 pounds (Rs 2,63,783) annually. The woman called woman tax compensation for her challenges. (Photo Credit: Instagram) Keep all the taxes aside as a new form of tax has made it to the block. Its called the woman tax. Camilla Do Rosario, a social media influencer, sparked a debate among Internet users as she claimed being paid monthly woman tax as compensation for her physical and emotional challenges. The tax is paid by her husband, as she shared in a video posted on social media. The unique financial arrangement of the woman with her husband serves as an example of self-care and also sheds light on the importance of women taking care of themselves. According to Camilla Do Rosario, her husband gives her 85 pounds (approximately Rs 9,000) every two weeks, a total of 2,500 pounds (Rs 2,63,783) per year. The social media user admits that the money is allocated for her expenses including manicures and pedicures to keep the stress caused due to motherhood at bay. related stories Explaining the reason behind taking the woman tax, she posted a video on Instagram wherein she explains, This tax is to compensate me for the fact that I have to have a period every single month, had two brutal pregnancies where I vomited most days, and then I had two C-sections." Interestingly, not Camilla but her husband was the one who proposed the idea. As per the woman, her partner wanted to create a balanced arrangement keeping in mind their roles as parents. As the clip progresses, she also confesses using the money for small personal indulgences like getting her nails decked up. Camilla believes that indulging in self-care aids in managing the challenges of motherhood. I cannot explain how happy getting a manicure and pedicure makes me, and it does make up for that week of bleeding," she explained in the clip. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Camilla hopes to teach her daughters a valuable lesson through her approach to financial agreement. Emphasising the same, she noted, Women have such a hard time, men got away very easy in this life, so they should be paying woman tax." Camillas explanation to justify the woman tax" has left the Internet divided, with many calling it an unconventional way to acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of a mother. Some others with contrary views on the matter argued that there should not be financial transactions within a family. Location : Delhi, India First Published: January 19, 2025, 16:00 IST Indoor Event, Limited Guests, And More: A Look At Trump's Inauguration Ceremony Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 20, 2025, 00:03 IST Donald Trump Inauguration: The US Capitol where Trump's inauguration will take place is representative of the remarkable political comeback he made in November. US President-elect Donald Trump | File Image/AP Donald Trump Inauguration: Donald Trump is set to take charge as the 47th President of the United States of America on January 20, with a grand inauguration event on the cards inside the Capitol premises. Significantly, the US Capitol where Trumps inauguration will take place is representative of the remarkable political comeback he made in November. Its the same place where his supporters launched an attack four years ago over his 2020 electoral loss. related stories Trumps return as US President is also rare in American history as he is only the second president to have come to power, lost the re-election and then won again. The first on the list to do so was Grover Cleveland in the late 1800s. His first term as US commander-in-chief saw many firsts and marked several conventions upended, including some that have become a staple of American democracy. In 2020, Trump expressed confidence that he won the election and not Democrat Biden and skipped the latters inauguration event, becoming the first ex-president to have done so in 150 years. Why Is There A Gap Between US Elections & Inauguration? Elections in the US are held in November and results of the same become clear soon after the voting day. Formally, the incumbent president invites the president-elect to the White House to congratulate on winning the polls and discuss a smooth and effective transformation of power. Inauguration events in the US follow a set of rules shaped by tradition over the years. A 1933 constitutional amendment mandates that the inauguration takes place on January 20 (or January 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday), with the official oath administered at noon. According to US rules, the oath is typically administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Monday will mark John Robertss second time officiating for Trump. Its held two months after the presidential election to allow the incoming and outgoing presidents and administrations to ensure a smooth transition of power. Trumps Inauguration Moved Indoor President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration will take place inside the US Capitol on Monday rather than outdoors because of severe cold, the first time in 40 years that US presidential inaugural ceremonies will be moved indoors. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I dont want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way," Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Friday. Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda," he added. The last time an inauguration was moved indoors because of the bitter cold was in 1985 for former Republican President Ronald Reagans second swearing-in when the afternoon wind chill fell into the range of minus 10 to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 23 to minus 29 degrees Celsius). Vice President-Elect JD Vance To Take Oath First Vice President-elect JD Vance will take the oath of office first, followed by Trump, who will then deliver his inaugural address, laying out his plans for the next four years. The Republican rang in his first term in 2017 with a particularly dark speech evoking American carnage." Later, in the Presidents Room, Trump will meet with aides and Members of Congress to sign nominations, as well as occasional memorandums, proclamations, or executive orders. Trump Inauguration: Guest List The Republican has extended invitations to several tech moguls for his inauguration, alongside traditional guests like his cabinet nominees. According to US media, billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg will be in attendance, along with Shou Chew, the head of Chinese social media giant TikTok. Trump has sought closer ties with these tech leaders, and his campaign benefited from disinformation circulating on platforms like TikTok, Musks X, and Zuckerbergs Facebook and Instagram. Outgoing President Joe Biden will also attend the ceremony, despite Trumps refusal to appear at Bidens swearing-in after defeating Trump in 2020. Additionally, all living former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama will be present, accompanied by their spouses, except Michelle Obama. This means Hillary Clinton, whom Trump defeated in the 2016 presidential election, and Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he defeated in November, will also be in attendance. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Heads of state are not traditionally invited, but Trump has sent invitations to a handful of foreign leaders, including some who share his right-wing politics. Far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will attend, her office confirmed Saturday. Hungarys Viktor Orban, Argentine President Javier Milei and Chinas Xi Jinping have also been invited, but not all will attend. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 19, 2025, 16:52 IST Donald Trumps Inauguration: Schedule, Where To Watch And Other Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 11:30 IST US President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration is scheduled to be held on Monday on the west front of the US Capitol. Donald Trump, Melania and son Barron arrive at Dulles International Airport, Virginia. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President-elect Donald Trump will be formally sworn-in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday. The 78-year-old attended a series of events and celebrations before reclaiming the presidency on Saturday and returned to Washington DC aboard an Air Force One sent by US President Joe Biden to reclaim his presidency. There have been changes to the original inauguration schedule as well. Freezing temperatures have forced the inauguration to be held indoors. related stories 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 posted on Truth Social. We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my swearing-in," Trump added. He and Vice President-elect JD Vance are now likely to be sworn in in the Rotunda and Trumps team is in talks to potentially hold some of the festivities at the arena, US broadcaster CNN reported. Heres everything you need to know about the inauguration, from the schedule to where to watch and key details: January 19, Sunday On January 19, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Following this, Trump will hold a MAGA Victory Rally" at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. This rally, as a pre-inauguration event, aims to energize supporters and reinforce Trumps America First" agenda. A candlelight dinner will follow the rally. January 20, Monday: Inauguration Day Trump, wife Melania Trump and his family, sons Eric and Barron, daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner will attend a private prayer service near the White House at St. Johns Episcopal Church. After that they will have tea at the White House with outgoing US president Joe Biden and outgoing vice president Kamala Harris. Then along with US Vice President-elect JD Vance he will travel to the Capitol building for the inauguration ceremony. The ceremony is set to begin at 12pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) (10:30pm Indian Standard Time (IST), Monday). Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the presidential oath of office to Trump. An inaugural address will follow the oath-taking where Trump will share what he plans for the US in the coming four years of his presidency. There will also be a presidential parade down Pennsylvania Avenue which around 7,500 people are expected to attend. Inaugural Balls: On the evening of January 20, Donald Trump will attend several inaugural balls. He will be delivering remarks at the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball. January 21, Tuesday: A National Prayer Service will be held at Washington National Cathedral at 11am, marking the official end of the inauguration celebrations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Where To Watch: The swearing-in ceremony will be broadcast live on major US-based news channels like ABC, NBC and CNN, with live streaming available on various platforms for global access. Major networks, including Fox News, MSNBC, BBC and Al Jazeera, will provide live coverage of the event. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 19, 2025, 11:30 IST 'Something Needs To Change': Elon Musk Opposes TikTok Ban, Pushes China To Start X Services Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 20:18 IST Elon Musk opposed the ban on Tiktok, saying it goes contrary to freedom of speech and expression. At the same time, he called out the ban on X platform in China, describing it "unbalanced". Elon Musk said banning Tiktok would go against the freedom of speech in the US. (Reuters) Tech billionaire Elon Musk voiced his disapproval towards the ban on the popular video-sharing platform TikTok and said it goes against freedom of speech but also stressed that the ban on the X platform in China is unbalanced". Musk recalled his previous comments against a potential ban on TikTok last year, even if such a ban benefits X (formerly Twitter) as it goes contrary to freedom of speech and expression and its not what America stands for". related stories I have been against a TikTok ban for a long time, because it goes against freedom of speech. That said, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced," he said. I have been against a TikTok ban for a long time, because it goes against freedom of speech.That said, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced. Something needs to change. https://t.co/YVu2hkZEVZ Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 19, 2025 This came after the US Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the federal law banning the app unless its sold by its China-based parent company. The court in its ruling held that the risk to national security posed by TikToks ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech by the app or its 170 million users in the United States. TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement, noting that actions to implement the law will fall to the new administration. Will China Sell TikTok To Musk? After the Supreme Courts decision, social media users and unverified reports shared screenshots of users receiving a message on the app saying the ban is in effect, days after TikTok said it would go dark". However, US President-elect Donald Trump said he is considering a reprieve on the small video creating and sharing app after he takes office. After discussing TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, Trump told NBC News on Saturday that he could activate a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he reclaims the Oval 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," he said, ahead of Mondays inauguration. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to a report by Bloomberg, Elon Musk is being eyed by Chinese authorities as a potential buyer of TikTok, citing people familiar with the matter. The report said Chinese officials are weighing up an option that would see its business in America sold to Musk, although TikTok has strongly disputed the reports A scenario allegedly under discussion involves the X app owned by Musk taking control of TikToks US operations and integrating the two platforms, according to several reports. There has been no official comment so far. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 19, 2025, 20:17 IST Watch: Exact Moment When Hamas Handed Over 3 Israeli Hostages To Red Cross In Gaza Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 23:22 IST Three Israeli hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher finally returned home after 15 months of captivity in Gaza on the first day of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Three Israeli hostages were released on Sunday as part of the ceasefire. (Reuters) Gaza Ceasefire News: In a significant moment today, three Israeli hostages returned home after spending more than 15 months in Hamas captivity in Gaza, as part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that aims to end the gruelling war. The three hostages are Romi Gonen, 24, kidnapped from the Nova music festival, and Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. They were released by Hamas to the International Committee of the Red Cross, who later handed them to Israeli troops in Gaza. related stories A broadcast footage of the moment showed the hostages being handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas fighters as a huge Palestinian crowd surrounded them. The footage showed the hostages getting out of one car surrounded by a crowd of armed fighters chanting the name of the armed wing of Hamas. After 15 months of alleged genocide, hundreds of Gazans find nothing better to do than attack a vehicle carrying three innocent Israeli hostages who have done nothing to anyone. This is what brings them happiness and pride. sick. pic.twitter.com/Qn72yDo9EU Ori Miller (@orielishamiller) January 19, 2025 The vehicles were accompanied by armed men who wore green Hamas headbands and struggled to guard the cars from an unruly crowd that swelled into the thousands. The truce between Israel and Hamas started at 11:15 am, (local time), in the first step to ending the conflict. Hostages Reunite With Families Soon after, these hostages were handed over to the Israeli military, who brought them back home and helped them reunite with their mothers at a military facility near the border with Gaza. They will undergo an initial medical assessment at the facility before they are taken to hospitals to meet the rest of their families. The father of Romi Gonen, one of the three hostages freed today from Hamas captivity as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal, was seen celebrating the return of his daughter to Israel after 471 days. The Israel Defence Force (IDF) released footage showing Gonens father jumping up and down, waving their hands in the air in joy and relief. Tears of joyWatch: Romi Gonens father reacts to the news that his daughter is back home in Israel @IDF pic.twitter.com/TNLI2scO3E Israel (@Israel) January 19, 2025 Emily Damaris mother shared pictures of a video call with her daughter and the rest of her family, while expressing gratitude to all who fought for her release. While Emilys nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues. Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home," she said in a statement. The IDF shared pictures of Emilys reunion, show a bandage on Emilys hand after she was wounded during the October 7, 2023 attack. She lost two fingers during the attack, as per local reports. Emily is finally back where she belongssafe in her mothers arms, still smiling and stronger than ever. pic.twitter.com/ulGlAbJ17n Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 19, 2025 Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners comprising 69 women. A gradual release of 33 captives over the next six weeks has been agreed on. In exchange, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and Palestinians from Gaza who have been detained. Some 250 people were kidnapped during Hamas October 7, 2023, attack that triggered 15 months of war. Almost 100 hostages had remained in Gaza after the rest were released or their bodies recovered. Even before the ceasefire took effect, celebrations erupted across the territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes. Israel earlier announced the names of the first three hostages to be freed in exchange for the planned release of 90 Palestinian prisoners. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a separate development, Israel announced it had recovered the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, in a special operation in Gaza. The bodies of Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, remained there after the 2014 war and had not been returned. (with agency inputs) Location : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: January 19, 2025, 22:28 IST Hamas Hands Over 3 Israeli Women Hostages As Gaza Truce Deal Begins | Who Are They? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 21:40 IST The Palestinian militant outfit Hamas handed over three Israeli women hostages to the IDF (military) through the Red Cross on Sunday as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damar are the hostages to be released by Hamas | Image/Hostages and Missing Families Forum The Palestinian militant outfit Hamas handed over three Israeli women hostages to the IDF (military) through the Red Cross on Sunday as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal, pausing a 15-month-old war that has brought devastation and seismic political change to the Middle East. Several hours of tension prevailed before the start of the ceasefire as Hamas missed the deadline to hand over the list of hostages to be freed and Israel refused to halt the bombarding until the militant group released the names, raising fears of the deal facing a blow before even coming to effect. related stories Meanwhile, Hamas attributed the delay in sharing the list of hostages to technical reasons", as well as the complexities of the field situation and the continued bombing". The terror group ultimately published the names of three Israeli women to be released on Sunday nearly three hours after the deadline. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office confirmed late Sunday morning that it had received the list of names from Hamas, announcing that a ceasefire would go into effect at 11:15 am (09:15 GMT and 2:45 pm IST), nearly three hours after it was initially scheduled to begin. In the list of hostages, Hamas released the names of three women- Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari, with their families confirming that they will be released on Sunday afternoon, marking the first exchange of hostages since November 2023. The Red Cross has communicated that the three Israeli hostages were transferred to them and are on their way toward IDF (military) and ISA (security agency) forces in the Gaza Strip," the Israeli military said. Hamas To Free 3 Hostages: Who Are They According to the information shared by The Hostages Families Forum, below are the details of the three hostages released today: Romi Gonen , 24 years old, lives in Kfar Vradim. She loves dancing, traveling, and enjoying life. Friends and family describe her as energetic, funny, family-oriented, and full of life. On October 7th, she was kidnapped from the Nova Festival. Romi has four siblings and two loving parents, Meirav and Eitan. , 24 years old, lives in Kfar Vradim. She loves dancing, traveling, and enjoying life. Friends and family describe her as energetic, funny, family-oriented, and full of life. On October 7th, she was kidnapped from the Nova Festival. Romi has four siblings and two loving parents, Meirav and Eitan. Doron Steinbrecher , 31 years old, is from Kfar Gaza. Doron is a veterinary nurse who has cared for animals since childhood, when she helped at the schools petting zoo. She loves sports, especially running, and goes for early morning runs around the kibbutz every Saturday. Her family describes her as a devoted aunt who is especially loved by her nephews. Her parents are Roni and Simona, and she has one sister, Yamit and one brother, Dor. , 31 years old, is from Kfar Gaza. Doron is a veterinary nurse who has cared for animals since childhood, when she helped at the schools petting zoo. She loves sports, especially running, and goes for early morning runs around the kibbutz every Saturday. Her family describes her as a devoted aunt who is especially loved by her nephews. Her parents are Roni and Simona, and she has one sister, Yamit and one brother, Dor. Emily Damari, 28 years old, is a British citizen living in Kfar Aza. Her friends describe her as well-loved and popular, a friend to everyone. Emily enjoys barbecuing, and karaoke nights and loves hats. She is a central figure in the local Kfar Aza youth community and is always there for her friends. On October 7th, she was kidnapped from her home in Kfar Aza along with her friends Gali and Ziv Berman, who remain in captivity, and Doron Steinbrecher. 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In return, Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners for each female Israeli soldier freed by Hamas and 30 prisoners for other female hostages. 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 : Palestine First Published: January 19, 2025, 17:48 IST Provide List Of Hostages Or No Ceasefire, Says Netanyahu; Hamas Claims Technical Delay Published By : Reuters Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 12:03 IST Netanyahu made the announcement one hour before the ceasefire deadline. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an hour before the ceasefire demanded Hamas hand over a list of hostages to be released. (IMAGE: AFP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Gazas ceasefire, due to start at 0630 GMT on Sunday, will not begin until the Palestinian militant group Hamas provides a list of hostages to be released. Netanyahus announcement comes one hour before the ceasefire deadline. Hostages were expected to be released within hours of the start of the ceasefire, opening the way to a possible end to a 15-month war that has upended the Middle East. related stories The prime minister instructed the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) that the ceasefire, which is supposed to go into effect at 8:30 a.m., will not begin until Israel has the list of released abductees that Hamas has pledged to provide," his office said on Sunday. Hamas on Sunday affirmed its commitment to the Gaza ceasefire deal, saying the delay in disclosing the names of hostages to be released in first phase was due to technical field reasons". Israeli forces had 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 is allowed a statement and instructions will be issued on safe transit methods". The ceasefire agreement followed months of on-off negotiations brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, and came just ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. The three-stage ceasefire will come into effect at 0630 GMT on Sunday. Its first stage will last six weeks, during which 33 of the remaining 98 hostages women, children, men over 50, the ill and wounded will be released in return for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. 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. Three female hostages are expected to be released on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross, in return for 30 prisoners each. After Sundays 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. During the first phase the Israeli army will pull back from some of its positions in Gaza and Palestinians displaced from areas in northern Gaza will be allowed to return. U.S. President Joe Bidens team worked closely with Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to push the deal over the line. 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. POST-WAR GAZA? 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. And although the stated aim of the ceasefire is to end the war entirely, it could easily unravel. Hamas, which has controlled Gaza for almost two decades, has survived despite losing its top leadership and thousands of fighters. 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 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government over the Oct. 7 security failure that led to the deadliest single day in the countrys history. But hardliners in his government have already threatened to quit if war on Hamas is not resumed, leaving him pressed between Washingtons desire to see the war end, and his far-right political allies at home. And if war resumes, dozens of hostages could be left behind in Gaza. MIDEAST SHOCKWAVES Outside Gaza, the war sent shockwaves across the region, triggering a war with the Tehran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah movement and bringing Israel into direct conflict with its arch-foe Iran for the first time. More than a year later, the Middle East has been transformed. Iran, which spent billions building up a network of militant groups around Israel, has seen its Axis of Resistance" wrecked and was unable to inflict more than minimal damage on Israel in two major missile attacks. Hezbollah, whose huge missile arsenal was once seen as the biggest threat to Israel, has been humbled, with its top leadership killed and most of its missiles and military infrastructure destroyed. In the aftermath, the decades-long Assad regime in Syria was overturned, removing another major Iranian ally and leaving Israels military effectively unchallenged in the region. But 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 ICJ case as well as the countries that have joined it, of antisemitism. 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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. Location : Jerusalem, Undefined First Published: January 19, 2025, 12:03 IST Approaching his 200th day as the new Chief Executive Officer of Lonza, Wolfgang Wienand discussed the companys plans to exit the Capsules and Health Ingredients (CHI) business and concentrate on core contract manufacturing at the 43rd JP Morgan Annual Healthcare Conference. Some in the audience of Wienands presentation on 14 January expressed concern about the loss of shareholder value following the future CHI divestiture. When asked about the financial rationale and future performance of the CHI business, Wienand affirmed that Lonza is not under pressure to sell and that the company has reasons to expect a strong interest for that business[which is a] market leader in an attractive space andwill be able to return to the previous margin levels and growth levels as well. He added that the company will take the necessary time to find a value-adding good solution for shareholders and stakeholders. Lonza first announced the decision on 12 December, 2024 to exit the CHI business so that it could focus on CDMO services. At JPM, Wienand highlighted that the new operating model, which was originally announced in Q4 2024, is currently being finalised and is set to be implemented in Q2 2025. Wienand explained the reorganisation: its about taking three very autonomous divisions and translating them into differently set up integrated business platforms: [integrated biologics, advanced synthesis, specialised modalities]. Wienand added that Lonza took out one management level to provide for faster decision-making and [decreased] complexity. And in the end, [the company] translated the divisional strategies into a unified Lonza strategy. Reflecting on 2024, Wienand reported that Lonzas organic growth rate was 23% ahead of the market, with a mid-to-high teens capital expenditure in percentage of sales over time. These positive results allowed for an organic Constant Exchange Rates (CER) sales growth of low teens percentage on average over time and a core Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) margin of 2729%, thus growing ahead of sales growth itself. The success of the CDMO business was offset by the lower-than-planned Capsules and Health Ingredients (CHI) business performance, the CEO explained. Looking ahead at the CDMO business in 2025, the company expects a CER sales growth approaching 20%, including approximately $500m from the acquisition of the Vacaville, California site from Roche, and a core EBITDA margin approaching 30%. The Vacaville site has already had one letter of intent signed before closing, which turned into the sites first hard commitment. A second firm manufacturing commitment from another customer for the Vacaville site was noted by Wienand as well. [The] overall reception and interest for the Vacaville capacity is actually very promising, and [they] are looking forward to fully exploit[ing] that additional potential available, Wienand said. Three-Stage Gaza Ceasefire Delayed, IDF Says Hamas Did Not Meet Agreements: Top Points Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 14:04 IST A possible end of the 15-month war between Israel and Hamas could lead to broader stability in West Asia and allow hostages to return to families and Gazans to their homes. A man speaks with a boy standing on a broken concrete beam by the rubble of a collapsed building at a camp for people displaced by conflict in Bureij in the central Gaza Strip. (IMAGE: AFP) The ceasefire expected to end 15 months of war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza set to begin Sunday morning was delayed and attacks by the Israeli forces continued, Israeli forces said. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said Sunday that it continued to carry out attacks in Gaza, insisting that a ceasefire with Hamas had still not come into effect as the group had not provided a list of hostages to be released. related stories The IDF continues to strike within the Gaza area at this time. According to the prime ministers directives, the ceasefire will not come into effect until Hamas fulfils its commitments," military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement. Hamas, in response, said that a list of hostages to be released under a ceasefire deal with Israel would be handed over any moment", but that complexities" in Gaza and Israeli bombing were causing delays. The ceasefire promises to bring a sense of relief in West Asia where Israel not only fought Hamas to avenge the October 7, 2023 massacre that left over 1,200 Israelis dead but its relentless strikes and bombings killed over 46,000 Palestinians, including women and children along with militants and turned most of the coastal enclave into blackened rubble. The ceasefire will take place in three-stages and comes a day before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump (who claims he played a major role in bringing about the truce). Outgoing US President Joe Biden, who played a key role in the mediation talks in Doha and Qatar, said after the announcement earlier this week that he hopes hostages will return home and the killing of Palestinian civilians will stop. Hamas captured 251 hostages during its attack on Israel in October 2023. It is still holding 94 people captive, though Israel estimates that only 60 are still alive. In exchange for the hostages, Israel is expected to free around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, some of whom have been imprisoned for several years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his Saturday night speech warned that any violation of the ceasefire would mean that Israel will find new ways to attack the enemy", referring to Hamas. 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," he said. If we need to go back to the fighting, we will do so in new ways and with great force," he further added. But in Gaza, Palestinians hoped for a day without war and 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," Gharabli told AFP. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Heres What To Know About The Gaza Ceasefire: The ceasefire was supposed to begin at 0630GMT, halting 15 months of war, but Israel said that Hamas did not meet the conditions agreed upon before as Israeli military carried out strikes. Hamas, which has controlled Gaza for almost two decades, has survived despite losing its top leadership and thousands of fighters. 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. 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. 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. Hamass 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. 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. Hamas would release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, elderly, and the wounded, while Israel would free an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli officials believe not all 33 hostages are alive. Three hostages will be freed on the first day, with further exchanges spread over six weeks. During this phase, Israeli troops will leave populated Gaza areas, allowing Palestinians to return to their neighborhoods. Stage two aims for a permanent end to the war," said US President Joe Biden. Remaining hostages, including men, would be freed in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners. Of the 1,000 Palestinian prisoners to be released, about 190 are serving sentences of 15 years or longer. Israeli troops would also fully withdraw from Gaza. The third and final stage focuses on rebuilding Gaza, a process expected to take years, along with the return of the bodies of any remaining hostages. Location : Khan Younis, Gaza/Tel Aviv First Published: January 19, 2025, 09:13 IST Trump May Visit India After Taking Office, Likely To Invite PM Modi For White House Meet: Report Published By : & PTI Last Updated: January 19, 2025, 13:26 IST According to familiar sources, a preliminary level of talks were initiated when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Washington DC around Christmas last month. President-elect Donald Trump's second term promises a refreshed approach to India-US ties. (Image: AFP/File) President-elect Donald Trump wants to travel to China after he takes office as part of his effort to deepen relations with Beijing, and also has talked to advisors about visit to India, a media report said Saturday. Trump, who arrived at the Dulles International Airport aboard a special plane along with First Lady Melania and son Barron, had during his election campaign threatened to impose additional tariffs on China. related stories President-elect Donald Trump has told advisors he wants to travel to China after he takes office, according to people familiar with the discussions, seeking to deepen a relationship with Xi Jinping strained by the president-elects threat to impose steeper tariffs on Chinese imports," The Wall Street Journal reported. Trump has also talked to advisers about a possible trip to India, according to people close to him," the financial daily said. According to familiar sources, a preliminary level of talks were initiated when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Washington DC around Christmas last month. India is all set to host the QUAD Summit composed of leaders from Australia, Japan and the United States. The visit could happen as early as April or in the fall later this year. It is also being considered as a possibility that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might be invited by Trump for a White House meeting this spring. A day earlier, Trump had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi has deputed Vice-President Han Zheng to attend Trumps swearing-in ceremony, the first time a senior Chinese official will be present at a US presidential inauguration. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar would represent India at the inaugural. Trump invited Xi to his inauguration, however, the Chinese leader never attends the swearing-in of foreign leaders. After the talks, Trump said he held a very good" phone call with Xi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China," Trump wrote on Truth Social. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately." Trump said the pair discussed trade, fentanyl, TikTok and other subjects, and asserted that the call was very good" for both countries. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!" Trump said. A According to The Wall Street Journal, a Beijing meeting would come at a fraught moment in the relationship between the worlds leading superpowers. Along with potential new tariffs on Chinese imports, Trump has also pushed Beijing to crack down on Chinese chemical producers that supply the ingredients for fentanyl to Mexican cartels, it said. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 19, 2025, 13:26 IST Residents of Chiguhune in Gutu are baffled by the story of a 50-year-old villager, allegedly caught on many occasions having sex with his daughter and is believed to be the biological father of her two kids. The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) and Police late last year but villagers are worried by the snail pace of the investigations. ZGC CEO, Virginia Muwanigwa said she can only comment on the matter after being updated on the issue by the investigating officer. The Mirror could also not get hold of Masvingo Police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa to comment. The abused daughter who is now 25 years old has been taken to a house of a relative where she is staying alone with her two kids. Her two young sisters who are witnesses to the case were also removed from home for fear that they would be physically abused by the father who is alleged to be violent. The case happened in Chawira Village and The Mirror cannot disclose the name of the father as this would lead to the identification of the abused girl. Villagers also complained that the two witnesses who are both doing form four have not returned home to start school since opening this week and they urged Police and ZGC to speed up investigations so that the childrens lives can go back to normal. Shamwari Yemwanasikana director, Ekenia Chifamba said it was not proper that the abused girl and her sisters are staying with relatives. She said that the Department of Social Welfare has a responsibility to take over the children and find them safe places to live. I am rather put aback by the fact that these children have been given to relatives to take care of them. The Department of Social Welfare should have taken over such a case because they are qualified to deal with such matters. The abused girl and even her little sisters may end up with health issues, she said. The accused father denied the allegations in a telephone interview with The Mirror. Village head Patrick Madziva confirmed the case and said that the girl was abused since she was 16. She now has two children aged eight and four years old. Yes, the girl was abused since she was 16 years. Her little sisters are in hiding because of fear of the father who is known for being violent, said Madziva. Madziva said the issue was the talk of the community and a report to the local Police post yielded nothing. The accuseds elder brother also confirmed the case to The Mirror. He said that it was a family decision to remove the abused girl from home after incessant reports of the rape. The accuseds wife also told The Mirror that she on several occasions found her husband sleeping with the girl. Masvingo Mirror Alastair King (left) argues British investors pay more to invest in their own home-listed companies than in US tech giants - Jordan Pettitt/PA The new Lord Mayor of London has attacked Rachel Reeves over a tax on investment in UK shares, warning it undermines British businesses. Alastair King of the City of London Corporation urged the Chancellor to scrap or reduce share stamp duty to restore growth, arguing British investors pay more to invest in their own home-listed companies than in US tech giants. Mr King said: There is no stamp duty in relation to investing into New York-listed assets. There is stamp duty when investing in London assets. So effectively youre starting further behind because your costs of investment are increased. Investors pay a 0.5pc levy when buying shares. This is forecast to raise 4.2bn for the public coffers in 2024-25. Economists at JP Morgan have warned that the Chancellor may already be facing a 20bn fiscal hole after disappointing growth and a sell-off in gilts. Although he acknowledged that money is tight, the Lord Mayor called on Ms Reeves to at least reduce the tax to boost investment and liquidity, adding that the City is crucial to reviving growth. It would only cost 650m to ditch the tax on shares outside the FTSE 100, he said. It comes after Ms Reeves urged regulators to tear down the regulatory barriers that hold back growth, ordering Britains watchdogs to come up with proposals for reforms. Mr King said he was particularly pushing for the end of stamp duty on shares and an overhaul of Isa tax breaks in conversations over regulatory reform with the Treasury. Mr King said: We used to have a really excellent regulatory environment. Markets have moved on, and the regulatory environment has not kept pace. Thats meant effectively the erosion of the stock exchange and complacency in relation to our position. The financier has led several investment firms and founded boutique asset manager, Naisbitt King, after previously working as a solicitor for Baker McKenzie. The City is no longer as nimble as it once was, he added. However, Mr King said that mandating pension funds to invest in British assets is not the solution to the woes of the flailing London stock market. Turning around the Citys struggles requires accepting times have changed and taking on a more proactive role in promoting it to investors abroad, he said. The Lord Mayor said: We need to get back into sell mode and start banging on doors again. People no longer come to us in the way that they used to. We must get more used to going to where the customers are. Public perceptions of the City also need to shift to help restore its former standing, Mr King said. When Michelle Shephard, a former reporter for the Toronto Star, received an email in late 2023 from Zakaria Amara, she knew exactly who he was: one of the ringleaders for the "Toronto 18," a group of Muslim men and youth who were arrested for a 2006 terror plot to blow up a military base and buildings in downtown Toronto, and who were subjects of many Star stories. Seven of those suspects walked free, four were found guilty at trial, and the rest, including Amara, pleaded guilty. He spent almost 17 years in prison and was released on parole in 2022, but his email to Shephard led to a meeting over coffee, where she was surprised to find Amara "contrite, regretful, thoughtful, and pretty funny." "I wanted to believe he was a changed manbut was he?" Shephard writes in her profile of him for the Walrus. "The more we talked, the harder it became not to want to write about himto write the sequel." In Tokyo, participants braved frigid conditions at the Kanda Myojin Shrine for a traditional Japanese ritual aimed at purifying the soul and ushering in good health for the new year. Clad in minimal attiremen in white loincloths and women in white robesapproximately 40 individuals undertook the cold endurance test on Saturday. This annual event saw participants jogging around the shrine and performing exercises before immersing themselves in a knee-deep pool that was made colder with large chunks of ice. Once in the water, participants took turns dunking and dousing themselves with wooden buckets, shouting "Ei!" to rally their spirits. Spectators joined in, cheering on the brave souls in this Shinto tradition. Known for its emphasis on purification to ward off malevolent forces, Shinto also allows worshipers to seek blessings for traffic safety, business success, academic achievements, and safe childbirth. Rooted in animistic beliefs, Shinto is Japan's Indigenous religion, intertwining with the nation's cultural fabric over centuries. It celebrates sacred spirits inhabiting nature and all living things. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Thousands of people from around the US rallied in the nation's capital on Saturday for causes they believe are under threat from the incoming administration, reprising the original Women's March just before President-elect 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 the election result, the AP reports, and are determined now to show that support remains strong on issues including women's access to abortion, support for transgender people, and combating climate change. A speaker told the crowd gathered at the Lincoln Memorial, per the Washington Post , "We are powerful enough ... to keep making progress no matter who is president." Now called the People's March, it was one of several protests, rallies, and vigils planned in advance of Trump's inauguration on Monday. Around the country, over 350 similar marches are taking place in every state. Organizers planned 22 allied events across the UK, per the BBC. In Washington, Jill Parrish said she bought a plane ticket from Austin for what she expected to be Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' inauguration. She changed the dates so she could march Saturday, saying the world should know that half of American voters didn't support Trump. "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 snowy grounds of the Lincoln Memorial for a larger rally and fair, where organizations at the local, state, and national level hosted information tables. Marchers carried signs with slogans including "Against abortions? Then don't have one" and "Hate won't win." There were brief moments of tension between protesters and Trump supporters. Rick Glatz, of Manchester, New Hampshire, said he came to Washington for the sake of his four granddaughters. "I'm a grandpa," he said. "And that's why I'm marching." (More Women's March stories.) TikTok is no longer working for most users in America, but President-elect Trump committed on Sunday to officially delaying enforcement of the ban. Chinese parent company ByteDance began shuttering the app at 10:30pm Saturday to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on Friday, reports USA Today. Those who attempt to use the app are instead greeted by a message: "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now," it reads. "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!" President Biden on Sunday posthumously pardoned Black nationalist Marcus Garvey, who influenced Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders and was convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s. Others receiving pardons included a top Virginia lawmaker and advocates for immigrant rights, criminal justice changes, and gun violence prevention, the AP reports. Of Garvey, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "He was the first man, on a mass scale and level" to give millions of Black people "a sense of dignity and destiny." Congressional leaders had pushed for Biden to pardon Garvey, with supporters arguing Garvey's conviction was politically motivated and an effort to silence the increasingly popular leader who spoke of racial pride. After Garvey was convicted, he was deported to Jamaica, where he was born. He died in 1940. Among those pardoned on Sunday were: Don Scott : The speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates was convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and served eight years in prison. Scott was elected to the legislature in 2019 and later became the first Black speaker. "I am deeply humbled to share that I have received a Presidential Pardon from President Joe Biden for a mistake I made in 1994one that changed the course of my life and taught me the true power of redemption," Scott said in a statement. : The speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates was convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and served eight years in prison. Scott was elected to the legislature in 2019 and later became the first Black speaker. "I am deeply humbled to share that I have received a Presidential Pardon from President Joe Biden for a mistake I made in 1994one that changed the course of my life and taught me the true power of redemption," Scott said in a statement. Ravi Ragbi : The immigrant rights activist was convicted of a nonviolent offence in 2001 and sentenced to two years in prison. Ragbi was facing deportation to Trinidad and Tobago. : The immigrant rights activist was convicted of a nonviolent offence in 2001 and sentenced to two years in prison. Ragbi was facing deportation to Trinidad and Tobago. Kemba Smith Pradia : She was convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and sentenced to 24 years behind bars. Smith Pradia has since become a prison reform activist. President Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. : She was convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and sentenced to 24 years behind bars. Smith Pradia has since become a prison reform activist. President Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. Darryl Chambers: The gun violence prevention advocate from Wilmington, Delaware, was convicted of a drug offense and sentenced to 17 years in prison. He studies and writes about gun violence prevention. Biden commuted the sentences of: Michelle West : She was serving life in prison for her role in a drug conspiracy case in the early 1990s. West has a daughter who has written publicly about the struggle of growing up with a mother behind bars. : She was serving life in prison for her role in a drug conspiracy case in the early 1990s. West has a daughter who has written publicly about the struggle of growing up with a mother behind bars. Robin Peoples: He was convicted of robbing banks in northwest Indiana in the late 1990s and sentenced to 111 years in prison. A White House said Peoples would have faced significantly lower sentences under current laws. A pardon relieves a person of guilt and punishment, per the AP. A commutation reduces or eliminates the punishment but doesn't exonerate the wrongdoing. (More President Biden stories.) The federal holiday set aside to honor the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is Monday. And in Alabama and Mississippi, Monday is also set aside to honor Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The two state governments created holidays more than a century ago to honor Lee and in the 1980s combined them with the federal holiday on the third Monday in January established in the 1980s in the name of the civil rights icon, the AP reports. The two men do have month-appropriate birthdays: Lee was born on Jan. 19, 1807, and King was born on Jan. 15, 1929. The first three hostages released by Hamas under the ceasefire agreement returned to Israel on Sunday after being held for 470 days, setting off a celebration among their countrymen and families. After arriving in Israel, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher were accompanied by their mothers on a helicopter flight to a hospital for checkups, the Washington Post reports. There, they were reunited with other family members. The medical evaluations will continue for several days, per CNN . The next phase of the agreement calls for the release of Palestinian prisoners and other detainees. There were celebrations throughout Gaza and Israel. But people on both sides said their reactions are complicated, per the New York Times, involving uncertainty about rebuilding and future government among Gazans and concern about the health of hostages and unease about Palestinians convicted of attacks going free among Israelis. Palestinians consider the detainees to be political prisoners and freedom fighters. "There is relief," said Dov Weissglas, a former politician in Israel, "wrapped in caution, fears and concern." One Israeli columnist said joy and sadness are "inseparably intertwined," writing that Sunday was a day not of celebration but of reckoning. Next, Ben Caspit wrote, Israel will have to confront its failure on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked. "Let us think about those who were killed and murdered and burned and raped and kidnapped," he said. Israeli authorities released video footage on Sunday of the three women and their families reuniting that showed fierce hugs and sobbing, per the AP. "You're here!" one relative cried out. "I can really touch you!" (More Israel-Hamas war stories.) We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Debbie S. Miller has lived in Alaska for 50 years and written many books about Alaskas extraordinary world. She is a co-founder of The Alaska Wilderness League, a national conservation organization where President Carter served as Honorary Chair for three decades. To learn more about the League visit www.alaskawild.org. If you would like to write a condolence or tribute to President Carter, the Carter Center encourages you to sign the virtual condolence book at www.jimmycartertribute.org. This is The Takeaway from today's Morning Brief, which you can sign up to receive in your inbox every morning along with: The chart of the day What we're watching What we're reading Economic data releases and earnings Coverage of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, each year is something I view as a competitive sport. I actually start training for the intense week over the summer, as my few close friends know (and yes, they all make fun of me). The number of workouts every week in the lead-up rises incrementally so I can easily sprint up and down the two-mile promenade with a backpack to stuff in as many meetings as humanly possible (yes, I do this). My one cheat meal a week gets replaced by green drinks and extra doses of vitamins to ensure I don't get sick. I meditate twice a day and carefully pick out clothes I know will help me execute at the highest level. Look good, feel good, good things happen. To me, this one event is the closest I will get to being like Michael Jordan in the playoffs and I am very lucky to be in attendance. And this year, the gathering of the elites flying in on private jets to wax poetic on the world's biggest problems will be extra nutty. Read more: Here are the biggest global risks for 2025 The conference unofficially kicks off on Trump's Inauguration Day. Some CEOs I know who normally would be at Davos all week are dropping in mid-week after working the inauguration party rounds. By Tuesday, the newly minted president may have uncorked a host of executive orders that could impact the businesses of the top CEOs on the ground. And, of course, impact the global markets. This is why this year's WEF will be more important than the norm for you, the average investor. The headlines will be coming in hot and heavy as CEOs look to challenge Trump or get on his good side. They will also look to talk up their businesses ahead of the start of earnings season, and with markets getting a little rockier of late. Here's what yours truly and our very own Jennifer Schonberger will be watching while bundled up in five layers all week. Be sure to bookmark the "streaming now" section on Yahoo Finance to catch all our market-moving interviews in real time. Or tune in where you normally catch us, whether that's on Samsung TV or our nifty app. Unlike our previous trips to Davos over the past decade, I will be taping several special episodes of the Opening Bid podcast on the ground. I could tell you who those guests will be, but where is the fun in that? Best to be surprised! TDT | Manama Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com Timeshare activities in Bahrain are now governed by strict new rules under a 36-article law ratified Sunday by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The legislation takes aim at overselling, bans misleading advertising, and introduces tough penalties for breaches, including fines of up to BD 50,000 and licence suspensions. With these changes, Bahrain is setting new standards for fairness and transparency in the timeshare sector. Law No. (1) of 2025, approved by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, is a major step forward in protecting consumers and ensuring the proper regulation of the industry. The law requires all timeshare projects to have a licensed manager responsible for day-to-day operations. While the project owner can take on this role, they can also appoint another licensed individual or company. Either way, the project owner remains legally accountable for meeting all requirements. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, or another body assigned by decree, is tasked with overseeing licences, ensuring projects meet the required standards, and enforcing compliance. The legislation grants the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority wide powers to handle breaches. If a violation is confirmed, the authority can order the offender to stop the misconduct immediately and address its consequences. Should they fail to comply, the authority can impose harsher measures, including service restrictions, fines of up to BD 50,000, temporary licence suspensions of up to three months, or complete revocation of the licence. Penalties are assessed based on the seriousness of the violation, the benefits gained by the offender, and the harm caused to others. To ensure fairness, the authority must notify violators in writing before taking any action, giving them a chance to respond. Public disclosure of confirmed breaches is allowed, but only after the appeal period has passed or a court ruling is final. Any evidence of criminal behaviour uncovered during investigations must be handed over to the Public Prosecution. For businesses, the path to obtaining a licence has also been made clear. Applications must meet set conditions, and any rejection, whether explicit or due to inaction for 30 days, can be challenged through a grievance process with the minister. Applicants unsatisfied with the ministers response may escalate the matter to the courts. The law also imposes tight restrictions on advertising. Only licensed projects can market timeshare products, and all promotional materials must comply with guidelines issued by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. Misleading promotions are banned, and timeshare products cannot be marketed as investment tools. The rules also apply to foreign projects advertised in Bahrain, ensuring consistency across the board. Consumer protections are central to the law. Beneficiaries are granted a 10-day grace period during which they can cancel contracts and receive a full refund of any upfront payments. The law also mandates the use of escrow accounts to protect consumer payments, ensuring funds are not misused to cover unrelated debts. Overselling and overbooking timeshare periods are banned, guaranteeing that consumers retain their agreed access to timeshare slots. Beneficiaries can transfer or mortgage their timeshare rights, provided these actions are recorded in a dedicated registry. Upon a beneficiarys death, their rights automatically transfer to their heirs, who must inform the manager and update the registry. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority has been empowered to enforce these rules. Inspectors, given judicial authority, can enter licensed projects, review records, and interview staff to ensure compliance. Violators face tough penalties, including imprisonment of up to one year and substantial fines. Companies can also be penalised if violations are committed for their benefit. Transparency is further reinforced by requiring all contracts and transactions to be recorded in the timeshare registry. This ensures legal clarity and protects consumers from potential disputes. Licensed projects are given six months to comply with the new regulations, including submitting all required documentation. Santander Santander is reportedly considering leaving Britain over excessive red tape, in a blow that risks impacting tens of thousands of staff and some 14 million customers. The Spanish banking giant is considering pulling out of the UK as part of a strategic review of its future, according to the Financial Times. If executives decide to leave, they would seek a buyer for the lenders operations here. The extraordinary proposal is said to have been partly triggered by frustration over costly UK rules introduced in the wake of the financial crisis, leading to lower returns than in other markets. The bank has also been forced to set aside 295m to cover potential costs from the car finance scandal after a court ruling rattled the finance industry last year. Santanders departure would be an embarrassing defeat for the Government and its pitch to corporate Britain of offering greater stability and overhauling regulation. It comes after Rachel Reeves earlier this week summoned the bosses of Britains regulators and told them they had to help revive Britains sluggish economy by tearing down the regulatory barriers that hold back growth. Santander executives have for years been irked by lower returns in the UK than in other markets like Spain, which have been blamed on a higher cost base and so-called ringfencing rules. After the financial crisis, UK regulators forced large banks to ringfence or separate their retail banking from other more risky investment and international activities. The FT reported that one former Santander executive said it had always been a possibility that executive chair, Ana Botin, would sell the ringfenced bank as a result. Insiders said the banks executives want to focus more on growth regions such as the US after share prices have fallen by a third in just over a decade. The group would step away from retail and commercial banking in the UK under the plans, while retaining some corporate and investment activities. The banks size means its exit would risk having widespread implications. It employs around 20,000 people, has 444 branches across the UK and holds 200bn in customer lending. Santander took up retail banking in Britain after buying the former building society, Abbey National, in 2004. It became one of the countrys largest lenders after also acquiring Alliance & Leicester and a portion of Bradford & Bingley in the wake of the Great Recession. Santander has already been cutting staff numbers, and late last year said it would shed 1,400 jobs. A spokesman for Santander UK said: The UK is a core market for Santander and this has not changed. 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. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code It hasn't been a great period for investors in Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) despite its ongoing status as one of the pharmaceutical industry's apex competitors in the field of cardiometabolic drugs. Its shares are down by more than 20% in the last 12 months, and, given a few new competitive developments, the next 12 months might not see much in the way of relief for shareholders unless there's an upset of some kind. But it's a mistake to write off this behemoth due to a weak year. Let's investigate what's going on and whether the stock is still worth buying for a long-term hold. The bull thesis isn't what it used to be Novo is currently in a golden age of growth. Over the last five years, its trailing-12-month revenue grew by 109%, reaching $39.3 billion, thanks to its portfolio of potent drugs for cardiometabolic illnesses like diabetes and obesity. For the company to continue to grow at the same pace it has been recently, its blockbuster drugs, specifically its weight loss drug Wegovy, need to continue to retain a sizable share of the market. As of the third quarter, it claimed to have a 73% share of the global market for anti-obesity medicines, though that sum includes its older drugs as well as Wegovy. There's more than one way it could try to guarantee its hold on the market moving forward. Spending on additional research and development (R&D) programs to offer new formulations and expand the drug's total addressable market, offering customers coupons or better pricing terms depending on their insurance and ability to pay, and expanding its manufacturing facilities to ensure that Wegovy is in better supply than competing products are all avenues that Novo is pursuing already. And, if it were possible, it could also run new clinical trials directly comparing the safety and efficacy of its product against the medicines made by key competitors like Eli Lilly, (NYSE: LLY), which makes a newer weight loss drug called Zepbound. But that would only make sense to do if management were confident that Wegovy is actually more effective than the other product. As of Dec. 4, there's no reason for it to be that confident, as Lilly took the initiative to run a direct comparison study, and the preliminary results do not appear to favor Novo Nordisk whatsoever. Per the partial data released from that phase 3b clinical trial, over 72 weeks of once-weekly treatment with either Zepbound or Wegovy, patients taking Zepbound lost 20.2% of their weight on average, whereas patients taking Wegovy lost just 13.7% on average. Lilly's drug also performed better on all five of the secondary endpoints in the study, which examined factors like waist circumference, among others. Side effect burdens were similar to earlier clinical trials for both medicines. With a fresh blanket of snow about to cover much of the state, its time recognize one of the greatest inventions in New Jersey: the steerable sled. In the 1889, Samuel Leeds Allen lived in Cinnaminson in Burlington County and owned a company in Philadelphia that built farm equipment. He registered over 300 patents during his career, many for farm tools like fertilizer spreaders, seeders and potato diggers. But none proved to be as iconic as his patent for the first steerable sled, which he called the Flexible Flyer. The flexibility is really the meat and potatoes of it, said Samuel Leeds Allen IV, 48, the inventors great-great grandson, who still hops aboard his Flexible Flyer when it snows at his home outside Pittsburgh. It was well-engineered, and it brought about a whole new wave of fun. The inventor had a teenage daughter who was on a coasting team at her boarding school in New Jersey, Allen said. Concerned that the sled she was riding couldnt be turned to avoid a tree, the inventor put his mind to developing a steering mechanism connected to flexible rudders that could be turned quickly. And, as any farmer knows, things can get a little slow in the winter. The same held true for the manufacture of farm equipment, with winter being the slow season, Allen said. To keep his workers busy, the inventor began dabbling in a sled with flexible steel blades connected to a crosspiece that could be steered with the hands or the feet. Amazon is selling this Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled. Steel & Wood Steering Snow Slider for $165.40. Allen is believed to have tested his prototype Flexible Flyer at Stokes Hill in Moorestown. He was issued a patent on August 13, 1889. He then took his invention to the Worlds Fair in Chicago in 1893 and struck deals to sell the sled with Macys and the Wanamaker department store in Philadelphia. It took years to catch on, but when it did, it really caught on, Allen said. Allen died in 1918, but the Flexible Flyer would become the go-to sled for generations to come. The company folded in 1968, and since then the rights to manufacture the sled have changed hands five or six times, Allen said. These days, most of the Flexible Flyers are made in China, although there is a company in Maine -- Paricon -- which produces the sled. On its website, Paricon dubs the Flexible Flyer, the sled that started it all. Theres also a museum to the Flexible Flyer at the Moorestown Library. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Hundreds of people took to the streets of Newark Saturday for A Martin Luther King March of Resistance, two days ahead of Mondays national holiday marking the birth of the slain civil rights leader and the simultaneous swearing-in of President-elect Donald Trump. A broad swath of Black, white and brown people made their way from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where a rally took place before a large bronze statue of King, before turning onto Springfield Avenue and then Market Street, evoking a more modest scale of demonstrations of the Civil Rights movement led by King himself. The events principal organizer, Newark-based Peoples Organization for Progress founder Larry Hamm, chanted through a megaphone, What do we want? to which marchers responded, Justice! When do we want it? Hamm continued. Now! came the response. Hamm and the crowd repeated the chant as they headed toward the intersection of Market and Broad streets in the heart of Newarks downtown, with traffic blocked by Newark Police officers and the flashing red and blue lights of their motorcycles. Marchers from POP and other civil rights groups, labor unions, LGBTQ+ and environmental groups held signs and banners reading, End Racial Segregation, Poverty = Death, No More War, Save Our Planet, Power to the People, and other progressive watchwords. The dream has not been realized, Hamm, who ran for U.S. Senate last year, told the crowd during a noon rally before the march stepped off, a reference to Kings I Have a Dream speech on Aug. 28, 1963, capping the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In fact, I have to tell the truth: In many ways, we are in worse shape than we were in 1968 when Dr. King was assassinated. The annual Newark tribute is in its 35th year, and the number of marchers has been much smaller in the past. But despite Saturdays light rain, Hamm said this years crowd was the largest in the marchs history. He and others said many were drawn by concern over a second Trump presidency that officially begins Monday, a confluence of Inauguration Day and the King holiday resulting from longstanding scheduling mandates for both events. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta, though his holiday falls on the third Monday of the month. The 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution stipulates that presidents be sworn in on Jan. 20 following their election. This resistance theme of this years march refers to a battle cry by organizers against what they and others say has been an erosion of gains made under four pieces of landmark federal legislation backed by King and signed by President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s. Those laws are the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which barred discrimination in voting, employment, and state and local programs receiving federal aid; the Voting Rights Act of 1965, whose requirement that certain states seek federal clearance for changes in voting laws was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Courts 2013 ruling in Shelby County v. Holder; the Higher Education Act of 1965, which provides aid for poor students, but has not been reauthorized since 2008 and has had to rely on temporary spending measures; and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which outlawed discrimination in home sales. Theres always been something to resist in terms of inequity and oppression, said Richard Cammarieri, a longtime POP member who is also director of community engagement for the Newark-based New Community Corporation, a nonprofit social service organization. Theres a president who has policies that are very threatening, added Cammarieri, who was not speaking for the nonprofit. But weve seen that before, and we just keep organizing and fighting against it. If there were any Trump supporters at the march, they kept a low profile. Michael Crispi, co-chairman of America First New Jersey, the state chapter of a nationwide pro-Trump group, said before the march that King supporters had nothing to fear from the incoming president or his party. Crispi noted that a Republican president, Ronald Reagan, signed the 1986 law making MLK Jr. Day a federal holiday. He added that people of color would benefit from Trumps initiatives or positions on several fronts, including opportunity zones, where a 2017 law signed by Trump allows tax breaks to be granted to developers in depressed areas; life, meaning restrictions on abortion, which Crispi said would save the lives of Black unborn children; and school choice, including publicly funded vouchers for tuition at private schools, providing an alternative to underperforming public schools in urban areas. Were the big tent party, Crispi said. Police at the scene declined to estimate the crowd size, which a tally by NJ Advance Media put at about 500. This was after Hamm said more than 300 organizations had signed on as march supporters, many from organized labor. They included the Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees union, or AFSCME, Local 2298, representing workers at the Newark Public Library. We know four years of Trump is going to be awful for all public services, said Local 2298 Vice President Karl Schwartz, referring to a new federal Department of Government Efficiency headed by Tesla founder Elon Musk, tasked with eliminating government waste. So, were out here in support of Martin Luther King, who died in support of the labor movement. Marchers included members of Newark-based District Council 1199 of the National Union of Hospital and Healthcare Employees, which represents 11,000 workers in New Jersey. The councils secretary-treasurer, Daryn Martin, said the union was fighting to expand access to truly affordable housing, as opposed to housing that is labeled affordable based on regional income guidelines, yet is still unaffordable to many. Weve organized a group of us to make sure that were able to go out to all of our members for feedback during a listening tour to make sure that we know exactly whats going on in terms of affordable housing, and make sure were at the table for discussions when they start doing housing, said Martin, referring to elected officials and other policymakers. Because right now, its not affordable housing. About two dozen members of the International Union of Painters and Applied Trades formed a highly visible contingent in bright orange and yellow vests. John Marino, an IUPAT District Council 21 organizer, said his union resists by supporting candidates for elected office who stand for the kind of rights supported by King. We support candidates that support workers rights, the labor movement, Marino said. So, we try to exert what influence we may have, whether its contributions or whether it be getting our members on the streets, knocking on doors, phone banking for politicians. So thats one of the ways. Marino noted that King was assassinated while in Memphis in support of labor rights, which he said were fundamental to and comingled with other civil rights. Marino said he was proud of the racial, ethnic and gender diversity of his unions membership. We represent workers, he said. Rafael Chavez, an organizer with New Labor, a workplace justice organization based in New Brunswick, had a similar outlook. Chavez carried the rainbow flag of the LGBTQ+ community, which he said was both a personal statement and one of workplace inclusion. I am a gay man from Mexico, said Chavez. But, he added. You dont have to categorize yourself; you are lesbian, you are gay. No, no. We are human and we deserve human rights. Nobody knows Jersey better than NJ.com Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com It is another reminder that the Jersey Shore is not just a summertime draw. Hundreds of hardy revelers in Cape May County took a brief but exuberant dip into the ocean starting around 1 p.m. Saturday. The 19th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood raised $355,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey, organizers said. It has 1,056 registered plungers, with many participating as teams. Elizabeth Christopher of Pennsville was among the approximately three dozen members of Salem County FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) Lodge 6 signed up for plunge. Christopher, contacted on Friday, said she had taken part in 10 prior plunges in Wildwood. Its so much fun. Its a really great time for such an amazing cause, Christopher said. New Jerseys chapter of the Special Olympics, which holds training and events worldwide for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, also organizes an annual polar bear plunge in Seaside Heights, in Ocean County. This years Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside is on Feb. 22. Last years plunge, the 31st held in Seaside Heights, drew approximately 8,000 spectators and participants, according to organizers. Three longtime polar plunges were held on the Jersey Shore on New Years Day, in Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Brigantine. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Know your rights. Thats the message Make the Road New Jersey is delivering to immigrants as President-elect Donald Trump takes office threatening mass deportations of people living in the country illegally. People are nervous, but people are getting ready, said Lauren Herman, the legal director for Make the Road New Jersey, the non-profit that is reaching out to immigrant communities in Elizabeth, Passaic, Paterson, Newark and Perth Amboy. Although people living in the country illegally do not have the same rights as U.S. citizens, they are protected by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the government from conducting unreasonable searches and seizures. Should an agent from the United States and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, show up at the door, he must have a warrant to enter the home or business. The person who answers the door doesnt have to let the agent in although ICE could force their way in, Herman said. There are two types of warrants, she said. A judicial warrant is issued by a federal or state judge and identifies a person sought and/or a location to be searched due to suspected criminal activity. The other is an ICE warrant, which doesnt allow agents to enter a location without consent, but is often used on the street to arrest people. Make the Road New Jersey is also advising people they have the right to remain silent. They dont have to answer questions, particularly about their immigration status, Herman said, adding they can also record their encounters and ask that an attorney be present. Current federal policy forbids an ICE agent from randomly picking someone out and asking them for proof of citizenship, she said. To stop a person on the street, an agent must have more of a reason than a mere suspicion that the person is here illegally, such as having a criminal record, Herman said. Federal regulations currently prohibit ICE from entering certain sensitive locations unless there is an imminent danger or for reasons of national security. These locations are subject to change, but places that are currently off-limits to immigration agents include schools, daycare centers, emergency shelters, hospitals, clinics, doctors offices and houses of worship. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. A fox was spotted stranded in a bay in Seaside Park this weekend, prompting officials to caution the public against trying to rescue it. Residents of the Jersey Shore borough first noticed the fox on Saturday morning, when it was seen trapped on floating ice about 400 yards from shore near Fifth Avenue, local police told NJ Advance Media. The animal was reported to police around 10:30 a.m. Local firefighters launched two jet skis and a boat, but were unsuccessful in rescuing it. The ice sheet the fox was on was last seen moving north with the tide, but the fox had vanished by Sunday morning, police said. Crews were preparing a search to see whether the animal returned to land. With waters cold enough to cause hypothermia, Seaside Park firefighters urged members of the public not to attempt their own water rescue. Strong currents were believed to be moving below the ice, causing it to become unstable for anyone trying to save the animal, officials said. Anyone not properly equipped who fell into the water would quickly succumb to hypothermia and potentially drown, firefighters said in a statement posted to their social media accounts Sunday. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. This is in regard to your recent editorial, Elon Musk isnt just arrogant. Hes wrong about N.J. teachers. Musk, commenting on elimination of a basic skills reading test for teachers under a 2024 state law, stated that reading teachers dont need to know how to read in New Jersey. I commend the Star-Ledger for defending our states educators. I wish it had taken a stronger pro-teacher stance when former Gov. Chris Christie, who famously battled with teachers unions, was in office. Better late than never. As a retired teacher with 25 years experience, I look back fondly at the dedicated colleagues I was privileged to work with, and know as professionals and friends. Unfortunately, there are a number of teachers currently in the classroom who might not get over the teaching standard bar (that) is rising, as the editorial put it. I know of three language arts teachers who have told their students that they themselves couldnt spell. Another teacher told her fifth-grade students, Just because you cant spell doesnt mean youre not intelligent. While that may be true, it discourages young people from learning how to spell. Alas, I also encountered a district superintendent who admitted not understanding verb/subject agreement until her doctoral thesis was corrected by her adviser. I cant take Elon Musk seriously in his capacity as a critic of public education. However, there are weaknesses in practice and preparation that some teachers and administrators need to improve upon so that more legitimate critics of education wont be having a feeding frenzy, with the support of an incoming conservative presidential regime. Michael A. Fargey, Secaucus Another Trump misstep: flag etiquette Seeing a photograph of an American flag flying at full height at President-elect Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago home, in spite of the recent death of President Jimmy Carter shows how little respect Trump has for anyone, including a former president. (Current President Joe Biden has directed that flags be flown at half-staff in Carters honor though Jan. 28.) Trump has as shown in the past his disrespect for the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, saying he is no hero, despite his captivity as a Vietnam War POW. Trump demanded for a thank you for from McCains family for having his 2018 funeral in the Capitol. But, God forbid, should anyone say anything negative about Trump. This brings out his classless remarks about the critic that sound like a maladjusted teen who did not get his way. Trump has shown over and over how unfit he is to lead this country. God help us through the next four years. Joseph Marra, Seaside Park Libraries are for everyone Christian Zabriskie, director of the Newark Public Library, wrote the most honest, eloquent, meaningful, enjoyable opinion article about public libraries, Count this blessing: The public library, open to all for free. Zabriskie wrote, There is something uniquely American about the public library. It is a common meeting ground for everyone in the community. There is no other place in our society that offers such a diverse range of services.... A perfect example of this was at the Little Falls Public Library one Tuesday evening. There was a yoga class in session, kids at tables doing homework, a display of memorabilia from the Little Falls Historical Society archives, and a lecture about Andrew Carnegie. Strong libraries make for strong communities. Peggy Pizzuti Olivi, Little Falls Build that pipeline for ocean water Why the State of California has not and, evidently will not, devise a water pipeline from the Pacific Ocean east to its land mass is beyond my imagination. Coupled with a sprinkling system, this free water could serve as a safety mechanism for fighting wildfires such as those that occurred recently in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Such a system could reduce or eliminate using precious drinking water for firefighting as well as other non-drinking uses. The system could be controlled by fire department personnel and activated when needed, preventing damage to properties and potentially saving human lives. If we can have a pipeline to transport petroleum products spanning the 5,500 miles from Houston to Linden, Union County, then it seems like California could construct this water pipeline. The operation of such a system can be paid for by residents living in areas where such a system is needed. Hadren W. Simmons, Newark Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Perhaps the worst scandal across the globe over the last 20 years is the epidemic of child rape in the Catholic Church a sin compounded by its repeated efforts to hide it and protect the perpetrators. It is in that context that we now look at the depressing story at Seton Hall. A priest accused of failing repeatedly to report sexual abuse has just been elevated to president of the university, with the apparent approval of the Archdiocese of Newark, led by Cardinal Joseph Tobin. Thats deeply troubling. The backstory: After an explosive Vatican report in 2020 found the predatory behavior of a powerful church leader, Theodore McCarrick, had been ignored by church leaders for years all the way up to Pope John Paul II Seton Hall hired two law firms to do an internal investigation about McCarricks influence and actions at the school. Thanks to internal documents from that investigation, just revealed by Dustin Racioppi of Politico, heres what weve learned: While McCarrick was facing accusations of sexually molesting young seminarians as archbishop of Newark, this priest, Joseph Reilly, was apparently part of McCarricks inner circle, working as his secretary for a year in 1994. To be clear, Reilly did not abuse anyone himself. But the investigators hired by Seton Hall found he knew the archbishop was preying on young men and failed to report it, according to the internal documents that Politico describes. Initially, Reilly refused to even sit for an interview, they said. And when he finally did, he admitted he went to McCarricks beach house once but because hed heard rumors of the archbishop sharing a bed with seminarians, he made sure he stayed in a downstairs bedroom. Reilly also said he made sure seminarians didnt visit the beach house alone. In other words, he was well aware of the danger. McCarrick now ranks as one of the churchs most notorious predators: Known as Uncle Ted, he would invite more people to his residences than there were beds, then ask a young priest or seminarian to share his bed and allegedly grope them. The Vatican report from 2020 faulted church leaders for promoting him from priest to bishop to archbishop of Newark and Washington D.C., and ultimately, cardinal despite years of allegations that he was sexually abusing young boys and seminarians. Hes since been defrocked. And thats not all: Later, while Reilly was put in charge of young seminarians at Seton Hall, he also failed to report other sex assault allegations made by students on campus, investigators reportedly noted, in violation of school and federal Title IX policies in one case, dismissing the alleged victim from the seminary without so much as an investigation. Now ask yourself: If what Politico reports is true, why was Monsignor Reilly just promoted to president of the university under the oversight of Cardinal Tobin? And if its not true, why wont Seton Hall release the findings and explain the move? The archbishops office last week declined to comment, and for the most part, so did Seton Hall. A spokesperson for the school told us the internal report is confidential and theyve shared its findings to the extent permissible under Title IX and university policy. He added, It is essential to respect the privacy and confidentiality promised to all individuals who participated in the review. But they need to come clean on Reilly. Theyre asking us to trust them on this. Please. The world is exhausted by the Catholic churchs lies during this epidemic of abuse. Its leaders have a special obligation to be forthright. What does it say to the parents and to the student body itself, says Shaun Dougherty, head of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), that the school where they are paying to receive a high-quality education is willing to put a president in office that is known to the school to have already been willing to turn his head when it comes to sexual assault? And where else have the enablers and abusers in the clergy landed? Are they in other positions of power around the state? Survivors have been waiting six years for the results of an investigation by the state Attorney Generals Office into clergy abuses in New Jersey. Other states took only two years to complete reviews like this. Why the seemingly endless delay? The internal investigation at Seton Hall also included allegations against about a dozen other university priests, Politico reports. Where have they all ended up? In the case of Reilly, at least some current members of Seton Halls Board of Regents knew all about his silence on McCarrick and later, other abuse allegations on campus including its current chair, Hank DAlessandro , Politico reports. They were on the board in 2019 when these findings were detailed. A special task force created by the university recommended Reilly be removed as a seminary leader and member of university boards for his failure to report abuse, but instead he apparently took a yearlong sabbatical , returned as a vice provost and, this fall, became president of the university, according to Politico. He was unanimously approved by this board of prominent people like Mary Pat Christie, wife of the former governor. If they didnt know about all this before, will they stick silently by Reilly now, in the wake of this alarming report? Lets hope not, if its true. Among the officials now calling to publicly release the full findings of the investigation are Gov. Phil Murphy, whose office last week told us he is deeply concerned by the allegations, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, whos running for governor. Others are also demanding that Reilly resign, like state Senators Joe Vitale and Andrew Zwicker. Will Seton Hall just ignore them all? Time to end this culture of doing nothing, where enablers of abuse are rewarded for their secrecy and lies. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. The governor was just asked how he felt about The Star-Ledger closing down after many decades as the dominant newspaper in New Jersey. Hes sorry to see the paper go, he said, calling it a huge loss for the state. But he had no such kind words for that damn editorial board! I got a Jekyll and Hyde relationship with the Ledger, he said. Ive got a very good relationship, on the for the most part, on the news reporting sideon the editorial side, Ive got no time for not only disagree with but disagree violently with. Fair enough. Ive run the editorial board during his entire time in office, and will be laid off in two weeks, along with my colleagues Julie OConnor, Dave DAlessandro and Paul Mulshine. So, in his final year in office, Murphy can sleep more soundly. My friends on the news side will keep their jobs, writing for nj.com, and for the electronic version of the Star-Ledger (reader.sl.nj.com). But the paper itself will be gone, and so will the editorial board. So, its a good time to offer some final thoughts on our governor. With a charitable heart, let me begin with the good stuff. He raised the minimum wage, expanded free preschool, and increased spending on K-12 education. Hes protected abortion rights and restored funding for Planned Parenthood. Hes fully funded the states pension systems, a huge win, boosting the states credit rating. Hes shifted the tax burden by making hedge fund managers pay more, and janitors pay less. Hes handed out $14 billion in property tax credits, a record. He did his best to build offshore wind farms, and despite the stumbles, New Jersey is well positioned to capture a good chunk of the wind jobs that will inevitably come when this industry grows all along the East Coast. And for the record, the editorial board supported all that, with vigor. Still, Murphy will go down as the most inconsequential governor Ive covered in my 25 years in Trenton. Because the Democratic legislature had already passed most of that agenda, and was blocked by Gov. Chris Christie. All Murphy had to do was show up. Bills raising the millionaires tax and minimum wage had already been passed by the Democratic legislature, as had a bill restoring funding for Planned Parenthood. Both were vetoed by Christie. The wind ports that will host the green jobs were already under construction, thanks to the heavy political lifting by former Senate President Steve Sweeney, now a candidate for governor. The preschool expansion was well underway when the governor swore his oath, and it was a point of consensus among Democrats. And Murphy was lucky. Federal aid during the pandemic flooded every state with money. So, while Jersey saw its credit rating improve, other states did, too. We remain second-to-last, behind Illinois, just as we did the day Murphy took office. And still, he spent more than we had. In the current fiscal year, hes spending $2 billion more than hes taking in. Bipartisan experts warn that the pinch will be worse this year. Over seven years, Murphy has done virtually nothing to contain the cost of government operations. Last year, in a conference call with senior Treasury officials, I asked about that, and was answered only with awkward silence. Murphys unquestioning loyalty to public worker unions limits his options. He did save money by refinancing old debt, and he trimmed the state workforce by a fraction. But he never popped the hood and found substantial savings in government operations, as Christie did over and over. The state budget ballooned from $35 billion when he took office to $57 billion this year. If taxes are your issue, he memorably said, then New Jersey is not the state for you. And lets remember the really bad stuff, too. A decisive moment for me came in 2020, when the federal Department of Justice came to this horrifying conclusion after a two-year investigation: Sexual abuse of women prisoners by Edna Mahan corrections officers and staff is severe and prevalent throughout the prison. Murphy did nothing of significance in response. He stuck with Marcus Hicks as his Corrections Commissioner until a frustrated Senate voted unanimously that Hicks must go. When a gang of guards conducted a midnight raid in SWAT gear, and beat women prisoners, Murphy kept it secret. (The Star-Ledger broke the story three weeks later.) Reforms are in place now, but its reasonable to assume a lot of women were raped while he fiddled. During his first campaign, several women described a frat-boy atmosphere, with talk of strip clubs and dick jokes at meetings, and in one case, unwanted touching by a male campaign worker. Julie Roginsky, a top aide, said she confronted Murphy about it, and was fired the next day. His lawyers then reminded her that she was under a gag order, even as Murphy denied that in public. And, famously, when Katie Brennan, a campaign volunteer, claimed she was raped by a senior campaign official, Murphy broke a promise to talk to her about it, and hired the accused man to join his administration, before firing him months later. Dont miss the best in editorials, opinion columns and commentary from NJ.com writers. Add your email here: During the pandemic, Murphy did well with the general public, but we saw horrifying rates of death at the states nursing homes, especially in state-run homes for vets, two of which are under federal oversight now because the state couldnt seem to fix them on its own. Snafus at the Department of Labor led to ferocious delays in getting unemployment benefits. A word on the health of our democracy. Murphy did what he could to expand voting rights, but he signed a truly awful bill restricting access to public records, and another that stripped key powers from the Election Law Enforcement Commission and erased past violations of campaign finance laws by his fellow Democrats. He tried to use the power of Democratic machines to install First Lady Tammy Murphy into the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Robert Menendez, despite her lack of qualifications. It backfired when Rep. Andy Kim, now a senator, filed a lawsuit that eliminated the infamous county line that machines use to rig primary elections in their favor. Still, this was attempted patronage on steroids. Tammy Murphy was not remotely qualified. Did I mention New Jersey Transit? He said hed fix it or die trying. Thousands of exasperated commuters would like to help him along on that task. So, yes, weve had our disagreements. We try to call balls and strikes as best we can, no matter who is pitching. Why would we not? This isnt personal. Its strictly business. Think back for a moment, for a contrast, to Gov. Brendan Byrne, a Democrat who served two terms, from 1974 to 1982. He imposed the first income tax, to help fund poor school districts. He signed the Pinelands Protection Acts, brought the racetrack and Giants Stadium to the Meadowlands, and casinos to Atlantic City. He established the Department of the Public Advocate as a watchdog with a special eye on the poor and powerless. He started the program of public finance for gubernatorial campaigns. All those were tough fights, stuff that probably wouldnt have happened without him. What will the list look like when Murphy steps down next year? What did he do that wouldnt have happened without him? Not much. More: Tom Moran columns Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or (973) 986-6951. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Days before President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office Monday, an immigrants rights organization held the first of what will be weekly meetings to educate thousands of people on their rights should the mass deportations begin, as he has promised. Those attending the session in Passaic on Wednesday learned that if an agent from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement approaches you on the street, they should ask: Am I free to go? They cannot detain you without cause, Nedia Morsy, deputy director for Make the Road New Jersey said. https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/tim-sa-price-target-lowered-to-17-60-from-23-20-at-scotiabank Roth MKM keeps a Buy rating on Imax (IMAX) with a $28 price target after the company signed an exclusive, worldwide deal with Netflix (NFLX) to show Greta Gerwigs Narnia movie on Imaxs screens. Based on the well known Chronicles of Narnia book series, the movie will debut on Thanksgiving Day 2026 and will have a four-week window before launching on Netflix, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Roth views the announcement as a significant deal for Imax given its exclusivity. Netflix will also provide meaningful marketing support, something it has never done for a movie playing off its own platform, Roth points out. It believes Narnia could surpass $20M domestically in its opening. Invest with Confidence: Follow TipRanks' Top Wall Street Analysts to uncover their success rate and average return. Join thousands of data-driven investors Build your Smart Portfolio for personalized insights. Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See todays best-performing stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on IMAX: UPDATED FORECAST: Higher snow totals in latest forecast. Winter storm warnings expand to 10 counties. The winter storm expected to hit northern New Jersey with 6 to 8 inches of snow will start around dawn on Sunday with rain in southern counties. As the storm moves north, snow will start to fall around 10 a.m. in the areas expected to see the highest accumulations, including up to 10 inches in Sussex County, according to the National Weather Service. Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties starting at 8 a.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service forecast map for Sunday's winter storm calls for 4 to 8 inches across much of northern New Jersey.National Weather Service The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for parts of Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union and Warren. Parts of 10 counties are also under lesser winter weather advisories. Heavy snow is expected in the warning areas throughout the day with rates topping 1 inch per hour in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous, the weather service said. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel could be very difficult. Snow should taper off into the evening and clear out before midnight. The winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories expire between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Monday. Winter storm warnings Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties from 10 a.m. Sunday through 1 a.m. Monday - Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches. Passaic and western portions of Bergen, Essex and Union counties from 1 p.m. Sunday through 4 a.m. Monday: Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 7 inches. Winter weather advisories Morris and Somerset counties from 10 a.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday - Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches. Camden, Gloucester, Salem and northwestern Burlington counties from 7 a.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday - Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Hudson, eastern Essex and eastern Union counties from 1 p.m. Sunday through 4 a.m. Monday - Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches. Locally higher amounts up to 6 inches possible. Current weather radar: Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. The winter storm expected to hit most of northern New Jersey with 6 to 8 inches of snow should start to wind down around 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.National Weather Service Shou Zi Chew was an intern at Facebook before he became Mark Zuckerbergs biggest competitor as CEO of TikTok. Shou Zi Chew may be the CEO of Mark Zuckerbergs biggest competitor, TikTok, but at the start of his career, he worked for Zuckerberg as an intern at Facebook. The Singapore native earned an economics degree from University College London before getting his MBA at Harvard Business School, where during the summer he interned at an up-and-coming company: It was called Facebook, Chew told Harvards Business School alumni website. Soon after he kicked off his tech career at Facebook in California, he moved abroad, stopping in London, Singapore, and Hong Kong, before ultimately landing in Beijing. Chew joined Chinese tech company Xiaomi in 2015, helping take the company public three years later as chief financial officer, according to the Harvard Business School alumni website. Then in 2021, Chews career once again crossed paths with Meta CEO Zuckerberg, this time as a competitor. Chew joined TikTok parent company ByteDance in 2021, first as CFO. Later that year, he became CEO of TikTok, and held both the CFO position at ByteDance and the CEO position at TikTok before ultimately focusing on the short-form video platform. With at least 150 million monthly active users in the U.S. and more than 1 billion globally, TikTok has become a mainstay of social media and a rare top platform that is not under the control of Zuckerberg. But just because he doesnt own it, doesnt mean he never tried. Zuckerberg reportedly spent much of 2016 trying to acquire a key part of what would become TikToka lip syncing app popular with Americans called Musical.ly, Buzzfeed News reported. Yet, Zuckerberg lost out to ByteDance, which acquired the app for $800 million in 2017. ByteDance merged Musical.ly with the already existing TikTok platform, and the resulting social network took off. Meta tried to launch its own competitor to TikTok called Lasso in 2018, but it never caught on. Meta shut down the copycat app in 2020. As efforts to ban TikTok from the U.S. have ramped up over the past few years, so have Zuckerbergs criticisms of the app. Zuckerberg has previously suggested TikTok could be a threat to global free expression on social media. In 2020, he said banning the app could set a bad precedent, but added he also sympathized with the national-security concerns. I certainly think that there are valid national security questions about having an app that has a lot of peoples data that follows the rules of another country, a government that is increasingly is kind of seen as a competitor, Zuckerberg said in an internal meeting in 2020, according to BuzzFeed News. By Arriana McLymore, Helen Reid and Doyinsola Oladipo NEW YORK (Reuters) - TikTok's expected Sunday shutdown poses the biggest threat to the universe of small- and medium-sized firms and so-called influencers who depend on the short-form video site for their livelihood, while big brands are expected to move to other sites. TikTok says its U.S. site generates billions for businesses selling candies, beauty products, clothes and other consumer goods. But now, that economy is under threat. The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the law banning TikTok in the United States on national security grounds ahead of a blackout this weekend. After the ruling President-elect Donald Trump said he would make a decision on TikTok, without providing details. As a marketing tool for businesses, Bytedance's TikTok generates revenue for itself, and for many of its users and merchants, through sponsorships and by collecting fees on sales. Many TikTok users are paid to be brand ambassadors for companies, selling merchandise and affiliate partnerships where users are paid commissions by companies when audiences purchase items linked on their social profiles. TikTok also compensates some creators for making videos. Those who receive revenue from TikTok also include startups, consumer companies and bloggers cashing in on the platforms massive reach of up to 170 million Americans. For example, small- and medium-sized food and beverage businesses, which saw revenue increase by $4.1 billion in 2023 from marketing and advertising on the app, stand to lose the most, according to estimates by economic advisory firm Oxford Economics. That data was commissioned by TikTok. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said in a video posted to the app on Friday that seven million American businesses earn a living on the platform. For Mama V's Candy, TikTok Shop, the e-commerce arm of Bytedance's video platform, changed the trajectory of the business, said owner Valerie Verzwyvelt. "We have pretty much stayed viral since the beginning of the TikTok shop launch last year," said Verzwyvelt. The company, which sells extremely sour candies, made $6 million in 2024 and has sold close to 300,000 units on the app, she said. "We are on our second expansion," she said, a decision the Pineville, Louisiana-based company made before the reality of the Jan. 19th deadline set in. "I have to rebuild my business now." Sven Greany, co-owner of California-based independent beauty brand Simply Mandys, said that a TikTok ban would bring his business to a screeching halt after a record holiday shopping season. But widespread industry layoffs and an expensive pivot to building artificial intelligence led to a decline of perks culture. Tech companies have started scaling back on the goodies that differentiated their workplaces. Salesforce, a software maker, last year got rid of a ranch retreat for employees and nixed a monthly well-being day off for salespeople. Netflix has unofficially walked back its generous parental-leave policy by guiding employees to take less time off, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. A Netflix spokesman said that workers still have the flexibility to decide whats best for them and that its policy hasnt changed. Not so long ago, these perks were given a lot of emphasis, said David Lewin, a managing director of the consulting firm BRG. This fall, Meta fired dozens of employees for using meal-delivery vouchers to buy household goods, The Financial Times reported, signaling a curb to any sense of entitlement. Google pioneered the modern tech perks culture during the dot-com boom, when, in 1999, it hired a massage therapist for its 40-person start-up. Other tech upstarts also tried to break from the stodgy environments of industry stalwarts. Yahoos break rooms were outfitted with foosball tables in the 90s. Its competitor, Excite.com, tried giving its employee softball team (and corporate image) an advantage by paying Barry Bonds to play with them. Yahoo still won a matchup. In New York, Andre Surmain, an American-born Frenchman who provided catering services to the international airlines at Idlewild Airport (now John F. Kennedy International Airport), was looking for a chef to run the kitchen at a restaurant he planned to open in his Midtown townhouse. For a time, he and James Beard had operated a cooking school on the premises, but now Mr. Surmain envisioned a restaurant that, he proclaimed bombastically, would be the best in the world. At the suggestion of a pastry chef who had worked under Mr. Soltner, he dined at Chez Hansi. Mr. Surmain, impressed, brought Mr. Soltner to New York to work at his new restaurant, Lutece, named after the Latin term for ancient Paris. I thought maybe Id stay for two years, Mr. Soltner told Nations Restaurant News in 1996. He never left. During the three decades he spent at Lutece, he missed only four days of work for the funerals of his father and his brother. The restaurant, despite Mr. Surmains proclamation, got off to a rocky start. Craig Claiborne of The New York Times gave it a dismissive review. A few of the dishes, a fois gras en brioche or a roast veal with kidney, for example, could qualify as superb; others, such as a poussin roti aux girolles (squab chicken with wild mushrooms), are routine, he wrote. Overall, he concluded, the food at Lutece could not be called great cuisine. Lutece got the same rating as Chock Full o Nuts, Mr. Soltner told The Times in 1995. One star! The restaurants fortunes changed when the imperious Mr. Surmain tired of the business and, in 1973, sold his shares to Mr. Soltner, who became the public face of Lutece. TikTok is unique in that it is not pay for play you dont have to promote a video to get it seen, Ms. Gay said. You post it, and if the food looks great, if the content looks great, if theyre doing something really special, it has a very good probability of reaching millions of people. Once Ms. Gay posts about a business on her account, its not unusual for them to sell out of food or get lines that sprawl down the block. That immediate surge in business has helped underground shows like The Magicians Study, restaurants like With Love, Always and The Pepper Club and the Mexican snack shop Un Poko Krazy, among many others. In that way, she sees TikTok as a vital way to shake up the local tourism industry. Though shell continue posting her videos on nearly a dozen other platforms, Ms. Gay is sure that many tourism-oriented small businesses will go out of business without TikTok. Im in the community that Keith Lee is from, Ms. Gay said referring to the remarkably influential food critic with 16.8 million TikTok followers who samples takeout meals in his car and he single-handedly has saved hundreds of businesses. I put my numbers in the dozens. Even travel influencers outside the U.S. are worried about how the ban will affect their work. Jorden Tually, 31, is an Australian travel creator who jets across the world in a signature orange baseball cap and takes requests from his 3.7 million followers on TikTok. He said that a quarter of his following is based in the U.S., and many of his sponsorship deals are too. Without their access to TikTok, hes worried that people in the United States wont be able to find travel content in the same ways. Putting aside that argument, there are certainly some diplomatic opportunities Mr. Trump can seize, though history and ominous recent warnings suggest that he may soften up his adversaries and his allies with threats of military action if he doesnt get what he wants. (See: Iran, Greenland, Panama.) Here is a scorecard to keep handy in the first few months. In the fog of war, a potential Ukraine deal There is very little evidence that Mr. Putin is eager for a deal that would extract him from a war that has already cost Russia nearly 200,000 dead and more than half a million wounded. But the assumption is that he must be looking for an off-ramp. Since his televised debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Mr. Trump has been promising just that a deal in 24 hours, or even one completed before he takes the oath of office. Now, unsurprisingly, it looks a little more complicated. His special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, an 80-year-old retired general who served on Mr. Trumps first National Security Council, told Fox recently lets set it at 100 days to make sure a solution is solid, its sustainable, and that this war ends so that we stop the carnage. Mr. Trump has said he will meet Mr. Putin soon, a notable timing, particularly because Mr. Biden has not talked to the Russian leader in nearly three years. What might a deal look like? First, most Biden and Trump officials acknowledge, at least in private, that Russia would most likely keep its forces in the roughly 20 percent of Ukraine it now occupies as part of an armistice similar to the one that halted, but did not end, the Korean War in 1953. The harder part of any agreement is the security accord. Who would guarantee that Mr. Putin wouldnt use the halt in the fighting to rearm, recruit and train new forces, learn from the mistakes of the past three years, and re-invade? Jake Sullivan, Mr. Bidens national security adviser, argues that the Biden team spent the past year putting the architecture in place to provide for that security. But Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, is suspicious that its all talk. Remembering that no one paid much attention to the 1994 security agreement that Ukraine signed with the U.S., Britain and Russia, among others, he says only NATO membership will keep Mr. Putin from attacking again. Mr. Thiel prides himself on his elaborate parties, and his inauguration event, held in his seven-bedroom home, included a hired juggler who rather than juggling, instead posed trivia questions to guests about U.S. presidents. Snack cakes and other appetizers were passed around, and larger bites were served at stations. (The Mar-a-Lago station had shrimp, steak and salad with Thousand Island dressing; there was also a food delivery from McDonalds.) Gift bags were filed with small bottles of Moet champagne. There were, of course, red MAGA hats. Prominent tech industry guests, among a heavily male list, included Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, the crypto investors Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and after a brief period of haggling with security over the guest list, Alexandr Wang. Mr. Wang, who runs one of the most celebrated artificial-intelligence startups in the world, ScaleAI, was able to talk his way into the mansion, which Mr. Thiel purchased several years ago from Wilbur Ross, Mr. Trumps former commerce secretary. Joe Osborne, a company spokesman, said Mr. Wang had been temporarily unable to get in because the event was at capacity. Silicon Valleys politics have trended to the right since Mr. Trumps election, and many of the main personalities of that movement were seen at the Thiel party. Guests included the tech podcasters Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis and David Friedberg, hosts of the All-In show with Mr. Sacks; former Uber chief executive Travis Kalanick; incoming administration officials such as Jacob Helberg, Ken Howery and Sriram Krishnan, all from Silicon Valley; and Senators Bill Hagerty, Ted Cruz and Dave McCormick. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the party as a lot of fun, with the best part being the company. Senator Ted Cruz, who has worked to cultivate a relationship with Mr. Thiel over the years, said this was not, in fact, the best part of the weekend. That, he said, is gonna be noon on Monday. Lynne Taylor-Corbett, a Tony Award-nominated choreographer and director whose colorfully varied career included commissions for New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater as well as Broadway musicals, like Swing!, and films, like Footloose, died on Jan. 12 in Rockville Centre, N.Y., on Long Island. She was 78. The cause of death, at a hospital, was breast cancer, which she had survived for 38 years, her son, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, said. Ms. Taylor-Corbett, who was raised in Denver, moved to New York at 17 to attend the School of American Ballet. Her dreams of establishing a career en pointe did not last long. I was never really suited to be a ballet dancer, she said in a 1977 interview with The New York Times. But I had a gift for theatricality and movement. For decades, there was one path to becoming a successful African writer: Getting a book deal in the publishing meccas of New York, London or Paris. But a radical shift is underway, transforming the regions literary landscape from within and opening up possibilities unimaginable to previous generations of writers. It all started more than two decades ago, when the Kwani? literary magazine in Kenya began publishing and connecting African writers under the guidance of the writer and editor Binyavanga Wainaina. Then came publishers like Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, who started Cassava Republic Press in Nigeria and began publishing African fiction and nonfiction and promoting locally the African writers who had gained acclaim in the West. Now, a robust publishing ecosystem has grown in the region: African writers and their agents are signing deals with African publishing houses. Those publishers are trading book rights and collaborating on everything from translation to the design of book covers. And those books are finding readers through new bookstores, literary magazines and literary festivals that are fostering transnational reading communities and launching regional best sellers. The shift is growing the range of stories being told about Africa and greatly amplifying the work of African writers, according to interviews with over a dozen African writers, agents, publishers, festival directors and bookstore owners. Nineteen and counting. Thats the number of former Fox News hosts, commentators, on-air medical experts, producers and other personnel who are poised to occupy roles in the second administration of President-elect Donald J. Trump. Never before has a single media organization exported so many alumni to a presidents day-one cabinet and staff. And while Mr. Trump also recruited TV types for roles in his first term, he is now seeking to put pundits like Pete Hegseth, his nominee for defense secretary, in charge of entire government agencies. All of which augurs a new twist in the tempestuous relationship between Mr. Trump and Fox News, the Rupert Murdoch-controlled network that has been perhaps his most powerful booster in the media world, but also frequently the focus of his ire. Now Fox News correspondents at the White House, the Pentagon and elsewhere in government will be reporting on an administration populated by many of their former colleagues. Star hosts like Sean Hannity and Jesse Watters can be expected to lionize Mr. Trump and the Fox alumni joining him in Washington. The situation is more delicate for Fox reporters like Jennifer Griffin, the networks chief national security correspondent, who will be responsible for covering a Pentagon under Mr. Hegseths purview. Thats also the case for Peter Doocy, the White House correspondent who relished needling President Biden and his aides, and will now be scrutinized for his handling of Mr. Trump. Then around noon on Sunday, the app worked again. In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok, the company said in a statement. In practice, the law penalizes app stores, like Apple and Google, and other internet companies, like Oracle, for distributing or updating any TikTok content. Can President-elect Donald J. Trump reverse the ban? It is not clear if Mr. Trump can stall the ban under the law, but he has vowed to do so. Mr. Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social on Sunday that he would issue an executive order on Monday that would extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. He also said that he planned to arrange a deal that would give the United States a 50 percent ownership stake in a new entity involving TikTok, but it was unclear what shape that would take. Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok, he wrote. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Can he legally do that? The new law has a provision that says a president can issue a one-time extension of 90 days to the ban, if he or she certifies to Congress that a qualified divestiture is underway and that it can take place during that period. But its not clear if he can exercise that option now that the law has taken effect. The law was passed by Congress with wide bipartisan support, signed by President Biden and now upheld by the Supreme Court. So to simply subvert it now will raise serious questions. Image Familiar Feeling Dear Diary: I started traveling to New York City from my hometown, Toronto, in the early 2000s. I would visit once or twice a year, usually with my children. As they have gotten older, Ive been making my annual trip solo. On my most recent trip, in November 2024, I stayed near Lincoln Center. When it was time to leave, the hotel doorman hailed me a taxi to take me to the airport. After I got into the cab, the driver and I began chatting about the delicious smelling rice and oxtail stew his wife had just dropped off for him. He told me we had spoken previously about Indian and Senegalese food. I must have looked confused because he then claimed that he knew me. I said that my sons girlfriend was from India and that she had made us a feast for Diwali the year before. The driver nodded and said I had told him that before. I do not pretend to know whether all of Annunciation Houses efforts have complied with Texas state law. The two sides are locked in a heated dispute about that very question. But heres what I do know: In the states zeal to close Annunciation House, its attorney general, Ken Paxton, is attacking the shelters religious rights. Texas, like the federal government and 27 other states, has passed a religious freedom restoration act. Under the Texas version, which is very similar to its federal counterpart, a government agency may not substantially burden a persons free exercise of religion, unless that agency is advancing a compelling government interest and is using the least restrictive means of advancing that interest. Paxton argues that closing Annunciation House wont substantially burden its free exercise of religion. Why? Because according to Paxton, Annunciation House, which mainly serves the poor, doesnt engage in many religious rituals. Heres a quote from Paxtons brief: Annunciation Houses house director testified that Annunciation House (i) goes periods of nine months, 10 months without offering Catholic Mass, (ii) does not offer confessions, baptisms or communion and (iii) makes no efforts to evangelize or convert its guests to any religion. In other words, Annunciation House isnt Catholic enough to earn Pope Paxtons seal of approval. This is absurd and threatening to American civil liberties. First, its ridiculous to believe that service to refugees isnt free exercise all by itself. In fact, serving the poor is one of the purest forms of religious service that exists. Its mandated or endorsed in, by one count, more than 2,000 passages in Scripture. Its also one of the most ancient manifestations of Christian service and identity. The very idea that a state official would take it upon himself to judge a faith-based institutions religiosity and authenticity is deeply problematic. It entangles the state in ecclesiastical affairs. Whenever public officials pass religious judgment on expressions of religious faith, it raises profound establishment clause concerns. In addition, its bizarre to argue that closing Annunciation House is anywhere close to the least restrictive means of enforcing Texas immigration laws. If a court determines that any aspect of the shelters conduct violates Texas law and is not protected by the states religious freedom laws, it can issue an injunction against the conduct. Texas does not have to close the shelter to enforce compliance with state law. I expect Trumps second term to be more effective than the first, and thus more dangerous. If Trump orders the military to help with mass deportations or to crack down on protesters, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would certainly not defy him. Corporate America, and especially Big Tech, is fully onboard in a way they werent before. It makes me crazy when Trump apologists point out how often he was thwarted in his first term to argue that we shouldnt take all his crazy threats seriously, when all the people who thwarted him are gone. That said, theres a pretty broad range of bad outcomes we could be facing. There are some genuine ideological differences between the populist nationalists, like Steve Bannon, and the tech oligarchs, like Elon Musk, so there will be some unpredictable policy fights about things like H-1B visas. We dont yet know what the balance between Big Tech feudalism and the politics of protectionism and rabid provincialism is going to look like. Douthat: You should never underestimate the Republican capacity to just do deregulation and tax cuts in response to any political eventuality. We have a very different mixture of forces in Trumps orbit this time, from the much more fleshed-out populism of his vice president to the new entrants into conservative politics, Musk and the rest of the so-called tech right. But Musk seems to have drunk deep from the elixirs of Paul Ryanism on budgetary matters, congressional Republicans are still congressional Republicans, and so there will be deregulation and tax cuts, or the extension of the last round of Trump tax cuts, at the very least. (Whether Musk can magically make deep spending cuts happen as well there one should be skeptical.) On other fronts, though, the changed landscape matters. Trump has more room to conduct mass deportations not just because corporate America and Big Tech are more on his side, but also because the Biden administration presided over such an extraordinary run-up in illegal immigration that deportations are more popular than in the past, and there are a lot of people who arrived very recently, who dont have deep ties to their communities, who are plausible targets for such an effort. That doesnt mean his administration wont overreach and reap a backlash its perfectly possible. But the last four years have shifted the politics of immigration further to the right than where it was after Trumps last victory. Goldberg: I agree with Ross that deregulation and tax cuts will likely be the central accomplishment, if you want to call it that, of the new administration. Its fascinating to me that, after all the talk about Trump dethroning Paul Ryanism, his movement is now full of people dreaming about even more aggressive forms of economic austerity. Many tech leaders and companies have courted President-elect Donald J. Trump in recent weeks. From Metas Mark Zuckerberg to Amazons founder Jeff Bezos, they have visited Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago, flattered him on X and donated to his inaugural fund. But TikTok has taken those methods to the next level. As the Chinese-owned social app fights a federal law that bans it in the United States unless it is sold, it publicly referenced and then thanked Mr. Trump for his support in statements and in videos since Friday. It even built its flattery right into the app so its 170 million American users could see it: As a result of President Trumps efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!, a pop-up message on Sunday read. TikToks chief executive, Shou Chew, filmed his own thank-you video to Mr. Trump last week, even referring to the presidents personal TikTok account. Mr. Chew has also visited Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago, and has been invited to sit in a position of honor on the dais at Mr. Trumps inauguration on Monday. TikTok will go to any lengths to please the authorities while facing this ban, said Anupam Chander, a professor of law and technology at Georgetown University and an expert on the global regulation of new technologies. The list is not only important because of each and every individual that is represented on it, but its also important because of the broader story that it tells about the failures of our criminal legal system, said Janai Nelson, the president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. During a visit to Royal Missionary Baptist Church, a storied Black church near Charleston, S.C., Mr. Biden said that his decisions reflected how he had come to view the power of redemption. We know how healing and restoration from harm is a pathway to the kind of communities we want to live in, where theres fairness, justice, accountability, he said, where the people we love go through hard times, fall down, make mistakes, but were right there and helping get back up. We dont turn on each other. We lean into each other. Civil rights leaders and lawmakers have long called Mr. Garveys criminal conviction unjust and argued that his conviction was racially motivated, and that he was targeted for his civil rights activism with fabricated charges and flawed evidence. He was sentenced to five years in prison, two of which he served before his sentence was commuted by President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. Mr. Garvey inspired generations of Black leaders, including Malcolm X and Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, and he was seen as the embodiment of Black liberation and self-determination. Martin Luther King Jr. called him the first man on a mass scale and level to give millions to Negroes and make the Negro feel he was somebody. President Biden spent his final full day in office in South Carolina, a state he credits for helping catapult him to the White House and where he returned in his final hours as president to urge his supporters to stay engaged in the fight for a more just nation. During visits to a historically Black church and an African American museum, Mr. Biden reflected on his history with a place that he said had played a pivotal role in his life and career and that pushed him in his efforts to restore the soul of the nation. We know the struggle to redeeming the soul of this nation is difficult and ongoing, Mr. Biden said on Sunday as he addressed the congregation of Royal Missionary Baptist Church, a historically Black congregation that he visited on the campaign trail in 2020. But faith faith teaches us the America of our dreams is always closer than we think. He added: We must hold on to hope. We must stay engaged. We must always keep the faith in a better day to come. Im not going anywhere Im not kidding. The people of South Carolina, thank you for keeping the faith. Its been the honor of my life to serve as your president. President Biden and his aides came into office with deep experience in trans-Atlantic affairs. But over four years, they focused too on the Pacific, where China strains to be the dominant player. Their main effort: building up alliances to counter China. President-elect Donald J. Trump has already signaled a different approach to China. He invited Xi Jinping, Chinas leader, to his inauguration on Monday. The two spoke by phone on Friday, and Mr. Xi is sending Chinas vice president, Han Zheng, to the ceremony, a break from Chinas tradition of having its ambassador in Washington attend. The Biden administrations final activities aimed at China stand in contrast to that. Mr. Biden held a call last Sunday with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines to firm up a new three-way security arrangement he helped build. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken visited South Korea and Japan this month on his final official trip. In the telling of Mr. Biden and his aides, they are handing Mr. Trump a sharpened competitive edge on China, the greatest rival to the United States. That to me, I think, has a practical answer, which is government-to-government agreements that emplace effective security safeguards and transparency around the hardware, the model weights and the know-how, and thats what we have worked through in our M.O.U. [memorandum of understanding] with the U.A.E., and I believe that is a sustainable model for having a strong technology partnership with that country, as well as other countries, that gives the U.S. a series of both economic and strategic advantages, where the alternative is to have them go into the Chinese technology orbit, which we do not want. On the kinds of trade agreements that Asian nations want: What countries are looking for, in my view, has become increasingly bespoke. Its not just about a kind of broad market access. Its the particular needs of a country thinking about its economic model for the future. And so the economic dialogues we were having with these countries and the attractiveness of the United States is about a lot more than just: Can we lower barriers to market access? So let me give you some examples. With Japan, they really wanted the critical minerals M.O.U. so that they had a route into the benefits of the I.R.A. [Inflation Reduction Act]. That was kind of their number one ask, much more important to them than some broader-based trade deal. With Indonesia, its quite similar. Thats what Indonesia is looking for. Fundamentally, they want to work out a high-standards, critical minerals agreement so that there can be a flow of Indonesian nickel into American electric-vehicle manufacturing, batteries and so forth with other countries. On whether American workers and industries benefited from earlier free-trade agreements: So where did workers fit into that? Now you could say, well, workers fit into that. Theyre going to get lower-cost goods, and thats good for them and, to a certain extent, thats right, so Im not averse to free trade. But it has to have some element of a theory for how the U.S. industrial base, the capacity to build here, is sustained, and thats why I actually think things like the I.R.A. [Inflation Reduction Act] and a critical minerals agreement with Japan are a more rational way to think about free trade going forward. On what Mr. Sullivan learned from his meetings with Mr. Xi and Mr. Wang: The single biggest thing that jumps out at me comes out of the meeting with Xi and it was reinforced in the meeting that President Biden had with Xi, and very much in the meetings with Wang Yi as well, but punctuated which is my view that when we came into office, the Chinese view was: If you are going to compete with us, then we will not cooperate with you, and we will not have lines of communication. You cant have it both ways. You have to choose. And weve just stuck with our theory, which is managed competition: Were going to compete, were going to compete vigorously, but that doesnt mean that we shouldnt find areas to work together where its in our mutual interest at the same time that were competing. And, in order to compete responsibly, we have to have communication at all levels, including sustaining military-to-military communication. As we leave, the P.R.C. [Peoples Republic of China] has, at least for the time being, adopted, not in the way they talk, but in the way the relationship is conducted, managed competition. We have found areas to work together: on counternarcotics, A.I., nuclear risk and climate. We have sustained communication, including military-to-military communication, and we are competing, obviously competing vigorously, and yet still the relationship has an element of stability so that were not presently on the brink of a downward spiral. That is a significant evolution over four years for how the relationship is managed on both sides, and it is consistent with our theory of management of the relationship that the P.R.C. has now mirrored. President Biden warned in his farewell address to the nation last week that an oligarchy is taking shape in America. In Washington, the oligarchs are already here, buying big houses. Counting President-elect Donald J. Trump himself, there are at least a dozen billionaires among his cabinet picks and those headed for senior roles in the new administration. Elon Musk tops the list with a $429 billion net worth, according to Forbes, making him the worlds richest man. Mr. Trump weighs in with an estimated $6.8 billion. It is an extraordinary concentration of wealth in a city where power has always been more important than money, but is now more than ever intertwined with it. Mr. Trump campaigned as a populist defender of the American working class, but he has put some of his richest donors in commanding roles in the top reaches of government. A number will oversee the very industries that produced their fortunes. Its tempting to liken this to the Gilded Age, but John D. Rockefeller didnt actually run McKinleys campaign or move into the White House, said Michael Waldman, who was President Bill Clintons chief speechwriter and is now president and chief executive of the Brennan Center for Justice, which promotes legal system reforms and works to curb money in politics. He was referring to Mr. Musk, who spent more than $250 million to help Mr. Trump win and is now expected to have an office in the White House complex. The week after Election Day in 2016, Shirley Morganelli, a womens health nurse and lifelong Democrat, invited a dozen friends over to the living room of her rowhouse in Bethlehem, Pa., for a glass of wine. Actually, many glasses. Misery loves company, she said. Ms. Morganellis friends, mostly women then in their 50s and 60s, were teachers, nurses, artists and ardent supporters of Hillary Clinton. Some of them had dressed in suffragist white to cast their votes that day, expecting to celebrate the election of Americas first female president. Instead, they had ended the night consoling their college-aged daughters. When she called me at three oclock in the morning I get all choked up now, because it was the first time I couldnt say, Everythings going to be all right, said Angela Sinkler, a nurse and former school board member in Bethlehem. The get-together Ms. Morganelli called it unhappy hour became a regular event. By the end of the month, commiserating had turned into organizing. They started with writing postcards to elected officials calling on them to oppose Donald J. Trumps agenda, then moved on to raising money for a local Planned Parenthood chapter and joining in community protests. Michael Kimmage, the author of the book Collisions, about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the newly named director of the Wilson Centers Kennan Institute, said that Mr. Trumps campaign promises were always delivered very freely and perhaps were more about sending signals than being interpreted precisely. His goals with this language may be as follows: to put the government on notice that his approach to Russia and to the war will be different from Bidens, that his key objective is to end the war and not for Ukraine to win and that he will be in charge and not the deep state that entrenches the U.S. in forever wars. Those signals have left murky how Mr. Trump imagines he will get to an agreement, but given his longstanding affinity for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, his hostility toward Ukraine and his resistance to U.S. military aid to Kyiv, analysts expect any settlement he seeks to be favorable to Moscow. Vice President-elect JD Vance has suggested letting Russia keep the 20 percent of Ukraine it has illegally seized through aggression and forcing Ukraine to accept neutrality rather than alignment with the West, a framework echoing Russian priorities. Asked by email why Mr. Trump had not fulfilled his campaign promise to end the war before his inauguration, Karoline Leavitt, Mr. Trumps incoming White House press secretary, did not respond directly, but instead repeated that he will make it a top priority in his second term. Since his November election, Mr. Trump met with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and has spoken about meeting with Mr. Putin after his inauguration. As of Jan. 17, there are 10 public companies in the world with valuations of at least $1 trillion. With the exception of Warren Buffett's investment powerhouse, Berkshire Hathaway, each trillion-dollar stock is playing a leading role in the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. After gaining 110% over the last year, chip stock Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) joined a major client, Nvidia, in the trillion-dollar club. With a current share price of $213, TSMC is trading near a 52-week high. Below, I'm going to explore why TSMC could initiate a stock split sooner rather than later and how such a move could impact investors. Why might TSMC explore a stock split? The chart below illustrates TSMC's market cap gains over the last year. In just 12 months, the company has seen its valuation essentially double from roughly $500 billion to more than $1 trillion today. Given this degree of valuation expansion in such a short time frame, a stock split could be a reasonable move to make right now. When a company splits its stock, the number of outstanding shares rises. For example, when Nvidia completed a 10-for-1 stock split several months ago, the number of outstanding shares increased by tenfold while the company's share price dropped by a factor of 10. All told, stock splits do not change a company's valuation. Since splits result in an increased number of outstanding shares, it takes significantly more buying activity to push a stock price higher. This makes stock splits a potential signal of a bullish management team and its confidence in the company's long-term prospects. Pursuing a stock split could indicate that management believes the stock will continue to rise, even though unlocking these gains can become tougher to achieve due to a higher outstanding share count. Why TSMC may choose to keep things status quo TSMC sits in a unique position in the chip realm. The company specializes in sophisticated fabrication processes that bring chips from Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and many others to life. Industry research suggests that investment in AI infrastructure will be in the trillions for years to come. And when it comes to GPUs in particular, the total addressable market is expected to be worth nearly $300 billion by the end of the decade. Considering Nvidia, AMD, and many of the hyperscalers including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms are all bringing more chipware to the market, I see TSMC experiencing AI tailwinds for several years to come. But at more than $200 per share, isn't TSMC's stock beginning to look expensive? Well, not so fast. When two hijacked jetliners struck the World Trade Center towers in New York City on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani became the face of a city struggling with tragedy, a ubiquitous presence projecting authority, assurance and control. The reputation he forged that day would be tarnished with time, but it became a model for mayors facing crises across the country. As Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles confronts a city dealing with devastating fires, her performance has raised questions, even among her supporters, about whether she can become the dominant executive leading a city through a crisis that New Yorkers saw more than 23 years ago. Some of those concerns reflect her relative lack of executive experience she is a former member of Congress and the California assembly, where she served in the powerful role of speaker. And some of those concerns have to do with the fallout from her absence from the city when the fires broke out. But the question of who is in charge of who is playing the role in Los Angeles that Mr. Giuliani did in New York, to use one example is also testimony to the diffusion and, at times, dysfunction that make up the core DNA of the governance of the greater Los Angeles area. That muddled authority is a sharp, and by design deliberate, contrast with New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and other cities that are dominated by powerful, high-profile mayors. A man was arrested in connection with a fire set early on Sunday in response to recent talks of banning the popular video app TikTok, the authorities said. The fire was at a strip mall that includes a district office of a Wisconsin congressman who has been critical of the app. The man, 19, who was not identified, was arrested after being found near a Fond du Lac, Wis., mall that houses an office of the congressman, U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman, a Republican, the citys police department said in a statement. No one was injured and the mall was unoccupied when police officers and firefighters responded around 1 a.m., the police said. The man was being held at the Fond du Lac County Jail and a charge of arson was being referred to prosecutors, according to the police. Dozens of Uyghur men who fled persecution in their native China only to find themselves detained in Thailand have entered the second week of a hunger strike in Bangkok. Their fast is a last-ditch effort to pressure the Thai government to halt what the detainees fear is imminent deportation to China, where they face the risk of torture and imprisonment. The men, who have been in Thai detention centers for more than a decade, started their hunger strike on Jan. 10, two days after they were given voluntary return forms to sign, according to accounts from two of the detainees. All refused to sign the forms, but they were then required to pose for photographs. These instructions set off panic among the detainees because the same series of events in 2015 preceded Thailands abrupt deportation of 109 other Uyghurs to China. The Thai authorities have said that there are no plans to send them back, and denied that a hunger strike is taking place. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. (Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Canadian bulk hauler Trimac announced Friday it has acquired flatbed carrier Watt & Stewart for an undisclosed sum. Watt & Stewart is a 38-year-old specialized carrier with a fleet of 124 tractors and 205 trailers operating out of locations in Claresholm, Alberta; Lexington, South Carolina; and San Angelo, Texas. The company primarily serves the mining, forestry and manufacturing industries. It will continue to operate under its current banner and management team as part of the Trimac brands. Watt & Stewart is a remarkable company with a proud history, and we are honoured to carry forward their legacy while working together to achieve new heights , said Matt Faure, Trimac president and CEO in a news release. Together, were better positioned to serve our customers and drive growth across North America. Trimac operates more than 140 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The deal closed on Wednesday. More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden: The post Trimac acquires flatbed carrier Watt & Stewart appeared first on FreightWaves. The Federal Trade Commission sued PepsiCo on Friday, alleging that it has engaged in illegal price discrimination by giving unfair price advantages to one large retailer at the expense of other vendors and consumers. The benefiting customer wasn't named in an FTC statement about the lawsuit. But a source familiar with the case, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to discuss it, said the retailer was Walmart. PepsiCo said the lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law and misunderstands the way consumer product companies help retailers provide lower prices. PepsiCo strongly disputes the FTCs allegations and the partisan manner in which the suit was filed. We will vigorously present our case in court, the company said in a statement. The FTC said PepsiCo's practices included making promotional payments to Walmart but not to large grocery chains or independent convenience stores. The FTC said that lets Walmart lower its prices, but forces Americans to pay inflated prices for PepsiCo products unless they shop at Walmart. When firms like Pepsi give massive retailers a leg up, it tilts the playing field against small firms and ultimately inflates prices for American consumers, FTC Chair Lina Khan said in the statement. The FTCs action will help ensure all grocers and other businesses no matter the size can get a fair shake and compete on the merits of their skill, efficiency, and talent. Walmart said Friday it had nothing to add at this time. PepsiCo said its practices are in line with industry norms. We do not favor certain customers by offering discounts or promotional support to some customers and not others, the company said. The FTC sued PepsiCo under the rarely enforced 1936 Robinson-Patman Act. The FTC said the act prohibits companies from using promotional incentive payments to favor large customers over smaller ones. It was the second time in a little more than a month that the FTC has cited the Robinson-Patman Act in a lawsuit. In December, the commission sued Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, a large U.S. distributor, saying it illegally discriminated against small and independent businesses by giving discounts and rebates to larger stores. In the waning days of the Biden administration, the FTC has been busy issuing consumer refunds, taking enforcement actions against companies the agency accuses of deceptive practices and finalizing rules it says are needed to make the marketplace more fair. The FTC voted 3-2 to authorize staff to file a lawsuit for a permanent injunction against PepsiCo in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Commissioner Andrew Ferguson, who is President-elect Donald Trump's choice to replace Khan, was one of the two dissenting votes. On January 10, the US Treasury Department added over 200 companies and individuals linked to the Russian energy sector to its sanctions list, along with more than 180 vessels. These restrictions aim to limit Russia's access to international markets and decrease its oil and gas revenue. The Russian Foreign Ministry claims these new US sanctions are intended to harm the Russian economy before Joe Biden's presidency ends, and they will respond to these hostile actions in their foreign economic strategy. Some German politicians also call new sanctions totally ineffective. According to leftist leader Sahra Wagenknecht anti-Russian sanctions "have nothing to do with morality, human rights, love of peace," but are "a program of economic stimulation of the US economy and the murder of German and European companies". Hungarian Foreign Minister Pe'ter Szijja'rto indicated in a Facebook video that the recent US sanctions on the Russian energy sector threaten Europe. He mentioned that the sanctions followed a significant defeat for the US administration in the presidential elections, raising new challenges for Central Europe. These measures could lead to higher fuel prices. Szijja'rto also warned that restrictions on the Russian-Serbian company "Neftna Industrija Srbije" might create an oil shortage in Europe, driving up demand while supply remains low. Hungary plans to engage in active talks with regional partners in the coming days and weeks to lessen the impact of US sanctions on fuel prices. The more so, Chinese and Indian refiners will source more oil from the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, boosting prices and freight costs, as new U.S. sanctions on Russian producers and ships curb supplies to Moscow's top customers, traders and analysts said. The expected disruption in Russian supply drove global oil prices to their highest in months on Monday, with Brent trading above $81 a barrel. So, it could be said, that the main aim of the sanction policy is to boost the US economy and has nothing to do with the declared goal of helping Ukraine. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have been 96 years old on January 15, 2025. As we reflect on his incredible life and legacy, let me start by saying that King's revolutionary socialist leanings, often deliberately overshadowed by his civil rights activism, were a crucial aspect of his later philosophy and continue to resonate in America's social landscape today. In fact, King's evolution from a civil rights leader to a more radical critic of American capitalism and imperialism provides a framework for understanding ongoing struggles for racial and economic justice today. For example, King's strident opposition to the Vietnam War, publicly declared in 1967, marked a significant shift in his political approach. He saw the war as not just a foreign policy mistake, but as a symptom of deeper systemic issues within American society. In his speech "Beyond Vietnam," King argued that the war was diverting resources from the fight against poverty at home, and disproportionately burdening African American communities. He famously stated, "I knew that America would never invest the necessary funds or energies in rehabilitation of its poor so long as adventures like Vietnam continued to draw men and skills and money like some demonic destructive suction tube." Ah! The more things change is the more they remain the same when it comes to American capitalism and it "forever wars!" This critique of American militarism and its impact on domestic priorities remains painfully relevant in 2025 and is a poignant reminder that on the day MLK's birthday is celebrated on January 20 this country will install a deeply flawed man in the person of Donald John Trump as president of the United States. That Trump espouses and characterizes all that King felt was wrong with American society rings true today as a clarion call. Today, the United States continues to grapple with the allocation of resources between military spending and social programs, with marginalized communities often bearing the brunt of these decisions. The ongoing debates over healthcare, education funding, and infrastructure investment echo King's concerns about the nation's priorities. King's concept of "Black Nobodiness" is particularly relevant when examining the state of racial equality in 2025. This idea encapsulated the psychological toll of systemic racism, which made Black individuals feel invisible and worthless in society. King argued that this sense of nobodiness was not just a result of legal discrimination, but of deep-seated cultural and economic forces that perpetuated inequality. In 2025, despite significant progress in some areas, the persistence of racial wealth gaps, disparities in healthcare outcomes, and ongoing instances of police brutality against Black individuals demonstrate that the struggle against "Black Nobodiness" is far from over. The Black Lives Matter movement, which gained momentum in the early 2020s, can be seen as a direct continuation of King's fight against this sense of invisibility and devaluation. King's socialist leanings became more pronounced in the last years of his life. He argued that the civil rights movement needed to evolve into a broader struggle for economic justice, encompassing not just Black Americans but all poor and working-class people. In his final book, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?", King wrote, "The curse of poverty has no justification in our age... The time has come for us to civilize ourselves by the total, direct and immediate abolition of poverty." This call for economic restructuring aligns closely with contemporary movements for economic justice in 2025. The growing support for policies like universal basic income, Medicare for All, and free higher education can be traced back to King's vision of a more equitable economic system. The increasing wealth inequality and the precarious nature of work in the gig economy have made King's critiques of capitalism more relevant than ever. King's assassination in 1968 cut short his evolving radical vision, but his ideas continue to inspire and challenge Americans in 2025. The intersectionality of racial and economic justice that King advocated for is now a central tenet of progressive movements. His critique of the "triple evils" of racism, militarism, and economic exploitation provides a framework for understanding the interconnected nature of social issues. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Either this nation shall kill racism, or racism shall kill this nation." (S. Jonas, August, 2018) This is what we are in for, for the next four years, at least, (Image by IoSonoUnaFotoCamera) Details DMCA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the 20th century, the end of Bourgeois-Capitalist Constitutional Democracy in various countries arrived in various ways. Among the several first functional fascist dictatorships, in Italy its ending was announced in 1922 by the appointment as Prime Minister of Benito Mussolini by the King Vittorio Emmanuel III. (Of course, he invented the name "fascism" from an old Roman symbol) and went on to establish a fascist dictatorship that lasted until Fascist Italy was defeated at the end of World War II.) In Germany, Adolf Hitler became dictator in 1933 through a combination of his constitutional appointment as Chancellor of the Weimar Republic by its President Paul von Hindenburg, the Nazi-generated violence of the "Reichstag Fire," and a vote by the Reichstag (the German Parliament) from which the bulk of the left-wing members had fled or been expelled. (See the end of the column for the definition of "fascism" that I use.) In Spain, fascism was installed by a three-year military campaign, of the Franco-led rebels supported by troops, supplies, and an air arm against the elected government of the Spanish Republic (which was in the end of overthrown). Peron became a fascist dictator in Argentina twice through "popular uprisings" supported by the armed forces. In our own century, Victor Orban became the essential dictator of Hungary through the electoral process and then through the very clever use of the levers of government, once he had gotten hold of them. (That example has much to tell us about what is happening here.) And so, there are various roads to power that have been taken by political figures who become fascist dictators, whether resulting in open dictatorships or simply functional ones with some sort of Constitutional gloss. As is well-known, the U.S. has been a Constitutional Democracy since its founding in the 1780's, with the first election under the present Constitution held in 1789. A central element of U.S. Constitutional Democracy has been the doctrine of "separation of powers," the is the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial. When drawing up, debating, and enacting the U.S. Constitution the Founding Fathers were especially concerned with this separation, creating the traditional U.S. political doctrine of "Checks and Balances." One sign of the beginning of the end for Constitutional government would be a gross violation of the mechanisms of election as defined under it. Another would be the disappearance of the Doctrine of Checks and Balances, with increasing power lodged in the Executive Branch. The attempted takeover by a supreme Executive Branch was of course staved off in 2020-21. As is very well known, through a variety of very well-constructed legal maneuvers by former President Trump (for example by delay, delay, delaying any possibility of conviction for a federal crime) and his allies, legal and legislative, has resulted in the re-election of Trump as President. (He won by a narrow margin in the popular vote, about 1.5.%, less than 50% of the total. Of course, his legacy-of-slavery-electoral vote margin was much higher: 86.) This time around, as it happens, Trump has been making it very clear that he wants to establish some kid of functional dictatorship, not the "Day One" classic one that he has talked about, but one that would work that way in practice. How so, one might ask? As noted, one of the bedrock principles of the U.S. Constitution is the Separation of Powers. The Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches are each to stay in their own lanes. Of course, their interests in the legislative, administrative, and judicial spheres do sometimes overlap and certainly they have influence on the other two (sometimes profound influence, like decisions of the Supreme have had on the actions of the other two branches). But traditionally in this country, none of the three has directly taken an action on its own that is obviously a prerogative of one of the other two. Well folks, this sort of thing just happened. By itself, it is a small matter. But I think that it is a harbinger of things to come. On January 15, 2025, even before he was sworn in as President, Trump told his puppet-Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johson to replace the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Mike Turner. Why did Trump want this? Because Turner is a strong supporter of aid for Ukraine, and Trump, most obviously is not. This action by Trump was not a suggestion. Trump made it clear that it was an order, and Johnson said, "yessir, boss." Trump is clearly taking an action, having a House Committee Chairman removed, which under separation of powers is a function of that separate branch. Obviously, this was not a big step, nor a major breach. But a breach it was, and I think that it represents many more, and much more significant breaches of the separation of powers, at least between the Executive and the Legislative, to come. As for the relations between the Trump Executive and the Roberts Judicial branch, what might happen remains to be seen. Of course, the Roberts Court threw Trump a huge bone with the "Presidential immunity decision." As I have pointed out in an earlier column, what the Court did was to amend Article II of the Constitution (the one that covers the Presidency) without bothering to go through the amendment process. There is simply no language in that Article that remotely provides for the kind of "immunity from prosecution for a criminal act, whether in the performance of his/her duties or not" that the Court conferred upon Trump (or any kind of immunity whatsoever.) The Court found it somewhere, but not in the language of that clause. And so, the Court might continue to go along the "let's go Trump" line. After all, it was the Chief Justice, John Roberts, whose Court over time gave us "Shelby" (diminution of protections for voting rights), "Citizens United" (unlimited campaign contributions), "Dobbs" (reversing Roe v. Wade), and the "Presidential Immunity" decisions. They have helped to entrench the Reactionary Right in power in the United States. Roberts has pushed back a little just now, as in letting stand the New York State guilty verdict and, as it happened, the never before heard-of light sentencing in the "hush money" trial, in a 5-4 decision. Where the Court stands from here on, meaning for how long will Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett stand up for Constitutional law (with which Roberts all-of-a-sudden seems to be very concerned), remains to be seen. But if they do, it is only a matter of time before Trump will defy a Supreme Court order. What happens then is anybody's guess. In my view, as I have said in several columns over time, a U.S. version of fascism is on its way. (For a collection of close to 200 columns that I published on Trump between 2015 and 2021, see my multivolume collection of them published in Amazon Kindle.) So that's it, for now, on Trump. The balance of the column is devoted to a set of short comments on the election, taken from columns just below this one on my Op-Ed News list, plus a few fresh ones (that I will likely ["likely," he says?] come back to in more length in future columns). A. President Biden's Farewell address, on the incoming oligarchy (which, I might add, stands not only in tech, but also in manufacturing, media, petroleum, and so forth) was right on target, but much too late . This is the number one theme that V-P Harris should have been running on (as well as continuing to launch at Trump full-force. She did that on occasion, but not nearly enough.) Historically, rule by an oligarchy (see modern-day Russia) usually means dictatorship. It will certainly mean that here. B. Trump will definitely try to amend current Federal libel law to rid it of the "actual malice" clause (which means that the entity being sued by a plaintiff for libel must know that it lied when it made the challenged statement, and that knowledge has to be proved, often a tall order). Regardless of whether Kash Patel is confirmed as FBI Director, of course Trump is going to directly use the Department of Justice for his personal battles (two of its top incoming deputies are present day Trump lawyers). As The Atlantic says, Trump is poised to make the DOJ into his "personal law firm." C. Biden's "oligarchy" speech has been compared to Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower's "military-industrial complex" speech. The "military-industrial complex" was developing at the time, to-be-sure. And some think that it was, for example, responsible for the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy (because he had indicated that if re-elected in 1964, he was going to withdraw U.S. troops from Viet Nam, and in his famous "American University" speech of June, 1963 he indicated that he was leaning towards taking up Soviet Prime Minister Khruschev's offer of "peaceful co-existence"). However, the military-industrial complex was at the time not, and least not yet, organizing to take over the government in toto and destroy its basis in the U.S. Constitution, as the current group is. They were focused on specific policies D. The incoming President has created an entirely new government department, "The Department of Government Efficiency," for which no legislative authorization can be found (see Article I of the Constitution). It has already been announced that, most ironically, it will be given space in the Eisenhower Office Building. More importantly, it will be funded (from somewhere) and it will have some kind of decision-making authority (derived from somewhere). I have noted on Twitter that from the original DOGE's Palace, in Venice, led the "Bridge of Sighs," to a prison from which there was no exit. Is there possibly a metaphor here? E. A terrible campaign was run by V-P Harris (or whoever ran it for her). The Biden-Harris Administration Achievements (which Biden summarized briefly in his speech), starting with the conquering-of-COVID for which Trump had done little other than pressing forward with the production of the vaccine (which was VERY important but many other mitigating steps could have been taken), continuing through the infrastructure act, and dealing with gun violence and climate change, were monumental. But you would not, for the most part, know it from Harris' speeches. While some proposed modest changes to the tax code were mentioned frequently, the major measures already undertaken and done were hardly mentioned at all. Finally, as I have noted in previous columns, race was the Trump card (plus mysogny and xenophobia). Harris hardly mentioned them at all. F. Nor was "Project 2025" mentioned much after the Democratic National Convention. It proposes to completely re-structure the Federal government, in ways that are, for example, clearly un-Constitutional (done by Executive Branch fiat) like essentially repealing the Civil Service Act of 1883, as amended, without bothering to go through the legislative process (see "Schedule F"). And so, we will end it here, for now. Except to in sum say that a major attack on traditional U.S. constitutional government, featuring first and foremost the ending of the separation of powers, curtailing the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and changing the concept of citizenship built into the 14ht Amendment (again by fiat) has already started. I fear that few persons, either in government at the Federal, state, and local levels, or in the "Fourth Branch," that is the Fourth Estate in its original French (that is "The Media" in current terminology), except in isolated entities such as MSNBC (which may well be bought by Musk[!]), are ready for it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Addendum: A recent study showed that if a significant chunk of voters who did not vote for Harris because of the single issue of the Biden-Unconditional-Support-for-Israeli-Gaza-Policy (who also did not vote for Trump) had voted for Harris, she might well have won. I should note that while I have been a long-time critic of Israeli Expulsionist policy (Click Here, recognizing the dangers facing our Republic from a second Trump Administration, some of which have been detailed in this column, I voted for Harris. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Definition of fascism used by SJ: --There is a single, all-powerful executive branch of government, in service of a capitalist ruling class, that controls, for the most part, the functions of production, distribution, finance, and exchange. There is no separation of the principal governmental powers: executive, legislative, and judicial. There are no independent media. There is a single national ideology, based on some combination of racism, misogyny, religious bigotry and authoritarianism, homophobia, and xenophobia. There is a political party supporting the movement. There is a state propaganda machine using the big and little lie techniques. There may be a full-blown dictatorship, a charismatic leader, engagement in foreign wars, and the use of the mob/private armies to enforce governmental control." (Article changed on Jan 19, 2025 at 11:49 AM EST) (Article changed on Jan 19, 2025 at 11:52 AM EST) (Article changed on Jan 19, 2025 at 11:57 AM EST) (Article changed on Jan 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM EST) (Article changed on Jan 22, 2025 at 9:45 AM EST) The international Speaker Slam, a top-class speaker competition, made a stop in Wiesbaden on January 16, 2025 - and Kathrin Klix from Berlin used the stage to wow both the audience and the jury with an impressive performance. With the topic "Clear communication for successful teams and a healthy working atmosphere", Kathrin Klix managed to convey a clear message that resonated in the minds of the audience. The Speaker Slam is Police arrested two men and aim to use the reckless driving law that recently went into effect to permanently confiscate their cars for allegedly drifting in a parking lot in North Portland on Friday night. Drifting, or street sliding refers to a technique where drivers oversteer while driving into a turn, causing the car to slide sideways. One of the men, Sergio Jimenez, 30, of Springfield was arrested on allegations of unlawful street takeover, possession of a loaded gun in a public place and unlawful possession of a firearm, the Portland Police Bureau said in a statement. Miguel A. Olmos-Gonzales, 33, of Portland, was arrested on a single allegation of unlawful street takeover, police say. Police responded to a parking lot in the 15900 block of North Columbia Boulevard around 9:30 p.m. after getting calls that people were staging a street takeover there, police say. Thermal imaging from a police drone was able to capture the heat trails from where the two cars' tires had been skidding on the pavement.Courtesy of Portland Police Bureau The officers flew a drone over the scene, and watched from the air as a security guard drove into the parking lot and approached the drifting drivers but instead of leaving, they started drifting around her car while she was inside it, police spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Allen said in an email. We believe the drivers intent was to intimidate her, Allen said. Fortunately, she was unhurt. After documenting the incident with drone footage, police pulled the cars over and arrested Jimenez and Olmos-Gonzales and seized their cars. Under Oregons Reckless Driving Law, the cars could be criminally forfeited, police say. Jimenez had a loaded gun in his car when he was arrested, police said; the gun was seized as evidence. Oregon law gives police the authority to confiscate vehicles used in street racing incidents, such as those seen in the summer of 2024. Allen said that Portland police have used the reckless driving law periodically, and called Friday nights case a good opportunity to highlight it again as we hope it will deter others considering engaging in this dangerous and illegal behavior. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close By Joanna Lambert, Professor of Environmental Studies and Faculty in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder Gray wolves from Oregon were reintroduced to Colorado in December 2023, the latest attempt in a decadeslong effort to build up wolf populations in the Rocky Mountain states. SciLine interviewed Joanna Lambert, professor of wildlife ecology and director of the American Canid Project at the University of Colorado Boulder, who discussed how and why gray wolf populations declined in the U.S. and the value of reintroducing them to ecosystems in the West. Below are some highlights from the discussion. Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity. How can protecting gray wolf populations affect ecosystems? Joanna Lambert: Apex predators, and predators in general, are disappearing from landscapes around the planet. Without apex predators, their prey species can become overly abundant. But when apex predators are reintroduced, prey populations decrease and vegetation can rebound. So in certain habitats of Yellowstone National Park, plant species such as willow and aspen are now in greater abundance since wolves were reintroduced in the 1990s. This denser vegetation can provide nesting areas for certain bird species and ideal conditions for beavers to set up dams, which can shift the hydrology of rivers and streams. In Yellowstone, these effects are localized. Keep in mind that the reintroduction of wolves into Colorado covers a huge area, around 22 million acres of public lands, and there arent going to be that many wolves introduced probably 30 or 50 over the next three to five years. So in Colorado, too, effects on vegetation and total numbers of prey species like elk are likely to be localized, diffuse and only within certain microhabitats. What is special about the reintroduction in Colorado? Joanna Lambert: This is the first time an endangered species will be managed and reintroduced into a former range by an entity other than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Instead, this reintroduction will be handled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This in itself is truly historical and groundbreaking. Instead of being a federal level initiative, this was the result of a citizen-led ballot initiative Proposition 114 that was voted into law as of November 2020. How were the wolves reintroduced to the area? Joanna Lambert: Those wolves were darted and immobilized in Oregon by expert marksmen and biologists working from a helicopter. They were netted and then brought onto small planes and eventually transported to vehicles, which took them to the regions where they were released. Those animals are radio collared and will be monitored carefully over months and years. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife aim to release 10-15 wolves this winter. How have gray wolf populations changed in the U.S. over time? Joanna Lambert: Before the arrival of Western settlers over 400-plus years ago, scientists estimate the total number of gray wolves roaming the North American continent was maybe between 500,000 to 2 million. By the time we get to the mid-1960s, only roughly 200 to 400 breeding pairs of gray wolves lived in the lower 48. This is largely a consequence of a concerted effort on the part of multiple legislative entities local, regional, state and federal to remove predators. Reducing the number of wolves through hunting, shooting, trapping and poisoning was extremely effective. The numbers of gray wolves plummeted throughout the 20th century so that we only have a handful around by the time the Endangered Species Act was signed into law in 1973. Gray wolves were one of the very first mammal species to be put onto the endangered species list in 1974. The number of gray wolves has increased throughout the United States but are concentrated in two populations. One is in the upper Midwest region, in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, where there are probably about 4,500 wolves. In the Northern Rockies, and that includes the states of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, eastern Oregon and eastern Washington, we probably have somewhere around 2,500 to 3,000 wolves. These wolves are largely a consequence of the reintroductions that took place in Idaho and in Yellowstone in the mid-1990s. How can humans coexist with gray wolves? Joanna Lambert: Up until around 100 years ago, humans had been coexisting and living alongside gray wolves for thousands of years, so we do have the knowledge on how to coexist with predators. We are now at a point where that information and that knowledge has to be relearned. That can include any number of scare devices or hazing tactics that can be used with both livestock and predators. It can include range riders working to make sure that they know where the wolves are. Ranchers can make changes in how animals are herded up and moved. Making these changes will take time, but Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be involved in those conversations and in the training of ranchers on how to keep their livestock safe. A number of nonprofits will also be involved in educating the public. How does this reintroduction fit into the global extinction crisis? Joanna Lambert: We are living in what many experts describe as the sixth extinction and are on the verge of losing upwards of a million species in the next couple of decades. Conservation biologists and practitioners around the world are working to offset this massive extinction. Reintroduction of important keystone species like gray wolves is one tool that can help. Watch the full interview to hear more. SciLine is a free service based at the nonprofit American Association for the Advancement of Science that helps journalists include scientific evidence and experts in their news stories. Copyright 20102025, The Conversation US, Inc. Days before President-elect Donald Trump was set to take office, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced that he joined other Democratic states in court filings to preserve federal gun control rules. Rayfield and other attorneys general also intervened to protect the ability for some undocumented immigrants to enroll in health care plans through the Affordable Care Act and weeks after the new attorney general convened a group of advisers and named a top Justice Department lawyer to lead federal litigation. All of those actions, as well as Gov. Tina Koteks announcement in November that the state added to its stockpile of the abortion drug mifepristone, are among Oregons preparations for a new Donald Trump presidency. Oregons five Democratic statewide elected officials Kotek, Rayfield, Secretary of State Tobias Read, Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner and Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson as well as House Speaker Julie Fahey and Senate President Rob Wagner and their staffs, began regular meetings last year to discuss what to expect from the incoming administration and how to react. In individual interviews and in public speeches since the election, those officials and other top Democrats in Oregon have stressed that theyre trying to identify specific threats and not waste time planning how to respond to vague statements. Fahey, D-Eugene, was elected to the House in 2016, the same as Trump. Shes now among a small cohort of lawmakers who served during the first Trump administration, and in the days immediately following the election, she told the Capital Chronicle, she spent a lot of time talking to newer colleagues about everything Oregon legislators did to respond to his first term. In 2017, they passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act, which codified the right to an abortion in Oregon and required that abortion and other reproductive health services be provided at no cost to patients. They passed the Oregon Environmental Protection Act in 2019, codifying the decades-old federal protections of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act in state law. They strengthened state laws around hate crimes and the right to organize in labor unions. But they couldnt spend those four years focused on the federal government, Fahey said. The Legislature also worked on instituting paid family leave, investing $1 billion in schools through the Student Success Act and expanding access to pre-school during Trumps first term. We were responsive to what was happening out of the federal level to try and insulate Oregonians from the most harmful things, but at the same time, it was really important that we continue to govern the state, Fahey said. Strategic responses House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, agreed with Fahey during a recent meeting of the Willamette Women Democrats. We are not going to be responding to every ridiculous thing the president says, Bowman said. That means, he explained, that Oregons Democratic legislators wont spend time writing statements about how they disagree with the idea of using military force to take over Greenland, but they will work on legislation and funding. Just because youre not seeing press releases and tweets from us does not mean that we are not working really hard behind the scenes to pass the policy infrastructure, to pass the budgets, through our Department of Justice with our new attorney general, Dan Rayfield, to make sure we have the tools and resources in place to stand up and fight back when we need to, Bowman said. This isnt about having a platform and getting into a big fight. Its about doing what needs to be done for Oregonians. Other Democratic lawmakers have said theyre focused on defending Oregonians rights and values from potential threats, though they have yet to share specific proposals. Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, D-Portland, said Thursday protecting Oregonians from chaos and confusion in Washington, D.C., is among four top priorities for Senate Democrats, though he did not have details to share about what they could do that they havent already done. We really dont know what is in the pipeline, Jama said Thursday. I think we have some ideas (of) what the administration said that they plan to do about immigration, about health care issues. I think the question for us would be, how do we prepare for that and make sure that our attorney general is taking the lead in terms of that protection, and make sure Oregonians are feeling that their rights have been protected. Few of the nearly 2,300 bills lawmakers have introduced include details. Jamas Senate Bill 149, a placeholder bill that now just directs the Oregon Department of Human Services to study immigration, is a likely vehicle for legislation addressing any loopholes in Oregons sanctuary laws that prohibit public resources from being used to help enforce federal immigration law. Republican plans Legislative Republicans have been more explicit about their plans. For instance, GOP lawmakers introduced several bills, including Senate Bill 11, Senate Bill 486, Senate Bill 491, House Bill 2191 and House Bill 2192, to repeal the states prohibition on state and local governments cooperating with federal immigration authorities or require local law enforcement to ask about citizenship and inform immigration authorities each time someone is arrested on certain crimes. And House Bill 2303, introduced by Reps. Kevin Mannix, R-Salem, and Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, would go further by directing courts to declare any state agency rule invalid if it conflicts with federal law or regulations. None of those Republican proposals are expected to progress in the Legislature, where Democrats hold a supermajority in both the House and the Senate. Republicans have also dismissed Democratic politicians stated concerns as political posturing. Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, recalled seeing a press release from Fahey, then the House majority leader, shortly after the Supreme Court overturned the national right to an abortion, reassuring Oregonians that their legislators had protected abortion rights in state statute and they didnt need to fear. But a few months later, as the 2022 election heated up, campaign ads warned that electing Republicans would result in losing those rights and Oregonians should fear. Weve codified in Oregon the things that Oregonians expect us to have in law and the threat from the federal government is a little bit of just I dont believe theres a there there, Bonham said. Bonham has just two years left in the Senate because he and nine other Republicans lost their chance to run for reelection by participating in a six-week walkout in 2023, spurred in large part by their opposition to a bill that sought to expand and protect access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. Hell attend Trumps inauguration on Monday. To pretend like somehow the boogeyman of Donald Trump is coming for us, Im just not sold, Bonham said. Koteks $39.3 billion budget proposal, which lawmakers will start parsing when they begin their legislative work Tuesday, includes millions of dollars for reproductive health, climate change and federal lawsuits. She wants the legislators to give Rayfield an extra $2 million during the next two years to defend state laws on reproductive health care, immigrant protections and environmental standards and another $2 million to grow the Department of Justices Bias Response Hotline. She also asked for $7 million to help immigrants living in Oregon navigate the immigration system and find legal representation. A group of Democratic legislators, as well as Rep. Greg Smith, a Heppner Republican whose eastern Oregon district includes a large share of immigrants with and without proof of legal status, introduced Senate Bill 703 to provide $6 million in grants to help noncitizens become citizens or permanent residents. Koteks budget proposal also included $2.5 million in grants to expand access to reproductive health services and another $2.5 million to backfill any decline in federal funding for reproductive health care. Fahey, the House speaker who started during Trumps first term, said Oregonians who are scared about the incoming administration should feel confident in their state leadership. There are rational people with a steady hand at the wheel in charge in Oregon, Fahey said. We are ready to respond to anything that might come out of the federal level, as we did in his first administration, and were ready to keep governing and to keep addressing challenges, and thats I think thats true in state legislatures around the country. The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy. The release of two documents on Portlands economy and outlook last week sounded a five-alarm fire for the city of Portland. Will the citys new mayor and new City Council respond with the urgency and prudence that this crisis requires? The first document was a report by the tax advisory group for the governors task force on downtown Portland. Innocuously titled Nineteen facts about economic, fiscal and service conditions in Portland, Oregon, the report drops fact bombs that illustrate some of the absurd realities of the regions punishing taxing scheme. Not only do Portland residents pay the second-highest marginal-income tax rate in the country, but specialty taxes have led to a flood of unspent money for those programs while revenue for basic public services is sputtering. Employment growth in the Portland-area has also lagged surrounding counties. The second stunner came on Friday morning, as the city released its updated financial outlook. Former Mayor Ted Wheeler had already warned that rising personnel costs and other expenses are outstripping tax revenue and would force budget cuts. But the previous projected General Fund deficit of $27 million is now forecast to be $67 million. In addition, non-General Fund dollars that support parks and permitting operations are also expected to fall short. All told, a city statement read, the city may need to reduce spending by more than $100 million to cover the gap during the next budget year. Even in a city with an $8 billion budget where 90% is dedicated to restricted uses, such as providing water service and maintaining roads a $100 million deficit translates to widespread cuts to operations and elimination of jobs. The city may also need to slash grant programs and raise user fees, according to the citys budget memo. And its unclear how the city would fund new investments, including the additional staff sought by the new City Council. While councilors on Wednesday authorized $4.6 million in contingency funds to add a staff member for each councilor and three for the mayor, that covers only the increase through June 30. Maintaining just this barebones level would require $12 million in the next budget year. The financial pain ahead will require the citys new leaders to not only agree on whats most urgent, but also to collaborate on a strategy of how to protect those most critical needs. Setting the new government up for success, ensuring public safety, addressing homelessness and spurring more housing and economic growth should top the list. Certainly, Portlanders should recognize just how Herculean a task voters have put on elected officials. The vote in 2022 to transform city government, expand the City Council and move bureau management responsibilities from commissioners to a professional city administrator did not come with an instruction manual. The basic mechanics of how this new form of government will work are still being built. And Wheeler and the previous City Council did not earmark the resources necessary for the new elected officials to adequately do their jobs with the public outreach, policy research and thoughtful consideration that the public expects. Like it or not, building a successful government requires investing in people and systems. But the new mayor and city councilors also must recognize that job number one is to keep this city moored to fundamentals and looking for savings as opposed to relying on new revenue. As the task forces report demonstrates, simply adding on more taxes is a losing formula, by further straining low and medium-income residents and spurring high-income households to leave Multnomah County. Sticking to fundamentals will require making decisions that are prudent even if unpopular. Contracts for three labor unions are under negotiation. Promising more than the city can afford will only lead to more layoffs. It also means that councilors who adopted expensive campaign pledges, including supporting full funding of an expanded Portland Street Response program in every budget cycle, must be willing to re-evaluate that promise against many other needs. While the program has been lauded for providing an unarmed health-first response to people in mental health distress, its inability to transport people to services, difficulties in hiring and other concerns limit its effectiveness. And it means looking at how to strategically deploy the tax dollars coming into the city, even if it means seeking legislative or voter approval to change how certain dollars are spent. We have written previously about the broad array of taxes from multiple jurisdictions, some of which appear to have overlapping interests, such as Multnomah Countys Preschool for All tax and the Portland Childrens Levy. The city had more than $150 million in System Development Charges at the end of 2023 that can only be used for expanding the parks system despite the crushing need to maintain existing infrastructure. The Portland Clean Energy Fund is bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars more than expected. While the city has smartly used some revenue to pay for critical city projects that align with the climate-focused intent of the ballot measure that created the fund, leaders should explore whether to seek voter approval for greater flexibility in how to use that money. Elected officials need to build a strong governance structure, or Portlanders wont see a government that delivers outcomes with accountability and transparency. They need to respect the severe financial constraints on the citys budget, or Portlanders wont have access to the basic services they need and expect. And they need to prioritize economic and community stability or Portlanders wont get out of the hole were in. So much for a honeymoon period. Portlands new leaders are on the clock. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Tina Kotek Kotek is governor of Oregon. Oregon has large, costly infrastructure projects on its to-do list. Projects that will demand substantial public dollars and, when it comes to big transportation projects, the time and patience of Oregonians. As governor, I have to make sure we manage time and money responsibly. That means public assets that will stand the test of time because skilled workers have done the work well and, during construction, projects that operate safely, efficiently and deliver economic benefit to the people and communities who make them happen. We need to know what were buying, every time. Opponents of Project Labor Agreements, like The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board and some construction companies, would have you believe that we must choose between a competitive contractor market and a fairly compensated, skilled workforce (Editorial: Merry Christmas, labor unions! Love, Gov. Kotek, Jan. 12). Well, I dont buy it. Having a consistent PLA policy for complex state construction projects will enhance how we grow as a state, while attracting and keeping a talented workforce to get the job done right for Oregonians. PLAs, which are pre-hire negotiated agreements between trade unions and construction contractors that set up workplace terms and conditions for a project, have been commonplace for decades. In a recent survey, 70% of Oregon Department of Transportation contractors confirmed they had operated under such an agreement for a previous project. But prior to my emergency order issued at the end of last year, PLAs have been utilized inconsistently across the state enterprise, leading to uncertainty, delays in construction and a lack of bids when a PLA is required. When you have a patchwork of operational protocols, you risk a patchwork of outcomes such as delays in some parts of the state that set some Oregonians back and not others, or inconsistent costs for a given project, or on-the-job safety and efficiency issues. I believe that no matter where you live in the state, Oregonians should be able to rely on their public infrastructure, and our workforce should have predictability and consistency on the job. These things go together. Of course, responsible stewardship of public construction projects is not just about a fairly paid workforce and a safe, efficient work site. Costs must be kept from ballooning. Evidence shows that a PLA does not inherently increase costs. For example, the use of a project labor agreement by the New York City School Construction Authority to facilitate the rehabilitation and renovation of their schools led to a savings of $221 million dollars over a five-year period. Thats why the Biden administration signed an executive order calling for PLAs on federal projects of $35 million or more. In the simplest of terms, a PLA is an agreement about who will do the work and how they will be compensated. They cover union and non-union workers, as well as union and non-union employers, to ensure flexibility. My Executive Order 24-31 intentionally leaves the details of each agreement open for negotiation. Agreeing to a PLA will require contractors and workers to talk to each other about resource needs and constraints, building the foundation for a functional, efficient partnership. PLAs can and should be a tool to reduce workforce disparities and lift up small businesses. My order directs state agencies to set targets for the use of COBID certified firms companies that meet requirements as minority-owned, women-owned, or service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and/or emerging small businesses interested in contracting with government agencies. The state will also collect and review data on how we are performing against these expectations. We cannot get big things done in an environment that lacks predictability and stability, particularly when it comes to the management of state resources and the people who do the work. Opponents of my executive order want Oregonians to believe we have to choose between cost effective infrastructure projects and fair wages and worker safety. I dont buy it. Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Public safety remains a top concern for Oregonians, particularly as firearm homicide in Oregon has increased 172% over the past decade. While Portland has made some progress in reducing gun violence, we must address the vast numbers of illegal guns on our streets. Thousands of guns are recovered at Oregon crime scenes each year, and a majority of them are traced to in-state dealers. Gun dealers can play a key role in preventing illegal guns from entering our communities, but we need state-level oversight. Federal oversight is vastly under-resourced and lacks sufficient authority. A federally licensed gun dealer is inspected on average once every decade, and bad actors operate without consequences. House Bill 3076 will save lives and ensure that dealers have the tools and education to help stem the overflow of guns in our communities, while still respecting responsible gun ownership. It would establish: State-based licensing and annual reporting; Inventory tracking and reporting requirements; Mandated secure storage of inventory and other security practices, such as cameras; Employee background checks and training to recognize illegal purchases; Annual inspections to hold bad actors accountable; and Engagement of law enforcement and ethical gun dealers for policy co-creation. Implemented by 15 other states, strong gun dealer policies are associated with a 36% reduction in firearm homicides. Oregon lawmakers must act urgently to stop the flow of illegal guns on our streets. Jess Marks, Sisters Marks is the executive director of the Alliance for a Safe Oregon. To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. As fires exploded across parts of Los Angeles County in early January decimating entire neighborhoods and causing at least 25 fatalities one critical setback for firefighters was a loss of pressure in fire hydrants. Some were completely dry. The failure of the hydrants was due to reliance on a system designed to fight one house fire at a time, not an apocalyptic moment when hundreds of homes are burning simultaneously. With scores of fire hydrants tapped while the fires raged around the county, storage tanks ran out of water causing the hydrants to fail. In the months and years ahead, Los Angeles will consider how it can create a more robust water system to avoid a similar scenario from ever happening again. But every city across the country now faces the reality that there are limits on how much water is available to fight a massive, wind-driven urban fire, including Bend. Mike Buettner, the utilities director for the city of Bend, said its very much a possibility that water could run out in a scenario like the one L.A. faced on Jan. 7. But he adds that Bend does have contingency plans so that the city can respond to a variety of situations. We plan extensively so that well be able to respond, system design, operations and maintenance practices, to make sure that were able to deliver a maximum fire response in the event of a fire. But at some point, you know, your system can be overrun by wildfire, said Buettner. How does Bend store its water? Bend has 15 above-ground water tanks around the city. Each one can store one to five million gallons of water. They are located at Pilot Butte, Brookswood Boulevard and Overturf Park, among other locations. These tanks store water for residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, as well as the water delivered to any of Bends approximately 5,000 fire hydrants. Its all the same source. As water is depleted from the tanks, groundwater pumps work to refill them. Buettner says only the top few feet of a tank (which he calls a reservoir) are regularly depleted. The vast majority of the water is held in the reservoir and is always there, ready for delivery during a fire event, he said. Are all hydrants the same? All hydrants throughout the city are the same. However, based on their location within our system, they are required to deliver different volumes of water depending on the fire flow requirements of the area they serve. For residential areas, hydrants must flow at 1,500 gallons per minute for two hours. In industrial and commercial areas, hydrants are required to flow at 2,500 gallons per minute for three hours. For downtown areas, hydrants must flow at 3,500 gallons per minute for five hours. These flow rates are standard across the state. Buettner said these flow rates and systems are designed to fight fires that occur in town but not wildfires burning across a forest. What about aerial support? In the event that more water is needed than hydrants can provide, aerial water and retardant support are available, said Jessica Neujahr, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Forestry. We would use retardant if a fire is coming up on a community, we would use retardant as close to that community as we could get in order to slow the spread before it hits the community. If it does progress beyond that, we would lean more towards water, said Neujahr. And usually we try to lean towards water, but it just depends on the situation, the different types of fire, how fast its moving. If water needs to be dropped from helicopters or planes, Neujahr said the source of that water is usually nearby lakes or reservoirs. Exactly what water body would be used depends on the type of aircraft taking the water. Some fixed-wing aircraft that fly low and scoop water from a lake need a larger body of water than helicopters that dip 400-gallon buckets into the water body. How is Bend preparing? One issue that occurred in L.A. immediately after the biggest fires was a call from officials to boil water due to ash and debris that percolated into the water system. Buettner said Bend is fortifying the local water system to withstand a large fire event, if one should occur. One way to achieve this is expanding the Outback water facility on Bends westside, where water is filtered and purified. The city is working with the Forest Service to acquire a 48-acre property adjacent to the Outback Water Filtration Facility west of Bend. Acquiring the land will increase the facilitys capacity for an additional filtration system. Plans also include a dip tank for helicopters to collect water when fighting wildfires. Currently, the facility has an overflow pond that helicopters can dip into. This system will be designed to filter water that has run through a wildfire scar. Importantly, it allows the city flexibility to move water around as needed. A hydropower unit is also planned to secure self-sustaining power. Buettner says the ongoing effort to acquire the 48 acres is likely to take another one to two years and several more are needed to construct the facility. Theres no more water coming with it, said Buettner. Its really just optimizing the sources that we do have, storing them a little bit more, and having a better storage capacity. -- Micheal Kohn: 541-617-7818, mkohn@bendbulletin.com Home shoppers hoping to have no utility bills may be searching for an off-grid property. Theyll find a wide range for sale in Oregon, from 800 acres in Chiloquin for $6.3 million to an upscale homestead designed by a special ops Army helicopter pilot in the Scappoose mountains for $1,599,999. There is also a hunting cabin with a detached outhouse on 10 acres in Eagle Point with an asking price of $180,000. Here are five off-grid properties for sale: $6.3 million for 800 acres An 800-acre Chiloquin ranch is for sale at $6.3 million.Land and Wildlife An 800-acre Chiloquin ranch for sale operates completely off grid with three hydro-turbine systems, solar panels, battery banks and other power-providing features. There is also a strong well and three separate residences at Mile Nfg 49 with access to the Wiliamson River, said brokers Garrett Zoller and Timothy ONeil of Land and Wildlife, who listed the property for sale at $6.3 million. From the serenity of the remote, off-grid location to the well remodeled and maintained structures, operational cattle facilities, high-end water and power resources, and stunning views, its just flat out mesmerizing beautiful, said the brokers. $4.5 million for 708 acres 29 1 / 29 'Work of art Ashland house An off-grid cabin, fully equipped with solar power and a generator, is part of a 708-acre parcel for sale outside Ashland listed at $4.5 million. The rural property also has an 8,880-square-foot house, 8,000 feet of frontage along Myer Creek and two wells at 2700 N. Valley View Road. Elk roam the land, which is made up of seven tax lots and is zoned as exclusive farm use (EFU), said broker Chris Martin of LandLeader in Medford. An open plan living room soars high to a large sleeping loft in the off-grid cabin. The downstairs bedroom has large closets and a full bathroom with a clawfoot tub. Read more on OregonLive.com. $1.6 million for 16 acres 21 1 / 21 Upscale, off-grid Scappoose house A 16.39-acre, entirely self-sustaining property at 55450 Littlebird Way in Scappoose was designed for privacy, security, fire suppression and sustainable living by a special ops Army helicopter pilot and his wife, a Navy veteran. The new owners will have independence with the propertys own water source, solar power and extensive land for farming and recreation, said Kris Sholes of More Realty and Lance Sholes of Sholes NW Properties, who listed the property at $1,599,999. The 3,037-square-foot dwelling has vaulted ceilings, high-end appliances and a pizza oven. Nearby is a standalone yurt with a wood-burning hot tub and an aboveground pool. Outbuildings include two barns near fenced pastures, and there are fruit trees and raised vegetable beds, plus direct access to hiking trails. Read more on OregonLive.com. $600,000 for 80 acres A cabin on 80 acres at Kelly Creek Lane in New Pine Creek is for sale at $600,000 by Rich Bradbury of High Country Real Estate.High Country Real Estate A former miners homestead at Kelly Creek Lane in New Pine Creek sits on 80 off-grid acres with views of Cave Mountain and Sugar Mountain. The property has an updated solar array, 1,332-square-foot cabin and an artists workshop heated by a wood stove, said broker Rich Bradbury of High Country Real Estate, who listed the property at $600,000. $180,000 for 10 acres An off-grid hunting cabin on 10 acres at TL2205 Elk Creek Road in Eagle Point is for sale at $180,000, cash only.Land & Wildlife A hunting cabin on 10 acres without water or power is for sale at $180,000, cash only. The off-grid shelter and detached outhouse are behind locked, private gates in the Dixon hunting unit. The property at TL2205 Elk Creek Road in Eagle Point, near Rogue River and Lost Creek Lake, has elk, deer, bear, cougar and other wildlife. The potential buyer is looking for an extremely private and remote recreational property, and is interested in wild game or bugging out, said listing broker Garrett Zoller of Land and Wildlife. Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com and follow her on X @janeteastman. Birdwatchers and raptor fans are invited to The Dalles Dam on Saturday for the 15th annual Eagle Watch event. Throughout January and February, scores of migrating bald eagles congregate around The Dalles Dam in search of food. In past years, weve seen anywhere from 40 to 60 eagles at one time, said Bethany Rittenhouse, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger at The Dalles Lock and Dam. This year, its a little bit of a late start. Its been a warmer winter, so that could mean if theyve got enough food where they are, and theyre not forced to migrate yet. While the numbers are smaller than in years past, about a half-dozen eagles were spotted roosting in the trees and along the metal structures surrounding the dam last weekend. Some bald eagles live in the Columbia River Gorge year-round, but most of those seen in the winter are migrating, coming from as far as Canada and Alaska. As they head for warmer climates, the birds stop and feed along the Columbia River. The Dalles Dam is a particular draw as a food source. Because the dam creates turbulent water, it has the tendency not to freeze, and so the bald eagles can eat a little bit easier, Rittenhouse said. Rittenhouse said bald eagles prefer to eat fish in particular shad but will also eat small waterfowl and carrion. They often congregate at Westrick Park, a green space on the Oregon side of the dam that was closed to public access more than 20 years ago for security reasons. Today, its become a prime eagle roosting spot because of the absence of people and abundance of perching options such as tall trees and power towers. The bald eagles in Westrick Park can be seen, with the help of binoculars and scopes, from the dams visitor center and surrounding natural spaces. During the Eagle Watch event, representatives with the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, the U. S. Forest Service, Washington State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide information about the birds and lead kids educational activities. Staff from Rowena Wildlife Clinic will bring live rehabilitated raptors that visitors can see up close. Park rangers also will have spotting scopes set up for the public, but visitors hoping for the best views of the eagles should bring binoculars or a long camera lens. Eagles are most active in the mornings, Rittenhouse said, when they are feeding. The Dalles Dam Visitors Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday in the winter, but the public is welcome to use the parking lot and trails from dawn to dusk to birdwatch on their own. Other nearby places to spot eagles include The Dalles Riverfront Trail, which runs from Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to Riverfront Park and The Dalles Bridge Junction, and the Klickitat State Park Trail on the Washington side of the river. IF YOU GO: The 15th annual Eagle Watch is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25 at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center, 3545 Bret Clodfelter Way, just north of I-84 at exit 87. The event is free to attend. For more information, contact The Dalles Lock and Dam ranger office at 541-506-7857. WEEKEND GETAWAY: Looking to turn the Eagle Watch into a longer stay? The historic Balch Hotel in Dufur, 15 miles south of The Dalles, is hosting a two-night, three-day Eagle Watch retreat weekend that includes a wine and dessert reception Friday evening, a Saturday carpool to The Dalles Dam, lunch, a wine-tasting and dinner, a second eagle watch excursion and lunch on Sunday, along with special presentations on eagles and morning meditations. Cost is $134-$167 per night, depending on the room. Reservations and more information are available at balchhotel.com/eagle-watch-weekend. Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Here is Oregon. Reach her at sswindler@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. On Monday at 2:07 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated beach hazards statement in effect until 4 p.m. for South Central Oregon Coast and Curry County Coast. The weather service says, "A moderate risk of sneaker waves." "Sneaker waves can run up significantly farther on beaches than normal, including over rocks and jetties. These waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the cold ocean waters, resulting in serious injury or death. Waves may also lift driftwood logs, trapping anyone caught underneath," adds the weather service. "Avoid climbing on rocks and jetties. Stay away from the ocean and remain out of the water to avoid hazardous conditions." 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. The National Weather Service is predicting another night of freezing nighttime temperatures on Sunday, warning Portland and Vancouver area residents to bundle up or stay indoors. Severe weather shelters will remain open in Washington County and in Clark County, but shelters wont open in Multnomah County because the weather does not meet the countys temperature thresholds for opening a shelter, a county spokesperson said. Temperatures could feel as cold as 25 degrees or below between 10 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Monday, the National Weather Service said. The Beaverton Community Center, at 12350 SW 5th St., and the Blanton Street Building, at 20665 SW Blanton St., will be open 24 hours for people seeking shelter in Washington County. The shelters will provide hot meals and people are allowed to come with pets, county officials said. To access emergency winter overnight shelters in Clark County, people should call the housing hotline at 360-695-9677. Residents in Multnomah County can keep warm during the day at local library branches, which on Sunday are open until 5 p.m. Local nonprofits and community groups are also checking on people without shelter and delivering supplies such as warm clothing, blankets and hand warmers. Anyone seeking shelter or transportation should contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-866-698-6155. Portland residents can donate winter gear to local outreach groups which theyll distribute to people without shelter. Gosia Wozniacka covers environmental justice, climate change, the clean energy transition and other environmental issues. Reach her at gwozniacka@oregonian.com or 971-421-3154. An assortment of corn and seeds and a lightning rod are displayed as part of an agriculture tour on the Hopi reservation in northern Arizona in this file photo. Update: TikTok restoring service after Trump vows executive order pausing ban By Haleluya Hadero, The Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump said Sunday that he plans to issue an executive order that would give TikToks China-based parent company more time to find an approved buyer before the popular video-sharing platform is subject to a permanent U.S.ban. Trump announced the decision in a post on his Truth Social account as millions of TikTok users in the U.S. awoke to discover they could no longer access the TikTok app or platform. Google and Apple removed the app from their digital stores to comply with a federal law that required them to do so if TikTok parent company ByteDance didnt sell its U.S. operation by Sunday. He said his order would extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect and confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations, Trump wrote. The law gives the sitting president authority to grant a 90-day extension if a viable sale is underway. Although investors made a few offers, ByteDance previously said it would not sell. In his post on Sunday, Trump said he would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture, but it was not immediately clear if he was referring to the government or an American company. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up, Trump wrote. Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions. The federal law required ByteDance to cut ties with the platforms U.S. operations by Sunday due to national security concerns posed by the apps Chinese roots. The law passed with wide bipartisan support in April, and U.S. President Joe Biden quickly signed it. TikTok and ByteDance sued on First Amendment grounds, and the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the statute on Friday. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S., a pop-up message informed users who opened the TikTok app and tried to scroll through videos on Saturday night. Unfortunately that means you cant use TikTok for now. The service interruption TikTok instituted hours early caught most users by surprise. Experts had said the law as written did not require TikTok to take down its platform, only for app stores to remove it. Current users had been expected to continue to have access to videos until the app stopped working due to a lack of updates. The community on TikTok is like nothing else, so its weird to not have that anymore, content creator Tiffany Watson, 20, said Sunday. Watson said she had been in denial about the looming shutdown and with the space time on her hands plans to focus on bolsering her presence on Instagram and YouTube. There are still people out there who want beauty content, Watson said. The companys app was removed late Saturday from prominent app stores, including the ones operated by Apple and Google. Apple told customers with its devices that it also took down other apps developed by TikToks China-based parent company, including one that some social media influencers had promoted as an alternative. In upholding the law on Friday, the Supreme Court decided that the risk to national security posed by TikToks ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech by the app or its 170 million users in the United States. Trumps plan to issue an executive order to spare TikTok on his first day in office reflected the bans coincidental timing and the unusual mix of political considerations surrounding a social media platform that first gained popularity with often silly videosfeaturing dances and music clips. Despite its own part in getting the nationwide ban enacted, the Biden administration stressed in recent days that it did not intend to implement or enforce the ban before Trump takes office on Monday. During his first term in the White House, Trump issued executive orders in 2020 banning TikTok and the Chinese messaging app WeChat, moves that courts subsequently blocked. When momentum for a ban emerged in Congress last year, however, he opposed the legislation. Trump has since credited TikTok with helping him win support from young voters in last years presidential election. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, read the pop-up message the apps users now see under the headline, Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now. The only option the message gives U.S. users is to close the app or click another option leading them to the platforms website. There, users see the same message and are given the option to download their data, an action that TikTok previously said may take days to process. Apple said in a statement on its website that three TikTok apps and eight other ByteDance-created apps were no longer available in the U.S., while visitors to the country might have limited access. The removed apps included video-editing program CapCut, art editing program Hypic and Lemon8, a video-sharing app that includes some of the same features as TikTok. Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates, the company said. Apple said the apps would remain on the devices of people who already had them installed, but in-app purchases and new subscriptions no longer were possible and that operating updates to iPhones and iPads might affect the apps' performance. In the nine months since Congress passed the sale-or-ban law, no clear buyers emerged, and ByteDance publicly insisted it would not sell TikTok. But Trump said he hoped his administration could facilitate a deal to save the app. TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trumps inauguration with a prime seating location. Chew posted a video late Saturday thanking Trump for his commitment to work with the company to keep the app available in the U.S. and taking a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. FILE - President Donald Trump talks to reporters while in flight from Billings, Mont., to Fargo, N.D., Sept. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)AP Trumps choice for national security adviser, Michael Waltz, told CBS News on Sunday that the president-elect discussed TikTok going dark in the U.S. during a weekend call with Chinese President Xi Jinping and they agreed to work together on this. On Saturday, artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI submitted a proposal to ByteDance to create a new entity that merges Perplexity with TikToks U.S. business, according to a person familiar with the matter. Perplexity is not asking to purchase the ByteDance algorithm that feeds TikTok users videos based on their interests and has made the platform such a phenomenon. Other investors also eyed TikTok. Shark Tank star Kevin OLeary recently said a consortium of investors that he and billionaire Frank McCourt offered ByteDance $20 billion in cash. Trumps former treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, also said last year that he was putting together an investor group to buy TikTok. In Washington, lawmakers and administration officials have long raised concerns about TikTok, warning the algorithm that fuels what users see is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities. But to date, the U.S. has not publicly provided evidence of TikTok handing user data to Chinese authorities or tinkering with its algorithm to benefit Chinese interests. After TikToks service started going dark, some in China slammed the U.S. and accused it of suppressing the popular app. In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, Hu Xijin, a former editor-in-chief for the Chinese Communist Party-run newspaper Global Times, said TikToks announcement to halt services in America marks the darkest moment in the development of internet. A country that claims to have the most freedom of speech has carried out the most brutal suppression of an internet application, said Hu, who is now a political commentator. TikTok does not operate in China, where ByteDance instead offers Douyin, the Chinese sibling of TikTok that follows Beijings strict censorship rules. Kanis Leung in Hong Kong and Charlotte Kramon in Atlanta contributed to this story. The National Weather Service issued an updated report at 2:49 p.m. on Sunday for snow until 7 p.m. for Franklin, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York and Lancaster counties. "Multiple bands of heavy snow are consolidating over the Lower Susquehanna Valley and Poconos at 3 p.m. The heaviest snow of the day in these locations will occur between 3 and 6 p.m. The bands of snow will generally be sliding eastward and should be east of Lebanon and Lancaster around 6 p.m. The bands of snow are quickly reducing visibility to near zero and causing rapid accumulations of snow. The reduced traction and blinding visibility will make travel very dangerous. Winds gusting to near 20 MPH will also aid in making the travel conditions worse. Travel is discouraged through 6 p.m. Consider stopping if you are already traveling across the area. Rapid changes in visibility and slushy and snow-covered roads may lead to accidents," says the weather service. 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. A Fort Carson soldier is under investigation after he was caught by a civilian group of pedophile hunters. Fort Carson Spc. Brandon Storey states in the first few minutes of a video on YouTube taken by Colorado Ped Patrol he was planning on meeting children, a 12-year-old and an 11-year-old, for sex. The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division said in a statement they are aware of the Nov. 22 incident in a Walmart parking lot in Fountain and they are investigating Storey. He is also facing a misdemeanor in the 4th Judicial District for obstructing government operations on Nov. 22 related to an altercation with Fountain police after they arrived. The 27-year-old specialist with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team has served since 2016, according to his military record. The group, Women Against Predators, organized the meeting with Storey after texting with him and gathering incriminating statements from him during lengthy conversations. The exchanges, including Storey's graphic sexual statements, are also posted in a YouTube video. Tommy Fellows, with Colorado Ped Patrol, another private group of pedophile hunters, confronted Storey on camera, in an exchange where the soldier admitted his intentions. Women Against Predators worked with Colorado Ped Patrol, in part, because none of the members of Women Against Predators live locally, explained Rob Raybourn, the only man in the group. It's a small group of four volunteers, who live across the country and were working on 27 cases in late December, he said. Colorado Ped Patrol is bigger with 25 people working at any one time, an email from the group said. The group was working on about 20 cases and had three to four with pending meet-ups in recent weeks. Fellows, who appears in the video, has had some legal trouble of his own, and he is serving nine months probation on a misdemeanor assault charge. Fox31 reported that the assault charge stemmed from a fight with a former supporter, who went to Fellows' home to talk with him and got punched. Women Against Predators and Colorado Ped Patrol at times work closely together to catch sexual offenders, Raybourn said. Raybourn said the civilians were working with Army investigators on the confrontation. But two hours before an expected meeting, the Army investigation office called to cancel, so the meeting was moved off base. Mark Lunardi, with the Army's Criminal Information Division (CID), confirmed that the Colorado Ped Patrol did contact Army investigators ahead of the planned meeting. The investigators requested additional information but did not receive it before the planned meeting, he said, so they coordinated with Fountain police, Lunardi said in a written statement. The (Criminal Investigation Division) appreciates CPP bringing this matter to our attention, Lunardi said. Colorado Ped Patrol responded to the Armys statement by providing email records that show the group did send a link to an investigator with evidence ahead of time. The investigator couldnt immediately open the link because of information-technology protections. In early January, Lunardi confirmed the investigation is still underway and Storey is not in custody. Raybourn said he is concerned the Army has allowed Storey continued access to his electronics. The group can tell he has access, because his profiles have been active on apps they use to interact with potential offenders. Some law enforcement agencies can be hesitant to work with civilians engaged in this work, and two experts raised issues with this style of civilian-led investigation. Ryan Coward, a board member with the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, said that these groups are allowed to use tactics barred to law enforcement. Official agencies have more boundaries based on years and years of court precedent and so it would be better if investigations into suspected offenders were left to law enforcement, he said. Featured Local Savings "All those boundaries are designed to keep our judicial system fair at the end of the day," Coward said. However, both Women Against Predators and Colorado Ped Patrol provided The Gazette with documentation of past cases where they have seen success. Raybourn said his group creates fake profiles on teenage Facebook groups and then the members wait for predators to find them and message them first. He said the group does not entice or lead people who message them online. Our goal is to have a case to hand over to the police, the district attorney, Raybourn said. Raybourn says members of his group are survivors of crimes similar to those they work to prevent, and thats what motivates them. We would rather them talk to us than a real child, he said. In October, Colorado Ped Patrol organized a meeting with Bryan Borenstein and Joanna Ferguson in Cimarron Hills. The El Paso County Sheriffs Office responded to the call and later issued a news release saying the office recommended charges against the pair of attempted human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude and internet luring of a child. Following his arrest, Borenstein showed sheriffs detectives messages in his phone that matched up with those provided by Colorado Ped Patrol. In this case, a member of Colorado Ped Patrol was pretending to be a 13-year-old, and Borenstein said in his messages he wanted to rape the child. He also admitted to the investigators he attempted to buy children off the internet and paid someone Bitcoin for three young girls. Colorado Ped Patrol was not involved in that exchange. Borenstein is in El Paso County jail facing four felony charges, including internet sexual exploitation of a child, internet luring of a child with intent to exploit and enticement of a child. A Clovis, N.M, resident, Timothy Harper, also was arrested after a similar meeting where he was confronted by Colorado Ped Patrol in August. He was arrested on suspicion of acts including sexual exploitation of children and bestiality. He admitted his intended and previous acts to a detective, according to news release from the Clovis Police Department. Speaking in general, Laurie Rose Kepros, an attorney and director of sexual litigation for the Office of the State Public Defender, said that the civilian work focused on stopping strangers on the internet is not targeting the bulk of the sex crimes against children. The vast majority, about 90%, of the child sexual assault cases are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, she said. "It is coming at the hands of the adults that are in their schools, in their homes, at their friend's homes," Kepros said. At times, people who were sexually abused can become perpetrators themselves, so she would like to see more prevention and therapy for victims to help prevent future crimes. When it comes to predators caught up in online stings, led by civilians or police, those people tend to be developmentally underdeveloped, mentally ill or struggling socially. "Its not the universe of the problem or even where most of the problem lies," Kepros said. Civilian-led confrontations are also problematic because they can also lead to a physical altercation, and the civilians involved can be harmed, she said. Kepros said these cases should be left in the hands of law enforcement to prioritize. The onset of the snowstorm is prompting everything from cancelations to snow emergencies across central Pennsylvania. Many central Pa. churches either canceled or curtailed their Sunday worship schedule and other activities because of the storm, which could drop 4 to 6 inches across the region before it clears out tonight. Those include the Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dover, York County, which closed for the day at 10:45 a.m., Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church in Harrisburg, which canceled its morning service, and First United Methodist Church of Hershey, Dauphin County, which canceled all worship services and all afternoon and evening activities. Considering that conditions are expected to worsen from late morning through the afternoon, anyone planning to attend a church service or other event on Sunday would be smart to check the website or social media or make a phone call to see if its still taking place. The same advice applies for any business you were planning to visit on Sunday. Many communities already have put into effect snow emergencies. You can view those at the following links: More will be added to the list as they are announced. Most school districts already are closed Monday for Martin Luther King Day, although there could be lingering cancelations or delays on Tuesday morning because of the windy conditions and dangerously cold temperatures that are forecast to follow in the wake of the storm. The Gamut Theatre Group in Harrisburg canceled its Sunday matinee performance of Much Ado About Nothing originally scheduled for 2:30 p.m. No scheduled date is planned. All patrons who purchased tickets will receive refunds that will go back to their original payment methods, the group announced. Refunds will be issued on Sunday, but it might take a few days before they are reflected in your bank statement. If you do not receive your refund by Jan. 25, contact the theater group. Also, The Shops at Rockvale in Lancaster County announced via Facebook that they will not open Sunday. One postponement already announced for Monday is the town hall planned by the Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE). It was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at the New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, 7500 Germantown Ave. It will be rescheduled at a later time. The grass crunches underfoot and dust billows in dense clouds as a truck and trailer speed out of public lands in Montrose County. The trailer is full of calves lowing plaintively. The driver gives the Western salute, one or two fingers raised as a four-by-four rumbles past. The truck turns on to the highway, nose pointed east. And without anyone the wiser, more calves have disappeared. Cattle rustling is a tale at least as old as Colorado itself, when poverty and drought turned desperate people into thieves. And now, thanks to the high price of cattle and uneven enforcement of branding laws across the surrounding states, ranchers say rustling is back in a big way on the Western Slope. The Colorado Cattlemans Association was formed in 1867 to deal with this exact issue, says Erin Spaur, executive vice president of the CCA. There was a large cattle rustling ring around Denver, where the gang would steal cattle then go across the border into Kansas and Oklahoma and sell the cattle. One hundred and fifty-eight years later, we are still dealing with the same issue. The number of stolen cattle has increased steadily in recent months, and this is in direct correlation to the price cattle fetch at auction, according to Spaur. The cattle theft usually follows market prices, right now cattle prices are (at) record highs and, when that happens, thats when we see an increase in cattle theft or disappearing, Spaur says. "In low-price years, we always manage to have zero stolen or missing. The reason 19th-century cattle rustlers and their modern counterparts both cross state lines comes down to branding. Every single head of a ranchers herd is branded with a specific owners brand, and every time cattle are sold or transported more than 75 miles from their home base, a brand inspection is performed. But Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas do not have the mandatory brand laws requiring that brands be checked, which makes tracking stolen Colorado cattle after they cross state lines incredibly hard to investigate. Cattle rustling has hit Western Slope cattle ranchers extremely hard, due in great part, to the location of their summer pastures. Western Slope ranchers use public land for spring and summer grazing at a higher rate than their Front Range counterparts, and its much easier to steal cattle from public land versus private. Sgt. Chuck Searcy of the Montrose County Sheriffs Office is currently investigating the theft of 180 cattle, mostly calves from public lands. The thefts were reported during November and December 2024, when cattle were brought down from summer grazing. Searcy says in a normal year, cattle ranchers expect an annual 2% to 6% depredation loss, but now nearly every cattle rancher in Montrose County is facing a 10% to 15% loss. With these high of numbers this is a huge loss economically, Searcy says. The majority of the stolen or missing cattle are calves and while price per head varies the estimated loss is $300,000 to $400,000. Searcy also points out that while 50% of the missing calves may be steers, which are sold and then butchered, it is heifers whose value goes far beyond their weight value. Heifers are vital to the long term health and growth of a herd, and breed, on average, from age 2 to 10. These ranchers are just out the money, and they dont have insurance to cover it, Searcy says. Featured Local Savings Spaur is hopeful that this investigation will be a turning point as the issue receives attention from Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The Brand Division under the Department of Agriculture is also in talks with counterparts in surrounding states to address the thefts. Livestock theft is not a thing of the past, Polis said in his recent State of the State speech at the state Capitol. We are committed to holding cattle rustlers accountable, he said. With local sheriffs and the Brand Board leading the way, I directed our leaders at the Department of Agriculture and Department of Public Safety to coordinate and provide additional support and work closely with local law enforcement to use the full extent of the law to catch and convict wrongdoers. The Department of Agricultures brand commissioner, Todd Inglee, is thrilled by the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the Brand Inspection Division and has even nicknamed it the "Cow Task Force." The laws we (Brand Division) are charged to enforce is narrow, Inglee says. These other state agencies can do more because their enforcement capabilities are much broader ... This is giving us a great exercise in working together with local law enforcement. Well learn a lot through this investigation, and we will find out what happened and solve this case with everyone working together. This multi-agency, cross-state cooperation hasnt always been the case in the past. Cattle rustling is notoriously difficult to investigate and prosecute. In the past, its been really easy to get away with it, because its so hard to determine if the cattle are stolen or missing, and who is responsible. There havent been successful convictions, Spaur says. But now, resources are being deployed at both the local and state level, and they are working together in a way they havent before. This easy crime, as Spaur calls it, has left cattle ranchers at a complete loss on how to recoup costs and has threatened the livelihoods of many of Western Slope producers. Cattle ranchers invest years in their herds and breeding programs, and the thefts have disastrous consequences. It comes at a time when Western Slope ranchers are already worried about depredations by wolf packs, which have been released in that part of the state. Some ranchers have told The Denver Gazette they believe wolf depredation will decimate the livestock industry in Colorado not because of the killings per se, but because ranchers, particularly those on the Western Slope, will ultimately decide against keeping their trade. Colorado producers are facing a slew of hardships, Spaur says. This is just one more thing that they worry about but could also possibly put them out of business. Although some cattle ranchers are investing in virtual fence collars, which allows ranchers to keep an eye on their animals via phone apps to deter further theft, Spaur and Inglee ask for the publics help, especially those on the Western Slope that recreate on or use public lands regularly. If you are recreating or enjoying public lands on the Western Slope and you see something suspicious, take photos and report it to law enforcement, Spaur says. The public can report suspicious activity or any leads about the theft of Colorado cattle to the Montrose County Sheriffs Office at 970-252-4023 or the Colorado Cattleman Associations Operation Livestock Thief Hotline at 303-431-6422. Its cliche, but if you see something, say something, Searcy says. It if doesnt seem right to you and you can safely take photos or video please do. Day 2 of the 888 888poker Live Madrid Main Event lasted deep into the early hours of the morning in the Spanish capital, but for Jorge Alvarez, it was well worth staying up late. Alvarez ended up as the only player to cross the 2,000,000-chip milestone, bagging up 2,110,000 and the chip lead over the remaining 23 players who will return tomorrow at 3 p.m. local time to play down to a champion. Alvarez began his ascent to the top when he busted Gaspare Triolo with two pair against Triolos nut flush draw. He later spiked a ten to come from behind and bust Marco Fideli, but the highlight of his day came on the last level when he jammed the turn in a massive pot against Babak Shahrtash and showed just ten-high. Fittingly, Alvarez brought the night to a close when he busted David Sayago with queens against ace-king. Day 2 Top 10 Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Jorge Alvarez Spain 2,110,000 70 2 Justinas Fiseris Lithuania 1,905,000 64 3 Carlos Diaz Spain 1,820,000 61 4 Angel Perez Spain 1,700,000 57 5 Jonas ten Cate Netherlands 1,580,000 53 6 Tiago Peuguino Spain 1,455,000 49 7 Yakiv Syzghanov Ukraine 1,260,000 42 8 Ian Simpson United Kingdom 860,000 29 9 Michaelangelo Serra Italy 700,000 23 10 Alvaro Murciano Spain 665,000 22 Also in the million-chip club is a player whos enjoyed success here at Casino Gran Via before. Jonas ten Cate finished fifth in this event two years ago, but it looked like his run would come up short this time when he was all in against Sergio Romeros kings. The board brought no help until the river when a lucky ace spiked to keep Ten Cate alive. He then rivered a straight to bust David Higuera in a big pot as Ten Cate finished with 1,580,000 and poised for another deep run. Ian Simpson is flying the flag for the 888poker team heading to the final day. Simpson came from behind to double off Massimiliano Mauceri, then called Mauceris river shove with a set of sevens to beat two pair. He ended the night by scooping a three-way all in with aces to bust Gabriele Lepore as he ended up with 860,000. Other players still with a shot at the title include Justinas Fiseris (1,905,000), Carlos Diaz (1,820,000), EPT champion Alexander Stevic (650,000), Tarmo Tammel (525,000), Tom-Aksel Bedell (395,000), and Day 1b chip leader Alejandro Perez (360,000). Carlos Diaz A host of new arrivals at the start of the day boosted the field up to 403 entries by the time late registration closed at 5 p.m. Lucia Navarro and popular Spanish Youtube Inaki Angulo were early casualties, while Vivian Saliba was eliminated when she ran top pair into Roman Isaienkos two pair. Manuel Ledesmas downfall came in just two hands, as he lost a flip to double Matteo Montanari, then Montanari hit two pair to bust the defending champion the next hand. Others to bust include Yurii Zabrodotskyi, who built up a big chip lead earlier in the day, as well as 888poker Ambassadors Ricardo Mateus and Alexandre Mantovani. Montanaris momentum came to an end at the worst possible moment when he missed straight and flush draws against Alvaro Murcianos two pair to bust on the money bubble. Matteo Montanari The top 48 players were all guaranteed a min-cash, and players to fall in the money included Taago Tamm (42nd), Michael Uguccioni (40th), Stefan Cupic (35th), last years fourth-place finisher Borja Diaz (28th), and Iaron Lightbourne (27th). Level 21 was just coming to an end when Day 2 ended. The remaining 23 players return tomorrow with action picking up on Level 22 with blinds of 15,000-30,000 and a 30,000 big blind ante. Everyone left has locked up 2,435, while the eventual champion tomorrow will take home 62,000 and the coveted 888poker Live trophy. PokerNews will be back following all the action leading up to the final table and onward toward the crowning of a new champion. Day 2 of the $5,300 High Roller at the 2025 Merit Poker Western Series is officially in the books, with 46 players remaining from the 174-entry field that flooded the Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino today. After all the bags were collected, France's Gregoire Auzoux topped the chip counts with an impressive stack of 892,000. The only other player to cross the eight-hundred-thousand chip mark is Turkey's Mustafa Biz, who enters tomorrow with 820,000 chips. Rounding out the podium positions is Romania's Mircea Flutur, who continued his strong showing from Day 1 to end with 780,000. Day 2 Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Gregoire Auzoux France 892,000 89 2 Mustafa Biz Turkey 820,000 82 3 Mircea Flutur Romania 780,000 78 4 Maher Achour Tunisia 731,000 73 5 Yiannis Liperis Cyprus 724,000 72 6 Ludovic Uzan France 673,000 67 7 Suat Egilli Turkey 645,000 65 8 Adrian State Romania 601,000 60 9 Kirill Shcherbakov Russia 548,000 55 10 Sergei Varnaev Russia 534,000 53 Tunisia's Maher Achour ranked fourth with 731,000 chips. A significant portion of his stack came from a pivotal hand in the penultimate level, where he won a four-bet pot by jamming over Luke Marsh's continuation-bet. Marsh folded, helping Achour climb higher on the leaderboard. Adrian State Eighth place going into tomorrow is Romania's Adrian State with 601,000, good for 60 big blinds. States day almost ended early when he shoved into Jianfeng Sun's pocket aces. However, a miraculous flop delivered quads, propelling State up the chip counts while Sun was unable to recover. Among the remaining field, Hala Karam (341,000) and Alisa Sibgatova (120,000) are the last two women still in contention for the title come Monday, January 20. Karam gained momentum midway through the day when she flopped a set against Boris Kolevs bottom two pair, securing her survival while sending Kolev to the rail. Hala Karam Other notables returning to the baize for Day 3 include Paul Runcan (508,000) after he flopped a wheel to stack Jakub Michalak during one the last hands of the evening. A few more coming back tomorrow are Michel Molenaar (401,000), Uri Reichenstein (385,000), Aliaksei Boika (349,000), Marsh (338,000), Dmitry Gromov (250,000), Bogdan Jontulovic (166,000), and the eleventh place Warm Up finisher Nicolae Paunescu (150,000). On Day 2, 79 new entries joined the 95 from the first day to create a total field of 174. This generated a prize pool of $800,400, smashing the $500,000 that this tournament advertised. The top 23 will finish in the money, and the champion will walk away with $200,000. Payouts Place Prize 1 $200,000 2 $134,000 3 $89,900 4 $65,000 5 $50,000 6 $39,000 7 $30,000 8 $23,000 9 $18,000 10-12 $14,000 13-15 $11,500 16-18 $10,000 19-23 $9,000 Day 3 begins at 4:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, January 19, with blinds resuming at Level 17 (5,000/10,000 with a 10,000 big blind ante). Shortly after play starts, the floor staff will announce the plan for the day. $5,300 High Roller Remaining Schedule Date Day Time Blind Levels January 19 Day 3 4 p.m. 40 minutes January 20 Day 4 1 p.m. 40 minutes As always, PokerNews will provide live updates from the tournament floor as players battle it out to secure a spot at the final table and beyond. Stay tuned for all the action! Chelsea Grinstead is a South Carolina native and a reporter for The Post and Courier covering arts, entertainment and culture. As a previous contributing editor at Charleston City Paper, she spotlighted the diverse voices of the local music scene. Denver King Soopers and City Market workers may soon vote to strike as soon as Monday, according to the local union representing grocery workers. United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 announced Friday it is in the process of scheduling strike votes with King Soopers and City Market workers as the contract settled amid the 2022 strike expired at midnight Friday with no new agreements made with the grocery store. The previous contract had a no-strike clause and is now no longer in effect. Votes have not yet been held to authorize a strike, but those votes could be announced as early as Monday, stated UFCW Local 7. King Soopers in a statement said it did not want a strike and its last, best and final offer will last until Jan. 31, saying it hopes the union will bring forth the proposal to its members. Unfortunately, the Unions refusal to do so shows a lack of respect for our associates, who pay their dues, and our communities, who depend on us for access to fresh food and other essentials, King Soopers said in a statement. Threats of another King Soopers strike heat up as contract expires We know that nobody wins in a strike strikes bring uncertainty and financial hardship, and we dont want that for our people, our customers, or our communities," the company added. Its the first time the union has returned to settle a contract with parent company Kroger since 2022, when negotiations sparked a strike and allegations the grocer colluded with Safeway with illegal non-poach agreements, which are still being settled through lawsuits filed by the state and the grocers union United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7. That nine-day strike in January 2022, by some 8,000 workers at 78 Denver metro-area King Soopers and City Market stores, ended with the three-year contract that expired this week. The sides agreed to an estimated $170 million to $174 million worth of increases in wages, both for raises and increased starting salaries, and health care benefits. The strike talks also come a month after the proposed merger between Albertsons and Kroger collapsed, which the UFCW Local 7 officials cheered. Featured Local Savings Colorado to still pursue lawsuit against Kroger, Albertsons, even as proposed merger falls apart Contracts for King Soopers and City Market grocery workers are being negotiated across the state, but the Denver metro regions expires first and sets up the precedent for many terms made in other parts of the state. UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova told The Denver Gazette in an interview Thursday before the contract expired that negotiations were contentious and said the grocers proposals were concessions to help pay for the cost of the merger failing. The union said its fighting to protect benefits, raise wages to be livable for Colorado and push the grocer to address staffing issues at stores. King Soopers, on the other hand, claims the union is stalling and not negotiating in good faith or offering its own wage, healthcare and pension proposals. In its final offer, King Soopers proposed raising hourly wages by $4.25 over the next four years or approximately $1 more each year for top associate positions. We started meeting with the company in October with clear goals of necessary wage increases so workers could afford to live in our state, maintain decent health and retirement benefits, and resolve a staffing crisis that is causing daily strife for workers and customers alike, Cordova said in a statement Friday. The companys proposal fails on all fronts. Health care benefits would cost workers $1 to $3 more each week, depending on the plan, remaining low-cost, according to King Soopers. The union said the companys proposals are inadequate and would cut the healthcare benefits and seniority-based scheduling perks, adding it would make it harder to retain workers to staff stores. King Soopers retorted that its offer maintains affordable healthcare and stable pensions contributions while addressing rising costs to ensure long-term benefit security for all associates, in a workers guide for rebutting the unions claims. The police in Anambra State said their Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu has detained three suspects and recovered a black-coloured Lexus 330 SUV from them. Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in the Anambra, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Awka on Sunday. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the operatives intercepted the suspected car thieves on Wednesday. They were driving the vehicle without a plate number in the Kwata Junction area, Awka. Operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad Enugwu-Ukwu, while on patrol in the morning of 15 January, intercepted three occupants of a black-coloured Lexus 330 SUV without a number plate at Kwata Junction, Awka, Mr Ikenga stated. He explained that during interrogation, the suspects Ifesinachi Okonwko, 22, Chisom Okafor, 20, and Oderah Ebenezer, 20 all male, confessed that they stole the car at Isuaniocha village, Awka North. The spokesperson also stated that the suspects confessed to being members of the same criminal gang terrorising the people of Awka. He urged anyone looking for the vehicle with highlighted features to come to the police headquarters, Awka, with valid proof of ownership for verification and possible collection. 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 (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A South Korean court has extended President Yoon Suk Yeols detention for up to 20 days. The Seoul Western District Court, on Saturday, ruled that his detention should be extended over concern that he could destroy evidence in the ongoing investigation into his failed martial arts order. The court said the reason for the approval was the concern that the suspect may destroy evidence, CNN reported. President Yoon became the first South Korean president to be arrested and detained last Wednesday. PREMIUM TIMES reported that President Yoons dramatic arrest ended a week-long standoff between investigators and the presidential security team. Officials from the countrys Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) scaled through barricades and barbed wires to get him into custody. By law, the CIO could only keep the president in custody for up to 48 hours from the point of arrest. 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, with the courts approval, the agency can detain him for up to 20 days before he is brought to trial. His arrest 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 CIO has vowed to investigate President Yoon, who is being held at the Seoul Detention Centre, by law and procedure. However, President Yoon has stalled the CIOs efforts to interrogate him by refusing to respond to questions. The president was arrested for his failed martial law order issued on 3 December, which threw the nation into chaos. The declaration, which mandated the suspension of civil liberties and the transfer of significant powers to military authorities, had sparked national outrage. READ ALSO: Nigeria joins BRICS as partner country President Yoon described the short-lived martial law declaration on 3 December as an attempt to protect the country from anti-state forces that sympathised with North Korea. Still, the CIO considers it to be spurred by personal political troubles. Mr Yoons actions were deemed an authoritarian overreach and a threat to South Koreas democracy and led to mass protests and widespread calls for his removal. The impeachment motion passed with 204 votes in favour, surpassing the required two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. He, however, remained in office after the impeachment. President Yoon is being accused of insurrection, one of the few crimes for which a South Korean president is not immune. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print TikTok has officially suspended its services in the United States, cutting off access to the app for about 170 million users in the country. The social media app shut down activities in the US on Saturday evening, hours before the official implementation of the federal ban. TikTok had earlier announced that its services will shut down on Sunday unless the Biden administration assures that Apple, Google, and other service providers wont face penalties for supporting 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. But the US government described TikToks threat to shut down as a stunt, stating that there was no reason for the company to take any action before the Trump administration takes office on 20 January. We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok. It is a stunt, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. However, TikTok went dark on Saturday evening. 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 According to multiple reports, users attempting to access the application encountered a notification stating, Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. Legislation in TikTok ban In April 2024, the US Congress passed legislation signed by President Joe Biden, which mandated TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations to an approved buyer within nine months. The law prohibits internet hosting services and mobile app marketplaces from offering TikTok to American users. However, ByteDance has said it would not sell the video-sharing platform. This is despite receiving multiple offers that align with the US governments requirements. One of these offers came from Perplexity AI, a US start-up company. According to a Reuters report, the company had submitted an eleventh-hour proposal suggesting a merger with TikToks US subsidiary. This arrangement is expected to present ByteDance with an alternative that wont require the complete sale of the application. American businessman Frank McCourt also offered to work with the company and President Trump to complete a deal. Court ruling Last Friday, shortly before TikTok threatened to shut down, the US Supreme Court upheld the law forcing ByteDance to sell the subsidiary company. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the ruling recognised the free speech concerns involved but stated that legislation aimed at addressing national security risks tied to foreign control of the app is separate from the free speech protections provided under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The companys last hope lies with President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office on Monday. READ ALSO: Nigeria joins BRICS as partner country In its shut-down notification, the app expressed interest in working with him to reverse the decision. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message read. The president-elect has also indicated interest in providing TikTok with an additional 90 days for deal negotiations. With more than 2.05 billion users globally and 1.69 billion active monthly users, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide. According to Statista, an online data platform, the US has the second-largest TikTok audience globally. It is, however, owned by a Chinese company, which adds complexity to its operations, given the economic and geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said the ceasefire deal with Hamas, which should take effect today, would be delayed should Hamas fail to release the names of captives. He ordered the Israeli military not to begin the ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas issued the names of the captives to be released. Mr Netanyahus office disclosed this in a statement on Sunday Morning. The prime minister instructed the IDF that the ceasefire, which is supposed to go into effect at 16:30 GMT, will not begin until Israel has the list of released abductees that Hamas has pledged to provide, his office said, according to CNN. Israel and Hamas had reached a cease-fire agreement on Wednesday after months of negotiations. The agreement brings to a halt the conflict between the duo, which has lasted 15 months after Hamas launched a surprise attack on the southern part of Israel, leading to the deaths of about 1,200 persons. According to the ceasefire agreement, names should be provided at least 24 hours before a planned exchange. 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, Hamas has said it is committed to the agreement, and the delay is due to technical field reasons. In the initial stage of the deal, thirty-three Israeli hostages are set to be released in return for the freedom of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This first phase will also see the release of three Israeli women held as civilian hostages. However, despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have continued. According to Gazas Civil Defense, this has led to at least 122 deaths and 270 injuries since the announcement of the deal on Wednesday. Israel has killed over 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, most of them women and children, since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A gentle chatter and giggles fill the air. The cloud-hued ceiling brightens a spacious play area, where tiny feet race across the room chasing toys. A minder cradles an infant while another prepares a meal in a nearby section. This scene plays out daily at Sterling Banks worksite creche in Lagos. On a Wednesday morning in October, Olamide Ojo leaves her toddler with the minders, crosses the street, takes the elevator, and reaches her desk at Sterling Banks headquarters on Lagos Islandall within five minutes. She resumes her role as a credit evaluation officer, confident that her baby is in safe hands just a few floors away. When Mrs Ojo had her baby in 2023, she worried about balancing her maternal responsibilities with her demanding job. However, her concerns eased when her husband who also works at Sterling Bank introduced her to the companys worksite creche. Worksite creche Worksite creches also called workplace childcare or on-site nurseries are facilities provided by employers to support working parents. They allow employees to leave their children in a safe and nurturing environment while focusing on work. 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 Sterling Bank is one of several Nigerian organisations leading this charge. According to Babymigo, a parenting community, the bank is among the top 30 best workplaces for mums in Nigeria, alongside Reckitt, MTN, and TVC Communications. Mrs Ojo fondly recalls taking breaks to check on her baby downstairs, alternating with her husband. Once a daunting prospect, her transition back to work has been made smooth by her employers family-friendly policies. Sterling Banks Team Lead, Human Capital Support and Welfare Services, Omotoyosi Olaoye, told PREMIUM TIMES that the banks childcare facility launched more than four years ago, alleviated the anxiety previously experienced by mothers returning from maternity leave. At Sterling, we empower everyone not just men but women too, she said. If youre not okay in your personal life, you wont be able to give your best at work. She said the initiative is a way of promoting gender equality, empowering women and ensuring work-life balance. She noted that the childcare service is subsidised for employees. The Sterling mothers pay N10,000. We also extend the service to non-Sterling mothers for N40,000, she said. Sterling Banks creche also employs a daily logbook titled My Day at the Creche to track each childs routine. The logbook records feeding times, diaper changes, and even moods playful, fussy, or sleeping. A smooth transition After her four-month maternity leave, Mrs Ojo continued to exclusively breastfeed her baby, adhering to the six-month guideline recommended by the National Policy on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Nigeria and the World Health Organisation (WHO). I exclusively breastfed for six months. My baby didnt take the bottle because I didnt encourage it, she said. Sometimes, I expressed milk for the minders to feed her, but she wasnt comfortable with it. Exclusive breastfeeding means a baby receives only breast milk, either directly or through formula, for the first six months of life. According to the WHO, during exclusive breastfeeding, no other liquids or solids are given except drops or syrups containing minerals, vitamins, or medicine. The global health body said breast milk is ideal for infants as it is safe, clean, and contains antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. After six months, infants should be introduced to nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or beyond. This approach helps meet their evolving nutritional needs. For Mrs Ojos colleague, Anita Popoola, the transition back to work was similarly eased by the creche. Before resuming her role in the foreign currency exchange department after maternity leave, she visited the creche, inspected its facilities, and sought assurances from the minders. The experience has been 100 per cent positive, she said. Knowing my baby is just 14 floors away gives me peace of mind and allows me to concentrate at work. During work hours, she visits the creches nursing station to pump or breastfeed her baby when signalled by the minders. Although Mrs Popoola initially planned to exclusively breastfeed, her baby stopped taking breast milk weeks after she resumed work. Different policy While women like Mrs Ojo and Mrs Popoola benefit from family-friendly policies, others are less fortunate. Adurayemi Adejare, a graduate of Estate Surveying, left her corporate job in 2018 due to a lack of maternity support. Pregnant with her first child, Mrs Adejare struggled with long work hours, field duties, and a debilitating pregnancy condition, hyperemesis gravidarum. I resigned in November 2018 after I got pregnant and couldnt cope with the demands of the job, she said. It entailed long work hours on the field (mostly), weekends, public holidays, travels and any time we had scheduled (or not) a tenant evacuation from our properties. There was no HMO (not expressly or freely accessible except by permission. It was more like the owner had the hospital but didnt want the responsibility of staff using it), no flexible hours or some other staff benefits that a nursing mother would need. She said her boss kept calling, asking when she would resume even while hospitalised. Now a hair salon owner and makeup artist in the Ogudu area of Lagos, Mrs Adejare has been unsuccessful in her many attempts to return to the corporate world after the arrival of her first child. Reflecting, the 34-year-old said she thought her former boss might propose taking an unpaid leave with the possibility of returning. Nigerias maternity policy Two key provisions govern Nigerias maternity policy: the 2008 Public Service Rule and the 2004 Nigeria Labour Law. These laws outline maternity leave as an authorised absence for eligible employees during prenatal and postnatal periods. Under the Nigeria Labour Act, women employed in the countrys civil service are entitled to up to 12 weeks of maternity leave with at least 50 per cent of their salary upon presentation of a medical certificate stating that they should not or cannot work. In the federal public sector, working mothers are entitled to four months of fully paid maternity leave. However, many states and local governments civil services have not yet adopted the provision. Chapter 10 of the Federal Public Service Rule also grants nursing mothers two hours off duty daily for childcare. This benefit is available for up to six months after the employee resumes from maternity leave. A 2019 research highlights significant gaps in Nigerias legislation despite existing maternity laws. These gaps include unclear penalties for employers who deny maternity leave, uncertain compensation for women denied their rights, and the exclusion of informal sector workers and men from legal protections. Meanwhile, in 2014, the Lagos State government extended maternity of its female employees from three to six months and granted 10-day paternity leave for new fathers. Other states have implemented similar measures, including Ekiti, Kaduna, Ondo, Oyo, Cross-River and Enugu. Though important advancements, these recent maternity leave extensions pertain only to women in the public sector excluding the vast majority of working, nursing mothers in the private sector. A win-win situation At Television Continental (TVC), a broadcast station, a staff creche has enabled nursing parents to focus on their work while ensuring their babies are well cared for. The creche operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and features a playground, restroom, snooze room, activity room, and kitchen. Kemi Sonubi, TVCs HR Director, told PREMIUM TIMES that the creche, established in 2019 in response to employee feedback, has been instrumental in retaining talent. It was a huge investment an extensive project, she said, emphasising its positive impact on the organisation. She encouraged other companies to consult employees about childcare needs and hire qualified childcare professionals. It (worksite creche) gives refinement to your employee value proposition. Its also very good for your brand, especially if you are committed to being a great workplace, she said. The HR lead pointed out that they now have repeat customers, with employees having more children within a few years. She noted that this indicates that employees feel comfortable and confident about bringing their children to work, and their job performance is not negatively impacted. TVC Staff Creche set up Baby Lounge, a childcare service provider, some months after Irene Sanusi enrolled her baby at a faraway nursery close to home in 2019. Ms Sanusi spoke about how, due to traffic back home, she would most of the time meet only her baby at the creche in the evening. But those days are over, the quality content executive said. She had enrolled her one-year-old at her office nursery at a subsidised fee. I was glad she was close to me, and I didnt have to always feel sad when I saw her alone at the creche in my old estate, she said. Just like Mrs Ojo and Mrs Popoola, Taiwo Ugwu, a journalist at TVC, enrolled her baby at her office nursery and exclusively breastfed her even after her four-month maternity leave ended. The mother of one utilises flexible work arrangements for nursing mothers, such as late arrival and early departure, to balance her professional and parental responsibilities. Having my child close to me, where I can visit to either breastfeed him or check up on him, has impacted my work-life balance positively, she said. If he needs me, I can be called upon. According to Milk Booster, a breastfeeding solution company, supporting breastfeeding moms yields mutual benefits. Organisations supporting breastfeeding mothers experience significant benefits, including increased employee retention, reduced absenteeism due to fewer illnesses in breastfed babies, and increased productivity as mothers feel secure knowing their babies receive optimal nutrition. The Nigeria Policy Brief on Maternity and Milk Booster highlighted the mutual benefits of supporting working mothers, a win-win situation for employers and employees. Work-life balance As a working mother returning from maternity leave, the questions can feel endless: Where can I enrol my baby? Is the nursery safe, clean, and affordable? How will I manage breastfeeding during work hours? Am I a bad mom for leaving my baby with a stranger? How will I balance my babys needs with my career responsibilities? Many mothers who are navigating the transition back to work share these common concerns. Motherhood fundamentally transforms womens lives, affecting their personal well-being, careers, and long-term trajectories. A 2023 study on the Impact of Motherhood on Career Development of Female Journalists in Nigeria reveals that Nigerian women face unique challenges when balancing their roles as mothers and advancing in their careers. The research observed that traditional organisational structures, initially designed with mens lives in mind, impede womens advancement, particularly working mothers. The design, the research says, enables non-family-friendly policies for working mothers to rise in their careers and makes women work extra hard to be recognised. These challenges are thought to arise from inadequate support for working mothers by employers, limited access to high-quality childcare, and cultural expectations that place women as primary caregivers. The research also showed that 81 per cent of women have declined work opportunities due to childcare responsibilities. The absence of accessible, affordable childcare options, among other challenges, makes it difficult for them to balance motherhood and their careers, severely affecting career progression. For many working mothers, returning to work after maternity leave can feel daunting as they struggle to balance family commitments with career demands. Mothers often rely on nannies, neighbours, relatives, or creches to manage these dual roles. Khadijat Adejugbe, a marketing staff member at Sterling Banks Idumagbo branch, found it challenging to balance work and motherhood after her four-month maternity leave. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Mrs Adejugbe said, I requested an extension because I was not doing well at all (upon resumption) and was given an additional three monthsfully paid. When the 33-year-old resumed the second time in May, she started booking loans, opening accounts. All the mothers interviewed said they would prioritise childcare policies and flexible working hours that offer a balance between work and motherhood when considering future opportunities. Mrs Ojo stated that she has yet to see companies that offer workplace childcare facilities and hybrid work arrangements like her workplace for nursing mothers, which she deemed crucial for her well-being and productivity. She implored other organisations to set up this worksite creche because it gives your staff peace of mind. Page planned and produced by: Aaron Cole Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Katsina State Police Command said its operatives successfully foiled an attack by bandits on Ruwan Doruwa village in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State. The police said seven suspected bandits were killed in the operation while 61 cows, 44 sheep, two donkeys, one goat, and one dog were recovered. The Katsina police spokesperson, Sadiq Abubakar, said in a statement that the incident occurred on Saturday at about 9:00 a.m. He said a distress call was received at the Dutsinma Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected bandits, armed with dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles, attacked Ruwan Doruwa village. Following the report, the police mobilised other security agencies and vigilantes and promptly visited the scene. Upon arrival, the team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, which resulted in the death of seven of them while the remaining fled the scene with various degrees of injuries, abandoning all the suspected rustled animals. Mr Abubakar said the Commissioner of Police in Katsina, Aliyu Musa, commended the police operatives for their gallantry, valour, and professionalism. He reiterated the commands commitment to ensuring the safety and security of members of the public. 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 READ ALSO: Nigerian senator asks governors to prioritise investment over luxury cars The police chief called on members of the public to continue to support the command by providing timely and useful information that will help the command in the ongoing fight against all forms of crime and criminality in the stat Katsina is one of the Northwest states most affected by banditry in Nigeria. Thousands of people have been killed, kidnapped or displaced in recent years by the bandits who mainly operate in the rural areas of the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has finally taken effect after nearly three hours delay. This brings to a halt a 15-month war that has led to the death of more than 46,707 people in Gaza, the majority women and children. The war started after Hamas militants on 7 October 2023, attacked Israel and caused the death of about 1,200 people. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office, the latest truce went into effect at 10:15 a.m. WAT (09:15 GMT). Israel has also confirmed that Hamas has named three Israeli hostages to be released today. The security establishment is currently reviewing the details, Mr Netanyahus office said in a statement confirming the lists release. The office also said the Israeli military has notified the families of the hostages. The confirmation clears the path for the Gaza ceasefire to take effect after the delay. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The prime minister had earlier directed the Israeli military not to begin the ceasefire in Gaza as scheduled until Hamas issues the names of the captives to be released. The prime minister instructed the IDF that the ceasefire, which is supposed to go into effect at 16:30 GMT, will not begin until Israel has the list of released abductees that Hamas has pledged to provide, his office said. However, Hamas had said the delay was due to technical field reasons. The ceasefire agreement will lead to the release of 33 Israeli hostages and the provision of humanitarian services for victims of the war in Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are also set to be released from Israeli jails during the initial stage of the agreement. During the three-hour delay, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and 36 others wounded by Israeli strikes on Gaza, according to Aljazeera. Israel has continued to pound on Gaza despite the ceasefire agreement that was reached last Wednesday. Gazas Civil Defense said at least 122 people have been killed and 270 injured since the announcement of the deal. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) has explained how one of its operatives was killed by a suspected internet fraudster, The EFCC said in a statement on Sunday that Aminu Salisu, an assistant superintendent of the commission, was killed at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, during an operation to arrest some suspected internet fraudsters in the early hours of 17 January. The statement said one of the suspects, Joshua Ikechukwu, shot Mr Salisu, who was at the place with other investigators. The operation was duly documented at the Anambra State Command Headquarters and Area Command of the Nigeria Police in line with operational protocols. The operation was initially smooth sailing with 37 suspected internet fraudsters already arrested at a two-storey building housing Ikechukwu and other occupants of the house. However, Ikechukwu, who sighted the investigators through a CCTV Camera mounted at his doorpost and who also confessed sighting them, declined to open his door for the investigators who politely demanded entrance to his apartment. Defying all the introduction and physical sighting of the investigators, he resorted to firing shots at them and killed Salisu in the process and wounded another officer detailed to conduct a search in his apartment, the statement said. Read the statement in full here. 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 EFCC PRESS STATEMENT EFCC Condemns False Narratives on Loss of Officer The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, expresses grief on the loss of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE II Aminu Sahabi Salisu who was killed in cold blood while on a legitimate duty on 17 January 2025 by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu. Additionally, the Commission views with great concern the irresponsible, callous, inhuman and outrageous narratives being circulated on social media on the whys and wherefores of the fatal accident. It is heinous to reduce the death of a gallant officer who was carrying out patriotic and official duties to social media razzmatazz. More worrisome is the fact that some faceless commentators are pitching their tents with an alleged criminal who unleashed terror on officers of the EFCC in their line of duty. There is no justification whatsoever to rationalise a murderous act. The milk of human kindness demands that a grieving family, Commission and nation should be spared the shenanigans of false narratives and conjectures on the death of the slain officer. Salisu, alongside other investigators of the EFCC, were at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, to arrest some suspected internet fraudsters in the early hours of January 17. The operation was duly documented at the Anambra State Command Headquarters and Area Command of the Nigeria Police in line with operational protocols. The operation was initially smooth sailing with 37 suspected internet fraudsters already arrested at a two-storey building housing Ikechukwu and other occupants of the house. However, Ikechukwu, who sighted the investigators through a CCTV Camera mounted at his doorpost and who also confessed sighting them, declined to open his door for the investigators who politely demanded entrance to his apartment. Defying all the introduction and physical sighting of the investigators, he resorted to firing shots at them and killed Salisu in the process and wounded another officer detailed to conduct a search in his apartment. Preliminary investigations showed that Ikechukwu was involved in coding and online medical supplies of doubtful legitimacy. Two laptops, ipads, several recording devices were recovered from his apartment and his involvement in internet fraud is already established. Though currently in police custody owing to the murderous dimension of his case, the Commission will surely bring him to trial. The EFCC also wishes to alert the public that the activities of internet fraudsters are becoming patently hazardous to public safety and security. Intelligence has shown that these criminals are carrying arms, involved in kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings and other deadly acts. The public should not fold its arms or allow itself to be deceived that they are mere Yahoo boys and girls. As for the EFCC, every subsequent attack on any of its officers will be met with the force of the law. The Commission will not fold its arms and allow any of its officers to be killed again in cold blood. As a law enforcement agency of repute, the EFCC is unrelenting in riding the nation of internet fraud and other acts of corruption. While mourning the loss of its officer who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation, the Commission appreciates the invaluable support, condolences and prompt response of sister agencies and well-meaning individuals standing shoulder to shoulder with it at this trying time. Dele Oyewale Head, Media & Publicity January 19, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print An unspecified number of people have been killed in a suspected cholera outbreak in the Emeroke community, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health, Patrick Essiet, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday. Ekerete Udoh, the spokesperson for Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, posted the statement on his Facebook page at 11:42 a.m. on Sunday, 19 January. The permanent secretary, Mr Essiet, said the ministrys attention was drawn to a few cases of a disease with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting in the community on Sunday morning. The information provided also suggested a few fatalities in the community, that though not yet verified, may be linked to the disease, said Mr Essiet, a medical doctor. He said the ministry had immediately dispatched a disease surveillance team, led by the State Epidemiologist, to the community to confirm and begin enlightenment campaigns on ways to mitigate the outbreak. The Ministry of Health hereby advises members of the community and the environs that as an immediate intervention, proper hand washing should be done especially after defecation, that drinking water should be boiled before consumption, and all persons with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting should seek immediate treatment at the nearest health facility. 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 Furthermore, the ministry reminds community leaders to enforce the governments existing ban on open defecation. While the state government is working on a long-term solution, the mwinistry is currently mobilising supplies to the community as an immediate and short-term measure, Mr Essiet added. Eastern Obolo, one of the major oil-producing communities in Akwa Ibom, has been abandoned in shocking poverty for decades, according to a 2017 report by PREMIUM TIMES. Here is how the paper reported the situation in the area: Evidence of civilisation is scarce here: no electricity or pipe-borne water. Locals drink from open ponds that are available throughout the community. And nearly all the houses here, including a local branch of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, are built with palm fronds. Many people in Eastern Obolo drink from ponds, not minding its colour and taste. During dry seasons when the ponds are dry, residents dig deeper in the soil for water. Two days ago, PREMIUM TIMES reported how a suspected Cholera outbreak killed nine people in the neighbouring Rivers State. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The tragic fuel tanker explosion in Nigerias north-central state of Niger is dominating Nigerian newspaper headlines today. Newspapers differ on casualty figures, but at least 60 people, the majority burnt as they scooped spilt petrol, are reported dead, with several others injured. 60 confirmed dead in Niger petrol tanker explosion, Premium Times reported. The leadership newspaper, with the headline Scores Killed, Others Injured Scooping Fuel In Niger, reported that a nearby generating set ignited the fire. Punch Newspaper headlined its own version of the story: Tragic weekend in Niger as 70 burnt scooping petrol from crashed tanker, while stating the governments directive to probe the incident. The headline by the Nigerian Tribune read Tragic Weekend: Over 70 killed in tanker fire in Niger while Vanguard screamed 60 roasted in Niger tanker fire. The Suns top headline read Niger Fuel Tanker Fire: How over 60 persons died. Aside from the tanker explosion in Niger, there are other news stories clinching the headlines today. One of such was the proposed tax reforms bill recently endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) 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 Tribune reports that Northern Democrats withhold support for tax reforms over derivation. The Voice of Liberty headline also reads, Tax Reform Bills: League of Northern Democrats commends Govs. Forum, but calls for clarity over Derivation. Reports about the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East have also made headlines. Leadership Newspapers front page read, Suspense and anxiety as Israeli-Hamas Ceasefire Deal Expected To Come Into Effect Today. UAE increases Gaza relief as ceasefire begins today, Gulf Today reported. Arab News reported, Israel to release 1,890 Palestinians today in exchange for 33 hostages. Meanwhile, Premium Times reported a delay in implementing the ceasefire agreement. Other headlines are Nigeria joins BRICS as partner country (Premium Times), Lagos shuts school over two-year-old pupils death (Punch), Why We Cant Fix Nigerian Roads With N800b,- Umahi (Daily Times), and Unease In PDP As Leaders Fail To Reconcile Warring Camps (Independent). Also, Tribune reported Anambra PDP crisis deepens as ward, LG executives demand congress nullification. We thank Abiola Ayankunbi, a media management expert, for providing screenshots of the newspapers front pages. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Akwa Ibom State say they will begin enforcing third-party insurance policy compliance in the state. Timfon John, the police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, said in a statement in Uyo on Sunday that the enforcement begins on 1 February. Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, said the enforcement complied with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. She said the enforcement was also in line with Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance Act. The police spokesperson stated that third-party insurance was a legal requirement for all private vehicle owners. She said the exercise was designed to protect road users, ensure accountability and promote compliance with traffic laws. From 1 February, all vehicles found without valid third-party insurance will be seized and taken to the nearest police station. 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 Such vehicles will only be released upon the presentation of valid insurance documents. The command warns all officers participating in the exercise to avoid unprofessional conducts, particularly extortion, she said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Police in Ondo State have arrested a couple, Isiaka Lukman, 42, and his wife, Abosede, 23, on charges of child theft and trafficking. The couple confessed to stealing 11 children from Osun and Ondo States since 2023. They allegedly worked with a 62-year-old woman, Sabira Izuorah, based in Ihiala, Anambra State, who received the stolen children and facilitated their trafficking. Mr Lukman admitted to his crimes during a police parade at the state headquarters, shedding light on a disturbing child trafficking operation. When we see children playing carelessly, we will tell the children that we want to buy them Bobo (a bottled juice loved by little children), and when they follow us a little distance, say five or 10 minutes, we will now stop a bike and carry the child straight to the motor park and head for Anambra State, the suspect revealed. Asked how he managed to keep the children from crying and drawing attention, he explained that he would ensure they got enough sweets and biscuits and keep them busy watching cartoons on his phone until they got to their destination. When we arrive, the woman pays us N500,000 per child, he alleged. Mr Lukman also said he is a bricklayer and had gone to work at Mrs Izuorahs residence at Ihiala when she introduced him to the acts of child stealing. 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 Explaining how the police burst the syndicate, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said a case of a missing child was reported at Okuta Elerin-Nla Division in Akure by a female complainant, reporting that a man, Samuel Adejobi (real name: Lukman Isiaka), and a woman, Ewatomi (real name: Abosede Olanipekun), came to her shop pretending to be siblings to eat while playing with her child. The commissioner said, Abosede deceived her by claiming she wanted to buy biscuits for the baby. Meanwhile, Lukman distracted the complainant by engaging her in a personal conversation and requested she follow her to Olukayode Plaza in the market to get a mobile phone; on getting to the market area, he abandoned her and left. On returning to the shop, the complainant discovered that her child was missing, and she had no trace of Abosede, the supposed sister of the man she had followed to the market. Thus, a report was made to the division. Through intelligence-led policing, the suspects were traced to Ottah Village in Edo State, where they were arrested. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to abducting the child and other children from Ondo and Osun States and selling them to one Sabira Izuorah f aged 62 years in Ihiala, Anambra State, at the rate of One Million Naira (1,000,000) per child. Subsequently, Sabina was arrested in Ihiala, and the following babies were found in her custody: 1. Baby Favour (female, 3 weeks old), 2. Baby Chidera (female, 2 weeks old), 3. Baby Chinyere (female, 2 months and 5 days old), and 4. Baby Uzoma (male, 1 week old). Also, on the 14th of January 2025, 10 children sold by Mrs Izuorah were rescued from various locations, and their parents identified the following: 1. Dauda Alarape (male, 3 years); 2. Babalola David (male, 4 years); 3. Asaolu Pamilerin (7 years); 4. Ayomide Abass (male, 2 years, stolen from Orita-Obele, Akure); 5. Komolafe Oluwasekemi (female, 4 years, stolen from Igado, Ilesha); 6. Adedeji Olalekan (male, 6 years); 7. Ahmed Abdulrasaq (male, 5 years, stolen from Ibodi Town, Osun State); 8. Mary Wuraola (female, 2 years, stolen from Ilesha, Osun State); 9. Mubarak Akinwunmi (male, 6 years, stolen from Osogbo, Osun State); 10. Unknown child (name/parents yet to be identified, stolen from Osun State). Some children are currently on the missing list, while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue them. The suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. However, Mrs Izuorah has denied any wrongdoing, saying she ran a registered orphanage known as Clara Childrens Care and Reform Initiatives, which came into full operation in 2020. I have a registered orphanage and retired as a director in the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in Anambra State. I take care of children, even these small children brought in by their mothers, until they need them, she said. She said she never paid for any of the children brought by Mr Lukman, as the man claimed they were abandoned children on the streets. READ ALSO: Police to enforce third party insurance compliance in Akwa Ibom She also said needy parents adopted the children and would settle Lukman and his wife, a transaction she wasnt a part of. She said the adoption of the children followed due process according to the laws of Anambra State. But the Police have dispelled her claims, saying her so-called orphanage was better described as a criminal hideout. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has lauded a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, on his 92nd birthday anniversary. Mr Anyaoku, who hails from Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, clocked 92 on Saturday. Youre one of Africas finest Mr Otti, in a statement which he personally signed on Wednesday, described the former secretary-general as a globally renowned icon of diplomacy, justice, freedom, and democracy. The governor said Mr Anyaoku, from the outset, has always shown leadership potential, fine intellect, and visible compassion for others. We are happy to be part of the celebration as you add another regal feather to your impactful years on earth as one of Africas finest and most eminent nonagenarians alive today. Your outstanding contributions to the liberation struggles in Africa, especially the fight against apartheid in South Africa and the Gibraltar referendum of 1967, right from your time as Nigerias alternative representative in the United Nations, yielded the desired fruits, he said. At 92, you do not stop dazzling the world with strength, brilliance, and enthusiasm characteristic of your charismatic personality. 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 Monumental accomplishments Mr Otti said Mr Anyaokus monumental accomplishments had earned him the highest national civilian honour across many African countries, including Nigeria and Cameroon. The governor said the ex-secretary-general has also been recognised with the Honorary Grand Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order by the then-British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. He said Mr Anyaoku has become known as one of the finest diplomats the world has ever known. We celebrate you for your impact in your home country during the Nigerian Civil War. Your tenure as the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations from 2000 to 2015 under three democratically elected presidents helped in no small measure to strengthen our diplomatic ties with the international community and facilitated the signing of the Abuja Peace Accord in 2015, Mr Otti added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria has formally accepted the invitation to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies as a partner country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Saturday. The country was admitted as a BRICS partner country during a BRICS summit in Russia in 2024. This marked the countrys inclusion in a partnership with 12 other nations aimed at strengthening ties with the emerging economic bloc. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the formal acceptance to participate as a partner country highlights Nigerias commitment to fostering international collaboration and leveraging economic opportunities. The ministry also said Nigeria is focused on advancing strategic partnerships that align with its development objectives. The ministry noted that BRICS, as a collective of major emerging economies, presents a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries. Nigeria is poised to leverage this platform to advance shared goals in trade and investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change. 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 This partnership also aligns with our national aspirations for inclusive growth, regional integration, and active participation in shaping a fair and equitable global economic order in line with our ethos of strategic autonomy, the statement read. Nigerias status as a partner country differs from the full membership granted to Indonesia on 7 January. Although Nigerias recent designation as a partner country of the BRICS bloc signifies a collaborative relationship with the group, it is distinct from full membership. As a partner, Nigeria can engage with BRICS initiatives without the formal obligations or decision-making rights that come with full membership. Full members, on the other hand, actively shape the blocs policies, benefit from broader access to resources, and have a more significant role in governance. Nigeria has, however, expressed interest in engaging constructively with BRICS members. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria aims to drive innovation, foster people-to-people exchanges in line with our national interests and strategic priorities. The most populous African nation becomes the ninth BRICS partner country, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The BRICS bloc BRICS was established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining a year later in 2010. READ ALSO: Former Miss Nigeria dies in London The bloc was created to counterbalance the Group of Seven (G7), which consists of advanced economies. BRICS aims to amplify the influence of developing nations. The term BRICS originated in the early 2000s as a label for emerging economies projected to become major global economic powers by the mid-21st century. The bloc has since evolved into a platform for addressing global economic disparities and fostering cooperation among rising economies. In 2024, the alliance expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has also received an invitation but has not yet formalised its membership. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Abia North Senator Orji Kalu has urged Nigerian governors to shift their focus from extravagant spending on luxury vehicles to attracting investors who can drive economic development in their states. In an interview with Arise Television on Saturday, Mr Kalu said rather than relying heavily on federal allocations, state governments should harness their unique economic potentials to generate wealth and employment opportunities. Mr Kalus remarks come in response to a question on whether the Nigeria Governors Forums (NGF) position on the Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenue-sharing formula would encourage competition and productivity among states, particularly in the North, where there is the assumption that many of the states depend largely on federal allocations. After a meeting with the Presidential Tax Reform Committee on Thursday, the governors affirmed their support for the proposed tax reform bills, provided that the VAT sharing formula is adjusted to allocate 50 per cent based on equality, 30 per cent on derivation, and 20 per cent on population. The bill originally proposed distributing 60 per cent of collected VAT to states based on derivation. However, several governors, especially from the Northern region, strongly opposed this arrangement, arguing that it would significantly reduce their revenue and make it difficult for them to pay salaries and fulfill other financial obligations. Mr Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, dismissed the claim that some states are unviable, arguing that every state has the capacity to be self-sufficient if its leadership prioritises economic development. 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 Governors and people in government should stop buying luxurious cars every year. They should put money in investment. When were able to invest heavily, people can go back to where they are. There is no state out of the 36 states that is not viable. All the states are viable. Its just made for our leaders, our governors, our sub-leaders to go back to the states and sit in the states and put their thinking boxes (sic). They think out what they will do within their areas and do long-term planning, Mr Kalu said. The senators comments highlight growing concerns about the extravagant lifestyles of top government officials, including governors and lawmakers, at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with severe economic hardship. Despite the increasing rate of poverty in the country, many political leaders continue to allocate large sums of public funds to luxury vehicles, residences, and foreign trips. Reports have shown that several governors approve millions, sometimes billions of naira annually for the purchase of bulletproof SUVs for themselves, their aides, other government officials, and traditional rulers often at the expense of critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Last October, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris donated new SUVs to emirs, lawmakers, and heads of MDAs in the state. Kebbi is one of Nigerias poorest states, yet the governor prioritises the purchase of cars rather than investing in the people. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Nigerian lawmakers purchased new vehicles for themselves in 2023, while the Tinubu administration was appealing to citizens to bear the consequences of the economic hardship caused by government policies. The question Mr Kalu was asked pertained to state governments, and so his response did not include the extravagant spending of lawmakers The administration has also faced criticisms for spending N21 billion on a new residence for the vice president, buying a new presidential jet, and making other controversial expenditures. Tax reforms promoting competition among states Mr Kalu said the tax reform bills will promote competition among states when passed by the lawmakers. He referenced Chinas rapid economic rise, attributing it to the intense competition among its provinces. For the past 35 to 40 years, China has been growing at 10 per cent income every year, and if you look at it, it is because there is competition. All the provinces in China are competing against each other, he said. Comparing Nigerias past records, the senator noted that during the first republic, the Northern, Eastern, Midwestern, and Western regions actively competed which increased economic growth and industrialization. The federal government can have a reserve fund to put to any state that is not meeting up its obligations. This is possible. But let me be honest with you when people say that the first republic, that they did wonders, I agree they did wonders, because there was competition. The Northern region, the Eastern region, the Midwest region, the Western region were competing with each other. If we dont bring back that competition, we cannot grow. We will be wasting our time, he added. Untapped natural resources The senator said there are many untapped natural resources in Northern Nigeria. And every state is viable. I dont agree with you. Zamfara is one of the richest states. You go to Sokoto, it is one of the richest states. You go to Kebbi, the amount of lithium in Kebbi is unbelievable. I deal with international organisations and I have a survey of almost everywhere in Nigeria. There is no state in Nigeria that is not viable, very, very, very viable. So, I dont believe in this, he said. He criticised the negative narrative surrounding northern Nigeria, arguing that the region has many solid minerals and agricultural potential that, if properly harnessed, can make the states self-sustaining. People should stop putting northern Nigeria down to say it will offend them. They have a lot of solid minerals that are untouched. Its just to go out and look for investors, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) has highlighted the transformative achievements recorded under President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda. SWAp emphasised the pivotal role of the N1.17 trillion budgeted for the health sector in 2024, in achieving these results. The National Coordinator of government-controlled SWAp, Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. Mr Umar-Sadiq noted that the administrations commitment to healthcare is evident through the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and a signed compact with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He said these initiatives aim to create an equitable, resilient, and accessible health system for all Nigerians. At the core of these reforms is the revitalisation of over 2,100 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), with another 3,000 on track to be operational by the end of 2025, he said. These upgrades mean that no Nigerian will need to travel more than five kilometres to access essential healthcare. For women who will no longer have to walk 10 kilometres to reach a clinic while pregnant, these changes are life-saving. He said that this progress had been backed by a N46 billion Direct Financing Facility, disbursed through the revamped Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to over 8,000 facilities. 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 According to Mr Umar-Sadiq, the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) is tackling Nigerias maternal and newborn health crisis in 172 high-burden local government areas. Tools like Joint Annual Reviews (JARs) and real-time dashboards have driven accountability and efficiency in the use of resources. Poor and vulnerable women now have access to free caesarean sections under the expanded National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) package, while the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) ensures emergency transport. Amina, a young mother from Bauchi State, is among thousands of women whose lives have been saved through these interventions, he said. He noted that Nigeria was also intensifying its fight against diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. He said over one million doses of the R21 malaria vaccine have been rolled out in high-burden states like Kebbi and Bayelsa, supported by partnerships with GAVI and The Global Fund. He added that Nigeria has also strengthened its health security infrastructure. Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) have been established in all geopolitical zones, and enhanced genomic surveillance systems now allow faster detection of diseases like diphtheria and monkeypox, he said. Mr Umar-Sadiq said the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment Report had positioned the country as a leader in integrating climate resilience into its health systems. According to him, over 53,000 frontline health workers have been retrained, with a target of 120,000 within three years. He said that the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) had catalysed one billion dollars in investments and finalised 74 business cases to boost local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Mr Umar-Sadiq also highlighted President Tinubus appointment as the African Union Champion for Health Workforce Development, reflecting Nigerias leadership in addressing workforce challenges across the continent. The First Lady of Nigeria has also been appointed as the National and Global Champion for Tuberculosis, amplifying Nigerias voice in tackling this global health challenge, he said. Speaking of challenges and the road ahead, Mr Umar-Sadiq said that despite these achievements, challenges like geographic disparities in healthcare access, high out-of-pocket health expenditures, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases persisted. He, however, expressed optimism, citing public confidence in the health system, which, he said, has grown from 37 per cent in 2023 to 54 per cent in 2024. These reforms are anchored in the leadership and vision of Mr President, that no Nigerian woman will lose her life, giving birth and no child will suffer for lack of care. The vision is also to ensure that no family will face financial ruin from illness, he said. With bold reforms, increased investments, and strong leadership, he said that the country is on track to build a health system that guarantees that no one is left behind, delivering hope and opportunity for generations to come. NAN recalls that on 12 December 2023, President Tinubu declared that health was back on the front burner of Nigerias policy priorities. This declaration was a pivotal moment, signalling a renewed commitment to the well-being of Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda. With this bold vision, the administration launched the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and signed a compact with all 36 states and the FCT. This set in motion a transformative journey to rebuild Nigerias health system into one that is equitable, resilient, and accessible to all. At the heart of these reforms is the NHSRII, which provides a unified framework to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce fragmentation, and align efforts across all levels of government, the private sector, and development partners. Guided by the principle of one vision, one conversation, one budget, one report, the NHSRII has mobilised over three billion dollars in external funding, with significant domestic investments projected over four years. This SWAp has established Nigeria as a leader in health systems accountability across Africa. SWAP SWAp is a collaborative framework used in development planning in the health sector, to align and coordinate efforts by government, donors, and other stakeholders. The goal of SWAp is to achieve more efficient use of resources, improve service delivery, and foster better outcomes within the sector. On 26 June 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Mr Umar-Sadiq as the National Coordinator of the Sector-wide Coordinating Office-Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU) for the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). Mr Tinubu said the move is to ensure efficient, transparent and accountable management of external grants mobilised towards the implementation of NHSRII. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has launched a new security outfit to address worsening insecurity. At the launch in Awka on Saturday, Mr Soludo explained that the new security outfit, Agunachemba, would complement the efforts of the federal security operatives, mainly the police. The event was also broadcast live on Channels TV and streamed live on social media. The governor also signed the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill 2025 into law, establishing the Agunechemba as a vigilante group in the state. Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 not only establishes our new vigilante architecture, Agunechemba but also provides a framework for community, citizens ownership and participation in the sustainable security and social re-engineering of our homeland, he said. How we will tackle insecurity in Anambra Mr Soludo also launched a new security operation in Anambra State to tackle rising attacks in the South-eastern state. He said the security operation known as Operation Udo Ga -Achi would involve personnel of the newly created Agunechemba, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and troops of the Nigerian army, among others. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The governor also announced a reward of up to N5 million for whistleblowers who provide information that will aid the arrest of kidnappers or armed robbers or the discovery of their hideouts in the state. We are taking decisive action on security with the formal launching of operation Udo Ga-Achi because we are determined to fight criminality and ensure Anambra becomes the safest state, he said, appealing rto esidents to support the operatives with useful security information. Continuing, Mr Soludo said: For whistleblowers, anyone that gives us credible information that leads to the arrest of any kidnapper or armed robber or information that leads to the rounding up of criminals in a camp will be paid a bounty of any amount up to a maximum of N5 million, depending on the class of criminal. We encourage each community to design and execute its own security programme. On a monthly basis, any community with zero crime will get a reward of N10 million. ALSO READ: Soludo places N10 million bounty on killers of security operatives in Anambra The governor disclosed that the new security initiative will involve the deployment of 2,000 personnel from various security agencies, including the police, the Nigerian Army, the navy, the State Security Service, and NSCDC. He said the state government had procured 200 patrol vehicles, which will be deployed to help the operatives in covering all parts of the state. This operation is designed to tackle the rising insecurity in Anambra, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug epidemic, criminal idolatry, land grabbing, touting and other violent crimes, he said. Mr Soludo vowed that with the new security arrangement in the state, his administration would rid the state of criminality by confronting the criminals head-on. The governor stressed residents must participate in the new security arrangement by ending the conspiracy of silence in the state. For our long-term survival, we must rise up and fight together. If you see or know something, say or do something. Silence means complicity, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent Nigeria at the 2025 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting scheduled to be held in Davos, Switzerland. Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the President on the Media & Communications Office of the Vice-President, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Mr Nkwocha explained that the Vice-President would join world leaders, top business executives and representatives of development partners at the meeting. According to him, Mr Shettima and world leaders would discuss the state of the world economy to improve its conditions. He added that while in Davos, the vice president would hold bilateral meetings with other leaders and participate in workshops and forums slated for the annual gathering. He said that during the meeting, Mr Shettima would attend a workshop entitled Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africas Frontier Markets. According to him, the African Development Bank will organise the workshop in collaboration with the World Economic Forum to boost the flow of capital into Africas frontier markets. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He further stated that the workshop for the Congress Centre in Jakobshorn would scale solutions that build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient continent. Top on the agenda will be an announcement of the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). It will foster partnerships between public and private sector leaders interested in mobilising investment in Africas frontier markets, among others, he said. Mr Nkwocha said the Vice-President would attend a dinner for Heads of State, government and international organisations. He also said that Mr Shettima would attend the Annual Meeting and 2025 Crystal Awardees of the International Business Council and Strategic Partners, slated for Kurpark Village, Eiger. He added that the Vice-President would also co-chair a forum on Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa, slated for the Pischa Congress Centre. According to him, the session would provide a dynamic platform for forward-thinking dialogue on digital trade. He added that the session would look at the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol adopted by the African Union (AU) Heads of State/government in January 2024. As a panellist, Mr Nkwocha said that Mr Shettima would attend a Stakeholder Dialogue entitled Global Risks 2025. He said the Vice-President would accompany top government officials, including Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi. He said the Vice-President will return to Abuja after his engagements in Davos. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Tochukwu, the wife of the missing Anambra-based estate developer and billionaire Benjamin Ezemma, has asked security operatives to find her husband. Mr Ezemma, popularly known as BigBen, is the managing director of Dubai Estate in Awka, the capital of Anambra State. He was reportedly abducted on 12 November 2024 in Anambra and has not been seen since then. Conspiracy of silence Tochukwu, in a Facebook post on Friday, criticised the Anambra State Government and Nigerias security agencies for what she termed a conspiracy of silence regarding her husbands abduction. She claimed Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State and his cabinet members know the people the missing husband went to meet before his disappearance. The mother of three claimed the governor and his cabinet members are silent because those the victim went to meet were high profile and dangerous people. I can no longer be quiet. Its been over two months of extreme torture for me, my children, and the entire family. I ask again, Where is my husband and the father of my three innocent children? What exactly is the problem with these high-profile people? What in the name of God is this problem that cannot be talked over? she said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later I need to know what happened to the father of my innocent little kids. I need answers as to my husbands disappearance. Who are these high-profile men he met with that cant be told to the world or arrested? Like Soludo, like SSS Tochukwu also said the State Security Service (SSS) claimed that they had concluded investigations and also know the people Mr Ezemma went to meet, but no action has been taken so far. She said the SSS also claimed that a case had been filed in court and that the family should get a lawyer to follow up. But we need to know, who is the case against? What is the person(s) charged with? I was practically told by the SSS that you dont just arrest a billionaire and that there are procedures to arrest. Please, what is the procedure to arrest someone who is investigated and found linked to the abduction of a person? Tochukwu added. The wife said the case of his missing husband should not be ignored, given that he is a great investor in Anambra who has been contributing to the states economic growth. Soludo speaks Law Mefor, the commissioner for information in Anambra State, told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday that the police, SSS and other security agencies are responsible for security matters, not the governor. We dont have any investigative or prosecutorial powers on the issue. The investigative agencies are there the police, the SSS and other agencies, Mr Mefor said. The commissioner said he was aware that the SSS investigated the disappearance of the victim and then referred this reporter to the SSS. We are all waiting for the outcome of the investigation. The state government does not have the legal instruments or capacity to investigate. It is the work of the security agencies, he explained. He promised to connect this reporter to the director of the SSS in Anambra State, but as of this report, he has yet to do so. ALSO READ: Anambra LP governorship candidate still missing three years after Mr Mefor said it would have been understandable if the victims wife had asked the governor to pressure security operatives to quicken their investigative efforts. But saying that the governor knows (about the victims disappearance) and not doing anything is unfortunate. I understand the womans fate. However, she should also understand the limitations of the state government and the governor. We are also looking forward to security agencies doing their work, he said. Police, SSS silent The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, declined to speak on the matter when contacted on Sunday by PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, suggested that he would not speak given that the SSS had investigated the matter. I speak for the police, not the SSS, the police spokesperson explained. Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately get a response from the SSS. The secret police last year redeployed its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, without announcing a replacement. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced that the Federal Government has directed the immediate transfer of victims of the recent tanker explosion from Suleja General Hospital to tertiary health facilities to ensure they receive prompt and enhanced medical care. Mr Idris stated this in Suleja, Niger State on Sunday when he led a high-powered Federal Government delegation including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nentawe Yilwatda and some heads of agencies, to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and equally condole with the government and people of Niger State over the recent tanker explosion along Dikko Junction in Suleja. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply saddened by what has happened. He asked us to come here to see the situation. We have just gone around the wards, and we have seen those who are very critically injured as we are visiting, one of them, unfortunately, passed on, and we were told that this is the eighth victim of the fire explosion that has just passed on today and what we are seeing is the dire need of emergency medical attention, which the Federal Government is taking. The Minister of Health and the National Emergency Management Agency and all agencies of government will ensure that all these victims are immediately evacuated and taken to the Intensive Care Unit of the immediate available tertiary institutions, he said. Mr Idris commended the Niger State Government for its swift response to the tanker explosion, especially in the provision of emergency medical response. The Minister expressed concern over the loss of approximately 265 lives to tanker explosions in the past five months. He revealed that the President has constituted a committee to investigate the root and immediate causes of these incidents and to recommend effective solutions to prevent future occurrences. The President is saddened by what has happened (tanker explosion), and he is worried to the extent that he has said that a high-powered committee is set up to look at these incidents. From September last year to this time, we had four of these major incidents. We had the first one between Ibadan and Ife, where a tanker exploded, and houses and cars were engulfed in fire, and about a day after, here in Niger State in Agaie, about 48 persons lost their lives. This is on the eighth of September, 2024. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Not long afterwards, on the 15th of October, again in 2024, about 144 people also lost their lives in Jigawa State in a similar incident and now only yesterday, here at a junction, nearly 80 people lost their lives. If you put these figures together, you will see that over 265 people have so far lost their lives in this kind of incident (tanker explosion). The Government is very worried and, as a result, set up a committee comprising the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, other critical stakeholders like NEMA, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Federal Road Safety Commission, NARTO, NUPENG, IPMAN and all other stakeholders to come together to find the remote and immediate causes of this and how to avoid recurrence, he said. The Minister stated that, in line with the recent presidential directive, the National Orientation Agency will intensify public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of scooping petroleum products following fuel tanker accidents to avert such incidents. He condemned the practice of individuals endangering their lives by attempting to scoop fuel from accident tankers, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable to the government. The delegation earlier paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Suleja, Auwal Ibrahim, and also visited victims of the inferno in the Suleja General Hospital as well as the scene of the incident. Other members of the delegation are the Directors General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Comrade Abdulhamid Dembos, Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama. Rabiu Ibrahim Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation. Sunday, January 20, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print TikTok has restored its services to users in the United States after shutting down for about 12 hours. The social media platform reactivated its services to US users on Sunday, attributing its return to President-elect Donald Trumps move to save the app by delaying the enforcement of the ban. In a welcome notification sent to users in the country, TikTok said, Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trumps efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! On Saturday evening, TikTok suspended its services in the United States, cutting off access to the app for about 170 million users nationwide. The action followed the US Supreme Courts ruling, which upheld the law forcing ByteDance to sell the subsidiary company. PREMIUM TIMES reported that users who attempted to access the application encountered a notification stating, Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. But the app also expressed interest in working with Mr Trump to reverse the decision. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message read. However, Mr Trump promised earlier on Sunday that he would issue an executive order after his inauguration on Monday to delay enforcement of the divest-or-ban law. Clarifying his stance in the Truth Social post, he expressed his intention to bring back the app as soon as possible, with or without a deal to sell it. In a post on X, TikToks parent company, ByteDance, responded to this, saying Mr Trumps post had provided the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties for providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans. Access to TikToks app and web page began to return for US users hours after this post. While access to the app has been restored for many US users, it is still unavailable for download on Apple and Android app stores. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Last weeks ascension to the Alaafin of Oyo throne by then Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade courted tremendous ruckus in Yorubaland. Why would an unseen Ifa deity and its cloudy, ancient system of divination choose an Alaafin? Implicated in the back-and-forth that followed was 92-year old Ogunwande Abimbola, professor of Yoruba language and literature and one-time vice chancellor of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. In 1981, a conclave of Ifa priests in Yorubaland anointed Abimbola as the Awise Awo Agbaye (World Ifa Priest). He was then investured by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade. It was to this man I headed on Sunday, January 12. Awise had given a 1pm appointment for an interview session to which me and two newspaper editor friends of mine Lasisi Olagunju and Saheed Salawu responded. In one week or so, the fierce war between tradition and modernity became manifest. Where else could the war be waged other than Oyo Alaafin, a place which prides itself as the locus of traditional Yoruba society? Oyo was the centrifugal point where traditional power, culture, language, history collaged. When those powers were collapsed by British forces, Oyo manifested how the vapour of the powers drifted away. It was home to traditional heritage, political authority, power and influence. The power of its monarchy was awesome. Today, Oyo is a fragile carcass of the awesome and imposing Oyo Empire founded in the late 14th or early 15th century. That empire grew, in the words of historians, to become the largest and most powerful of the forest states of West Africa. From its Old Oyo, located somewhere in the Savannah below the bend of the River Niger in the Bussa-Jebba area which was abandoned in 1835, Oyo showcased an extremely impressive internal organization, imposing military strength with the Alaafin as an Emperor. Alaafin, who was the sole king in Yoruba land, reigned over a vast empire. He was the sole king to bear the appellation, His Imperial Majesty, had governors called Ajele in all the regions. These governors ruled as suzerains from areas that extended as far as to the Popos, Dahomey, and parts of Ashanti, with portions of the Tapas and Baribas. Dahomey is in the present Benin Republic. The Alaafin also had Ilari, messengers who kept the Ajele in check from excessive wielding of power. This Sunday morning, I was interested in a brand new worship at the feet of the Awise Awo Agbaye. I was ready to abandon everything else for a momentary worship by the Ifa priests feet. Awise himself affirmed the traditional truism which says that, one major way to ascertain the potency of ones Ogun deity is to hit its metal insignia on the head. Unbeknown to Abimbola, that was what he literally did. On arriving at the ancient city of Oyo, how could his home be located? The Ifa priest merely told the journalist, just tell anyone in Oyo town that youre heading to my house. The priest was dead right. Follow me was the simple retort from an Okada rider when asked for the description of the Ifa priests abode. In few minutes, we were inside an expansive compound which, from its outside, you needed not being told you were in the home of a quintessential traditional worship czar. Oyo had been very cool this Sunday. It was oblivious to the social media uprising over its new king. As you drove past Ibadan, the state capital city, you felt the flavour of driving northwards in the air. The mangrove receded, giving way to an arid temperature and weather. A few kilometers from Oyo, a heap of dirt by the roadside confronted you, shattering the sanity of the beautiful forest zone. In this particular place, you could feel the texture of an absent environmental enforcement and a people sworn to a life of filth. Then, a long file of articulated vehicles lined the highway, with northern traders surrounding this particular roadside. These telltale signs announced that our northern brothers hibernated there. They were dead to the stench of the heaps of filth and the diseases they harbour. They were almost indistinguishable from their dirty heaps. Drummers welcome guests into what looked like Abimbolas own palace. And a black statue, presumably of the Ifa priest, sat regally in the expansive compound, dead to the curious stares onlookers give it. The compound itself was home to a number of houses. It was built like a typical African family compound agbo ile with houses within it. The only difference is that this compound comprises semi-modern apartments. 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 Promptly, we were ushered into the Awise Awo Agbayes own section of the compound. He sat regally on a black-coloured elevated chair that mimics a kings stool. He was dressed in an all-white attire, a brown native cap clinging to his low-cut grey-haired head. He had a dangling ring of coloured beads on his neck, with an elephant tusk-like traditional Ifa priest whisk, an insignia of office called Iroke, which he held in his hand. He flung this momentarily as the whisk makes whooshing noise. Three white-headed effigies surrounded his seat, sitting regally on the terrazzoed sound. Once in a while, Awise dashed out to attend to the milling crowd of Ifa devotees who needed his attention, like the Oluwo of Oke and Isale Oyo. His brisk sprint, which belied his 92-year age, was an awesome spectacle to behold. His wife, a Causasian Ifa priestess, Iyanifa Ajisebo (one vast in daily spiritual offering and sacrifices) Mcllwaine, sat on the next black chair to him, pounding glibly on a Mic laptop. She occasionally lent her voice to conversations, especially when her husband demanded affirmation of a particular anecdote. At a time, some Ifa priests divining within the premises came to ask Awise about a divination process and Iyanifa Ajisebo offered to go bring her own divination ring (opele) and Awises to the priests so as to aid their divination process. The living room was over-decorated with photographs hung on its walls. Abimbolas parents, as well as ones he took with Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, late Ooni of Ife, Pope Benedict, Deoscoredes Maximiliano dos Santos, alias Mestre Didi of Brazil and many more photographs majestically flaunted the fact that we were in the home of an iconic man of history. Even at 92 years of age, a scholar of reputable intellectual prowess and achievements, who was vice chancellor and senator, Abimbola still mirrored the humility that his Yoruba race was known for. When he returned from his occasional dashing out which punctuated our interview session, at each of his returns, Abimbola bowed to his audience, all of whom his children were older than, mouthing the deep Yoruba greeting, e ku ikale o. Professor Abimbola told us how he began divination and how he was taught by a Baba Lejoogun in Akeetan, Oyo, as well as how he was almost beaten by his colleague senators one day at the federal parliament. It was God that prevented them from beating me. They could have beaten me but for who I am. O si ye, o bo, eegun o gbodo na babalawo (It is beyond them; a masquerade must not beat a Babalawo). he said. When asked what if they had beaten him, he said so little but so much, Beat me? Parara lewe koko o ya. Parara (cocoyam leaf gets torn terribly; terribly is cocoyam leaf torn) he replied. On his role in the choice of the Alaafin, Baba Abimbola said, I did not insist on the choice of the candidate, the kingmakers approved him. It turned out that the candidate is a good man when his file was presented. We did the divination a long time ago and as an academic, I wrote a 21-page report on the divination process. When they called me four or five days ago, I asked for the report. They said maybe it was with the governor, and things like that. They asked if I remembered the name of number one (the first candidate). But I wrote a 21-page report! Then I sent for my wife, with whom I carried out the divination processShe fished out a copy of the report. I did not choose the Alaafin, the kingmakers did. Ifa chose the person and they approved him. They expressed satisfaction with the choice. Maybe they had been scrutinizing him all this while to find out if he had done something wrong in a previous workplace or committed any kind of wrong before. We were then interjected by a group of Ifa worshipers who came to pay obeisance to the Awise. They laid prostrate on their bellies while the Awise prayed for them, flinging his Iroke intermittently, Ifa will fight for us We will not fall into calamity. I pay respect to you. As we live to see this year, all of us and our families will celebrate more on earth, which he said in Yoruba as Ifa o segbe fun wa o Aa ni si se. Mo gba fun yin o. Asodun yi, a o semin tomo tomo, taya taya, he prayed. Then he punctuated the prayers with the poetry that accompanies Ifa divination. Its alliteration, rhyme and onomatopoeia were fascinating and the rhythm enchanting to listen to. Awise, with a mellifluous voice, then began to chant the poetry of Ifa, which to a non-initiate sounded like gibberish: Kekenke lawo kekenke, gegenge lawo gegenge, A difa fun Orimonike omo atorunke waye. Ifa moo ke mi, o ge mi o; gege ladiye nkeyin The professor then went into explanations: Four things act as existential prods to the life of every human being. One is ones father; second, ones mother; ones head (ori) is the third while the fourth is ones Ikin, the deity one worships either Ogun, Sango, Oya or whatever. Like a pastor, he told the devotees what Ifa had in store for humanity for the year. And the Ifa worshipers departed, happy and thankful to the Awise. While asking each of them their names, those who answered English names, the Ifa priest jocularly added Ogun as prefix to them. The person who bore Smart, for instance, he called Ogun-Smart! At any point the Awises reference came to someone who had departed, a sobriety instantly overwhelmed him and his head dropped on his chest. For instance, when he referenced Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, an SDP governor of Anambra State, he said he heard Ezeife had gone to the Ogun deity shrine Idi Ogun Ifa diviners own way of euphemizing death and the dead. Abimbola, the teacher, spent every minute of this session doing what he knew how to do best. While explaining how the former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, attempted to bring sanity into the scramble for the Senate Majority seat of the Third Republic senate, as the Awise mentioned Osoba he taught all gathered that the pronunciation we were used to was faulty. Oso, he said, was the name of a deity, so the name is Oso-ba, just like Oso-nimore, the name of another deity, he said. When asked why he doesnt take alcohol, Abimbola had an Ifa poetry which named alcohol and all its local variants Oguro, emu and oti as amuwagun eni, refiner of character. In other words, said the priest, Ifa does not frown at alcohol but hates over-indulgence in its consumption. Abimbola said there was no knowledge that is as in-depth as the Ifa corpus in the world. It is a knowledge, he said, that is taught to a youngster for 20 years. Odu Ifa, he said, is 256 and the story in each of the Odu is 800. Thus, to know the stories in Ifa, you will need to multiply 256 by 800. For example, in a university, if a postgraduate student wants to write a paper on everything Ifa says on cockroach, the student may need to visit about 20 babalawos, because the stories that Ifa tells on cockroach may be about one thousand. Stories on worm may be two thousand, and stories on a particular bird like Opeere may be one thousand. Ifa is a compendium of the experience of Yoruba people throughout the ages; experience about animals, trees and various mountains, about forests, about fish, about seas, about us, humans. Its a whole library. This is the same Ifa that they are trying to extinguish, but it will not become extinguished in my lifetime. If Ifa becomes extinct, it is we, the Yoruba, that go extinct. There are no other peoples in the world who have the like of it. What they may have is part of what has been written down. I will tell you the reason why our forefathers did not write things down. If one begins to write things down, ones mind will not be sharp again to remember. Writing things down may is an enemy of memory. People around the world invite me to come and give talks. Pope Benedict XVI invited me three times. He once invited me alongside other religious leaders from Japan, India, Russia, Syria, as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Jewish religious leader, he said. By now, we had spent close to four hours of literally worshiping by the feet of Awise Awo Agbaye. We didnt want to let go of one another. Baba Abimbola thoroughly enjoyed our first-time acquaintance while we relished his. He left a statement that rings in my subconscious as we prostrated in obeisance to him, ready to leave his home, his Iroke flaffing in salute. Yoruba are standing by as they want to leave us in ruins Won fe pa wa run le nworan!, he shouted, his voice laced with a genuine agony. Identity walks on two legs like a human being, he said again, and continuing, Abimbola told us, If they take Ifa, our identity, away from us, they have taken Yoruba from the face of the earth. Awise then recited a traditional Ijala poetry chant of an uncle of his named Adeyemo, who he said, as far back as 1945, lamented that the culture, religion and language of Yoruba people were going extinct. Adeyemo, said Awise, described the potential collapse of Yoruba language, culture, religion and ways of life as Kungu fo! It was too dense for me to attempt an interpretation. As we bade Awise bye, on the verge of leaving the ancient Oyo town, we prayed to Ifa to help us see Awise again so that we could drink, yet again, from the purity of his brooks of ancient knowledge and wisdom. Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print It seems clear that these abductions in Kenya are taking place under the direct command of government or, even more frightening, have been outsourced to non-state actors acting under the authority and protection of the State. The latter may explain the intractable nature of the abductions and the inability of Rutos GOK to bring it under control, despite the assurances of the president and the escalating diplomatic costs and investment runs. Colonial occupation and domination prospered by abducting and liquidating the most vocal Africans. Those whom it drove into exile were lucky. Sir Evelyn Baring invented the manual on this form of predation as governor of colonial Kenya for seven years until 1959. Six decades after independence, the man who rode to power in Nairobi two years ago by promising to make Kenya great again is unapologetically reprising Sir Evelyns manual, minus the internment camps. In June 2021, Abubakar Malami, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Nigerias federal attorney-general, announced with some relish that Nnamdi Kanu self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had been returned to Nigeria after being intercepted in an un-named location. Malami had initiated the prosecution of Mr Kanu in 2015 for treason. In April 2017, the courts granted bail to Kanu. Five months later, he disappeared from public view after soldiers reportedly raided his country home in Abia State in South-East Nigeria, leading to scores of fatalities. The following month, he was reportedly sighted in Jerusalem. The circumstances of Mr Kanus return to Nigeria in 2021 degenerated quickly from mystery to controversy. The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), whom Nigeria initially credited with assistance in the interception, firmly denied any involvement in the operation. When he announced the interception of Mr Kanu, Attorney-General Malami claimed that it was accomplished by the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services. In October 2022, however, Nigerias Court of Appeal found as a fact that Mr Kanu was in Kenya, was abducted therefrom and there were no extradition proceedings undertaken prior to his forcible abduction. Kenya unconvincingly denied involvement in the abduction. Very importantly, however, the Government of Kenya (GOK) offered no protest against what was clearly a spectacular violation of its sovereignty. The conclusion had to be that the GOK authorised Mr Kanus abduction from its territory. Prior and subsequent conduct by the GOK provided ample evidence to support this. On 2 February 2018, operatives of Kenyas security services used explosives to gain entrance into the premises of former student leader and lawyer, Miguna Miguna, from where they abducted him into detention incommunicado. After several days of keeping him out of circulation, they drove Dr Miguna to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where they declared him a prohibited immigrant and deported him to Canada. As a prominent student leader during the regime of President Daniel Arap Moi in the 1980s, Miguna was exiled to Canada. From there, he sought several times without success to renew his Kenyan nationality documents. Canada eventually granted him refugee status and he traveled initially under documentation provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, before eventually being forced to acquire Canadian nationality. 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 In the period since the anti-Finance Bill protests in the country between June to December 2024, Kenyas National Human Rights Commission has reported the abduction and disappearance of at least 82 persons. Some of the abducted have turned up dead. When young people in Nigeria protested two months after their colleagues in Kenya, the Nigerian government decided to borrow a leaf from President Rutos playbook. Upon returning to Kenya in 2007, Dr Miguna enrolled as a lawyer, served as senior adviser to the prime minister and subsequently ran for high public office. It was not in dispute that both of his parents were Kenyans or that he was Kenyan by birth and by descent. In a decision on 14 December 2018, the High Court of Kenya found that the government of Kenya abducted and deported Dr Miguna despite court orders directing that he be produced in court and lamented the fact that it is inconceivable that the state can deport its own citizen to a second country without due regard to the constitution and the law. William Ruto was Kenyas vice president when Mr Kanu and Dr Miguna were abducted. In 2022, he became president. On 16 November 2024, leading Ugandan opposition politician, Dr Kiiza Besigye, who was in Nairobi to attend the launch of a book by former Kenyan Justice minister and senior lawyer, Martha Karua, disappeared. Five days later, he surfaced before a military tribunal in the custody of the Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) on the fanciful charges of illegal possession of firearms. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed shock at the abduction of Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye on 16 November 2024 in Kenya and his forcible return to Uganda. Dr Besigyes experience was not the first abduction of a member of the Ugandan opposition in Kenya. In July 2024, Kenyas security services similarly snatched 36 members of Dr Besigyes Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) who were in the country for a meeting and expelled them to Uganda into the arms of the UPDF, which promptly charged them with terrorism before a military tribunal. The United Nations later expressed concern that President Musevenis practice in Uganda of charging civilians before military tribunals was in contravention of the countrys obligations under international human rights law. In October 2024, Kenyan authorities similarly abducted seven Turkish refugees and refouled them back to Turkey into the arms of the government that had exiled them. In the period since the anti-Finance Bill protests in the country between June to December 2024, Kenyas National Human Rights Commission has reported the abduction and disappearance of at least 82 persons. Some of the abducted have turned up dead. When young people in Nigeria protested two months after their colleagues in Kenya, the Nigerian government decided to borrow a leaf from President Rutos playbook. Back in Nairobi, one of the victims of these abductions by the GOK was Leslie Muturi. His father, Justin Bedan Muturi, happens to be the Cabinet Secretary (Minister) for Public Service in the government of President Ruto. Around 22 June, 2024, Leslie Muturi was disappeared. At the time, his father, Justin, was the attorney-general of Kenya and sat in the National Security Council with the Director of National Intelligence Service, Noordin Haji. This was hardly what Kenyans or the rest of Africa hoped for when the people chose President Rutos vision of a hustler nation over the other options on offer in Kenyas 2022 presidential election. The only hustle presently taking place under his watch is the hustling of innocent citizens and visitors into enforced disappearance and exile. From the comfort of his grave, Sir Evelyn must feel exceedingly proud of William Ruto. In the past week, Justin Muturi has narrated how his effort to locate his son took him through the entrails of the high command of Kenyas deep state to the presence of his boss, President Ruto, who ordered Noordin Haji to release Leslie. Less than an hour thereafter, Leslie returned to his family. Justin Muturis clinical account of what transpired in the disappearance of his son clearly establishes the culpability of Kenyas president and security high command under him in resuscitating a culture of state-sponsored abductions redolent of the worst excesses of Sir Evelyn Barings colonial era abuses. After denying culpability last November, President Ruto promised on 28 December 2024 to end the abductions, in effect admitting state complicity. Two days later, the continental human rights body of the African Union expressed profound alarm over reports of abductions and enforced disappearances in Kenya. Less than a fortnight into the New Year, Tanzanias leading independent journalist, Maria Sarungi Tsehai, survived an abduction from a shopping mall in Nairobi. Ms Tsehai and her family have been exiled in Kenya for over four years. Maria was lucky. Two years earlier, Kenyan police officers murdered exiled Pakistani journalist, Arshad Sharif, in Nairobi. Despite a court order and appeals by the United Nations, his killers continue to escape accountability. When they re-established the East African Community in 1999, the original partner states in East Africa Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda desired to advance transactional life and spaces in the region. Under the current leadership, however, these states are now using regional integration to advance the expendability of African civic and transactional life. They are collaborating across inter-state borders to liquidate critics and perceived enemies and make their lives precarious. It seems clear that these abductions in Kenya are taking place under the direct command of government or, even more frightening, have been outsourced to non-state actors acting under the authority and protection of the State. The latter may explain the intractable nature of the abductions and the inability of Rutos GOK to bring it under control, despite the assurances of the president and the escalating diplomatic costs and investment runs. This was hardly what Kenyans or the rest of Africa hoped for when the people chose President Rutos vision of a hustler nation over the other options on offer in Kenyas 2022 presidential election. The only hustle presently taking place under his watch is the hustling of innocent citizens and visitors into enforced disappearance and exile. From the comfort of his grave, Sir Evelyn must feel exceedingly proud of William Ruto. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Christianity is built and founded on love, forgiveness, and compassion. Right from the early days of the church, servants of God and believers in general have been known for forgiveness, compassion, and love. Jesus came to promote forgiveness and love. Jesus came to establish a new order, to forgive and show the world His love. It is love that changes the world, not hate. All through the New Testament, the Apostles were attacked, ridiculed, mocked, and even persecuted with physical beatings. You are not the bigger picture. I am not the bigger picture. Christ, the gospel, and the entire body of Christ are the main deals here. This reminds me of the story of Pastor David Wilkerson and Nicky Cruz. Im going to teach you the lesson of your life for daring to assault me, a whole servant of God. That should have been the expectation of secular history from David Wilkerson, the senior pastor of Times Square church, when he was assaulted by Nicky Cruz, a notorious leader of the Mau Mau gang in downtown New York. Nicky Cruz had been arrested multiple times by the New York Police. He had been prosecuted for numerous crimes, ranging from rape, murder, shop lifting, and day light robbery. But the Leopard never changes its skin. He always found his way back to his vomit. In fact, the last time he was released from prison, a senior warder told him, You will eventually be executed. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5:41 Gracefully, the famous New York church, Times Square, was founded and pastored for many years by David Wilkerson, and it was a ministry that upheld the values of love as the foundation for reaching communities and nations for Christ. In one of their evangelistic outreaches to the unreached, the Lord instructed David Wilkerson to personally visit the hoods, the den of this notorious kingpin of criminals in New York. That was like a death sentence, reminiscent of when God told Moses to go and talk to Pharaoh. You wouldnt even want to meet this man on a busy day, much less going to meet him in his deadly hideout where killing you would be a sport. But David Wilkerson didnt count his life so dear to him, like Apostle Paul (Acts 20:24). This is the hallmark of genuine servants of God; by death or by life, they are for God. Who they are and what they have matters less like the name of Christ and the kingdom of God! Nicky Cruz was so provoked that he spat on David Wilkerson, asking him to leave his den immediately if he wanted to live to see another day. While carrying the stinking spit of a notorious criminal on his jacket, David Wilkerson, a famous general overseer of one of the most respected ministries in America, said, and I quote, even if you cut me into pieces, every bit of me would still love you. He then left their hood. David Wilkerson fixed a date and drove into the hoods to meet up with this notorious criminal, unannounced. What have you come to do here, preacher?, asked Nicky Cruz, smelling of hard drugs and various blends of narcotics. To tell you about Jesus and His love, answered Pastor David Wilkerson. Nicky Cruz was so provoked that he spat on David Wilkerson, asking him to leave his den immediately if he wanted to live to see another day. While carrying the stinking spit of a notorious criminal on his jacket, David Wilkerson, a famous general overseer of one of the most respected ministries in America, said, and I quote, even if you cut me into pieces, every bit of me would still love you. He then left their hood. A few weeks later, David Wilkerson was ministering in a powerful crusade in New York. He gave an altar call. It was a very large gathering, with thousands of people in attendance. While people were walking down to the pulpit from the back, he noticed one awfully dressed man strolling down the aisle. As he looked closer, it was the notorious Nicky Cruz, the deadly criminal leader of the Mau Mau cult of New York. As he moved closer, tears began to drop from his eyes. David Wilkerson was stunned. What is happening here? He asked. Nicky Cruz responded, I spat on you, threatened to kill you, chased you out, and humiliated you. Yet, you showed me love and told me, Even if you cut me into pieces, every bit of me would still love you. I have been unable to sleep. It seems like a force has captured me. I have come to give me life over to God. It was a storm. Nicky Cruz gave his life to Christ, was discipled, and baptised. Today, Nicky Cruz is the founder of the Nicky Cruz ministries, reaching out to inmates of prisons across the globe and winning thousands of people to Christ. 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 This is the true meaning of Christianity. Christianity is built and founded on love, forgiveness, and compassion. Right from the early days of the church, servants of God and believers in general have been known for forgiveness, compassion, and love. Jesus came to promote forgiveness and love. Jesus came to establish a new order, to forgive and show the world His love. It is love that changes the world, not hate. All through the New Testament, the Apostles were attacked, ridiculed, mocked, and even persecuted with physical beatings. In Acts 5:41, the Bible says that, They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. To be continued. Ayo Akerele is the Senior Pastor of Rhema Assembly and the founder of the Voice of the Watchmen Ministries in Ontario, Canada. He can be reached through ayoakerele2012@gmail.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The vegetable bun noodle bowl at Singhs Vietnamese was picked as one of the Top 25 best dishes in San Antonio in 2023. The popular St. Mary's Strip restaurant recently teased on social media that the opening of its second location is coming soon near UTSA. Mike Sutter/Staff Singhs Vietnamese fans have eagerly awaited the eatery's expansion into the far Northwest Side since 2023, and it appears a grand opening is approaching. A soft opening may have already taken place. On Thursday, Singhs posted several photos on its Facebook and Instagram pages showing several patrons dining at wooden tables outside the new location at 7331 North Loop 1604 West. The caption reads, "Singhs Cantina Coming," with dozens of comments delighted at the announcement. "Yay," Janet Spivey said in a Facebook comment. "I've been watching that corner longingly for so long ... can't wait to have you back in the neighborhood!!!" Advertisement Article continues below this ad It's been reported that Singhs Vietnamese has had plans for a new location. An official opening date was never confirmed, but a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation said construction was expected to wrap up in Sept 2023. Singhs Vietnamese opened its first brick-and-mortar location on the St. Mary's Strip in 2018 to great fanfare. Owners Louis Singh and Eric Trevino had already developed a dedicated fan base while serving rice noodle bowls and banh mi from their food trailer. San Antonio Express-News food writer Paul Stephen praised the banh mi, describing the sandwich as a "tender, buttery bread encasing layers of zesty pork and a fistful of vegetables." However, he critiqued the restaurant for staying beholden to food truck limitations and continuing to use a narrow number of ingredients. "In short, it's not hard to find a tasty if not delicious bite or two at Singhs in its current configuration, with big flavors and skillful technique on display in quantities limited by the menu's lack of depth," Stephen said in his 2018 review. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Governor Umar Namadi on Sunday commissioned an Islamic Multi-Services Centre constructed by Qatar Charity, a Qatar-based non-governmental organisation in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government. The event took place in Babbar Riga village, located in the Malam-Madori Local Government Area of the state. The multi-purpose centre, a by-product of the partnership between Qatar Charity and the Jigawa State Government, is designed as a mini-community with residential, educational, and spiritual facilities. It features housing units, a modern school, and a spacious mosque, providing a conducive environment for learning and community cohesion. This initiative is a vivid manifestation of the Jigawa State Governments commitment to advancing education, knowledge, and community development among its citizens. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Namadi expressed his appreciation to Qatar Charity for fulfilling its promise and called for sustained collaboration to expand such initiatives across the state. He announced that the project would be handed over to the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) for proper management, which will include posting of teachers and other necessities to the school, describing the center as a source of hope for Babbar Riga and surrounding areas, which will contribute significantly to the development of the state. The governor therefore urged the residents of Babbar Riga and its environs to make the best use of the facility, stressing that education remains a cornerstone of societal progress while reaffirming his administrations dedication to creating opportunities for learning and development for all citizens of Jigawa State. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The event attracted a host of dignitaries, including the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri; the country director of Qatar Charity, Hamdi Abdou; the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi; the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje; and other prominent leaders and the general public. During the ceremony, Qatar Charity officially handed over the completed facility to the Jigawa State Government, paving the way for its utilization by the local community. The charitys country director, Mr Abdou, while thanking Governor Namadi for his foresight in pursuing this collaboration to its logical conclusion, also pledged more similar interventions in the state in the year 2025. The charitys country director, Mr Hamdi Abdou, while thanking Governor Namadi for his foresight in pursuing this collaboration to its logical conclusion, also pledged more similar interventions in the state in the year 2025. This remarkable project stems from a pledge made by Qatar Charity during Governor Namadis visit to their Abuja office last year. During the visit, the organisation committed to constructing an Islamic center complete with a housing estate at a location chosen by the state government. The centre is part of Qatar Charitys broader mission to support education, empower communities, and alleviate poverty in Nigeria. It will be recalled that last year, when Governor Namadi paid his first visit to the charitys office in Abuja, the organisation pledged to build an Islamic center complete with a housing estate at any place of choice by the state government as part of their intervention in the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye, has stated that the company has commenced rehabilitation of pipelines and depots to strengthen the countrys energy infrastructure for long term benefits. He stated this in an interview on Sunday, noting that the ongoing rehabilitation project, which is expected to be completed within two to three years, would resolve longstanding challenges in petroleum distribution. Mr Soneye further explained that upon completion, Nigeria will achieve sustainable crude oil supply to refineries, seamless product distribution through pipelines. Similarly, there will be reduced reliance on trucks, improved energy security and reduced fuel importation, lower transportation costs and reduced road hazards caused by fuel tankers. In his words: We can assure Nigerians that NNPCs pipeline and depot rehabilitation project is With a structured financial model, strategic partnerships, and committed execution, the initiative is set to resolve longstanding challenges in petroleum supply and strengthen the countrys energy infrastructure for the long term. He stated that though there are limited financial resources, which continues to pose a challenge in executing both refinery and pipeline rehabilitation projects simultaneously, we are exploring creative and innovative approaches to ensure a cost-effective funding model to proceed with the pipeline and depot rehabilitation. The company, Mr Soneye acknowledged, has already designed a robust rehabilitation plan for the pipelines and depots, and would be deploying a new financial model Finance, Build Operate and Transfer (FBOT) approach, he stated. Speaking further, he noted that apart from the fact that the ongoing activities wont be limited to the construction of new crude oil and product pipelines to replace obsolete ones, advanced technology would be provided to enhance pipeline security, prevent vandalism and rehabilitation and modernization of storage terminals to support. 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 According to him, the NNPCL is working towards transforming Nigeria into a self-sufficient producer and net exporter of refined petroleum products and the very first step in that direction is the successful rehabilitation work that has birthed the renewed operations of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. The rehabilitation and upgrade of the Old Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries by the end of 2024 marked a significant milestone in this journey. And, as you know, work on the new Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries is at advanced stages, reinforcing the commitment to eliminating fuel importation, he stated. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The death toll from the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State has risen to 73, Hussaini Isah, the head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Minna operational office, told journalists Saturday evening. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the explosion took place around Dikko Junction intersecting the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday morning. An eyewitness, Abdulmalik Jibo, told PREMIUM TIMES that the incident occurred around 7 a.m. when a petrol-laden tanker detached from its truck. The drivers were trying to transfer the petrol to another tanker, he said, noting that he was not at the scene when the tankers caught fire. Earlier media reports estimated that over 30 people died in the explosion. By Saturday evening, the FRSC in the state had confirmed 60 deaths. Over 70 dead, 56 injured Mr Isah, the head of the NEMA operational office in Minna, covering Niger and Kwara states, said 73 bodies had been counted as rescue efforts continued. He added that 53 injured people have also been hospitalised. The NEMA boss said a detailed report would be given later. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Isah, however, advised that more needs to be done when it comes to sensitising people about these kinds of incidents. He advised people to always stay away from such dangerous scenes, describing the loss of lives as avoidable. Our reporter at the scene counted more than 50 bodies burnt beyond recognition loaded onto a truck around 5:56 p.m., while several other bodies still lay in their ashes and blood. Although some family members identified some bodies, multiple sources said most of the victims were members of a community near the scene of the incident. READ ALSO: Kwara governor visits scene of Niger petrol tanker explosion Fire service operatives quenched the inferno by Saturday sundown while NEMA officials continued rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the state governor, Mohammed Bago, has expressed worry over the recurring incidents of tanker explosions in the state. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago expressed 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 the health of the injured. The governor, however, cautioned people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has urged fuel stations and tanker operators to address reckless driving by tanker drivers, particularly on major roads and at hazardous bends. The Controller-General of FFS, Abdulganiyu Jaji, gave the advice following the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed over 70 lives and left many others injured. PREMIUM TIMES reported the explosion that occurred on Saturday morning. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on Saturday evening that 73 bodies had been recovered from the explosion while 56 other people were injured. Speaking with journalists on Saturday in Minna, Mr Jaji called for a comprehensive review of safety protocols for fuel transportation in Nigeria. He expressed concern over the increasing frequency of tanker explosions and fuel station accidents, stressing that even minor safety lapses, such as static sparks or gas leaks, can trigger catastrophic explosions. Mr Jaji also warned against the scooping of fuel from fallen tankers, describing it as a fatal risk. Fuel vapours and leaks can ignite at any moment, he said. Your life is worth more than a few litres of fuel. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The FFS boss advised citizens to avoid accident sites involving fuel spills and instead report such incidents to his agency for immediate intervention. Addressing fuel station operators, gas refilling plant managers, and gas cylinder users, Mr Jaji urged them to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. He commended first responders for their swift action on the Niger explosion, describing their efforts as a testament to Nigerias resilience in the face of adversity. He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and offered prayers for strength and comfort for those grieving. As the nation mourns the loss of lives, the FFS chief reiterated the need for heightened safety awareness and public education to avert similar incidents. Every life is precious, and we must do everything in our power to protect our citizens, he said. Mr Jaji further called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of an amendment to the Fire Service Act of 1963, which he argued is outdated and ill-equipped to tackle contemporary fire safety challenges. According to him, modernising the legislation is crucial to enhancing fire safety regulations and reducing the risk of such incidents in the future. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The death toll from the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State has risen to 86, official says as PREMIUM TIMES saw fuel still dripping from the fallen tanker on Sunday morning. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), gave the update, saying 80 bodies had been given a mass burial at the premises of Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC). Some injured victims were evacuated to the PHC on Saturday, where one of them died. Others were taken to the Suleja General Hospital and Sabon Wuse General Hospital. The NSEMA Director-General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said the bodies were recovered and buried in a coordinated effort by NSEMA, Gurara LGA authorities, and volunteers. The mass burial, according to Mr Baba-Arah, was done on Saturday between 5 p.m. and midnight. He extolled volunteers who helped in the burial process, including evacuating the bodies from the accident scene. Kumar Tsukwam, the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), explained that the tanker, with registration number KBG-103-XAX, was loaded with 60,000 litres of petrol in Lagos and was heading to Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The fuel-laden tanker, belonging to HMY Oil and Gas, detached from its head and fell near roadside shanties in Dikko around 7 a.m. Unfortunately, it exploded two hours later, killing scores and injuring others. Fuel still spilling When our reporter arrived at the scene of the incident Sunday morning, he observed petrol still dripping from the fallen tanker while some persons stood close to it, watching in the absence of security officials. Also, scavengers were rummaging the shanties gutted by the fire. When contacted, Hussaini Isah, the head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) operational office in Minna, Niger State, said efforts would be made to cordon off the venue. We have contacted the police and informed them about the spill, Mr Isah told PREMIUM TIMES. The police will come to disperse the people there. He explained that the fire service and other emergency workers had been put on standby. We will get cordoning tape to seal off the place, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Abasifreke Joseph, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, kidnapped on 9 January along Enugu-Ezike Road on her way to Kogi State, says her abductors tortured and starved her of food. The NYSC member, released on 13 January, gave the narration in Abak on Sunday, when the NYSC Coordinator in Akwa Ibom State, Sam Pepple, visited her. She said, I spent five days and five nights at the kidnappers den without water and food. The corps member said she and others were beaten and dispossessed of their mobile phones and other valuables. I was posted to Kogi for the NYSC programme. I reported at the orientation camp and was sworn in on 29 November 2024. I became sick while the orientation course was ongoing, so I got the permission and approval of the camp director to travel home for medical attention. I was returning to Kogi on 9 January (when) the incident happened at about 4.30 p.m. along Enugu-Ezike Road in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area (of Enugu State), she said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Abasifreke said that while on the journey, a motorcycle rider informed them of an armed robbery attack in front. Surprisingly, the driver of our bus did not listen. He kept going forward until we met the kidnappers. When they started shooting, our driver quickly came down from the vehicle, opened the door and asked us to run into the bush. It also surprised us that the kidnappers asked our driver to go unhurt. He was not taken hostage, she said. She expressed her appreciation to the NYSC authorities for their prompt response and solidarity during her ordeal. NYSC speaks on incident Earlier, Mr Pepple thanked God for sparing the corps members life and expressed the commitment of the NYSC towards the safety of members. As soon as we were informed of the incident, we acted to ensure her safe release. We are happy that she is back with her family. The NYSC is a responsible organisation. We ensure adequate care for our members. We treat corps members as our children, so NYSC knows what to do for her. I have seen her; she is in high spirits and in good condition, which is different from what is being reported on social media, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Charles Aniagwu, the Delta commissioner for works (Rural Roads) and public information, has disclosed that the states Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown to over N110 billion annually. In a statement made available to reporters in Asaba on Saturday, Mr Aniagwu said the state IGR witnessed remarkable growth under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, from N70 billion in the last administration. He said that although the IGR has increased, the percentage increase compared to the states budget of nearly N1 trillion showed a perceived decrease in the IGR. He said that the governors strategic approach to revenue generation was not designed to burden residents but to expand the tax net. Our strategy is rooted in empowering people rather than taxing them into hardship. By improving human capital and opening up new communities, we are enabling residents to participate in the economy more effectively. When people see tangible benefits from their taxes, they will willingly contribute, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Aniagwu said the administration fosters equitable economic growth by ensuring that taxation aligns with developmental benefits. Governor Oborevworis principle of taxation is simple: let the people see what their contributions are doing, and they will support it wholeheartedly. Its not about extracting money; its about creating an enabling environment where everyone can thrive, he said. He said that the governments efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education were pivotal in addressing long-standing challenges, unlocking economic potential in underserved areas, and building a more inclusive state. Mr Aniagwu lauded Governor Oborevworis commitment to transparency, open-door policy, and willingness to receive constructive feedback. The governor recently said in a meeting, Dont tell me about what I have done well; tell me what I need to improve on. This is a leader who listens and is genuinely focused on the needs of the people, he said. Mr Aniagwu, who resumed office as Commissioner for Public Information earlier in the week, commended the governor for prioritising impactful governance over political distractions. Governor Oborevwori is not looking for praise; hes focused on delivering results. His dedication to infrastructure and human capital development speaks for itself, he added. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print GUIYANG, China, Jan. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The short video series "Be My Guest Focus Guizhou", produced by Guizhou Satellite TV and the International Communication Center of Guizhou Radio and Television Station, features international photographers exploring the vibrant and diverse Guizhou. Be My Guest: The Embroidery Episode Intricate patterns, vibrant threads, and centuries-long tradition remain alive through the art on the tip of the needleMiao embroidery is more than a craft; it is a living testament to the cultural heritage of the Miao ethnic group in Guizhou, China. For generations, Miao women have integrated their creativity and ingenuity into this traditional craft, immortalizing myths, historical tales, and natural beauty onto fabrics and garments. Each stitch tells a story, transforming Miao embroidery into a "living history book." Today, this traditional handcraft has crossed borders and amazed audiences on global stages such as Milan Fashion Week. In this episode, Shanghai-based Belarusian photographer Alice Griffs accepts an invitation from Miao fashion designer Gu Axin to unveil the charm of Miao embroidery in a stunning fashion shoot. Alice's journey begins in Maige Miao and Bouyei Township in Qingzhen City, where she meets renowned fashion designer Zhao Huizhou, and Wang Rongbi, an inheritor of Siyin Miao Embroidery, a national intangible cultural heritage. Here, she gains insight into the profound cultural significance embedded within the intricate patterns of this traditional art form. Her exploration continues with an awe-inspiring demonstration of split-thread stitch by master artisan Shi Chuanying. Alice is captivated by the meticulous technique of splitting one thread into ten strands. "This is like 4K resolution in embroidery," she remarks. The journey concludes at the Jianhe County, where Long Nv San Jiu, a skilled inheritor of the metal gimp stitch, showcases her extraordinary craft. Using tin as both needle and thread, she creates a shimmering galaxy on the clothes. "The people here are so genuine and joyful, and their passion for embroidery is truly inspiring. It's an honor to photograph such exquisite Miao embroidery in such a beautiful place," Alice says. This visit deepens her appreciation of Guizhou's Miao embroidery and its immense potential in the world of fashion and art. Along her journey, Alice captures the province's breathtaking landscapes, hospitable people, and exquisite artistry, each element weaving together the unique charm of Guizhou. Enchanted by its allure, she plans to return, eager to uncover more wonders of this extraordinary land and its rich cultural heritage. https://youtu.be/Ki-RYmHj_Ew SOURCE Guizhou Satellite TV; International Communication Center of Guizhou Radio and Television Station Forecasts converge on freezing precipitation and accumulation Approximately 1,200 additional mutual aid workers will arrive by Monday to support potential restoration efforts National Weather Service issued Winter Storm Watch for the entire region ERCOT Weather Watch issued for January 20 23 due to extreme cold weather across its region CenterPoint customers urged to be weather alert and have a plan to stay safe and warm through freezing temperatures HOUSTON, Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As weather models and forecasts for next week begin to converge, confidence is increasing in the potential for significant wintry precipitation and accumulation impacting the Greater Houston area starting Monday evening and continuing into next week. CenterPoint Energy continues to execute the company's cold weather readiness plan and is actively monitoring the evolving forecasts. CenterPoint has secured an additional 1,200 mutual aid workers who will arrive Monday. The company is also standing up three staging sites and pre-positioning crews to support potential restoration efforts. Forecasts continue to align on a range of potential scenarios early next week across the Greater Houston area, with most models anticipating a sharp drop in temperatures and freezing precipitation overnight on Monday and through Tuesday afternoon. CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response, Meteorology and Operations teams remain on alert and are utilizing in-house and third-party weather modeling and historical data from previous weather events to plan for all potential impacts to CenterPoint's system. In preparation for the mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain anticipated to impact the region, the National Weather Service has now issued a Winter Storm Watch for Southeast Texas beginning at 6:00 p.m. Monday through 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. On Friday, ERCOT issued a Weather Watch for Jan. 20 through 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, but CenterPoint teams remain ready to respond if that should change. "Our CenterPoint teams have already executed numerous cold weather preparations from our winter readiness plan and we will continue to diligently monitor the weather and our systems as we stand up these staging sites and begin onboarding the approximately 1,200 mutual assistance workers who've answered the call to support potential restoration efforts. We have plans in place and are stationing crews across the communities we serve so our teams can handle any service issues safely and as quickly as possible. We urge our customers to stay weather alert, have an emergency plan in place and take steps now to prepare," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business. 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 (CO) 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 (CO) 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 While CenterPoint continues to provide information around this weather event, including issuing preparedness communications to critical care customers, the company also encourages all electric customers 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 the latest weather information for the Greater Houston area, see updates from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Houston/Galveston at www.weather.gov/hgx. For more information, contact Communications [email protected] SOURCE CenterPoint Energy BEIJING, Jan. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily: On Jan. 17, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the latter's request. Xi said China and the U.S. share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation. He expounded on the principles for China-U.S. relations, saying that China stands ready to push China-U.S. relations to make greater progress from a new starting point. Trump said 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. They agreed to establish strategic communication channels and maintain regular contact on major issues of common concern. This conversation, drawing significant attention from the international community, has injected confidence into the smooth transition and a good start of China-U.S. ties in the new U.S. presidential term. The China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important relationships in the world, which concern not only the well-being of the Chinese and American peoples, but also the future and destiny of the entire humanity. Therefore, the two countries must adopt a long-term and strategic vision in developing their relationship. The positive interactions between China and the U.S. have always been highly expected. Over four decades ago, leaders of the two countries made the handshake across the vast Pacific Ocean; the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was called the "most striking and significant event shifting the international strategic landscape." Today, both Chinese and American people believe that the two countries "are compelled to work together if there is going to be a stable 21st century." China's policy toward the U.S. is consistent, which is mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Both China and the U.S. are pursuing their own dreams and are committed to making the lives of their people better. They should work in the same direction for stable, healthy and sustainable development of bilateral relations. China and the U.S. share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation. The two countries should become partners and friends, contribute to each other's success, and enjoy common prosperity, which will benefit both countries and the whole world. Eyeing on their common interests, China and the U.S. realized the "ice-breaking" of their relations in the 1970s. After 46 years of development, the two countries have become a community with a shared future in which their interests are closely interlinked. Some issues in China-U.S. relations are "growing pains" brought about by the deep integration of their mutual interests, which should be relieved by mutually beneficial development. They should never lead to wrong strategic perceptions of the bilateral relationship. Under the current international circumstances, the common interests between China and the U.S. are expanding rather than shrinking. The nature of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is mutually beneficial and win-win. The two countries should continuously explore new opportunities for economic and trade growth and make the "capillaries" of their economic exchanges unimpeded so as to provide stronger momentum for greater win-win cooperation. China always has clear and definite strategic intentions and policies toward the U.S., and the China-U.S. relationship is always mutually beneficial and win-win in nature. It has been drawn from the historical experience that win-win cooperation is the sure way for the two countries to accomplish great things that benefit all. China and the U.S. should view and handle their relationship from a strategic and a long-term perspective, and act in a way conducive to global unity in the spirit of "promoting global solidarity." They should strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to bring more certainty to a world overshadowed by instability. SOURCE People's Daily Paul J. Batura is a local writer and founder of the 4:8 Media Network. He can be reached via email Paul@PaulBatura.com or on X @PaulBatura. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Chandigarh, Jan 19 : The Centre will hold a meeting with Punjab's protesting farmers on February 14 in Chandigarh to discuss their demands, thus ending a stalemate over the resumption of a dialogue with the protesters, who have been demanding a legal guarantee on the MSP for crops. Following the announcement of the proposed meeting, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose fast-unto-death entered the 54th day on Saturday, agreed to take medical aid. However, he will not end his indefinite fast till a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops is given, said farmer leader Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande. Dallewal, however, will continue his fast as he will not partake in any meals till the farmers' demands are met. A decision to end the fast of 121 farmers will be taken on Sunday. The reason cited for the delayed talks date is the model code of conduct being in force in Delhi till February 9 which bars any announcement, and then the budget session starts. The long gap will also ensure that Dallewal can participate in the meeting. It was stated that saving the life of Dallewal was most important to prevent the situation from going out of hand as his deteriorating condition was triggering an emotional outpouring among farmers. It was said that Dallewal had been vomiting regularly for the last 72 hours, and worse was expected. It was against this backdrop that farmers gave their consent to Dallewal accepting medical intervention by a show of hands and made it plain that if he did not accept the appeal all of them would assemble outside his trolley and go on fast. The breakthrough came after a delegation of officials from the Union Agriculture Ministry, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met Dallewal and held a meeting with the representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, which are spearheading the agitation for the last 11 months. Following the announcement of the meeting on February 14, farmer leaders appealed to Dallewal to take medical aid so that he could participate in the proposed deliberations. The Centre's delegation also urged Dallewal to take medical aid so that he can participate in the proposed meeting, which will take place at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Chandigarh at 5 p.m. on February 14. Talking to reporters at the Khanauri protest site, Ranjan said a high-level delegation was sent by the Centre, keeping in mind the deteriorating health of Dallewal. "We enquired about his health and held a meeting with the representatives (of the protesting farmer bodies)," he said. Ranjan said the meeting will be held in Chandigarh on February 14. "We urged him (Dallewal) to break his fast and take medical aid so that he can participate in the meeting," he added. Davos : , Jan 19 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Sunday. His agenda includes promoting Andhra Pradesh to global business leaders and industrialists for potential investments. CM Naidu plans to highlight the state's new employment-centric industrial policies and engage with top executives to attract investments. Reputed organisations like Google have already signed agreements to invest in Andhra Pradesh. Leveraging his vast experience, strong connections with industry leaders, and past successes, the Chief Minister has successfully brought substantial investments in just seven months, a statement said. Naidu's itinerary begins with a departure from Amaravati to Delhi at 4 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a flight to Zurich at 1:30 a.m. on Monday. In Zurich, he will meet India's ambassador to Switzerland before engaging with industrialists at a local hotel. He will also meet Telugu industrialists and discuss investment opportunities at the Meet and Greet Telugu Diaspora event. The Chief Minister aims to use Davos as a platform to showcase Andhra Pradesh's human resources, infrastructure, government subsidies, stable leadership, and efficient business environment. These factors are expected to attract both national and international companies, according to a statement released on Saturday. Following his engagements in Zurich, CM Naidu will travel four hours by road to Davos. There, he will participate in a dinner meeting with industrialists and have a special meeting with ArcelorMittal executive chairman Lakshmi Mittal. These meetings are part of his strategy to secure investments for Andhra Pradesh. During the four-day World Economic Forum event, CM Naidu will engage in discussions on green hydrogen. He is scheduled to meet chief executives and chairpersons from companies like Coca-Cola, Welspun, LG, Carlsberg, Cisco, Walmart International, and Cognizant Technologies. The Chief Minister has planned at least 10 meetings and conferences each day during his visit. CM Naidu's visit will conclude on the fourth day when he returns to Zurich before heading back to India. Accompanying him on this trip are IT Minister Nara Lokesh, Industries Minister TG Bharat, and other officials who will assist in promoting Andhra Pradesh's investment potential. Tel Aviv, Jan 19 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel reserves the right to resume fighting Hamas if its ceasefire-for-hostages deal with the militant group falls apart -- and that it would have US backing in doing so. In a televised address made hours before the ceasefire is set to begin Sunday morning, Netanyahu praised the deal, which he said was thanks in part to both the outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration. The Prime Minister, who faces a growing political firestorm surrounding the deal in Israel, vowed to "achieve all the goals of the war and bring everyone home". "This agreement is, first and foremost, the result of the courage of our fighters in battle, 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," Netanyahu said. The Prime Minister cautioned Hamas to follow the rules of the deal. Netanyahu said both Biden and Trump had agreed to support Israel's "right to return to fighting" if Hamas does not abide by the deal. "I deeply appreciate that," he added. "If we need to return to fighting, we will do so in new ways, and we will do it with great strength," Netanyahu said. Netanyahu said that he stuck to three "fundamental principles" in the negotiations that led to the ceasefire-for-hostages deal agreed with Hamas. First, he said in a televised address on Saturday, was Israel's right to return to war, with the backing of the US, if negotiations on the second phase of the deal break down. Secondly, Netanyahu said he fought for a "significant increase" in the number of living hostages to be released in the first stage of the deal. He claimed to have "nearly doubled" that number since discussions in May, but did not specify. Thirty-three hostages are expected to be released by Hamas in the first stage of the deal, but it remains unclear how many of them are living. Israel has typically included hostages who have died but whose remains have not been returned to Israel among its official hostage tally. The third principle, according to Netanyahu, was that Israel would maintain full control over the Philadelphi Corridor -- the thin strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border -- and the security buffer zone surrounding the entire Gaza Strip. Israel's continued military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor was previously a sticking point in negotiations, but Netanyahu said Saturday that, "contrary to all the reports I hear from the outside," Israel was "not only not reducing the forces there -- we are even slightly increasing them". Netanyahu added that the 42-day first phase, was a "temporary ceasefire". "If we are forced to resume the war, we will do so with force," the Israeli PM said, adding that Israel had "changed the face of the Middle East" since the war began. 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 a" and comes more than a year after the only other ceasefire achieved. The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will go into effect Sunday at 8:30 am local time, mediator Qatar announced on Saturday. Both sides have hinted that an exchange of hostages for prisoners will happen only after 4 p.m., 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. Earlier, Netanyahu demanded that Hamas provide a list of names of hostages to be freed on Sunday before any prisoner swap takes place. "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," his office said. His statement came almost three hours after Israel had expected to receive the names, which Hamas was to give to mediator Qatar. There was no immediate response from Hamas or Qatar. Washington, Jan 19 : US President-elect Donald Trump has said that he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "keep doing what has to be done" while emphasising his desire to see the war between Israel and Hamas end. He again warned that "all hell will break out" if both parties do not uphold the ceasefire-hostage agreement. Trump told NBC News in a phone interview on Saturday that he plans to meet with Netanyahu "fairly shortly" but declined to share more details about a possible meeting. He said he told Netanyahu "this has to end" but that he should "just keeping doing what you have to do". When asked if he was confident hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza would be released as part of the agreement, Trump said, "Well, we're going to see very soon, and it better hold." He added that the US will demand "respect" to ensure the agreement will be observed and warned of consequences if it does not hold. "The United States has to get respected again, and it has to get respected fast. But respect is the primary word that I use," he said. "If they respect us, it will hold. If they don't respect us, all hell will break out." Trump's incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz and his incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff worked alongside the Biden administration in helping facilitate the ceasefire agreement, which is expected to go into effect on Sunday. Currently, 33 hostages are set to be released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners beginning on Sunday, though Hamas has yet to provide a list of names to Israel. Trump told NBC his administration will uphold the ceasefire with "good government". "Respect. The United States has to be respected again, and it has to be respected fast. But respect is the primary word that I use," he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he stuck to three "fundamental principles" in the negotiations that led to the ceasefire-for-hostages deal agreed with Hamas. First, he said in a televised address on Saturday, was Israel's right to return to war, with the backing of the United States, if negotiations on the second phase of the deal break down. Secondly, Netanyahu said he fought for a "significant increase" in the number of living hostages to be released in the first stage of the deal. He claimed to have "nearly doubled" that number since discussions in May, but did not specify. Thirty-three hostages are expected to be released by Hamas in the first stage of the deal, but it remains unclear how many of them are living. Israel has typically included hostages who have died but whose remains have not been returned to Israel among its official hostage tally. The third principle, according to Netanyahu, was that Israel would maintain full control over the Philadelphi Corridor a" the thin strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border a" and the security buffer zone surrounding the entire Gaza Strip. Israel's continued military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor was previously a sticking point in negotiations, but Netanyahu said Saturday that, "contrary to all the reports I hear from the outside," Israel was "not only not reducing the forces there a" we are even slightly increasing them". New York, Jan 19 : Campaigning for the US President, Donald Trump brandished several promises and threats for his Day one in office when he said he would be a "dictator" for a day. He and his aides have prepared a slew of executive orders, and he is expected to sign them at two ceremonies, one at the Capitol after his Monday noon swearing-in, and another later at the Oval Office. Media reports have suggested that there could be as many as 100 orders. Immigration and opening up petroleum and gas extraction would be at the top of his Day One agenda, taking care of two issues that were the voters' concerns. On the international front, one of his demands, ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, will go into effect on Sunday just before his threat that there will be "all hell to pay" if it is not sorted out before his inauguration. Ending the Ukraine War was another priority, and he had boasted that it would end within 24 hours of taking office or before that. There is no sign of that happening on Day One -- or even Week 1. Trump's claim to be a dictator on Day One, perhaps made with his non-serious bombast, became a campaign point for Vice-President Kamala Harris who lost the election. In an interview, a Fox News host Sean asked him if he was going to be a dictator, and Trump said, "No, no, no, other than Day 1. We're closing the border and we're drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I'm not a dictator." On the immigration agenda, Trump's Border Czar Tom Homan said Friday night on Fox News that "there's going to be a big raid across the country" against criminal illegal immigrants. Trump's original -- or literal a"- threat to deport all the illegal migrants estimated to number more than 11 million (including about 725,000 Indians) will be a logistical impossibility, so the focus will be on those with criminal records. Homan said that on Tuesday, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) "is finally going to go out and do their job" and will be allowed to "go arrest criminal aliens". This action would bring the Trump administration into direct conflict with some of the Democratic-run cities like New York and Chicago which have declared themselves to be sanctuary cities and some states like Illinois that have laws protecting illegal migrants from federal agencies. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said the state had laws to protect undocumented migrants and Pritzker said, "I am going to make sure to follow the law." Trump has said that he would decisively close the border to asylum-seekers, requiring those wanting asylum to apply outside the country. He also said that he would end birthright citizenship -- giving anyone born in the US, regardless of their parents' immigration status, the right to become a citizen. But that would require a constitutional amendment, a long drawn-out process. Trump sees increased energy production as the way to reduce prices because energy costs make up a significant portion of the production and transportation costs. His Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt has said that within moments of taking over, he would "expedite permits" for drilling and for fracking, a method of extracting natural gas. Proactively in a series of last-minute orders, Biden banned offshore drilling in coastal waters and extended areas in the Arctic where drilling is prohibited. Trump will be undoing them. A climate change skeptic, he will also undo some Biden edicts like those mandating that 50 per cent of all vehicles sold should be electric by 2030. The far-right of his political base will be looking for his Day One promise to pardon those who took part in the January 6, 2021, riots aiming to stop the Congressional certification of President Joe Biden's election. After hearing Trump say at a rally that he was the real winner of the 2020 election and it was being stolen from him, some of his supporters broke into the Capitol to stop the certification. Some of them have been convicted, including of violent acts, and others await trial. Trump views tariffs -- customs duties on imports -- as holding the key to increasing domestic manufacturing and creating jobs, while also bringing down the foreign exchange deficit. But above all, for him, it is a foreign policy tool for coercion. He has warned that one of his first executive orders would clamp a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico because of their "open borders". This gives them the option to comply with his -- as yet -- vague conditions for closing the border, and to avoid chaos in the market, there would likely be a transition before they are collected. He said in an interview with Time magazine that he would be looking into it within "maybe the first nine minutes". Make in America was one of the priorities in Trump's first administration and he said that he would relaunch it starting with the auto industry on Day one. Another economy-related Day one agenda, some reports said may be setting up a national cryptocurrency reserve. On the social front, his Day one priorities, Trump said, included scrapping Trump's rules allowing boys who say they are transgender to use girls bathrooms in schools and vice-versa, and ending federal funding for schools that have, according to him, "inappropriate" curriculum dealing with transgender, race sex, and politics. Mumbai, Jan 19 : The Mumbai Police have arrested a man named Vijay Das as the main accused in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case from Maharashtra's Thane West area, officials said in the early hours of Sunday. The arrest was made in a joint operation conducted by DCP Zone-6 Navnath Dhavale's team and the Kasarvadavali police at a labour camp near the metro construction site, behind the TCS Call Center in Hiranandani Estate, Thane West. Actor Saif Ali Khan suffered six stab wounds while struggling with the intruder who broke into his Bandra residence early on Thursday with the intent of robbery. The attacker had fled the scene, following which the actor's son Ibrahim Ali Khan rushed him to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Saif Ali Khan, who was said to be out of danger, is under recovery at the hospital. The prime accused, identified as Vijay Das, was previously employed at a pub in Mumbai. Now that he has been arrested, police will present before court later on Sunday for remand, the Mumbai crime branch said. Mumbai Police has said that the accused multiple names including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammad Iliyas, media reported. The attacker was caught in CCTV footage of the Satguru Sharan building, which houses actor Saif Ali Khan and his family. DCP Zone-9 Dikshit Gedam revealed that the attacker used the staircase to get upstairs to Saif's 12th-floor apartment. Saif Ali Khan's home staff Eliyamma Philips alias Lima was present in the house at the time of the incident and was the first one to spot the accused. In a bid to stop him, she engaged in a scuffle with him which resulted in the injuries on her hand. Hearing Lima's scream, Saif Ali Khan got alarmed and stepped out of his room. As he struggled with the accused, he struck the actor with a sharp knife around six times. Following this, the attacker fled the scene. In her statement to the Mumbai Police, Lima had described the attacker as a slim, dark-complexioned man in his late thirties, around 5 feet 5 inches tall. Almost six hours after this incident, the accused was caught on CCTV camera buying headphones at a store in Dadar in a blue shirt around 9 a.m. on Thursday. Earlier, he was also seen at Bandra railway station, where he is believed to have boarded a train. Saif Ali Khan's wife and actress Kareena Kapoor Khan had told the police that the accused got 'very aggressive' during his scuffle with Saif and stabbed the actor repeatedly. However, she said, he did not touch any of the jewellery kept in the open. Saif Ali Khan was grievously injured in the scuffle with the attacker at his home. Doctors at Lilavati Hospital had revealed that the actor walked in with a knife lodged in his spine, adding that his spinal fluid was leaking. Admitted with six injuries to the hospital, which included two deep wounds on his left hand and neck, Saif Ali Khan underwent multiple surgeries and was said to be "out of danger". He was moved to the intensive care unit to be kept under observation. On Friday, Niraj Uttamani, the chief operating officer of the Hospital, told reporters that Saif was shifted to a special room and was under recovery. "He is completely cheerful. In fact, we are planning a discharge in the next two to three days," he added. Doctors praised Saif Ali Khan's courage and said that they have kept the visitors in check to ensure that he gets enough rest. Jammu, Jan 19 : The inter-ministerial team of experts constituted under orders of Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive here on Sunday to visit Budhal village of Rajouri district to probe 'mysterious deaths'. Jammu, Jan 19 (IANS) The inter-ministerial team of experts constituted under orders of Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive here on Sunday to visit Budhal village of Rajouri district to probe amysterious deathsa. The Union Home Minister ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial team comprising experts from the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry and the Ministry of Water Resources. Officials said the team will go to Budhal village which has some of the most reputed experts in their fields. This inter-ministerial team will be assisted by Jammu and Kashmir's forensic sciences, animal husbandry and food safety departments. Sixteen people, including children belonging to three families of Budhal village in Kotranka sub-division of Rajouri district, have died since December 8 due to a disease that causes high fever, excessive sweating, unconsciousness and death. Samples analysed from the countryas best laboratories have shown that no virus or bacteria is responsible for these deaths while toxins have been found in the analysed samples. A team of local doctors headed by Dr A.S. Bhatia, principal of the government medical college Rajouri, held a press conference on Saturday in Budhal village to address the fears of the local population. Bhatia said that toxins could have caused brain damage that becomes irreversible if not treated immediately. He said patients had mostly reported at hospitals after the toxins had caused irreversible brain damage about which the attending doctors could not do much. The UT government has asked police in the Rajouri district to probe the criminal angle of these deaths as just three families in the village have been stricken by these unfortunate deaths. A family of seven members lost five of its members to this mysterious disease. The affected families have been isolated after experts from the local health department scanned 3,500 residents of Budhal and adjacent villages. Rajouri police have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) and started an investigation into these incidents. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston speaks with Denver Police Department Chief Ron Thomas, left, at a news conference at 16th Street and Arapahoe on Monday following four stabbings that killed two people and injured another two over the weekend. Damascus, Jan 19 : The top commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said his fighters do not intend to surrender their weapons or dissolve their ranks but are willing to negotiate their incorporation into Syria's future military structure. In an interview with Al Arabiya on Saturday, Mazloum Abdi warned that any approach other than a joint agreement would "lead to major problems." "We haven't decided to give up our arms or disband," Abdi said, noting that the SDF is open to talks about forming "a single national army." He added that the SDF proposed creating a joint military committee to study the issue and emphasised his opposition to "two separate armies in Syria." Abdi remarked that SDF representatives were not invited to discussions led by Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa regarding the integration of various factions into Syria's new Defense Ministry, reports Xinhua news agency. "The outcome of those meetings does not concern us because we were not part of them," he stated, underscoring that the SDF's relationship with al-Sharaa "depends on actions, not words." Refuting rumours that Iran has supplied the SDF with weaponry, Abdi dismissed the need for Iranian arms, including drones, and underlined that US forces remain important mediators. "We value the presence of American troops in Syria to help narrow differences in viewpoints," he said. The SDF, bolstered by US support and dominated by Kurdish units, controls extensive areas in northern and eastern Syria. An SDF delegation met with al-Sharaa in Damascus on December 30 for the first time since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government on December 8, 2024. Amid the surprise advance led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces into Damascus in early December, Turkish-backed factions launched an offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, forcing the SDF to withdraw from certain areas. Turkiye views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which forms the core of the SDF, as an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). No immediate comment was available from the new Syrian administration regarding Abdi's statements, though officials have previously expressed a desire to incorporate all factions into a unified national force. Khartoum, Jan 19 : Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, has been facing a significant drinking water crisis over the past five days due to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attack on the Merowe Dam in Northern State, local authorities said. "Due to the complete interruption of electricity supply, a water crisis occurred as the Nile stations and wells went out of service," the Khartoum State government said in a statement on Saturday, attributing the power outage and water shortage to the RSF drone attack on the Merowe Dam, a hydroelectric dam on the Nile River. "We are making intensive efforts to implement some urgent solutions to address the drinking water crisis," it added. The Merowe Dam, located about 350 km north of Khartoum, is one of the largest hydropower projects in Africa. Governor of Khartoum State, Ahmed Osman Hamza, inspected a number of wells in the western districts of Al-Thawra neighbourhood, checking the operation of wells with generators, the state's media office said Saturday. It noted that the governor has instructed authorities to supply citizens with water from the Al-Manara water station's reserve. Meanwhile, Khartoum State Water Corporation said its engineers were working on implementing emergency measures to operate the water wells and restore water flow into the national network. It revealed that 15 wells have been activated in several neighbourhoods, which has significantly contributed to providing water supply to some areas. Omdurman, Sudan's second most populous city, has seen a surge in population after it became one of the safest areas in the state, prompting thousands of displaced people to move to the city. Amid the severe water shortage, residents have to stand in long queues to obtain water from old wells or water trucks. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 29,683 lives and displaced nearly 15 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organisations. Mumbai, Jan 19 : The Mumbai Police on Sunday said that a man, identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, has been arrested from Maharashtra's Thane in the Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan attack case, adding that he could be originally from Bangladesh. Dikshit Gedam, DCP, Crime Branch Mumbai, while addressing a press conference here said, "There is primary evidence to anticipate that the accused is a Bangladeshi. He does not have valid Indian documents. Some seizures indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national..." He said that on January 16, at 2 a.m., actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his residence. "FIR was registered and one accused has been arrested. His name is Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, he is 30 years old. He entered the house with the intention of robbery. He will be produced in the court and custody will be demanded," said the DCP. Further investigation will take place. "We doubt he is of Bangladeshi origin..."said the DCP He further said, "The accused came to Mumbai 5 to 6 months ago. After that, he started living in various other areas and came to Mumbai 15 days ago He was using Vijay Das as his current name." "He used to work in a housekeeping agency. After entering India illegally he changed his name," the DCP said. The accused was caught near the Hiranandani Estate in Kasarvadavali, about 35 kilometres from Saif's residence. Initially, he said his name was Vijay Das and later grilling revealed his real name. He had changed his name out of fear of getting caught. The arrest by the Mumbai Police was made in a joint operation conducted by DCP Zone-6 Navnath Dhavale's team and the Kasarvadavali police at a labour camp near the metro construction site, behind the TCS Call Center in Hiranandani Estate, Thane West. Actor Saif Ali Khan suffered six stab wounds while struggling with the intruder who broke into his Bandra residence early on Thursday with the intent of robbery. The attacker had fled the scene. The actor was rushed to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Saif Ali Khan, who was said to be out of danger, is recovering at the hospital. The prime accused was previously employed at a pub in Mumbai. Now that he has been arrested, police will present before the court later on Sunday for remand, the Mumbai crime branch said. Mumbai Police have said that the accused had multiple names, including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammad Ilyas, media reported. The attacker was caught in CCTV footage of the Satguru Sharan building, which houses actor Saif Ali Khan and his family. DCP Zone-9 Dikshit Gedam revealed that the attacker used the staircase to get upstairs to Saif's 12th-floor apartment. Saif Ali Khan's home staff Eliyamma Philips alias Lima was present in the house at the time of the incident and was the first one to spot the accused. In a bid to stop him, she engaged in a scuffle with him which resulted in the injuries on her hand. Hearing Lima's scream, Saif Ali Khan got alarmed and stepped out of his room. As he struggled with the accused, he struck the actor with a sharp knife around six times. Following this, the attacker fled the scene. In her statement to the Mumbai Police, Lima had described the attacker as a slim, dark-complexioned man in his late thirties, around 5 feet 5 inches tall. Almost six hours after this incident, the accused was caught on CCTV camera buying headphones at a store in Dadar in a blue shirt around 9 a.m. on Thursday. Earlier, he was also seen at Bandra railway station, where he is believed to have boarded a train. Saif Ali Khan's wife and actress Kareena Kapoor Khan had told the police that the accused got 'very aggressive' during his scuffle with Saif and stabbed the actor repeatedly. However, she said, he did not touch any of the jewellery kept in the open. Saif Ali Khan was grievously injured in the scuffle with the attacker at his home. Admitted with six injuries to the hospital, which included two deep wounds on his left hand and neck, Saif Ali Khan underwent multiple surgeries and was said to be "out of danger". He was moved to the intensive care unit to be kept under observation. On Friday, Niraj Uttamani, the chief operating officer of the Hospital, told reporters that Saif was shifted to a special room and was under recovery. "He is completely cheerful. In fact, we are planning a discharge in the next two to three days," he added. Doctors praised Saif Ali Khan's courage and said that they have kept the visitors in check to ensure that he gets enough rest. Damascus, Jan 19 : Nearly 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their home country since December last year, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. As of January 16, about 195,200 Syrians have returned home since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's government on December 8, 2024, according to figures posted by Grandi on social media platform X on Saturday. He also announced plans to visit Syria and neighbouring countries soon to strengthen the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, for returnees and host communities, though the timeline remains unspecified, reports Xinhua news agency. Meanwhile, according to the post, the UNHCR estimates more than 550,000 Syrians returned to their home country in 2024, with the northern Aleppo governorate receiving the largest share -- about 23 per cent of the returnees. While many Syrian refugees have shown interest in returning, a UNHCR report released on Friday noted mixed sentiments, as some refugees remain cautious. Many of them have emphasised the need for financial and logistical assistance to be able to return and rebuild their lives and homes inside Syria. In response, the UNHCR and its partner organisations advance an inter-agency plan to facilitate refugee returns, according to the report. The agency also underscored the importance of sustained funding and protection programs for both refugees and host communities. Earlier on December 17, the UNHCR Director for the Middle East and North Africa Rema Jamous Imseis said that around 1 million Syrian refugees may return to their homeland between January and June 2025. "We have forecasted that we hope to see somewhere in the order of one million Syrians returning between January and June of next year," Imseis had said during a press conference in Geneva. She described the recent developments as bringing "a tremendous amount of hope" for resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. However, she emphasised that regime change does not necessarily mean the end of the ongoing crisis, highlighting the immense challenges ahead. Seoul, Jan 19 : Senior politicians and business leaders have departed for the United States to attend Donald Trump's presidential inauguration ceremony, officials said on Sunday. With Trump set to return to the White House, questions have been raised over whether South Korea can push for high-level engagement with the incoming U.S. administration in the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law imposition and his subsequent impeachment. Seven lawmakers of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, including Rep. Kim Seok-ki from the ruling People Power Party (PPP), departed for Washington on Saturday, reports YOnhap news agency. The PPP also sent a separate diplomatic delegation to the U.S., and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo and Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok will also attend Trump's inauguration ceremony slated for Monday (U.S. time). Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin will attend the inauguration ceremony, along with Coupang Inc. Chairman Kim Bom; Ryu Jin, Poongsan Group chairman and head of the Federation of Korean Industries; Woo Oh-hyun, chairman of construction and shipping conglomerate SM Group; and bakery giant SPC Group Chairman Hur Young-in. Among them, Chung and Kim will also attend the presidential inaugural ball to be held in the evening of the inauguration day. Outgoing US President Joe Biden is set to leave office next week, handing over to his successor Donald Trump a reinvigorated network of America's alliances and partnerships, and a disheartening scorecard on efforts toward the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Four years ago, Biden came into office on a pledge to knit back America's alliances that he claimed had "atrophied" during Trump's first term, as the Democratic president repeatedly stressed the importance of allies and partners as the U.S.' "greatest strategic assets." a"IANS na/ New Delhi, Jan 19 : Union Minister for Railways and Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, will participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 at Davos, it was announced on Sunday. His visit highlights India's commitment to driving inclusive growth and transformative development, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Ministry of Electronics & IT. "PM Modi has focused on inclusive development that brings transformative changes in the lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid. From financial inclusion through bank accounts to providing essential services like toilets, gas connections, tap water, and improving infrastructure in both rural and urban areas, this is something which the world wants to understand", said the Minister before departing to Davos. The Union Minister mentioned there will be a detailed discussion at the World Economic Forum about inclusive growth, investment in social, physical and digital infrastructure and democratising technology. "The world is keen to understand India's economic policies, the digital transformation brought about by the Digital India programme, and the way technology has been democratised to empower citizens across all strata of society," the minister stated. India's participation in WEF 2025 aims to strengthen partnerships, attract investment, and position the country as a global leader in sustainable development and technological innovation. India's innovative digital architecture, developed as part of the Digital India initiative, has set a global benchmark for leveraging technology to drive inclusive development, a key focus of discussions at the forum, according to the ministry. The country is sending five Union Ministers, three Chief Ministers and Ministers from several other states to WEF this time. The five-day meeting, beginning January 20, will explore how to re-launch growth, harness new technologies and strengthen social and economic resilience, according to the WEF. The global meeting will see participation by nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, including 350 governmental leaders. Mumbai, Jan 19 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has left for Davos in Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF), the CM's office said on Sunday. Industries Minister Uday Samant and a delegation of officials from MIDC, MMRDA, and CIDCO will also participate in the conference. Fadnavis left for Davos at midnight for the five-day event that begins on Monday. CM Fadnavis in his post on X said, "Auf nach Davos! With Maharashtra's blessings, taking off for Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum 2025.Will try to do best for our Magnetic Maharashtra !" The Maharashtra government is likely to sign MoUs for investment proposals worth Rs 7 lakh crore in various sectors, including high-end technologies, solar modules, semiconductors, green hydrogen and ammonia, agriculture processing, hotel and hospitality, education, health care, data centres, Artificial Intelligence, automobiles, EVs, electronics, steel, food processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure. According to the Chief Minister's Office, CM Fadnavis had earlier participated in the WEF conference three times during his first term. After that, the 'Magnetic Maharashtra Investment Conference' was organised twice in Mumbai under his leadership. Due to this, Maharashtra had come to the first position from the fifth position in industrial investment. "This tour will try to bring a large amount of investment to the state to make Maharashtra a one trillion dollar economy. Of course, the main objective of employment generation will also be achieved through this," it says. During the WEF conference held in January 2023, the state government had inked MoUs for investment proposals worth Rs 1.40 lakh crore with 19 companies across sectors like infrastructure, IT, steel, agriculture and food processing. Further, in January 2024, the government signed MoUs for investment proposals worth Rs 3.53 lakh crore. CM's Davos visit is important as the state government proposes to soon release a new industrial policy, electronic policy, gems and jewellery policy and defence and aerospace policy to further attract both domestic and foreign direct investments. Union Minister for Railways and Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, will participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 at Davos to be held from January 20 to 24. "PM Modi has focused on inclusive development that brings transformative changes in the lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid. From financial inclusion through bank accounts to providing essential services like toilets, gas connections, tap water, and improving infrastructure in both rural and urban areas, this is something which the world wants to understand", said the Minister before departing to Davos. The Union Minister mentioned there will be a detailed discussion at the World Economic Forum about inclusive growth, investment in social, physical and digital infrastructure and democratising technology. "The world is keen to understand India's economic policies, the digital transformation brought about by the Digital India programme, and the way technology has been democratised to empower citizens across all strata of society," the minister stated. India's participation in WEF 2025 aims to strengthen partnerships, attract investment, and position the country as a global leader in sustainable development and technological innovation. India's innovative digital architecture, developed as part of the Digital India initiative, has set a global benchmark for leveraging technology to drive inclusive development, a key focus of discussions at the forum, according to the ministry. The country is sending five Union Ministers, three Chief Ministers and Ministers from several other states to WEF this time. The five-day meeting, beginning January 20, will explore how to re-launch growth, harness new technologies and strengthen social and economic resilience, according to the WEF. The global meeting will see participation by nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, including 350 governmental leaders. Tripoli, Jan 19 : The Acting Chairman of Libya's state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC), Masoud Sulaiman, said that the company plans to increase daily oil and gas production to two million barrels over the next three years if "the right funds are made available." Speaking at the third Libya Energy and Economy Summit in Tripoli on Saturday, Sulaiman announced that Libya's oil sector is on a path of continuous recovery. He highlighted the NOC's achievements over the past three years, including a significant increase in crude oil production, which has surpassed 1.41 million barrels per day, along with gains in gas and condensate production, according to a NOC statement published on its Facebook page, reports Xinhua news agency. Sulaiman confirmed that the NOC is making efforts to advance the local petrochemical industry and seeks to enhance refining capabilities to meet both local and international demand. He also emphasised the importance of encouraging the private sector to play a key role as a service provider for the oil and gas industry. The NOC revealed on Friday that the country's daily oil production exceeded 1.41 million barrels, and gas production indicators recorded more than 210,000 equivalent barrels. The two-day Third Libya Energy and Economy Summit kicks off here on Saturday. The opening ceremony was attended by Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah, as well as the secretaries-general of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), the African Petroleum Producers' Organization (APPO), and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Libya's oil industry, the backbone of its economy, has frequently been caught in the crossfire of political disputes since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Seoul, Jan 19 : Under his America First leitmotif, incoming US President Donald Trump appears poised to bring a shift in the United States' approach to the alliance with South Korea, North Korea's unabated nuclear threats, trade and other key issues. Trump will take the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday as the US 47th president amid expectations that he will employ a diplomatic playbook that seeks to curtail America's costly overseas engagement, pressure allies to shoulder more security burden and redress US trade deficits for the sake of American interests. His swearing-in comes as South Korea is reeling from the aftermath of now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid last month, with the current period of political uncertainty feared to weaken Seoul's hands in policy coordination with the Trump administration. In his second term, Trump's America First credo is expected to be an overarching theme of his administration's policy formulation and implementation given that he has named stalwart loyalists for Cabinet posts in the absence of the "axis of adults" that can help stably guide the US' foreign and security policy. US allies like South Korea have now been bracing for the return of Trump's perceived transactional foreign policy approach -- a far cry from the Biden administration's formula centring on rebuilding and cementing a network of allies and partners as America's "greatest strategic asset." "We know the transition from the Biden to the Trump administration represents a significant shift in how the United States approaches allies," Patrick Cronin, chair for Asia-Pacific Security at the Washington-based Hudson Institute, told Yonhap News Agency via email. "There is a time for strenuous demands on allies, but now is not that time for South Korea." In South Korea, concerns have persisted that Trump could demand Seoul raise its financial contributions to the stationing of the 28,500-strong US Forces Korea (USFK), though a new cost-sharing deal for the 2026-30 period was signed last year. Trump has already asserted the need for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states to spend 5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence -- much higher than the current 2 per cent guideline of the transatlantic alliance. In his campaign remarks in October, Trump called South Korea a "money machine" and claimed that South Korea would be paying US$10 billion a year for the upkeep of USFK if he was in the White House. Under the new cost-sharing deal, Seoul is to pay 1.52 trillion won ($1.04 billion) in 2026, up from 1.4 trillion won in 2025. Trump's picks for Cabinet posts underscored that they are in sync with Trump's view on NATO and other allies when they appeared at recent Senate confirmation hearings. "I think there's been broad acknowledgement across Europe and across multiple administrations, both Republican and Democrat, that our NATO partners ... these are rich, advanced economies, need to contribute more to their own defence and ultimately to the NATO partnership as well," Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio said. The Florida senator added that what matters is for the US not just to have defence allies, but to have "capable" allies that are able to defend their own region. When it comes to diplomacy toward North Korea, expectations remain high that Trump might seek to resume his direct diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, given that on the stump, he repeatedly boasted about his personal ties with the reclusive leader. During his time in office, Trump employed a direct leader-to-leader approach with the North, leading to three in-person meetings with Kim, including the first-ever bilateral summit in Singapore in 2018, though serious nuclear talks have been stalled since the no-deal summit in Hanoi in February 2019. Trump's recent personnel choices have added to growing expectations for a rekindling of diplomacy between the US and the North. Earlier this month, Trump picked William Harrison -- an aide, who was involved in planning summits with the North Korean leader during his first term -- as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for operations. Last month, he named former Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell as his presidential envoy for special missions that he said cover "some of the hottest spots" around the world, including North Korea, while tapping Alex Wong, who was engaged in working-level nuclear talks with the North, as his principal deputy national security adviser. Still, it remains to be seen whether Pyongyang has an appetite to reengage with Washington as it now relies on Russia for food, fuel, security assistance and other forms of support in the wake of its support for Moscow's protracted war in Ukraine. In Seoul, concerns have persisted that with Yoon's suspension from official duties and the absence of a fully elected president in office, policy coordination with the Trump administration could weaken, or South Korea could be sidelined or bypassed during Trump's diplomacy toward Pyongyang. This is a key line of concern over the future trajectory of the Seoul-Washington alliance under Trump as the political turmoil continues in the Asian country currently led by acting President Choi Sang-mok. "This is a tale of two allies on different tracks. The US will be starting a new government that will move at 100 miles per hour starting January 21. Trump will be signing EOs (executive orders) on all sorts of issues," Victor Cha, president of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Yonhap News via email. "Meanwhile, South Korea is stuck in neutral gear, not moving forward, and politically paralysed by the impeachment crisis. It is imperative that the adjudication of the case be done promptly and without partisan bickering. The longer the delay in resolving the situation -- however it is resolved -- the more disadvantageous to the alliance," he added. Frank Aum, a former senior Pentagon adviser on Korea, said the lack of certainty and direction in Seoul's foreign policy might increase the likelihood for the Trump administration to take greater initiative on the alliance and North Korea policy. "A stronger, more legitimate ROK president would be in the best position to advocate for ROK interests, especially in instances where Washington and Seoul are not on the same page," Aum told Yonhap via email. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. Trump's unconventional, uncertainty-laced brand of diplomacy has been what keeps allies and partners on edge. Recently, Trump took them by surprise when he refused to rule out using military or economic coercion to retake the canal that Panama took control of in 1999 and acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory -- a move that some say has laid bare an expansionist facet of his foreign policy. Nam Chang-hee, a political science professor at Korea's Inha University, interpreted Trump's move on the Panama Canal and Greenland in a broader geopolitical context, saying the new president looks set to conduct a global "chess game" against China, a rival that has steadily been striving to expand its sphere of influence. In the midst of the intensifying rivalry with China, Trump would come to grips with the strategic value of South Korea, a capable treaty ally home to major US Army and Air Force installations in close proximity to China's mainland. "Taken together in a broader scheme of things, I don't think that the South Korea-US relationship would waver significantly during the Trump administration, compared with the NATO alliance," Nam said. "If the defence cost issue is not handled wisely, it could become a source of friction or lead to a dissonance between the allies in a microscopic light, although the strategic value of South Korea would improve given the Sino-US chess game." Some observers construed Trump's move on the Panal Canal and Greenland as another indication of the new US president giving short shrift to international norms or institutions and aggressively tripling down on his America First agenda. "I think that it would become difficult to expect the role of America's global leadership, and my concern is that in a post-Trump era, things might proceed in a similar way," Kim Tae-hyung, professor of international politics at Soongsil University, said. On trade, Trump is poised to introduce new tariffs on all imported goods -- a measure that would also affect South Korea's trade with the world's largest economy. He has pledged to slap blanket tariffs of 10 to 20 per cent on all imports and threatened to impose tariffs of up to 60 per cent on Chinese goods. During his Senate confirmation hearing this month, Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent said that under the incoming administration, tariffs will be used for remedying unfair trade practices by China and other countries as well as for negotiations. Wendy Cutler, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute and former negotiator of the South Korea-US free trade agreement, said that Seoul needs to signal to Trump Seoul's efforts to help reduce America's trade deficit and pitch itself as a crucial partner based on a story of Korean businesses' substantial investment in the US. "Even though a trade deficit can't be turned around overnight, I think that Korea could signal that it takes this seriously and is taking steps, including efforts to buy more US goods and services and export less to the United States, that it's taking these steps in an effort to help bring the deficit down," Cutler said in a recent interview with Yonhap. New Delhi, Jan 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised people's participation in the Maha Kumbh, being organised in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, as a celebration of India's "unity in diversity." Addressing the 118th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi referred to the Maha Kumbh as the "Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh" (Maha Kumbh of Unity). "Maha Kumbh has started in Prayagraj. The scenes are extraordinary --memorable crowds and an incredible confluence of equality and harmony. This time, the festival has been enriched with divine planetary alignments. The Kumbh celebrates the festival of unity in diversity," he said. Highlighting the inclusivity of the event, PM Modi stated, "People from across the world gather at the sands of Sangam. This age-old tradition knows no discrimination or casteism. People from southern, eastern, and western India come together. Rich and poor unite at the Kumbh, taking a dip in the Sangam, sharing community feasts, and receiving prasad. That is why Kumbh is truly the Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh." He emphasised that the Kumbh demonstrates how traditions bind the entire nation together, saying, "From Prayagraj, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nasik in the north to Pushkaram festivals along the Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, and Kaveri rivers in the south, all are connected by shared beliefs. Similarly, from Kumbakonam to Thirukadaiyur, Kudavasal to Tirucherai, countless temples reflect traditions linked to the Kumbh." Noting the increasing involvement of youth in the festival, the Prime Minister said, "When the younger generation proudly connects with its civilisation, its roots grow stronger, ensuring a golden future." He also lauded the digital advancements seen in the Kumbh, calling its global popularity "a matter of pride for every Indian." PM Modi further mentioned the massive participation in the Gangasagar Mela held in West Bengal during Makar Sankranti, noting, "Festivals like Kumbh, Pushkaram, and Gangasagar Mela encourage social harmony, unity, and traditions that connect the people of India." He reflected on how India's festivals reinforce spiritual, social, cultural, and economic aspects, drawing parallels with the emphasis on religion, wealth, desire, and scriptures in Indian philosophy. The Prime Minister also marked the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling it "a day of the rebirth of India's cultural consciousness." "As we progress on the path of development, preserving our heritage and drawing inspiration from it is essential," he stressed. The Maha Kumbh 2025 officially began on Paush Purnima, with thousands of saints and devotees braving the cold to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. The Associated pRess file Republican U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn speaks during a 2023 House committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Colorado Springs lawmaker, who isnt seeking reelection in 2024, on Monday endorsed Jeff Crank in the GOP primary for the heavily Republican seat hes represented for nine terms. New Delhi, Jan 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the successful launch of India's first private satellite constellation, 'Firefly,' by Bengaluru-based space-tech start-up Pixxel, calling it a testament to India's growing strength in space innovation. Addressing the 118th episode of his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi stated, "At the beginning of 2025 itself, India has achieved historic milestones in space exploration. Today, I am proud to announce that Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based Indian space-tech start-up, has successfully launched 'Firefly,' India's first private satellite constellation. This hyperspectral satellite constellation ranks among the world's finest for high-resolution imagery." Emphasising that this accomplishment represents a "significant step towards a 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," the Prime Minister said, "This success showcases the growing strength and innovation of our private space sector. On behalf of the nation, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the team at Pixxel, ISRO, and IN-SPACe for this remarkable achievement." The Prime Minister also highlighted another recent breakthrough in space technology by Indian scientists -- the successful execution of satellite docking in space. "When two spacecraft connect in space, it is termed space docking, a critical technology for sending supplies to space stations and crew missions. With this, India has become the fourth country to achieve this feat," PM Modi said. He further lauded ISRO's experiments in growing plants in space, citing the germination of cowpea seeds aboard a spacecraft as a pioneering step. "This inspiring experiment paves the way for growing vegetables in space in the future, demonstrating the foresight of our scientists," he said. PM Modi also spoke about IIT Madras's ExTeM Centre, which is advancing research in space manufacturing technologies like 3D-printed buildings, metal foams, and optical fibres. "This research will bolster India's Gaganyaan mission, and future space stations, and open new avenues for technological innovation," he noted, praising Indian scientists and innovators for their vision in addressing future challenges. Shifting focus to India's burgeoning start-up ecosystem, the Prime Minister celebrated the completion of nine years of the Start-Up India initiative. Expressing joy over the participation of youth in the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue,' which coincided with Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, PM Modi said, "Swami Vivekananda rightly said that passion for an idea is key to achieving one's goals. The dialogue with young leaders from across the country was inspiring, with discussions spanning start-ups, culture, women, youth, and infrastructure." "More than half of the start-ups formed in these nine years are from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It's heartening to see cities like Ambala, Hisar, Kangra, Chengalpattu, Bilaspur, Gwalior, and Washim emerging as vibrant hubs of innovation," he said. PM Modi highlighted the role of women in driving this growth, sharing that a significant number of start-ups in smaller cities are led by women entrepreneurs. "In a state like Nagaland, start-up registrations increased by over 200 per cent last year. Sectors like waste management, renewable energy, biotechnology, and logistics are witnessing remarkable start-up activity," he said, adding that young Indians are thinking beyond conventional sectors, achieving success through bold ideas. The Prime Minister also reflected on societal changes surrounding start-ups, recalling how they were once dismissed as unviable ventures. "A decade ago, people questioned the relevance of start-ups. Today, start-ups are setting new benchmarks. I encourage everyone to seize the opportunities India is creating and to trust in their dreams," he said. Prayagraj, Jan 19 : Devotees thronging Prayagraj to take a dip in Triveni Sangam the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj, are expressing happiness over the arrangements made by the Centre and state government. Selfie point with a huge cut out of Maha Kumbh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has become a major attraction of the event with the people queuing up to click a photo at the spot. Talking to IANS, several devotees, soaking in the spiritual energy of the event, opened up about their experience. Anand Dubey, a devotee from Jharkhand, said cleanliness and security arrangements are up to the mark and thanked the Modi and Yogi governments for the same. Dubey said: "Swachchta Abhiyaan is being followed properly and we are not noticing any litter." Police personnel deployed at every naka were extending all help to devotees who are new to this place, he said. On Digital Kumbh, he said that through an app, we can find out about food, administrative information or any particular point. Another devotee Mukesh said that he reached Pryagraj via train by booking a Tatkal ticket and did not face any inconvenience. Mukesh, a devotee from Jamshedpur said: "People who have reached here are lucky. Digital Kumbha has been successful. Free tents are also available. We didn't face any difficulty. Everything is so good." Akash Khare from Mumbai said arrangements for everything are good and we are lucky to have made it to the Maha Kumbh. The ghats are clean. Toilets are available at every 100 metres. Ashwin Ghule from Mumbai said: "I feel lucky to have reached here, all arrangements are good. Toilets are available at every 100 metres. Sanjay Pande from Lucknow, who clicked a selfie with cutouts of PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath, also hailed the government for the arrangements. Raghuroop from Haryana said: "Yogi ji and Modi ji have made brilliant arrangements. We have taken selfies with the two great leaders." Chandan Kumar from Gaya said time to time sanitation workers clean the toilets. Shailesh Kumar Pandey from Jharkhand said he was having an amazing experience. Sanatani Suraj said: "I am feeling very good after coming here." Meanwhile, two devotees, who are observing 'Kalpvaas', also shared about the ritual and their experience at the event. Udaybhan Sharma said: "While observing 'Kalpvaas' (one-month stay) one has to take a dip in the Sangam before sunrise, listen to seers and visit them. He also shared that he has been observing Kalpvass for the past 17 years while noting that it is a very difficult practice if all the rules and regulations of the religious practices are observed properly. "However, the divine experience is such that if you once visit a Kumbh, you cannot stop yourself from coming the second time," he said. On how he feels during the month-long stay, Sharma said he felt blessed. Another devotee Pushpa Sharma said: "Kalpvass is difficult but can't be done in the village...old people can have food twice as they have to take medicines but the rule allows only one meal a day. And I am doing this." Sourabh Singh from Ettawah, a small vendor selling Prashad said: "Trade has increased. There is no dearth of anything" Another vendor, Jaihind Kashyap, from Auriya, said he has been visiting the city since 2021. Expressing joy over increased sales, he said that whatever he brings from 'mandi (wholesale market)' in the morning is sold by evening. Halki Bai from Jabalpur, who was selling vermillion at the Kumbh Mela, said she is doing well. "Food is provided for free. Everything is fine," she said. Manish Kashyap, a shopkeeper from Mathura said he is elated over the arrangements. "There is no tension," there is no tension. This Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 13, is expected to attract millions of devotees, with the event continuing until February 26, 2025. Notably, Indian Railways has stepped up its efforts to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims with well-equipped medical facilities at key railway stations, including Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj Junction. The observation rooms are equipped with crucial medical equipment such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines for heart-related concerns, defibrillators for cases of cardiac arrest, oxygen concentrators for respiratory issues, and glucometers for diabetic patients Melbourne, Jan 19 : Carlos Alcaraz's bid to complete the Career Grand Slam remains on track at the Australian Open after Jack Draper was forced to withdraw from the pair's fourth-round clash on Sunday. Melbourne, Jan 19 (IANS) Carlos Alcaraz's bid to complete the Career Grand Slam remains on track at the Australian Open after Jack Draper was forced to withdraw from the pairas fourth-round clash on Sunday. The Spaniard led Draper 7-5, 6-1 when the Briton was forced to stop. Alcaraz is now into his 10th Grand Slam quarterfinal, where he will take on record 10-time champion Novak Djokovic or Jiri Lehecka. By reaching the last eight at a major for the 10th time, Alcaraz equalled the Open Era record for the most Grand Slam quarterfinals reached by a man aged 21 or under. Before walking off the court, Alcaraz signed the camera with touching touching words for Draper, "You will be where you deserve. Get well soon, Jack!" he wrote on the camera. Draperas retirement came after Alcaraz had rectified a first-set lapse in scintillating fashion inside Rod Laver Arena. The third seed had carved out an early 5-2 lead and was in total command when he produced a frustrated, wayward sequence of games to allow Draper to level at 5-5. From there Alcaraz was regularly producing some typically outrageous shotmaking, he won eight of the next nine games as Draper, who received an off-court medical timeout at the end of the first set, began to feel the exertions of his opening-week heroics in Melbourne, ATP reports. Alcaraz sealed the second set against Draper with a display of serving dominance. The young Spaniard's blistering serves kept Draper at bay. Alcara struck a searing forehand winner to claim one of the points emphatically. Despite Draper's efforts, Alcaraz's offensive prowess on serve proved too much to handle, as the Spaniard comfortably held to take the second set 6-1. Alcaraz took a two-set lead in the match, before Draper decided to withdraw. "Itas not the way I want to win the match to get through to the next round. Iam just happy to play in another quarterfinal in Australia, but a little bit sad for Jack, heas a nice person. He doesnat deserve to get injured," said Alcaraz in his on-court interview. Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam in men's singles history. In a tournament that has been dominated by youth, the 21-year-old Alcaraz can become the youngest champion at the hard-court major since Novak Djokovic (20) in 2008. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 19 : One more person has been arrested in connection with trafficking Keralites to the Russian Army, police said on Sunday. The arrested individual has been identified as Sibi P.O., a resident of Thrissur. This follows the earlier arrests of Sandeep Thomas (40) from Ernakulam and Sumesh Antony (40) from Thrissur on Saturday. According to the police, the trio allegedly recruited young men with false promises of high-paying jobs in Russia, only to traffic them into military service. The accused face charges under the Emigration Act, as well as charges of human trafficking and cheating. The investigation was initiated following a complaint from Joicy John, the widow of Binil T.B., a youth from Wadakkancherry, Thrissur, who was killed in a drone attack while serving in the Russian Military Support Service. Binil and his relative Jayin Kurien travelled to Russia in April 2024 to secure employment as a plumber and electrician. However, the recruiters seized their passports and forced them into military service. Police revealed that Binil and Jayin were among several Indian youths who travelled to Russia for non-military jobs such as electricians, cooks, plumbers, and drivers. Sandeep Thomas, who has been living in Russia, is believed to be the prime conspirator. He allegedly used his network to recruit individuals from various districts in Kerala. Police also stated that Sumesh acted as an intermediary, operating from Chalakudy, while Sibi assisted in the operations. The investigation uncovered that the victims were lured with promises of employment in non-military roles, such as canteen workers and electricians. Upon arrival in Russia, they were reportedly forced to surrender their Indian passports, acquire permanent residency, and subsequently conscripted into the Russian Army, often being deployed on the frontlines of the ongoing war. This is the second reported death of a Keralite fighting for the Russian Army under similar circumstances. In August last year, another individual, Sandeep, a native of Thrissur, was also killed in a drone attack. Police sources confirmed that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the modus operandi of recruiting Indian youths into the Russian Military Support Service under the guise of civilian employment opportunities. New Delhi, Jan 19 : The political landscape has intensified following the arrest of the accused in the stabbing case of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. The Mumbai Police detained Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad on Sunday morning in Thane, Maharashtra, and suspect he may be a Bangladeshi national, igniting allegations and counter-accusations between political parties. Dikshit Gedam, DCP, Crime Branch Mumbai, confirmed the arrest of Shehzad, who reportedly attacked Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence early Thursday morning. "There is primary evidence to suggest the accused is a Bangladeshi. He lacks valid Indian documentation, and some seizures indicate he may not be an Indian citizen," said Gedam during a press conference. According to the police, Shehzad, aged 30, entered Saif Ali Khan's home with the intent to rob. The actor sustained six stab wounds during a struggle with the intruder and underwent multiple surgeries at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. He is now recovering and out of danger. The arrest has triggered sharp political exchanges. BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh lauded the swift action of the Mumbai Police and accused opposition parties of supporting illegal immigration. "The BJP has always taken a stand against illegal immigrants. This tragic incident highlights the issue of infiltrators. Parties like Congress, AAP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) must stop supporting illegal immigrants," Chugh told IANS. Speaking to IANS, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit called for a thorough investigation, stating, "If the accused is indeed a foreign national, the matter becomes even more serious. Mumbai Police must ensure justice." Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey criticised the BJP for failing to address the issue of illegal immigration. "The BJP has been in power at the Centre for over a decade and in Maharashtra for more than two years. If such individuals are allowed to roam freely and commit crimes, it reflects poorly on their governance.," he said. The stabbing occurred at 2 a.m. on January 16 at Saif Ali Khan's 12th-floor apartment in Bandra. The intruder reportedly used the staircase to access the actor's home. Eliyamma Philips, a staff member present at the time, spotted the attacker and engaged in a scuffle, sustaining injuries in the process. Hearing her screams, Saif confronted the attacker, who stabbed him multiple times before fleeing. The accused, who allegedly used multiple aliases, including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammad Ilyas, had been living under a false identity in Mumbai for the past 5-6 months. He was apprehended in a joint operation near Hiranandani Estate, Thane, following surveillance of CCTV footage. The accused was later seen on CCTV buying headphones at a Dadar store and boarding a train at Bandra station. Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam emphasised the need for stricter security measures in residential societies. "Low salaries and round-the-clock duties for security personnel compromise safety. The government will ensure the deportation of infiltrators and implement stronger security protocols," he said. The Mumbai Police confirmed that Shehzad, who previously worked in a pub, had been living at various locations in Maharashtra. They also revealed that he had changed his name out of fear of being caught. The case has sparked a debate over national security and the handling of illegal immigration. Senior Congress leader Udit Raj highlighted the rising safety concerns in metropolitan cities under the current government. "This incident underscores the urgent need to address mafia and gangster activities operating unchecked," he told IANS. As the investigation unfolds, the arrest of Shehzad has put a spotlight on immigration policies, security measures, and political accountability in addressing these challenges. Mumbai, Jan 19 : Kareena Kapoor was recently papped at the Lilavati Hospital as she came to check up on Saif Ali Khan with their sons Jeh (Jehangir) and Taimur. The actor who was stabbed multiple times during an attack at his Bandra residence is in recovery at the moment. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police has revealed that a man, identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, has been arrested from Maharashtra's Thane. It is further reported that the accused could be originally from Bangladesh. DCP, Crime Branch Mumbai, Dikshit Gedam was quoted saying during a press conference, "There is primary evidence to anticipate that the accused is a Bangladeshi. He does not have valid Indian documents. Some seizures indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national." The DCP further added, "FIR was registered and one accused has been arrested. His name is Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, he is 30 years old. He entered the house with the intention of robbery. He will be produced in the court and custody will be demanded." He also revealed, "The accused came to Mumbai 5 to 6 months ago. After that, he started living in various other areas and came to Mumbai 15 days ago He was using Vijay Das as his current name. He used to work in a housekeeping agency. After entering India illegally he changed his name." According to the reports, the accused was caught near the Hiranandani Estate in Kasarvadavali. The place is around 35 kilometers away from Saif Ali Khan's Bandra residence where the attack took place. As per reports, he initially claimed that his name was Vijay Das and later disclosed his real name after being grilled. The accused had changed his name out of fear of getting caught. Mumbai Police made the arrest during a joint operation conducted by DCP Zone-6 Navnath Dhavale's team in association with the Kasarvadavali police. The operation took place at a labour camp near the metro construction site, behind the TCS Call Center in Hiranandani Estate, Thane West. New Delhi, Jan 19 : Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Sunday alleged that the BJP is trying to get Arvind Kejriwal killed by attacking him and sending criminals after him, a charge dismissed by the Opposition party as a gimmick to create a ground to justify the AAP's imminent defeat. The alleged stone attack on Kejriwal's car in the New Delhi constituency on Saturday has turned into the latest flashpoint between the AAP and the BJP in the run-up to the Assembly elections, with both parties accusing each other of spreading lies. The Delhi Police denied that there was an attack on Kejriwal's vehicle. Dismissing AAP allegations, the BJP accused Kejriwal of injuring two youngsters with his car while they were posing questions to him about Delhi's development on Saturday in the Gole Market area. During a press conference on Sunday, BJP candidate from New Delhi seat Parvesh Verma played four separate videos to demonstrate that there was no attack on Kejriwal in Gole Market even as the AAP stuck to its stand that a stone was thrown at the former CM's vehicle. Parvesh Verma said, "If Kejriwal labels those questioning him as BJP goons or members of his (Parvesh's) family, then the 1,09,000 voters in the New Delhi Assembly constituency are like his family members." CM Atishi on Sunday shared photos and names of three persons who, she claimed, were criminals facing cases of heinous crimes and were present when the attempt on Kejriwal's life was made in Gole Market. She sought suo motu action by election officials and police against them for the alleged attempt on the life of Kejriwal. "What were criminals doing at the campaign rally for the BJP candidate?" asked Atishi, claiming the entire episode of stone-throwing was captured on video. AAP MP Sanjay Singh alleged criminals were campaigning for Parvesh Verma and the Delhi Police were part of a conspiracy to kill Kejriwal before the elections. "No person has been arrested for this attempt on the life of Kejriwal yet," Singh said, raising doubts over the election officials' neutrality. Parvesh Verma hit back at the AAP for spreading lies about the alleged attack on Kejriwal, adding that that the AAP does not value human lives as it has not apologised to the two youths who were nearly crushed and injured by the former CMas car on Saturday. Soon after the incident, Parven Verma wrote on X, "Both were taken to Lady Hardinge Hospital. Seeing defeat in front, he forgot the value of people's lives. I am going to the hospital." Delhi Assembly elections to pick 70 legislators are scheduled on February 5. The result will be declared on February 8. Mumbai, Jan 19 : The Mumbai police could reach a major breakthrough in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case if the clothes of the accused are recovered. The culprit, who was reportedly arrested by the cops, and was taken for medical examination, has hidden his clothes which he wore at the time of assault. The alleged accused was then presented in front of the Bandra court on Sunday, and appears to be a Bangladesh national, who entered India illegally through the porous eastern border of the country. The accused entered Saifas residence despite being aware of the high level of security, the Mumbai police said that it means the accused made a thorough planning. The knife recovered from Saifas body was broken into three pieces out of which two have been recovered with Mumbai police tracing the missing piece. The actor was stabbed multiple times in an attempt to fight off a burglar during the wee hours of Thursday. The actor sustained six stab wounds, two of which are said to be serious as they are closer to his spine. The incident took place at 2:15 am when the burglar allegedly barged into their Bandra home, and attacked their house help and then Saif when he intervened. Saif was woken up by the commotion in his son Jehas room. He went inside the room to see the culprit arguing with their house help, looking at this, Saif intervened to save the house help with bare hands to fight off the intruder. At the time of incident, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan was present at home along with other members of the family as they all were sleeping. Later the actoras team issued an official statement saying that the actor is stable and is out of danger now. He is being monitored by a team of medical professionals as he sets out on the path of recovery. Agartala, Jan 19 : The engineers of the Water Resources Department of the Tripura government on Sunday visited the bordering areas of Unakoti district to study the controversial embankment, being constructed unilaterally by the Bangladesh government on its land, officials said. Tripura engineers apprehend that the Bangladeshi embankment may endanger the district town of Kailashahar and border villages during monsoon floods. A senior Tripura government official said the department engineers would submit a detailed report to District Magistrate Dilip Kumar Chakma who would then submit a report to the state government. Chakma, accompanied by other senior officials, already visited the bordering areas on Friday and later said that the matter could be taken up with the Central government for appropriate steps. The District Magistrate already submitted a note to the state government on the controversial embankment, being constructed by the Bangladesh government in the Sharipur and Devipur areas under the Moulvibazar district of the neighbouring country. Moulvibazar district is opposite to Unakoti district of northern Tripura. The official said that Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi and handed over a letter to him on the embankment issue. "The Chief Minister in his letter to the Home Minister, highlighted the potential effect of the Bangladeshi embankment in Unakoti district and possible floods on the Indian side. The Chief Minister has urged the Home Minister to take up the matter with the Bangladesh government to take appropriate steps by the neighbouring country," the official said. The embankment, 20 feet in height and 10 feet in width is now being constructed along the Manu River, which divides the two countries. The official quoting the preliminary information said the Bangladesh government without any discussion with the Indian authorities has undertaken works to construct the 8 to 10 km long concrete embankment just along the zero line to protect their areas from flood waters. Bangladesh has already constructed around 3 km embankment and work is going on to construct the remaining portion, the official said, adding that after the construction of the embankment with huge height the Unakoti district town Kailashahar and many border villages would be badly affected during monsoon due to recurring flood. "As per the Indira-Mujib pact, signed on March 19, 1972, and according to the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh guidelines for border authorities, no structure unilaterally can be constructed within 150 yards from the zero line of the international boundary by either side," the official said. There is an embankment on the Indian side, constructed several decades ago, more than 350 yards from the zero line but the height of that old embankment is very low. "The height of the embankment on our side has to be raised substantially otherwise district town Kailashahar and many border villages would be submerged by the flood water during monsoon," the official pointed out. Congress legislator from Kailashahar Birajit Sinha, also a former minister, raised the embankment issue in the just concluded winter session of the Tripura Assembly and urged the state government to take up the matter with the Centre. Responding to the Congress MLA's matter, Chief Minister Manik Saha had told the House that he would take up the matter with the Centre. Chennai, Jan 19 : Tamil superstar and founder-president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, will meet the protesters opposing the proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport in Chennai on Monday. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. in a wedding hall in Parandur. According to sources in the TVK, Vijay initially wanted the event to be held in an open ground instead of a closed space. The party had initially planned to hold the meeting at Ambedkar Thidal in Ekanapuram. However, restrictions imposed by the Kancheepuram police, coupled with overnight rain, reportedly forced the venue change. Senior TVK leaders have instructed officials and volunteers from other districts not to attend the event in Parandur. Reports suggest that Vijay has imposed strict measures to control the crowd at the gathering. Party sources revealed that the police have imposed stringent conditions on Vijayas visit, including limits on attendance and the eventas duration. The TVK leader is expected to interact with residents who have been staging protests against the proposed airport project. The Parandur Greenfield Airport project has been a contentious issue since its announcement in August 2022. Residents and farmers have raised concerns over the potential environmental and social impacts. Demonstrations have continued for over 900 days, with villagers vowing to oppose the project until it is scrapped. The project involves acquiring 5,746 acres of land across 20 villages, with plans to complete the airport by 2028. Residents, particularly from Ekanapuram -- one of the largest affected villages -- argue that the project will destroy fertile agricultural land and eco-sensitive water bodies, jeopardizing their livelihoods and local ecosystems. Protests have included nighttime demonstrations, boycotts of grama sabha meetings, and resolutions demanding the cancellation of the project. Villagers recently marked the 900th day of their agitation on January 10. TVK office-bearers have begun preparations for the meeting, engaging with leaders of the protest committee and visiting the site. The police have frequently restricted access to protesting villages, erecting barricades and conducting vehicle checks to prevent outsiders from joining the demonstrations. Several protest marches, including those organised by the BJP, PMK, Puthiya Thamizhagam, and Arappor Iyakkam, have been denied or revoked permission. Vijayas visit is expected to boost TVKas popularity and provide significant media attention to the villagersa cause. His presence may strengthen the protestersa resolve and draw further public and political support against the airport project. Jeffrey J. Clayton is the executive director of the American Bail Coalition. He has worked as a public policy and government relations professional, and also as a licensed attorney, serving a variety of clients in legal, legislative, and policy matters. Kolkata, Jan 19 : A day after a special court in Kolkata convicted civil volunteer Sanjay Roy for the rape and murder of a junior woman doctor of the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh claimed on Sunday that justice would be denied unless "all the conspirators behind the macabre crime are identified and punished". "Every conspirator behind the macabre crime should be identified and punished. Otherwise, the common people will lose faith in the judicial system," BJP's former national vice president and the former party Lok Sabha member Ghosh told media persons. The special court convicted Roy on Saturday and the quantum of sentence is scheduled to be pronounced on Monday. Special court Judge Anirban Das, on Saturday, has already intimated to the convict that the maximum and minimum punishments in the case are "death penalty" or "life imprisonment", respectively. According to Ghosh, the R. G. Kar tragedy involves a much larger conspiracy. "I feel that the same larger conspiracy should be revealed at the earliest. The court should direct the Central Bureau of Investigation to find out who is actually behind this crime," Ghosh said. According to Ghosh, while all have faith in the country's judicial system, it is also true that a large section of the common people and civil society feel that Sanjay Roy is not the only handler in this entire crime. "I have nothing more to say about the role Kolkata Police played in the matter. But the probe process by CBI is also not beyond questions," Ghosh added. 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, already informed the special court that the scope for filing a supplementary charge sheet on the tampering of evidence angle is still open. 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 when the Kolkata Police conducted the initial investigation. 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. Amaravati, Jan 19 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Sunday that with the Centre's support, his state came off the ventilator, but it requires more hand-holding to recover fully. The Chief Minister urged the Centre to come forward to help the state in inter-linking of rivers. He made the request to Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the inauguration of new complex of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) southern campus and the NDRF 10th Battalion headquarters at Kondapavuluru village in Krishna district. "At the time of elections, the state was on ventilator. As the doctor, you gave oxygen. Now we are out of ventilator but we are still a patient," he remarked. He mentioned that the state's outstanding public debts are Rs 10 lakh crore. The state has to pay interest on the debts, undertake development works and also fulfill the promises made to people. Naidu noted that the Centre extended support of Rs 15,000 crore for works in state capital Amaravati. He also referred to the Centre's support for Polavaram project and reiterated that it will be completed by April 2027. Stating that Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a sentimental issue for the state, he said the Centre gave new lease of life to the plant with the package of Rs 11,440 crore. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation for the new railway zone in Visakhapatnam. "The Centre is helping but we need some more hand-holding till we revive and contribute for the nation's development. Our people are enterprising. With your handholding they will do wonders for the nation," he said. The Chief Minister said the state government has already linked the Godavari and Krishna rivers. "We want to link Godavari to Pennar and Polavaram to Bankacherla. If you don't do it, now you can never do it," he said and urged the Centre to find a way. Naidu said the state was working on different models, including public-private partnership for inter-linking of rivers. Naidu exuded confidence that with the Centre's support, the state government would overcome the crisis and develop Andhra Pradesh on par with other states. Praising PM Modi for his vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Chief Minister said India should focus on future technologies for global leader. He also lauded Amit Shah for his emphasis on training for NDRF and for his performance as the Union Home Minister. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, State Minister Nara Lokesh and others attended the programme. Melbourne, Jan 19 : Novak Djokovic brushed past 24th seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) at the Australian Open on Sunday. The Serbian produced just 21 unforced errors in the match compared to his opponent's 44. Melbourne, Jan 19 (IANS) Novak Djokovic brushed past 24th seedA Jiri LeheckaA 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) at the Australian Open on Sunday. The Serbian produced just 21 unforced errors in the match compared to his opponentas 44.A Djokovic, who is bidding for his record-extending 25th major, took two-hour and 39-minute to seal the victory over the Czech player at the Rod Laver Arena. With this win, the Serbian great has equalled Swiss legend Roger Federeras record of reaching 15 menas singles quarterfinals at the hard-court major. Lehecka's first-set effort was undermined by a poor service game at 4-3. Djokovic made no mistake in serving out to take the set and he was quickly on the way to doubling his lead as he broke Leheckaas serve again in the opening game of the second set. A familiar pattern was emerging as another sloppy Lehecka service game helped Djokovic break again in the opening game of the third set. However, this time the Czech player could hit back immediately for 1-1 with his first break of serve in the match. The 23-year-old Lehecka did produce some powerful games but Djokovic ended any hopes of a comeback by winning a tie-break for the first time in three attempts in 2025. The result booked Djokovic's first Grand Slam meeting on a hard court with his great rival Alcaraz, who earlier led Jack Draper 7-5, 6-1 when the Briton retired from their fourth-round clash. Djokovic leads Alcaraz 4-3 in the ATP head-to-head series, although Alcaraz has won two of their three previous outings at majors. The Serb is bidding to become the oldest player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam title, a record that currently belongs to Ken Rosewall, who won the 1972 Australian Open at the age of 37 years and 62 days. At the end of this Melbourne fortnight, Djokovic will be 37 years and 249 days old. Alcaraz, on the other hand, is bidding to become the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam in men's singles history. In a tournament that has been dominated by youth, the 21-year-old Alcaraz can become the youngest champion at the hard-court major since Novak Djokovic (20) in 2008. Earlier in the day, Alexander Zverev defeated Ugo Humbert 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals. The World No. 2, seeking his maiden Grand Slam title, will next meet former Australian Open semifinalist Tommy Paul, who dropped just three games in a runaway 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 win over Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Mumbai, Jan 19 : Hours after Bangladeshi national Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad was arrested in connection with the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, BJP leader Kirti Somaiya said he visited the labour camp at Kavesar, where the accused stayed for three months, and found that nine Bangladeshis were living there without legal documents. Besides, Somaiya also asked the Police Commissioner to conduct a combing operation in the area. In his post on social media platform X, Somaiya said, "I met 12 workers, nine were Bangladeshi Muslims (Imman Husein, Amir Sohel....). They say they are from Malda but No Authentic Documents. I talk to the Police Commissioner for Combing Operation." Earlier, DCP Zone 9 Dixit Gedam said, "On January 16, at 2 a.m., actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his residence. An FIR was registered and one accused has been arrested. His name is Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, he is 30 years old. He entered the house with the intention of robbery. Further investigation is on." According to Gedam, the suspect is allegedly from Bangladesh and does not have valid Indian documents. He further said: "The accused was using Vijay Das as his current name. He came to Mumbai 5-6 months ago. He stayed in Mumbai for a few days and then in the vicinity of Mumbai. He used to work in a housekeeping agency." Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing him of making Indian borders porous so that Bangladeshis enter illegally and indulge in crimes. However, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh lauded the swift action of the Mumbai Police and accused opposition parties of supporting illegal immigration. The incident occurred at 2 a. m. on January 16 at Saif's 12th-floor apartment in Bandra. The accused reportedly used the staircase to access the actor's home. Guwahati, Jan 19 : Two Bangladeshi women were apprehended by Assam Police on the charges of infiltration attempt from the neighbouring country into the Indian territory, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday. The arrested persons were identified as Labono and Bijli. Both were pushed back to Bangladesh following their arrest by security personnel. Taking to X handle, Sarma wrote: "Keeping a strict vigil along the Indo-Bangladesh border, @assampolice apprehended 2 Bangladeshi nationals and pushed them across the border." Sarma earlier asserted that although some of the Bangladeshi infiltrators managed to get Aadhaar cards, they can not enroll themselves in the voter list. He said: "There is no chance that people cross illegally the international border from Bangladesh and get themselves enrolled in the voter list in Assam because we have caught many people who illegally entered Indian territory and they were pushed back within a few hours. Most of the infiltrators were arrested in the morning around 5 AM and before 9 AM in the morning, they were pushed back to the neighbouring country. In two or three hours, they can not register themselves in the voter list." However, the Chief Minister sees no harm to remain double vigilant in this matter. "We have decided to take a slew of measures against the detection of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh because there might have been possibilities that a few infiltrators could not be arrested by the security personnel," he added. The Chief Minister asserted that people from Bangladesh come to India as poverty has climbed up in the neighbouring country after the recent unrest following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government there last year. He also claimed that contrary to conventional apprehension, mainly people who belong to the Muslim community have been trying to cross the border and enter India illegally for the sake of jobs. Langkawi, Jan 19 : Working toward restoring peace and stability in Myanmar remains a top priority for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said here on Sunday. The implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on the situation in Myanmar provides a pathway to achieving an inclusive and durable peaceful resolution in Myanmar that will contribute to peace, security and stability in the region, Mohamad said at a press briefing following an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, Xinhua news agency reported. "Therefore, we called on all parties to cease hostilities immediately, prioritize humanitarian access, and foster an environment for inclusive dialogue," he said. Mohamad said that the situation in Myanmar must be resolved within the ASEAN framework, stressing the importance of safeguarding the region's interests collectively. ASEAN centrality, unity and solidarity must be reinforced, he said. As agreed upon during an ASEAN leaders' meeting in 2021, the Five-Point Consensus was established to address a political crisis in Myanmar and promote regional peace and stability. Malaysia and Myanmar the members of ASEAN and enjoy good relations. Although the relations became strained in late 2016 due to the Rohingya people issues, the relations remained stable after the meeting between both countries' armed forces chiefs to play down the issues. Myanmar currently has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Yangon. Due to the unstoppable human exodus from Myanmar until 2016 which also has since affected Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib Razak decided to join a rally at the Yanmar embassy with the protestors gathered in Titiwangsa Stadium of Kuala Lumpur. The event was organised by Malay Muslim groups, political parties as well non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on 4 December to urge Myanmar to stop what had been labelled by Malaysia as a "genocide to Muslims as well to its minority people" and calling the international community to put pressure into Myanmar. The Malaysian prime minister mocked the Myanmar Nobel laureate winner Aung San Suu Kyi for her inaction over the issues, as well issuing a response via X in which he stated that "it was not my intention to interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs but that the cruelty against Rohingya had gone too far". New Delhi, Jan 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take stock of the situation after a fire gutted several tents in Sector 19 of the Mahakumbh venue in Prayagraj. No one was injured in the incident. PM Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath also discussed fire-control arrangements at the venue to prevent a repeat of such an incident. The Uttar Pradesh CM has sent senior officials to the site to assess the situation. The fire broke out reportedly following the explosion of two gas cylinders inside a tent at the Mahakumbh venue. The fire quickly spread to several nearby tents, burning them to the ground. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. According to police, the fire started in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh site, where the cylinders exploded. Fire trucks, which were already stationed at the venue as part of safety measures for the large-scale event, rushed to the scene and managed to control the blaze. As a precautionary measure, people living in surrounding tents were promptly evacuated to ensure their safety. The incident, though alarming, did not result in any casualties, thanks to the swift response from the authorities. Meanwhile, the official X handle of the Maha Kumbh Mela expressed concern, stating, "Very sad. The fire incident at Maha Kumbh has shocked everyone. The administration is ensuring immediate relief and rescue operations. We pray to Maa Ganga for everyone's safety." The incident has raised concerns but has been managed efficiently, with the fire under control and safety measures being promptly enacted. The situation continues to be monitored by local authorities to ensure the safety of all participants and attendees at the massive religious gathering. Meanwhile, drones were used to assess the fire situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela venue. They provided real-time aerial views, helping authorities monitor the spread of the blaze and coordinate the firefighting efforts effectively, ensuring swift response and better management of the crisis. Guwahati, Jan 19 : An FIR has been registered against Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his 'fighting against Indian state' remark. The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Rahul Gandhi at the Pan Bazar Police Station in Guwahati. This FIR is under sections 152 and 197(1)d of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertain to actions that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. The complaint was filed by Monjit Chetia, who accused the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha of overstepping the boundaries of permissible free speech. According to Chetia, the Congress leader's remarks allegedly pose a significant threat to public order and national security. Chetia said in his statement: "By declaring that his fight is against the 'Indian state' itself, the accused has consciously incited subversive activities and rebellion among the populace. This is an attempt to delegitimise the authority of the state and to portray it as a hostile force, thereby creating a dangerous narrative that could provoke unrest and separatist sentiments." Chetia also asserted that the Congress leader has been utterly frustrated after a series of electoral failures in the polls. "Having been unable to gain public trust through democratic means, the accused now seeks to incite disaffection against the Central government and the Indian state. This is particularly alarming, given his position as the Leader of the Opposition, a role that comes with the responsibility to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions. Instead, the accused has chosen to exploit his platform to spread falsehoods and provoke rebellion, endangering the unity and sovereignty of India," the complaint mentioned. The controversy arose after Rahul Gandhi's remarks at the inauguration of the Congress party's new headquarters in Delhi. In his address, Gandhi launched a scathing attack at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP, accusing them of systematically taking control of India's institutions. "Do not think we are fighting a fair fight. If you believe this is merely against a political organisation like the BJP or RSS, understand that they have captured almost every institution in our country. We are now up against the Indian state itself," Rahul Gandhi had said at the event. New Delhi, Jan 19 : Professor Urbasi Sinha from Bengaluru-based Raman Research Institute (RRI) has been honoured with the 'Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025' by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at Cambridge, the UK, it was announced on Sunday. A faculty in the 'Light and Matter Physics' theme at the RRI, professor Sinha is among the eight winners of Gates-Cambridge's Impact Prize to celebrate its 25th anniversary, according to a statement by the Ministry of Science & Technology. "I have seen how the scholarship has evolved over the 25 years and am thrilled to celebrate its anniversary and to be recognised for my work over a similar time span," she said, adding that "It is very humbling, but also makes me believe in the impact I can have in the next 25 years." According to the nomination for her Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize, "professor Sinha's vision and dedication are paving the way for a future where quantum computing serves as a catalyst for solving humanity's most pressing issues, embodying the true spirit of science in service of global progress." She is a researcher in both quantum fundamentals and technologies and heads the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab at RRI an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology. Her lab was one of the first in India to manufacture and establish the usage of heralded and entangled photon sources towards various applications in the following areas: quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum optics and quantum fundamentals and information processing. Professor Sinha has leadership roles in the recently announced 'National Quantum Mission'. This initiative encourages research and development in quantum technologies with an aim of making India globally competitive in quantum innovation, according to the ministry. She was awarded the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Yuva Puraskar by the government. She is also a recipient of the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies, University of Calgary, Canada. She has played a leading role in the creation of the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), first of its kind multi-stakeholder institution, launched at CERN in March last year. IANS na/ Islamabad, Jan 19 : Pakistan's trade deficit with nine neighbouring countries expanded by 43.22 per cent during the first half of the current fiscal year from July 2024 to June 2025, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The data presented at the SBP website on Sunday showed that the widening trade deficit is attributed primarily to imports from China, India and Bangladesh, Xinhua news agency reported. On the other hand, Pakistan's exports to Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka posted a notable increase, partially offsetting the decline in exports. The value of Pakistan's exports to nine countries, including China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Iran, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives, increased by 7.85 per cent to 2.40 billion dollars in the July-December period from 2.23 billion dollars over the same period a year ago. The data revealed that Pakistan's imports from the regional countries also surged by 29.97 per cent, reaching 7.73 billion dollars in the first half of the current fiscal year, compared to 5.95 billion dollars in the corresponding period last year. The economy of Pakistan is categorised as a developing economy. It ranks as the 24th-largest based on GDP using purchasing power parity (PPP) and the 46th-largest in terms of nominal GDP. With a population of 241.5 million people as of 2023, Pakistan's position at per capita income ranks 161st by GDP (nominal) and 138th by GDP (PPP) according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In its early years, Pakistan's economy relied heavily on private industries. The nationalisation of a significant portion of the sector, including financial services, manufacturing, and transportation, began in the early 1970s The economy started privatising again in the 1990s. Pakistan is presently undergoing economic liberalisation, including the privatisation of all government corporations, aimed at attracting foreign investment and reducing budget deficits. However, the country continues to grapple with challenges such as rapid population growth, widespread illiteracy, political instability, hostile neighbours and heavy foreign debt. Randy Royal is the Chief of the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Adrian Vasquez is the Chief of the Colorado Springs Police Department. Andrew Notbohm is the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Managements Executive Director. Colombo, Jan 19 : Over 35 people were hospitalised after a head-on collision between two buses in Sri Lanka's Southern Province on Sunday morning, police said in a statement. Six individuals sustained serious injuries and were receiving treatment at the main hospital in Matara District, according to police, Xinhua news agency reported. Local media reported that it was raining at the time of the accident. Police recently disclosed that 12,140 people lost their lives in traffic accidents between 2020 and 2024. In response to the increasing number of accidents involving buses, Sri Lankan authorities have been intensifying legal actions against individuals who violate traffic regulations on passenger buses. The Sri Lankan government has authorised the recruitment of an additional 10,000 police officers to bolster efforts aimed at preventing road accidents, as well as conducting anti-crime and anti-drug operations. Police recently disclosed that 12,140 people lost their lives in traffic accidents between 2020 and 2024. In response to the increasing number of accidents involving buses, Sri Lankan authorities have been intensifying legal actions against individuals who violate traffic regulations on passenger buses. According to the World Bank (2019), Sri Lanka has a considerably high rate of population density (346 per km2 ), road density (173.9km per 100 km2 ) and vehicle density (109.73 per km2 ). A report issued by the Department of National Planning in Sri Lanka (2017) found that 3,000km of roads within the national road network of Sri Lanka have surpassed a traffic volume of 10,000 vehicles per day. Roads situated in urban areas usually exceed their service capacity, especially during peak hours. With the inclusion of several highways and the ability to travel within less time to several destinations within Sri Lanka, more vehicles flock to the roads for trips and other activities. With increased economic activity, there are a larger number of freight vehicles involved in transportation and this lends added pressure to the road network system. This is especially cumbersome in areas where a large fraction of roads, especially in urban areas remain as two-way single carriageway roads. The difficulties faced in the expansion of the roads horizontally due to other landscape developments also remain a significant issue. Guwahati, Jan 19 : The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has arrested another dreaded cadre of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a Bangladesh-based terror group affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), officials said on Sunday. An Assam Police spokesperson said that the STF, in another successful operation against fundamentalists and Global Terrorist Organisations (GTO) arrested the most wanted Jihadi/Islamic extremist Jaheer Ali from Dhubri, an Assam district,. shares border with Bangladesh and West Bengal. With the latest arrest of Ali, the STF so far arrested 13 associates of the ABT. "These 13 cadres, including a Bangladeshi national, were active in clandestine activities under the direction of Md Farhan Israk, a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani, the chief of ABT. "They sent one Bangladeshi national, Md Sad Radi alias Shab Sheikh a resident of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, to India to spread their nefarious ideology amongst like minded Indian National across India," the spokesperson said. He said that under the direction of STF Chief Partha Sarathi Mahanta, 'Operation Praghat' was conducted. The accused were arrested and recovery of arms, ammunition, explosives and other materials and various incriminating documents, mobile phones was made from their possession. On December 30 last year, ABT cadre and the absconding prime accused, Gazi Rahman (35) was arrested with the assistance of Kokrajhar Police. On December 27 last year, ABT associate Shahinur Islam (36) was arrested from Bandhabpara in Dhubri District while on December 24, the STF arrested Abdul Zaher Sheikh and Sabbir Mirdha from Namapara in Kokrajhar district and a huge cache of arms and ammunition and other war-like items were recovered from the hideout of one of the arrested accused persons. The STF, as part of Operation Praghat on the intervening night of December 17-18, had apprehended eight ABT operatives across Assam, West Bengal and Kerala. Among the eight, five were arrested in Assam's Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts, two in West Bengal, and one Bangladeshi national in Kerala. Of the eight arrests, Bangladeshi national Muhammad Sad Radi alias Md Shab Sheikh (32), a resident of Rajshahi in Bangladesh, was apprehended from Kerala. After the questioning of the eight detainees, the remaining four accused persons were arrested from Dhubri and Kokrajhar, bordering Bhutan and West Bengal. "With these 13 arrests, the STF achieved a huge success in averting a possible major terror act by fundamentalist/Jihadi elements of a Global Terrorist Organisation (GTO)," the spokesman said. Assam Police Special Director General Harmeet Singh earlier said the eight persons (arrested on the intervening night of December 17-18) were handlers in Pakistan and Bangladesh. They were working to form 'sleeper cells' in different parts of India and there were plans to assassinate leaders belonging to the Hindu community and RSS, besides undertaking violent and subversive activities in India, Singh had said. The Special DGP had said that Operation Praghat was launched in November after a detailed and prolonged examination of intelligence input regarding the clandestine anti-national activities being carried out by a group of individuals under the direction of Md Farhan Israk, a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani, the ABT Chief. The operation was launched under the direct supervision of STF Chief Mahanta. In December last year, the Assam Police STF also arrested five Pakistan-linked terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) members from Kokrajhar and Dhubri. Four JeM operatives have been arrested from Kokrajhar district, while one JeM linkman was arrested from Dhubri district, a police officer said. Kabul, Jan 19 : Afghan security forces have discovered a large amount of weapons and ammunition in the eastern Ghazni province, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement on Sunday. The contrabands, which included various types of weapons, a large quantity of cartridges and bullets and other illegally preserved military equipment, have been seized during operations in different districts of the province over the past nine months, the statement said, Xinhua news agency reported. The Afghan caretaker government has rounded up thousands of arms and a huge quantity of ammunition as part of efforts to stabilize the security situation across the war-ravaged country. The War in Afghanistan was a prolonged conflict lasting from 2001 to 2021. It began with the invasion by a U.S.-led coalition under the name Operation Enduring Freedom as a direct response to the September 11 attacks, toppling the Taliban-ruled Islamic Emirate and establishing the Islamic Republic three years later. The Taliban and its allies were expelled from major population centres by US-led forces supporting the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance; Osama bin Laden, meanwhile, relocated to neighbouring Pakistan. The conflict officially ended with the 2021 Taliban offensive, which overthrew the Islamic Republic and re-established the Islamic Emirate. It was the longest war in the military history of the U.S., surpassing the length of the Vietnam War (1955a"1975) by approximately six months. Following the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush demanded that the Taliban immediately extradite al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to the U.S.; the Taliban refused to do so without evidence of Bin Laden's involvement. After the expelling of the Taliban and their allies, the US-led coalition remained in Afghanistan, forming a security mission (ISAF)a"sanctioned by the United Nationsa"with the goal of creating a new democratic authority in the country that would prevent the Taliban from returning to power. A new Afghan Interim Administration was established, and international rebuilding efforts were launched. By 2003, the Taliban had reorganized under their founder, Mullah Omar, and began a widespread insurgency against the new Afghan government and coalition forces. Insurgents from the Taliban and other Islamist groups waged asymmetric warfare, fighting with guerrilla warfare in the countryside, suicide attacks against urban targets, and reprisals against perceived Afghan collaborators. By 2007, large parts of Afghanistan had been retaken by the Taliban. In response, the coalition sent a major influx of troops for counter-insurgency operations, with a "clear and hold" strategy for villages and towns; this influx peaked in 2011 when roughly 140,000 foreign troops were operating under ISAF command across Afghanistan. New Delhi, Jan 19 : We remain bullish on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for 'Viksit Bharat@2047', especially on creating a robust infrastructure, and will continue to contribute towards nation building as we have done in the last 45 years, Deepak Shetty, CEO and Managing Director, JCB India, said on Sunday. Speaking to IANS at the 'Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025' in the national capital, Shetty said they have seen government increasing investments on infrastructure development across the spectrum in the last 10 years be it roads, highways, railways, housing, Har Ghar Nal Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and so on -- and "we believe the focus on infrastructure from the government will continue relentlessly". "In the last 45 years, JCB supplied machines and expertise that helped built brilliant infrastructure across the country. Now, we are aligned with the government's 'Viksit Bharat by 2047' goal," he noted. He said that JCB is very bullish about the domestic market, adding that they have seen a growth of more than 12 per cent year-on-year. Shetty said the company always focuses on innovation, aiming to meet the changing expectations of the Indians customers. At the auto expo, JCB India showcased its range of 'CEV Stage 5' ready machines, marking a significant milestone in line with the government's latest emissions and safety regulations. Designed with a focus on both emissions compliance and customer centricity, these machines are poised to set a new benchmark in the construction equipment sector with 10-15 per cent better fuel efficiency compared to their 'CEV Stage 4' predecessors. "Over the past decade, the government's focus on infrastructure development has further strengthened our commitment to investing in sustainable technologies and building world-class products in India. The JCB India pavilion features over 20 state-of-art machines, each contributing to the nation's growth story," said Shetty. JCB has been a pioneer in the heavy machinery industry in its commitment to sustainability. By integrating hydrogen into its machinery, the company has been addressing emissions in a sector traditionally reliant on diesel, since 2021. IANS na/ Guwahati, Jan 19 : Senior IPS officer, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, who has been serving as Assam's Director General of Police (DGP), will take over as Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Guwahati, Jan 19 (IANS) Senior IPS officer, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, who has been serving as Assamas Director General of Police (DGP), will take over as Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). An order of the Department of Personnel and Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for appointment of G.P. Singh as Director General CRPF. The 1991 batch IPS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre has been appointed as the CRPF chief for a tenure up to the date of his superannuation on November 30, 2027 or until further orders, whichever is earlier, the order said. Singh on January 31, 2023, was appointed as the Director General of Police, Assam. Officials said that the Special DG of the CRPF, Vitul Kumar, would hand over his position as the DG CRPF to GP Singh, who has also earlier served with the Special Protection Group (SPG). GP Singh earlier served as inspector general of police at the National Investigation Agency. He was repatriated to his parent cadre at the request of the Assam government. Singh, also locally called as aGun Point Singha for his tough approach against insurgents, was posted in Jorhat district in the 1990s. He had earlier worked as DIG central-western range in Assam Police. At the height of protests and agitation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Assam, he was appointed as the ADGP (Law and Order) of the state. He was also the Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption in Assam during his tenure as Special DGP (Law and Order). In 2021, he headed the Rhino Protection Task Force. Last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order assigning the additional charge of CRPF DG to 1993-batch IPS officer Vitul Kumar following the retirement of incumbent Anish Dayal Singh on December 31. The CRPF is Indiaas largest paramilitary force. The force, which is involved in counter insurgency operations and left-wing extremism (LWE), also deployed in large numbers in ethnic violence infested Manipur. New Delhi, Jan 19 : The Delhi High Court has issued a notice on a plea challenging the restriction imposed by the National Board of Examination (NBE) on candidates who resign or discontinue from a DNB (Diplomate of National Board) Post Diploma course from joining any other DNB course for two years. A bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma asked the NBE to file its reply on or before January 23 in the matter. The plea contended that Clause 2.6 of the 2024 handbook for admission to Post Diploma DNB courses is arbitrary, violates fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 19(1)(g), and disregards exceptional circumstances like verbal abuse and torture faced by the petitioner at the allocated hospital. The petitioner's counsel, advocate Tanvi Dubey, contended that the petitioner had duly raised the complaint regarding verbal abuse and torture but no action was taken by the authorities, and the rule is required to be declared unconstitutional and petitioner may be permitted to participate in future DNB counselling or examinations. The counsel for Raipur's MMI Narayana Super-specialty Hospital accepted the notice and submitted that the petitioner was merely working at the allocated hospital and has resigned. As per Clause 2.6: "Candidates who joins DNB (Post Diploma) Course in 2024 admission session, after opting a confirmed seat through DNB Post Diploma Centralized Online Counseling 2024 session shall not be eligible to join any other DNB course for the entire duration of their DNB Post Diploma Course (i.e. 2 years). This shall be irrespective of their resignation or discontinuation from the course due to any reason." The plea said that the impugned Clause suffers from the vice of unfairness and arbitrariness since it mentions that "irrespective of their resignation or discontinuation from the course due to any reason ". The word used, i.e., due to any reason totally excludes the rare and any unfortunate circumstances which forced the petitioner to resign and by imposing such a condition, the NBE is unjustifiably ignoring the torturous environment which led the petitioner to resign. "The said reasons were beyond the control of the petitioner and were severely affecting the mental health of the petitioner. The petitioner also complained about the same on multiple occasions, however, no cognizance was taken on the same. The bonafide of the petitioner is clear from the fact that the annual fee was already paid by him, for the course," the petition said. Mumbai, Jan 19 : The state appointed lawyer of the accused in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case has said that the claims of the accused being a Bangladeshi national, who illegally came to India, have no clear grounds. The lawyer said that although the accused is a Bangladeshi national but he is not an illegal immigrant, and has his documents in place He also denied the claims of Mumbai police which said that the accused shifted to Mumbai 6 months ago. The lawyer said that the accused has been living in Mumbai since last 7-8 years. This further complicates the already spiralled case as there appear to be several incongruencies originating from the statements of all the parties involved. Saif was stabbed multiple times in an attempt to fight off a burglar during the wee hours of Thursday. The actor sustained six stab wounds, two of which are said to be serious as they are closer to his spine. The incident took place at 2:15 am when the burglar allegedly barged into their Bandra home, and attacked their house help and then Saif when he intervened. Saif was woken up by the commotion in his son Jehas room. He went inside the room to see the culprit arguing with their house help, looking at this, Saif intervened to save the house help with bare hands to fight off the intruder. At the time of incident, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan was present at home along with other members of the family as they all were sleeping. Later the actoras team issued an official statement saying that the actor is stable and is out of danger now. He is being monitored by a team of medical professionals as he sets out on the path of recovery. The actor will be reportedly discharged on January 21. New Delhi, Jan 19 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday launched a blistering attack on AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, saying he is now selling the dream of owning a house to gullible sanitation workers in Delhi. Addressing a press conference, Sachdeva said Kejriwal has tried to serve lies to the people of Delhi over the last 12 years and this time he is misleading sanitation workers by claiming that if the Central government provides land, he will build flats for them after their retirement. The Delhi BJP chief mentioned that the Central government had built flats for the economically weaker sections in Delhi at a cost of Rs 2,415 crore but, in the past 10 years, the Arvind Kejriwal government failed to ensure that the benefits of these flats reach the poor. The Central governmentas contribution was Rs 1,108.85 crore, while the Delhi governmentas contribution was Rs 992 crore for building the 52,344 flats. These flats were to be distributed to beneficiaries who were supposed to pay just a part of their cost - Rs 314 crore. These flats were located in areas such as Girpur, Dwarka, Sultanpuri, Bawana, Bhalswa and Baprola, he said. Sachdeva said although the flats were ready, Kejriwal seized the entire file and insisted that the flats would not be handed over unless they were named under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme, even though more than half of the funds came from the Central government. The Delhi BJP chief said these flats have now become ruins due to Kejriwalas obstinacy, as he insisted that his photo be placed on the flats. The Central government had suggested that Kejriwal take back the funds, stating that the government had provided free or low-cost homes to four crore people through the Prime Ministeras Housing Scheme, and would also do the same for Delhi, but Kejriwal did not agree, the city BJP chief said. When it came to repairing the flats, both departments of the Delhi government, DUSIB and DSIDC, requested nearly Rs 220 crore from Kejriwal. However, in 2023, Kejriwal only allocated Rs 1 lakh and then claimed there were no funds, said Sachdeva. He said with elections coming up, Kejriwal will make new announcements every day. Sachdeva said Kejriwal has still not explained how the former Chief Ministeras income grew by 40 per cent in 2020-21 and how private individuals gave AAP leader Manish Sisodia loans of Rs 86 lakh, Rs 58 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh, virtually without any conditions. New Delhi, Jan 19 : Ahead of Delhi Assembly elections 2025, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced plans to launch a housing welfare scheme for sanitation workers. For this purpose, he said he had sought the Centre's help to obtain land at concessional rates. New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Ahead of Delhi Assembly elections 2025, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced plans to launch a housing welfare scheme for sanitation workers. For this purpose, he said he had sought the Centreas help to obtain land at concessional rates. At a press conference, Kejriwal said he had written a letter to PM Narendra Modi raising the challenges related to permanent housing faced by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sanitation workers after retirement. In response to this, South Delhi MP and senior BJP leader Ramvir Singh Bidhuri stated that the work of constructing homes for slum dwellers in Delhi has already been initiated by the Modi government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He mentioned that the government has already provided flats to slum dwellers and will continue to work in this direction. He claimed that around 10,000 flats have already been completed, and the government is moving forward with distributing these flats to slum dwellers. Referring to the Modi governmentas schemes, he added that PM Modias government has provided permanent flats to 6.30 lakh slum dwellers. In addition to this, 11 crore toilets have also been built. He assured that those without permanent homes would also be given proper housing. Bidhuri further pointed out that after the BJP forms the government in Delhi, slum dwellers will benefit from ration cards, old age pensions, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Commenting on Kejriwal's claims, he sarcastically pointed out that Kejriwal had 10 years but failed to deliver. He added that now, under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP government in Delhi would complete the work Kejriwal had promised. Bidhuri also slammed Kejriwal for the recent incident, where the former Delhi CM allegedly tried to run over BJP workers with his car. He called this behaviour reprehensible and stated that Kejriwal should apologise for his actions, adding that strict action should be taken against him. Tel Aviv, Jan 19 : Israeli authorities began transferring Palestinian detainees to Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank on Sunday in preparation for their release later in the evening, Israel's state media reported. According to the state-owned Kan TV news, the move came after the Red Cross began heading to a meeting point with Hamas forces, where the first three Israeli hostages would be transferred to the international organisation before being taken to Israel, Xinhua news agency reported. An Israeli government official told Xinhua that a total of 90 Palestinians are expected to be released, including 78 residents of the West Bank and 12 from East Jerusalem. Most of the detainees are women and minors. Hamas announced that Israel was expected to release the detainees' names, but as of 3:30 p.m. local time (1330 GMT), about four hours into the ceasefire, the names had not been disclosed, according to Israeli officials. Before their release, the detainees will undergo medical examinations and identification procedures at Ofer Prison, according to Kan. The detainees will be handed over to the Red Cross once Hamas transfers three Israeli women hostages to the organisation in Gaza. Under the first phase of the deal, a total of 33 hostages are expected to be released by Hamas, while Israel will release between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners. Josh Lannin is vice president of productivity technology at Workday, where he leads a product and engineering organization that provides essential capabilities for Workdays technology platform, including the integration of generative AI. He has more than 25 years of experience building large-scale enterprise software products. Lannin lives with his family in Boulder. Chennai, Jan 19 : Tamil Nadu Opposition leader and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Sunday criticised the DMK-led state government for the frequent chain-snatching incidents in Chennai. He called on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take responsibility for the recurring crimes. EPS claimed that there is no safety for not only common women but also women police personnel under the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. Referring to eight chain-snatching incidents reported in a single day across Chennai and Tambaram Police Commissionerates, he voiced his concerns on X. He highlighted one particular incident wherein a chain was snatched from a woman police sub-inspector attached to the Greater Chennai Police, terming the incident as "shocking". Palaniswami described the incidents as evidence of the "helplessness" of the state government. "It is a shame that even policewomen cannot move around safely in Tamil Nadu. The DMK government should hang its head in shame," EPS said. He further demanded that the Chief Minister take responsibility for the incidents and focus on improving the state's law and order situation. At least 10 chain-snatching incidents were reported under the Tambaram police limits near Chennai on Friday (January 17), with victims losing gold chains totaling around 20 sovereigns, according to police reports. One of the victims, Rajeshwari (50), a shop owner in Maraimalai Nagar, was targeted by two helmeted youngsters on a bike. They pretended to purchase cigarettes and snatched her four-sovereign gold chain when she turned around to retrieve the item. Similar incidents were reported in areas including Guduvanchery, Mudichur, Otteri, Peerkankarai, Manimangalam, and Selaiyur. In Mudichur, Indira (58), a police officer, was walking along the road on Friday evening when two men on a bike cornered her and snatched her gold chain. The incident was captured on CCTV, and Indira immediately alerted the police control room. Special police teams have been formed to catch the offenders. A police officer said that two men on a bike were last seen escaping near Gandhi Road in the locality. Colombo, Jan 19 : The Maldives will begin to repatriate undocumented expatriates identified through biometrics data collection under the ongoing "Kuran'gi Operation", PSM News, the official media outlet, reported on Sunday quoting the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. PSM said the operation was launched in May 2024, which aims to provide a permanent solution to the issue of undocumented migrants in the Maldives, Xinhua news agency reported. As part of the operation, fingerprints of migrant workers are recorded and checks are conducted to ensure that they are employed in the Maldives in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations, PSM said. After biometrics data collection is completed undocumented expatriates will be repatriated from the country, Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology Ahmed Siddeeq told PSM News. He added that the biometrics data collection will also assist in detecting expatriates entering the country on forged passports or travel documents. According to him, the operation is expected to be completed in 2027. However, biometrics data collection of all expatriate workers is expected to be completed in April 2025. Operation Kurangi a" an initiative launched last year to collect the biometric data of migrant workers in the Maldives a" has been expanded to the greater Malea area. Operation Kurangi was launched from K. Himmafushi on May 2, 2024, as part of efforts by the Homeland Security Ministry to curb illegal migration. The operation was expanded to the greater Malea area on Saturday. According to the Homeland Security Ministry, 75 ministry officials have been deployed to collect the biometric data of migrant workers in the Malea area. The event a" taking place from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm a" will see officials collect the biometric data of migrant workers from the education sector as well as those working in some large companies. The officials will be operating in Malea as well as Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu. According to the Homeland Security Ministry, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (Anti-TIP) Office will also be screening migrant workers during the event. Operation Kurangi has seen the collection of the biometric data of over 18,000 migrant workers. The Homeland Security Ministry has previously said it expects to finish the task by April this year. Nairobi, Jan 19 : On a sleek train between Nairobi and Mombasa, young stewards warmly welcome passengers. In the bustling Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, young workers proudly produce goods stamped with "Made in Africa." In Nigeria, young employees efficiently manage parcel deliveries at a booming e-commerce logistics hub. Across the continent, young people are not just participants, they are catalysts accelerating Africa's transformation, Xinhua news agency reported. According to the African Union (AU) and the African Development Bank, Africa is home to the youngest population in the world, with over 400 million people aged 15 to 35 and its youth population is expected to surpass 830 million by 2050. This demographic, fueled by the digital revolution and a shift toward green energy, is unlocking new opportunities on the continent. By collaborating with global partners like China, African nations are tapping into this demographic dividend, empowering their youth to shape a brighter, more innovative future. According to Statista, an international data and business intelligence platform, Africa's total population exceeded 1.46 billion as of 2023 and is projected to reach about 2.5 billion by 2050. In "AI and the Future of Work in Africa White Paper," Microsoft estimated that by the end of the 21st century, Africa will be home to almost half of the world's youth population, nearly twice the entire population of Europe. The strong presence of young workers is invigorating traditional sectors such as agriculture, industry and services while accelerating the development of emerging sectors like the digital economy, and renewable energy and artificial intelligence (AI). Furthermore, these young generations serve as a major consumption force, contributing to the growing attraction of the African market. Youth are a crucial driving force for Africa's socio-economic development, said Liu Tiannan, associate professor at the French Department of Foreign Languages Faculty and director of the African Studies Institute at the University of International Relations in China. "The youth bulge in Africa could prove to be the regions' most valuable asset moving forward" as other regions of the world grapple with population ageing and labour shortages, said the International Labour Organization in its report titled "Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024." At Yaxare, an herbal tea company based in the Gambian capital Banjul, 33-year-old founder Fatoumata Njie oversees the packaging of her products, which have gained popularity among local consumers largely due to the integration of digital technologies in her business management. To enhance the quality and yield of local medicinal herbs, Njie developed a mobile application called "Happy Farm," helping farmers improve soil quality and boost harvests. Meanwhile, she regularly orders packaging and tea processing equipment from e-commerce platforms to deliver attractive, high-quality products to her customers. Thanks to digital transformation, the daily lives of many young Africans like Njie are undergoing a significant shift. Across the continent, e-commerce and digital finance are making impressive strides, while mobile payments are rapidly expanding. As communication infrastructure continues to improve, new job and entrepreneurial opportunities are increasing for Africa's youth. Meanwhile, more young Africans are increasingly engaging in the energy transition, particularly amid the escalating threat of climate change. They are driving innovation in energy technologies and supporting the electrification of rural areas, helping steer the continent toward a green economy. Doreen Orishaba, managing director at BasiGo, a Kenyan company specializing in new-energy vehicles, has spent over a year promoting Chinese electric buses in Rwanda, where fuel imports are expensive and fuel consumption is high due to the mountainous roads. Her efforts have raised awareness among local bus operators about the environmental and economic benefits of these vehicles, prompting their order of more than a hundred electric buses. "For every bus BasiGO puts on a Rwandan road, we are helping mitigate up to 30 tons of CO2 emissions," she said. Liu said that for Africa's youth potential to become a true demographic dividend, it is essential to improve the education system, enhance skill development, expand employment opportunities and promote entrepreneurship among young people. Henok Amanuel Emiru, a 26-year-old Ethiopian student, never imagined he would win the highest distinction among African candidates at the Belt and Road International Skills Competition hosted in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality last June. This success is the result of training at the Ethiopian Luban Workshop, designated by the AU Headquarters as a high-quality skill-training centre for the entire African continent. Through the shared expertise of his instructors, Emiru gained a mastery of techniques at the vocational training workshop. The Luban Workshop is just a microcosm of Sino-African cooperation in youth education. Over the next three years, China will continue implementing Future of Africa, a project for China-Africa cooperation on vocational education, building schools of engineering technology with African countries, establishing or upgrading 10 Luban Workshops and 20 schools, and providing training opportunities with programs for youth development. African countries are also making efforts to empower youth through tailored development programs, such as Morocco's government plan to invest 14 billion Moroccan dirhams (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) in youth employment, Senegal's National Youth Development Program 2025-2029, and Zambia's digital and green skills training projects until 2027. "Together, we can build a continent where young people are at the forefront of innovation, governance and sustainable development," said Chido Mpemba, the AU youth envoy. Seoul, Jan 19 : The anti-corruption investigation agency said Sunday that President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was formally arrested over his failed martial law bid, will be banned from meeting visitors other than his lawyers. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) made the decision after a court granted a warrant earlier in the day to formally arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over allegations of insurrection and abuse of power related to his martial law declaration on December 3, Yonhap reported. The CIO said it has sent a document of its decision to a detention centre in Uiwang, just south of Seoul, where Yoon is in custody, citing concerns about destroying evidence. The measure will be effective until he is indicted. With the CIO's move, First Lady Kim Keon Hee and other people close to Yoon will not be permitted to meet the arrested president. Legal experts said the CIO's decision is seen as aimed at preparing for the possibility that Yoon's side could file a court petition to review whether his formal detention is appropriate. The CIO said Sunday it will request Yoon to appear for questioning on Monday as he did not show up for it earlier in the day. With the issuance of the arrest warrant, Yoon has become the first sitting president to be formally arrested. Angry supporters of Yoon stormed into the district court that issued the warrant earlier in the day, destroying office equipment and spraying a fire extinguisher at police officers. In a message released by his lawyers, Yoon called for his supporters to "peacefully" express their opinions though he understood their resentment. Yoon also said he would not give up on correcting what went wrong even if it takes time, vowing that he would prove the legality of the martial law declaration during the legal proceedings. Abuja, Jan 19 : A mass funeral has been held for the victims of Saturday's gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria's north-central state of Niger, local authorities said on Sunday, while confirming that the death toll has risen from 80 to 86. A total of 80 bodies were buried in a mass grave in the Gurara local government area after the tanker laden with gasoline exploded when it overturned, spilling its contents on a busy road in the Dikko area of the state on Saturday morning, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, told reporters on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported. The bodies of "five identifiable victims" were taken away by their relatives for burial, and one of the injured victims died while receiving treatment at a local health facility in the Dikko area, Baba-Arah said. The mass burial was done with the support of local government authorities and volunteers. At least 55 people are now receiving treatment at local health facilities, the emergency response official added. Tragedy struck Saturday morning as many residents in the Dikko area of Niger State were caught in a heavy fire while trying to scoop fuel from the fallen gasoline tanker. Some residents had besieged the fallen tanker, scooping fuel while an attempt to switch on a power generator to ease the transfer of the petrol triggered an explosion, resulting in the deaths and destruction of properties, witnesses said. Most of the victims were said to have burned beyond recognition. Reacting to the "worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate" incident, Mohammed Bago, governor of Niger State, blamed "reckless truck drivers" for causing a menace to the lives of local citizens. The governor, while assessing the extent of damage caused by the incident and the loss of lives, issued a ban on the movement of heavy-duty trucks plying the route where the explosion took place on Saturday. Nantewe Yilwatda, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, expressed concern over the rising frequency of tanker explosions in the country, warning motorists against reckless driving that could endanger innocent lives. He also urged tanker drivers and other motorists to adhere strictly to road traffic regulations. Gasoline tanker explosions are not uncommon in Nigeria, often causing heavy casualties and nationwide grief. In September 2024, at least 48 people were killed after a gasoline-laden tanker exploded on a busy highway in Niger State. 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 a statement, the Nigerian Governors' Forum, statutorily consisting of all 36 state governors in the country, said the incident on Saturday "had cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation." The forum said it is united in calling for stricter enforcement of safety measures across the country, particularly regarding the transportation and handling of hazardous materials. "This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to enhance our regulatory frameworks to prevent such occurrences in the future," it emphasised. Expressing "deep sorrow" over the incident and the immense human toll in a statement, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu described the explosion as "devastating." The Nigerian leader underscored the "tragic and preventable nature of the incident," directed relevant authorities to provide comprehensive medical care to the injured, and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents. He also strongly advised all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, as they are highly explosive. In addition, the president mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign. This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, he added. Earlier in October last year, 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. Tel Aviv, Jan 19 : A tense ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday, initiating six weeks of calm and raising hopes for an end to 15 months of Israeli assaults on Gaza that devastated the enclave and for the release of dozens of hostages held there. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the ceasefire by nearly three hours after Hamas missed an 8:30 a.m. (0630 GMT) deadline to submit the names of the first three hostages to be released later in the day. Hamas cited technical reasons for the delay but later provided the list, Xinhua news agency reported. At 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT), the Israeli military ordered its units in Gaza to cease fire, marking the start of the truce brokered after about a year of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. An Israeli official confirmed the names of the hostages: Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli; Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse; and Romi Gonen, 23, abducted from the Nova music festival. They will be transferred to the Red Cross and then to a military compound near the Gaza border before being transported to Sheba Medical Center outside Tel Aviv, where they will reunite with their families. The hospital said isolated areas were prepared for them where they could begin recovering in privacy. In exchange, Israel is expected to release on Sunday about 90 Palestinian detainees from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, primarily women and minors. Israeli tanks and warplanes bombarded Gaza until the final moments before the ceasefire. The Israeli military claimed its strikes targeted militants, while Gaza's health authorities reported at least 14 deaths and 25 injuries in the last day of fighting. Black plumes of smoke rose over northern Gaza as airstrikes continued. Broadcasts from Gaza showed Palestinians walking freely in the streets for the first time after a previous truce collapsed in late 2023, waving flags and celebrating. Aid trucks were seen entering the enclave, providing much-needed flour and other products to the population. In northern Gaza's Jabalia and Rafah, displaced residents returned to scenes of widespread devastation, with razed buildings and infrastructure reduced to rubble. Most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents were displaced multiple times during the conflict. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported a death toll of 46,913, with 110,750 injured in the Israeli strikes since October 2023. In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered in Hostage Square to show solidarity with the families of those still held in Gaza and to urge the Israeli government to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. A large digital clock displayed the duration of the hostages' captivity since their abduction in Hamas' cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in the killing of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. So far, almost 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel estimating that half are still alive. Under the three-phase agreement, Hamas will release the final 14 hostages only if Israel completes the deal's implementation, including a complete withdrawal from Gaza and ending the war. In the first phase, fighting will be halted for 42 days, during which Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages, including women, children, and men over 50. Israel, in turn, will release between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners, including all women and minors under 19. The Israeli military announced it had begun withdrawing ground forces from Gaza as part of the truce. Soldiers are expected to pull back to a perimeter around the Gaza Strip and the Netzarim Corridor, which divides northern and southern Gaza. By the 42nd day of the truce, forces are expected to start withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, completing the withdrawal by the 50th day. Videos circulating on social media showed tanks and military vehicles leaving Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stressed in a press briefing that Hamas must be removed from power to ensure regional stability. "If Hamas remains in power, the instability it causes will continue," he said. The agreement allows for a significant increase in aid to Gaza, with at least 600 trucks per day delivering supplies, including fuel to restore electricity. Ahmedabad, Jan 19 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda on Sunday accused the Congress of tampering with the Constitution during 65 years of ruling, alleging that its leaders attempted to destroy the foundational principles of the document. Delivering an address at the party's 'Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan' in Ahmedabad, Nadda said, "The Congress ruled the country for 65 years, but its leaders worked against the Constitution. They tried to undermine its basic provisions, including Jawaharlal Nehru's support for granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir." He claimed that although the framers of the Constitution, led by Dr B.R. Ambedkar crafted a comprehensive and well-thought-out document, but the Congress-led government's actions did not reflect the same spirit. In a direct reference to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019, Nadda praised Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for taking bold steps in integrating the region into the mainstream of India. "When you voted for Modi and made him the Prime Minister, he and Amit Shah worked tirelessly to ensure that the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 was revoked, restoring constitutional parity for the entire nation." Nadda highlighted a point about the Constitution's provisions for Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the original draft, presented by Ambedkar and handed over to Rajendra Prasad, the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, did not include special status for the region. However, he pointed out that Nehru's government pushed for this controversial move, which Nadda argued was against the original vision of a unified Indian state. He emphasised that while Dr Ambedkar had opposed Article 370 as a temporary provision, it became a permanent fixture due to political motives. "In 1975, the Allahabad High Court delivered a landmark ruling on Indira Gandhi's election, declaring it void due to corrupt practices. Fearing the loss of power, she declared an Emergency to safeguard her position. This was a direct attack on democracy," Nadda said, further criticising Congress' approach towards constitutional matters. Earlier on Saturday, Nadda lauded the current Modi government for its efforts to empower citizens, specifically focusing on the Svamitva Scheme. He highlighted the distribution of property cards to 3.17 lakh villages across India, stating that it marked a crucial step toward empowering rural citizens with property rights. The scheme, which uses technology to map land records, will benefit over 1.53 lakh farmers. The BJP chief participated in the distribution of Svamitva cards by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Governor Acharya Devvrat present at the event. "The Modi government's initiatives like the Svamitva Scheme reflect our commitment to empowering the people of India, especially those in rural areas. These actions underline our resolve to ensure that every citizen has the tools to secure their future," Nadda added. Doha, Jan 19 : Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, met here on Sunday with a delegation from Palestinian factions to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire agreement. According to a statement from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on the progress and key dimensions of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, including the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the return of displaced individuals to their areas, Xinhua news agency reported. Al Thani emphasised the importance of ensuring the full implementation of the agreement to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the region. He also reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting the people of Gaza by continuing the airlift of humanitarian aid as outlined in the agreement. In addition, the prime minister reiterated Qatar's steadfast position on the justice of the Palestinian cause, the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Meanwhile, a tense ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday, initiating six weeks of calm and raising hopes for an end to 15 months of Israeli assaults on Gaza that devastated the enclave and for the release of dozens of hostages held there. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the ceasefire by nearly three hours after Hamas missed an 8:30 a.m. (0630 GMT) deadline to submit the names of the first three hostages to be released later in the day. Hamas cited technical reasons for the delay but later provided the list, Xinhua news agency reported. At 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT), the Israeli military ordered its units in Gaza to cease fire, marking the start of the truce brokered after about a year of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. An Israeli official confirmed the names of the hostages: Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli; Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse; and Romi Gonen, 23, abducted from the Nova music festival. They will be transferred to the Red Cross and then to a military compound near the Gaza border before being transported to Sheba Medical Center outside Tel Aviv, where they will reunite with their families. The hospital said isolated areas were prepared for them where they could begin recovering in privacy. In exchange, Israel is expected to release on Sunday about 90 Palestinian detainees from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, primarily women and minors. Israeli tanks and warplanes bombarded Gaza until the final moments before the ceasefire. The Israeli military claimed its strikes targeted militants, while Gaza's health authorities reported at least 14 deaths and 25 injuries in the last day of fighting. Black plumes of smoke rose over northern Gaza as airstrikes continued. Broadcasts from Gaza showed Palestinians walking freely in the streets for the first time after a previous truce collapsed in late 2023, waving flags and celebrating. Aid trucks were seen entering the enclave, providing much-needed flour and other products to the population. In northern Gaza's Jabalia and Rafah, displaced residents returned to scenes of widespread devastation, with razed buildings and infrastructure reduced to rubble. Most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents were displaced multiple times during the conflict. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported a death toll of 46,913, with 110,750 injured in the Israeli strikes since October 2023. In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered in Hostage Square to show solidarity with the families of those still held in Gaza and to urge the Israeli government to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. A large digital clock displayed the duration of the hostages' captivity since their abduction in Hamas' cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in the killing of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. So far, almost 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel estimating that half are still alive. New Delhi, Jan 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the role of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on the occasion of its Raising Day, saying the specialised department has set global standards in responding to disasters and managing them. Taking to X, the Prime Minister wrote: "On this special occasion of the Raising Day of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), we salute the courage, dedication and selfless service of the brave personnel who are a shield in times of adversity. Their unwavering commitment to saving lives, responding to disasters and ensuring safety during emergencies is truly commendable. The NDRF has also set global standards in disaster response and management." According to a post on the official website of NDRF, it has saved over 1,55,205 lives and evacuated more than 8,00,420 stranded individuals from disaster-stricken areas both within and outside the country since its inception. "The rapid and efficient response of NDRF during major disasters such as the Japan Triple Disaster of 2011, the Nepal Earthquake of 2015 and the Turkiye Earthquake of 2023 has garnered global acclaim. Excellent teamwork, rigorous training and greater use of technology have made these achievements possible," the post by DG-NDRF reads. For its relentless and dedicated service towards the community, the NDRF has also received a number of honours and awards. These include the Police Medal for Gallantry; Jeevan Raksha Padak; President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service; Prime Ministeras Police Medal for Life Saving; Appreciation letter from the Ambassador of Japan, and the Union Home Minister's Special Operational Medal among others. The current Director General (DG) of NDRF is Piyush Anand, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Piyush Anand has done B. Tech (Mechanical Engineering) from IIT Delhi and Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management from MDI Gurgaon. He has served as SP/SSP in 11 districts in Uttar Pradesh, IG (Range) Moradabad, IG (Range) Kanpur, ADG (Establishment) and ADG (Railways) in UP. Anand also served in the Central Bureau of Investigation for over seven years and in the Central Reserve Police Force for more than 3 years. He has also served in the Central Industrial Security Force as ADG/SDG for more than a year before joining the NDRF as Director General on March 31 last year. A recipient of several awards, Anand was given the Presidentas Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and Gold Medal by the School of Public Policy & Management, MDI Gurgaon for outstanding performance, among others. New Delhi, Jan 19 : The 2020 riots accused Tahir Hussain has petitioned the Supreme Court seeking interim bail for campaigning ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has fielded Tahir Hussain as a candidate from the Mustafabad constituency. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Ahsanuddin Amanullah will hear Tahir Hussain's special leave petition on January 20. Last week, the Delhi High Court turned down Tahir Hussain's plea for interim bail but granted him custody parole to enable him to file nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly polls. As per the order of the Delhi High Court, Tahir Hussain, while out on custody parole, will not have any access to the phone or the internet, will not interact with any person except the officials concerned in the nomination process, and will not address the media. Further, family members of Hussain may remain present, but they would not be permitted to click photographs of the filing of the nomination or to post the same on social media, the court order had said. Disposing of Hussain's plea for interim bail, a bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna ruled: "Merely because the Applicant/Petitioner had earlier been a Municipal Councilor, cannot be a peculiar circumstance entitling him to grant of Interim Bail." "Considering the antecedents, nature of allegations and having regard to the totality of circumstances, he (Hussain) is granted Custody Parole for subscribing the oath and to complete the formalities in respect of filing his Nomination Papers," it said. On January 14, the Justice Krishna-led Bench reserved its decision after hearing the arguments raised by senior advocate Rebecca John, representing the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor, and Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, who appeared on Delhi Police's behalf. Opposing Hussain's interim bail plea, ASG Sharma said that the AIMIM candidate, facing "gruesome allegations", may file his nomination papers from Tihar jail or under custody parole. Sharma added that there is no fundamental right to contest elections and if released on interim bail, Hussain may influence witnesses. "We are conceding that custody parole be granted to facilitate him to file nominations. Like others he can also contest," he said, referring to the former councillor's involvement in several criminal cases, including under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act). Meanwhile, senior advocate John pleaded that Tahir Hussain be released on interim bail, from January 16 to February 9, for filing nomination and for the election campaign. John repeatedly laid emphasis that Hussain be temporarily released for campaigning. Tahir Hussain's counsel argued that the former AAP councillor should be released on interim bail since he needed to file nomination papers physically and give a true account of his assets. The counsel cited the interim bail granted to J&K leader Engineer Rashid, accused in a terror funding case being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), for election-related purposes. On December 24, the Delhi High Court had issued a notice to the city police on a plea filed by Hussain seeking bail in connection with Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma's murder case in the 2020 riots. --IANS pds/dan Starstruck: Three Dark Sky Parks That Will Leave You in Awe Mumbai, Jan 19 : The Maharashtra government on Sunday stayed the appointments of guardian ministers of Nashik and Raigad districts till further orders in the wake of strong objection raised by Shiv Sena. The government on Saturday appointed Minister for Water Resources Girish Mahajan (BJP) as the Nashik district guardian minister while Minister for Women and Child Welfare Aditi Tatkare (NCP) as the Raigad district guardian minister. However, Shiv Sena, which had staked its claim over these two districts, on Sunday not only disapproved of these appointments but also hinted that it may create problems in the smooth running of the coalition government despite having a roaring majority. School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse (Shiv Sena) was keen to become the Nashik district guardian minister while EGS minister Bharat Gogawale (Shiv Sena) had never hidden his ambition to become the Raigad district guardian minister. Bhuse was the Nashik district guardian minister during the Eknath Shinde-led government while Gogawale had opposed leaving the post of Raigad district guardian minister to NCP. Shiv Sena ministers Uday Samant, and Gukabrao Patil along with Bhuse and Gogawale today openly expressed displeasure over the appointments of Mahajan and Tatkare as the Nashik and Raigad district guardian ministers respectively. A large number of supporters of Gogawale from his Mahad assembly constituency on Saturday night had staged protests and threatened to give mass resignations. Shiv Sena ministers took up the issue with DCM and party chief leader Eknath Shinde demanding that the appointments of Nashik and Raigad district guardian ministers be reconsidered. Considering Shiv Senaas strong objection, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has already reached Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum summit, reportedly asked the General Administration Department to stay the appointments of Nashik and Raigad district guardian ministers. Subsequently, the General Administration Department deputy secretary Dilip Deshpande issued the government resolution staying these appointments. On Saturday, the government announced the appointments of district guardian ministers and co-district guardian ministers for 36 districts ahead of Republic Day. Even though Fadnavis had expanded his cabinet on December 15 last year, the appointments of district guardian ministers were delayed due to claims and counterclaims made by BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP. It is for the first time in the state a post of co-district guardian minister has been created to accommodate the cabinet ministers and ministers of the state to avoid differences during the functioning of the MahaYuti government. Meanwhile, the government has issued another notification on the flag hoisting to be done by the district guardian ministers on Republic Day. However, with the stay on the appointments of Nashik and Raigad district guardian ministers, the government will have to depute new ministers for flag hoisting. Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 19 : Questions were being raised on the big claims being made about the security arrangements and management during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj after a massive fire broke out at the Mela venue on Sunday. Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai said that a religious programme like Maha Kumbh has now been made only "an event and more attention is being given on its publicity" rather than making arrangements properly. Ajay Rai said that big claims were being made in the Maha Kumbh, but today the fire in Sector-19 has proved that all the arrangements were only for show. "This entire Mahakumbh has now become an event, which is only being marketed. Figures are being released, but never before have governments released any data. Our tradition and belief is thousands of years old, but now it has been made just an event," he told IANS. He said that hundreds of years old tradition, faith and culture are followed during the Maha Kumbh, where people bathe and donate with faith. "But all this has now become part of the propaganda. The fire brigade team did not arrive for 25 minutes after the fire incident, which proves how many flaws are there in the administrative system. If there had been proper arrangements, this accident could have been controlled immediately. " The Congress leader said there was a delay in dealing with the mishap despite the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "The Chief Minister was present there, but if the arrangements were right, such an incident could have been avoided. Only the presence of the Chief Minister and publicity of do not work, it is necessary that prompt action is taken on the spot," he added. When asked about the claims made by the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi Assembly polls, Rai said both parties were claiming victory in their own way. Referring to the development work done during the previous Congress government, he said that during the time of Sheila Dikshit, Metro, buses and many other development works were started in Delhi. Whatever is in Delhi today, it happened during the Congress government. On the punishment of the accused in the rape and murder case of a woman doctor at Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, he said that such criminals should be punished severely. "I urge the court to give him capital punishment so that it becomes an example for the entire country," he added. Mumbai, Jan 20 : Actress Poonam Dhillon, who is also the President of CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes' Association), has condemned the "brutal attack" on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. The actress took to her Instagram on Sunday and shared a picture of the actor alongside her picture. She also penned a long note in the caption, calling for greater security and the safety of the artist community. She wrote, "The brutal attack by an intruder on Saif Ali Khan at his place of residence in the wee hours a few days ago has sent 'shock waves' in our society and in particular, the actor's community. I personally had a theft at my home & all this brings our attention more vividly on security." She further mentioned, "I urge all my friends and colleagues to be very very cautious when we let in any workers into our home ... be it painters, plumbers, electricians or new home staff . AADHAR CARD, Photo taken before they enter the home is very important. Saif has been a CINTAA member for a very long time and as CINTAA PRESIDENT, I seriously condemn such horrific acts that endanger us and our family. We are confident that our most efficient police force will soon nab the culprit. I wish Saif a very speedy recovery." Saif was stabbed multiple times in an attempt to fight off a burglar during the wee hours of Thursday. The actor sustained six stab wounds, two of which are said to be serious as they are closer to his spine. The incident took place at 2:15 a.m. when the burglar allegedly barged into their Bandra home, and attacked their house help and then Saif when he intervened. Saif was woken up by the commotion in his son Jeh's room. He went inside the room to see the culprit arguing with their house help, looking at this, Saif intervened to save the house help with bare hands to fight off the intruder. Mumbai, Jan 20 : Actor Anup Soni, who is known for 'Crime Patrol', revealed the names of his juniors in the National School of Drama in Delhi. He also said he used to rag his juniors along with his peers. However, the actor said that the ragging was only limited to "roasting" or "bullying" the juniors with discussions around acting, and no physical harm was caused to them. He told Cyrus Broacha on his podcast, "Ashutosh Rana, Mukesh Tiwari, Kumud Mishra, and Yashpal Sharma, all the villains of the Hindi film industry, these all are my juniors from NSD. I have ragged them." He further mentioned, "Actually it was like more of a roasting session. We used to ask them, 'Where did you come from?'. Then ask them to do something, say a dialogue. And, even if they said the dialogue correctly, we used to tell them, 'You watch a lot of films. This is a theatre. You know, films and theatres are different media. Have you come to be a hero?' This is how we bullied them. Nobody was physically hurt in those roasting sessions. It was just verbal sledging. It was more related to acting but in a little bullying way." Earlier, on the same podcast, Anup had shared an interesting anecdote about cold-calling the late filmmaker Yash Chopra to get some work. The actor said that he dialed a landline number, and luckily Yash Chopra picked up the call as those were the days when cell phones hadn't penetrated the telecommunications market. A video of the actor talking about the same has resurfaced on the Internet. In the video, the actor said, "I opened the directory and dialed the number of Yash Raj Films, and Yash Chopra picked up the phone. I swear, mobiles didn't come till then. I told him that, 'I am from the National School of Drama', specifically underlined NSD because some NSD passouts had worked with him." Jerusalem/Gaza, Jan 20 : Three Israeli women, released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, arrived in Israel, the first day that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, according to Israeli officials. The three -- Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli; Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse; and Romi Gonen, 23, abducted from the Nova music festival -- were finally released on Sunday after 471 days in captivity, Xinhua news agency reported. They are the first of 33 Israeli hostages expected to be released. Under the three-phase pact, Sunday marked the beginning of six weeks of calm, ending more than 15 months of intensive Israeli strikes that left Gaza in ruins and killed more than 46,900 Palestinians, according to an update from Gaza's health authorities. In a gradual release, Hamas will free every week about three to four hostages. In return, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli jails. The first 90, mostly women and children from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, were released later on Sunday. Hamas handed over the three female hostages to Israeli forces through the Red Cross in Gaza, the Israeli military said, adding that "a short while ago, accompanied by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet forces, the released hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory". The three were taken to a reception point in southern Israel near the Gaza border, where they underwent an initial medical assessment and met their mothers, according to the military. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised statement that the three "went through hell". "This is a great moment, an exciting moment," he added. In an address to reporters, IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari said, "Today, we salute and embrace them (three hostages) and their families as they reunite after so long." He added that Israeli forces have redeployed to the outskirts of Gaza and are "prepared for defence and offence" if Hamas violates the agreement. Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said on Sunday that Al-Qassam and other Palestinian factions are committed to the ceasefire deal. "We, along with other resistance factions, declare our full commitment to the ceasefire agreement, but this remains contingent on the enemy's adherence," Ubaida emphasised in a television statement. He said the October 7 "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel, was a "turning point" in the history of conflicts with Israel, explaining that the resistance inflicted significant losses on the Israeli army, including the destruction of around 2,000 military vehicles and heavy casualties among soldiers. "We have shattered the Israeli deterrence theory and forced the occupation to open multiple fronts," he added. Describing Gaza residents as "the pride of the nation and the symbol of its dignity," Ubaida urged continued support for the resistance and steadfastness of the Palestinian people. The ceasefire deal was implemented to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas that was triggered by Hamas' cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the killing of 1,200 people in Israel and the kidnapping of about 250 others. Khartoum, Jan 20 : At least 18 civilians were killed and five others injured in an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a village in North Darfur State in western Sudan, a government official said. "On Saturday, the RSF militia committed a massacre in Jebel Hilla village east of Um Kadada district in North Darfur," Ibrahim Khatir, director-general of the state's health department, told Xinhua, on Sunday denouncing the "organised targeting of civilians by the RSF" as a violation of international law and norms. He urged the United Nations and other international organisations to intervene to hold the perpetrators accountable, Xinhua news agency reported. The RSF has not commented on the incident. Meanwhile, the Command of the Sixth Infantry Division of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said in a statement that its warplanes launched three airstrikes on Saturday targeting RSF gatherings and movements in the northeastern and southern parts of El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur, killing more than 40 RSF fighters and injuring many others. Since May 10, 2024, fierce clashes between the SAF and the RSF have been raging in El Fasher. The El Fasher Coordination of Resistance Committees, a group involved in war victim relief efforts, said the RSF "deliberately shelled the Zamzam camp on January 12". It appealed to international organisations for assistance in evacuating the injured and providing intravenous solutions, blood bags, and medical supplies. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) announced in a statement on January 13 (Sunday) that between 1,000 and 3,000 families have been displaced from the city of Umm Ruwaba in North Kordofan state due to ongoing clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF for a fifth consecutive day. El Fasher has been the site of fierce clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF since May 10 last year. The city serves as a humanitarian operation centre for the Darfur region, utilised by the UN and international aid agencies. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the two sides since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 29,683 lives and displaced more than 14 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organisations. Sons of Anarchy alum Kim Coates says giving outdoor speeches was one of the biggest challenges of playing 19th-century Utah Territory Governor and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leader Brigham Young in American Primeval. ADVERTISEMENT Directed by Peter Berg and now streaming on Netflix, the six-episode, limited series depicts the regional clash of Young's followers with westbound settlers, European immigrants and Indigenous people. The cast includes Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Jai Courtney and Shea Whigham. "I do quite a few [speeches], but the big one near the end of Episode 5 or 6 -- i don't remember which episode is now -- but I'm outside with my flock, hundreds of people and children, and I'm giving this incredible speech as to why we will never give in and Zion is where we are right now. We're not giving it up. God says this. God says that. This is the way it's going to go," Coates, 66, told UPI in a recent Zoom interview. "I remember having to memorize about a page of it and then the rest I didn't have to memorize because Peter said it will be voiced over [later]. But, of course, as we're doing it, Berg's just so in love with the elements and what I'm doing, he goes: 'Keep going! Let's keep filming!'" When filming ran after sunset in the rural area, candles were lit to help him see, according to Coates. "It was just Peter Berg who pushed me and pushed me and poked me and poking the bear over and over again," he said. "I thought they did a pretty good job of editing that scene, in particular, of him giving some of those speeches to his people and [describing] the Mormon way of life and what we were not doing, and what we're going to do and not to be afraid of anything because God will take care of us," he added. FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! "It was a big moment and, for me, playing Brigham Young that night, for sure, it was tough." Coates said he had always wanted to work with Berg, a filmmaker whose credits include Friday Night Lights, Lone Survivor and Patriots Day. "To be offered Brigham Young, that never happens, A. And, B, it's Peter Berg, who I've just been such a fan of my whole career. To finally get the chance to work with him and Shea Whigham -- he was incredible -- I just had the best time." Coates said he didn't immediately connect with Young, mainly because he didn't know a lot about him and his religion going into the project. "But being able to soak myself in and having 2 1/2 months to prepare to play this guy, I felt ready to go and to make some choices and do this script justice and being with Peter Berg every day was pretty special," Coates said. When the series opens, Young is 53 years old, has 23 wives and is "at a pinnacle of survival of the Mormon religion," Coates said. "They were being persecuted like crazy, no matter where they were -- Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri -- and they found this place where they really, truly felt they could be not persecuted anymore and he was not ever, ever going to let go of that bone," Coates added about Young. "So, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which actually really happened, you can make up your own mind how much Brigham Young knew or didn't know, but I think Peter Berg and, and Mark Smith, the writer, have done an incredible historical job on writing this guy, Brigham Young, at this time, and, hopefully, I brought him to life with some truthfulness. No one is perfect in this world in 1857. No one. It is survival of the fittest, that's for certain. And it's a fascinating tale." Im sure the majority of Americans had a message pop up on their phones in the past few days that read, A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. Im also sure that they were pleasantly surprised when the app opened back up again and was usable if it had not been deleted from their phones. What if I was to say that I was almost happy when I realized that I may never have this app again? Corporate earnings from blue-chips like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Donald Trump's swearing-in as the US President, and trading activity of foreign investors are the key factors to drive equity markets this week, analysts said. Trump will be sworn in as the US president for a second term on Monday. This week, several key Nifty-50 companies, including BPCL, HDFC Bank, Hindustan Unilever, Dr Reddy's, UltraTech Cement, JSW Steel and ICICI Bank are scheduled to announce their financial results. Adding to the market's complexity is the ongoing battle between Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs). "As the earnings season progresses, investors are expected to shift their attention to the upcoming Union Budget, which will outline the government's economic and fiscal roadmap for the year. "Market participants will closely watch for policy measures, fiscal allocations, and growth initiatives that could influence key sectors and overall investor sentiment," Pravesh Gour, senior technical analyst, Swastika Investmart Ltd, said. On the global front, all eyes are on Donald Trump as he prepares to be formally inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America on January 20, marking his return to the White House, he added. Movement of global oil benchmark Brent crude and the rupee-dollar trend would also influence trading in the markets, experts said. Siddhartha Khemka, Head - Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, said, "Domestic equities are expected to remain volatile with stock-specific action as the corporate earnings season for the third quarter is in full swing. "The December quarterly results together with management commentary will be closely tracked by investors. "Donald Trump's swearing-in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, and the following policy announcements will have a strong impact on the global market sentiments." Last week, the BSE benchmark tanked 759.58 points or 0.98 per cent, and the Nifty declined 228.3 points or 0.97 per cent. "Looking ahead, we anticipate the market to maintain a cautious tone this week due to several domestic and global factors. Key corporate earnings from heavyweights such as Hindustan Unilever, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, BPCL, and Hindustan Petroleum are slated for release, which will be closely monitored. "Additionally, the swearing-in of Donald Trump on January 20 is expected to draw significant attention, especially for any initial announcements on trade tariffs and their implications for global trade," Ajit Mishra SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said. The director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, V Kamakoti, has sparked controversy after making a remark about the "medicinal value" of cow urine, or gomutra. IMAGE: IIT-Madras director V Kamakoti. Photograph: ANI Photo Kamakoti, while speaking at an event celebrating Maatu Pongal (a festival dedicated to cows and bulls), cited an anecdote about a sanyasi who was cured of a fever by consuming gomutra. He also claimed that gomutra has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." The remark has been widely condemned by rationalist organisations, political leaders, and medical professionals who have criticised Kamakoti's statements as "pseudoscience" and "regressive." Rationalist outfit Dravidar Kazhagam slammed the Gomutra remark saying it went against the truth and was "shameful." Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader TKS Elangovan hit out at Kamakoti for his remark and alleged that the intention of the central government is to "spoil" education in the country. Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Ramakrishnan said Kamakoti should give proof for his claim or he must tender an apology. "If he does not apologise, we will stage protest against him." Congress leader Karti P Chidambaram slammed the remark, and said: "Peddling pseudoscience by @iitmadras Director is most unbecoming @IMAIndiaOrg." The IIT director, emphasising on 'Go samrakshana,' protecting cows, said it has economic, nutritional and environmental benefits. "We can forget Bhoomi Mata (mother earth) if we use fertilisers. The quicker we switch to organic, natural way of farming, only that is good for us," Kamakoti said. On Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-1859), who sowed the seeds for British system of education in India, the IIT-M top professor alleged the Britisher was for eliminating indigenous cows, the basic building block of economy, to take India to a position of slavery. Also, Kamakoti mentioned about the setting up of slaughterhouses during the days of the British Raj, like the one that had a capacity to butcher about 30,000 cows a day. Indigenous cows and bulls (naatu maadu) form the core --the basic building block-- of organic farming and hence, maximum possible efforts must be taken to protect the indigenous cattle breeds. He emphasised the role of organic farming to the economy. "If farmers say that they will not produce grains, from where a man could get his food?" he asked and underlined that ryots and farming must be supported. In this regard, he cited the Regenerative Agriculture Stack Architecture programme of the IIT-Madras. He said the premium institute would take up 'Goshala automation,' project, which also includes making the operation cost effective and producing biogas and Panchagavyam (organic product). DK leader Kali Poongundran cited a study and said it showed that the cow urine had harmful bacterias and hence, not suitable for direct human consumption. "It is a regressive opinion," he told PTI Videos and warned people to not belive such an opinion and get deceived. Dr GR Ravindranath of the Doctors Association for Social Equality said gomutra consumption could cause bacterial infections, a scientific truth and slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party regime at the Centre for promoting pseudo science and superstition. BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai slammed efforts to 'politicise' the professor's Gomutra view and praised Kamakoti for his accomplishments. The IIT top professor's remark was his 'personal stand,' and he neither lectured about it in a classroom nor asked others to drink it. Sources close to Kamakoti told PTI that he spoke at the goshala event, he himself being an 'organic farmer,' and there was a larger context to his remarks. The context includes aspects like the indigenous cow breeds facing threat and scientific reports such as the "peptide profiling in cow urine reveals molecular signature of physiology-driven pathways and in-silico predicted bioactive properties" in journal Nature. Prof Kamakoti assumed charge as director of IIT-M on January 17, 2022. Awards and recognition include the DRDO Academy Excellence Award (2013) for his outstanding contributions in the field of scientific research and technology development. Maatu Pongal (second day of Tamil month Thai) is a festival dedicated to cows and bulls when people hold poojas and events thanking the cattle and celebrating their contribution to agriculture and allied activities. A labour contractor helped the Mumbai police track down the attacker, who stabbed actor Saif Ali Khan, in the neighbouring Thane district, an official said on Sunday. IMAGE: Bangladeshi national Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir was arrested in Saif Ali Khan attack case from Maharashtra's Thane, January 19, 2025. Photograph: ANI on X The police arrested Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30), a Bangladeshi national, for the attack that took place at the Bollywood star's house in Bandra in the early hours of Thursday. The official said the crime branch and the local police had formed multiple teams to trace the accused, who had eluded them for more than two days. During the probe, the police found that the accused was seen outside Dadar railway station thrice and had gone to Worli Koliwada, he said. The police examined hundreds of CCTV footage and found out that the attacker had visited a labour contractor in the area, the official said. He said the labour contractor gave the police all the details about the attacker, and based on his direction, the police traced him to a labour camp in a forested area in Thane, from where he was apprehended. The official said the accused had worked for a Thane-based hotel in the past, and so far, no criminal record in his name has come to light. The Bollywood star was repeatedly stabbed with a knife by the intruder inside his 12th-floor apartment in upscale Bandra in a shocking attack that raised intriguing questions about security, motive, and celebrity life. Khan (54) underwent emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital, where he was rushed following the incident that took place around 2.30 am at his apartment in the 'Satguru Sharan' building. He is recovering and may be discharged soon, doctors said. A man who was detained in Chhattisgarh's Durg railway station in connection with the January 16 Saif Ali Khan attack case was released on Sunday, a police official said. IMAGE: A suspect in Saif Ali Khan attack case, Aakash Kanojia, was detained from Durg, Chhattisgarh, January 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI on X Mumbai police, earlier in the day, informed that they arrested a 30-year-old man from Thane near the metropolis in the case. "The man detained from the Mumbai LTT-Kolkata Shalimar Jnaneshwari Express at Durg station on Saturday afternoon was just a suspect and he has been released after inquiry. He was kept at the RPF post at Durg station through the night and released this morning," the police official said. "We can detain anyone for inquiry. We had been insisting he was just a suspect. There has been no mistake on our part. We had told the media that we would share authentic details but some went ahead and declared him an accused," Mumbai police sub inspector Pradeep Fude told reporters at Dug railway station. Incidentally, RPF officials here had on Saturday said the man was detained after his photo was sent to them by Mumbai police. A Mumbai police team led by Funde had arrived here last night to question the detained man. Mumbai police on Sunday said it had arrested alleged attacker Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national who had illegally entered India and changed his name to Bijoy Das. As per preliminary probe, he had entered the Bollywood star's home, in Satguru Sharan building in Bandra, in the early hours of January 16 with the intention of theft, police said in the metropolis. Khan (54) was stabbed multiple times in the attack, after which he underwent a five-hour surgery at nearby Lilavati Hospital. The mother of Sanjoy Roy, who was convicted for the rape and murder of an on-duty medic of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on Sunday said if her son is guilty then he should get the punishment he deserves, even if it means hanging. IMAGE: Junior doctors with citizens stage a demonstration demanding justice over RG Kar rape-murder case, in Kolkata, January 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The 70-year-old woman said she would "cry alone" but would accept his punishment as destiny. A Kolkata court, where Sanjoy Roy's trial was held, will announce the quantum of punishment on Monday. A former civic volunteer with the Kolkata police, Roy was the only person arrested in the case. Initially reticent to speak to the media after the court convicted Roy on January 18, his mother Malati told reporters on Sunday that being a woman and a mother of three daughters, "I can feel the anguish and pain of the mother of the woman medic who is also like my daughter." "If the court decides to hang him to death, I don't have any objection as his crime has been proved in the eye of the law. I will cry alone but accept it as a quirk of fate, something willed by destiny," she said standing on the doorstep of her shanty on Shambhunath Pandit Street, about 5 km away from the commotion and buzz at Sealdah Court the other day. Asked if she had turned up during any of the court hearings or met Roy at the lockup, she replied "No. Why should I? Despite my failing health, I would have tried to go if the charges were found to be untrue." Sanjay has three sisters and one of them died years back. One of the elder sisters, who lives at her in-law's place close to Malati's home, on Saturday said in case he is proven guilty, the law should take its own course punishing him and the family has no plan to challenge the order on its own in any court. The middle-aged woman, her face partially covered in dupatta, told reporters at a shanty in the Bhawanipore area that she had not visited the court where the trial was held. "Please leave me alone. We are shattered," she said when reporters continued to ask if she thought her brother was really guilty. "But if he has committed any crime, he should get proper punishment. We don't have any plan to challenge the order on our part. I am living in my in-laws house. I don't have any contact with my family since my marriage in 2007 while my mother is not well," she said. The woman, who did not wish to divulge her name, said her brother used to be like any normal boy during childhood. "As he grew up, he turned to booze but apart from that I myself did not ever hear any case about Sanjay misbehaving with any woman. We did not have regular contact with him in the past few years. He used to live in a separate locality. I don't have any idea about his associations and whether he was involved in any criminal offence," she said. The woman, however, added that there are reports in the media that Roy might not be alone at the site of the crime. "So I would expect that investigations must have been thorough to find only one person's involvement in such a crime. Had others been involved directly or indirectly, that should also be investigated and they should be brought to book." "Since Sanjay's arrest, we were under the stigma and everyone from neighbours to relatives would point fingers at us saying we are Sanjay's kin. I hope we are clearing the air now," Roy's elder sister said. A court in Kolkata's Sealdah convicted Roy of raping and murdering the on-duty doctor at the hospital on Saturday, 162 days after the crime that sparked nationwide outrage and led to prolonged protests. Roy 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 CBI had proven all the charges against him. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, has landed in trouble over his recent remarks, where he stated that "the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have captured every single institution, and we are now fighting the BJP, the RSS, and the Indian State itself". IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi offers prayers at RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's residence, in Patna, Bihar, January 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo An FIR has been registered against him at the Pan Bazar Police Station in Guwahati. Rahul Gandhi made the statement on January 15, 2025, during the inauguration of the Congress Party's new headquarters at Kotla Road in Delhi. The FIR was registered under Section 152 and 197(1)d of the BNS for "acts endangering sovereignty unity and integrity of India," a cognizable and non-bailable office. The complainant, Monjit Chetia, alleged that Gandhi's statement crossed the limits of permissible free speech and posed a serious threat to public order and national security. Chetia claimed that Gandhi's words were an attempt to delegitimise the authority of the State, creating a dangerous narrative that could provoke unrest and separatist sentiments. "By declaring that his fight is against the "Indian State itself," the accused has consciously incited subversive activities and rebellion among the populace. This is an attempt to delegitimize the authority of the State and to portray it as a hostile force, thereby creating a dangerous narrative that could provoke unrest and separatist sentiments," Chetia said in his complaints according to the FIR. Chetia also suggested that Gandhi's remarks were motivated by frustration over repeated electoral failures. As the Leader of Opposition, Gandhi has a responsibility to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions, but instead, he chose to exploit his platform to spread falsehoods and provoke rebellion, endangering the unity and sovereignty of India. "Having been unable to gain public trust through democratic means, the accused now seeks to incite disaffection against the central government and the Indian State. This behavior is particularly alarming, given his position as the Leader of the Opposition, a role that comes with the responsibility to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions. Instead, the accused has chosen to exploit his platform to spread falsehoods and provoke rebellion, endangering the unity and sovereignty of India," the complainant said. Chetia complained that Rahul Gandhi's remarks represent a direct challenge to the integrity and stability of the Indian State, warranting immediate legal action under Section 152 of the BNS. Hours before the start of a ceasefire in the Gaza war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they won't be able "to move forward with the framework" until they get the list of hostages who Hamas will release. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin addresses the nation. Photograph: @netanyahu/X "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," Netanyahu said in a post on X in Hebrew. In a televised address, Netanyahu said Israel reserves the "right to resume war if necessary" with US support. He said he will ensure all hostages are brought back to Israel. "We reserve the right to resume the war if necessary, with American support," Mr Netanyahu said in the televised statement. He added that Israel had "changed the face of the Middle East" since the war began. On Saturday, the Israeli government approved the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas by a vote of 24-8. 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. The Mumbai police on Sunday arrested a Bangladeshi man for allegedly stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence three days back during a prima facie burglary bid and interrogating him to unravel "international conspiracy", if any. IMAGE: Bangladeshi national Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir arrested in Saif Ali Khan attack case from Maharashtra's Thane on Sunday. Photograph: ANI on X The preliminary investigation suggests that the man was unaware that he had entered a Bollywood star's house and his intention was theft, a senior police official told reporters. A court remanded the accused, Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30), in five-day police custody after observing that the police's contention of an international conspiracy cannot be ruled out. The breakthrough came in the early morning hours when the police traced Shehzad to a labour camp in a forested area in Thane based on the information provided by a labour contractor. Multiple teams of the police and the crime branch worked on several inputs and analysed footage from several CCTV cameras in the last three days to track down Khan's attacker. The probe saw police picking up two lookalikes of a suspect captured in a CCTV grab of Khan's building in the last two days for questioning. The accused, later identified as Shehzad, was seen outside Dadar railway station three times from where he went to Worli Koliwada, the police officer said citing the investigation. "The police examined hundreds of CCTV footage and found out that the attacker had visited a labour contractor in the area," he said. He said the labour contractor gave the police details about the attacker, and based on his direction, the police traced him to a labour camp in a forested area in Thane around 2:30-3 AM. Shehzad was nabbed at Hiranandani Estate on Ghodbandar Road. The police officer said Shehzad had changed his name to Vijay Das after entering India illegally from Bangladesh. The police told the court that the accused was a Bangladeshi national and they needed to find the real motive behind attacking the actor. The police also told the court they needed to find out if there was an international conspiracy linked to the case. Accepting the police's contention after perusing documents on record, the court said the prosecution's submission of international conspiracy "cannot be said to be impossible". However, defence lawyer Sandeep D Sherkhane contended his client was residing in the country for several years and has vital documents (for staying in the country) and that his family is also living in India. The case has been hyped because of the presence of actor Saif Ali Khan, the defence lawyer further submitted. As per the preliminary probe, Shehzad sneaked into the Bollywood star's apartment, in the Satguru Sharan building in Bandra, in the early hours of January 16 with the intention of theft, the police had said. Khan (54) was stabbed multiple times in the attack, after which he underwent a five-hour surgery at nearby Lilavati Hospital. Preliminary investigation suggests that Shehzad climbed the stairs to the seventh-eighth floor of the building where Khan and his actor wife Kareena Kapoor live with their children and domestic staff. "He entered the duct area, climbed to the 12th floor using a pipe and entered the actor's flat through a bathroom window. He then came out from the bathroom, where the actor's staff spotted him, leading to the chain of events that culminated into the knife attack," the official said. He said the accused started arguing with a nanny in Khan's house and demanded Rs 1 crore. Hearing the ruckus, Khan arrived at the spot and held the attacker from the front. "The accused was startled and stabbed Khan in his back. Khan later locked the flat believing the accused was pinned inside. However, he managed to flee from the same area from where he had entered," the official said. He said police recovered a hammer, screwdriver, nylon rope and other materials from his bag, which suggests he may have criminal antecedents. The accused realised that he had attacked a Bollywood star only after seeing television news and social media posts, the official said. After fleeing Khan's flat, Shehzad slept at a bus stop in Bandra till 7 am before boarding a train. "He slept at a bus stop near Patwardhan Garden in Bandra (West) till 7 am on January 16 after the incident. Later he boarded a train and reached Worli (in central Mumbai)," the official said. Meanwhile, another official claimed Shehzad got time to flee as a detection personnel from Bandra police station took the CCTV digital video recorder (DVR) of Khan's building, and these were not shared with the Mumbai Crime Branch. The police said Shehzad hails from Jhalokathi district, also called Jhalakathi, in southern Bangladesh. He has been staying in Mumbai and adjoining areas for the past five months doing petty jobs, including at a housekeeping agency. Shehzad has been charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 311 (robbery or dacoity with the intent to cause grievous hurt or death), 331(4) (house-breaking) and other offences as well as provisions of the Passport Act, the official said. A detailed probe has begun into how he managed to enter the country illegally, the kind of documents he possesses and how he obtained them, the official said. Meanwhile, actor Soha Ali Khan said on Sunday that her brother Saif Ali Khan is recovering well from the injuries. We are very very happy that he is recovering well. We are thankful, we feel blessed and grateful that it wasn't any worse. Thank you for all your wishes, Soha told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai. A Mumbai court on Sunday remanded a man arrested in the Saif Ali Khan attack case in five-day police custody after observing that the prosecution's contention of an international conspiracy cannot be ruled out. Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com IMAGE: Suspected man arrested in the Saif Ali Khan attack case being produced in a court, in Mumbai, January 19, 2025. The police produced the accused Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad (30) before a metropolitan magistrate court in Bandra at 1:30 pm. The police told the court that the alleged attacker was a Bangladeshi national residing illegally in India and there was a need to find the motive behind his act. The police also told the court they needed to find out if there was an international conspiracy linked to the case. However, defence lawyer Sandeep D Sherkhane contended his client was residing in the country for several years and has vital documents (for staying in the country) and that his family is also residing in India. The case has been hyped because of the presence of actor Saif Ali Khan, the defence lawyer further submitted. The police, however, sought 14-day custody stating the case was not just about a celebrity but that it involved a brutal attack. The police also told court the investigation is at a primary stage. Khan sustained grievous injuries in the attack, including a part of the knife blade getting embedded in his body, the investigating officer told court. The knife broke into three parts, two of which have been found, while the third needs to be recovered from the accused, the police told court. The clothes the accused had worn at the time of the incident will have blood stains and it needs to be seized as part of the probe, police submitted. A probe was required to find out how he entered the actor's house and the motive behind the attack, the IO said. However, the defence lawyer said Shehzad should be remanded in judicial custody. Accepting the police's contention after perusing documents on record, the court said the prosecution's submission of international conspiracy "cannot be said to be impossible". "I find the allegations against the accused are well-founded. Therefore, the police need to be provided with sufficient time to investigate the case. Five-day police custody is justified," the court said. The court also dismissed the defence's claim that the arrest was illegal and asserted the police had followed all required norms while apprehending the accused. Earlier in the day, the police had told the media that the alleged attacker was a Bangladeshi national who had illegally entered India and changed his name to Bijoy Das. He was held from adjoining Thane city. As per preliminary probe, he had entered the Bollywood star's home, in Satguru Sharan building in Bandra, in the early hours of January 16 with the intention of theft, the police had said. Khan (54) was stabbed multiple times in the attack, after which he underwent a five-hour surgery in nearby Lilavati Hospital. A Kolkata court will on Monday pronounce the quantum of punishment of Sanjay Roy, convicted of raping and murdering an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. IMAGE: Police produce RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case accused Sanjoy Roy at Sealdah court, in Kolkata, November 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The charges under which Roy has been convicted entail a minimum sentence of life imprisonment, while the maximum can be capital punishment. Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das, Sealdah court, had on Saturday declared Roy guilty of rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee at the hospital on August 9 last year. The gruesome crime had led to nationwide outrage and prolonged protests. 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. Found guilty of sexually assaulting the doctor and throttling her to death, Roy was convicted on Saturday by the judge under Sections 64, 66 and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Section 64 (rape) of the BNS entails a punishment of not less than 10 years and can go up to life term. Section 66 (punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim) provides for punishment of not less than 20 years that may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, or with death. Section 103(1) (murder) of BNS provides for death penalty or imprisonment for life to a person convicted of the crime. The judge said the over 160-page judgement, 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. Das said that he has, in the judgement, criticised some activities of the police authority as well as the hospital authority. The investigation into the case was transferred from the Kolkata police to the Central Bureau of Investigation by the Calcutta high court. The judge said that Roy's statement will be heard at 12:30 pm on Monday, and the sentence will be pronounced thereafter. At the time of delivery of the verdict on Saturday, Roy claimed in court that he had been framed. The parents of the deceased doctor have expressed gratitude to the court for delivering justice. TikTok's app effectively shut down in the US, just hours before a law banning the popular video-sharing platform was set to go into effect. The app was shut down on Saturday. IMAGE: A man films a TikTok video outside the US headquarters of the social media company TikTok in Culver City, California, US January 18,2025. Photograph: Fred Greaves/Reuters "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now, a message reads when American users open the app. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! While the Biden administration dismissed TikTok's shutdown threat as a "stunt" and handed enforcement to the Trump administration, TikTok maintained that without clear assurances, it had no choice but to suspend its services in the US. An internal email to employees stated that President Trump has expressed his intention to work on a solution to restore TikTok once he assumes office on January 20th. TikTok assured teams are working to resume services as soon as possible. On Saturday evening, a warning appeared in both TikTok and CapCut apps at 9 pm Easten time: "We regret that a US law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19th, forcing us to temporarily suspend our services. We're working to restore our service in the US as soon as possible. Thank you for your support. Stay tuned." By 10:30 pm ET, users were blocked from accessing both apps, with TikTok displaying a message that the app "isn't available right now," but expects resolution under President-elect Trump. It comes after days of speculation and confusion over the platform's future. The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the divest-or-ban law, which gave TikTok's China-based parent company ByteDance until Sunday to divest from the app. The law directed Apple and Google to remove the service from app stores. It also required web-hosting firms, including TikTok's back-end cloud provider, Oracle, to stop supporting the app or face penalties that could reach into the billions of dollars, NPR reported. Trump said Saturday that he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day extension. "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, Trump said in a call with Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker. It's a very big situation." The law, which passed Congress with wide bipartisan majorities and was signed by President Biden in April, allows the president to provide a 90-day extension, as long as progress is being made toward a divestiture. Following Friday's Supreme Court decision, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked the president-elect for his commitment to finding a solution to keep the app accessible in the US Chew, who met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month, is set to attend Monday's inauguration, the Hill reported. While the app's message and Trump's remarks suggest the app could be revived in the US soon, it remains unclear exactly what that would look like and how long a divestiture deal could take to hammer out. Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net. A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band. Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now. A Warning From The Baltics Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis offered a clear warning for those who say that China is able to mediate an end to the war in Ukraine. Finding Perspective: Speaking to the French international affairs outlet Geopolitique.eu, Landsbergis stamped down the idea. China is waiting for a moment of weakness to step in and offer solutions and I fear that some in Europe would accept this offer because its a cheap alternative to us stepping up, in the same way that you buy a Chinese car because its cheaper. The same goes for their peace proposals. Landsbergis was commenting on a recent interview with outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and The New York Times, where Blinken said that one of the reasons that Moscow had not escalated into a nuclear war in Ukraine was because of China. If you follow that line of reasoning, it means that China has become a protector of Europe. That would be the beginning of a new paradigm, Landsbergis said. If we accept that China, which in my view supports Russia and is therefore an adversary of the countries supporting Ukraine, is now the guarantor of nuclear deterrence on our continent, it would be a dangerous mistake and a failure. Why It Matters: Landsbergiss warning comes as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office and Europe anxiously looks at a very different geopolitical reality. Trumps tariff threats and less traditional approach to Washingtons relationship with Europe is a source of consternation in European capitals and there is talk in some corners about having a more amenable position toward Beijing to balance the Trump administration. On January 14, Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke with European Council President Antonio Costa to begin what many analysts believe will be a charm offensive from Beijing toward the continent. But while Trump may have a rockier relationship with Brussels and various capitals than his predecessor, Beijing is also facing a different playing field than when U.S. President Joe Biden took office. Chinas support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine has strained ties with Europe, and Brussels is taking aim at Chinese companies in some sectors, a trend that looks set to continue. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has also voiced strong criticism of China, especially for its stance around the war in Ukraine and its long-term repercussions. Landsbergis shared similar sentiments, saying that Ukraine is central to what will happen in the future between China and Taiwan. I mentioned earlier that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has managed to change the nuclear doctrine by getting us to accept, at least for now, that resisting an attack is a form of escalation and therefore a nuclear strike is justified. One can imagine a situation where China imposes a blockade, even a partial one, on Taiwan and they resist and we try to lift it, then China could use the Russian playbook, he said. I dont think we collectively understand how reckless it is. Three more stories from Eurasia 1. The Taliban Courts Chinese Capital My Afghan colleagues at RFE/RL's Radio Azadi and I reported about a new road built by the Taliban in northeast Afghanistan that the hardline group is hoping can better connect the country to neighboring China. The Details: The first section of the road in the Wakhan Corridor was completed a year ago in early 2024, and the Taliban is looking to build out the connections further to one day open up more trade with China. The road link is part of a series of announcements and groundbreaking ceremonies in 2024 -- from oil deals to mining rights -- that the Taliban are hoping will keep moving ahead in the coming year. But the main questions remain over whether the militants can finally calm China's long-standing security concerns. Haiyun Ma, an associate professor at Frostburg University, told me that, despite the lofty deals, Chinese investment is still not flowing in Afghanistan and that there are growing frustrations under the surface between Beijing and the Taliban. Ma says that the announcement in 2024 helps bring prestige and legitimacy to the Taliban as it adapts to governing and that it offers a low-risk, low-commitment way for Beijing to signal long-term intent toward the country. But he adds that China is in no hurry to have a footprint in Afghanistan. China is yet to set up a border crossing in the area where the Wakhan road leads and despite all the resource deals, Beijing has plenty of already developed alternatives elsewhere in the world to help meet its domestic needs. 2. Trump, Greenland, China, And The Arctic Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has once again kicked up a storm by refusing to rule out the use of force to gain control of Greenland. As my colleague Todd Prince writes, Trumps pursuit shines a light on the complicated national-security picture in the Arctic between the United States, China, Russia, and other players. What You Need To Know: While China is not an Arctic nation, it is seeking to be a major player in the region. In recent years, Beijing has sought to buy ports, other infrastructure, and mining rights on Greenland though it has not been successful. Todd writes that the United States suspected China's real interest in those projects was to place dual-use sensors and radars in the Arctic Circle to help control their military satellites and gather intelligence on U.S. space-based operations in the region. 3. U.S. Energy Sanctions Hurt Chinese, Indian Purchases Of Russian Oil Chinese and Indian refiners are looking for new fuel supplies as they adapt to hard-hitting new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil producers and tankers. What It Means: Many of the newly sanctioned tankers brought oil to China and India, and both Bloomberg and Reuters reported that the sanctions have led to a jump in prices and driven Chinese refiners back to sellers of oil that is not restricted. The sanctions were announced on January 10 and they target Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, two of Russia's five largest largest oil producers, as well as 183 vessels transporting Russian oil and oil products to foreign markets. The Biden administration also sanctioned opaque traders of Russian oil, more than 30 Russia-based oil-field service providers, and more than a dozen leading Russian energy officials and executives. The Chinese refiner Yulong Petrochemical has previously bought Russian crude, but, according to industry data, it purchased 4 million barrels of crude from the United Arab Emirates following the sanctions. After the sanctions announcement, Unipec, a subsidiary of Chinas state-owned energy giant Sinopec, booked four large carriers of crude from the Middle East which the data intelligence firm Kpler said could carry a total of up to 2 million barrels. Across The Supercontinent Kyivs China Consultations: Ukraines Foreign Ministry told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service that 2024 was a year of developing political dialogue in Beijing, pointing to the extensive high-level talks with their counterparts in the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi added that Kyiv considers China one of the countries that can and does have influence on the Russian Federation. And we will continue to maintain this contact with the Chinese side. Parting Shots: In a speech at the State Department on January 13 summing up his administrations record, Biden said the United States has widened its lead over competitors like Russia and China. "Our adversaries are weaker than they were when we came into this job four years ago. Let's consider Russia. Putin invaded Ukraine. He thought he'd conquer Kyiv in a matter of days. But the truth is, since that war began, I'm the only one that stood in the center of Kyiv, not him," Biden said, referring to his visit to the embattled nation last year. The China Connection: As Russian forces have intensified their advances in eastern Ukraine in recent weeks, they're being helped by a new tool on the battlefield: drones that fly with the use of fiber-optic cables, RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service and I reported. Some Ukrainian experts have said that the drone models used by Russia are very similar to Chinas commercially available Skywalker drone. There are also growing reports in Ukrainian media of high-quantity orders being placed at Chinese factories by Russian companies for large spools of fiber-optic cables. One Thing To Watch Trade between China and Russia reached a record high in 2024, according to official data released on January 13 by Chinas General Administration of Customs. The figures show how Beijing and Moscows efforts to strengthen their relationship are paying off in the face of tough Western economic sanctions on Russia. While the 2024 trade data reached an all-time high, the year-on-year growth rate slowed significantly compared to the 26.3 percent surge seen in 2023. Thats all from me for now. Dont forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have. Until next time, Reid Standish If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every other Wednesday. 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." 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. Five County Roscommon businesses are exhibiting at Showcase 2025, Irelands International Creative Expo, at the RDS, Dublin from today Sunday, January 19th to Tuesday, January 21st. The Roscommon businesses are Black Hen Designs; Lydia Clayton Goldsmith; Naomh Padraig Handcrafts; Ogham Wish & Bog Buddies and artist Rita Oates who will unveil her latest collection. Showcase has attracted 400 exhibitors and is set to attract more than 3,500 visitors from Ireland and overseas over the next few days. Roscommon artist Rita Oates said that she was looking forward to unveiling her new collection at Showcase. Following her retirement from a 40-year career as director of ETL Craft & Giftware in Roscommon Town, Rita now dedicates herself fully to her first love, art. Her collection includes designer scarves, framed prints, and greeting cardsall infused with her signature themes of positivity, connection, and the power of the human spirit. Already featured in over 40 retail outlets nationwide, her work is celebrated for its heartfelt imagery and stories that inspire and uplift. Each piece reflects Ritas commitment to sustainability. Greeting cards are printed on FSC-certified paper with recycled envelopes, and her framed prints use eco-friendly materials. Designed and produced in Roscommon, her work highlights the best of Irish craftsmanship. Lydia Clayton Goldsmith showing her designs to Enda Cannon, Local Enterprise Office Roscommon and Minister Neale Richmond TD last March. Pic: Gerard OLoughlin Showcase is year celebrating 50 years of bringing together the best in Irish craftsmanship and design for a memorable celebration of creativity and innovation. It was established in 1975 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and began life as the National Crafts Fair. Over the past 50 years, it has grown from a show for domestic buyers alone to a show not only for buyers in Ireland, but for buyers from over 20 countries. It has taken place in the RDS Dublin each year, originally in the Industries Hall and now taking up the four major halls of the RDS. It continues to evolve and attract buyers from all over the world, introducing them to talented Irish exhibitors. Death, something were all guaranteed, just like taxes, they tell us. In fact, the quote, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes," is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who included it in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy way back in November, 1789. So, weve been paying taxes for a whileand dying for much longer. The big thing about death, though, is that we announce it, share it, and make it known. People hear weve passed away, and they then have a choice to make: Will I go to the funeral? Will I send my condolences? What will I do? Its a moment of reckoning not just for the deceased but for those left behind, as they navigate the social obligations that death so reliably brings with it. Ah yes, funerals. One of the things that we Irish do very well. Some might say weve turned the funeral into an art form. Theres a rhythm to it, a choreography thats evolved over generations. First comes the death notice. These days, its on RIP.ie, and, of course, also on local radio. In both cases, you can leave your condolences to be read by the familyor, lets be honest, by everyone. There are people who spend their day reading RIP.ie, scrolling through the notices and the condolences like theyre flicking through a novel of life and loss. When I was a child, and well into my early adult years, death notices appeared in the newspaper. They were towards the back, on a page smartly nicknamed "Hatched, Matched, and Dispatched," because this was where births, marriages, and deaths were announced. The inside back page of the Irish Independent used to be full of these notices, and they followed a particular formula. Many notices included a coded message at the end: "English and American Papers please copy." It was a quiet nod to the emigrants, a hope that the word would spread to those who had left for foreign shores. And then there was the choice of newspaper itself. A Fianna Fail family would publish in the Irish Press, while others stuck with the Irish Independent, and some in both. Today, the newspapers carry just a handful of death noticespriests and nuns still seem to prefer the paperbut most of us have moved on to RIP.ie or local radio stations. These modern notices have their own language. Youll often see phrases like "House private," "No flowers please," or "Donations in lieu to" And then there are the poetic openings: "Peacefully, surrounded by her family," or perhaps the more sombre, "Suddenly, but peacefully." The choice of words still matters deeply. And of late, theres so much talk about the website RIP.ie. Since the first of January, there is now a fee of 100 being charged for hosting death notices. In truth, I always assumed there was already a significant fee. After all, the local radio stations charge for their announcements, and newspapers have always charged for obituaries. My grandfather had a great perspective. He once told a friend who was worried about the cost of his own funeral: Relax and dont worry. Sure, theyll bury you for the smell of you, if not the love of you. Still, the 100 fee seems to have sparked widespread outrage. Its a reflection, perhaps, of how important we place death notices as part of our tradition. It also says something about how the internet, once celebrated as a free and open platform, has shifted toward commercialism. Newspapers have long since introduced paywalls to fund journalism, and websites like RIP.ie have costs to cover toomoderation, hosting, and the work of maintaining a platform. The reaction to the 100 fee on RIP.ie is testament to how deeply embedded RIP.ie has become in our culture, and how important death and funerals remain in Irish life. Its not just about announcing a death; its about keeping the tradition alive, even in a changing world. For all our modernity, the old rhythms remain. We still come together when someone dies. We still tell their stories, share their memory, and give them a proper farewell. And in that, perhaps, lies the true art of the Irish funeral. The Arts Office of Roscommon County Council has introduced a new support for amateur drama this year in the form of a scholarship to the popular Drama League of Ireland (DLI) Residential Summer School. The summer school takes place at the University of Limerick from July 19th to 26th (dates subject to confirmation by DLI) The Drama League of Ireland is the national representative body for amateur drama groups, societies and individuals. Arts Officer Rhona McGrath explained that the summer school facilitates the participants artistic development by furthering their knowledge and experience under the guidance of Irish and international theatre professionals. Places are highly sought after. There are many courses on offer at this years summer school for actors and directors, designed to cater for a wide variety of interests and levels of experience. The scholarship on offer from Roscommon Arts Office, valued at 600, will cover the cost of a residential place and includes tuition, accommodation and meals. Further information on the DLI is available at www.dli.ie. Amateur members of drama societies in County Roscommon are invited to apply for this scholarship. Guidelines and application forms are available for this Roscommon scholarship by emailing artsofficer@roscommoncoco.ie The deadline for receipt of all applications is Friday, February 7th at 5 p.m.. The mathematician Dan Barbilian, aka the poet Dan Barbu banner-Pro-Memoria.-960x540-1.jpg Steliu Lambru, 19.01.2025, 14:00 There are few personalities who manage to perform at a high level in different, even opposite, fields, as was the case of the mathematician Dan Barbilian, aka the poet Ion Barbu, who is remembered for having excelled at both mathematics and literature. Dan Barbilian was gifted with a unique talent for the science of mathematics and the art of poetry, but he worked hard to put it to good use. Dan Barbilian was born in 1895 in Campulung Muscel into a family of magistrates and died in 1961 in Bucharest. He had been passionate about mathematics ever since primary school, and during high school he published in the magazine Gazeta Matematica, a mathematics magazine where we also find the most important Romanian mathematicians. His passion for poetry also dates from around this time, but it wasnt until 1919 that he made his literary debut, in the magazine Sburatorul. He first studied mathematics at the University of Bucharest and, after the end of the First World War, between 1921 and 1924, he went to Germany, to study in Gottingen, Tubingen and Berlin. In 1929, he earned his doctoral degree in mathematics under his Bucharest teacher, the mathematician Gheorghe Titeica, and embarked on a busy scientific career, taking part in many international congresses. He became a professor of algebra at the Faculty of Sciences in Bucharest where he taught algebra, geometry, number theory, group theory and axiomatics. He also taught courses at universities in the German-speaking world. A metrization procedure will be named after him, known as the Barbilian spaces, and another of his contributions paved the way for research in the geometry of rings. He also contributed to the standardization of algebraic geometry. Mathematician and writer Bogdan Suceava told us more about the educational opportunities enjoyed by a very talented young man like Dan Barbilian in a country that was building itself up by borrowing from the European models: Dan Barbilian wins the Gazeta Matematica competition in 1912 and, interestingly, I even found a mention of his name in the American Mathematical Society database. You really had to be someone to be mentioned there in a chapter on mathematics. Barbilian is related to 51C05, which is something from ring geometry. He introduced the spaces now named after him in 1934, but at the beginning he worked as a math solver for the magazine. He won the magazines competition in 1912, and later he studied in Gottingen with David Hilbert, Emmy Noether and Edmund Landau, but also produced interesting literary work. He has very important contributions in the field of algebra and is the author of an axiomatic approach to mechanics published in 1943, which went largely unnoticed. He was, creator of mathematics of the highest order, with his formative years being linked to the Gazeta Matematica. At the same time, mathematician Dan Barbilian wrote poetry under the name Ion Barbu, which was a return to the familys original name. He was in the entourage of literary critic Eugen Lovinescu and his literary circle Sburatorul. Another literary critic, Tudor Vianu, a friend of Barbu since high school, is the author of a volume in which he analyzes the mathematicians poetry. Thus, according to Vianu, Barbus poetic work is divided into several periods: the Parnassian period inspired by French Parnassian poetry until 1925, the period of the oriental ballad after 1925, inspired by Romanian authors like Anton Pann or writings whose hero was Nastratin Hogea, and the hermetic period. The last period was named as such due to the encryption of poetic meanings that Barbu makes. Two poems from Barbus poetic work are very well-known today, Riga Crypto and Enigel the Lapp and After the Snails, the latter being the title of a folk song composed by Nicu Alifantis in 1979. Reading Dan Barbilians notes, Bogdan Suceava was pleasantly surprised to discover a powerful literary description of the mathematicians memories related to important moments in his life: About the 1912 competition, he wrote in the 1950s: The problem bears the seal of Ion Banciu, a member of the algebra commission, dear, unforgettable, great professor. Barbilian is sentimental when he wants to be. Besides my father, have I met anyone who believed in me and helped me as much? Titeica did not have Bancius enthusiasm, warmth, generosity. I want to remain Bancius student and then Felix Kleins and Richard Dedekinds, nobody elses. Here he is a bit unfair because Titeica helped him a lot, but I dont think he comforted him. He gave him deadlines and Barbilian did not like deadlines. What will I have written in the thesis? Titeicas very good appreciation of algebra surprised me. Did I manage to come out of so many numerical calculations? If the detail of the thesis escapes me, the atmosphere of that dusty hall of the School of Bridges and that almost Nordic afternoon, with polarized light, I find again. The geometry thesis passed in the morning still feels like a lived moment today. The algebra thesis remains somewhat hypnotic. Lets not forget they gave them on the same day. I wouldnt do that today. This atmosphere, that you forget yourself and that it seems like a hypnotic atmosphere while you have a competition, this yes, we can understand. Thats how it was in 1912, thats how it was later, thats how it is always. This intensity of a mathematics thesis remains. Whats interesting is something else: how he describes this experience four decades later, it is something remarkable. These are problems he returns to at old age and analyzes from an advanced perspective. Mathematician Dan Barbilian and poet Ion Barbu showed that the boundaries between fields are not fixed and that passions can be complementary. And that the human being is both reason and sentiment. At the ongoing Auto Expo 2025, Tata Motors made quite a spectacle by showcasing the production-spec Harrier EV and a close-to-production version of Sierra. Alongside these, Tata also showcased Bandipur Editions of Harrier, Safari and Nexon EV, which reminds us of the now-discontinued Kaziranga Edition. Bandipur Editions Of Harrier, Safari, Nexon EV In more ways than some, Tatas new Bandipur Edition is a stunning result of Tatas vision to offer their buyers new and special offerings based on standard vehicles. Bandipur National Park is among the most important tourist attractions of India. It is the second-largest Tiger Reserve in India and has South Asias largest Elephant population. To pay tribute to this part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tata Motors is launching Harrier Bandipur Edition, Safari Bandipur Edition and Nexon EV Bandipur Edition. These vehicles get a unique dual-tone colour theme that is very close to the Grassland Beige shade offered with Kaziranga Edition. With Bandipur Edition, the motif is of an elephant, executed in a polygonal theme. With Kaziranga Edition, it was a Rhino. We can see the elephant motif with Bandipur Editions on the front quarter panels. Unlike Kaziranga Editions which had Black alloy wheels, Bandipur Edition gets a unique Gold shade for wheels. What are the extras? Nexon EV Bandipur Edition is even more special as it gets a new alloy wheel design from FUEL with an exposed rivet design. These wheels completely transform the look of this vehicle. Other notable elements of Bandipur Edition include bar-style roof carriers with a roof box with Harrier Bandipur Edition and Safari Bandipur Edition. With Nexon EV Bandipur Edition, there is a more conventional roof carrier, which lends a unique and rugged appeal to it. Also, Tata Motors installed auxiliary LED lights on Safari Bandipur Editions bumper and Harrier Bandipur Editions roof. Theres less clarity if these auxiliary LED lights be offered with customer units. Where powertrains are concerned, Tata Bandipur Editions of Harrier and Safari get the same Stellantis-sourced 2.0L Turbo Diesel engine with 175 bhp of peak power and 350 Nm of peak torque. Nexon EV Bandipur Edition will get the same battery pack options (30 kWh, 40.5 kWh and 45 kWh). Prices are likely to be announced soon. 1 of 8 Also read Tata Stealth Edition showcased with Harrier EV and Safari ICE Political podcasts and newsletters As New Mexico's 2025 legislative session kicks off Tuesday, The New Mexican will offer more ways to stay informed. Around the Roundhouse, a new podcast by political reporter Daniel J. Chacon, launches Monday with an episode featuring state House Speaker Javier Martinez. New episodes will be released every Friday during the session. Tuesdays episode of Conversations Different by Opinion Page Editor Inez Russell Gomez will feature interviews with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth. Visit our website, santafenewmexican.com, to tune into the podcasts and to view a livestream of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's State of the State address Tuesday and a live blog of the Legislature's first day. The New Mexican also will increase the frequency of its now once-weekly "Roundhouse Report." Watch for editions of the politics newsletter in your email inbox Tuesday and Friday, as well as Sunday. To sign up for "Roundhouse Report" and other New Mexican newsletters, visit santafenewmexican.com/newsletters. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella wrote a letter Sunday to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to respectfully request that all American flags across the state of New York be raised in honor of President Donald Trumps inauguration. Fossella noted in his letter that the same action has been done in 28 other states. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, last week ordered that flags at the U.S. Capitol be raised to their full height on Inauguration Day, pausing a 30-day order issued by President Joe Biden upon the death of President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 at age 100, the Associated Press reported. The flags will be lowered the following day. The U.S. flag code lays out parameters for lowering the U.S. flag to half-staff, including a 30-day period for current or former presidents, to cover flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels. Hochul, shortly after Carters death, announced that flags will be flown at half-staff in the state to honor Carter. President Jimmy Carter embodied decency and integrity throughout his life of public service, Hochul, a Democrat, said at the time. Ill never forget as a teenager meeting him in Buffalo. He was an inspiration to me and so many Americans. Our hearts are with the Carter family during this difficult time. In his letter to the governor, Fossella said raising the flags in New York state in honor of Trumps inauguration would serve as a symbol of unity and respect for the office of the president, regardless of political affiliation. He said it would honor the democratic process and the peaceful transition of power that is a cornerstone of our nations values. I believe that raising the flags in honor of the inauguration would demonstrate our commitment to these principles and foster a sense of community among New Yorkers, Fossellas letter continued. The borough president, who is a Republican, said ordering the flags raised across our state would also serve as a sign of goodwill between New York and the nationss new administration. Signaling that spirit of goodwill throughout our state, in county after county, would be a profound and unifying gesture,' the borough president said in the letter. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - In the bustling heart of the North Shore, a youth center is using its programming to establish itself as a hub for Staten Island teens to gather, connect and broaden their horizons. A Chance in Life - The Village is a non-profit with a global presence in 12 countries. It established its U.S. presence in West Brighton in late 2020. This area is one of the the least served in all of New York City, so we made sure that the center was here, strategically located, Elser Llanos, vice president of programs, said of the site at 1100 Castleton Ave., which is across the street from a New York City Housing Authority housing complex. Children from the North Shore are more than twice as likely to live in poverty as those on the South Shore, highlighting the persistent economic divide in the borough, according to a new report released by Citizens Committee for Children. The report found that roughly one in five children were found to be living in poverty, a rate much higher than the 12.6% on Mid-Island and 8.7% on the South Shore. In addition, the high school graduation rate on the North Shore, at 77.6%, lags behind Mid-Island at 91.2% and the South Shore at 94.5%. The Villages mission, Llanos explained, is to support underserved children and youth by providing programs that foster their development. These include initiatives in education, leadership development, community building, and, most importantly, creating a safe space for young people. In addition, the center also operates a free market food pantry to feed locals, as thousands of Staten Islanders face food insecurity and the health challenges tied to poor nutrition, an issue that is particularly prevalent on the North Shore. Our mission is to help youth break the cycle of poverty through helping them become financially sustainable, and to do that you need skills, Llanos said. Youth Leadership Workshop supporting local youth The organization is building on its connections to Staten Island youth through a Youth Leadership Workshop program, which was launched in 2023. Each session of the program is 10 weeks long, with the teens involved meeting twice a week. Christialys Betances, 15, from Bulls Head, was among a dozen participants in the Youth Leadership Workshop programs second-ever cohort, which ran from October to December 2024. The program made me a lot more happier just being around positive and loving people. It also gave me a sense of purpose, Betances said. Over the 10 weeks, she shared that she gained confidence in her public speaking and time management skills, but what stood out most was how much her perspective broadened. We actually were being taught about other countries and it taught me to be more mindful of the world around us, especially since were so isolated from it, she said. I was able to see that the world can help each other a lot more if we actually did come together. It gives me more compassion towards other people. Even after completing the program, Betances continues to volunteer at The Village, helping distribute toys to young children and finding other ways to contribute. I dont have much either, but even just giving back to the community that might have less than me, it just heals me too, she said. Throughout the program, participants were divided into groups and tasked with selecting a location, identifying a problem in that area, developing a sustainable solution to address it, and giving a presentation of their proposal. The group with the winning idea was awarded $4,000. Ibrahim Azab, 15, and Aaman Ali, 16, won with their sustainable development presentation on Italy, each taking home $2,000. We got support from many other members of this organization to help improve our presentation with graphs, Ali said. Our project was about Italy, where this organization was founded. We saw an education problem there. In Italy, early school dropout affects about 19.7% of students, with peaks of 33% in some regions. The low education rates in Italy are especially around the farm areas, and there are many reasons for that. So, we looked at how time management could help to improve that -- not only to get their farm work done and get to school, but also to reduce their stress and anxiety levels so they can get the education they need, Azab said. Ali shared that the most valuable takeaway from the program wasnt the money he won, which he shared he gave to his parents, but the opportunity to activate his young mind. Having moved to Staten Island from Pakistan a year and a half ago, he noted that his confidence in public speaking had grown tremendously throughout the program. For Azab, a Palestinian who moved to Staten Island from his home country in 2015, he shared that gaining a deeper understanding of the banking system and improving his financial literacy were among the most valuable lessons he learned from the program. I have a lot on my plate, so it has also helped me de-stress a lot, Azab said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Parents, including several from Staten Island, are expressing support of the Food and Drug Administrations ban on Red Dye No. 3, praising it as a decision that has us heading in the right direction. According to media reports, Staten Island parents have praised the decision in the interest of their childrens health. Just last week, Shany Qius husband walked in the door of their Staten Island home with a box of colorful cereal, and the Staten Island mother of two daughters, ages 5 and 7, told him to throw it out, Qiu told the New York Post. The girls love it, but I hate that its filled with artificial colors so I told him we can only buy Cheerios or Kix from now on, she told the outlet. For Qiu, the news that the FDA is banning Red No. 3 from food products and ingested drugs feels like the right move. My younger daughter loves strawberry-flavored candy, she told the Post. I told her Welchs Fruit Snacks contain artificial dye and she was sad about it, but were no longer buying these anymore. For New York City parents, theres a feeling of optimism about the ban on cherry-red dye. But, theres also disappointment, since the ban wont be enforced until Jan. 15, 2027, or Jan. 18, 2028, SILive.com previously reported. The ban prevents the use of the red dye in food and ingested drugs following a color additive petition submitted in 2022. The FDA can ban the use of food additives or color additives, if they may cause cancer in humans or animals, according to the Delaney Clause, which was enacted in 1960 as part of the Color Additives Amendment to the FD&C Act. In the case of red dye 3, two research studies showed that male rats exposed to high levels of the dye developed cancer. While it caused cancer in these male rats, the dye does not cause cancer in humans and other animals in the same way, according to other studies. Therefore, claims that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs puts people at risk are not supported by the available scientific information, according to the FDA. The ban affects a long list of family favorites. Melanie Laugier, a Staten Island mother of one son, Brayden, 10, told the Post she was shocked when she learned that the dye was an ingredient in the strawberry-flavored PediaSure shakes shes given Brayden since he was little. I used it for years as a supplement if he was sick or didnt have an appetite, she told NYPost.com. Im upset and very surprised that this was on the list. Yet, Abbott Nutrition, the owner of PediaSure, said it would be removing the coloring from products beginning in 2024, Fox News reported. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Each passing day is getting a little bit brighter, now that the darkest day of the year is behind us. So, before you know it, Daylight Saving Time 2025 will be here. And youll have to remember to change all those clocks that dont do it automatically. Daylight Saving Time will start on Sunday, March 9, this year, according to TimeAndDate.com. Clocks will spring forward, as the saying goes, at 2 a.m. And the days will continue to get longer until the summer solstice on Friday, June 20, at 1:41 p.m. Weve been in Standard Time since Nov. 3, 2024. And while there are those who dutifully change their clocks in accordance with the practice without giving it a second thought, there are others who are hoping times up for Daylight Saving Time. Benjamin Franklin is credited with developing the idea of Daylight Saving Time. He raised the idea in a satirical essay in 1784, titled An Economical Project, proposing that it would save energy and make better use of daylight. The system of uniform Daylight Saving Time throughout the United States was established by the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Arizona and Hawaii are the only two states to opt out of changing of the clocks, though lawmakers in other states including New York have been pondering whether or not to opt out of the practice in recent years. During the fall 2023 legislative session, lawmakers introduced a pair of bills in the New York State Assembly and Senate to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Both bills remained trapped in committee, however, and no vote took place. So, neither has become law. Those leading the charge in New York are state Sen. Joe Griffo, of upstate Rome, and state Sen. Angelo L. Santabarbara, of Schenectady. Griffo told the Advance/SILive.com that people are overwhelmingly telling him: Lets stop springing forward and falling back.' Its a bi-partisan issue, he said, and theres an ongoing effort to build coalitions in favor of moving to permanent Daylight Saving Time. And, in neighboring Pennsylvania, residents may soon no longer have to abide by Daylight Saving Time rules: PennLive previously reported in April 2021 how the House of Representatives there passed a bill in a 103-98 vote that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent. In the future, I think this is a very positive reform for Pennsylvania, changing time twice a year is incredibly inefficient and an outdated practice, the bills sponsor, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh County, told PennLive. But, until the day that a law is passed saying otherwise, Daylight Saving Time is still set to begin this year come March 9 in New York and Pennsylvania, along with most of the country. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Islands Tamil community came together to celebrate the 10th annual Harvest Festival, also known as the Traditional Pongal. Organized by the Staten Island Tamil School of Ilankai Tamil Sangam, the event welcomed approximately 300 attendees to honor the cultural, religious, and social significance of Pongal. Pongal is a festival of gratitude, marking the end of the harvest season and giving thanks to the sun, nature, and farm animals that sustain agriculture, said Indra Emmanuel, president of Staten Island Tamil School of Ilankai Tamil Sangam. Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and prosperity over hardship. A key ritual involves boiling milk and rice in a new clay pot, representing abundance and good fortune, said Emmanuel. The four-day festival includes Bhogi, a day of cleansing; Thai Pongal, the main thanksgiving celebration; Mattu Pongal, honoring cattle; and Kaanum Pongal, a time for visiting loved ones. The days festivities began in the morning at the Staten Island Hindu Temple on Victory Boulevard with traditional Pongal rituals. In the evening, a dinner celebration in the Port Richmond High School auditorium featured cultural performances that highlighted Tamil heritage. Guests enjoyed traditional Tamil music and dance, highlighting the communitys rich heritage. Representatives from Staten Island senators' offices and the New York Gov. Kathy Hochuls office were also in attendance. A highlight of the event was the food, which played a central role in the celebration. Attendees enjoyed traditional Tamil dishes, including rice with various vegetable curries and sweets like Payasam and Kesari. Appetizers were served from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a communal dinner at 7:30 p.m. Beyond the festivities, the event fostered a strong sense of unity and cultural pride. Pongal serves as a reminder of Tamil traditions, ensuring they are passed down to younger generations. Loading One source suggested that Harry did not necessarily realise the powerful impact that his tell-all memoir, Spare, would have. The dukes idea for a Spotify podcast is gently mocked. Dubbed a sociopath podcast, he reportedly wanted to interview powerful men with complicated stories such as Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Mark Zuckerberg, about how their experiences turned them into sociopaths. The duke reportedly said: I have very bad childhood trauma. Obviously. My mother was essentially murdered. What is it about me that didnt make me one of these bad guys? Meanwhile, Meghan is portrayed 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. Its talking behind your back. Its gnawing at your sense of self. Really, like, Mean Girls-teenager, they said. One source told the magazine: You dont tell the couple no, and said: I left because I couldnt live with myself any more. The allegations are reminiscent of previous bullying claims made against the duchess, which have always been hotly denied. In 2018, Meghan was the subject of a palace bullying complaint amid concerns that the duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household. Loading The findings of an official investigation into the way Buckingham Palace handled the 2018 allegations was kept secret. On settling in the United States in 2020, the duke and duchess signed lucrative deals with both Netflix and Spotify as they sought financial independence. Vanity Fair quotes one person who was excited to work with the couple on media projects and 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. You can be yelled at even if somebody doesnt raise their voice. [Its] funny that people dont differentiate between the energy of being yelled at and literally somebody screaming at you, the source said. Two sources claimed that one colleague who had ties to Meghans Archetypes podcast released in 2022 took a leave of absence after working on just three episodes. And when you are not in, you are to be thrown to the wolves at any given moment. A source alleges Meghan undermined staff she worked with on podcasts Several others are said to have described taking extended breaks from work to escape scrutiny, exiting their job, or undergoing long-term therapy after working with Meghan. One told Vanity Fair: I think if Meghan acknowledged her own shortcomings or personal contributions to situations rather than staying trapped in a victim narrative, her perception might be better. Not for the first time, the duke and duchess are portrayed as a couple who didnt fully understand the cut-throat world of show business and had few good ideas. Among the podcast ideas pitched to Harry were said to be one that involved him reviewing a hot chocolate every week while chatting with a different friend, and another that had him fix something each week, from a flat tyre to global warming. Harry with children in Canada in November at a launch of the Invictus Games school program. Credit: Canadian Press One former Spotify employee is quoted: He [Harry] wanted to do a podcast about disabled people who compete in the Invictus Games. But theres no crossover between the audience who would listen to that and people who want to hear about Harrys life. The duke is described as someone who does not enjoy fame and would happily work for charities for the rest of his life and would be very happy if Meghan made all the money and he didnt need to. Loading I think Harry doesnt know what he wants because he grew up in a fishbowl, and so he doesnt know what real life really is, one source told the magazine. I think he probably wants to be left alone and be able to go kiss babies every once in a while but not have to worry about money. I dont think he wants to be famous the way Meghan wants to be famous. I can picture him meeting Meghan and being just a deep breath of, like: Ive been so exhausted, and you make everything so easy ... I dont want to be like, oh, its an Oedipus thing or whatever, but it kind of feels like shes re-parenting him in a way. The duke and duchesss office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Eating outJust open Back to work? 10 new Melbourne CBD spots for fast noodles, hefty banh mi and ace coffee Impress your office pals with bright bakeries to sweeten meetings, lunchtime bargains that you can afford to keep on rotation, and cafes hidden in plain sight. Emma Breheny January 19, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in the February 2025 hit list. See all stories . Ready to hit refresh on your office routine? The city is dotted with new hole-in-the-wall spots for light Japanese lunches, gorgeous takeaway coffee bars thatll brighten your morning, and speedy sit-down restaurants serving noodles loaded with smoky flavour. Cafes Milkbar is a new cafe in Docklands doing all-day breakfast, hearty salads and more. Supplied Milkbar The workers of deep Docklands will appreciate this new spot from a pair of hospitality pros: Matt Ward and Matt Vero who run Teos Pizza and Railway Wine in Melbournes south-eastern suburbs. Theyre running a tight menu that includes all-day breakfast fare such as chilli scrambled eggs, lunch dishes such as gnocchi with tomato sugo and mozzarella, and salads including a Caesar and a Moroccan lamb number. Advertisement 691 La Trobe Street, Docklands, milkbardocklands.com.au Market Lane has added another coffee bar to its city footprint. Supplied Market Lane (Mitchell House) Could this be the most beautiful grab-and-go coffee spot in Melbourne? Literally tucked into a nook of Mitchell House, its got a striking green-tiled facade offset by an ultra-minimal fitout that lets the buildings 1930s modernist beauty shine. A stand-up bar is there for Italian-inspired coffee moments, but otherwise get your iced filter, oat milk latte or long black to take away. 356 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, marketlane.com.au Advertisement Project Zero Its hard to find serenity on King Street, but Project Zero has done the impossible. Tucked into a walkway beside a Meriton hotel, its gleaming space-age fitout is matched by equally adventurous coffee beans, such as Lamington with a juicy sweetness. A handful of seats and pastries from Austro round things out. 1/140 King Street, Melbourne, projectzero.coffee Sandwiches and bakeries Banh Mi Stand Advertisement The size of this shop is in inverse proportion to its banh mi, which are seriously stacked with herbs, texture and condiments. Its also one of the few places youll find confit duck banh mi. Get it on its own or take it up a notch with the GOAT, which combines duck with hunks of crisp-skinned pork, plum sauce and chilli crisp. There are simpler fillings like smoky grilled chicken, and veg-friendly options include honey and soy-marinated mushroom. Come hungry. 300 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, instagram.com/banhmistandmelbourne Hectors Deli has opened its first location in the middle of the CBD. Supplied Hectors Deli Hectors first city shop answers the prayers of many an office worker. Slotting nicely into a stretch of Little Collins that includes Raya bakery-cafe and N.Lee banh mi shop, the timber-panelled and terrazzo-tiled space has a few bright red stools for dine-in, but youre more likely to be getting your beef and pickle toastie to go. Early starters (or hungover rascals) will appreciate the McMuffin-like breakfast sandwich and, for summer, a BLT has joined the morning menu to make the most of peak tomato season. Advertisement 61 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, hectorsdeli.com.au The Bloom-tini, served here as an iced strawberry matcha. Supplied Bloomwood At this light-filled bakery, chefs pipe mascarpone flowers onto danishes, dust the tops of croissants with matcha, and fill pastries with batons of chocolate cake. The Bloom-tini is the drink thats all over TikTok, with three pinkie-size croissants for dipping into an iced strawberry-matcha (or another drink of your choice). Pastries change often and are influenced by everything from the internet (hello, viral Dubai chocolate croissant) to its chefs cultural backgrounds, including Malaysian and Korean. Topped focaccias are also available. 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/bloomwoodmelbourne Advertisement Noodles and more Hit Penang hawker spot Kakilang has opened a second location in the heart of Melbourne. Supplied Kakilang Char Koay Teow A leader of Melbournes char kwai teow game is now cooking in one of the most convenient locations you could ask for, with trams whizzing past the door every few minutes. Kakilangs owners Ping Chng and Patricia Cheong hail from Penang and proudly showcase the islands hawker dishes, including a dark and smoky version of char kwai teow and the prawn noodle soup Penang hokkien mee, plus toast with kaya (coconut and pandan spread) and soft-boiled eggs. Also in Balwyn. 190 Bourke Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/kakilangckt Advertisement Onigiri Kitchen on Degraves Street in Melbourne offers light Japanese lunches, including rice balls. Hugh Davison Onigiri Kitchen Move over sushi: Onigiri is the hand-held lunch of choice in Japan, bought from convenience stores in cleverly wrapped parcels. While our 7-Elevens arent up to Tokyo standards, this Onigiri Kitchen location is Melbournes hole-in-the-wall pitstop for Japanese rice balls filled with kimchi, honey and soy pork, and karaage chicken. There are also bentos, shokupan toasties and airy tofu doughnuts. 1 Degraves Street, Melbourne, onigiri.au R.Harn Advertisement Southern Thai food rules at the second restaurant by the Soi 38 team, and at lunch the menu is helpfully geared to solo diners. Find comfort in crab fried rice and hokkien mee noodles, vibrant texture and colour in salads such as khao yum, and deeply savoury flavours in kanom jeen, the curry and rice noodle dish thats a hallmark of coastal Thai cooking. Its opposite Melbourne Central station, so express lunches are on the cards. 264 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/r.harn Kajikens noodles are designed to be tossed together as soon as theyre served. Supplied Kajiken Good lunch options west of William Street are rarer than good Marvel movies these days. That makes the arrival of this Japanese dry ramen specialist at Southern Cross even more exciting. Dry ramen sounds like punishment, but these well-dressed squiggly noodles come in 11 varieties with 14 ways to customise your bowl boredom is not a possibility. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up 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 Exploring the big and bold ideas of Gen Z leaders to address Sydneys housing crisis - before its too late. See all 12 stories . As Sydney replicates hectare after hectare of grey suburbia to meet its housing demands, it does so at the cost of genuinely liveable futures for the generations supposed to move into them. Or so says Amanda Eessa, a 22-year-old architecture masters student from Fairfield in Sydneys west. Eessa has a professional vendetta against the grey houses, grey streets and grey methods that she says will only create more grey days for Sydneys future generations. She is referring to the clouds of homogenous new-build developments looming on Sydneys periphery. If you drive along the Cumberland Highway or simply Google the stories about Sydneys sprawling small-lot, large-house, dark-roofed suburbs, you will see what Eessa is talking about. Sydneys younger generations have not designed the new suburbs they are likely to live in, such as Marsden Park, Menangle Park and Austral, though they will inherit their multitude of issues from rising heat, poor transport links and the absence of essential amenities that have all been copied and pasted from one suburb to the next. Architecture masters student Amanda Eessa wants to get rid of Sydneys grey blocks. Credit: Nick Moir Western Sydney University urban cooling researcher Sebastian Pfautsch believes these developments have been designed without any regard for their future inhabitants. The most negligent, he believes, is their inability to withstand worsening heat waves. These urban sprawl lots typically feature large houses in dark colours sitting up to the edges of small lots with no space for trees to mitigate heat. Even if you retrofit these suburbs with trees in the small pockets of public space, Pfautsch said reaching target coverage is completely unrealistic. Advertisement Poor-quality construction using cheaper materials without consideration for architectural styles typically designed to combat heat further exacerbates an increasingly hotter problem. Pfautsch said to consider characteristically warm cities like Athens, where architecture is designed for comfort: white houses with thick walls, small windows and flat roofs in light colours all aid in reducing heat. In western Sydney, the hottest suburbs in our city, we are doing the opposite. Loading Who is responsible for having created neighbourhoods that have nothing to do with climate adaptation, with support for biodiversity, with human thermal comfort in mind? None of these things have been incorporated. Its mind-boggling when you think about it, Pfautsch said. I think what led to those suburbs is the appetite for profit by developers, the overruling of local government strategies and guidelines, he said. This hits the heart of Eessas grievance: suburbs designed for people without full consideration for the conditions they would need to thrive. The pooling of these suburbs in Sydneys west means that not all of the city is impacted by poor design equally. For a group of young engineers working in Sydneys west, moving into the grey enclaves is seen as a necessity on the way to their eventual dream homes. Advertisement Darcy Elton, 21, one of the young engineers working at Horizon Engineers based in Parramatta that services the region, believes living in a homogenous neighbourhood may be one way to stay in the city. I think there probably will be some time in my life where I will be in those kinds of areas where its affordable, he said. Previous generations have made a lot of money off real estate because of the increase in land value which I dont think will happen, Elton said of newer periphery suburbs. I think to move from a homogenous house to a more luxury house close to the city is a lot harder than it has been traditionally. Two of his colleagues, Setarah Morad (22) and Hanady Al qayem (31), are both saving up to enter property markets in other Australian cities so they can afford to live in their own homes in Sydney one day. Darcy Elton, Hanady Al qayem, Veronica Wenn and Setarah Morad are all young engineers working in Western Sydney who want an input into the future of their city. Morad said shed prefer to wait and build her dream home: I would definitely like to buy my first property somewhere else and eventually build up my portfolio and be able to build my own dream house and definitely not do the homogenous look, the uniform look. Veronica Wenn, 24, said she doesnt see herself moving into her own property anywhere in Sydney any time soon let alone the citys newer suburbs grey or not. But eventually, when she can afford to, she said she wouldnt knock the idea. Advertisement I probably honestly would live in something like that if it means having a big area to myself and if its more affordable as well. As much as we dont like the look of these grey line suburbs, that is the best [the NSW government] can do with what they have; theyre supposed to build all these properties in a really short amount of time, build infrastructure, all those things. So, as much as I dont like the look, somethings got to give. Each of the young engineers referred to economic pressures as the reason why new suburbs are so uniform. In their own work, they have seen first-hand the impacts of construction costs a lasting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and gaps in regulations that allow for cheap and sometimes poorly constructed builds. Asked whether we will ever look back on these new suburbs as being an aesthetic sign of the times similar to the way we view terrace houses in Surry Hills, Horizon Engineers director Hussein Naji said: I dont think so, they wont last as long. Once seen as slums for Sydneys poorest, terraced houses are highly sought after both for their vicinity to the CBD and because they are perceived by some as visually cool. But Naji said the new builds in Western Sydney arent built like the citys legacy architecture and wont survive long enough to be remembered fondly. Advertisement He is one of hundreds of children to be attacked by a dog in NSW each year. At just five weeks old, a baby boy was pulled from his mothers arms as she slept and was fatally mauled by the familys pet American Staffordshire terrier. The rate of dog attacks is on the rise. Around the country, hospitalisations from dog injuries more than doubled in the eight years to 2021, data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows, from 17 hospitalisations per 100,000 population to 37. More people are attacked by dogs than drown. In 2021-22, there were 9542 hospitalisations from dog -related injuries. In NSW, council data collated by the Office of Local Government for the September quarter last year shows dogs attacked 854 people. Of those, 115 were children; one in 12 victims required hospitalisation. In the five years to that quarter, more than 2000 children were attacked by dogs. Dog attacks are defined by the council as any incident where a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases someone. Deakin University has rejected a push to rebrand after a panel led by its first Aboriginal student advised against a change. The university was named after Alfred Deakin, a founding father of Federation who was also the architect of the racist White Australia policy, prompting pressure from some staff members and students to change the name the university was given by the Victorian parliament 50 years ago. Alfred Deakin, the second prime minister of Australia. The university has now rejected that push after a series of conversations involving Aboriginal leaders, students and community members that led to a tanderrum a Kulin nation term that means safe passage or agreement. That document addresses the legacy of Alfred Deakin to define a path forward and commit to a process of truth-telling. Hate speech laws will be strengthened within weeks and protests outside places of worship outlawed as the NSW government grapples with the fallout from a spate of antisemitic attacks across Sydney. Declaring he was increasingly of the view that hate speech was the initial spark of brazen antisemitism, NSW Premier Chris Minns said Labor had made the difficult decision to table tougher and potentially contentious legislation when parliament resumes next month. Our government is going to ... strengthen laws, so that if someones preaching hatred in the community, it doesnt manifest itself two or three months later in a firebombing, an attack or something worse, Minns said. No stone will be left unturned. NSW Premier Chris Minns faces questions about antisemitism on Sunday. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos The changes are likely to set up a clash between Jewish groups who want tougher laws and penalties, and Muslim organisations who have warned the government to tread gently to preserve what they described as fundamental freedoms such as speech, association, and religion. Geelong sisters Madison, 23, and Isabelle Camm, 19, always dreamt of buying their own homes but didnt think it would be possible any time soon. But after learning about the federal governments Home Guarantee Scheme in mid-2024, the sisters pooled their savings and asked their local bank about a home loan. By November, they had moved out of their parents house and purchased their first home together a three-bedroom property in Leopold. Madison and Isabelle Camm used the Home Guarantee Scheme to buy their first home. Madison and Isabelle are among the 200,000 Australians who have used the federal governments Home Guarantee Scheme to purchase their first property. I found out that you could apply to [the scheme] as siblings, Madison told this masthead. I thought, weve got savings, well just go to the bank and see if its possible, and then if its not, well just go rent. Glenn Maxwells sublime batting form has catapulted the Melbourne Stars into the finals of crickets Big Bash League. Maxwell struck a brutal 76 off 32 balls at the MCG on Sunday night as the Stars monstered 5-219 before bowling the top-of-the-table Hobart Hurricanes out for 179. Glenn Maxwell tears into the Hobart Hurricanes attack at the MCG. Credit: Getty Images Maxwell whacked six sixes and five fours in his dig in the final home-and-away match of the season, which the Stars had to win to sneak into the finals. The win was the Stars fifth on the trot after starting the season with five consecutive losses, their fortunes changing dramatically when they got their first win against the Brisbane Heat on New Years Day. Seoul: Hundreds of supporters of South Koreas 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 countrys acting leader called unimaginable. Yoon on Wednesday became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. He faces allegations of insurrection related to his stunning, short-lived December 3 declaration of martial law that has plunged the country into political turmoil. Police guard the Seoul Western District Court after the presidents supporters stormed the building. Credit: Getty Images Shortly after the court announced its decision around 3am (5am AEDT) on Sunday, Yoons 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. Dubai: A man fatally shot two prominent hard-line judges in Irans capital, 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, Razinis involvement in the 1988 executions had likely made him a target in the past, including an assassination attempt in 1999. Clerics Mohammad Mogheiseh and Ali Razini were both shot dead. Credit: X Their killings, a rare attack targeting the judiciary, also come as Iran faces economic turmoil, the mauling of its Middle East allies by Israel and the return of Donald Trump to the White House on Tuesday AEDT. Both clerics served on Irans Supreme Court, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. A bodyguard for one of the judges was also wounded in the attack at the Palace of Justice in Tehran, which also serves as the headquarters of the countrys judiciary and typically has tight security. Is the start of a ceasefire the end of a conflict? History says only sometimes. In the Middle East, in particular, permanency is a fluid concept. Within the Gaza ceasefire which came into force overnight exist obstacles to a genuine end to the violence. The foundations of peace rest on reconciling seemingly irreconcilable interests, and building a strength from that fragility. Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said he saw the deal as a defeat for Israel. Israel, however, can argue it has had success. In the 15 months since Hamas massacred more than 1200 people in southern Israel and took more than 250 people hostage, Israel has killed Hamas fighters and leaders, including its head in Gaza. It has inflicted damage on a large section of Hezbollah in Lebanon and weakened Irans standing. But, in doing so, it has also killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gazan health officials. Most of them were civilians, more than 13,000 were children. Gazas infrastructure is destroyed. Almost 2 million people have been displaced. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. Still, the first part of the three-phase ceasefire has begun. It is planned to last six weeks. The missiles will stop, death and destruction will pause, hope will seep into the air. Israel will withdraw its forces from populated areas of Gaza. Hamas will begin releasing Israeli hostages. The first 33 will include women, the elderly and the wounded; three overnight, four on the seventh day and then three every seven days, and the final 14 in the last week of phase one. For each hostage returned, Israel is to release between 30 and 50 Palestinian prisoners. Pictures shared by the families showed the three women embracing their mothers at a reception centre. Damari beamed broadly and waved a bandaged hand to family on the other end of a video call. Emily Damari and her mother Mandy near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza. Credit: AP The women were later flown to a hospital in Tel Aviv in a helicopter that Israeli media reported was piloted by the head of the Israeli Air Force. Romi, Doron, Emily, an entire nation embraces you, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. More than seven hours later, the first 90 Palestinian prisoners were released. According to a list provided by the Palestinian Authoritys Commission for Prisoners Affairs, all of those released were women or minors. They had been detained for what Israel called offences related to its security, from throwing stones to more serious accusations such as attempted murder. Israels military, which occupies the West Bank, warned Palestinians against public celebration, but crowds surrounded the buses after they left the prison, some people climbing on top or waving flags, including those of Hamas. There were fireworks and whistles, and shouts of God is great. Those released were hoisted onto others shoulders or embraced. A view of destruction in the southern Gaza area of Rafah, which endured heavy Israeli attacks. Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images The most prominent detainee freed was Khalida Jarrar, 62, a member of a secular leftist faction that was involved in attacks against Israel in the 1970s but later scaled back militant activities. Since her arrest in late 2023, she was held under indefinitely renewable administrative detention orders that were criticised by human rights groups. The next release of hostages and prisoners is due on Saturday, with 33 more hostages and nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees to be freed over the ceasefires 42-day first phase. In just over two weeks, talks are to begin on the far more challenging second phase. This is just the second ceasefire in the war, longer and more consequential than a weeklong pause in November 2023, with the potential to end the fighting for good. Loading But Netanyahu, who had been under pressure from the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump to achieve a deal before Trumps inauguration, has said he has the new leaders backing to continue fighting if necessary. Meanwhile, Israels hardline national security minister said his Jewish Power faction was quitting the government in protest over the ceasefire, reflecting the political friction that some Israelis said delayed the deal. Itamar Ben-Gvirs departure weakens Netanyahus coalition but will not affect the truce. Joy mixed with pain Across Gaza, there was relief and grief. The fighting has killed tens of thousands, destroyed large areas and displaced most of the population. This ceasefire was a joy mixed with pain, because my son was martyred in this war, said Rami Nofal, a displaced man from Gaza City. Humanitarian aid trucks enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt into the Gaza Strip on Monday. Credit: AP Masked militants appeared at some celebrations, where crowds chanted slogans supporting them, according to Associated Press reporters in Gaza. The Hamas-run police began deploying in public after mostly lying low due to Israeli airstrikes. Some families set off for home on foot, their belongings loaded on donkey carts. In the southern city of Rafah, residents returned to find massive destruction. Some found human remains in the rubble, including skulls. Its like you see in a Hollywood horror movie, resident Mohamed Abu Taha said as he inspected the ruins of his familys home. Already, Israeli forces were pulling back from areas. Residents of Beit Lahiya and Jabaliya in northern Gaza told the AP they didnt see Israeli troops there. One resident said they saw bodies in the streets that appeared to have been there for weeks. Two children wave Palestinian flags on a wrecked car as displaced Palestinians start to return to Beit Lahiya and Jabaliya. Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images Israelis divided over deal In Israel, people remained divided over the agreement. Asher Pizem, 35, from the city of Sderot, said the deal had merely postponed the next confrontation with Hamas. He also criticised Israel for allowing aid into Gaza, saying it would contribute to the militant groups revival. They will take the time and attack again, he said while viewing Gazas smouldering ruins from a small hill in southern Israel. When Biden was asked on Sunday whether he has any concerns about Hamas regrouping, he said no. Hamas said the first group of prisoners freed in exchange for the three women hostages included 69 women and 21 teenage boys. There are currently 10,400 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, not including detainees arrested in Gaza during the last 15 months of conflict, according to the Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Society. A Red Cross convoy arrives to collect Israeli hostages released after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect. Credit: AP Immense toll The toll of the war has been immense, and new details will now emerge. The head of the Rafah municipality in Gaza, Ahmed al-Sufi, said a large part of the infrastructure, including water, electricity and road networks, was destroyed, in addition to thousands of homes. There should be a surge of humanitarian aid, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before. The UN humanitarian agency said more than 630 trucks with aid entered after the ceasefire started, with at least 300 going to hard-hit northern Gaza. Loading This is a moment of tremendous hope, humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said. More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the fatalities, but does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that sparked the war killed some 1200 people, mostly civilians, and militants abducted around 250 others. More than 100 hostages were freed during the weeklong ceasefire in November 2023. Some 90 per cent of Gazas population has been displaced. Rebuilding if the ceasefire reaches its final phase will take several years at least. Major questions about Gazas future, political and otherwise, remain unresolved. The first three released hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher are the three hostages believed to have been released. Romi Gonen, 24, a dancer, was abducted by Hamas gunmen from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Gonen spent hours hiding from the gunmen with several friends before being shot in the hand. She was on the phone with her family when they heard her say, I am going to die, today. The last thing they heard the attackers saying, in Arabic, was Shes alive, lets take her. Her phone was later traced to a location in the Gaza Strip. Romi Gonen, right, and her mother Merav hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Romi was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza. Credit: AP Over the past 15 months, Romis mother Merav Gonen became one of the most outspoken voices advocating for the return of the hostages, appearing nearly daily on Israeli news programs and travelling abroad on missions. We are doing everything we can so the world will not forget, she told The Associated Press on the six-month anniversary of Hamas attack. Doron Steinbrecher, 31, a veterinary nurse was seized from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a communal farming village and one of the communities worst hit in the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. A few hours after the attack began she phoned her parents to say she was scared and that the gunmen had arrived at her building. She then sent a voice message to her friends saying Theyve arrived, they have me. Doron Steinbrecher (left) and her mother Simona hold each other near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel, after Doron was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza. Credit: AP That message was key in helping her family understand that she had been kidnapped. Steinbrecher was featured in a video released by Hamas on January 26, 2024, along with two female Israeli soldiers. Her brother said the video gave them hope that she was alive but sparked concern because she looked tired, weak and gaunt. Emily Damari is a British-Israeli citizen kidnapped from her apartment on Kibbutz Kfar Aza. This undated photo, provided by Hostages Family Forum, shows Israeli hostage Emily Damari who has been released. Credit: AP She lived in a small apartment in a neighbourhood for young adults, the closest part of the kibbutz to Gaza. Militants broke through the border fence of the kibbutz and ransacked the neighbourhood. She grew up in London and is a fan of the Tottenham Hotspur soccer team. Israels military said Damari lost two fingers in the attack that sparked the war. According to her mother, she was shot in the hand, injured by shrapnel in her leg, blindfolded, bundled into the back of her own car, and driven to Gaza. Israelis celebrate the release of three hostages who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel. Credit: AP US President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire and said hundreds of trucks were entering the seaside enclave to help its civilians. Loading Today the guns in Gaza have gone silent, he said, adding that it was now up to the incoming Trump administration to ensure the ceasefire deal was fully implemented. The ceasefire agreement came into effect on the eve of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who returns to the White House on Monday. When the shooting stopped, Palestinians burst into the streets, some in celebration, others to visit the graves of relatives. 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 Arthur Engoron, the New York Supreme Court judge who oversaw that case Trump said at a campaign rally last January that Engoron and James should be arrested and punished accordingly. Alvin Bragg, Manhattan district attorney who led a prosecution against Trump that resulted in a felony conviction Alvin Bragg should be held accountable for the crime of interference in a presidential election, Trump said in March 2023. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Credit: AP Fani Willis, the district attorney who indicted Trump in Georgia in an election interference case In August 2023, Trump said Willis should be impeached for many reasons. January 6 investigators Liz Cheney, Republican vice chair of the House select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol Liz Cheney at a campaign event for Kamala Harris in October. Credit: AP Cheney should be prosecuted for what she has done to our country, Trump said in a social media post last March, adding: She should go to Jail along with the rest of the Unselect Committee. The other members of the committee, which included one other Republican, Adam Kinzinger, and seven Democrats Former congressman Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, who spoke at last years Democratic National Convention. Credit: Bloomberg The whole January 6 committee should be prosecuted for their lies and, quite frankly, TREASON! Trump wrote in March 2023. First-term Foes General Mark Milley, former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Trump called Milley a woke train wreck who committed a treasonous act for calls he made to his Chinese counterpart as Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election. This is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! Trump said in September 2023. Michael Cohen, Trumps former lawyer, who pleaded guilty during Trumps first term to paying to silence a woman who contended she had sex with Trump. Michael Cohen, Donald Trumps former lawyer and fixer. Credit: AP Cohen should be prosecuted for lying and all of the tumult and cost he put the DAs Office through, Trump said in March 2023. John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, who wrote a critical book about Trump published during the 2020 election Washed up Creepster John Bolton is a lowlife who should be in jail, money seized, for disseminating, for profit, highly Classified information, Trump said in 2020. The deep state James Comey, FBI director whom Trump fired after Comey investigated ties between Trumps campaign and Russia Trump repeatedly attacked Comey in public during his first term, including calling him a traitor and accusing him of breaking the law. He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted, Trump said in 2018. Former FBI director James Comey. Credit: AP Andrew McCabe, deputy FBI director under Comey Trump has suggested McCabe committed treason and broke the law. Most recently, on June 18, 2024, he posted an article in which Steve Bannon said, about McCabe, were going to come and get you. Peter Strzok, lead agent who investigated ties between the Trump campaign and Russia Trump has on multiple occasions accused Strzok of treason, including in an interview with The Wall Street Journal in 2018. Former FBI deputy assistant director Peter Strzok. Credit: AP Fifty-one former top intelligence officials, including former Obama administration officials John Brennan, James Clapper and Leon Panetta, who signed a letter before the 2020 election claiming that the laptop of Hunter Biden obtained by Republican operatives was potentially Russian disinformation. They should be prosecuted for what they did, Trump said last June. The media CBS gets a licence, Trump said on October 11, 2024. And the licence is based on honesty. I think they have to take their licence away. At a November 7, 2022, rally, Trump discussed jailing reporters who refuse to give up their sources: You tell the reporter, Who is it? and the reporter will either tell you or not. And if the reporter doesnt want to tell you, its bye-bye. The reporter goes to jail, Trump said. Loading Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison, Trump wrote in his latest coffee table book, Save America, released last September. Since Trump won, Zuckerbergs company, Meta, has donated $US1 million ($1.6 million) to Trumps inaugural fund, Zuckerberg has met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and he ended Metas fact-checking program, a move widely applauded by Trumps supporters. Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive of Meta. Credit: AP Politicians President Joe Biden and his family I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family, Trump said in June 2023. President Joe Biden embraces his son Hunter Biden at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. Credit: The New York Times Former President Barack Obama Trump accused Obama of treason in 2020 and reposted an image on August 28, 2024, that called for a military tribunal for Obama. Vice President Kamala Harris Harris should be impeached and prosecuted for her handling of the southern border, Trump said at a campaign rally on September 29, 2024. Donald Trump shakes hands with Vice President Kamala Harris during the ABC News presidential debate in September. Credit: AP Hillary Clinton I could have put her in jail, Trump said at a rally on August 21, 2024. Wouldnt it be terrible to put the wife of the president of the United States in jail? Adam Schiff, California senator who, as a House member, led the first impeachment of Trump Schiff is a sleazebag and traitor, and should be prosecuted for the damage he has done to our Country! Trump said in January 2023. Democrat senator Adam Schiff said a second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy. Credit: Bloomberg Inauguration Day in Washington, DC, is quite a spectacle. Back in the 2000s, I lived just off the National Mall. Its a narrow, three-kilometre-long reserve that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument to the US Capitol, which sits in the middle of its own 500 square metre block. For Inauguration Day, the Secret Service erects a strong fence around the entire expanse. (It lay right outside the front door of my apartment building.) The incoming president is usually sworn in on the western front of the Capitol itself, and then traditionally, a parade or procession proceeds up Pennsylvania Avenue, which runs diagonally back up to the White House. (Mondays event has been forced indoors because of freezing temperatures.) Bill Wyman at George W. Bushs second inauguration, January 20, 2005. George W. Bushs second inauguration was a little austere the Iraq War was in full effect but there was no mistaking the majesty of the occasion. Barack Obamas watershed ascension on January 20, 2009, was, as you might suspect in overwhelmingly African-American DC, the occasion of a nonstop party for days before. The Mall was electric over the preceding weekend as news organisations built their broadcast booths and the park service set up giant screens stretching back more than a mile. On election eve, my neighbourhood, Penn Quarter, was filled with politicos, revellers, and souvenir purveyors overnight. Theres no more meaningful moment in American life than the transfer of power on Inauguration Day. The outgoing president, a man who has seen and done things few can comprehend, sits patiently by as power is passed from him to a new person, who, chances are, will experience similar sober matters during his own term. That moment of calm, of course, radiates the solemnity of the security of American democracy and, its fair to say, the security of the West as well. Israel army says Red Cross confirms handover of three hostages Jerusalem, Jan 19 (AFP) Jan 19, 2025 The Israeli military said the Red Cross had confirmed the handover of three hostages on Sunday, the first to be released as part of a ceasefire deal with Hamas. "The Red Cross has communicated that the three Israeli hostages were transferred to them and are on their way toward IDF (military) and ISA (security agency) forces in the Gaza Strip," the military said in a statement. A Hamas official moments earlier told AFP that the hostages had been handed over to the Red Cross at Al-Saraya Square in western Gaza City. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum campaign group had identified the three women set to be released as Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher, seized during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the war. Eight illegal miners killed in Ghana in clashes with soldiers: army Accra, Jan 19 (AFP) Jan 19, 2025 At least eight illegal miners were killed in Ghana overnight after clashes with soldiers guarding the AngloGold Ashanti mining site in central Obuasi, the army said Sunday. Around 60 miners, armed with rifles, machetes and pump-action guns had forced their way past the security fence at the mine late Saturday night, said an army statement. They opened fire when an army patrol intercepted them, "prompting the soldiers to retaliate in self-defence", the statement added. "The shootout resulted in the death of seven miners on the spot, while another who sustained critical injuries died later at the hospital." One soldier was treated after being hit by pellets from a gun. During the clashes, four vehicles belonging to the mining company were set on fire, the army statement added. A statement from the office of Ghana's President John Mahama said he had ordered an investigation "to determine the circumstances surrounding the clashes and ensure that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully are brought to justice". Mahama also ordered AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of the wounded and to "facilitate burial arrangements for the deceased". An AngloGold Ashanti internal security document seen by AFP bans company vehicles from venturing into the town of Obuasi, advising staff to avoid wearing company uniforms there for security reasons. Ghana, Africa's leading gold producer, has long been plagued by conflicts between the military and youth in mining communities. Unemployment and economic challenges often exacerbate tensions, with residents frequently accusing authorities and companies of neglecting their welfare. Security agencies have been deployed to restore calm in Obuasi -- one of the oldest gold mining towns in the world -- and implement measures to prevent similar incidents. str/fvl/jj/sbk Its too binary to say should we just ban this in the UK?, we have to look at the concerns that are reflected overseas, so here in America, learn some lessons and take some of those considerations into our own judgment before we come up with policy ideas. 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 "One year has passed and she is still in hell," she told a rally in Hyde Park last year. She has said in further interviews that she has had no proof since March 2024 that her daughter is alive and can only hope she is in good health. The party doesn't start and stop with dresses over at Reformation, although I will admit they are often the main draw. In knitwear, the brand continues to show off its cult status with this oversized cashmere jumper. Made from 95 per cent recycled cashmere yarn and 5 per cent new cashmere, it's the ultimate slouchy jumper - so choose it for long-haul trips and loungey weekend outfits. There are nine colours to choose from but we like this red to match our Merlot. It can often be hard to fully look toward the future until you understand your past and where youve come from. The Historic Cabarrus Association knows that better than most. In order to better connect residents to the rich history of the county, HCA, which was formed in 1973 and has its headquarters in the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse, has numerous events planned throughout 2025, along with a new executive director, Dr. Shanaee Bodrick, who took over last summer. My welcome has been nothing short of supportive, she said during HCAs 2025 kickoff event, Legacy and Launch, Thursday night at 73 & Main Restaurant in downtown Mount Pleasant. Not only within the organization, but within Cabarrus County. The collaborative spirit has been very refreshing. I would say its this countys best asset. Bodrick is helping with numerous efforts, including the preservation of Meadow View School, Cabarrus Countys last surviving African American schoolhouse built in the 1890s. Over the past few years, the board of Historic Cabarrus Association has worked with Niblock Homes, the city of Concord, and various community partners and nonprofits to preserve the Meadow View School. HCA started a GoFundMe account late last year to raise $7,000 to prepare the school for rebuilding. The nonprofit, which recently adopted a new brand logo thanks to board member Justin Moore, owner of Sublmnl Design, focused on the importance of historical preservation during the event on Thursday. Preservation is about connecting the community back to its roots, said Dr. Allen Dobson, a retired physician who developed 73 & Main. The restaurant used to be a mercantile before becoming a hosiery mill. Dobson also is involved in other historical revitalization projects in Mount Pleasant. Dobson was one of three speakers, along with Ed Hosack, the CEO of Cooperative Christian Ministry, which is working to convert the Brown Mill property on Cabarrus Avenue into transitional housing called Rebuilders Campus, and Steve Steinbacher, who developed part of Gibson Mill into Cabarrus Brewing Company. They understand that a brewery, for example, is just a brewery, like a restaurant is just a restaurant. It is the buildings themselves, especially historical ones, that tell the true story of the people and of the rich history of the community. These structures speak to you, Dobson said. You can feel the energy and history of what they were. Growing up in Philadelphia, history was always a critical part of Steinbachers identity, and so he has appreciated that many people in Cabarrus also have a similar passion for history, especially historic properties. Hosack, who first moved to the area 41 years ago to work for Cannon Mills, noted that Cabarrus rich history, especially its textile past, defines a lot of who we are and how were perceived. The challenges that come with historical preservation, Steinbacher said, involve the intricate balance of keeping the properties authentic while still navigating the red tape that is required to complete such developments. You cant have your cake and eat it, too, Steinbacher explained about preserving the history without completely building over it for the sake of cost-savings. To better understand the value and importance of a property like Brown Mill, Hosack said, its important to talk to neighbors in the area, to find out what such properties have meant to them. Hosack learned that the people residing in the neighborhood were proud of the property, which was Brown Manufacturing Company in the early 20th century before becoming a part of Cannon Mills Plant 10. I went to all five communities that surround Brown Mill to talk to them about the possibilities, and every single community had nothing but excitement and enthusiasm for what might happen there, Hosack said. Dobson is looking to revitalize the Paula Theater, which was built in the early 1940s and served Mount Pleasant residents for several years. The plan, he said, is to turn it into a community resource center and rename it the Avett Theater. That theater, I think, is going to be special, Dobson said. No matter what the project, public-private partnerships are always critical for making these developments a reality. If were going to really leverage the history, it takes multiple municipalities coming together for the common good, Dobson said, as he made reference to the various city and county officials, including mayors, who were in attendance. More than anything, Hosack emphasized, historic preservation is about the people. Its not about the building, its about the people who were in the building. Dobson is proud of the historic preservation work that has been done over the years. We have killed it here in Cabarrus County, he said. Vodafone Cook Islands and German satellite network provider Rivada Space Networks have signed an MoU to provide space based telecoms connectivity in the Oceania region and beyond. Rivada has a massive 600 satellite LEO constellation called the Outernet which it launched last year to provide high-speed wireless global communications for enterprise and government customers.Telecommunications in the Cook Islands, which are situated 5,000 km off the North East coast of Australia, is limited by geographic isolation. Vodafone Cook Islands aims to harness Rivada's Outernet to deploy connectivity for its enterprises and government customers looking for scalable and secure solutions for their expanding networks. The Cook Islands operator believes subsea cables are increasingly becoming vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, and therefore the region needs resilient infrastructure that is fast, secure and reliable. According to Rivada, its Outernet when fully deployed will provide gigabit-speed connectivity to any point on the globe, without needing to touch the public internet or any third-party infrastructure. The Outernet employs inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing and routing and switching capabilities. "This optical mesh network, in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over similar long distances," Rivera says in its announcement. "This allows Pacific islands to benefit from the same high speed, low latency connectivity you would expect in any urban centre." Donald Chew, VP Sales APAC at, Rivada, said the company is seeing a huge uptick in its business in Asia. "The Outernet's ability to meet the requirements of Asia's telecoms providers in terms of security, latency, capacity, and coverage will empower the region's telecommunications infrastructure, support national digital strategies, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and expand international bandwidth," Chew said. Phillip Henderson, CEO, Vodafone Cook Islands, said the Outernet offers multi-gigabit network performance combined with worldwide reach, enabling the isolated group of islands to enhance its connectivity infrastructure and expand services to its outer islands. "With next-generation LEO satellite communications, we can empower our remote communities in areas such as online education, health and business services, accelerating technological innovation and economic growth," Henderson said. (Mark Oliva/Stars and Stripes) Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Sept. 19, 2002: A Marine launches a volley of paintball shots during a paintball game at Camp Hansens Paintball Range. The Marines unit took to the range for a day of unorthodox combat training, building teamwork and reinforcing essential combat techniques. A handwritten letter with a message from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, found on a North Korean soldier in Russias Kursk region and photographed on Jan. 14, 2025, in the Sumy region of Ukraine. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post) SUMY REGION, Ukraine Resistance is futile. Surrender. Youre all surrounded. The phrases, printed in Korean with rough Russian transliterations on a weathered piece of paper Ukrainian troops said they took off a dead North Korean soldier this month, offer a remarkable insight into how Russia appears to have prepared their new allies to take Ukrainian prisoners during their assaults on the front lines. Ukrainian troops are using such documents and other items they have recovered from the battlefield to better understand the thousands of North Korean troops that have been assaulting their positions in recent weeks, in the latest global escalation in the war between Russia and Ukraine. The items and Ukrainian soldiers accounts of encounters with North Korean forces paint a picture of the secretive North Korean troops whose existence has not been confirmed by Russia or North Korea as highly motivated, organized, well-trained and better equipped than Russian infantry, even as they suffer heavy casualties. Ukraine appears increasingly eager to gather evidence of North Koreas growing role in the war as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on Jan. 20. Trump, who met several times with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his last presidential term, has pledged to end the conflict. A vocabulary list of Russian phrases written phonetically in Korean, found on a North Korean assaulting soldier in Russias Kursk region, photographed on Tuesday in the Sumy region of Ukraine. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post) Text in a notebook found on a North Korean assaulting solider in Russias Kursk region, photographed on Tuesday, reads even in times when the sky collapsed, it was the arms [of the motherland] that protected our lives I always feel reassured because I am held in those benevolent arms. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post) A Russian military ID found on a North Korean soldier in Russias Kursk region, photographed on Tuesday in the Sumy region of Ukraine. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post) The cover from a pocket first-aid manual titled Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Emergency Medical Treatment (First Aid), Self-administered first aid, 2024, found on a North Korean soldier in Russias Kursk region, photographed on Tuesday in the Sumy region of Ukraine. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post) Pages showing instructions for making a tourniquet in a pocket first-aid manual found on a North Korean soldier in Russias Kursk region on Tuesday in the Sumy region of Ukraine. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post) The retrieved items are especially important because of how hard it has been for Ukrainian troops to capture and question North Koreans in the course of the fighting. Unlike many Russian troops, who Ukrainian soldiers say will often surrender willingly, the North Koreans have fought until their deaths or killed themselves with grenades to evade capture. Ukrainian special forces troops showed Washington Post reporters the list of 23 Korean and Russian phrases, along with handwritten New Years letters attributed to Kim, as well as body armor, equipment, first aid kits, military IDs, a shovel, a Ukrainian-made knife and two modern Russian assault rifles retrieved in recent weeks from dead North Korean troops. Vlad, 31, a member of the 1st Battalion of Ukraines 8th Special Operations Forces Regiment, the unit that showed the gear and documents to The Post, said Russia appears to have followed a best for the guest mentality when preparing their allies for battle. The Russians were much more poorly equipped, he said. The Russians tried to show off for the North Koreans. Like other Ukrainian soldiers quoted in this article, he spoke on the condition that only his first name be used, in keeping with Ukrainian military rules. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this month that as many as 4,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded in recent weeks, with only two captured alive. Both men were wounded and transferred to custody in Kyiv, where Zelenskyy said they are being interrogated and treated for their injuries. North Korean attacks have thus far been contained to the small enclave in the western Russian region of Kursk that Ukrainian troops have controlled since August last year. In recent days, after weeks of relentless assaults, North Korean troops have hardly appeared on the battlefield, Ukrainian troops say, even as Russian assaults continue. A Russian AK-12 rifle found on a North Korean soldier in Russias Kursk region. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post) Their sudden absence could signal they are regrouping and assessing future moves, or could be a reflection of widespread injuries and exhaustion after recent attacks. They are licking their wounds, said Vitalii, 25, another soldier in the special forces battalion who spent eight hours locked in a firefight with North Korean troops last month. The two handwritten pages relaying messages from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were dated from Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The documents were independently translated by The Post. The origins of the letters, which shared New Year wishes and thanked the troops for fighting on behalf of their motherland, were not clear. They may have been sent to the troops from Pyongyang or written down by North Korean soldiers who listened to their commanders read the messages from Kim out loud. You experienced heartbreaking sacrifices and the joys of costly battle victories, many noble combat experiences, the priceless feeling of genuine camaraderie and patriotism, all so far away from the motherland, one of the messages read. I dont even know how I can find the words to properly encourage and express gratitude for your dedication and tireless efforts. I really miss you comrades, the letter read. A separate small booklet found on a soldier last week was filled with handwritten lyrics to patriotic North Korean songs. My fate is always shared with the motherland, one of the lyrics read. That the soldiers carried those messages in their pockets while on missions suggested to the Ukrainian troops that they are significantly more ideologically motivated than Russian soldiers, who are often fighting on contracts for large salaries. When North Korean troops first appeared on the battlefield last month, Ukrainian soldiers were stunned by how they moved in large groups and did not even attempt to hide from Ukrainian drones. Many were easily killed in those initial waves, but in ensuing battles, the new arrivals proved to be combat-ready, physically fit and skilled marksmen, the Ukrainians said. In mid-December, Vitalii and eight other troops from his battalion were sent into Kursk with two tasks: one was to stabilize control over Ukrainian positions along a tree line; the other was to take a North Korean prisoner. Soldiers (from left to right) Dmytro, Volodymyr, Vitalii and Viktor from Ukraines 8th Special Operations Forces Regiment, 1st Battalion, stand in their base on Wednesday in the Sumy region of Ukraine. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post) Once inside, Dmytro, 24, quickly made visual contact with North Korean troops just 20 meters away, and fired. For the next eight hours, he said, the North Koreans dressed in white camouflage to blend in with the snow did not stop firing back. The Ukrainians could hear one distinct voice giving orders in Korean, his tone occasionally growing more desperate, they said. They only once heard a Russian voice, yelling Stop! Dont go! The North Korean troops, who had previously taken other Ukrainian positions in Kursk, appeared surprised by the resistance from the nine Ukrainian special forces troops and four infantrymen at the position, soldiers who participated in the battle said. But the North Koreans also fought fiercely and aggressively, demonstrating advanced war tactics. Ukrainian soldiers Vitalii and Volodymyr, 35, eventually identified one soldier they believed they could capture. They shot and wounded him, then Vitalii dragged him to the Ukrainian position, where a medic stabilized him. For four hours, they kept him alive, hoping he would be their first North Korean prisoner of war. But as the Ukrainians retreated later that day, the North Koreans attacked again. In the course of a chaotic withdrawal under drones, artillery shells and gunfire, their prisoner and one of the Ukrainian soldiers were killed. Washington Post reporters viewed images of the body, which the troops examined and passed on to Ukrainian authorities. The body intrigued local and foreign officials, the troops said, adding that both British and South Korean officials swabbed the body for DNA evidence of North Koreas presence on the battlefield. A sign showing incorrect directions to Ukrainian towns and cities on the road leading to Ukraines border with Russia on Wednesday in the Sumy region of Ukraine. (Ed Ram for The Washington Post) Their group has not directly encountered North Korean troops since, but said they can see already how they are adapting to the battlefield, said Viktor, 30, commander of the special forces group that participated in that battle. They are trying to get smarter, theyre not trying to be at one point like a herd of sheep, Viktor said. Amed Khan, an American philanthropist who directly supports Ukrainian special forces units, showed The Washington Post a separate cache of North Korean documents he said Ukrainian troops had seized in Kursk, which he later had translated. The Post could not independently verify the authenticity of the documents but they appeared consistent with other North Korean materials reviewed by The Post and the descriptions of battles aligned with independent Ukrainian descriptions of North Korean behavior on the front. The documents, which were typed in Korean, suggest that North Korean troops are recording their combat experiences in detail and appear to be using the battlefield experience to gain a better understanding of new technologies. Ukraine has warned that Pyongyang is seizing the opportunity as a chance to gain practical battlefield experience for potential future conflicts with the West. As Viktor suggested, they also appear to be learning from their mistakes. In modern warfare, where real-time reconnaissance and drone strikes are conducted, failing to disperse combat teams into smaller units of two to three members could lead to significant casualties from enemy drones and artillery, one document read. The documents also critically described the behavior of some North Korean troops, saying they killed some Ukrainian troops who attempted to surrender, a tactic that appeared to anger Ukrainians and ultimately prolonged the battle. Some North Korean troops, the documents said, repeatedly rushed to rescue their fellow wounded soldiers despite the risks of enemy attacks, causing further casualties. One document said some North Korean troops struggled because they had not been provided with crucial details such as enemy strongholds, drone launch sites, or artillery positions, and thus entered the battlefield unprepared. Khan said he hopes Trump will press for Pyongyang to back out of the war, and explain to everyone that its in nobodys interest [for North Korean troops] to be getting killed seven time zones away from home on the border of Ukraine. Andrew Jeong and So Jin Jung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report. Soldiers from Army National Guard units across various states assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) receive a briefing during Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration at the D.C. Armory in Washington Jan. 15, 2025 event. (Kimberley Glazier/U.S. Army National Guard) About 7,400 Army and Air National Guard troops from across the nation are in Washington to provide support and security during the 60th Presidential Inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday. Troops prepared with extensive training during the days leading to the inauguration. Guardsmen will wear a special shoulder patch with the National Guard motto Always Ready, Always There, to differentiate themselves from police members. The National Guard plays a crucial role in balancing safety, security and other duties during the peaceful transition of power. The Guard has supported the presidential inauguration since 1789. IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) Minimum Deposit: Rp 100,000 IDR Seru88 menghadirkan pengalaman yang berbeda, seperti yang belum pernah ada sebelumnya. Tempat ini menghadirkan dengan penuh harmoni, sebuah kombinasi pengalaman bermain yang nyaman, menguntungkan, lengkap, dan yang terpenting mudah. Dengan satu akses melalui Seru88 login, semua orang kini bisa merasakan sendiri pengalaman bermain terbaik. Seru88, Tempat Bermain Kredibel Pertama kali berdiri pada 2009 yang lalu, situs penyedia Seru88 slot ini berjalan dengan lisensi dari Komisi Pengawas Perjudian Isle of Man dan Komisi Perjudian Inggris. Dengan kedua lisensi ini, platform yang dijalankan TGP Europe Ltd Casinos ini menghadirkan berbagai pilihan permainan dari banyak kategori dengan RTP rata-rata 97%, menjadikannya salah satu yang terbesar saat ini. Deposit minimal 100.000 Metode pembayaran QRIS Bank Pulsa Sistem operasi Android Windows iOS Mac Bantuan Obrolan dengan petugas di situs Keunggulan Bermain di Seru88 Gacor Berikut ini beberapa keunggulan bermain di Seru88. Bebas blokir dengan Seru88 link alternatif tak ada lagi masaah blokir selamanya Menguntungkan kombinasi modal terjangkau dengan RTP tinggi membuka akses menang besar, langsung setelah masuk akun, misalnya dengan Seru88 slot login Lengkap banyak pilihan permainan terbaik dengan hadiah besar di Seru88 link Perminan Terbaik di Seru88 Fun88 Bagi semua orang yang tergabung di tempat ini, baik pengguna Seru88 VIP atau reguler, ada berbagai pilihan permainan papan atas yang siap menanti. Slot sebuah permainan klasik mencari simbol identik Kasino langsung koleksi permainan khas kasino dari berbagai subkategori Togel permainan prediksi angka dari sebuah pengundian Olahraga prediksi hasil pertandingan olahraga dengan berbagai metode Crash pertandingan beragam dengan aturan tersendiri untuk raih kemenangan Arkade permainan klasik dengan tombol sederhana Poker permainan kartu untuk mencari kombinasi 5 kartu bernilai terbesar Esports permainan digital dengan persaingan antartim. Sabung ayam permainan prediksi hasil pertarungan 2 ayam. Cara Masuk di Seru88 Semua layanan kelas dunia yang diberikan tempat ini dapat dinikmati semua pemain, termasuk Seru88 VIP menggunakan langkah masuk berikut. Buka situs Seru88.com Ketikkan nama pengguna dan kata sandi di dua kotak login Klik tombol Login Tunggu beberapa saat sampai berhasil masuk akun. Setelah berhasil masuk akun, semua fitur yang ada di platform ini akan langsung bisa dimanfaatkan, semuanya begitu mudah langsung dari akun masing-masing. 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 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. It has been initiated because the victims husband James Kilroy convicted of his wifes murder is refusing to relinquish executorship of his dead wifes state. David French said he had no choice but to lodge the legal action in a bid to secure his sisters estate so it can eventually be passed to her three sons rather than her killer husband. The case will be heard next month. Kilroy (51) was sentenced to life in July for the murder of his wife, 41-year-old Ms French, in Co Mayo in 2019. The former park ranger pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but a jury rejected his defence. James Kilroy. Photo: Conor McKeown Mr French wrote to the murderer about his sisters estate, pointing out it would be best to sort out these affairs swiftly in the best interest of the couples sons, over whom Kilroy has guardianship rights. Kilroy refused any co-operation leading to the court hearing. Mr French has been campaigning for political parties to introduce Valeries Law so parents who intentionally kill their partners lose guardianship rights of their shared children. He has also had meetings with the Department of Justice about new legislation to remedy property issues that allow people convicted of killing their spouse to be entitled to their property assets. Mr French said: My application to be the Personal Legal Representative (executorship) for my murdered sister Valeries estate has been listed for the High Court on February 17 next. This is necessary because the murderer, who automatically has the executorship as a spouse of an intestate person, will not voluntarily relinquish it. The draft Programme for Government indicated politicians are on-board with the Valeries Law proposal. It stated: Examine proposals to remove guardianship rights from those convicted of killing their partners or a parent of their child as part of the ongoing work to implement appropriate recommendations from the Study on Familicide and Domestic and Family Violence Death Reviews. James Kilroy was sentenced to life in July last year for the murder of Valerie French in 2019 Mr French said it was very encouraging, adding: Killing a mother is child abuse and I look forward to this being acknowledged in law. Reform of the child guardianship law to exclude convicted killers Valeries Law is one of the most straightforward recommendations and it does not create any ongoing cost or complexity. This is about correcting what has been described by Fianna Fails Jim OCallaghan as an anomaly in law. On the night of Ms Frenchs murder in June 2019 at her rural home, Kilroy attacked her with a knife, beat her and strangled her. Her young sons were in the house at the time. Kilroy was found wandering naked in a nearby field on the morning of June 14. His wifes body was found that afternoon in a campervan beside their bungalow about 6km from Westport. The cause of her death was strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head and a stab wound to the neck. Kilroys first two trials collapsed but in July at his third trial he was found guilty. He had claimed cannabis use spurred him to kill her. Since Kilroys conviction, Mr French has been campaigning on behalf of his sister who no longer has a voice. He said there is a loophole in child safety in Ireland as people who murder their partners or ex-partners fully retain guardianship of any shared children. David French with a photo of his sister Valerie who was murdered in 2019. Photo: Steve Humphreys Brother of murder victim Valerie French speaks out in the aftermath of her husband James Kilroy being sentenced to life imprisonment A Bill drafted by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns gained the cross-party support of other TDs in west Cork, which is where Ms French originally came from. An online petition on change.org, started by Mr French in August, calling on support to change the law, has collected several thousand signatures. Killing the mother of a child is child abuse, he repeated. Society should protect children from their abusers. Mr French has written a book about his sisters murder and its devastating aftermath, which will be published in May by Gill books. Judge Michael Connellan fined Burns 300 and put him off the road for one year A truck driver who crashed into a signpost for the M1 motorway had a slip and had taken cocaine, a court heard. Gavin Burns (50) claimed he took his eyes off the road for a few seconds, and collided with the M1 signpost. Judge Michael Connellan fined Burns 300 and put him off the road for one year. The defendant, with an address at Chapel Farm Road in Lusk, admitted drug driving at the R132 Swords on September 26, 2023. Garda Elaine Duffy said she was called to a traffic accident at the Tesco roundabout on the R132 shortly after 10am. Gda Duffy said Burns was grey, very disorientated, and initially said he couldnt remember how the accident had happened. Burns was taken by ambulance to hospital, where a blood sample was taken from him. It was zero for alcohol but tested positive for cocaine. Defence lawyer Gerard Kennedy said Burns was not a regular user of cocaine, but had a slip and had taken the drug. A driving ban would greatly impact him, as he worked as a truck driver, Mr Kennedy said. His son, who was autistic, lived in Cavan with his mother, and he would find it difficult to visit him. Burns was also the sole carer for his elderly mother, the court heard. 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. Nikita Hands legal team applied for injuction over footage that was part of the evidence in her civil action against the mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregors Italian stout distributor has admitted he was shown the CCTV footage that was the focus of an injunction application last week that prompted the High Court to order McGregor to retrieve and delete any copies of the footage in his possession. Gabriel Ernesto Rapisarda posted kiss my Italian ass under a post saying that CCTV dont lie after last weeks legal tussle over Mr Rapisardas claim that the footage from the case would be released online this month. The CCTV footage was part of the evidence considered by the jury in Nikita Hands civil action against McGregor last November that resulted in the jury ruling that McGregor had assaulted Ms Hand in December 2018. It awarded her 250,000 in damages. Conor McGregor leaving the High Court in Dublin last November. Photo: Collins We reported on January 5 that Mr Rapisarda, an entrepreneur, celebrity agent and professional brand builder, claimed the CCTV footage from the case would be released this month and this would change public views on McGregor and cause an explosion in sales for his stout. Remy Farrell, senior counsel for McGregor, said there was no evidence Mr Rapisarda had the CCTV footage and McGregor had not given it to him This prompted Ms Hands legal team last week to apply for an injunction barring McGregor from disseminating the CCTV footage after McGregor declined to provide an undertaking not to do so. In a hearing before Judge Alexander Owens, Remy Farrell, senior counsel for McGregor, said there was no evidence that Mr Rapisarda had the CCTV footage and McGregor had not given it to him. He said the Italians descriptions of Ms Hands behaviour in the footage was no more than what had been described in media coverage from the trial. Judge Owens said there was a real danger that Mr Rapisarda could release the footage, based on what he had posted on his social media. He ordered that McGregor contact Mr Rapisarda to tell him that the court had ordered that all CCTV footage obtained from the trial would be deleted or handed back to McGregors solicitors. He said any release of selected pieces of evidence from the case that were obtained through discovery orders against the gardai, would be a breach of McGregorys implied undertaking to the court. This would be a civil contempt of court and a potential gross breach of Nikita Hands privacy rights. Nikita Hand arriving at the High Court last November. Photo: Collins Judge Owens said the jury had conclusively determined Ms Hands rape claim against McGregor. He said McGregor does not get another run of the case on social media or through his surrogates. On Instagram, Mr Rapisarda appeared unrepentant, posting that CCTV doesnt lie over the line kiss my Italian ass. In posts that are no longer online, he wrote that he had not spoken to McGregor about the case and said he had never asked to have the CCTV footage. He said he was only responding to a provocative comment when he said the release of the video meant that many would have understood the truth. Mr Rapisarda said he saw the video through a third person who is not Conor Mr Rapisarda said he saw the video through a third person who is not Conor. In another post he questioned why the public must accept the judges orders in relation to the CCTV footage. He attacked media coverage of the case and said the judge wanted to take away the right of millions who wanted to see the CCTV footage. In his order on Thursday, Judge Owens gave McGregor one week to set out on affidavit that he had deleted all copies of the CCTV footage that he held on fobs, computers or phones. He also said McGregor must write to Mr Rapisarda to inform him of the court order. The judge was told that Ms Hands legal costs are expected to be 1.3m. The judge placed a stay on costs orders pending appeal, but ruled McGregor must pay Ms Hand 100,000 towards her damages and 200,000 towards her legal costs now. Tiernan Rooney (30) was attacked by two men outside his house in west Belfast at around 12.45pm on December 29. The family of a Belfast man who died three days after being stabbed in the head outside his home are appealing for a police investigation into his death. Tiernan Rooney (28) was attacked by two men outside his house in west Belfast at around 12.45pm on December 29. According to police, he was punched a number of times and stabbed in the head by a blade or pointed object before the suspects fled on foot. The dad-of-one received treatment in hospital but died in his sleep on New Years Day after complaining of headaches following his discharge. Speaking to Belfast Live, Tiernans cousin Lynsey Rooney called on the PSNI to launch a more thorough investigation into his death and the attack on his doorstep just days earlier. We cannot understand why the police have not carried out more of an investigation even though they have been provided with video footage of the attack taking place from a doorbell camera, she said. "There has been no appeal alerting people to the attack on him, which may have resulted in his death. "Sadly now our family is stuck in the terrible position of having to wait months before we truly know the cause of his death and we just want to see the police take action against the vermin who attacked him." Police say they are investigating the incident, with a spokesperson for the PSNI saying: "Police are investigating an assault in the Conway Place area of west Belfast on Sunday afternoon, 29th December 2024. "It was reported a man, aged in his 30s, was assaulted by two other men on the doorstep of a property. "He was allegedly punched several times and also stabbed in the head by a blade or pointed object. The two suspects fled the scene on foot and the victim required hospital treatment for his injuries. "Enquiries are ongoing to determine who was involved and a motive behind the attack. "We would appeal to anyone with any information, CCTV or dash-cam footage, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 627 29/12/24. "Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. "You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/." Drug dealing former ring star is still on the run after alleged bust-up in Ryanair HQ A drug dealing ex-champion boxer and pilot with links to the late Jim Mansfield Snr remains on the run almost nine months after a warrant was issued for his arrest over an incident at Ryanair HQ in Dublin. John Kinsella (56) previously of Dunshaughlin Co Meath, was previously sentenced to 10 years for conspiring to import 7m worth of drugs into Ireland through Jim Mansfield Snrs private airport in west Dublin in 2006. He is suspected of continuing his involvement in the drug trade after his release from prison in 2014. He moved to Spain where he was involved in a business. A warrant was issued for his arrest last April after he failed to attend an arraignment on charges relating to an alleged incident at Ryanair HQ in Swords in 2023. Kinsella has been charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and damaging a model Ryanair plane at the companys Dublin offices on May 4, 2023. Judge Martin Nolan issued a warrant for Kinsellas arrest after his lawyer said he hadnt turned up because he was to busy conducting business in Bolivia. Hes not present today. He lives in Spain. He has business meetings today but will be present next week, his representative said. Judge Nolan responded with incredulity and said if he didnt turn up the next day a warrant would be issued for Kinsellas arrest. John Kinsella competes in the National Senior Boxing Championships in 2001 The following day when the case was called again Kinsellas legal representative said he was not present and said the earliest he could get back was next Wednesday. He told Judge Nolan that Kinsella was in Bolivia conducting business. Bench warrant. The sheer arrogance of him to leave this jurisdiction, Judge Nolan said. Kinsellas barrister explained that he currently lives in Spain. He might not be going back to Spain when he turns up, replied Judge Nolan. I have no tolerance for people who dont show up. However, nine months on Kinsella remains at large and there is a warrant still out for his arrest. When Kinsella appeared in court in 2023 on the same charges, gardai objected to the fact he had been granted free legal aid, saying he was living and working in Spain and gardai believed he was a man of substantial means. Kinsella was born in Luton in England but grew up in Dublin and lived for a number of years in Meath before moving to Spain. He was released from prison in 2014 after serving his sentence for conspiring to import 7m worth of drugs into Ireland through Jim Mansfield Snrs private airport in west Dublin in 2006. The private plane being used by Kinsella, who worked in the aviation industry, to transport the drugs from Belgium to Ireland had been leased from Jim Mansfield Snr who passed away in 2014. In court, gardai said Kinsella known as The Boxer was only on the second-highest rung on the ladder of a well-financed, transnational operation but did not tell gardai the identity of the leader. After the incident Jim Snr denied he was involved in drug dealing. The Sunday World approached Mr Kinsella at his lavish home in Johnstown, Co Meath after his release from prison and asked if he would talk to us about his conviction and CAB raids against properties linked to the Mansfield family which had taken place at the time. He remained tight-lipped when asked for comment and walked back into his house without uttering a word before closing the door. Kinsella organised a private jet to travel from an airfield in Belgium to Weston Aerodrome in Kildare then owned by Jim Snr with one passenger on board. Days before the incident gardai had received intelligence that a man in the Netherlands was involved in organising a drug shipment due to come into Ireland. Through wire taps and surveillance they were able to link the man to Kinsella and the drug shipment. The passenger, a drug mule, turned up at the airport and was arrested by Belgian and Dutch police who found 27kg of heroin and 21kg of cocaine in his luggage. Gardai swooped on Kinsella at Weston Airport later that day. He initially told gardai a made-up story about a French and Algerian hiring the plane. It later emerged Kinsella had left his aviation firm BillionAir shortly before the incident and had debts of 30,000. Kinsella pleaded guilty to conspiring to import the drugs but refused to implicate the person above him in the trafficking chain. He was sentenced to 12 years with two years suspended and was released from prison in 2014. Jim Mansfield Snr later spoke out publicly to deny he made his fortune from drug dealing. Ive heard the rumours, but they dont bother me in the slightest. Its a load of absolute nonsense. A lot of it is down to jealousy. I would love to get someone who could tell me directly, some policeman or someone else, about who is spreading these rumours about me and drugs, not for money or anything but Id love to take them out and I would bring them to court because theres no drugs in my business. The airport was sold in 2013. Jim Snr passed away in January 2014 aged 75. His son Jim Mansfield Jnr was later exposed as a money launderer for underworld figures including the Kinahan cartel. Mansfield Jnr also served time in prison for perverting the course of justice in relation to the kidnapping of Citywest hotels former head of security, Martin Byrne, who was kidnapped by INLA men Dessie OHare and Declan Duffy. The Special Criminal Court acquitted Mansfield of conspiring with others to have Martin Byrne kidnapped by a criminal gang in 2015, but convicted him of directing that footage related to the incident was destroyed. Kinsella also has ties to British drug dealer Greg Champness. In 2010 a court ordered that 40,000 CAB seized from Champness be handed over the State. It was established Champness got it from Kinsella. Champness was sentenced in the UK to 13 years on drug trafficking charges but has since been released. Killer Fat Freddie Thompsons terrified of attack outside court if his upcoming trial is not moved to Dublins CCJ Convicted killer Freddie Thompson has applied to have his trial for threatening to kill a prison officer moved from Portlaoise to Dublin, claiming: If you hold it in this court, I could be shot dead getting out of the prison van. Appearing by video-link before Portlaoise Circuit Court on Thursday, Thompson urged Judge Keenan Johnson to grant his request stating: What you dont want to happen is what happened in the Regency Hotel that time when my cousin David Byrne was shot dead by armed criminals dressed as police. Byrne, the brother of Dublin mob boss Liam Byrne, died when gunmen dressed as fake ERU gardai stormed the hotel in north Dublin in February 2016. He got shot four times. He was shot twice in the head. The State cant make that mistake again this is my life were talking about, Thompson said in court this week. Security at the courthouse Opening Thompsons application to have the case transferred to Dublin from Portlaoise, on security grounds, Mr Patrick McCarthy BL, said the application was grounded on an affidavit within which Mr Thompson had stated his concerns for his personal safety. The affidavit outlined how in November 2016, Thompson had been charged with the murder of Daithi Douglas and then convicted in August 2018. Mr Douglas (55), a father of one, was shot six times as he had lunch at a counter in his partners shop, Shoestown, on Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8, on July 1, 2016. A semi-automatic pistol with its serial number removed was found next to his head. Thompson (43) of Loreto Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, had pleaded not guilty to his involvement in the murder of Mr Douglas but was jailed for life at the Special Criminal Court in August of 2018 after a 12-day trial. I say and believe Mr Douglas was a member of the Hutch crime family, Thompsons affidavit, which was heard in court this week, read. I say and believe that because of my conviction, that my life is in danger and that there is a direct threat on my life from the Hutch crime family. Thompson talks to media The affidavit stated that the threat had been confirmed to him during his previous eight years in custody and was part of the reason given to him for his being refused a transfer from Portlaoise to Wheatfield Prison. I have a serious concern for my personal safety should the trial proceed in Portlaoise Circuit Court, he said. He said there was no direct access from the van for prisoners entering the court. The van parks beside the courthouse and I must walk from the public area outside into the court, the affidavit stated. My concern is that should someone wish me harm, they would have no difficulty attacking me as I leave the van and walk into court. Thompsons affidavit compared the situation regarding prisoner access in Portlaoise to that of Dublins Courts of Criminal Justice which has an underground car park where prisoners enter that is not accessible to the public. He also noted that the CCJ has a machine to check bags, metal detectors and security guards to carry out checks for potentially weapons and other materials. The scene at the Regency Hotel The trial Thompson (43), formerly of Loreto Road, Maryland, Dublin, is trying to have moved concerns a charge that he threatened to kill or cause serious harm to an assistant chief officer in Portlaoise Prison on May 15, 2022. He is also accused of the same offence as well as a separate charge of assault causing harm on the same prison officer in the prison on November 17, 2022. Barrister Will Fennelly, appearing for the DPP, said he was objecting to the application on two grounds. The first that was that Thompson had previously applied to have the case moved on the grounds potential jurors might be prejudiced by the presence of the prison in the county. He said that application had been refused and so the decision not to move the trial was final and unappealable. After Judge Johnson held against him on this point, Mr Fennelly called Det Garda Padraic Ryan of Portlaoise Garda station to give evidence regarding security. Addressing the court at this point, Thompson said: All I want to say is my life could be in danger if its held in that court. Fat Freddie Thompson pictured with David Byrne The last time I got out of the prison van, four men came up to me, they got close up to my face with cameras. If you hold it in this court, I could be shot dead getting out of the prison van. My life could be in danger if you move it to Dublin, it will still go ahead, its just that my life wont be in danger then. In his evidence, Det Garda Ryan said: Theres a security plan put in place for Mr Thompson and for his security in court. There are armed detectives and also uniformed members of An Garda Siochana stationed around the courthouse. He said Mr Thompson had appeared previously before the court on three occasions and theres never been an issue. Fat Freddie Thompson Asked about the presence of photographers outside the court on a previous occasion, he responded: Mr Thompson was in a jovial mood with the photographers. There was never any security risk Asked whether he believed there was any realistic risk of harm befalling Mr Thompson entering Portlaoise courthouse, he responded: I wouldnt think so, judge. The gardai in Portlaoise have a lot of experience bringing prisoners on escort to court and there has never been an issue. Asked to give specifics of the security arrangements surrounding Mr Thompsons movements, he declined, stating: Mr Thompson is a member of the Kinahan gang. He has a criminal background, but he is also a flight risk when he is on the move There is a security assessment done, whatever necessary will be applied Mr Thompson will be secured the courthouse will be secured. Asked by Mr McCarthy whether he would accept the Courts of Criminal Justice have by far the best security facilities of any court in the country, he responded: Yes but I would say Portlaoise courthouse is more than capable of securing Mr Thompson and ensuring he is safe. Addressing the court, Thompson responded: Hes saying theres no threat. There is a threat on my life. If you ring the headquarters in Phoenix Park, they will tell you that theres a threat. Addressing this point Mr Fennelly said: The risk is known. The risk is evaluated by people trained and expert in the evaluation of these things. And aside from that I dont think there has ever been a security issue at Portlaoise court. Mr McCarthy countered: The reason that the Special Criminal Court only sits in the CCJ is because of those facilities that are designed for exactly these kinds of cases. He said he believed it would be pragmatic for the court to accept his submission. He said there was big difference between a remand appearance and a four or five-day trial where the media would be broadcasting Thompsons location. He said the security issues were amplified by the time the case would take. Addressing the court for a final time, Thompson said: What you dont want to happen is what happened in the Regency Hotel that time when my cousin David Byrne was shot dead by armed criminals dressed as police. He got shot four times. He was shot twice in the head. The State cant make that mistake again, your honour. This is my life were talking about. Judge Keenan Johnson reserved judgement to Thursday of next week at 2pm. He said that John was effectively trafficked from Northern Ireland and had his passport taken off him on arrival, where he was instructed to work for a criminal gang The family of John George believe the Belfast man was assassinated in a premeditated killing. The father-of-two's 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. In what the George family say is their final media interview, his devastated younger brother Darren revealed how the 37-year-old was shot dead after refusing to take part in criminal activity in Spain. He said that John was effectively trafficked from Northern Ireland and had his passport taken off him on arrival, where he was instructed to work for a criminal gang an order they believe he refused and ultimately led to his death. Speaking to Sunday Life, Darren George said: My brother was assassinated, it was premeditated, planned, that is what we believe to be the truth. John George with brother Darren What else I can tell you is that my brother was no gangster. I believe he was asked to do some things he wouldnt and couldnt do and that was why he was killed. Yes, John had a past, but it was for stupid things, petty crimes. John was in a world he couldnt understand. He knew very quickly that he was in trouble, thats why he rang my dad and told him that he thought something bad was going to happen to him. People will say, why didnt he just leave? How could he? In a foreign country with no passport and god knows what else going on around him. Those involved in Johns murder must have thought that no one would miss John, no one would come looking for him, that people didnt give a s**t, but they were so wrong. Darren said that John has left behind two lovely children who miss their daddy" as he encouraged anyone with information about his death to contact police. People out there who know anything should come forward for the sake of them, but I am not confident, even though I would ask anyone who can help to help. In my opinion, my brothers murder was cold-blooded and premeditated. I am very black and white in my opinions, I know people say live by the sword, die by the sword, but that was not the case with my brother. John George with brother Darren and sisters Courtney and Caitlin Darren and his family dad Billy, mum Sharon and sisters Courtney and Caitlin are grateful that John's remains have been found and returned to Ireland. We have John home, on Irish soil. We know we are lucky to have that because there are so many families who never get to bring their loved ones home, having to leave a country without ever finding them he explained. Now we wait until Monday or Tuesday for John to be brought back to my mummys house after the second post-mortem, one we ordered because we will not leave a stone unturned. We will have a wake, say goodbye and then we will start our fight for justice. We will get justice because that is what he deserves, no matter how long and how hard it is, we will achieve justice. But one thing we will never get is peace. We will never have peace in our family again because of how Johns life ended, how his body lay for weeks, we will never have peace. He added: My parents are broken, we all are, and I dont think anything in the world, time or whatever, can fix that. I want to fix that, seeing my parents is devastating, but I cant. It comes after Johns funeral was postponed until further notice, having originally been scheduled to take place on January 24. His sister Courtney confirmed the news on social media, writing: All funeral arrangements cancelled until further notice due to circumstances beyond our control. Updated arrangements will follow in due course. Last Tuesday, Paul Moody appeared in the Circuit Criminal Court charged with five alleged offences against a woman A former garda who is before the courts on several counts of harassing, intimidating and demanding money from a woman will have to indicate whether he intends to plead guilty or fight the criminal charges next month. Last Tuesday, Paul Moody appeared in the Circuit Criminal Court charged with five alleged offences against a woman at various dates in 2016 and 2017. His case was put back until the 25th of next month, at which point he must indicate whether he intends to plead guilty or not. If he pleads guilty, he will be sent for sentencing. If he opts to fight the charges, he will be sent forward for trial. Paul Moody. Photo: Collins Courts Moody (44), with a previous address at St Raphaels Manor, Celbridge, Co Kildare, has already appeared in the District Court in relation to these alleged crimes. The case was sent from there to the Circuit Criminal Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice late last year, with this higher court capable of imposing longer jail sentences. Moodys appearance on Tuesday was his second in the Circuit Criminal Court on these charges. He stands accused of one count of demanding money from his alleged victim, one count of intimidating her and three counts of harassing her. According to the charge sheet, in 2017 Moody is alleged to have made an unwarranted demand, to wit the payment of monies from [name omitted] with menaces. In 2016, he is charged with intimidating the same woman, with a view to compelling [her] to do an act she had a lawful right to abstain from, wrongfully and without lawful authority intimidated [her]. Moody is also accused in three different charges of the harassment of the same woman on several separate occasions in Dublin, including at The Coombe hospital in Dublin 8. God bless you Benny. Thinking of the family A Kilkenny man in his 30s has died in Vancouver, Canada sending shockwaves around the village of Inistioge where he hailed from. Brendan (Benny) Meaney, who died on January 14, was a former student at the Good Counsel College in nearby New Ross, Co Wexford where he is remembered with great affection. The Rower Inistioge GAA published a notice to their website on Wednesday, January 15. The clubs statement reads: The Rower Inistioge GAA Club is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Brendan (Benny) Meaney in Vancouver, Canada yesterday. We offer our deepest sympathy to Danny and Catherine, brothers James and Daniel and all the Meaney family and relations, and a wide circle of friends. As the devastation is felt by all who knew Benny, the tributes that have since been pouring in paint him as a loving, funny and kind person, whos presence was missed around the community by many when he emigrated some years ago. The Good Counsel College - Past Pupils also paid tribute to the former student: Were saddened to hear of the sudden death in Canada of past pupil Brendan Meaney. Pictured here on the right with fellow Rower Inistioge classmate Joe, Brendan was never without a smile on his face. The late Brendan (Benny) Meaney (right) pictured with his fellow classmate, Joe in Good Counsel College. He was a great character, who is fondly remembered here in GCC. He also lined out with our Aussie Rules team in 2010 when we took on a visiting Australian school. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Tributes from other friends online paint a picture of a man who made a lasting impact on people. One tribute read: Benny, you were a kind-hearted young man who made us all laugh. Everyone over here who met you loved you, and even though you went to work in Canada we still talked about you and the craic they had when they went out with you. God only takes the good and you were one of them. God bless you Benny. Thinking of the family. In another tribute, a mourner wrote that the news of Bennys death is so sad, he was a true gentleman. Thinking of your family at this devastating time. You were truly a gem, Ben! Rest easy friend, they added, with a similar tribute also describing Benny as a person who always had a smile. During a delay in the ceasefire taking hold this morning, Israeli fire killed at least 26 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry Displaced Palestinians walk past the rubble as they attempt to return to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip. Reuters Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, speaks as families of the Israeli hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas attend a press conferences in support of ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the day before it goes into effect, in Tel Aviv, Israel. AP Demonstrators hold portraits of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip as a video featuring Kfir Bibas, who, along with his parents Shiri and Yarden Bibas, and his brother Ariel, is still being held hostage in Gaza, plays behind them during a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel. AP Palestinian militants celebrate despite a delay in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the hostage list, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Reuters Members of the Palestinian civil emergency service celebrate despite a delay in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the hostage list, in Gaza City. Reuters A Palestinian man wounded by Israeli fire is transported on a donkey cart, following a delay in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the hostage list, in the northern Gaza Strip. Reuters Displaced Palestinians walk past the rubble as they attempt to return to their homes, following a delay in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the hostage list, in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters A combination image shows a woman holding a cutout picture of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, in Tel Aviv, Israel March 14, 2024 (L) and undated handout images of Israeli hostage Doron Steinbrecher (C) and Israeli hostage Romi Gonen (R), who were kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. Reuters Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, as they watch coverage of the hostages being freed. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) Palestinian Hamas militants hand over hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza City. Reuters The first three hostages released from Gaza have arrived in Israel, the military announced on Sunday, hours after the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold. Their mothers were waiting to meet them. Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were released on Sunday. Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, while the others were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Damari is an Israeli-British dual citizen. Israeli media, carrying live footage from Qatar-based Al Jazeera, showed the three women walking to Red Cross vehicles as their convoy moved through Gaza City. The vehicles were accompanied by armed men who wore green Hamas headbands and struggled to guard the cars from an unruly crowd that swelled into the thousands. No further glimpses of the three were immediately expected as they will be taken for medical assessment. They appear to be in good health, President Joe Biden said in brief remarks as they were arriving in Israel. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered to watch the news on large screens erupted in cheers. For months, many had gathered in the square to demand a ceasefire deal. The deal ushers in an initial six-week period of calm and raises hopes for the release of dozens of militant-held hostages and an end to the devastating 15-month war. A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the truce's start by nearly three hours and highlighted its fragility. Even before the ceasefire took effect, celebrations erupted across the territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes. Israel, meanwhile, announced the names of the first three hostages expected to return home later Sunday, in exchange for the planned release of 90 Palestinian prisoners. The truce, which started at 11:15 a.m. local time, is the first step toward ultimately ending the conflict and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in Hamas October 7, 2023 attack. Hamas was supposed to provide the names before the start of the ceasefire, originally planned for 8:30 a.m. It released the names about two hours later, citing technical reasons and saying it was still committed to the agreement. In the interim between 8:30 a.m. and when the ceasefire took hold, Israeli fire killed at least 26 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry. It did not say whether they were civilians or fighters. The military has warned people to stay away from Israeli forces as they retreat to a buffer zone inside Gaza. Israels hard-line national security minister, meanwhile, said his Jewish Power faction was quitting the government in protest over the ceasefire agreement. Itamar Ben-Gvirs departure weakens Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition but will not affect the truce. In a separate development, Israel announced it had recovered the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, in a special operation in Gaza. The bodies of Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, remained there after the 2014 war and had not been returned. The ceasefire deal was announced last week after a year of mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump's team had both pressed for an agreement to be reached before the inauguration on Monday. Netanyahu on Saturday warned that he had Trump's backing to continue fighting if necessary. The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. Many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home. There is also supposed to be a surge of humanitarian aid, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before. The United Nations' World Food Program said trucks started entering through two crossings after the ceasefire took hold. This is just the second ceasefire in the war, longer and more consequential than a weeklong pause in November 2023, with the potential to end the fighting for good. Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire should begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the first phase and how the rest of the hostages in Gaza will be freed. Across the Gaza Strip, celebrations erupted as people hoped for respite after the fighting killed tens of thousands, destroyed large areas of the territory and displaced most of its population. Masked militants appeared at some celebrations, where crowds chanted slogans in support of them, according to Associated Press reporters in Gaza. The Hamas-run police began deploying in public after mostly lying low due to Israeli airstrikes. Some families set off for home on foot, their belongings loaded on donkey carts. In the southern city of Rafah, residents returned to find massive destruction. Some found human remains including skulls in the rubble. Its like you see a Hollywood horror movie, resident Mohamed Abu Taha told the AP as he inspected the ruins of his family's home. Reactions in Israel were varied, as people hoped for the hostages' safe return but remained divided over the agreement. Its a new day, Nissan Kalderon, the brother of hostage Ofer Kalderon, 54, told Israeli Channel 12. Dont stop. Bring all the hostages home. Asher Pizem, 35, from the city of Sderot near Gaza, said he eagerly awaited the hostages' return but said the deal had merely postponed the next confrontation with Hamas. He also criticized Israel for allowing aid into Gaza, saying it would contribute to the militant group's revival. They will take the time and attack again, he said while overlooking Gaza's smouldering ruins from a small hill in southern Israel with other Israelis who gathered there. Israels Cabinet approved the ceasefire early Saturday in a rare session during the Jewish Sabbath, more than two days after mediators announced the deal. The toll of the war has been immense, and new details on its scope will now emerge. Over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the fatalities but does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that sparked the war killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and militants abducted around 250 others. More than 100 hostages were freed during the weeklong ceasefire in November 2023. Some 90pc of Gazas population has been displaced. The United Nations says homes, the health system, road networks and other vital infrastructure have been badly damaged. Rebuilding if the ceasefire reaches its final phase will take several years at least. Major questions about Gazas future, political and otherwise, remain unresolved. She insisted that her dating show days are done as she vowed to never return to the Love Island villa. Maura Higgins has revealed that she turned down the chance to appear on both The Traitors and Love Island: All Stars before her stint on Im A Celebrity. The 34-year-old left the Australian jungle last month after placing sixth having entered the show as a late arrival with Reverend Richard Coles. Speaking on ITVs Loose Women, Maura admitted that shes not against taking part in BBCs psychological reality series The Traitors as long as her campmate Coleen Rooney wasnt in there. I actually turned down The Traitors before, maybe a year ago, she revealed. Because I always was like people will work me out, and Id probably rather be a traitor than a faithful. I like to be a bit devious, but yeah, I dont know if Ill ever do it, I mean, its a great show. But yeah, Id probably be figured out. She also told the panel that her dating show days are done as she vowed to never return to the Love Island villa. Maura previously appeared on the show as a bombshell back in 2019 and said shes turned down the chance to take part in the drama for a second time. I dont want to go on a dating show, like Ive turned down All Stars before, Ive done it once. The Longford lady was then asked if that meant she was no longer single, but replied: No, I know what youre doing, I never said anything. Maura is rumoured to be dating fellow reality star Pete Wicks, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year, but remained tight-lipped about their romance. Theres not really much to tell, I know thats very boring, like weve known each other for what six years, we spend time together. We get on very well, our personalities are very, very similar, and hes a great person, but theres actually nothing to tell. However, Maura said that while shes turned down other programmes, appearing on Im A Celebrity was not a hard decision for her. I felt like I was ready for something like that, she explained. Its weird because, I (did) a podcast talking about mental health, and I really struggle about opening up, and I did that, and then I was like, Oh, maybe this is the year for change and taking myself out of my comfort zone. And wow, did I do that. A nurse was hospitalised after being stabbed during an after-hours callout in Ngongotaha. The New Zealand Nurses Organisation is considering stab-proof vests and personal alarms for nurses. Incidents like these have become more frequent, highlighting safety concerns for mental health workers. A union is mulling whether stab-proof vests and personal alarms should be rolled out for nurses after one was stabbed while on the job. The nurse was hospitalised on December 28 after being stabbed during an after-hours callout to the Rotorua suburb of Ngongotaha. She was part of Te Whatu Ora Lakes' acute mental health response team. The New Zealand Nurses Organisation Toputanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa is now considering whether to call for nurses to be issued with vests and alarms. The organisation and the Public Service Association are also calling for a full investigation by Te Whatu Ora and WorkSafe, and for the matter to be referred to the Health Quality Safety Commission. Other mental health nurses were so worried about their safety, the NZNO said. Incidents like these had become more frequent in recent years, spokesperson Mitchell McLaughlan told RNZ. We are seeing escalating aggressive behaviours in the community. More members of our society are presenting as highly distressed because of their social and financial situations, increased drug use along with a swell in anti-social behaviours. We want to discuss whether extra security measures such as personal alarms or stab-proof vests should be worn from now on by nurses and kaiawhina working in mental health. McLaughlan said the nurse who had been stabbed was extremely traumatised and had quit her job of more than 20 years as a result of the incident. A personal alarm is very helpful because, in that particular situation, there were two people there, [and] it would have allowed the other person to quickly denote where the individual had got to. We are concerned that, because of the nature of the business, we are going to see more of these incidents in the future. In August, then-Police Commissioner Andrew Coster announced the police would start the transition to no longer respond to every mental health-related call from November 1. Nurses had become increasingly vulnerable as a result, NZNO mental health nurses section chair Helen Garrick said. In October, Mark Quinn from the Ambulance Association called for stab-proof vests for all workers. However, PSA health national sector lead Sue McCullough said it was not something the union had heard from its members. Its concerning that we would get to that stage where people need that kind of protection, to be honest, she told RNZ. In mental health units, the staff tend to wear plain clothes, rather than being in anything that looks like a uniform, and that could also exacerbate issues. But, certainly, we want our members to be safe, and it is about preventing these things happening rather than having something to protect them when it does. McCullough said incidents like these highlighted the consequences of the Governments relentless cuts. These funding cuts, along with short staffing, will continue to endanger the entire health care system and all New Zealanders' health and wellbeing. Te Whatu Ora and the Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti have been approached for comment. There are plenty of ways to smuggle drugs, cigarettes, firearms, and other illicit substances into New Zealand, including hiding them in a container or on a ship. However, dedicated Customs officers are working hard to locate those items before they can make it off the boats and on to the streets. Hannah Bartlett goes behind the scenes to see what it takes to keep our borders secure. Jamie Hickey, Customs port manager in Tauranga, says there are a few things that make a good Customs officer: perseverance, determination and doggedness. An officer also needs to be curious and have a real desire to get to the bottom of it. That desire, combined with good intelligence, co-operation with other authorities, and a lot of hard work, is what keeps our borders safe, often preventing large quantities of drugs, firearms and other illicit items from ending up on New Zealand streets. Since 2020, Customs has seized more than 5167kg worth of cocaine and 6241kg of methamphetamine at our borders. Officers have also intercepted 32,597,487 cigarettes and cigars, 23,475kg of loose tobacco, and 839 firearms in that time. In 2022, New Zealands biggest cocaine seizure - more than 700kg - was discovered at our largest port, which sits on the Tauranga harbour and covers two sites - Sulphur Point and Mount Maunganui. Its a location thats become increasingly busy for Customs officers in recent years and theres little sign of that slowing down. In the last probably two years we have intercepted more here than probably the previous 20 years, Hickey told NZME during an exclusive visit to the Port of Tauranga. Customs port manager Jamie Hickey overlooks the containers at Port of Tauranga. Photo / Mike Scott Between 2017 and 2024, 1240kg of cocaine was seized in Tauranga, compared to 504kg of methamphetamine seized in the same period. Of the cocaine, 1172kg was seized between January 1, 2022, and mid-2024, including a record 725kg in one hit. Customs intelligence and targeting indicators identified the container shipment had left South America in January 2022, so we were ready for it when it arrived in Tauranga in February 2022, Hickey said. As you can imagine, being a part of the single largest cocaine seizure in New Zealand at the time was a larger-than-life moment for the team. Knowing that youve been a part of something that prevented over hundreds of millions worth of drug harm to our communities makes us proud and keeps us going for the work we do. 1.2 million 20-foot equivalent units came through the Port of Tauranga in the year ended June 2024. Photo / Mike Scott In the year to June 2024, 1427 vessels came through the Port of Tauranga, carrying 1.2 million 20-foot equivalent units (a standard measure of shipping containers). That equated to 23.6 million tonnes of cargo being moved across the wharves. Hickeys team is tasked with making sure any illicit substances are found before they get into the hands of criminals. While not everything can be searched, there is a targeted approach to what warrants further inspection. Profiling is done based on intelligence received from other agencies, including police, Customs own investigations team, and offshore intelligence agencies. One of the key considerations is where the ship and its cargo have come from. New Zealand Customs is using international intelligence and technology to battle rising drug smuggling at the Port of Tauranga. Photo / Mike Scott Were seeing a lot of cocaine come through here, Hickey said. Primarily because the Port of Tauranga has one major service, and another one thats less frequent, that comes direct from South America. Hickey said attempts to breach security and get into the port complex itself to retrieve the illicit product, had also increased, as had the quantity of seizures. Three people were arrested and charged following the investigation into the largest cocaine shipment ever to reach New Zealand shores. Looking for something thats not normal Hickey said the drug-seizure process involved a mix of technology, intelligence, skill, and tenacity on the part of the Customs team on the ground. It begins with a work queue a list of containers Customs plans to scan through a large X-ray. Customs uses large X-ray machines to detect drug smuggling. Photo / Mike Scott Our X-ray truck can scan a 40-foot container in less than 30 seconds and give us an indication of whats inside. Customs officers sit in a small, dark office a Portacom of sorts looking at screens that show a scan of whats in the container. A scan image during a 35kg cocaine seizure in 2023. The officers know whats meant to be inside on the day NZME visited, they were scanning a container of timber - and whats not. [The officers] just looking for something that doesnt look like timber... Hickey said. The framing of the containers is fairly standard, so something that doesnt quite look right can stand out, but again, its a tool... it wont say ah its cocaine in the top corner there'. When illicit product is concealed in a shipment, often those sending it attach an Air Tag so they can track it. So Customs officers use a tool to scan for Bluetooth trackers, walking around outside the container, checking to see if the device will ping. If we start getting readings from that [device]... its indicating to us there may well be an Air Tag inside that container. That becomes of heightened interest to us. Its something else thats not normal. When something seems off, the container is taken to a warehouse where Customs officers can look inside. There, its often up to the officers doggedness to find what may be concealed. Customs port manager Jamie Hickey and supervising Customs officers Glenn and Jarrod at the Port of Tauranga. Photo / Mike Scott Illicit substances can be hidden within materials, making them challenging to find and requiring both heavy-lifting and perseverance in dismantling items. But theres also another smaller X-ray machine, similar to the ones used at airports, that officers use to examine items. It takes a suitcase-size object, Hickey said. So if were pulling something out of a container, and we want a secondary X-ray image, which is actually really good so we can see a bit better whats inside, we use that. Customs officers also have a laser-type device - a fingerprint machine for chemicals - that can be pointed at a substance, even through plastic, to get a reading on its composition. Thanks to all those tools, officers are usually very clear on what they are dealing with after finding something suspicious. But when it comes down to the guts of it, youve got a 40-foot container jam-packed with a whole lot of different types of boxes... its down to the staff on the floor doing the hard yards that will find it. Customs port manager Jamie Hickey and supervising Customs officers Glenn and Jarrod at the Port of Tauranga. Photo / Mike Scott We cant be naive about it The Customs team has key relationships with Port management, something that is key to managing the risk of port workers themselves. I dont think theres any need to avoid the discussions about trusted insiders and the fact that there are people in a position down here that can influence and have an effect on the supply chain as the cargo moves through, Hickey said. It is a concern for us and I think generally speaking for every Customs jurisdiction probably in the world... we cant be naive about it. Customs can access the ports cargo system and place holds on any containers of interest, preventing that container from leaving the port. We can do it covertly, we can do it overtly. If its covert, there are only a few key people on the port that will know anything about that. The other part of their work involves whats called a rummage, where Customs officers board a vessel and search the ship itself. Every vessel has a risk assessment, often based on what areas it has been in recently, and can even include cruise ships that dock on the Mount Maunganui side. Rummaging a cruise ship is very, very difficult, Hickey said. But there is some targeted activity well do. Each [passenger] basically gets a risk assessment done... The rummages happen without warning as if the crew gets wind one is going to happen, anything on board could disappear. It is a big job, given the size of the vessels and array of hiding places. Part of it is a deterrent too. We dont give away too much of what were going to search, or where we search, or why. With all these search methods at their disposal, the team found things regularly at the Port of Tauranga, Hickey said. It would be between weekly and monthly at a very rough [estimate]. Sometimes its more than that, sometimes its less. Hickey said it kept them busy, but noted it was not always about drugs. When you look at the duty thats on tobacco at the moment, theres an illicit black market in that as well. So there are lots of different things that we can look at and find. Illegal cigarettes discovered during a ship "rummage" at the Port of Tauranga. A kilogram of meth for $130k National Organised Crime Group director Greg Williams said police and Customs were dealing with an evolving transnational organised crime environment. Criminal groups looked at systems like shipping and how can they evade the processes to get their products in the containers. Detective Superintendent Greg Williams, of the National Organised Crime Group, says transnational organised crime is continuing to ramp up the supply of drugs into New Zealand. Part of the work being done by the Port of Tauranga, and Customs at the port, was about making the port itself and its supply chains more resilient. What you see in Tauranga, when we seize or do a big seizure... there is a whole raft of work occurring collectively overseas to basically attempt to prevent the ability for that stuff to get in there in the first place, Williams said. Williams and Hickey agreed the main driver for the drugs coming in was the high street value in New Zealand. Williams said methamphetamine and cocaine used to primarily come from Southeast Asia, where large meth labs were running out of Myanmar. But now much of the drug supply was through the Mexican cartels. In Mexico, you can buy a kilo of meth for US$500, Williams said. And its still selling here in New Zealand for $130k... it costs them nothing to make it, and they are just dumping it on us. He said the cartels put people in key places as transformational brokers. We call them transformational because they are the big brokers sitting over big lots and big shipments, so they can move whatever you want, wherever you want it. Local gangs were often the receivers of the product - at the retail end - but there were also cells of the overseas cartels who set up their own supply lines within New Zealand too. Given the cartels had diversified their production across the world, and were just ramping this up exponentially, it called for police and Customs to rapidly evolve their response, Williams said. That involvement is not just Customs and police but bringing in the partners, the private sector and the ports and those companies at the border to understand and tell them whats really going on so they understand it themselves, because the private sector is pivotal. The goal was to make New Zealand the hardest place in the world for organised crime and their networks to do business, Williams said. When you start to see businesses being impacted because products are being inserted into food items coming into our communities, its chilling stuff. Pieces of New Zealands aviation heritage graced the sky during the Classic Flyers Aero Day at Classic Flyers this weekend. A Spitfire, a Mustang and a Texan, part of the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand, touched down briefly to inspire a new generation of pilots. Military flying is unique, and its taken me to the North Pole, South Pole, all around Pacific, Asia, and the Middle East, squadron leader Michael Williams said. The T-6C Texan II flown by Michael Williams. These aircraft represent a time when Kiwis went abroad and fought in conflicts around the world, with some never returning, he said. That symbolises a time when New Zealanders stood up for what was right. The values of the Royal New Zealand Air Force back then are exactly the same as they are now. We had multiple crews that were lost doing the job. The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand is a special squadron that operates within the Royal New Zealand Air Force and helps drive recruitment, Williams said. Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX i Williams regularly flies the Heritage Flights Avenger, but an engine refit saw him fly the Texan today. He said the planes are provided to the Royal New Zealand Air Force via the Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea. The Air Force is very fortunate to have that relationship with Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre, he said. The Spitfire and Mustang were scheduled to do an aerial display later. Once that was completed, they would head home to Ohakea. The North American P-51 Mustang. In his flight, Wiillams works with squadron leaders Sean Perrett and Stuart Anderson, each specialising in a specific plane. Perrett specialises in the Mustang, while Anderson operates the Spitfire, he said. The Onondaga County Sheriffs Office should stop justifying the use of handcuffs on an 11-year-old Syracuse girl and apologize for traumatizing her in their zeal to catch a car thief. The girl and two classmates from Brighton Academy Middle School were walking home after playing in the snow when two deputies stopped them. They detained the girl, saying her clothing matched the cursory description of a passenger in a stolen car they had been chasing an hour before. One of the girls had the presence of mind to record the encounter on her cell phone. Otherwise, no one would ever have known about it, as deputies were not required to inform the girls parents she was being held. Sheriff Toby Shelley immediately changed that policy. From now on, deputies will have to notify a parent or guardian whenever they detain a juvenile. Previously, parents only were notified if the young person was arrested. But, to our astonishment, the sheriff sees nothing wrong with placing handcuffs on that child. Handcuffing juveniles in this circumstance is lawful, within policy, and common practice in law enforcement, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Detainees are usually handcuffed initially so deputies can stay in control of the situation and in case suspects attempt to flee or decide to fight, said Thomas Newton, a sheriffs office spokesperson. Deputies cant always tell the age of a detainee at first, he said. So why didnt deputies take off the cuffs after she told them she was 11 years old, standing there placidly, posing no threat? One deputy scoffs, saying police have apprehended 12-year-olds for stealing cars. Later, a deputy cajoles the girl to confess, saying she was the girl in the car, and it would be better if she was just honest about it. Imagine your 11-year-old self, or your 11-year-old child, handcuffed and standing out in the cold on a public streetcorner, placed under that kind of pressure without a parent (or a lawyer) present. The seven-minute encounter ended when deputies determined the person they were looking for has longer hair and lighter skin. By the time they took off the handcuffs, the girl was left in tears, and her South Side neighborhood was left with another sour impression of law enforcement. Was there racial bias in the encounter? The child recording the video sure thinks so; she repeatedly says, Thats racism, as the (white) officers question the (Black) child in their custody. Researchers have identified a more subtle form of bias: the adultification of Black children. Black girls, especially, are routinely perceived as older than they are, less innocent and less in need of protection than white girls. That may contribute to more punitive exercise of discretion by people in positions of authority. It is a fact that Black girls are punished more harshly in school than both white girls and Black boys, and that they fare worse in the criminal justice system than their white peers. So, when the sheriff defends handcuffing children, and his spokesman writes off the incident as an unfortunate situation, they evince ignorance of the impact of their overly aggressive policing strategies on young lives and young futures. Returning to the video, the deputies release the girl with a curt Im sorry and the group turns for home. The girl recording the video ends her running commentary in a weary voice: Oh, Im tired of this place. Out of the mouths of babes. About Syracuse.com editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the Advance Media New York editorial board. Our opinions are independent of news coverage. Read our mission statement. Members of the editorial board are Tim Kennedy, Trish LaMonte and Marie Morelli. To respond to this editorial: Submit a letter or commentary to letters@syracuse.com. Read our submission guidelines. If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion lead, at mmorelli@syracuse.com Sa!lor BHPian Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Vadodara Posts: 55 Thanked: 120 Times Road-trip from Vadodara to Forests of Madhya Pradesh Background : I have always been a wildlife lover since I was a child, it all started with Jungle Book on Doordarshan in the 90's and with age the interest also started increasing as Jungle Book was replaced with National Geographic and Discovery. At one point I was seriously considering Zoology as a career option but with limited opportunities in the field went ahead with Marine Engineering. Now as I work on ships for 6 months and I am home for 4 to 5 months, I had enough time to rekindle with my wildlife interest which led me to my first Jungle Safari at Kanha National Park in 2017 with my family. Though we went to enjoy the forest and considered tiger sighting as an added bonus, the first tigress we saw in the wild at Kanha 7 years back got us all hooked to Safari's in such a way that now every year we go for at least 10 to 15 safari's and try to cover different forests every time. Introduction : Even though we as a family have been doing safaris for 7 years now and we have covered 10 different National parks till now, this is the first time I am writing a travelogue on my experience. As everyone in our family and friend circle knows our love of wildlife and safaris, one of my friends and his wife asked to accompany us to our next safari destination which was Panna National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park. I have been to Bandhavgarh once back in 2017 but this was my first time visiting Panna and while planning the route from Vadodara we got to know about Khajuraho so decided to add Khajuraho as a night stop so that we can visit the Khajuraho temples as well. With destinations decided it was time to make route planning along with stay options and safari bookings. I took charge of safari bookings as I am well versed with the government official website for safari booking and my friend took charge of Hotel bookings, for route planning we took help from teambhp travelogues and route queries. Below are the details of the trip : People travelling : 4 adults ( Me, my wife,my friend and his wife ) and 2 kids ( My friends two kids one is 2 years old and another is 5 years old ) Route decided : Vadodara - Thandla - NE4 - Ramganj Mandi - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Panna National Park. Return route decided : Bandhavgarh National Park - Jabalpur - Bhopal - Indore - Vadodara. Stay options finalised : Hotel Khajuraho Inn, Khajuraho MPT Jungle Camp, Madla gate, Panna MPT white tiger resort, Tala gate, Bandhavgarh Playsales by Playotel, Bhopal Safaris booked : 2 safaris at Panna National Park - one evening and one morning. 3 safaris at Bandhavgarh National Park - one evening and two morning safari. Photography Equipment : Body : Canon EOS 1100D - My humble photography companion since 10 years, it's way behind in terms of technology but still captures very good photos with the right lens combination. As this year Canon told me they won't be servicing this camera anymore as parts are not available, I have planned to upgrade to Sony mirrorless and lens setup in coming months. Lens : Canon 55-250mm telephoto - I have been using this lens for about 5 years and am very happy with the results, The only shortcoming is sometimes the 250mm range feels insufficient to capture animals at a distance. Tamron 150-600mm telephoto - As I wanted a longer reach and already with plans to upgrade my equipment I wanted to get a feel of 150-600mm lens before buying it so went ahead with renting this lens at both Panna and Bandhavgarh National Park, luckily got contacts through Instagram so did not have to rent and carry it all the way from Vadodara which was getting costly due to increase in number of rental days. Travelogue : With all the plans and bookings in place we all were waiting eagerly for the start of our trip, as we were travelling with 2 kids and considering winters in Madhya Pradesh can get really cold also doing safari in open gypsies during winter can expose us as well as kids to chilly winds, packing as many warm clothes as possible was the priority. Initially we were thinking of taking my Thar for the trip but with luggage of 2 kids and volume of warm clothes it was not possible to pack the bags in limited space available in Thar so we finalised my friends Dzire, he made sure the car was serviced, washed and ready for the road-trip. Day 1 ( 11th Jan 2025 ) : Vadodara to Khajuraho, Distance : 973 km We had packed our bags and loaded them in Dzire on the previous night to avoid any delays to the start of our journey so on 11th Jan my friend came to my place at 4.30am and we were on our way by 4.45am, we decided for an early start so that maximum distance can be covered while the kids are still sleeping as this was their first long road-trip and we were not sure how will they react. The roads from Vadodara till Thandla were very good, from Thandla we entered NE4 till Ramganj Mandi, the NE4 surface is very smooth in this section and you can easily cruise at 120kmph, the biggest concern on this route is cattle and stray animals. Villagers on the route have broken down barriers for their convenience from which all kinds of animals come on the road and pose a serious risk along with bikes coming on the wrong side so we had to be very watchful for the entire stretch. Once we exited NE4 from Ramganj Mandi towards Shivpuri the roads deteriorated and cattle increased which tested our concentration as we had several close calls with cows and dogs, I have never seen so many dead animals on a route in my 12 years of doing road-trips. We encountered a lot of traffic while crossing Jhansi but after Jhansi the roads to Khajuraho were excellent and we reached Khajuraho at 8.30pm, kids comfortable throughout the journey which helped us reach Khajuraho or else we had a backup plan to stay at Jhansi itself. As we all were awake since early morning and tired because of concentrating so hard on roads avoiding animals and wrong side drivers, we had a quick dinner and called the day off early. Hotel : Khajuraho Inn - Budget hotel for a night stay rooms were clean but property and rooms need refurbishment, better stay options are available nearby. Day 2 ( 12th Jan 2025 ) : Khajuraho to Panna National Park, Distance : 24km We had an evening safari booked at Madla gate which starts as 3pm so we decided to have a late start to the morning, woke up by 9am got ready and visited Khajuraho temples at 10.30am, we planned to give about 2 hours to visit the temples but realised on reaching that we require atleast 2 days if we want to cover the history of all the temples in detail and so we just visited the main temples in Western group of temples with a promise made to ourselves that we will come again and spend atleast 2 days at Khajuraho. With the temple visit done we left for Panna at 12.30pm and reached our resort at 2pm, the travel time is just 35 mins but the delay was due to me having to pick up a rental lens from a nearby resort for my photography needs. Photos of Khajuraho : We all had a quick lunch and freshened up getting ready for the safari, kids were excited to see the animals they have only seen on television and my friend and his wife were hopeful to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Tiger. Our resort made all the arrangements of validating our online permits to get us picked up from the resort on the gypsy, evening safari in Madhya Pradesh is from 3pm to 5.45pm and I personally felt the time very less to get a good sighting as speed limit of 20kmph is imposed inside the forest due to which gypsies are unable to travel much distance in such less time and concentrate only on the areas closer to the entry and exit gates. We got some pugmarks and waited entire safari time in tigress P141's territory as she gives good sighting with cubs but we did not get any sighting though got to hear some alarm calls of deer, kids and my friend as well as his wife were just happy to enjoy the calm and tranquil forest and they did not regret the experience one bit even though we had no sighting they were very clear that they are here to enjoy the experience of forest, other than that everything is a bonus for them. Photos of Panna's landscape : Came back to our resort and had a cake cutting ceremony as it was my friends 5 year old kids birthday after which we had dinner and went to sleep early as we had an early morning safari. Day 3 ( 13th Jan 2025 ) : Panna National park to Bandhavgarh National Park, Distance : 237km We all woke up and got ready by 6.30am which was our pick-up time for the safari. The resort had packed our breakfast and given us blankets for the safari as it was very cold and misty in the morning. We started our safari exactly at 6.45am from Madla Gate, The morning safari is from 6.45am till 11.30am which I feel is perfect for enjoying the forest as well as exploring more areas to see animals. Today we met one of the most amazing Guide's I have ever met in my so many years of doing safari's and I would like to give him a special mention here, his name is Kishan ji and he has an experience of almost 32 years at Panna, he is one of the most experienced guides at Panna and has been working with forest department as well since 1992. You can clearly see his passion for wildlife with the way he talks about the animals, forest, trees etc. As we entered the forest he greeted us and started explaining us about the forest and it's flora and fauna, we told him our evening safari was not as good as we expected due to less time and a new guide who had very limited knowledge, he instantly apologised to us for below par experience in previous safari even though it had nothing to do with him as he wasn't even our guide in the evening safari but that showed how much he valued our experience and promised us for the best he could do to give us some good sightings as well give us a good safari experience. As we were all enjoying the beautiful landscape that Panna offers with forests and hills on one side and Ken river flowing on the other side, our guide told our driver to take the gypsy to the place where he thought we could see the tigress P141 and her cubs. He was spot on with his location and as we entered the area we saw about 5-6 gypsies lined up and there she came, P141 tigress walking on the road in all her glory and in my excitement to see the tigress I completely forgot about taking the photos, by the time I realised and picked up my camera she was already going inside the forest from the road but I still managed to click some photos. The forest had come alive with alarm calls from deer and langurs, I could see the happiness on the face of my friends family with what they had just witnessed not knowing we had a lot more in store for us waiting. With tigress now not visible, our guide told the driver to turn the gypsy and take us on the top of the Hill towards Hinauta Plateau which is another part of the forest as he expected to find 3 male tigers, the sub-adult cubs of tigress P652 who are all adult now and about to get seperated from their mother, other gypsies decided to wait for the return of P141 as she had left her cubs in the grassland and was sure to return. Photo of P141 tigress: The guide left the final decision on us if we wanted to wait for P141 or try for the Male Tigers, We mutually decided to go and try for the Male cubs as the grasslands were getting overcrowded with gypsies waiting for P141's return to her cubs. The decision to try for Male cubs turned out to be the best decision we made as we got the best sighting which we never even imagined and for me it was the best sighting in my 7 years of doing safari's. As soon as we reached Hinauta Plateau, we saw few gypsies waiting near the bushes and just when we reached those gypsies we saw a big male tiger coming out from the bushes and he just sat down in crouching position as if he was planning to chase the gypsies, this is when our guide informed that this particular male tiger has killed a women by mistake when she was cutting the grass few weeks back and since than forest department has cautioned all the drivers and guides to maintain distance from him and his 2 brothers, we saw 3 forest department elephants with rangers as well nearby keeping a watch on the activities of this 3 male tigers. With everyone maintaining enough distance from the male tiger he got relaxed and decided to walk around the gypsies and then just sitting near the bushes all this lasted for about 30-35 minutes and with more gypsies coming in everyone got sighting to their heart's content. As a second male tiger out of the three brothers also came from the bushes our guide decided it was not safe to stay in that area as we had 2 kids with us, also we could see forest rangers with their elephants on the move as they wanted the tigers to move away from the tourists we decided to move away from that location and go back to try sighting P141 who might have returned by now to her cubs, took a breakfast stop at the dedicated point near forest rest house, it was already 10am by now and as we had to leave for Bandhavgarh we decided to move towards the exit happy and content with the sightings we had we ended the safari at 11am, packed our bags and checked-out from our resort at Panna. Photos of P652 female's sub-adult cubs: I went to return the lens to the resort from where I had rented the lens and then we proceeded towards Bandhavgarh, we reached Bandhavgarh at 6pm, checked-in our resort and enjoyed the rest of the evening by bonfire. Hotel : MPT Jungle Camp, Madla Gate, Panna - Excellent property right next to the Madla Gate with good food and hospitality, very convenient for safari. Day 4 ( 14th Jan 2025 ) : Bandhavgarh National Park. We had a morning safari from the Tala gate which was just next to our resort, the resort had already done the formalities for us of verifying the online permit and got our gypsy ready for pickup at 6.30am, resort had already packed our breakfast and given us the blankets, we met our guide at the forest office and started our safari at 6.45am. As soon as we entered the safari gate we knew it wasn't an ideal day for the safari due to heavy fog, visibility was zero, we could hardly see anything around our gypsy and guide clearly told us the fog is not going to let us see anything even if it is next to us so with our hopes down we were struggling to keep ourselves warm as temperature had dropped to single digit and open gypsy with wind was making it worse, though resort had given us blankets and we had prepared ourselves with jackets and winter wear still we could feel the chill. Tala zone is the most beautiful zone of Bandhavgarh and we thought we would enjoy the beauty of the zone itself if not for any sightings but fog was so heavy we were not even able to see the forest, fog dispersed only after 10am by which time we had reached Sheshshaiya. Sheshshaiya is a 35 foot Vishnu statue in a reclining pose which dates back to 10th Century, other than breakfast point this is the only place in forest where tourists are allowed to get down from the gypsy, idol is covered with moss and the greenery around the idol makes for a picturesque sight, we took some pictures and read the history about the place after which we started our return journey back to the exit gate. By now the fog had also dispersed and we were just enjoying the forest and its landscape. We ended our safari and reached the resort by 11.30am, took some rest and had our lunch after which we prepared for the evening safari. Photos of Tala landscape and Sheshshaiya: Evening safari ( 3pm to 6.45pm ). We had booked an evening safari at Khitauli gate which is considered to be the zone with the highest chances of sighting a tiger and we also wanted to cover different zones to see different landscapes, gypsy came at 2.30pm for pickup and we entered the forest at 3pm. Our driver was very experienced and he took great effort for us to get a sighting but we had to contend ourselves with Spotted deer and Sambar deer. After trying a lot and discussing with other gypsies got to know nobody got a sighting in afternoon safari in any of the zones of Bandhavgarh, we ended the safari and reached our resort by 6.15pm, had our high-tea and enjoyed rest of the evening by bonfire. Photos at Khitauli zone: Hotel : MPT White Tiger resort, Tala gate, Bandhavgarh - Beautiful property right next to Tala gate, hospitality was such by the staff it could easily compete with any privately owned resorts. The rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable. Day 5 ( 15th Jan 2025 ) : Bandhavgarh to Bhopal, Distance : 486km As it was the last day of our trip and we had a long way back home my friends family had decided during our planning stage only that they will be taking rest today and won't be doing morning safari as they did not want it to be hectic for the kids as well as themselves and my wife also said she needed some rest so it was only me doing the morning safari in a shared gypsy, I had 3 other people with me in the shared gypsy. As it was a shared gypsy I had to reach the forest department office on my own and previous evening I had already got my online permit verified after which I was given the gypsy number so in morning after reaching the office I found my gypsy, paid the guide and gypsy charge at the counter and got ready for the last safari of this trip from Magadhi Gate. Magadhi Gate is the least famous for sightings but I wanted to explore this zone as well, we entered the forest at 6.50am, we got lot of pugmarks so tried our best to follow and track the pugmarks along with alarm calls from Spotted Deer but again like previous two safaris at Bandhavgarh the luck did not favour us and we did not get any sightings. I was hoping to see Gaur ( Indian Bison ) or Wild elephants that have recently come to Bandhavgarh from Chattisgarh but could not get to see anything else other than Spotted Deer. A forest department ranger with an elephant was passing nearby us so decided to click some pictures of the elephant. Photos at Magadhi zone: Stopped for breakfast at the center point and then proceeded towards the exit gate, while on the way towards the exit we heard a lot of alarm calls from Spotted Deer and while looking inside the forest I could spot a leopard or a tiger moving across the forest but it was so far it wasn't clearly visible and taking photos was not possible, we waited for sometime if it comes out on the road but it did not and once the deer alarm calls stopped we decided to end the safari and exit the gate, I reached our resort by 12pm. In the meantime my wife and friend had already completed the check-out formalities, we loaded our luggage and started our return journey. During our initial planning we had decided to take a stop at Bhopal as we were leaving Bandhavgarh at noon time and to reach Vadodara directly would mean driving all night which was not preferable with kids hence we had booked a hotel on the highway itself at Bhopal, we reached Bhopal by 7.30pm, had dinner and called the day off early as next day again had to continue our journey back home. Hotel : Playsales by Playotel, Bhopal - Decent budget option for short stay, basically a business hotel, clean and comfortable with huge spacious rooms conveniently located near the highway. Day 6 ( 16th Jan 2025 ) : Bhopal to Vadodara, Distance - 545 km As we wanted to cover maximum distance while kids were asleep, we decided for an early morning start and checked-out of our hotel by 6.30am. We took a breakfast stop on Bhopal - Indore highway as everyone wanted to try the famous Poha of Indore and Bhopal along with Jalebi or Imarti, it was a non-stop drive after breakfast till we reached Godhra where we took a quick lunch stop and reached home by 5pm. Entire stretch from Bandhavgarh via Bhopal till Vadodara was good with well laid roads, there were some patches of broken roads but again the biggest concern was cattle which we found everywhere on the highways in Madhya Pradesh. Overall it was an amazing experience for everyone and a great exposure of forest and animals for the kids at such young age. I feel if kids get exposure of wildlife, forests and nature at a young age it can help build their interest towards conservation and protection of our natural resources which is the need of the hour. We enjoyed the forests of Panna so much, we have already planned for the next trip to Khajuraho, Panna National park and Sanjay Dubri National park again this year itself. I have tried to put my experience into words, though words are not enough to describe the feel one gets inside the forest and amongst the wildlife. I hope you all enjoy this travelogue as much as I have enjoyed writing it with all the details I could remember, if anyone has any queries I am happy to guide in whatever way I can. I have always been a wildlife lover since I was a child, it all started with Jungle Book on Doordarshan in the 90's and with age the interest also started increasing as Jungle Book was replaced with National Geographic and Discovery. At one point I was seriously considering Zoology as a career option but with limited opportunities in the field went ahead with Marine Engineering.Now as I work on ships for 6 months and I am home for 4 to 5 months, I had enough time to rekindle with my wildlife interest which led me to my first Jungle Safari at Kanha National Park in 2017 with my family.Though we went to enjoy the forest and considered tiger sighting as an added bonus, the first tigress we saw in the wild at Kanha 7 years back got us all hooked to Safari's in such a way that now every year we go for at least 10 to 15 safari's and try to cover different forests every time.Even though we as a family have been doing safaris for 7 years now and we have covered 10 different National parks till now, this is the first time I am writing a travelogue on my experience.As everyone in our family and friend circle knows our love of wildlife and safaris, one of my friends and his wife asked to accompany us to our next safari destination which was Panna National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park.I have been to Bandhavgarh once back in 2017 but this was my first time visiting Panna and while planning the route from Vadodara we got to know about Khajuraho so decided to add Khajuraho as a night stop so that we can visit the Khajuraho temples as well.With destinations decided it was time to make route planning along with stay options and safari bookings. I took charge of safari bookings as I am well versed with the government official website for safari booking and my friend took charge of Hotel bookings, for route planning we took help from teambhp travelogues and route queries.: 4 adults ( Me, my wife,my friend and his wife ) and 2 kids ( My friends two kids one is 2 years old and another is 5 years old ): Vadodara - Thandla - NE4 - Ramganj Mandi - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Panna National Park.: Bandhavgarh National Park - Jabalpur - Bhopal - Indore - Vadodara.Hotel Khajuraho Inn, KhajurahoMPT Jungle Camp, Madla gate, PannaMPT white tiger resort, Tala gate, BandhavgarhPlaysales by Playotel, Bhopal2 safaris at Panna National Park - one evening and one morning.3 safaris at Bandhavgarh National Park - one evening and two morning safari.Body :Canon EOS 1100D - My humble photography companion since 10 years, it's way behind in terms of technology but still captures very good photos with the right lens combination. As this year Canon told me they won't be servicing this camera anymore as parts are not available, I have planned to upgrade to Sony mirrorless and lens setup in coming months.Lens :Canon 55-250mm telephoto - I have been using this lens for about 5 years and am very happy with the results, The only shortcoming is sometimes the 250mm range feels insufficient to capture animals at a distance.Tamron 150-600mm telephoto - As I wanted a longer reach and already with plans to upgrade my equipment I wanted to get a feel of 150-600mm lens before buying it so went ahead with renting this lens at both Panna and Bandhavgarh National Park, luckily got contacts through Instagram so did not have to rent and carry it all the way from Vadodara which was getting costly due to increase in number of rental days.With all the plans and bookings in place we all were waiting eagerly for the start of our trip, as we were travelling with 2 kids and considering winters in Madhya Pradesh can get really cold also doing safari in open gypsies during winter can expose us as well as kids to chilly winds, packing as many warm clothes as possible was the priority.Initially we were thinking of taking my Thar for the trip but with luggage of 2 kids and volume of warm clothes it was not possible to pack the bags in limited space available in Thar so we finalised my friends Dzire, he made sure the car was serviced, washed and ready for the road-trip.We had packed our bags and loaded them in Dzire on the previous night to avoid any delays to the start of our journey so on 11th Jan my friend came to my place at 4.30am and we were on our way by 4.45am, we decided for an early start so that maximum distance can be covered while the kids are still sleeping as this was their first long road-trip and we were not sure how will they react.The roads from Vadodara till Thandla were very good, from Thandla we entered NE4 till Ramganj Mandi, the NE4 surface is very smooth in this section and you can easily cruise at 120kmph, the biggest concern on this route is cattle and stray animals. Villagers on the route have broken down barriers for their convenience from which all kinds of animals come on the road and pose a serious risk along with bikes coming on the wrong side so we had to be very watchful for the entire stretch.Once we exited NE4 from Ramganj Mandi towards Shivpuri the roads deteriorated and cattle increased which tested our concentration as we had several close calls with cows and dogs, I have never seen so many dead animals on a route in my 12 years of doing road-trips.We encountered a lot of traffic while crossing Jhansi but after Jhansi the roads to Khajuraho were excellent and we reached Khajuraho at 8.30pm, kids comfortable throughout the journey which helped us reach Khajuraho or else we had a backup plan to stay at Jhansi itself.As we all were awake since early morning and tired because of concentrating so hard on roads avoiding animals and wrong side drivers, we had a quick dinner and called the day off early.Hotel : Khajuraho Inn - Budget hotel for a night stay rooms were clean but property and rooms need refurbishment, better stay options are available nearby.We had an evening safari booked at Madla gate which starts as 3pm so we decided to have a late start to the morning, woke up by 9am got ready and visited Khajuraho temples at 10.30am, we planned to give about 2 hours to visit the temples but realised on reaching that we require atleast 2 days if we want to cover the history of all the temples in detail and so we just visited the main temples in Western group of temples with a promise made to ourselves that we will come again and spend atleast 2 days at Khajuraho.With the temple visit done we left for Panna at 12.30pm and reached our resort at 2pm, the travel time is just 35 mins but the delay was due to me having to pick up a rental lens from a nearby resort for my photography needs.We all had a quick lunch and freshened up getting ready for the safari, kids were excited to see the animals they have only seen on television and my friend and his wife were hopeful to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Tiger.Our resort made all the arrangements of validating our online permits to get us picked up from the resort on the gypsy, evening safari in Madhya Pradesh is from 3pm to 5.45pm and I personally felt the time very less to get a good sighting as speed limit of 20kmph is imposed inside the forest due to which gypsies are unable to travel much distance in such less time and concentrate only on the areas closer to the entry and exit gates.We got some pugmarks and waited entire safari time in tigress P141's territory as she gives good sighting with cubs but we did not get any sighting though got to hear some alarm calls of deer, kids and my friend as well as his wife were just happy to enjoy the calm and tranquil forest and they did not regret the experience one bit even though we had no sighting they were very clear that they are here to enjoy the experience of forest, other than that everything is a bonus for them.Came back to our resort and had a cake cutting ceremony as it was my friends 5 year old kids birthday after which we had dinner and went to sleep early as we had an early morning safari.We all woke up and got ready by 6.30am which was our pick-up time for the safari.The resort had packed our breakfast and given us blankets for the safari as it was very cold and misty in the morning.We started our safari exactly at 6.45am from Madla Gate, The morning safari is from 6.45am till 11.30am which I feel is perfect for enjoying the forest as well as exploring more areas to see animals.Today we met one of the most amazing Guide's I have ever met in my so many years of doing safari's and I would like to give him a special mention here, his name is Kishan ji and he has an experience of almost 32 years at Panna, he is one of the most experienced guides at Panna and has been working with forest department as well since 1992. You can clearly see his passion for wildlife with the way he talks about the animals, forest, trees etc.As we entered the forest he greeted us and started explaining us about the forest and it's flora and fauna, we told him our evening safari was not as good as we expected due to less time and a new guide who had very limited knowledge, he instantly apologised to us for below par experience in previous safari even though it had nothing to do with him as he wasn't even our guide in the evening safari but that showed how much he valued our experience and promised us for the best he could do to give us some good sightings as well give us a good safari experience.As we were all enjoying the beautiful landscape that Panna offers with forests and hills on one side and Ken river flowing on the other side, our guide told our driver to take the gypsy to the place where he thought we could see the tigress P141 and her cubs. He was spot on with his location and as we entered the area we saw about 5-6 gypsies lined up and there she came, P141 tigress walking on the road in all her glory and in my excitement to see the tigress I completely forgot about taking the photos, by the time I realised and picked up my camera she was already going inside the forest from the road but I still managed to click some photos. The forest had come alive with alarm calls from deer and langurs, I could see the happiness on the face of my friends family with what they had just witnessed not knowing we had a lot more in store for us waiting.With tigress now not visible, our guide told the driver to turn the gypsy and take us on the top of the Hill towards Hinauta Plateau which is another part of the forest as he expected to find 3 male tigers, the sub-adult cubs of tigress P652 who are all adult now and about to get seperated from their mother, other gypsies decided to wait for the return of P141 as she had left her cubs in the grassland and was sure to return.The guide left the final decision on us if we wanted to wait for P141 or try for the Male Tigers, We mutually decided to go and try for the Male cubs as the grasslands were getting overcrowded with gypsies waiting for P141's return to her cubs.The decision to try for Male cubs turned out to be the best decision we made as we got the best sighting which we never even imagined and for me it was the best sighting in my 7 years of doing safari's.As soon as we reached Hinauta Plateau, we saw few gypsies waiting near the bushes and just when we reached those gypsies we saw a big male tiger coming out from the bushes and he just sat down in crouching position as if he was planning to chase the gypsies, this is when our guide informed that this particular male tiger has killed a women by mistake when she was cutting the grass few weeks back and since than forest department has cautioned all the drivers and guides to maintain distance from him and his 2 brothers, we saw 3 forest department elephants with rangers as well nearby keeping a watch on the activities of this 3 male tigers.With everyone maintaining enough distance from the male tiger he got relaxed and decided to walk around the gypsies and then just sitting near the bushes all this lasted for about 30-35 minutes and with more gypsies coming in everyone got sighting to their heart's content.As a second male tiger out of the three brothers also came from the bushes our guide decided it was not safe to stay in that area as we had 2 kids with us, also we could see forest rangers with their elephants on the move as they wanted the tigers to move away from the tourists we decided to move away from that location and go back to try sighting P141 who might have returned by now to her cubs, took a breakfast stop at the dedicated point near forest rest house, it was already 10am by now and as we had to leave for Bandhavgarh we decided to move towards the exit happy and content with the sightings we had we ended the safari at 11am, packed our bags and checked-out from our resort at Panna.I went to return the lens to the resort from where I had rented the lens and then we proceeded towards Bandhavgarh, we reached Bandhavgarh at 6pm, checked-in our resort and enjoyed the rest of the evening by bonfire.Hotel : MPT Jungle Camp, Madla Gate, Panna - Excellent property right next to the Madla Gate with good food and hospitality, very convenient for safari.We had a morning safari from the Tala gate which was just next to our resort, the resort had already done the formalities for us of verifying the online permit and got our gypsy ready for pickup at 6.30am, resort had already packed our breakfast and given us the blankets, we met our guide at the forest office and started our safari at 6.45am.As soon as we entered the safari gate we knew it wasn't an ideal day for the safari due to heavy fog, visibility was zero, we could hardly see anything around our gypsy and guide clearly told us the fog is not going to let us see anything even if it is next to us so with our hopes down we were struggling to keep ourselves warm as temperature had dropped to single digit and open gypsy with wind was making it worse, though resort had given us blankets and we had prepared ourselves with jackets and winter wear still we could feel the chill.Tala zone is the most beautiful zone of Bandhavgarh and we thought we would enjoy the beauty of the zone itself if not for any sightings but fog was so heavy we were not even able to see the forest, fog dispersed only after 10am by which time we had reached Sheshshaiya.Sheshshaiya is a 35 foot Vishnu statue in a reclining pose which dates back to 10th Century, other than breakfast point this is the only place in forest where tourists are allowed to get down from the gypsy, idol is covered with moss and the greenery around the idol makes for a picturesque sight, we took some pictures and read the history about the place after which we started our return journey back to the exit gate.By now the fog had also dispersed and we were just enjoying the forest and its landscape.We ended our safari and reached the resort by 11.30am, took some rest and had our lunch after which we prepared for the evening safari.We had booked an evening safari at Khitauli gate which is considered to be the zone with the highest chances of sighting a tiger and we also wanted to cover different zones to see different landscapes, gypsy came at 2.30pm for pickup and we entered the forest at 3pm.Our driver was very experienced and he took great effort for us to get a sighting but we had to contend ourselves with Spotted deer and Sambar deer.After trying a lot and discussing with other gypsies got to know nobody got a sighting in afternoon safari in any of the zones of Bandhavgarh, we ended the safari and reached our resort by 6.15pm, had our high-tea and enjoyed rest of the evening by bonfire.Hotel : MPT White Tiger resort, Tala gate, Bandhavgarh - Beautiful property right next to Tala gate, hospitality was such by the staff it could easily compete with any privately owned resorts. The rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable.As it was the last day of our trip and we had a long way back home my friends family had decided during our planning stage only that they will be taking rest today and won't be doing morning safari as they did not want it to be hectic for the kids as well as themselves and my wife also said she needed some rest so it was only me doing the morning safari in a shared gypsy, I had 3 other people with me in the shared gypsy.As it was a shared gypsy I had to reach the forest department office on my own and previous evening I had already got my online permit verified after which I was given the gypsy number so in morning after reaching the office I found my gypsy, paid the guide and gypsy charge at the counter and got ready for the last safari of this trip from Magadhi Gate.Magadhi Gate is the least famous for sightings but I wanted to explore this zone as well, we entered the forest at 6.50am, we got lot of pugmarks so tried our best to follow and track the pugmarks along with alarm calls from Spotted Deer but again like previous two safaris at Bandhavgarh the luck did not favour us and we did not get any sightings.I was hoping to see Gaur ( Indian Bison ) or Wild elephants that have recently come to Bandhavgarh from Chattisgarh but could not get to see anything else other than Spotted Deer.A forest department ranger with an elephant was passing nearby us so decided to click some pictures of the elephant.Stopped for breakfast at the center point and then proceeded towards the exit gate, while on the way towards the exit we heard a lot of alarm calls from Spotted Deer and while looking inside the forest I could spot a leopard or a tiger moving across the forest but it was so far it wasn't clearly visible and taking photos was not possible, we waited for sometime if it comes out on the road but it did not and once the deer alarm calls stopped we decided to end the safari and exit the gate, I reached our resort by 12pm.In the meantime my wife and friend had already completed the check-out formalities, we loaded our luggage and started our return journey.During our initial planning we had decided to take a stop at Bhopal as we were leaving Bandhavgarh at noon time and to reach Vadodara directly would mean driving all night which was not preferable with kids hence we had booked a hotel on the highway itself at Bhopal, we reached Bhopal by 7.30pm, had dinner and called the day off early as next day again had to continue our journey back home.Hotel : Playsales by Playotel, Bhopal - Decent budget option for short stay, basically a business hotel, clean and comfortable with huge spacious rooms conveniently located near the highway.As we wanted to cover maximum distance while kids were asleep, we decided for an early morning start and checked-out of our hotel by 6.30am.We took a breakfast stop on Bhopal - Indore highway as everyone wanted to try the famous Poha of Indore and Bhopal along with Jalebi or Imarti, it was a non-stop drive after breakfast till we reached Godhra where we took a quick lunch stop and reached home by 5pm.Entire stretch from Bandhavgarh via Bhopal till Vadodara was good with well laid roads, there were some patches of broken roads but again the biggest concern was cattle which we found everywhere on the highways in Madhya Pradesh.Overall it was an amazing experience for everyone and a great exposure of forest and animals for the kids at such young age.I feel if kids get exposure of wildlife, forests and nature at a young age it can help build their interest towards conservation and protection of our natural resources which is the need of the hour.We enjoyed the forests of Panna so much, we have already planned for the next trip to Khajuraho, Panna National park and Sanjay Dubri National park again this year itself.I have tried to put my experience into words, though words are not enough to describe the feel one gets inside the forest and amongst the wildlife.I hope you all enjoy this travelogue as much as I have enjoyed writing it with all the details I could remember, if anyone has any queries I am happy to guide in whatever way I can. Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust In context: Following legal battles against multiple Switch emulators and modding platforms, Nintendo has recently clarified its stance on emulation and piracy. While the company acknowledges its limitations in combating programs like Yuzu, a recent arrest in Japan for selling modified devices loaded with pirated games has brought Nintendo's aggressive litigation strategy into sharper focus. A 58-year-old man from Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, was arrested for selling modified Nintendo Switch consoles designed to play pirated games. According to Japanese media, this marks the first arrest in the country for circumventing the portable device's copyright protection. Fumihiro Otobe, a transportation worker from Ryugasaki City, was accused of soldering hardware modifications onto secondhand Switch circuit boards to enable the use of pirated games. He allegedly resold these modified consoles for 28,000 yen (approximately $180) each and pre-installed 27 pirated games on them. Upon his arrest, police discovered four modified units in his possession. Otobe reportedly confessed, saying, "I was curious if people would think I was great for selling modified machines." Nintendo is notorious for its relentless pursuit of pirates, though it typically relies on civil lawsuits rather than criminal prosecution. The company's head of intellectual property recently elaborated on the legal framework that likely influenced Otobe's arrest. At the annual Tokyo eSports Festa last week, Nintendo's chief patent attorney, Koji Nishiura, acknowledged that emulators are technically legal. However, he emphasized that distributing copyrighted software through these emulators remains illegal. Notably, last year's litigation threats against Switch emulator developers Yuzu and Ryujinx prompted them to temporarily shut down, though neither case went to court. Yuzu's developers admitted the emulator was primarily used to distribute copyrighted software a practice Nishiura considers illegal. Moreover, bypassing Nintendo's copyright protection mechanisms constitutes a violation of intellectual property laws. These factors likely played a significant role in Otobe's arrest. Although Nishiura's comments only concern Japanese law, the US has similar regulations regarding copyright dodging. For example, last year Nintendo sued the operator of a business called Modded Hardware, which offered Switch flash carts, hacked consoles, dumping devices, and modding services. The lawsuit accused the company of selling systems preloaded with pirated games. If Otobe's arrest signals that Nintendo is escalating its anti-piracy campaign, this renewed vigilance aligns with the upcoming release of the Switch 2. Nintendo recently announced the updated console, which will feature a larger screen and significant graphical improvements. While an official release date has yet to be confirmed, more details are expected to emerge in April. Typically, consoles become targets for emulation only after they are considered retro. However, Yuzu was capable of running Nintendo Switch games less than a year after the console's 2017 launch. Whether Nintendo can prevent a similar scenario for the Switch 2 remains uncertain. In brief: The pristine night skies above one of Earth's premier astronomical observatories are in jeopardy, and astronomers are sounding the alarm. A massive $10 billion renewable energy complex proposed just a few miles from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile could severely disrupt observations with increased light pollution. European Southern Observatory Director General Xavier Barcons told Space.com that astronomers expect the project to brighten the sky by up to 10 percent around the observatory. Such an increase would be enough to diminish the Very Large Telescope's status as the world's premier observatory, reducing it to merely an "average" facility. That modest 10-percent spike packs a bigger punch than it seems. Barcons warned that increased light could prevent observation of up to 30 percent of the faintest galaxies currently visible. The VLT's incredible sensitivity has allowed groundbreaking discoveries like the first direct image of an exoplanet and the unveiling of the cosmic web structure. However, it would lose this capability were the skies to become brighter. The energy complex in question is the INNA Renewables Park, planned by US energy giant AES. It would span over 7,400 acres in Chile's Atacama Desert and feature solar farms, wind farms, and hydrogen production facilities. Sadly, the project could also leak as much light into the night sky as a city of 20,000 people, based on ESO estimates. The park spells potential trouble for the ESO's $840 million telescope. It will also affect its upcoming $1.5 billion Extremely Large Telescope on Mount Armazones. Both were carefully situated in the Atacama's remote regions to take advantage of some of the darkest night skies on the planet. The ESO and 16 member nations chose this site after an extensive global search for ideal observation conditions. Barcons clarified that the ESO is not opposed to the facility; it is just its proximity. He argues that AES should build the energy complex further away from the observatory. Mocing it 50km (31 miles) further away would resolve the problem. The ESO is also calling for stricter legal protections of the Chilean night sky, especially around the observatories in the Atacama Desert. According to AES Chile, the project is still in its early stages and pending final approval. In December, it submitted an environmental study stating that "community engagement is a top priority." Image credit: ESO The big picture: The global supply chain is evolving in response to trade policies, particularly U.S. tariffs targeting China. While these measures aim to incentivize domestic manufacturing, the practical outcomes tell a different story. Chinese companies, rather than losing market share, have adapted by setting up production facilities in tariff-exempt countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. At CES 2025, we met a company from Eastern China that sells copper and fiber optic cables for data centers. This is almost a commodity business. There are thousands of companies that can make copper cables, a few dozen that can make fiber optic cables, and probably ten or so that can make both of sufficient quality to be used in leading data centers. We chatted for a bit. They told us about their products, and we exchanged the latest insights on industry trends. Finally, we asked about price. Their response was, "Which factory do you want the product from?" Editor's Note: Guest author Jonathan Goldberg is the founder of D2D Advisory, a multi-functional consulting firm. Jonathan has developed growth strategies and alliances for companies in the mobile, networking, gaming, and software industries. It turns out this company has two factories: one in China and the other in Thailand. These plants use identical equipment and produce the same products. The company's entire catalog is available from either site. "Why do you have two factories?" we asked. Their response was that the plant in Thailand was built two years ago entirely for U.S. customers. During the last Trump administration, the U.S. government imposed a tariff of roughly 20% on these products when sourced from China. The tariff for products coming from Thailand is 0%. So, after a few years, the company opened a plant in Thailand. Finally, we asked about price again. "Oh, the prices are the same. Except all the raw materials for the Thai plant come from China, and we have to ship them in, which makes Thai prices a little higher." Admittedly, Thai prices are not 20% higher than China prices, but close enough. This trend is occurring across the supply chain. CES was full of companies promoting their factories in Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia again. However, all the owners are Chinese companies. Some have local joint venture partners, but in every case we've found, the China-based company is the controlling shareholder, providing all the management, R&D, and sales. We are happy to have an academic discussion about the benefits and costs of tariffs, but the practical reality on the ground is that all new tariffs may benefit Thai workers, but they will not bring jobs to the U.S. China has spent the past four years preparing for more tariffs, and in this corner of the industry, they seem fully equipped to handle them. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Sunday requiring the shutdown of the platform used by 170 million Americans. President-elect Donald Trump has said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message notified users trying to use the app late on Saturday night. Other apps owned by ByteDance, including video editing app CapCut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, were also offline and unavailable in US app stores as of late Saturday. What is Lemon8? ByteDance launched Lemon8 in Japan in 2020, and its seen a steady increase in popularity, hitting the U.S. market in February 2023. Its dominated by lifestyle content. Posts highlighted on the apps homepage include, How to become a 5 am girly and How to save $500 in a month. At the start of this year, it was ranked the number one free app on Apples app store. The future of TikToks sister app Lemon8 is also in jeopardy ( REUTERS ) The apps U.S. downloads increased 340 percent between June and August last year compared to 2023, according to data compiled by market research company Sensor Tower. By comparison, TikTok grew 20 percent year-over-year during the same period, according to the research. With the looming threat of the TikTok ban, ByteDance started to ramp up its advertising efforts with Lemon8 by targeting influencers and paying stars to post about the alternative app, the Wrap reported last year. Why was Lemon8 included in a TikTok ban? In April 2024, Congress passed a bill, signed into law by Biden, giving ByteDance nine months to find a U.S.-approved buyer. The law states the divest-or-ban requirement applies generally to apps that are owned or operated by ByteDance, TikTok or any of their subsidiaries. Lawmakers and officials say the company has links to the Chinese Communist Party, prompting concern that it could be forced to hand over data about American users to Beijing. The Justice Department has said that TikTok poses a national-security threat of immense depth and scale. The same concerns remain for Lemon8. There have been signs TikTok could make a comeback under Trump, who has said he wants to pursue a political resolution of the issue and last month urged the Supreme Court to pause implementation of the ban. Some experts have argued that the real danger the apps pose is societal, and not security. Even if the U.S. bans TikTok specifically, Bytedance the parent company is already migrating users to a competing very similar app that it also owns called Lemon8, Josh Constine of the venture capital firm SignalFire told CNN. And so it wouldnt solve the problem unless we basically ban all of ByteDances apps. President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to delay its decision while he seeks a political solution. However, his second term will not begin until the day after the ban is scheduled to start. Close TikTok goes dark in the U.S. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After amassing more than 170 million users in the country in less than seven years, TikTok has stopped working in the United States and disappeared from app stores. TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Sunday requiring the shutdown of the platform. President-elect Donald Trump has said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message notified users trying to use the app late on Saturday night. The US is not the first major market for TikTok to cut off the video-sharing app. In 2020, India issued a complete ban of the app that cut off around 200 million users. The Indian government cited privacy issues with the app, claiming that alleged ties between ByteDance and the Chinese government posed a threat to Indias sovereignty and security. Other countries and areas, including the European Union, have put partial bans in place, which prevent government workers and military personnel from installing the app on their devices. Various federal and state TikTok bans are already in place in the US, with lawmakers citing national security concerns. These fears have done little to stem TikToks growth in the US. The app has proved to be one of the most popular both in America and globally last year with 52 million downloads in the US and 733 million worldwide despite more than 3 billion people around the world being blocked from downloading it. This has helped bring the total number of TikTok users around the world to above 2 billion, with only Indias ban nearly three years ago slightly slowing its growth and only temporarily. A survey poll from the Pew Research Center last year found TikTok to be the fastest-growing platform in the US, as users beyond the social media apps typically young demographic began to adopt it. US adults who have TikTok accounts are increasingly using the app as a source of news, with roughly a third of people aged 18-29 regularly using it to consume news in 2023. The FBI claims that Chinese state ties to parent company ByteDance could allow the app to manipulate content in order to spread harmful propaganda. Fears around national security have been countered with questions about censorship, with the Electronic Frontier Foundation describing the prospect of a ban as a seed of genuine security concern wrapped in a thick layer of censorship. The US digital liberties group has called on people to resist a governmental power to ban a popular means of communication and expression. In its filing with the Supreme Court on Monday, TikTok alleged that banning the app would shutter one of the most popular speech platforms at a highly political moment. The act will shutter one of Americas most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration, TikTok wrote. This, in turn, will silence the speech of applicants and the many Americans who use the platform to communicate about politics, commerce, arts, and other matters of public concern. Under the law passed last year and upheld on Friday by a unanimous Supreme Court, the platform had until Sunday to cut ties with its China-based parent or shut down its U.S. operation to resolve concerns it poses a threat to national security. Bidens White House reiterated on Saturday that it was up to the incoming administration to take action. The United States has never banned a major social media platform. The law passed overwhelmingly by Congress gives the incoming Trump administration sweeping authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps. Other apps owned by ByteDance, including video editing app CapCut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, were also offline and unavailable in U.S. app stores as of late Saturday. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Chinese short-form video app called Xiaohongshu is now the top free app in the Apple App Store, as social media users look to get out ahead of a potential US TikTok ban set to take effect on Sunday. The app, known as RedNote in English, functions like a cross between Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, and boasts over 300 million monthly active users, considerably below the user base of TikTok. Launched in 2013, RedNote is one of the most popular apps in China. It is valued at over $3 billion and has raised nearly $1 billion in venture funding, according to TechCrunch. In April, the U.S. Congress passed a bipartisan bill to ban TikTok unless it finds a new owner. Federal officials have argued the site is a national-security threat of immense depth and scale because of alleged links with China and concerns about U.S. users data being shared unlawfully with the Communist government. TikTok stopped working in the United States on 18 January and disappeared from app stores ahead of law requiring shutdown of platform ( AFP/Getty ) TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Sunday requiring the shutdown of the platform used by 170 million Americans. President-elect Donald Trump has said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message notified users trying to use the app late on Saturday night. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate, Trump told NBC. If I decide to do that, Ill probably announce it on Monday. Trump tried to ban TikTok in 2020. President Joe Bidens White House reiterated on Saturday that it was up to the incoming administration to take action. We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. Users have taken to RedNote as the future of TikTok hangs in the balance. This is my new home now, wrote a user in a RedNote post, tagged with the words tiktokrefugee and sad. Creators have also taken to using another popular app, Lemon8, with similar features, which is owned by ByteDance. FILE PHOTO -- The 38th annual MLK March is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday. San Antonios temperatures will be in the low 30s at that time, according to weather forecasts, but conditions are likely to stay dry during the march. Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News file photo San Antonios annual Martin Luther King Jr. March will go on despite the impending icy weather conditions. I can share that the plan to march, as usual, is on!, District 2 Council Member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez told the San Antonio Express-News on Saturday. The 38th annual MLK March is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday. San Antonios temperatures will be in the low 30s at that time, according to weather forecasts, but conditions are likely to stay dry during the march. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During a news conference Thursday at City Hall, Dwayne Robinson, chairman of the San Antonio MLK Commission, said 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. McKee-Rodriguez said that if its necessary to make the change, they will make a public announcement by 5 p.m. on Sunday. According to the latest weather forecast, San Antonio could receive freezing rain and light snow between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. But Monday morning is expected to be very cold, with temperatures in the mid- to upper 30s. If you go to the march, dress appropriately in plenty of layers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 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. 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 Jessica Comish has seen the states public health system from both sides. As a nurse, she watched her colleagues in the emergency department face wave after wave of sick and injured patients. Then, when her own mental health rapidly declined, and she ended up involuntarily admitted through the Shellharbour hospital emergency department in 2022, she saw how staff shortages were affecting another profession psychiatry. There was one junior psychiatrist available via telehealth they wheeled in the computer and the doctor spoke to me through the screen, she said. How can we have doctors who actually understand who we are as people and what were dealing with when theyre not even physically in the same hospital as us? The NSW public mental health system was already on its knees on what Comish described as the worst day of her life. Now, two-thirds of its staff specialist psychiatrists have resigned, and NSW Health has proposed plugging some of the holes by delivering psychiatry consultations through a virtual hub. Health authorities have urged anyone needing emergency care not to avoid seeking help, but warn services will be affected by the resignations. Doctors have warned the crisis will affect all patients due to the increased strain on remaining doctors and nurses, and hospital beds taken up by mental health patients waiting for treatment. Im anxious for myself, but also for others, Comish said. We cant afford to lose them [psychiatrists]. Advertisement Jessica Comish at her south coast home. Credit: Dylan Coker Who is resigning, and why? From Monday, about 205 of the 295 staff specialist psychiatrists employed by the state government will resign. The psychiatrists submitted their mass resignations in December after almost 18 months of failed wage negotiations with the state government. Loading The doctors say the dispute isnt about pay, but saving a system that has been haemorrhaging staff interstate, where they can be paid up to 30 per cent more, and private practice, where they can earn twice what they would make in the public sector. The government claims the 25 per cent pay rise would cost $90,000 per doctor, a figure the psychiatrists flatly reject. When psychiatrists first threatened their resignations in October, they agreed they would be willing to withdraw if all psychiatrists employed by NSW Health were paid a level 4 salary with maximum drawings. Advertisement Based on the 2023 award, that would mean all publicly employed psychiatrists were paid at least $273,000 a year. Why it matters Psychiatrists are doctors who have specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Those working in the public hospital system deal with some of the most unwell patients in the state, including those who may be suffering psychosis, episodes of schizophrenia, or catatonia. In NSW, there are about 90,000 mental health-related visits to emergency departments every year. An emergency department is the last place someone with a mental health issue wants to be, but sometimes it is the only choice. I do not want to go to hospital under any circumstances, unless Im actually a physical risk to my life or someone elses life, says Comish, who was also involuntarily admitted to hospital in October last year. Jessica Comish with her dogs Dutch and Momo at her home on the south coast. Credit: Dylan Coker It is also much better for the health system and ultimately taxpayers if a persons mental health is managed so that they never reach hospital in the first place. Advertisement The average non-critical patient spends about 17 days in hospital, but the average length of stay for mental health-related admissions is more than 21 days. What hospitals will be worst affected? Most of the staff specialists who have indicated that they intend to resign next week are in metropolitan Sydney, the Hunter New England region and the Illawarra. Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said there would be less of an impact on regional areas because they already relied on a contract workforce of locums and visiting medical officer (VMO) doctors. NSW Health has established a Mental Health Emergency Operations Centre to oversee the recruitment of locum doctors to where they are needed the most. There will be no restrictions on resigning psychiatrists taking up locum positions, which pay more than $3000 a day. Jackson said it was difficult to predict the impact on each hospital, including whether beds would need to be closed, until the resignations actually go through. Until we really see whether those resignations go ahead and whether those individuals would potentially be willing to accept VMO or local roles, we cant be clear about exactly what the impacts will be just yet, she said. Advertisement Like clockwork after every wildfire, such as those in the Grampians and now in Los Angeles, politicians and other commentators invariably call for more prescribed burning. They say low intensity fires deliberately lit by authorities will reduce fuel loads and so limit damage from these extreme blazes. The debate has also taken off in California, where some commentators have blamed the tragedy in Los Angeles on the decision of authorities in October to stop prescribed burning for the foreseeable future. The loudest voices on Australias east coast claim little to no prescribed burning has occurred in recent years and cite this as the reason for catastrophic fires. Firefighters carry out a planned burn in Bendigo National Park in 2023. But do prescribed burns work? Credit: Jason South However, each year in Victoria for more than six decades, state government agencies and fire authorities have undertaken extensive planned burns over thousands and often tens of thousands of hectares. NSW, Western Australia and all other states and territories also conduct extensive prescribed burns every year. But is this the answer, especially as there are now more large-scale wildfires in the landscape? One of us (David Lindenmayer) was in Marysville in 2008 when the town was smothered in smoke for days from prescribed burns that spanned 640 hectares close to the town. Some residents thought they (and their homes) were protected because of these burns. Yet, almost the entire town was razed by the 2009 Black Saturday fires in which at least 34 people tragically died. The case of Marysville is far from isolated. Mapping of the current Grampians fires shows that prescribed burns covering 31,000 hectares in and around the current fire footprint over the past decade had limited effect on the spread of fires that have burnt 76,720 hectares in the past few weeks. Reports of assaults at Victorian schools have surged by about 50 per cent in the past two years, as teachers warn campuses are becoming more dangerous places to work. Schools reported more than 600 assaults and related offences in the year ending June 2024, Crime Statistics Agency data shows up from just over 400 in 2021-22. Its also double the number reported a decade ago. Stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour at schools has also rebounded from a COVID-era dip, with reports reaching their highest level since 2019. The data does not go into detail on who is alleged to have committed the reported assaults, or their nature. Series Members only The citys most exclusive private clubs remain a mystery to everyday Melburnians. In this series, The Age uncovers the secrets and politics unfolding behind closed doors and the moment of reckoning these institutions are facing. 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 citys most exclusive members-only clubs remain a mystery to everyday Melburnians. In this series, The Age uncovers the secrets and politics unfolding behind closed doors and the moment of reckoning these institutions are facing. See all 8 stories . Behind the dull red doors of a heritage-listed building in Melbournes CBD, one of the nations oldest private clubs is quietly grappling with an existential crisis. For 130 years, the Melbourne Savage Club has proclaimed itself a haven for bohemian gentlemen, basing membership on good-fellowship, as well as related interests in the spheres of literature, music, drama, art or science. Prime ministers, painters, actors, legal eagles and corporate heavyweights have rubbed shoulders, recited poetry and quaffed fine wines in the clubs dining room renowned for its mechanical punkah a series of curtain-like fans adopted from colonial India that sway back-and-forth from the ceiling. Sir Robert Menzies, pictured with Queen Elizabeth in 1954, was the Savage Clubs longest-serving president. Credit: Fairfax photographic Sir Robert Menzies was the clubs longest-serving president, from 1947 to 1962, when he made regular trips from the Lodge to wine committee meetings and long lunches. Comedian Barry Humphries was another prominent patron of the secretive club named after 18th-century English poet Richard Savage, along with renowned painters Sir Arthur Streeton, Sir John Longstaff, Tom Roberts, Fred McCubbin and William Dargie. Liberal party powerbrokers Michael Kroger, John Elliott and Ted Baillieu were regular attendees of the clubs Bank Place base, which is adorned with Indigenous art and other artefacts of dubious provenance, including a 2000-year-old Egyptian human skull. Advertisement In 2005, Elliott forced the clubs hierarchy to defy its motto of Harmonia et Sodalitas which translates to Harmony and Brotherhood when his membership was abruptly cancelled following bankruptcy and his dramatic fall from grace. Former senator George Brandis, KC, was mocked in parliament over his membership and asked to sing the club song and demonstrate the club initiation ceremony to the chamber. But the notion of good fellowship has never been extended to more than 50 per cent of the population by the clubs exclusively male patronage, who refer to each other as Brother Savages. The Savage Club facade on Bank Place. Credit: Penny Stephens While women are permitted to enter as guests at certain times and can attend private functions, the Savages have stridently opposed any push to admit women on an equal basis. Membership has slumped to less than 500, down from 580 in 2017, with almost 70 per cent of the men now aged over 60. The clubs finances are a black hole, rather than opaque, aside from a rare leak in 2017 that revealed a loss of $114,900, but $1.6 million in the bank and almost $800,000 in reserve. Advertisement But while cultural and social institutions around the globe have embraced inclusiveness by actively targeting a younger and more diverse crowd, the Melbourne Savage Club has steadfastly resisted change. Even Londons famed Garrick Club founded in 1831 with a similar ethos to the Savage Club voted for the first time in May to accept women. UK actress Dame Judi Dench was fast-tracked membership in July. The Age requested an interview with Savage Club president David McCubbin, who did not respond. The club and its members have observed a long-held convention not to discuss its affairs with the media, despite having several current and former journalists and media executives among its ranks. The Age has seen a recent members satisfaction survey, previously reported by The Guardian, which underscores the clubs staunch commitment to the status quo. The findings of the survey conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 were circulated among members by McCubbin last May and revealed only 183 card-carrying savages responded from the clubs 458 members. Advertisement Just four respondents supported women being admitted as members. While many favoured welcoming more women as guests, the majority of respondents were opposed to granting women access to the bar, while most also opposed a relaxation of the clubs strict dress code. Loading In the correspondence sent to members, McCubbin stated he was determined to ask members their satisfaction with the club and what changes, if any, they would wish to see. We should consider setting aside the room next to the [Third World Bar] for mixed dining when not in use for private functions. This would enliven the use of the club more often, one respondent said. Encourage younger members to dine with their lady guests. A relatively little used basement known to all as the Yorick Tavern could also be opened to women guests, according to another member. Advertisement Some suggested tweaks to the clubs lunch menu of traditional English fare, including having an international dish available. A Chinese or Indian would be popular, one wrote. Comedian, writer and artist Bryan Dawe has been a member of the Savage Club for decades. The 76-year-old concedes the menu could use an overhaul, but argues theres still a place for private clubs for men, or women. Bryan Dawe is a member of the club. Credit: Arsineh Houspian Men need to talk to each other, and its always been a place where you could do that. Youre forbidden from discussing business, and youre not permitted to use phones ... its an earlier version of the mens shed, Dawe said. I really only have good things to say and good memories of the place. He cites a recent meeting with a prominent surgeon in the clubs dining room, where the pair discussed a heart attack Dawe suffered while living in Morocco, requiring triple bypass surgery. Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The citys most exclusive members-only clubs remain a mystery to everyday Melburnians. In this series, The Age uncovers the secrets and politics unfolding behind closed doors and the moment of reckoning these institutions are facing. See all 8 stories . What are you going to write about us now? the receptionist of the Australian Club asked with something akin to a contemptuous snort when The Age calls. We were requesting an interview with the club president, which days later is politely but firmly declined, in line with our clubs media policies. The Australian Club, separate to and 40 years younger than its Sydney counterpart, was founded in 1878 and resides in a grand bluestone base heritage listed clubhouse on William Street that it likes to call a timeless sanctuary providing respite from the bustling modern world. The Australian Clubs balustraded parapet, where members enjoy drinks overlooking William Street. Credit: James Davies Inside, the thickly carpeted entrance is dominated by a large chandelier and sweeping five-metre-wide marble staircase with wrought-iron lamp standards. Members (who must be male) and guests (who can be of either gender) often immediately head right to the vast dining room, where they sit at heavy wooden tables beneath an ornate glass dome and baroque fireplaces. Upstairs, the billiards room is judged the finest in the city. Membership of the Australian Club contrasted to membership of the Melbourne Club, the bankers and squatters who had formed the first elite in Melbourne society, a history by Heritage Victoria states. The Australian Club gathered the new elites for its members: merchants, bankers, lawyers and squatters who made money from the rise of marvellous Melbourne. If its sunny, some diners like to repair upstairs for a post-prandial drink on the small first-floor balustraded parapet overlooking William Street. But dont think of taking your own drink upstairs (more on this later). Nearly 4,000 women relinquishedLadki Bahin Yojna benefits in Mah SHIRDI : EVENasa verificationcampaign to stop ineligible women from availing thebenefitsoftheLadki Bahin Yojana is yet to be completed,nearly4,000womenfrom 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 SaturdayonthesidelinesofNCPs two-daySankalpShibiratShirdi. 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 monthaswell.Realisingthatthey 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 comestwodaysaftershesaidthat 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 receivedinDecember.Morewere being received in January. The moneyreturnedbythesewomen will be deposited back into the Governmenttreasury. For this, a separaterefundheadwillbecreated and that fund will be used forpublicwelfare, saidthe minister. The Department sources said that the women have been coming forward seeking to discontinue thebenefit,fearing themoney will be recovered alongwith a penalty if found ineligible during the ongoing verification exercise. The minister explained, Except for women beneficiaries holding yellow and orangeration cards, the applications of otherwomenwillbescrutinised. Help from the Transport andIncomeTaxdepartmentsisbeingtaken. Therefore, this will be acontinuous process. As a result, the number of women withdrawing their applications maychange continuously. The Mahayuti Government launched the MukhyaMantri Majhi LadkiBahinYojana in Julylast year. Nearly 2.46 crorewomen became eligible for themonthly aid of Rs 1,500. During the implementation, the Government realised thatsome ineligible women alsoreceivedthebenefit.Inthewakeof complaints received in various districts, the Government subsequently launched the verification of the applications. City engineer proposes plan to transfer Brahmaputra water to drought-prone Peninsular India Use of excess Brahmaputra water can put an end to farmers distress in Maharashtra, says Prashant Janbandhu Staff Reporter : Excess water from Brahmaputra river, if used properly, may prove to be a boon for the drought-prone Peninsular India, and may end farmers distress in Maharashtra, envisages research of Prashant Janbandhu, retired Chief Engineer, Public Works Department. He has been working for past five years on modalities of water transfer from Brahmaputra to the rest of India as a subject for PhD at Water Resources Engineering branch of Department of Civil Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur. VNIT is planning to establish a Center of Excellence for Interlinking of Rivers and Inland Navigation. It is actively supporting my research, which is now nearing completion, Janbandhu told The Hitavada. According to Janbandhu, Maharashtras present irrigation system has potential to irrigate only 126 lakh Ha of the total cultivable land (226 lakh Ha). The remaining 100 lakh Ha of cultivable land spread over Amravati division, Marathwada region, and parts of West and North Maharashtra, has no irrigation mechanism, and agriculture is rainfed. These areas can be served by transferring excess water from Brahmaputra to the river basins and reservoirs in Maharashtra, he stressed. Excess water in Brahmaputra causes floods in the North-East, but Peninsular India is water-deficient. Transferring Brahmaputras excess water to Peninsular India will give relief to people in both the regions, Janbandhu added. The other justifications for the project include rising need for water and agricultural production to meet the requirement of growing population, and climate change. Monsoon shifting to higher altitudes towards the Himalayas and North-West borders of India in next 50 years means that Central, Eastern, Northern, and some parts of Western India will receive below-normal rainfall. Brahmaputra has 15,000 TMC/year water available at 75% dependability. But, Janbandhu claimed, all existing reservoirs and dams in Maharashtra have the capacity of 1,200 TMC only. Only 5 per cent of water in Brahmaputra valley gets utilised, and the rest flows out in the Bay of Bengal. With the help of his co-researchers at VNIT, Janbandhu has drawn up plan for National Water Grid of Drought Prone Areas of India to transfer 5,400 TMC/year water from Brahmaputra to Peninsular India. It proposes lifting water at the initial stages to achieve commanding height so that most of the drought-prone areas at lower elevation get water through gravity. The project proposes a barrage at Jogighopa on Brahmaputra at Tamranga beel. From there, water will be brought through pipes to Teesta barrage. Already, a 50-metre wide, 25.7 km long canal exists between Teesta barrage and Fulbari barrage in Siliguri corridor in West Bengal, transferring via natural flow Teestas excess water to Mahananda. To carry Brahmaputra water, Teesta-Fulbari link canal will have to be widened to 200 metres. The project proposes converting Fulbari barrage into a detention dam, from where water will be transferred to the existing Getulsad dam in Ranchi district (Jharkhand). Getulsad dam is strategic to the success of the water transfer because of its altitude, Janbandhu said. Since the dam is at a height of 578 metres above mean sea level, and most of the Peninsular India drought-prone areas are at a lower elevation, water from Getulsad can travel through natural flow mechanism. Janbandhus proposal involves constructing two canals from Getulsad -- South canal going up to Totaldoh dam in Nagpur district following the alignment south of Satpuras, giving water to intercepting rivers viz Suvarnarekha, South Koel, Mahanadi, Brahmni, Sheonath, Bawanthadi, Wainganga, and Pench. Thereafter, water will flow to Sapan dam in Amravati district, Wakapur dam in Washim district, up to Jayakwadi dam across Godavari at Paithan, Ujani, Almatti, Tungabhadra, KRS, Bhavani Sagar, Amaravathi, Vaigai, Thamirabarani dams, and to Kanyakumari, with en route utilisation. This canal will provide water to Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The West Canal from Getulsad will carry 2,400 TMC of water and provide it to North Koel, Sone, Tons, Ken, Betwa, Chambal, and rivers originating from the Vindhyas, and the Aravallis. It will provide water to Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab. In the regions along these canal routes, sub-canals and pipe outlets can be laid out from the main canals, and several reservoirs can be built to store water and irrigate different land parcels. Janbandhu estimated the cost of the project to be around Rs 25 lakh crore! The project involves installation of solar panels on the canals to generate solar power, and hydroelectricity wherever fall exists in the canals or sub-canals. This power can be used for lifting water wherever required. The proposed National Water Grid may bring prosperity to people, transform various regions into perennial green zones, and can stop farmers suicides in Maharashtra and other drought-prone areas of India. The plan can be implemented on a build-operate-transfer basis given its immense market potential, Janbandhu suggested. PM Modi distributes over65 lakh SVAMITVA property cards NEW DELHI : Over the past seven-eight years, approximately 98 per cent of land records have been digitised, and most land maps are now digitally available. PRIMEMinister Narendra Modi on Saturday distributed more than 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme, and said it will bolster economic activities and help in poverty alleviation. The Prime Minister virtually addressed the event and also interacted with some beneficiaries. He also said rural land digitisation is furthering rural empowerment by leveraging the power of technology and good governance. The property cards are being distributed to beneficiaries across more than 50,000 villages in 10 States -- Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and two Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Modi said the scheme will help people get loans and benefits of other Government schemes. Around 2.24 crore beneficiaries in villages will now have SVAMITVA property cards after 65 lakh cards are distributed today, the Prime Minister said. Property rights are a major challenge across the world. Years ago, the United Nations had held a study, which revealed people did not have legal documents for property rights in several countries. The UN has said property rights are important for poverty alleviation, he said. Modi said an eminent economist had opined that property in villages is a dead capital because people cannot do anything with it, and it cant help increase their income. India was also impacted by this challenge. People in villages have property worth lakhs of crores (of rupees), but they did not have papers for it. There were disputes, properties were snatched, and even banks did not provide loans over it, he said. The Prime Minister emphasised that no sensitive Government could leave its villagers in such distress. Previous Governments should have taken steps to do something about it but nothing much was done, he said. Modi said Dalits, backward classes and tribals were the worst affected by this. Elaborating on the SVAMITVA Yojana, he said it involved mapping houses and lands in villages using drones and providing legal documents for residential properties to villagers. He added that the benefits of this scheme are now visible. India has over six lakh villages, with drone surveys completed in nearly half of them, Modi said. He highlighted that after receiving legal documents, lakhs of people had taken loans from banks based on their properties and started small businesses in their villages. After getting legal property rights, lakhs of people have taken loan.They have used this money to start their businesses. Many of these are farmers, for whom this property cards is a guarantee to financial security, he said. Modi said that once property cards are issued in all villages, the scheme will unlock economic activities worth over Rs 100 lakh crore. He emphasised the substantial capital that will be added to the countrys economy. Noting that earlier, land disputes were common for farmers and obtaining land documents is challenging, often requiring multiple visits to offices and leading to corruption, the Prime Minister said that land records are being digitised to deal with these issues. Highlighting that SVAMITVA and Bhu-Aadhaar are foundational systems for village development, he said that BhuAadhaar provides a unique identity to land, with around 23 crore Bhu-Aadhaar numbers issued, making it easy to identify land plots. Over the past seven-eight years, approximately 98 per cent of land records have been digitised, and most land maps are now digitally available, Modi added. Later, in a post on X, the Prime Minister said rural land digitisation isfurthering rural empowerment by leveraging the power of technology and good governance. Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lalan, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj S P Singh Baghel and Ministry of Panchayati Raj SecretaryVivek Bharadwaj were also present at the event. It was attended virtually by several Chief Ministers, Union Ministers and State Ministers. Events are also being organised in over 230 districts for physical distribution of property cards. It is expected that around 13 Union Ministers will physically join from designated locations from across the country to oversee regional distribution ceremonies of property cards. The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme was launched in 2020 to enhance the economic progress of rural India by providing Record of Rights to households owning houses in inhabited areas in villages through the latest drone technology for surveying. The scheme also helps facilitate monetization of properties and enabling 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. Qatar says, Israel-Hamas ceasefireto go into effect at 8:30 am today CAIRO : THE ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will go into effect in less than 24 hours, Qatars Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. In a post on X, Foreign Minister Majid al-Ansari said the ceasefire will start at 8:30 am (6:30 GMT) on Sunday, and advised people to exercise caution 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 its 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 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 advisor, the exchange will begin Sunday at 4 pm (14:00 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 of Gaza who were held by Israel but were not involved in the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. 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. RG Kar verdict:Accused Sanjay Royguilty of rape-murderof on-duty medic KOLKATA : A KOLKATAcourt on Saturday found Sanjay Roy guilty of raping and murdering an onduty doctor at the State-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a heinous crime that ignited nation-wide outrage and led to prolonged protests. The Sealdah court, where Roys trial was held, will announce his sentence on Monday, Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das said. The verdict was delivered nearly two months after the in-camera trial began in November 2024, and 162 days after the brutal crime on August 9, 2024. Roy, arrested a day after the crime, was found guilty 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 stated that Roy was found guilty of sexually assaulting the doctor and strangling her to death, and that the CBI had proven all the charges against him. Das noted that Roy had entered the hospital around 4 am and attacked the onduty 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 these allegations, charges were framed against you under Sections 64, 66 and 103(1) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 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. Das said Roys statement will be heard at 12:30 pm on Monday, and the sentence will be pronounced thereafter. At the time of the delivery of the verdict, Roy claimed in court that he was framed. In his defence, Roy said, I wear 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 medic, while acknowledging 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 added, We will continue our fight for justice till our last breath. In its chargesheet, the CBI identified Roy, a civic volunteer with the city police, as the prime suspect in the brutal crime. Roys elder sister, speaking from her home in Bhawanipore, said that the family would not challenge the courts decision. If he has committed any crime, he should get proper punishment. We dont plan to challenge the order, she said, adding that family members did not attend the trial. WELCOME PAUSE SUNDAY will mark a significant moment in the history of Middle-East when the ceasefire deal between Israel and the Hamas militant group comes into effect in Gaza. It may not be called end of the conflict but the pause in fighting offers a big hope for the region that has witnessed bloodshed and devastation for over fifteen months. The deal passed the full Cabinet test in Israel despite resistance from some far-right parties in the government. Prime Minister Mr Benjamin Netanyahu took his own time to clear his last-minute doubts over hostage release clauses but his nod to the ceasefire give a big ammo to the entire process for which both the Israelis and Palestinians were eagerly waiting for. The devastation that started with an unprovoked terror attack by the Hamas on October 7, 2023 has so far seen over 46,000 deaths and large-scale displacement in the Gaza strip and people on both sides were hoping for a breakthrough for long. With the pause in hostilities a potential breakout of tensions in West Asia has been averted, at least it looks like that. How the deal unfolds will be keenly watched by the world as it involves delicate matters like hostage release. As per the agreement, whose first phase begins on Sunday, the Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages and Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. The first phase will be critical for the deal to go the full distance as there have been issues with the condition of hostages which the radicals present on both sides might not accept. It is still a tight-rope walk for the mediators including Qatar and the United States to see the ceasefire through to its logical conclusion. What is striking about the deal is its timing. It was on the table for long as many countries sought to play the role of a mediator to bring Tel Aviv and Hamas leadership for talks. The dialogue kept scuttling on most occasions as hostilities continued in some or the other form. Mr. Netanyahus tough stand of boots on the ground in the Gaza strip led to more tensions even as the world kept advising restraint. The efforts have finally come to fruition just ahead of Mr. Donald Trumps inauguration as the President of the United States. The Trump stamp is prominently evident in the ceasefire deal after his initial warning of dire consequences if hostilities did not abate in Gaza. It also indicates the revival of bonhomie between Washington and Tel Aviv as Mr. Joe Biden had found it really difficult to keep Mr. Netanyahu in good humour since the start of the conflict. The ceasefire is likely a result of the unpredictability that Mr. Trump has brought with him after winning the elections. He has directly threatened foes and also warned allies of nasty actions which clearly has pushed Mr. Netanyahu to give peace a chance despite his fragile political position back home. The future of the ceasefire deal now depends upon how well both Israel and Hamas respect their own ends of the agreement. There is a lurking danger of the peace time getting used by both sides to regroup. More than Israel, there is an air uncertainty about the intentions of Hamas. The long fight the militants put up against the Israeli Defence Forces confirms that Hamas is getting external support. That puts the onus on the US to keep in check all such disruptive elements in the Middle-East. The ceasefire has presented an opportunity to build on future peace. It cannot be wasted. Announced roadmap of Sept 17, 2024 Active, energetic Raj Bhavan | It was back on September 17, 2024 that Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced for one and all to hear that a roadmap to resolve the situation in Manipur has been prepared. It was in line with this announcement that the first joint meeting of legislators drawn from the Naga, Kuki and Meitei communities was held at Delhi under the auspices of the Union Home Ministry on October 15, 2024 and while no one knows the points that were put across by the State Government, the Kuki-Zo MLAs came out with a statement that the demand for a Separate Administration should be the issue around which any talk should be held. This was what was conveyed to the Centre, the Kuki-Zo MLAs claimed, while no one knows what points were put across by the MLAs drawn from the Meitei community. Awangbow Newmai of the NPF who attended the meeting as a man from the Naga community did speak to reporters on his arrival at the airport here, stressing on the need for normalcy to prevail. This was in the few days after the Delhi summit of October 15 and even as Manipur was left clueless on what exactly happened during the October 15 meeting of 2024, Jiribam went up in flames and ended with the killing of six persons who had been taken captive by Kuki militants. The six persons killed after captivity included an 8 month old infant and two other children while the adults were all women. The Jiribam outrage came even as Delhi had worked out the roadmap to normalcy and one is left wondering whether this can be taken as a blip or reflects the hollowness of the roadmap to peace announcement. The interpretation is best left to the people, but it stands that normalcy continues to elude Manipur and the ethnic conflict has already crossed the 20 months mark. Twenty months means Manipur has been in flames for over 600 days and quickly marching towards the 730 days mark. Amid the tales of human tragedy being scripted on the soil of Manipur, in came former Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the new Governor of Manipur. That the new man in Raj Bhavan is intent on doing the job entrusted on him seriously could be gauged from the fact that soon after assuming office he chaired a high level security meeting complete with the Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh and top ranking officers of the Army and the Assam Rifles. The Governor did not stop at presiding over the security meeting but took it upon himself to proceed directly to Churachandpur where he is reported to have conveyed to the Kuki-Zo leaders that peace is a prerequisite to any dialogue or meaningful discussion. Next step was to call on the President, the Vice President and most crucially Union Home Minister Amit Shah where the case of Manipur was reportedly discussed minutely. A refreshing change it is to see a kicking and active Raj Bhavan and calling on the Central leaders without much of a hassle, something which cannot be said of the Government of Manipur. How things proceed from here is anybodys guess but the declaration of a roadmap being prepared seems to be falling in place if one goes by the manner in which the Governor has set about putting things in order. After the Governor came the appointment of the Chief Secretary with PK Singh tasked to occupy the all important post in the State Government. Much like the earlier appointments of the Security Advisor and the DGP, this time too it was Delhi which made the move with the State Government made to merely issue the appointment order. All men from Delhi, this is how the situation may be read and while it remains to be seen how things develop from here, it is gratifying to note that the new man at the Raj Bhavan has made it clear that peace should be the first priority without pre-conditions. Delhi has also moved to keep up with what one sees in Manipur in the last couple of days with officials of the Union Home Ministry talking to the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) leaders. More recently formed, the KZC is supposed to be the apex body of the Kuki-Zo community and this is where one is left wondering who the Centre or the Governor will reach out to if a dialogue is to be held with a body representing the Meiteis. Individual states in the United States can significantly shape key health care areas through policy. In early 2024, a KKF analysis indicated that Americans collectively held around $220 billion in medical debt. North Carolina has one of the highest percentages of adults facing medical debt, at 13.4 percent. On July 1, 2024, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced plans for a new medical debt reduction program. Leveraging existing Medicaid measures, Governor Cooper and State Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley discussed an innovative program for mitigating thousands of dollars in medical debt for low-income residents. Under the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP), established during the Medicaid expansion, the plan allows North Carolina hospitals to receive a different upgraded payment to decrease medical debt after treatment. All 99 eligible North Carolina hospitals, including some of the states largest health systems, agreed to participate. With an estimated total impact of relieving over $4 billion of medical debt and serving more than 2 million low and middle-income residents, participating hospitals are eligible to receive higher amounts of Medicaid reimbursement. On July 26, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the states relief measures and eligibility guidelines. Aneesh Chopra, who previously served as the first chief technology officer of the United States and the author of Innovative State: How New Technologies Can Transform Government, stated, The scourge of medical debt needs to be tackled at its root cause the inability of our social safety net to use all publicly available resources to screen everyone for charity care, Medicaid and ACA tax credits. In the age of real-time access to almost anything, it is sad that so many families with medical debt never knew they qualified for services that would have dramatically lowered that burden. Im grateful Governor Cooper and his team (Secretary Kinsley) negotiated an agreement with all hospitals to both wipe the current debt burden and put in place accountability for preventing that debt in the first place. Further, according to Dr. Nirav Shah, MD, MPH, Senior Scholar at Stanford University and former New York State Health Commissioner, Secretary Kinsleys medical debt relief program is an example of state-led innovation at its best. While many forces conspired to make medical debt the #1 cause of bankruptcy in America, North Carolinas thoughtful approach realigns incentives to resolve the existing crisis and models best practices for the rest of America to follow. Illinois has also implemented comparable regulatory measures concerning other areas of health care. On July 10, 2024, Illinois became the first state to ban prior authorization for emergency mental health treatment. In a landmark law, JB Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, signed H.B. 5395, which limits health insurance companies from needing to implement step therapy processes in Illinois. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), step therapy requires patients to document unsuccessful alternative treatments before accessing prescription medicine from their physician. Insurers are also required to disclose treatments that require prior authorization readily. Patients can compare insurance coverage plans more easily. Another critical aspect of Illinois H.B. 5395 requires health insurance companies to maintain and update in-network directories of doctors and specialists. The directories allow new patients to access in-network doctors and specialists who are currently available, have not stopped practicing, or have gone out of network. The bill outlines stricter network and transparency standards that can help connect patients more readily to in-network providers. Governor Pritzkers regulation effectively addresses the ongoing struggle between insurance companies and doctors. However, more significant change remains crucial for lasting improvement. These state initiatives emphasize that health care reform can be shaped locally. By implementing innovative policies to address significant challenges in health care, such as medical debt and insurance transparency, individual states are transforming the health care sector positively. Furthermore, these measures highlight the potential for comprehensive solutions to be achieved by fostering collaboration to develop impactful health care policies. Although substantial progress is being made, ongoing innovation remains essential to enhancing the accessibility of health care for all Americans. Similar to North Carolina and Illinois, other states in the United States can make significant strides in addressing health care challenges through impactful policies. Ruhi Saldanha is an undergraduate student. Sajjak Alam (25), who recently escaped custody after injuring two policemen during a shooting incident in Panjipara, North Dinajpur, was killed in a police encounter this morning near the Indo-Bangladesh border under the jurisdiction of Goalpokhar police station. Jawed Shamim, additional director general and inspector general of law and order in West Bengal, stated that a special team, led by the deputy inspector general of Raiganj Range spotted Sajjak around 7 a.m. as he attempted to flee to Bangladesh. When confronted, Sajjak opened fire and attempted to escape once again, prompting the police to return fire during the encounter. He was subsequently injured and transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead by medical staff. Advertisement In a media briefing, Mr Shamim confirmed that Sajjak, who was wanted in a murder case, sustained three gunshot wounds to his leg, neck, and back. He fired three to four rounds at the police when challenged this morning. The exact number of rounds fired by the police will be disclosed following a thorough investigation, Mr Shamim added. Advertisement Sajjak had previously escaped from a prison van at Panjipara on 15 January, during which he fired four rounds at police. In response to his escape, police issued a wanted notice offering a reward of Rs 2 lakh for information leading to his capture and formed multiple teams to locate him. Mr Shamim also revealed that Sajjak was allegedly provided with a firearm by an individual at the court premises. As a result, all police personnel on duty at that time have been suspended. Sajjak managed to escape while being transported from Islampur Sub-Divisional Court to Raiganj Correctional Home on 15 January. Addressing reporters, Mr Shamim emphasised that the West Bengal Police operates with professionalism and is committed to protecting society. He noted that todays encounter is part of ongoing efforts to address criminal activity, citing recent encounters in Bidhannagar and Ranaghat as examples of their proactive approach. The ruling Trinamul Congress, while reacting to the verdict pronounced by the Sealdah court on Saturday in the brutal RG Kar rape and murder case, praised the Kolkata Police (KP) for arresting the prime accused Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer of the city police, within 24 hours of the incident. Opposition parties like the BJP, CPM and Congress are skeptical about the investigations of the case. Advertisement Trinamul Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh while speaking to reporters today defended the KP investigation, praising their swift arrest of Sanjay, held guilty by the court. Advertisement The verdict pronounced by the Sealdah court justifies the KPs work, which was precise and prompt. Even the CBIs investigation upheld city polices findings in connection with the incident, Mr Ghosh said. He also slammed opposition parties and certain groups for their attempt to politicise the case. Their attempts to malign the state government have been disproven. He highlighted chief minister Mamata Banerjees call for capital punishment and reassured that the investigation had followed due process. The ruling party leader also ruled out claims of delays in the verdict as baseless, noting that the case was monitored by the Supreme Court throughout. He added that allegations of unanswered questions were mere distractions, as representatives for all parties, including the victims family, had presented their arguments in court but lacked sufficient evidence to alter the proceedings. The BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the conviction but stressed the need for an investigation into allegations of a larger conspiracy. We would have been happier if the former R G Kar Hospital principal, Sandip Ghosh and former Kolkata Police commissioner Vineet Goyal were also held accountable. The victims parents and junior doctors have raised valid concerns about potential involvement of others in the case. This must be taken into account thoroughly by the investigating agency, Mr Adhikari said. Expressing skepticism in the ongoing investigation Sukanta Majumdar, Bengal BJP president and union minister of state for education, We welcome the judgment but many believe that several others may be involved in the crime. CPM politburo member Brinda Karat echoed similar concerns, stating, Sanjay Roy may be guilty, but who are the powers shielding him? In the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, Congress leader and former MP Udit Raj on Sunday urged the Dalit community not to vote for the BJP or AAP, accusing both parties of causing significant harm to the community. Addressing a press conference at the DPCC office, Udit Raj alleged that as the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had made several promises to the Dalit community but failed to fulfill them over the past decade. Advertisement Kejriwal did not fill thousands of vacant posts in the Delhi Government, which would have benefited the Dalit community. He also failed to regularize ad hoc and temporary employees, including sanitation workers, teachers, DTC employees, and others. Additionally, he had promised to appoint a Dalit as the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab but did not honor this commitment, Raj said. Advertisement The Congress leader also questioned Kejriwal about the lack of honorarium for Buddhist monks and priests at the Guru Ravi Das Mandir and Valmiki Mandir, who belong to the Dalit community. He further alleged that AAP has no Dalit or backward-class representatives among its 11 Rajya Sabha MPs. Kejriwal misled Dalits with the Ambedkar Scholarship Scheme announced in 2020. However, due to a lack of funds, Dalit students were not sent abroad. This was merely an old scheme repackaged, with only Rs 25 lakh distributed in scholarships, while Rs 5 crore was spent on its publicity, he added. Raj criticized Kejriwal for remaining silent on the issue of a caste census, claiming he ignored Rahul Gandhis demand for a public statement on the matter. He also reiterated that Kejriwal had promised to appoint a Dalit Deputy Chief Minister in Punjab but failed to deliver. The Congress leader accused Kejriwal of hurting Dalit sentiments by using the broom as his partys symbol to garner their votes, without taking meaningful steps to improve their welfare, education, or employment opportunities. Kejriwal engages in vote-bank politics, seeking the support of Dalits, backward classes, the poor, and marginalized communities without addressing their real concerns, Raj concluded. A day after an alleged attack on his vehicle during campaigning in the New Delhi assembly constituency, Arvind Kejriwal said the city has never seen the kind of violence during polls where a former CMs life could be under threat. Addressing a press conference here, the AAPs national convenor said, The people of Delhi have never witnessed campaigning during which a murderous attack was made on a former chief minister. Advertisement This is their way of campaigning because they are losing badly, he added, apparently referring to the BJP, whose workers are accused of the attack by him and his party. Advertisement Dismissing BJP candidate Parvesh Vermas prediction that he would lose the New Delhi seat by 20,000 votes, Kejriwal said, Let him live in dreams for some days. Meanwhile, in another Joint presser with party MP Sanjay Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleged that one of the persons involved in the attack on Kejriwal is a frequent associate of BJP candidate Verma, pitted against Kejriwal in the assembly election. Atishi claimed that the attacker, identified as Rahul, has multiple criminal cases against him, including charges of robbery and attempted murder. This individual, along with others, was sent to attack Kejriwal and is often seen with Verma during campaigning. The people who attacked Arvind Kejriwal and threw stones at his car are serious offenders with cases registered against them. The BJP, unable to defeat Kejriwal electorally, is resorting to such tactics to remove him from their way, the CM alleged. Moreover, another party leader, Sanjay Singh, echoed similar concerns, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the attack as part of a larger conspiracy. He claimed that the BJP is desperate to return to power in Delhi after more than 25 years and is resorting to violence and intimidation to counter the AAPs popularity. 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. Advertisement Amitabh Bachchan captioned the post with an Om emoji. Advertisement 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 actors 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 Bachchans 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. A man suspected to be a Bangladeshi national has been arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence, Mumbai Police said on Sunday morning. The accused has been identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad (31). There is preliminary evidence to suggest that the accused is a Bangladeshi. He does not have valid Indian documents. Some items seized indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national, Dixit Gedam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone 9, said during a press conference. Advertisement According to the police, the accused entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on January 16, during which Saif Ali Khan was attacked and sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. Advertisement The accused will be produced before the court, DCP Gedam said, adding, We will seek police custody. We doubt that the accused is of Bangladeshi origin and thus, we have invoked relevant sections of the Passport Act as well. Prima facie the accused is a Bangladeshi and after entering India illegally he changed his name. Currently, he is using Vijay Das as his name. He came to Mumbai five to six months ago. The accused was using multiple aliases. He stayed in Mumbai for a few days and then in the vicinity of Mumbai. He used to work in a Housekeeping agency, the DCP said. The police are verifying the credentials of the accused and investigating whether he has a criminal record. This development follows the stabbing of Khan multiple times in his Bandra apartment in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbais Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan was 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. Dakota Johnson and her boyfriend Chris Martin arrived in Mumbai on Thursday, soaking in the vibrant city while Chris prepares for Coldplays much-anticipated Music of the Spheres World Tour concert. The bands Indian leg of the tour kicks off today at the DY Patil Stadium, where the excitement is building for their show tonight. Coldplay will perform in Mumbai until January 21 before heading to Ahmedabad for two more shows on January 25 and 26. Advertisement While Chris is busy with the bands performances, Dakota Johnson has been making the most of her time in the city of Mumbai. Advertisement On Sunday, the actress visited the renowned Siddhivinayak Temple, accompanied by Bollywood stars Sonali Bendre and Gayatri Joshi. The trio was seen entering the temple, seeking Lord Ganeshas blessings. Dakota looked stunning in a navy blue ethnic outfit, paired with a bright orange dupatta, while Sonali was glowing in a beige suit, and Gayatri exuded elegance in an off-white traditional ensemble. The couples spiritual journey didnt stop there. On Friday, Dakota and Chris visited the Babulnath Temple, where they interacted with temple priests. Chris, dressed in a powder-blue kurta and black trousers, was all smiles as he greeted the priests with folded hands. Dakota, beside him, looked graceful in a printed kurti, completing their serene temple visit. Chris and Dakota, who have been dating since 2017, have remained relatively private about their relationship but continue to make occasional public appearances together. Dakota, known for her roles in films like The Social Network, Fifty Shades of Grey, and How to Be Single, has also been exploring Mumbais rich cultural heritage during her visit. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here and extended an invitation to her to grace the Srimanta Sankardeva Award 2025, scheduled to be held in April this year. The President accepted the invitation to grace the event and confer the prestigious award following the Chief Ministers invitation on Saturday. Advertisement Taking to X, Sarma wrote: I had the privilege of calling upon Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu. I am deeply grateful to the Honble President for graciously accepting our invitation to visit our state and confer the Srimanta Sankardeva Award in April 2025. Her valuable time and guidance are truly appreciated. Advertisement The award is named after the great Vaishnavite saint and reformer of Assam, Srimanta Sankardeva. Earlier, the Chief Minister met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his official residence. He also visited the KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium to witness a badminton match of the Yonex Sunrise India Open 2025. Later, the Chief Minister departed for a five-day visit to Seoul and Tokyo to meet industry leaders, investors and other stakeholders for the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 to be held in Guwahati on February 25 and 26. I am shortly leaving for Seoul and Tokyo on a 5 -day visit to present our vision of Advantage Assam 2 to prospective investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders, he wrote on X. Sarma added, During my stay, I intend to showcase Assam the gateway to South East Asia and blessed with excellent human capital as a key anchor state in strengthening Prime Minister Narendra Modis Act East Policy. To showcase the grandeur of Mahakumbh for the world, an advanced media center equipped with state-of-the-art technology is operational in the Mela area. Boasting high-quality professional cameras worth crores of rupees, the centre facilitates flawless recording and live-streaming of every moment of the Mahakumbh. This ensures that viewers experience the event in real time, offering an immersive digital experience to devotees worldwide. High-resolution cameras, featuring lenses costing up to Rs 50 lakh, are broadcasting updates and news about the Mahakumbh on digital platforms. So far, 30 international journalists have conducted special coverage of the event, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance,officials here on Sunday revealed. Advertisement Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure that the media center provides all necessary facilities for both domestic and international devotees to stay informed. The demand for Mahakumbh-related news is particularly high in countries such as the USA, Russia, Germany, Japan, and Israel. Advertisement Adding to its global reach, Mahakumbh programs aired on Swedish Radio have garnered significant appreciation. The media center also features amenities such as tea, breakfast, and dining facilities, along with a well-equipped conference room. Comprehensive security arrangements have been implemented to ensure the safety and convenience of journalists and visitors alike. Mahakumbh is not only Indias largest cultural event but also the worlds largest spiritual gathering. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has elevated this years Mahakumbh to unprecedented levels of modernity and grandeur, making it a global attraction. The world is keen to witness the cultural programs and receive updates from this divine event in real-time, with international media playing a significant role in its coverage. The media center at Mahakumbh Nagar has become a hub of activity, attracting journalists from around the globe eager to report on the event. A recent program on Swedens Swedish Radio featuring Mahakumbh was a massive success, with the podcast hosted by a Swedish journalist receiving widespread acclaim. Prominent international journalists, including Naila Jessica from South Asia, have described the Maha Kumbh as a divine and grand event. Similarly, Antez Stibitz from EPD has arrived to craft a special story focusing on the saints of the Akharas. The demand for news related to Mahakumbh extends far beyond India, with particular interest in countries like the USA, Russia, Germany, Japan, and Israel. The media center boasts of advanced technology with a unique selfie point equipped with state-of-the-art features. At its core is a camera that automatically clicks photos as visitors step in front of the selfie point. A QR code is then generated, providing access to a time slot booking system, allowing both domestic and international media to reserve their slots with ease. This innovative setup is also integrated into podcasting, enabling programs to be streamed live directly from the Media Center. Additionally, all program details are captured and stored on a central server. These details are then shared with the public and media institutions, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information. A dedicated podcast room has also been established within the Media Center. This space hosts daily discussions on key aspects of the Mahakumbh, including its history, cultural and religious significance, the events logistical complexities, and its environmental impact. The podcast room has become a significant platform for media professionals and experts to delve into every dimension of the Mahakumbh, ensuring global audiences gain a holistic understanding of this monumental event. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, head of the live telecast team, highlighted the advanced facilities at the Mahakumbh Media Center. More than 65 computers have been installed at the work station, and a state-of-the-art conference room is available with special arrangements for journalists, he shared. To ensure the convenience of media personnel covering the event, the center offers excellent amenities, including tea, snacks, and meals. The PCR room is equipped with two large and two small screens, providing live feeds of every event at Mahakumbh to keep journalists updated on all activities. Major social media platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X are being effectively utilized to provide continuous updates to devotees and viewers worldwide. Through these platforms, every detail and update related to the media center and the Maha Kumbh is broadcast to keep the public informed. The media center is equipped with advanced broadcast cameras and uplink systems, ensuring uninterrupted live telecasts without any technical glitches. It also features a VIP lounge, double-bed accommodations, and a spacious cafeteria with seating for 56 people. Additionally, a seating arrangement for 400 people has been made for press briefings, alongside stringent security measures to ensure the safety of media personnel and officials. Inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this state-of-the-art Media Center stands as a key facility for delivering accurate and timely information about the Maha Kumbh to audiences across the country and around the world. Country Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Canada Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cuba, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Jamaica Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Mexico, United Mexican States Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Praising the medicinal properties of gomutra has landed Indian Institute of TechnologyMadras (IIT-M) director Prof V Kamakoti in a controversy as he happens to be the latest to join the list of those endorsing cow urine. A video clip of Prof Kamakoti claiming gomutra as having anti-fungal and anti-bacterial as well as digestive properties has gone viral on social media, inviting ridicule and condemnation. He had made these remarks while participating in the go puja at a goshala in Mambalam in Chennai on January 15, the day of Mattu Pongal (Pongal for the bovines). Advertisement Narrating a personal anecdote, he said after consuming gomutra as advised by a sanyasi his father was cured of high fever. Once a monk came to our house. At that time my father was suffering from high fever and was asked whether he could be taken to a doctor for treatment. But the monk said it was not necessary and instead asked to drink gomutra. It was brought and after gulping it, his fever miraculously subsided within the next 15 minutes, he told the gathering. Then, the IIT director went on to claim that cow urine, endowed with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, is a very good cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It also possesses digestive qualities, he added while being very emphatic in making those claims. Advertisement This claim, coming from Kamakoti, a professor of Computer Science with research interests in computer architecture and engaged in organic farming, has baffled many with netizens making him a butt of ridicule for endorsing pseudo-science. Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK veteran K Ponmudy said such claims from the director of the countrys premier institution is highly regrettable. Let him drink first. It appears that he is drinking it. It has been scientifically proven that cow urine is injurious to health. The IIT director seems to have become like the Governor (RN Ravi) and people are watching, he told the media. The people of Tamil Nadu, who are known to have scientific temper and think rationally, will not accept these claims just because the IIT director had made them, he added. Going a step further, DMK leader TKS Elangovan termed the claims of Prof Kamakoti as nonsense and called for his removal from the IIT-M. Congress Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram slammed the remarks on X, saying, Peddling pseudo-science by @iitmadras Director is most unbecoming. In his first mass outreach, matinee icon and founder president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Vijay is meeting the farmers and villagers protesting against the new greenfield airport at Parandur for months, in the neighbouring Kancheepuram district on Monday. Accompanied by party functionaries, he is meeting them at the Ambedkar maidan in Ekanapuram village, the epicentre of the protests, continuing for over 900 days. Advertisement Despite opposition from the residents of 13 villagers, who are concerned about the adverse impact on the environment, agriculture and water bodies among others, the state government is proceeding with the project and has decided to call for tenders to choose the concessionaire in March. The concessionaire will build and manage the airport. Advertisement At its first state conference, the TVK opposed the project citing displacement and environmental concerns and now Vijay is walking the extra mile to reach out to the people in an attempt to corner the ruling DMK, which he has declared as the partys political enemy. The BJP has been identified as the ideological enemy. This is the first time that Vijay is stepping out to meet the people. The state police is not allowing outsiders entry into the villages apprehensive of supporters joining the protest. As such, the party functionaries met the district police and secured permission for Vijays visit. Party general secretary Bussy Anand visited Ekanapuram to prepare the arrangements. The greenfield project, proposed at a cost of Rs 29,144 crore, will be constructed in 2,172.73 hectares. The area has many water bodies and lush green paddy fields. According to environmentalists, the recent cyclone Fengal which wreaked havoc in northern Tamil Nadu, has inundated large swathes in Parandur, offering yet another opportunity to ascertain the viability of the project. Reacting to Vijays visit, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu said, Any leader of a political party can visit Parandur and interact with the people. If they bring their grievances to the notice of the state government, they will be addressed with earnestness. Speaking to reporters in Virudhunagar, he made it clear that the project was very much necessary and hence the government was carrying out land acquisition. A new airport will spur development and economic growth in the area. Compared to airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, the airport at Chennai, spread over 1000 acres, is very small and will not be able to cater to the growing demands of air traffic. As of now, two crore passengers are using it and it will go up to 8 crores by the next decade and Chennai doesnt have space for expansion necessitating a new airport. However, the government is making efforts to resettle the displaced residents as their livelihood is of utmost importance and the Chief Minister is particular about it, he explained. India and Italy have pledged to intensify cooperation for effectively countering the misuse of technology for terrorist purposes. The two sides shared experience in preventing and mitigating the menace at the 5th meeting of the India-Italy Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime held earlier this week in Rome, Advertisement The Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday that the two countries also stressed the importance of an effective prosecution of those responsible for terrorist acts. Advertisement The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. K D Dewal, Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs, from the Indian side and Mr. Alessandro Azzoni, Senior Deputy Director for Political Affairs and Director for Security at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from the Italian side. The two sides discussed emerging domestic, regional and international terrorist threats and exchanged views on a wide range of areas of cooperation in counter terrorism and transnational organised crime. The dialogue between the two strategic partner countries reaffirmed commitment to strengthen cooperation in the multilateral fora, including in the UN, GCTF and FATF. The two sides also discussed ways and means to advance the ongoing negotiations on various bilateral agreements. The Indian delegation also visited and met officials of Inter-agency Law Enforcement Academy in Caserta, Italy and discussed strengthening of capacity building measures between the Academy and the counterpart organisation in India. M S Bhuvanachandran, founder of Shiv Senas Kerala unit, has left the party following disenchantment with the style of working of Uddhav Thackeray. Bhuvanachandran, who has been leading the partys state unit for the past 34 years, said on Sunday that he was resigning from the Shiva Sena (UBT) due to a disagreement with the party chief. Advertisement Bal Thackerays ideals were the inspiration to start the Kerala unit. I am quitting the organisation due to a disagreement with the working style of Uddhav Thackeray, Bhuvanachandran said in a statement here Advertisement Shiv Sena should not have politics without Hindutva. Uddhavs style will weaken Hindutva, he added. While Bhuvanachandras association with late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackery began in 1987, he formed the Kerala unit in 1990. The future course of action will be decided at a meeting of the party at Ernakulam on January 21, he said. In the first Mann Ki Baat program of the new year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 19 highlighted the significance of Mahakumbh, the worlds largest religious and spiritual gathering. He remarked on the immense crowds converging from all corners of the country, emphasizing how the festival dissolves distinctions between the rich and the poor. The distinction between rich and poor disappears here, PM Modi said, describing the event as a memorable confluence of equality, harmony, and spiritual unity. Advertisement This festival celebrates unity in diversity, bringing together people from all parts of India and the world. There is no discrimination, no casteism in this tradition that has thrived for thousands of years. Advertisement He elaborated that at Mahakumbh, people from across India, from the South to the East, West, and North, unite to take a sacred dip in the Sangam, share meals, and partake in prasad. This is why Kumbh is the Mahakumbh of unity. It symbolizes how our traditions bind the entire nation together, he added. The Prime Minister also acknowledged similar festivals in the southern states, such as Pushkarams along the banks of sacred rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, and Kaveri. He highlighted the deep connection between these festivals and Indias sacred rivers, emphasizing their role in uniting cultural and spiritual traditions. PM Modi expressed particular joy at the increasing participation of youth in Mahakumbh, calling it a sign of pride in Indias rich civilization and culture. He noted the large-scale digital engagement with the event, stating, When the younger generation connects with its heritage, it strengthens the roots of our civilization and secures its future. The Prime Minister also praised other festivals such as the Ganga Sagar Mela in West Bengal, where lakhs of devotees gather on Makar Sankranti for a holy dip. He referred to these festivals as mediums of social interaction that enhance harmony, unity, and connection with Indias traditions. Just as our scriptures emphasize Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, our festivals empower every spiritual, social, cultural, and economic aspect of life, he said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for discussing Mahakumbh in Mann Ki Baat. CM Yogi described Mahakumbh as a living symbol of Indias unity and commended the event for introducing the world to Indias cultural heritage under PM Modis leadership. Praising the youths involvement, CM Yogi remarked that the Prime Ministers message to the younger generation to embrace their culture with pride will inspire them to embody the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that the message of Mahakumbh is clear: India will remain united and strong only through unity. We are all coming together with this message of unity and integrity. This is the message of Prime Minister Modi, he added. The CM made the remarks at a press conference in Prayagraj after reviewing the preparations for Mauni Amavasya. He said, A large number of devotees are arriving at the Mahakumbh from across the country and abroad. Many foreign devotees were deeply moved after taking a holy dip in the Sangam. Advertisement He mentioned that some tourists from Europe had also visited and the way they were singing praises of Prayagraj was truly overwhelming. They did not know Hindi, Sanskrit, or Awadhi, but they were chanting Hindi chaupais, Sanskrit mantras, and verses connected to Sanatan Dharma with great devotion. The reverence they expressed for Mother Ganga and the sacred places here was overwhelming, he remarked. Advertisement The CM highlighted the grand scale of the Mahakumbh and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision for the event. He emphasised that everyone is fully dedicated to bringing this vision to life at the local level. He also thanked the media for helping promote Prayagrajs positive image. The main bathing events of Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti have concluded, while the two Maha Snans Mauni Amavasya on January 29 and Basant Panchami on February 3 are still to come. Over 7,000 organisations have already arrived, he noted. The Chief Minister informed that an aerial survey of the entire Mahakumbh area was conducted on Sunday. He added that the total number of people present at Mahakumbh, including devotees bathing at the Sangam, residents of Kumbh tents, and other connected groups, exceeds one crore. To ensure the convenience and safety of such a large crowd, both the central and the state government departments are working in full coordination. The vision of a grand, divine, and digital Kumbh is being realised, while also connecting the pilgrims faith with modernity and honouring their devotion, he added. The CM mentioned that to address all the issues, the state governments Chief Secretary, DGP, and other senior officials were sent to the site. Today, once again, efforts were made to assess the progress. Keeping in mind the upcoming major bathing events on January 29 and February 3, a review of the entire arrangement was conducted. He expressed confidence that with the blessings of Lord Prayagraj and Mother Ganga, the two major bathings (Shahi Snans) will be completed successfully. He also shared that programmes for the Prime Minister, President, Vice President, and Home Minister are also planned at the Mahakumbh. Former President Ram Nath Kovind is currently involved with the Mahakumbhs organisation. Notably, Governors and Chief Ministers of various states, as well as Supreme Court and High Court judges, along with representatives from different states, have continuously been visiting and bathing at the Sangam. There is a massive presence of saints and devotees currently in Prayagraj, with numerous religious rituals being conducted. Whether domestic or foreign, all are deeply moved after bathing at the Sangam, he added. CM Yogi also mentioned that on Makar Sankranti and Paush Purnima, he was unable to bathe at the Sangam, as he had chosen to restrict himself for the convenience of saints and devotees. The opportunity to witness the devotion and sentiments of the saints and pilgrims was truly overwhelming. The security forces on January 16 neutralised 18 Maoists, including Damodar, a Central Committee Member (SCM) and one of Indias most-wanted insurgents with a bounty of 50 lakh. The intense encounter, lasting over 10 hours, unfolded in the dense forests along the volatile Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The confirmation of this significant blow to Maoist insurgency came through a press release issued on January 18 by South Bastar Zonal Committee Secretary Ganga. The release acknowledged the loss of key Maoist leaders, including five women insurgents. Of the 18 slain insurgents, 12 bodies were recovered, while six were reportedly taken away by the retreating Maoists. Advertisement Prominent names among the neutralised insurgents include: Advertisement 1. Damodar (SCM, 50 lakh bounty) 2. Tamo Hungi (Battalion 1, Company 2, 8 lakh bounty) 3. Narsingh Rao (CRC Technical Team Member, 8 lakh bounty) 4. Mangdu (CYPC, West Bastar Division, 8 lakh bounty) 5. Jogga Madvi (Darba Division Technical ACM, 5 lakh bounty) 6. Nuppo Somdi (ACM, 5 lakh bounty) 7. Irpa Site (South Sub-Zonal Bureau, Technical Team, 5 lakh bounty) 8. Doddi Vasu (Konta Area Committee, 5 lakh bounty) 9. Pottam Mangli (LOS Party Member, 2 lakh bounty) Acting on precise intelligence about the presence of 250 Maoists, including top commanders Hidma and Deva, in the Pujari Kanker forests bordering Bijapur and Sukma in southern Chhattisgarh, the security forces launched a massive operation on January 15. Approximately 2,000 personnel, including units from the District Reserve Guards (DRG), COBRA Battalions 205, 206, 208, and 210, and CRPF, converged on the area to trap the insurgents. The encounter commenced on January 16 at 8 am and continued intermittently throughout the day. Despite the fierce resistance, the forces cornered the Maoists and seized a significant cache of weapons, including SLRs, and BGL launchers. However, Maoist commanders Hidma and Deva managed to escape, reportedly sustaining injuries during the encounter. Damodar, also known as Bade Chokha Rao, was a key Maoist figure operating across Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma districts, with a stronghold in the Pamed Area Committee. Known for his advanced weaponry and high-security entourage, his elimination is seen as a critical success in dismantling the Maoist network in South Bastar. On January 17, security forces uncovered a Maoist bunker between the Tumrel and Talperu rivers near the Sukma-Bijapur border. The bunker housed explosives, firearms, and materials for manufacturing weapons, significantly crippling the Maoists operational capabilities. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the security forces, stating, This victory reflects the firm resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to eradicate Maoist insurgency by March 2026. I salute the bravery of our forces who have achieved a major breakthrough. Bastar IG Sundarraj P described the operation as a historic setback for the Maoists. The elimination of Damodar and other high-ranking cadres has disrupted their command structure. This operation is a major step towards restoring peace in the region, he said. While the operation marks a remarkable victory for the forces, the escape of commanders Hidma and Deva remains a significant challenge. Both are instrumental in planning and executing Maoist strategies in the region. Authorities, however, believe they sustained injuries during the encounter and have intensified efforts to track and neutralise them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Mann ki Baat radio programme of 2025 on January 19 (Sunday). This will be his first Mann ki Baat programme this year, which is the 118th episode of the radio broadcast. Advertisement The Mann Ki Baat is the Prime Ministers monthly radio programme wherein he interacts with the citizens of the country about issues and themes related to the nation. Advertisement The Mann Ki Baat, normally held on the last Sunday of the month, has been pre-poned to January 19 as the nation will celebrate Republic Day on January 26. Be it Swachhata, volunteering, water conservation, Fit India, exams, or women empowerment, every month, citizens have been sharing their ideas and suggestions with PM Narendra Modi for his radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. Tune in tomorrow at 11 am for the first MannKiBaat of 2025! Looking forward to highlighting exemplary collective efforts from across India which showcase societal strength, PM Modi said in a post on X. In the previous episode of Mann ki Baat of 2024, PM Modi highlighted the values of the Constitution. On January 26, 2025, our Constitution will complete 75 years of its implementation. It is a matter of great pride for all of us. The Constitution handed over to us by our Constitution makers has stood the test of time. The Constitution is a guiding light for us, our guide. To connect the citizens of the country with the legacy of the Constitution, a special website named http://constitution75.com has been created. Here you can upload your video reading the Preamble of the Constitution. You can read the Constitution in different languages and also ask questions about the Constitution, he said. Launched in October 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth. 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 Ministers radio programme 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 Modis acclaimed programme, Mann Ki Baat. Fernandes had told IANS that he was motivated by PM Modis 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 Ministers 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 its all about connecting with people in a language that is simple and heartfelt. I think thats 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. Ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said here on Sunday that there was a lot of interest globally in Prime Minister Narendra Modis economic policies to be the focus of discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The minister for information & broadcasting, railways, and electronics and information technology is leading the Indian delegation at the annual World Economic Forum meeting beginning Monday. He said there was a lot of interest in Indias growth story among the international community, particularly about the digital transformation and the new digital architecture. Advertisement PM Modi has put a huge focus on inclusive development and growth which brings a big transformative change in the lives of the people at the bottom of the pyramid. This is something which the world wants to understand and in the World Economic Forum at Davos, there is a lot of interest in understanding our thought process, PMs economic policy, he said. Advertisement There will be detailed discussion in the World Economic Forum about inclusive growth, investment in social, physical and digital infrastructure and democratizing technology the minister added. He further said, Whether it is bank accounts, providing toilets, gas connections, tap water connections, getting the basic infrastructure in villages done, infrastructure in urban areas done, this is something which the world wants to understand. Prior to his departure for the Davos, the minister emphasised the global interest in Indias transformative digital journey under the leadership of PM Modi. The world is keen to understand Indias economic policies, the digital transformation brought about by the Digital India programme, and the way technology has been democratized to empower citizens across all strata of society, the Minister stated. Union Ministers CR Patil, K Ram Mohan Naidu, Chirag Paswan, and Jayant Chaudhary are also expected to attend the WEF from January 20 to 24. Further, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and their Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu will also attend the WEF meeting. US President-elect Donald Trump is expected to join the meeting via video link after he assumes office on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Election Commission of India (ECI) for leveraging technology to further empower the people and modernize the countrys voting process. Addressing the 118th episode of his monthly Mann Ki Baat broadcast on All India Radio, Modi remarked, Today is the first Mann Ki Baat of 2025. While this program typically airs on the last Sunday of each month, this time we are meeting earlier on the third Sunday, as Republic Day falls next Sunday. I extend my warm wishes for Republic Day in advance. Advertisement Speaking on National Voters Day, which coincides with the ECIs founding anniversary on January 25, he said, Our Constitution makers accorded immense importance to the Election Commission and peoples participation in democracy. Advertisement During the first elections in 1951-52, many doubted if Indias democracy would endure. Yet, India, the Mother of Democracy, has silenced those doubts. Over the decades, our democracy has grown stronger and more vibrant. Expressing his gratitude to the ECI, he added, I thank the Election Commission for modernizing and strengthening the voting process. Through the power of technology, it has further empowered citizens and upheld the commitment to fair elections. I urge everyone to exercise their right to vote in large numbers and actively participate in our democratic process. The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of this years Republic Day, marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Republic and the adoption of the Constitution. I salute the members of the Constituent Assembly who gave us this sacred document. Their deliberations and thoughts are a priceless heritage. Prime Minister Modi shared original audio clips of distinguished leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar, Dr Rajendra Prasad, and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, reflecting on the principles of unity, human values, and equality. Drawing inspiration from these leaders, Modi urged citizens to work towards building a nation that would make the Constitutions architects proud. In addition, Modi spoke about the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, describing it as a spectacle of humanity, harmony, and cultural confluence. He highlighted the enthusiastic participation of youth and the extensive digital engagement with the Kumbh this year. This grand festival exemplifies unity in diversity. People from all corners of India and the world come together at the Sangam, transcending barriers of caste and creed. The involvement of youth ensures pride in our civilization, strengthening roots and paving the way for a golden future, Modi said. He concluded by emphasizing the Kumbhs global recognition as a matter of pride for every Indian. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited Prayagraj on Sunday morning for the Mahakumbh festivities and took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam. He arrived late Saturday night, toured the Rajasthan Pavilion in Sector 7, and explored the sacred site by boat early Sunday morning. Advertisement At the Triveni Sangam, he performed rituals, including offering prayers to Maa Ganga and worshipping Lord Mahadev with milk and holy water. The Chief Minister also participated in the Ganga Aarti and visited the Bade Hanuman Ji temple to offer prayers. Advertisement CM Sharma expressed his admiration for the grand arrangements at the Mahakumbh and commended Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his leadership and seamless execution of the event. Uttar Pradesh Minister Nand Gopal Nandi welcomed Sharma upon his arrival at the Prayagraj airport on Saturday night. During his visit, he also toured the Rajasthan Pavilion at the Mahakumbh and interacted with devotees from various districts of Rajasthan. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has successfully apprehended 916 individuals, including 586 Bangladeshi nationals and 318 Rohingya migrants, since 2021. This reflects the RPFs steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation against illegal migration. In June and July 2024, the RPF apprehended 88 Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants in areas under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Some individuals confessed to entering India illegally and were intercepted while traveling by train to destinations such as Kolkata, the Ministry of Railways said on Sunday. Advertisement Reports from October 2024 indicate that, despite enhanced border security, illegal migrants continue to infiltrate India, often using Assam as a transit point and railways as a preferred mode of transport to reach other regions. Advertisement These incidents underscore the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring railway networks against unauthorized entry. To tackle this issue, the RPF has intensified its operations, collaborating with agencies such as the Border Security Force (BSF), local police, and intelligence units. This multi-agency approach has improved operational efficiency, facilitating the swift identification and detention of individuals involved in illegal migration. While the RPF has been instrumental in apprehending suspects, it lacks the authority to prosecute them. Detainees are handed over to local police and other agencies for further legal action. Recent political and socio-economic turmoil in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar has exacerbated the influx of migrants seeking refuge, employment, or shelter in India. These geopolitical and socio-religious dynamics remain a significant national security concern. Although precise data on infiltrators using railway networks is limited, reports suggest that routes through Assam and Tripura are commonly exploited for illegal transit. The RPFs efforts are crucial in addressing this issue, as many migrants are not only national security risks but also vulnerable to exploitation. They are often subjected to human trafficking, including bonded labor, domestic servitude, prostitution, and even organ harvesting. By addressing the dual challenges of national security and human exploitation, the RPF continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of Indias borders and railway networks. Outgoing US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Sunday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his family for a final meeting and later said the partnership between the two countries has reached new heights due to the efforts of PM Modi and President Joe Biden. His meeting with PM Modi came a day before Mr Donald Trumps inauguration as Americas 47th President. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at Mr Trumps inauguration. Advertisement In a social media post on X, Mr Garcetti said, Had a great final visit with PM Modi with my family. Its clear that he and President Biden have raised our compelling and consequential US-India partnership to new heightsrecord visas, record trade, record defence collaboration, record space cooperation, record students, record investments and so much more. Advertisement He expressed his gratitude to PM Modi and the people of India for their warm hospitality and underlined that the US-India partnership has become indispensable and will continue to grow stronger in the coming years. What was seen as unthinkable a generation ago will seem as indispensable a generation from now, thanks to the work of these leaders and the people of our nations. Thank you Prime Minister and thank you to all Indians. Its been a daily joy to help co-write this chapter with you, he added. Mr Garcettis last official engagement in India was the inauguration ceremony of the US Consulate office in Bengaluru on Friday along with Mr Jaishankar. We are not beginning a new presence here. In Karnataka, but are expanding our existing presence here, a commitment that America makes to this great state and city in this amazing nation as well. And thank you to all of our honourable dignitaries, he said. The US Ambassador also highlighted the rich history of US-India relations, dating back to 1776 when the US opened its second-ever consulate in Kolkata, India. He noted that the recent inauguration of the US Consulate office in Bengaluru marks an expansion of the US presence in India, rather than a new beginning. Mr Jaishankar announced on the occasion that India will open its Consulate in Los Angeles. The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos comes at a time of unprecedented global challenges, where armed conflict has been identified as the most pressing risk for 2025. This marks a shift from previous years, where environmental crises dominated global concerns. The discussions at Davos will unfold against the backdrop of a fragmented world order, with geopolitical tensions and economic instability demanding urgent attention from global leaders. Armed conflict, whether in the form of protracted wars or localised violence, has displaced extreme weather as the top risk to global growth. The devastating impacts of conflicts, such as those seen in Ukraine or Gaza, extend beyond national borders, disrupting supply chains, displacing millions, and eroding economic resilience. As leaders gather in Davos, the question of how to foster effective diplomacy and rebuild trust between nations will loom large. Without collective action, these conflicts threaten to deepen divides and exacerbate instability. Adding to this complex risk landscape is the rising threat of misinformation and disinformation, identified as a severe global challenge over the next two years. In an increasingly digital world, false narratives have the power to shape public opinion, disrupt governance, and escalate tensions. Advertisement The WEFs focus on addressing this issue is critical, as unchecked disinformation risks undermining not only domestic stability but also international cooperation. Despite the immediate concerns around conflict and misinformation, environmental risks remain a dominant long-term threat. For over a decade, Davos has been a platform for discussing climate action, yet progress remains slow. The breach of critical temperature thresholds and the intensifying impacts of extreme weather highlight the urgency of these discussions. Global leaders must use the forum to advance actionable climate policies that go beyond pledges and focus on implementation and accountability. The increasing weaponization of information, where truth itself becomes a battleground, further complicates efforts to build consensus on global challenges. This years meeting also coincides with an increasingly multipolar world, as highlighted by the WEFs survey of experts, with 64 per cent expecting global fragmentation to persist. Advertisement This fragmented order poses a significant challenge to addressing interconnected risks, as national interests often overshadow collective needs. The WEFs emphasis on fostering collaboration offers a crucial opportunity for dialogue, but whether that dialogue translates into meaningful action remains to be seen. Davos, as a forum, symbolises both the potential and the limitations of global cooperation. The stakes are high, with cascading crises requiring solutions that integrate economic, political, and environmental considerations. Leaders must use this platform to not only identify shared challenges but also commit to shared responsibilities. The future hinges on the ability of global actors to rise above divisions and confront these risks collectively. At a time when the world seems more fragmented than ever, the annual gathering in Davos is a reminder that collaboration is not just desirable ~ it is essential for survival. 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. Advertisement According to the IDF, the missile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, and no casualties were reported. Advertisement This marked the second missile fired by Yemens Houthi group towards Israel on Saturday, following an earlier launch aimed at central Israel, which was also intercepted by Israels air defence systems. Israels 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, Yemens Houthi groups 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. Israels 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 local administration in the Kurram District of Pakistans 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 KPs Rehabilitation and Settlement Department, Javedullah had asked for establishment of relocation camps to four sites in the provinces 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. 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 Nigerias 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement At least 30 people died in the incident, according to a report by The Nation, a local newspaper, which cited local sources, Xinhua news agency reported. 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 governments 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. South Koreas impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol attended a hearing at a Seoul court on Saturday to oppose his potential formal arrest over his short-lived martial law decree last month, his lawyers said. Yoon has been in custody since his arrest on 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. Advertisement The hearing at the Seoul Western District Court comes a day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), leading a joint investigation with police and the military, requested the court to issue a warrant for Yoons formal arrest. Advertisement Yoon was transported from the detention center in Uiwang, about 20 kilometres 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 South Korean and US flags and chanting Yoons 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 Yoon Gap-keun 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, Yonhap news agency reported. During the hearing that began at 2 p.m., Yoon is expected to flatly deny the insurrection charges against him. He is also expected to argue there is no need to arrest him as investigators have already secured much of the evidence required for an investigation and there is no flight risk for Yoon as he is the sitting president. 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. Yoons presidential powers were suspended after the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him December 14. On Wednesday, Yoons 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, Yoons 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. The judge at the Seoul Western District Court is expected to make a decision as early as late Saturday or early Sunday. If court officials issue the warrant, Yoon will become the first sitting president in South Koreas constitutional history to be formally arrested. Yoons 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 and 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 parliaments impeachment decision or reinstate him. Ahead of the implementation of the ceasefire deal with Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel cannot proceed with the agreed framework until Hamas provides the list of hostages to be released. He further emphasised that any violations of the agreement will not be tolerated. Quoting Netanyahu, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X wrote, 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. Advertisement On Saturday, the Israeli government approved the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas by a vote of 24-8, according to a report by Times of Israel. Earlier on Friday, the Israeli security cabinet had approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended the government to adopt it. The Israel governments 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. Advertisement 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. 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 Gazas future reconstruction. Netanyahus 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. The world is already exhausted, and Donald Trump has not even begun his second term. Trump 2.0 threatens to turn into a global sound-breaking roller-coaster ride, upending the world order. Certainties implode, unpredictability prevails, foes become friends, allies are bullied, nothing is impossible and everything up for grabsespecially land. Trumps taste for real estate endures. Do not meddle with our borders, European leaders warnednot Russia, but the US, their biggest ally and military partner. The president-elect rattled Europe, threatening to use force if necessary to grab Greenland, Denmarks strategically located Arctic Island. In 2019, when Trump first claimed Greenland, the Danes laughed at the absurd, April Fools Joke. No one is laughing now. To appease Trump and fulfil Americas ambitions, risk-averse Denmark offers to further augment the existing US base in Greenland. Trumps jabs already activated Denmark to spend $2 billion for new ships, drones and extending the runway for F-35 fighter jetsto deter hovering Russians and Chinese. Greenland, whose capital Nuuk is closer to Washington than to Copenhagen, has military uses, surveillance value and rich mineral resources. Whats not to grab? And melting Arctic ice opens the northern east-west shipping routes. Imaging: Deni Lal Greenland is great, but Trump also has other incendiary plans: annex Canada, seize Panama Canal, rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. The officials who served as guardrails in Trumps first termgone. Loyalists to lead key ministriesTrump-picked. US Congress, Republican Party, Supreme Court, media, corporatesall under control. Trump is the strongest American president ever. He also has an acea main, not sidekick. Elon Musk. The duo is an unfunny, similar but unidentical version of Tweedledum, Tweedledee. Trumps nicknames are legendaryLyin Ted, Crooked Hillary, Sleepy Joe, Low IQ War Hawk, Crazy Kamala, Morning Psycho, Tampon Tim, Broken Old Crow. Mirror-image Musk is more mendacious, menacing and mean. He ranted that British PM Keir Starmer should be jailed because, as former prosecutor, he was complicit in the rape of Britain. He called British minister Jess Phillips a wicked witch, German president a tyrant and German chancellor a fool. Musk aims to topple the democratically-elected UK government and get Germanys far-right AfD elected in February. German mainstream politicians accuse Musk of misusing his wealth and proximity to Trump to recklessly resurrect Nazi demons of the past. The British are investigating Musks untrue tweets about migrant crime, which authorities fear could instigate white supremacists to street violence. Musk called Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau an insufferable fool who wont be in power for much longer. He wasnt. How did Musk know? In this cacophony, Trump-Musk silence on Russia and China is striking. Western politicians scurry to curry favour. Giorgia Meloni, Italys prime minister, a chum of genius Trump, announced surveillance technology contracts would be awarded to Musks Starlink. Mutual benefit cements the Trump-Musk alliance. The duo can develop, destroy or self-destruct. Analysts expect the emperor-sized egos of the two men will destroy the bromance. But Psychology Today notes male friendships are sturdy because they are usually transactional and based around a shared activityin this case making money and disrupting the liberal order. The world as it once was could soon become a nostalgic refrain in progressive societies. The Two Musketeers. Trumpty Muskty, Tweedledum, Tweedledee. Whatever nickname sticks, they are a perfect pair to turn the world topsy-turvy. Trump has power, but not much money. Musk has money, but not much power. Together, they are the mightiest, the rowdiest, riskiest, richest twosome the world has ever seen. Pratap is an author and journalist. Its been a very macho fortnight. A whole bunch of gents have recently said or done some very manly things, starting with Mark Zuckerberg. The Meta CEO, who has been doing a lot of mixed martial arts and hunting, and visiting with Donald Trump in November 24, is now calling for a more masculine company culture and leadership style. To be fair, he did get famous by creating Facemash (a site that sourced photographs of female Harvard undergraduates without permission from the universitys online directories, then presented users with pairs of women and asked them to rank who was hotter. The homepage stated, Were we admitted for our looks? No. Will we be judged by them? Yes.) So hes just reverting to type, really. Anyway, Meta is loosening restrictions on discussions of contentious social issues, such as immigration, gender and sexuality. It has scrapped its fact-checking programme aimed at curbing misinformation, placing the onus on users to police falsehoods. And it will insert more political content into peoples feeds, after previously de-emphasising that very material. So, things are starting to smell pretty Musky at Facebook. Imaging: Deni Lal In another development, the chairman of Larsen & Toubro has been seen browbeating employees in an internal video. He was telling them to work a 90-hour week, including Sundays, because how long can you stare at your wife? This is problematic on multiple levels. First, the chairman has said this in spite of having a sizeable human resource team (led by a woman, who is, as we speak, posting on LinkedIn to clean up the mess which he is too macho to clean up himself) to educate him on the importance of a work-life balance in building a culture of healthy, sustainable (not short-term, use-and-throw) excellence. Second, the chairman directly links employees patriotism to their working hours, citing China as the ultimate Sharmaji ka beta we should all be aspiring to be; or else be considered anti-nationals. Third, Glassdoor and Reddit users have been quick to point out the staggering difference between L&Ts measly starting salaries of Rs5 lakh per annum, compared to the chairmans own Rs51 crore per annum. Many have pointed out they would be quite happy to work on Sundays if they could have what the chairman is having. Fourth, the man has been caught saying wife, and not spouse, which demonstrates that women at his company are invisible to him. Finally, his remarks also seem to be a macho-upping-of-the-ante reaction to the statement made recently by Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy, where he asked young people to work a 70-hour week because we are poor and need to make India number one. Basically, its a classic (and very-male) competitive game of mines bigger than yours. The sort that Zuckerberg is getting nostalgic for. In fact, prior to his masculine statement, he just shut down Metas Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) operations worldwide. (Apple is under pressure to scrap its DEI programme as well, but is resisting.) Call me alarmist, but it seems to me that corporate culture worldwide is mutating into a more and more rough and tough, masculine affairemployees are expected to work brutally long hours, and put up with aggressively sexist and racist cooler talk while doing soboth things that women, given our status as child-bearers and primary care-givers, as well as the physically weaker, less-aggressive sexare ill-equipped to do. Seen against the backdrop of the Pelicot case in France (the fact that so many men could prefer an inert ragdoll as a partner), and the rise of self-objectifying, domestic goddess tradwife trends on Meta, it seems like a wave designed to systematically push women (and minorities) completely out of the workplace. editor@theweek.in Major global leaders will be in attendance at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) this year. The 2025 edition is scheduled from January 20 to 24, 2025, at Davos-Klosters in Switzerland, with the union minister for IT, broadcasting, electronics, and railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, representing India at the forum. Generative AI, the latest buzzword in tech, has reached the ears of world leaders as it could take centre stage at the summit. Two months ago, the WEF released a study solely focusing on Leveraging Generative AI for Job Augmentation and Workforce Productivity. The insight report discussed various scenarios, case studies, and a framework for future action. According to the World Economic Forums latest Future of Jobs survey, within the next five years, employers expect GenAI advancements to reshape a substantial number of jobs, potentially affecting up to 40 per cent of total global working hours, read the report. India, with it being a global leader in human resource and an emerging economy of young jobseekers, would be in a critical position to deliberate further on Gen AI adoption globally. Before departing for the WEF 2025 summit, Vaishnaw doubled down on Indias focus of inclusive development that brings transformative changes in the lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid, according to a statement from his office. The world is keen to understand Indias economic policies, the digital transformation brought about by the Digital India programme, and the way technology has been democratised to empower citizens across all strata of society, the minister said. Highlighting the countrys growing digital architecture, Vaishnaw said that using technology for inclusive development would be a key point of discussion at Davos. However, the Indian delegation would not limit itself to technology. The minister stated that India would share insights from financial inclusion through bank accounts to providing essential services like toilets, gas connections, tap water, and improving infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. This is something which the world wants to understand, Vaishnaw added. Just days before being sworn into office, US president-elect Donald J Trump launched the cryptocurrency token $TRUMP. While many are concerned about the ethical ramifications of an incoming head of state dabbling in deregulated digital currency, the token has surged in market value mere hours after going on sale. Trump launching the new crypto "meme" token aligns with his promises during his successful campaign trail, as it looks like the industrialist has embraced the technology and the industry surrounding it. "Join my very special Trump Community. GET YOUR $TRUMP NOW," wrote the business magnate on his social-media platform, Truth Social. $TRUMP is a meme token, and is being headlined by CIC Digital LLC, closely affiliated with the Trump conglomerate. CIC Digital also sells Trump-branded merchandise, which includes perfumes, shoes, and even trading cards. Trump and his family are said to have a direct and significant stake in the $TRUMP token. With his about to assume the office of head of state in the US, this invites inevitable debate about ethical competition practices. Trump announces meme token $TRUMP | Truth Social While globally, cryptocurrencies are deregulated, all governments en-masse have tried to use their own market watchdogs to bring crypto trades under their respective purview. Like the SEBI in India, the SEC in the US is the organisation that is expected to oversee the country's trade in cryptocurrencies. Trump's definitive moment in crypto came last year at the Bitcoin conference when he announced new regulations if he came to power. So far, Trump has delivered, starting with his pick for SEC, Paul Atkins, a long-time cryptocurrency advocate. Atkins replaces outgoing SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, famously anti-bitcoin. Trump and cryptoa new love story? This Friday, bitcoin crossed the hallowed USD 100,000 mark yet again, as the world looks on at Donald Trump assuming the office of the President of the United States in the coming days. From calling bitcoin a scam just a few years ago, this turnaround is quite iconic, especially after the incoming US president promised a crypto stockpile and digital currency-friendly administration. Bitcoin breached USD 100,000 on Trump's election victory, then slid to USD 90,000 last week. In contrast, it was in the USD 19,000 to USD 20,000 range just two years ago. If Trump's election promises are to be believed, the US administration would stockpile the cryptos seized through raids and other actions by law enforcement instead of auctioning them off. Crypto advocates believe that such a government stockpile would normalise Bitcoinand cryptocurrencies, in generalessentially legitimising it in the eyes of the public. What the Trump administration would do is yet to be seen. Still, crypto markets are clearly celebrating the swearing-in of the new US president. Police suspect the man who stabbed actor Saif Ali Khan in his Bandra residence could be a Bangladeshi immigrant who had been using a fake Indian identity card. However, he is said to have told police that he belonged to West Bengal. DCP Zone 9 Dikshit Gedam identified the accused Mohammad Sharif Ul Islam Shehz aka Vijay Das. He is said to have entered India via the West Bengal border six months ago. Gedam added that there is primary evidence to anticipate that the accused is a Bangladeshi national who sneaked into India. Shehz does not have a valid Indian identification document, police said. VIDEO | Attack on Saif Ali Khan: Mumbai Police detains one more suspect from Thanes Hiranandani Estate. Visuals from outside Bandra Police Station. (Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/BaKqZrWq0v Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 19, 2025 He came to Mumbai six months ago and had been working in a housekeeping agency. The DCP Gedam added that relevant sections of the Passport Act and the Foreigners Act in addition to other BNS sections will be added. He was arrested on Saturday from a pub in the Labour Camp area of Thane. He is said to have confessed to police that he was the one who broke into Saif's and Kareena Kapoor's house in Bandra and stabbed the actor. The accused is currently kept in detention at Khar Police Station. Mumbai Police sources said the accused used multiple names, including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammed Iliyas and was working as a housekeeping staff at a restaurant. Realising that the police were zeroing in on him, the accused hid in the bushes of the labour camp. Mumbai police also will conduct a press briefing at 9 am on Sunday. Meanwhile, police recovered a piece of knife used to attack Saif from his residence at the 12th-floor residence in the 'Satguru Sharan' building in upscale Bandra. The doctors who performed an emergency surgery on the actor had removed a 2.5-inch piece of a broken knife from his spine afterwards. On Saturday, the police had apprehended a 31-year-old suspect at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh in this connection. However, there is no word so far about his alleged involvement. The police had shared a picture of the accused who was nabbed while travelling by the Jnaneshwari Express which runs between Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Kolkata Shalimar. Aakash Kailash Kannojia, the detained man, was "still a suspect", Mumbai police said in a statement later. Shahid Kapoor's latest film Deva is hitting theatres on January 31. Ahead of the release, the actor told fans at the film's trailer launch that the film gave him his most challenging role yet. Deva marks the Hindi debut of Malayalam director Rosshan Andrrews, known in Kerala for such hits as Udhayananu Tharam, Mumbai Police, and Kayamkulam Kochunni. Produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur in collaboration with Zee Studios, Deva has Shahid essaying an unconventional, 'angry young man' cop. It is based on a script co-written by BobbySanjay, Abbas Dalal, Hussain Dalal, Arshad Syed, and Sumit Arora from a story by Bobby-Sanjay, the writing duo behind the acclaimed Malayalam films such as Traffic, Ayalum Njanum Thammil and Uyare. This is the most complex character Ive played; having said that, Ive played a few," said Kapoor, adding that his character in Deva made him wonder if he could pull it off. "Roshan created this character and we both developed this year for a year and then shot for it, said Kapoor, who became a household name with the films Haider, Kabir Singh, Jersey, and Jab We Met. Being an actor who tried his hand at characters of various temperaments, Kapoor said he is always looking for roles that challenge him. "I'm always looking to do something that lets you grow and takes you to another level as an artist. I cant do just anything; Ive to do things as per the story and character requirement, and I know I would hopefully do well," he added. "Theres an overwhelming personality to Deva that gives him that charisma and star quality, so it needed to be a combination of both those elements. Lauding the Election Commission for modernising itself over the years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Commission has strengthened voting process from time to time through its efforts. In his first Mann Ki Baat for the year, Modi said, The EC has modernised and strengthened the election process from time to time. Reminding January 25 is celebrated as National Voters' Day in the country, the prime minister said, I would also like to thank the Election Commission, which has modernized and strengthened our voting process from time to time. The Commission has used the power of technology to give more power to the power of the people. Appreciating the Commission for ensuring the conduct of fair and transparent elections, Modi said, I would like to urge the countrymen to use their right to vote, always, in maximum numbers and also become a part of the country's democratic process and strengthen this process. Opposition parties have increasingly doubted the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and Modi's remarks can be seen as an endorsement of the EVMs. Modi also lauded ISRO for its successfully undertaking space docking mission. This technology is important for sending supplies to Space Stations and crew missions in Space. India has become the fourth country to have achieved this success, the prime minister said. Modi said 2025 marks 75 years of the Constitution coming into force and he paid tributes to founding members of the Constituent Assembly. The prime minister also played short audio clips of some of the members of India's constituent assembly, including its chairman Rajendra Prasad, Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Syama Prasad Mookerjee, to highlight the values they promoted. Ambedkar called for everyone to work together in everyone's interest, while Prasad highlighted India's commitment to humanistic values, PTI reported."We should take inspiration from them to build an India of which our Constitution makers would have been proud," Modi said. Speaking of the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the prime minister said people of various castes and regions have come together. There is no discrimination of any kind, he added. Modi said extensive participation of the youth is visible in the gigantic get-together of devouts, saying it will strengthen civilisational roots and assure a gold future. The event's global popularity is a matter of pride for every Indian, the publication reported. A group of 121 farmers, who sat on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri protest site in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, ended their indefinite strike on Sunday after he took medical aid. Dallewal (70), who has refused any aid since he sat on a fast-unto-death on November 26, agreed on Saturday to take medical aid following the Centre's invitation for talks on February 14 to discuss farmers' demands. With his health deteriorating and the government not agreeing to their demands, a group of 111 farmers joined Dallewal's fast-unto-death on January 15, and sat on the Haryana side of the border near Khanauri. On January 17, 10 more farmers, who were from Haryana, joined them. The 121 farmers ended their fast by sipping juice in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh. A high-level Central delegation, led by Union Agriculture Ministry Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met farmer leader Dallewal and representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Saturday, and invited them for a resumption of talks on February 14 at Chandigarh. Following the announcement of the proposed meeting, Dallewal agreed to take medical aid. Later, Dallewal took medical assistance with an intravenous drip. Farmer leaders have, however, said Dallewal will not end his indefinite fast until a legal guarantee to minimum support price for crops is given. IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti has stirred up a storm after he reportedly made a remark praising the medicinal values of cow urine. A video clip of his remark has gone viral on social platforms, drawing flak from the DMK and other Dravidian outfits. Kamakoti made the remark while addressing an event at a Go Samrakshana Sala on the day of Maatu Pongal (January 15). Talking about the significance of switching to organic farming, the director claimed Gomutra (cow urine) has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties. He said cow urine is useful as a medicine for conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Kamakoti narrated the story of a sanyasi and said the ascetic, when he had high fever, consumed 'Gomutra' and was cured. DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan hit out at Kamakoti and accused the central government of spoiling the education system of the country. Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Ramakrishnan demanded an apology from the director and said the outfit would stage a protest against him. Congress leader Karti Chidambaram accused Kamakoti of peddling pseudoscience while the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) termed his remarks as shameful. DK leader Kali Poongundran cited a study which showed that cow urine had harmful bacteria and hence, was not suitable for direct human consumption. Kamakoti assumed charge as director of IIT-M on January 17, 2022. Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday and said the national capital has never seen such violence before during an election. Kejriwal, who was allegedly attacked while he was campaigning on Saturday, claimed the BJP is losing Delhi election badly. #WATCH | Delhi: AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal says, "The kind of campaign we are seeing this time is unseen. The people of Delhi have never seen such violence. A murder attempt was carried out on a former CM. My life is dedicated to the society and the nation. They are pic.twitter.com/IKdqe8VK1v ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025 Addressing presspersons in Delhi, Kejriwal charged New Delhi BJP candidate Parvesh Verma's "goons" attacked him on Saturday. "The people of Delhi have never witnessed such campaigning and violence in which a murderous attack was attempted on a former chief minister. This is their way of campaigning because they are badly losing," Kejriwal charged. Dismissing BJP candidate Vermas claims that he would lose the New Delhi seat by 20,000 votes, Kejriwal said, Let him live in dreams for some days. Announcing a housing scheme for government servants in Delhi, Kejriwal said he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about a housing scheme for government employees, and said the Delhi government will build the houses if the Centre provides land. Kejriwal said, If the central government provides land at highly subsidised rates, then the Delhi government will get houses constructed on them and government employees will pay in easy instalments and become houseowners. I have requested that we begin this scheme from the sanitation workers of NDMC and Nagar Nigam. Kejriwal added, I hope the centre and the PM agree on this because this is for the poor people. Later on, this scheme can be implemented for the other government workers too, ANI reported. Both the AAP and the BJP engaged in a war of words on Saturday over an alleged attack on the former chief ministers car. AAP leaders alleged Kejriwals car was attacked with stones by the BJPs candidate Parvesh Verma. However, BJP countered the allegations and said the former CMs car hit a BJP worker. NCP leader Praful Patel has opened up on how the NCP tackled the setback faced by the party during the Lok Sabha elections, adding how they worked hard for four to five months leading to the Assembly elections. Patel, while speaking at Navsankalp Shibir organised by the NCP in Shirdi on Sunday, said he watched the Lok Sabha election results with NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at Devgiri, the latter's official residence. "We were looking at each other's faces," said Patel, adding they kept wondering whether the party made any mistakes. "After Baramati results came, we wondered: Did we make any mistakes? Has Maharashtra rejected us? These thoughts came to our mind," Patel said. "Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister for the third time in the country. The question was what was the role of NCP in this government?" he said. But, they decided not to take the defeat to heart and started working hard. "Perhaps that moment played an instrumental part in us pulling off a big victory. We faced the elections as a grand alliance," the Rajya Sabha MP said. He thanked the 42 MLAs who stood with Pawar. MLAs. "They contested in the party symbol and got elected. Even now, 90 per cent of our workers follow Congress ideology. Our ideology is the same. We cannot change ideology overnight. When we first met Modi, we said that Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar is our ideology. He said that you should be firm on that ideology," Patel added. He took a dig at Congress, stating that the party is waning in Maharashtra. "The NCP will fill that gap. Many of them want to join the NCP. " Patel also recalled the 1999 decision by the NCP to go with the Congress to form the government. "At that time, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had invited us to join hands with the BJP and Shiv Sena in the state and NDA at the Centre. Had we listened to that, the Congress would have been finished by now. We were under a big banyan tree. That is why we could not grow. Now we have taken a free breath. Therefore, we will grow our party," Praful Patel told the NCP workers. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to attend the Mahakumbh Mela being held at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday. Adityanath said former president Ram Nath Kovind is currently involved with the Mahakumbh's organisation. He was speaking at a press conference in the pilgrim city after reviewing the preparations for Mauni Amavasya which will be observed on January 29. Lakhs of devotees are expected to take the holy dip in the river Ganges on this auspicious day. The chief minister said the European tourists singing praises of Prayagraj was truly overwhelming. "They do not know Hindi, Sanskrit or Awadhi, but they were chanting Hindi chaupais, Sanskrit mantras and verses connected to Sanatan Dharma with great devotion. The reverence they expressed for Mother Ganga and the sacred places here was overwhelming". Adityanath lauded Prime Minister Modi for the successful organisation of the Kumbh Mela, while highlighting the grand scale of the event. The total number of people present at the event, including devotees bathing at the Sangam, residents of Kumbh tents and other connected groups, has gone past one crore, he said. "To ensure the convenience and safety of such a large crowd, departments of both the central and state governments are working with full coordination among each other. The vision of a grand, divine and digital Kumbh is being realised, while also connecting the pilgrims' faith with modernity and honouring their devotion," said the chief minister. The 45-day spiritual congregation started on Paush Purnima on January 13 and more than 7.72 crore people have taken the holy dip so far. A Mumbai court remanded the alleged attacker in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case and granted police five-day custody of the accused. The attacker, identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was arrested by police from Thane and is allegedly a Bangladeshi national. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Saif Ali Khan Attack case | Accused Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad brought to Bandra police station. The Bandra Holiday Court granted his 5-day police custody. pic.twitter.com/bmcMdDSB83 ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025 Mumbai police produced the accused nabbed in connection with the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case at Bandra holiday court on Sunday and sought his custody. Seeking custody of the accused Mohammad Islam, police said the attacker was a Bangladeshi and they required his custody to probe whether there was any international conspiracy behind the attack. Considering the polices contention, the court granted cops custody of the accused till January 24. After perusing documents on record, the court said the prosecution's submission of international conspiracy "cannot be said to be impossible", PTI reported. Police said the motive behind the attack needs to be probed. #WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, the arrested accused in the Saif Ali Khan attack case taken from Khar Police Station. pic.twitter.com/pzMENCwfuU ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025 Earlier on Sunday, police told media that the alleged attacker Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad was a Bangladeshi national and he entered India illegally. He changed his name to Bijoy Das after entering the country and was nabbed from Thane, police said. However, Islams lawyers denied the charges and said police have not provided any evidence to prove the alleged attacker is a Bangladesh national. They said Islam has been living in India for close to seven years and police have not recovered anything related to the crime from him. Islams lawyer Sandeep Shekhane said police changed the angle of the case just because the accused was a Bangladeshi. The attacker sneaked into Khans house in Satguru Sharan building in Bandra during the early hours of January 16 with the intention of theft, police had said. Khan was stabbed six times in the scuffle that broke out and he underwent multiple surgeries at Lilavati Hospital to treat his wounds. With the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine militant group Hamas all set to take effect from Sunday, the latter has reportedly not submitted the first list of hostages who are to be released despite prior commitments. Hamas, which missed the Saturday 4:30 pm deadline to submit the hostage list, had promised to provide the names soon. The reason cited is "technical" as Hamas communicates "physically via emissaries" and it "takes time to agree on the names and locations when the IDF planes are still above them." The list will only come out after the approval of Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar. However, the group is expected to provide the list within hours, the Saudi television channel Al Hadath reported on Saturday. Despite the hitch, Israeli officials are confident that the plan will proceed as scheduled. However, there are concerns in Israel that Hamas might resort to "psychological warfare" and propaganda, with the agreement's first violation already occurring. "There is a high probability of delays and manipulations by Hamas, starting on day one," Ynet News quoted an Israeli official. He added that Hamas could subject Israeli families to psychological warfare." The ceasefire agreement was set to start on Sunday at 8:30 am, with the security cabinet approving the pact early on Saturday. As per the plan, three hostages will be released today, with a total of 33 to return to Israel over the next 42 days. The release of the first three hostages is expected to start no earlier than 4 p.m. Sunday. The hostages will be handed over to Israel under Red Cross mediation and in exchange, 90 Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli prisons and transferred to the West Bank or East Jerusalem. As many as 1,904 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including several serving multiple life sentences for deadly terror attacks and murder, will return home in the first phase. Among the Palestinians to go free are 737 jailed detainees and security prisoners, some of whom are serving life sentences for murder. The Justice Ministry on Saturday published these names to allow petitions against their release to be submitted to the High Court. They include members of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Palestinian Authoritys ruling Fatah movement, along with women and children being held in Israeli jails. Hamas on Sunday released the first batch of three Israeli hostages, held captive since October 7, on Sunday as part of the ceasefire deal. The three women, Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doren Steinbrecher, 31 were handed over to the Gaza Red Cross. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has confirmed the transfer. The hostages will soon be reunited with their loved ones. The three returnees are now being escorted by an elite IDF unit and Shin Bet security force on their way back to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical evaluation, said IDF. Also read | Who are the 3 women hostages returned to Israel? Gaza ceasefire begins as captives go home Absolutely chaotic scenes as the 3 hostages are moved out of Gaza. F*ck this entire terrorist enclave. pic.twitter.com/pvyv2n8AEA (@NiohBerg) January 19, 2025 Live footage carried by Al Jazeera showed hostages walking between vehicles as their convoy moved through Gaza City. Chaotic scenes occurred as the convoy was surrounded by a huge crowd with many people holding up phones and filming. Armed men wearing green Hamas headbands struggled to guard the cars amid the chaos. A senior Hamas official told AFP that, "The three women hostages were officially handed over to the Red Cross at al-Saraya Square in the al-Rimal neighbourhood in western Gaza City." Meanwhile, buses were waiting in the Israel-occupied West Bank awaiting the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention. Even before the ceasefire took effect, celebrations erupted across the territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes. As part of the ceasefire deal, the first stage should see a total of 33 hostages returning from Gaza and over 100 Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. We are expecting 90 Palestinian prisoners to be released from Israeli prisons in return later today. It is not clear exactly what time they will be released, said a Hamas official. The Gaza ceasefire came into force at 11.15 am local time after the first three women hostages were handed over to IDF. Hamas had sent Israel the list of three hostages who were released on Sunday, said a senior Hamas official. The move has been confirmed by Israeli officials too. This marks the first step of the 42-day-long ceasefire that begins on Sunday. The truce had been delayed by around three hours. The hostages were handed over to Israeli Defense Forces by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In return for each of the three hostages, 30 Palestinian security prisoners imprisoned by Israel were also released. Who are the 3 women released by Hamas? Doron Steinbrecher, 31, Emily Damari, 28, and Romi Gonen, 24, are the three women who were returned on Sunday afternoon, according to Hamas. BREAKING : The abductees expected to be released today: Romi Gonen (24). Emily Damarie (28). Doron Steinbracher (31). Waiting for you at home. pic.twitter.com/j1GkqOk7dX Eli Afriat (@EliAfriatISR) January 19, 2025 The other women held by Hamas are Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33, Arbel Yehud, 29, Agam Berger, 21, Danielle Giboa, 20, Karina Ariev, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19. Israel had earlier claimed that Hamas failed to provide the names of the hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the truce deal would only begin after Israel got the names. Following this, the Israeli Defence Forces launched airstrikes, killing eight Palestinians. Hamas had clarified that the delay was due to "technical" issues but assured that the hostages names would be released soon. The first phase of the ceasefire, which will last for 42 days, will see 33 hostages being released over six weeks. After the release of three women on Sunday, four more will be released on the seventh day. Three each will be handed over in the following four weeks and remaining 14 on the final week. Israel said it has recovered the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier who was killed in 2014. IDF said it will continue to make efforts to bring back the body of another solider, Hadar Goldin, who was also killed in 2014. The Israeli health ministry has issued guidelines for hospitals that are set to receive the hostages returned by Hamas as part of the ceasefire deal. A Red Cross team will transfer the hostages to Egypt before they are handed over to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The military has set up three facilities near the Gaza border at Erez Crossing, Kerem Shalon Crossing and Re'im Base. Besides doctors, psychologists and mental health officers will meet the hostages first. Once the hostages are taken to the hospitals, the immediate families will be able to meet their loved ones. Several hostages are feared to have developed life-threatening complications as they have been held in Gaza for more than a year. Doctors believe that these hostages will need longer and complex health interventions compared to 105 released in November 2023. The IDF is continuing to operate and strike terrorist targets in Gaza. A short while ago, IDF artillery and aircraft struck a number of terrorist targets in northern and central Gaza. The IDF remains ready in offense and defense and will not allow any harm to the citizens pic.twitter.com/jb0WbATN6H Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 19, 2025 One of the complex challenges the hostages are likely to develop is "refeeding syndrome" wherein the patients who are deprived of food and nutrients for a long time could undergo complications when reintroduced to healthy food. Another complication that they could suffer is speech disability if they are kept in isolation for long. These hostages will require speech therapy. In order to speed up their recovery, the lighting in the hospitals will be altered and the number of people interacting with them will be restricted. If the hostages are uncomfortable returning to their homes immediately, the ministry of social welfare has suggested providing temporary housing for them. The guidelines advise that the hostages should be admitted for at least four days. But this could be extended depending on the health condition of the patients. Another issue is the exposure to pathogens during captivity. All hostages will undergo tests for sexually transmitted diseases. Women will be given pregnancy tests. The government has also urged the media and the public to respect the privacy of the hostages and their families. The first three out of the 33 hostages being returned in the initial phase are expected to be released on Sunday afternoon, followed by four more the following Sunday. Three each will be released in four weeks that follow. On the sixth week, 14 remaining hostages will be handed over. Along with Emily Damari and Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, was the third hostage released by the Hamas in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel on Sunday. Who is Doron Steinbrecher? Doron Steinbrecher, 31, was abducted from the 'Young Generation Neighbourhood' in Kfar Aza on October 7 when Hamas militants invaded Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The Romanian-Israeli veterinary nurse was held hostage for over a year. Her sister and parents miraculously survived the attack and have been ever since waiting for her comeback. Doron Steinbercher, a vet and animal lover, has spent her life being a voice for animals in pain. For 463 days, weve been the voice for her painthe suffering she couldnt express. Were waiting for you to finally reclaim your voice and freedom . pic.twitter.com/owPyPKXw94 Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) January 18, 2025 On October 7, the day of the Hamas attack, Doron contacted her family and friends via WhatsApp, telling them that she was terrified, hearing the terrorists shooting. Doron's mother later recalled that she was hiding under the bed when the militants invaded the house and caught her. Her last voice message to the family was, "They've caught me...they've got me" with sounds of shouting and gunfire in the background. Dorons father Roni Steinbrecher, told Haartz, If I couldnt switch places with her and sit there instead, Id do it without hesitation. The endless crying, the sleepless nights, an ongoing nightmare of uncertainty. Simona, Doron Steinbrecher's mother, is crying herself out of anguish and deep sorrow. A few days ago, Simona has received a sign that her daughter is alive, when Hamas terrorists have published a pic.twitter.com/2qIvTmhw8S Bring Them Home Now (@bringhomenow) January 31, 2024 For nearly four months, Doron's family received no information as to her whereabouts. However, in January, Hamas released a video of hers. In the video, she pleaded with the government to take necessary measures to bring her back home. After seeing her in the video "frightened", her mother said, "She is skinny She is skinny like we know everyone is there, but her eyes I saw dead, lifeless look, eyes with no signs of life. It's terrible; imagine a mother seeing her daughter with nothing in her eyes; nothing, vacant eyes...It's awful...Doron has been through terrible things," said Simona Steinbacher. Doron's cousins, who call her "DoDo", reportedly have created a box of things they learnt to show Doron upon her return. Hamas has released three women hostages in exchange of 30 Palestinian security prisoners held in Israeli jails on Sunday afternoon. One of the three women released by Hamas is UK citizen Emily Damari. Who is Emily Damari? Emily Damari, 28, was taken hostage by Hamas from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023. The British-Israeli dual citizen in her final message to family said the terrorists were in her locality around 10 am that day. Hamas has just released the list of the three hostages to be released today. The ceasefire has finally officially started. The three hostages set to be released today have been named by Hamas as: 1. Romi Gonen, kidnapped from the Nova music festival 2. Emily Damari, a pic.twitter.com/AlMhps1zAC Cheryl E (@CherylWroteIt) January 19, 2025 Damari's friend Bar Kislev who survived the attack later revealed that he saw someone driving Damari's car around 11 am near the residential area. ALSO READ: Who is Romi Gonen? Hamas releases Israeli hostage who was shot while trying to escape in car on Oct 7 Besides Damari, seven others were kidnapped from Kfar Aza while 11 others were murdered. In 2024, Dafna Elyakim, 15, who was released by Hamas in November 23, said that she saw five other hostages held captive by Hamas, including Damari. The others were Naama Levy, Romy Gonen, Agam Berger and Liri Albag. Among these, Romi Gonen, 24, was also released on January 19. The third woman who was returned to Israel was Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Hamas will release 30 more hostages in the first phase of the truce deal. These include seven women and 2 children besides elderly and sick men. To find the list of all 30 hostages, click HERE. The remaining 65 hostages will be released by Hamas once the negotiations for the second phase are agreed by the two sides. Many of these hostages are already dead but Hamas is yet to confirm the exact numbers. Shortly before the ban came into effect, lifestyle app TikTok stopped working for users in the United States on late Saturday. The app owned by a Chinese parent company was also removed from Google and Apple's app stores. The app was removed from Android and iOS app stores by 10.50pm Eastern Standard Time, reports said. Users who tried to access the application on Saturday evening were met with a pop-up message from the company that prevented them from scrolling the videos. Users who tried to access the app via the web also received a similar message. "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message read. Besides TikTok, Other apps owned by its parent company ByteDance, including video editing app Capcut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, also disappeared from US app stores on Saturday. TikTok has 170 million users in the US. The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a federal law that enforces ByteDance to deprive its US operation by Sunday. The law Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was enacted in April last year citing national security concerns. The law mandates ByteDance to either sell the company to a non-Chinese owner or shut down operations in the US. President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on Monday, said he is likely to issue orders providing a 90-day extension for the app. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate. If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday, Trump told NBC News. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has said, TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law. The Chinese Embassy condemned the US actions and accused the US of using unfair state power to suppress TikTok, Reuters reported. "China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," a spokesperson told the publication. A Danish F-16 pilot was killed after a Russian Iskander-M missile struck a Ukrainian Armed Forces training centre in Ukraine's Dnepropetrovsk Region, according to Russian media reports. Russian military sources confirmed to TASS News Agency that Jepp Hansen was killed after a Russian missile struck a training centre in the city of Krivoy Rog in Central Ukraine. Hansen who had significant experience operating the F-16, was in Ukraine to train Ukrainian pilots. His friends posted on social media that Hansen had trained "hundreds of Ukrainians" to operate the planes. However, neither Denmark nor the Russian Defense Ministry has officially commented on the reports. The attack happened at a university building which had been converted into barracks. The attack almost destroyed the fourth storey. A Danish instructor, Jepp Hansen, who was training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets, has reportedly been killed in a Russian missile strike in Ukraine, according to TASS. Russian law enforcement sources claimed Hansen died in an attack on a training center in Krivoy Rog, pic.twitter.com/BgaQmwppWu OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 19, 2025 Hansen was probably sent to Ukraine by Denmark which delivered 20 F-16s to Ukraine last year. Moscow had already warned NATO against the shipment of weapons, especially the American F-16, citing that the delivery represented an escalation of hostilities. Close encounter over the Baltic A Russian pilot flying a Su-27P forced a Danish Air Force F-16 pilot to change course when he attempted to violate Russia's air border over the Baltic Sea. The video shows a Russian interceptor approaching the intruder from the side and forcing pic.twitter.com/k7gYoNYGqC Sprinter Observer (@SprinterObserve) June 30, 2024 Besides Denmark, the Netherlands also donated F-16 fighters to the Ukrainian Air Force. Both countries procured the F-16s in the 1980s and replaced them recently with modern F-35As, following which they permitted Ukraine to use the fighters for deep strikes across Russian territory. The first F-16 was delivered to Ukraine on August 1 but Kyiv lost the first F-16 some 26 days later under unclear circumstances. Ukraine has had a lot of limitations in its use, including its short-range, obsolete sensors and lack of long-range weapons. Despite Ukraine boasting about the jets, touting them as the most advanced fighter jets in their inventory, military experts believe the F-16s provided to Kyiv by its Western partners are outdated models, which meant they are not as capable as Russias top combat aircraft. US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Davis said the F-16s have some issues with range and vulnerability due to their age. Davis added that Russia has "some pretty advanced aircraft" such as the Su-35S, Su-30SM, and the MiG-31, which all pose a significant threat to Kyivs F-16s. "Even the best systems we can put on those [old F-16s] will still not make them superior to some of the Russian best aircraft," the former general told Business Insider. Besides, the Netherlands and Denmark, the United Kingdom is also training the next generation of Ukrainian pilots, who were sent to a European training centre in Romania for theoretical training. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly took a secret break at a mountain hideout over the remote Altai region in Siberia last week just days ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration and impending talks about ending the Ukraine war. Putin may have bathed in the blood from the severed antlers of Siberian red deers, an ancient ritual followed in Russia which many men observe for "strength" and to stop the ageing process, said reports quoting a Russian Telegram channel. The Russian President's plane, Ilyushin 96-300, also called the 'Flying Kremlin' is said to have disappeared from radar screens over the Altai region on January 14, the eve of Russian New Year. According to the Telegram channel 'More Than Fact', Putin may have spent time at his Altai retreat. "[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 post read. Anyhow, Putin was seen back in Moscow on Thursday to meet the president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera. Though not much is publicly known about Putin's Altai residence, news broke out last year that one of the buildings in the President's unofficial residence was completely burnt down. The residence is also said to house a specialised farm where marals (large noble deer) are bred to extract blood from their antlers. Putin has earlier been spotted there, especially during COVID time, when local people saw Putin's helicopter near the residence. Earlier, local hunters claimed to have spotted Putin's partner and former gymnast Alina Kabaeva at this Siberian hideaway. The Russian leader is also said to have hosted former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in the residence. There were also speculations that he could use this bunker to protect his secret family in case of a nuclear strike. It was reported last year that the house has sufficient quantities of food enough to feed up to 300 people "for several years". The race to succeed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the leader of the ruling Liberal Party is slowly picking up pace. Ontario MP Karina Gould has entered the race to succeed Trudeau by announcing her candidacy. By contesting for the post, she becomes the first cabinet minister to do so. "It's time for a new generation of leadership. I'm here for Canada and for you today, tomorrow and for years to come," she said in a video launched on Saturday. Former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and former central banker Mark Carney are the other major contenders for the post. Karina Gould, 37, is also the youngest among those vying for the post. "Right now, Canadians have lost faith in our party and we have to earn back their trust." Its time for a new generation of leadership. I'm here for Canada and for you today, tomorrow and for years to come. pic.twitter.com/4GpuNzFFS2 Karina Gould (@karinagould) January 18, 2025 Earlier this month, Trudeau announced his intent to resign as the leader of the Liberal Party and eventually from the prime ministerial post. Who is Karina Gould? Gould has been the leader of the Government in the House of Commons since July 2023. In Canadian history, she is the youngest woman to serve as a cabinet minister. She was first appointed to Cabinet on February 1, 2017. Born on June 28, 1987, Gould grew up in Burlington, Ontario. She graduated from M.M. Robinson High School in 2005. In 2006, she met her husband Alberto Gerones during volunteering work in Mexico. She got her honours degree in political science in 2006 from McGill University and earned her honours degree in political science. Gould completed her master's in international relations at St Hilda's College, Oxford. At the age of 28, Gould defeated Conservative incumbent Mike Wallace, who had represented the riding since the 2006 federal election, by winning 46% of the vote to his 42.5%. In 2015, Gould was named the parliamentary secretary to the minister of international development. In 2017, she was named Minister of Democratic Institutions, succeeding Maryam Monsef. With just a day remaining for Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, his pick for border czar, Tom Homan, has taken a U-turn on his plan to conduct raids in New York City and Chicago. The reversal comes after the details of the mass deportation plan was leaked on media. Homan said the incoming administration will make a final decision based on the news leak, adding that leaking information on law enforcement operations puts officers in danger. The raids are coming to Chicago on Tuesday, Jan. 21. BE READY. Alert your Chicago friends. If you live there, consider giving a migrant shelter. And remember: Stay inside: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR if ICE knocks. pic.twitter.com/HHc6vGzBez Scott Long (@scottlong1980) January 18, 2025 The news reports suggested that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement was planning to conduct raids on Tuesday morning, within a day after Trump's inauguration on Monday. The weeklong operation was expected to deploy around 200 officers. It should be noted that both New York City and Chicago are controlled by Democrats. As expected, the city councils have slammed Homan's move, saying the police would not cooperate with the immigration officers. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city will protect its immigrant communities from the ICE crackdown. Homan earlier said that when Trump takes oath, ICE officers will apprehend people who threaten public safety and national security. He added that the new administration will not allow sanctuary jurisdictions like Chicago to hamper the raids. Trump himself said the raid are a "big priority" but did not reveal the timing. He added that it was one of the reasons that he won the election by such a big margin. Chicago ICE officials have informally requested agents to take part in the Tuesday operations. Around 11 million immigrants are living in the US illegally. Machoi Glacier, Drass, Zojila, Sonamarg & Gulmarg Rafique Ahmad Malik, 47, sits beneath the Himalayan peaks, not far from crevasses where blood stains have been washed away by melting snow. He is battle-ready, having sensed his adversary in the icy winds blowing across the northern frontier, home to the worlds toughest and highest borders. The Himalayan range separates India from Pakistan in the northwest and China in the north. Mountain combat here is arduous, as the terrain favours small defensive forces holding key passes and valleys, where natural obstacles provide critical support. A seasoned mountaineer is a skilled warrior. Such individuals listen to the wind, identify rocks, follow trails and often uncover secrets hidden in the mountains to surprise the enemy. HAWS has doubled the number of soldiers it is training in the past few years and is in the process of adding another 30 per cent to its strength while expanding infrastructure to train various arms of the Indian armed forces, both men and women. It was at these perilous heights that Everester Narendra Bull Kumar won Siachen for India 40 years ago. Colonel Kumar, heading the Mountain Warfare School in Gulmarg in 1977, met a German rafter during an expedition in the Nubra valley. The rafter revealed that Pakistan had been issuing climbing licences for the area and showed Kumar a US-printed map of northern Kashmir marking Siachen, the worlds largest glacier, as part of Pakistan-held territory. Kumar reported this to the Armys operations chief, Lieutenant General M.L. Chibber. Soon after, General T.N. Raina, chief of the Army staff, authorised a training trek for Kumar and his team to Siachen. They returned with damning evidencetin cans and cigarette packs left by Pakistani climbers. Kumar and his team reconnoitred several peaksPir Panjal, Himalayas, Zanskar, Ladakh, Saltoro, Karakoram and Agilgathering intelligence on Pakistans plans to occupy Indian territory. The account of these treks played a vital role in Operation Meghdoot in 1984, when Indian forces climbed the glacier to secure it. The main base was named Kumar in his honour. Wars fought in the mountains hinge on who dominates the peaks. Today, at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg, Rafique and the White Devils are preparing for future wars, which are expected to be swift, precise and driven by technology and intelligence. The trainees at HAWS are called White Devils, and are trained at the Machoi Glacier across Zojila in Ladakhs Drass region. Here, they learn ice and snow craft under inclement weather and sub-zero temperatures. High-end weapons, lightweight mountain gear, advanced techniques, surveillance capabilities and rapid mobility make them a formidable force. Born in a humble farming family in Anantnag, Rafique grew up in the mountains and, like any highlander, fell quickly in love with the peaks. However, the distant sounds of gunfire, classmates lost in encounters and militants crossing peaks under the cover of darkness shattered the idyll. As a teenager, Rafique often ran to the mountains, restless until he reached the summit. It became a habit as militancy surged in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1980s and 1990s. I used to run like a leopard. I asked around my village about a vocation that would match my skills. They suggested the Army, said Rafique. Rapt attention: Major Arjun Thapa, a haws instructor, briefs trainees at the Machoi Camp | Sanjay Ahlawat In 1995, Rafique joined an infantry battalion but soon realised that his duties took him away from the mountains. I was perplexed. The reason I joined the Army was to be close to the mountains. I inquired about how I could return to them and was told about HAWS, where I could train to become a mountain warrior. Rafiques unwavering focus brought him to HAWS, where his trainers noticed his unique gait, speed and observational skills, and started sending him on expeditions. In 2011, he scaled Mount Manaslu, the worlds eighth highest peak, becoming the first Indian to do so since 1985. The High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg | Sanjay Ahlawat Like any mountaineer, it was my dream to climb Mount Everest, says Rafique. But such dreams were unheard of in Jammu and Kashmir. After receiving facilities, including skis and mountain gear, I began training at HAWS. Rafiques two years of preparation were relentlesshe refused to take leave despite being newly married. His family was unaware of his plans, and his village began worrying about his long absence. Elders speculated whether the mountains had lured him to the other side, where indoctrination, money and terror recruiters were waiting. Rafique, however, was busy travelling to Delhi, climbing the Siachen Glacier, and training in Kathmandu and Switzerland. From almost 250 soldiers, he made it to the final six selected for an Everest expedition. In 2014, Rafique became the first Kashmiri to scale Mount Everest, a record that remains unbroken. His skills in outmanoeuvring the enemy are as honed as his ability to capture peaks. A subedar major in the Army, Rafique has received eight commendation cards (awards for acts of gallantry or distinguished service) from the Army chief. Agile and alert: River crossing at night during HAWS training | Sanjay Ahlawat The techniques we learn in mountaineering and snowcraft give us endurance and the skills to operate in the toughest terrains, said Rafique. Early in my career, I fell into a crevasse during an expedition, severely injuring my fingers. But I stitched them up and returned to climbing. Rafiques journey reflects the story of many White Devils, who are constantly mastering new skills at dangerous heights near the two Lines of Control. They have fought intense battles, defeating Pakistan in Kargil in 1999 and helping the Army dominate heights during the 2020 clashes with Chinese soldiers in Ladakhs Galwan valley. Captain Bharti Rao, the first woman trainee at HAWS, leads patrolling movement as part of training | Sanjay Ahlawat The lessons began with the 1947-48 conflict with Pakistan, where Indian soldiers faced challenges due to a lack of high-mobility equipment and technology, restricting operations in the mountains. One day, General K.S. Thimayya (who later on became Army chief from 1957 to 1961) visited the Ski Club of India in Gulmarg and found 100 pairs of skis left behind by the British. Thimayya asked the club to give the skis to the Army to help train soldiers. Thus, HAWS was born on December 11, 1948, with its first instructors coming from the Ski Club. HAWS initially operated as the 19th Infantry Division Ski School and came to be known as the Winter Warfare School. It was renamed HAWS in 1962. In 1993, it began functioning under the Army Training Command. During Operation Vijay in 1999, nine teams that trained at HAWS played a key role in successfully recapturing large parts of Indian territory from Pakistan. The Kargil war didnt teach us the importance of mountain warfare, we already knew that. What Kargil did was present new operational challenges, which we incorporated into our training, said Major General Bruce Fernandez, commandant of HAWS. A countrys geography remains unchanged, and the Himalayas will always be there. To suggest that mountain warfare will become irrelevant is short-sighted. We will never stop preparing for war in the mountains. This is why HAWS is increasing its training capacity. It has doubled the number of soldiers it is training in the past few years and is in the process of adding another 30 per cent to its strength while expanding infrastructure to train various arms of the Indian armed forces, both men and women. At the same time, it is also preparing for exigencies. Todays wars involve operating in smaller groups due to the high transparency and visibility afforded by technology, such as satellites, radars and computer systems, said Fernandes. As a result, we are focusing on empowering junior leadership to also act as decision-makers at the tactical level, as they will more often than not find themselves in situations where they must decide and act. This approach enables the armed forces to operate with greater independence and adaptability in a highly visible environment, he added. Subedar Major Rafique Malik | Sanjay Ahlawat Warfare evolves with time, greatly influenced by technology and the geostrategic positioning of nations. Whether it is the recent shift of theatre by Pakistan-based terrorist groups from the Kashmir valley to the high-altitude jungles of Jammu or deployment along the Line of Actual Control, the Indian armed forces training efforts continue relentlessly. HAWS trains the Army at three different locations: winter warfare at Gulmarg, mountain warfare at Sonmarg, and ice craft at Machoi Glacier. The Machoi Glacier lies between Gumri and Matayen, a rare stretch that has seen two wars. Gumri, a small valley surrounded by sharp peaks, has memories of the 1947 Indo-Pak war and the 1999 Kargil war. In Gumri, General Thimayya decided to surprise the enemy and moved up tanks across Zojila to clear Drass and Kargil. Almost 50 years later, Gumri was the staging area for all inducting troops into the war and Matayen was used as one of the gun positions. It is here that THE WEEK spent time with the mountain warriors as they moved from one perilously narrow and jagged terrain to the next. The basic tactical exercisesrock climbing, route opening, stream crossing, rappelling and survival in the mountainsbegin in May and last seven weeks. These are followed by an advanced course lasting four weeks. The evaluation of the basic course paves the way for a select few to join the advanced course, which includes one week of advanced ice craft, attack by infiltration, long-range patrols, advanced climbing techniques and mountaineering expeditions, said Lieutenant Colonel Manish Dhayani, senior instructor at HAWS. Before the mountain warfare series begins, the instructors undergo a refresher course, where their skills are rigorously tested. For every four trainees, there is one instructor. Early in my career, I fell into a crevasse during an expedition, severely injuring my fingers. But I stitched them up and returned to climbing. Subedar Major Rafique Malik, HAWS, Gulmarg This time, the teams are preparing for an expedition for height gain as they get ready to scale two peaks. This includes establishing a base camp on a glacier before attempting the summits. The expedition starts well past midnight, when the snow is hard, and the mountain terrain is almost invisible. The element of fear is lost in the darkness because you cannot assess the danger levels. The training is better, said Dhayani. For those coming from peace locations, it is an uphill task, especially when you have to use your forelimbs. In 2009, when Dhayani was training at HAWS, he was caught in an avalanche. That day, somehow, I skipped the tea break and joined my jawan in a tree pit to share a biscuit, he said. When the avalanche struck, he recalled the swimming action taught by the instructors, which saved him from being buried under the snow. Although the platoon lost one member, Dhayani and his jawan were saved. At Machoi Glacier, there are jubilant faces, laughter and songs at sunset as soldiers huddle together after days of negotiating the mountains. Rappelling down cliffs with rifles, their sweat and smiles have become part of the snow. The White Devils have made the unwelcoming terrains skiable. From traditional methods using herringbone techniques to smoothen the snow, snow groomers and snow scooters now save time and energy, allowing more time to practise newer techniques. When Luxmi Kant, 43, a naib subedar in the Special Forces, mastered these techniques, little did he know he would use them during a live terrorist operation to retrieve the fallen brothers. In a counter-terrorist operation in the higher reaches surrounding Kashmir valley, some personnel of another battalion suffered fatal casualties. As the gunfire ceased, the cliffs bore silent witness to the bravery of the martyred soldiers. Luxmi Kant received orders to retrieve the bodies even as operations against the terrorists continued. Having aced the same cliffs and terrain during a previous posting, he quickly made a mental map. It was the first time I was negotiating the mountains while terrorists were still looking for an opportunity to strike. Since I knew the area well and was adept at mountain warfare skills, we climbed the peak at dawn and rappelled down 40m between two cliffs to wrap the bodies and bring them home. During the operation, the bodies of two terrorists were also recovered. The terrorists have no rules. But we must save our men and bring them home, following the command of our forces, he said. As the day darkened and temperatures plummeted, the music faded away into the ranges. Soldiers walked on the line, preparing for daring expeditions, rescuing their brothers from the brink of death and readying themselves for future wars. In June 2024, Fernandez led a gruelling expedition to retrieve the bodies of three havildar instructors trapped under avalanche debris. In July 2023, a HAWS mountaineering expedition set out to scale Mount Kun in Ladakh. Four team members fell into a crevasse and were buried under a massive volume of snow in October. The bodies of Havildar Rohit Kumar, Havildar Thakur Bahadur Ale and Naik Gautam Rajbanshi were trapped deep within a crevasse covered by layers of ice. The body of Lance Naik Stanzin Targais was recovered soon after the accident. HAWS launched Operation RTG (Rohit, Thakur, Gautam) to retrieve the missing bodies. Fernandez stationed himself at the roadhead camp to oversee the operation until the mortal remains were transported to their families with full military honours. Our ethos is never to leave our fallen behind, he said. What is equally satisfying is that it brought closure to the families. The heroes of HAWS are future-ready. Captain Bharti Rao from the 66 Engineer Regiment is the first woman trainee at HAWS. Reflecting changing times, as women take on various support roles in the field, Bhartis presence at Machoi signifies more than gender parity in the armed forces. The 29-year-old helps fill critical gaps in the Armys essential components, with engineers, signals and other arms working alongside infantry as force multipliers during operations. A civil engineer from Bhopal, Bharti left a lucrative job in Delhi to brave wind, ice and snow. I wanted to be part of the pioneer course. I told myself that if I am going to be the first woman in the mountaineering course, I must achieve something new. During the Kargil war, we were attacked from unexpected and unconventional areas. So it is a mix of technical and tactical training. Today, I am learning rock craft, snow craft and navigation, she said. Every day, you learn to walk on a glacier. Who else gets this opportunity? As an engineer officer, Bhartis combat role aligns closely with the infantry. She moves with the troops, enabling their swift movement while simultaneously restricting enemy movement. The art of warfare has made her a stealthy warrior who understands that wars in this sector will be fought at altitudes of no less than 17,000 feet. She ensures her inventory and supplies move steadily alongside. And how does she deter the enemy? It all depends on what sort of explosives I need, what sort of stabilisation I require, and how my wares would be deployed, said Bharti. She highlights the advantage of joining the Army at a young age and training at HAWS as an engineer officer, which opens up numerous opportunities for the future. I am already part of a combat support arm. Who knows, maybe tomorrow I will be able to lead a team into battle. These days, soldiers at HAWS employ new communication techniques. The role of technology and communication was not as critical in the past as it is today. Now, we must fight using all the skills at our disposal for better cohesion in the mountains, said a Signals officer. The Corps of Signals provides communication support specifically tailored to the needs of the troops. When it comes to communication, we are very well trained and equipped. With the use of satellites, communication has evolved in multiple ways. The only other time the mountain warriors encounter another female officer atop the glacier is when they enter the medical tent and are greeted by Captain Durga Mohan. Im very fortunate to be here, as very few people are posted here so early in their career, said the medical professional from Thrissur, Kerala. Popularly known as Rani Lakshmi Bai in the Himalayas, Captain Durgas journey serves as an inspiration to the warriors. When I first climbed the glacier, I felt this wasnt my cup of tea, she said. But over time, the mountains grew on her. More importantly, attending to the soldiers and officers became second nature, as she witnessed them battling mental challenges daily. Being away from their families in such harsh living conditions is a test of both mental and physical endurance. It is the brotherhood that keeps them going, said Captain Durga. HAWS is a place where legends live, frozen in time. Subedar Major Arjun Thapa, a third-generation soldier from Nepal, holds the distinction of completing a polar expedition. His skills are honed not only in the icy Himalayan peaks, but also at the South Pole, which was possibly his first trip outside the country. I was sent to Greenland for 28 days of training. I still remember the long flight with multiple layovers, he recalls with a smile. However, what does not seem like a long journey to him is his trek to the South Polea post-to-pole journey covering 1,170km in Antarctica. There, wind chills, dazzling sun, sleepless nights, and packed food were his companions in one of the toughest human endurance tests. Navigation is challenging. It is difficult to pull the sledge through snow dunes, and the high winds dont let you sleep, he said. Legends like Thapa are invaluable assets to the Army, as they not only inspire young warriors but also carry with them a wealth of knowledge that can be crucial in critical moments. Thapa has travelled from the Karakoram to Lipulekh, crossing 26 mountain passes along the Line of Actual Control, gaining an intimate understanding of the terrain on both sides. Border infrastructure is the need of the hour, and its a positive sign that we are focusing on border roads, improved connectivity, and enhanced strategies to safeguard our interests in border areas, he said. Over the years, the Himalayas have been a training ground for warriors from across the globe. Soldiers from Nordic countries and Africa have brought their unique experiences to these peaks. Lieutenant Malakia Kashava from Namibia cant help but compare the relatively easy mountainous treks back home. India has an advantage, as its natural features provide countless opportunities for training armed forces, he said. His Ugandan counterpart agreed. Our enemy operates in the mountains along the border with Congo. The training here will enhance our operational capabilities as we learn advanced techniques, said Kaihura Jowel. The Indian militarys greatest advantage lies in its distinct upper hand over other militaries, having fought and won multiple wars, some decisively. This has allowed military planners to battle-test their doctrines and strategies repeatedly. Additionally, advances in signals and electronic warfare have become critical components of communication strategies in the mountains. However, military strategists at HAWS caution against relying solely on technology. No amount of drones, rockets or information warfare can secure victory unless soldiers physically climb the mountains and capture the peaks. Similarly, unconventional methods of warfare remain indispensable for defending territories. The famous cliff assault during the Kargil War of 1999 is one such example. Now, 25 years later, HAWS continues to prepare mountain warriors for even greater challenges in the Himalayas. THE CHALLENGE POSED by China and Pakistan is far greater than just the possibility of their combined pressure on the borders. Todays global contestations encompass a wide range of areas, including economics, trade, cyber security, cross-border terrorism, politics and various internal fault lines. These are all part of the broader battle. In military terms, conflicts now extend beyond land borders to include air, sea, space, and cyber domains. To date, India has not faced a two-land-frontier-war situation. However, the Indian armed forces are rightly preparing for a two-and-a-half-front war, which includes the northern and western borders, as well as the need to address internal situations. While the border with Pakistan has generally been quieter, it has remained active, particularly with the infiltration of terrorists and the smuggling of drugs. The Chinese challenge, however, is far more extensive. The Sino-Indian border spans approximately 3,500km and is yet to be fully delineated. China has illegally occupied 36,000sqkm of land in Aksai Chin and claims an additional 90,000sqkm in Arunachal Pradesh. The Karakoram Highway, built by China, traverses Indian territory under Pakistans illegal possession, while Pakistan has illegally ceded the Shaksgam tract to China. Chinas extensive border infrastructure includes roads, air support, and Xiaokang villages to assert sovereignty. Its 2022 Land Border Law declares its territories sacred and inviolable. With superior infrastructure, troop presence, and weapons, China maintains a strong border posture that, along with Pakistan, poses a significant challenge to India. Since the 1962 war, China has regularly instigated skirmishes. Post Galwan (2020), over 50,000 Chinese troops remain stationed in Ladakh, conducting mountain warfare exercises. India, however, is highly experienced in mountain warfare, with its Army continuously deployed in the harsh Siachen Glacier since 1984. Following Galwan, India rapidly mobilised over 68,000 troops, tanks, and weapons, demonstrating its logistical strength. Indias quick deployment on the Kailash Hills was a key bargaining point. India continues to improve border infrastructure, including roads, bridges, airfields, and helipads, alongside enhancing weapons and surveillance under the Make in India initiative. C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) plays a critical role in this build-up, enabling situational awareness and collaborative decision-making. The Ukraine war underscored the importance of leveraging technology for multi-domain warfare. India is incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its military strategy, focusing on aerial threats, drone imagery analysis, and integrated situational awareness. The armed forces collaborates with industry players and deep-tech startups on AI initiatives. Space warfare has become vital for Indias security and scientific achievements. India has launched communication and surveillance satellites and is developing the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NavIC). The tri-service Defence Space Agency (DSA) oversees Indias space warfare and satellite intelligence. Supported by the Defence Space Research Agency, the Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre and the Defence Satellite Control Centre, the DSA recently conducted Indias first space exercise, Antariksha Abhyas-2024. Work is underway in areas such as electronic intelligence, communication intelligence and space-based tracking systems. These advancements are important for all terrains, including mountains. In 2019, the Defence Research and Development Organisation demonstrated Indias Anti-Satellite capability by destroying a live orbiting satellite in low earth orbit at around 300km with a new interceptor missile in a hit-to-kill mode. These achievements are only the beginning, and there remains much progress to be made in the space domain. The author is a former defence secretary and is currently chairperson of the Society to Harmonise Aspirations for Responsible Engagement. Lieutenant General S.L. Narasimhan (retd) INDIAN FORCES HAVE a long and illustrious history of fighting in mountainous terrains. The Namgyal dynasty, which ruled Ladakh from 1462 CE, fought the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War (16791684), which culminated in the Treaty of Tingmosgang. While other wars may have been fought in the Himalayas by tribal chieftains, this war can be considered a starting point for modern-day mountain warfare. Subsequently, [Dogra general] Zorawar Singh's campaigns in Jammu, Kashmir, and Tibet further honed the art of fighting in such challenging terrains. In 1849, the Punjab Irregular Force was formed, becoming one of the earliest units to develop tactics and experience in mountain warfare. The Second Anglo-Afghan War (18781880) was one of the first major engagements where British and Indian troops encountered the challenges of mountain warfare against Afghan tribes. Similarly, the Tirah Campaign (18971898), fought in the North-West Frontier Province by British and Indian troops, was another significant operation in rugged mountainous regions. The British Indian Army's expedition to Tibet, known as the Younghusband Expedition, took place between December 1903 and September 1904, involving a challenging march through Sikkim and Tibet. Between 1919 and 1939, the British Indian Army conducted several campaigns in Waziristan, combating tribal insurgents in mountainous regions. These experiences led to the development of mountain warfare tactics and doctrine, which were refined over time and passed down through generations of soldiers. During World Wars I and II, Indian troops were deployed in various mountainous regions, including the Western Front, Gallipoli and North Africa, where their experience in mountain warfare proved invaluable. After independence, the Indian Army was immediately engaged in the 194748 Jammu and Kashmir conflict, where mountain warfare played a crucial role. Recognising its importance, the Indian Army established a Ski School in 1948, renamed the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in 1962. From 1956 onwards, the Indian Army has conducted numerous counter-insurgency operations in mountainous regions, initially in the northeastern states and later in Jammu and Kashmir. The Sino-Indian War (1962), fought primarily in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, was a high-altitude conflict. The valour and tactics displayed by the Indian Army inflicted heavy casualties on the Chinese soldiers. The wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 further demonstrated the Indian armed forces capabilities in mountain warfare. Operation Meghdoot (1984) marked a pre-emptive occupation of the Siachen Glacier, the worlds highest battlefield. In 1999, Indian forces fought Pakistani intruders in the icy heights of Kargil. More recently, in 2020, Indian and Chinese troops faced off in high-altitude areas, leading to fatal casualties on both sides. Since then, large numbers of Indian troops have been deployed in sub-zero temperatures and have acquitted themselves admirably. The Indian Air Force has also earned distinction in this domain. During World War II, IAF personnel operated in mountainous regions such as the Western Front, Gallipoli, and North Africa. The IAF played a vital role in The Hump operations, airlifting supplies, equipment and personnel from India to China to support the war effort against Japan. Pilots navigated treacherous high-altitude terrain with unreliable maps and navigation aids, often facing unpredictable weather. During the Kargil War, the IAF played a critical role in providing air support to ground troops in the high-altitude regions of Kargil and Drass. To support operations in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast, the IAF maintains several high-altitude airfields, such as those in Leh and Thoise. Additional high-altitude airfields at Daulat Beg Oldie, Fukche and Nyoma have also been made operational. The IAF conducts specialised training for personnel in air-to-ground operations, navigation and survival skills in extreme conditions. The author is former member, National Security Advisory Board, and presently adjunct distinguished fellow, Gateway House, Mumbai. The United Nations announced new actions Friday to counter the surge in antisemitism, including encouraging governments to enforce laws against hate crimes and discrimination. The U.N., created in the aftermath of the World War II Holocaust in 6 six million Jews were killed, has worked to counter antisemitism. But the 193-member global organization has been accused of being antisemitic, including by U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for U.N. ambassador, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. She is pro-Israel and has called the U.N. a den of antisemitism that she intends to confront. The U.N. Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism is mainly focused on strengthening and coordinating work throughout the United Nations, but it also includes recommendations for governments and organizations. Miguel Moratinos, the head of the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations, which developed the plan, said he was alarmed at the surge in antisemitic incidents online and offline, citing attacks on synagogues and religious sites, including after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and other militants in southern Israel, which resulted in the worst killing of Jews since the Holocaust and set off the war in Gaza. Unfortunately, our efforts, like those of national governments, have not been sufficient to curb the drivers of antisemitism, he said. Moratinos said new actors involved in social transformations in technology, science and the economy must be mobilized to address online and offline hate speech while upholding human rights. The U.N. plan calls for the establishment of a working group to monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and measures to address antisemitism in the United Nations. It includes training for all U.N. personnel on antisemitism and Holocaust denial and how to fight them. Outside the U.N., the plan encourages governments and organizations to denounce antisemitism swiftly and enhance education about the Holocaust and antisemitism. It also encourages zero tolerance policies for antisemitism. Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a joint statement, The challenge now lies in putting the plan into practice. The U.N. must demonstrate its full commitment to its human rights mandate and take concrete steps that will lead to tangible progress, the outgoing ambassadors said. (AP) Donald Trump issued a sharp ultimatum to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, threatening serious consequences if the widely-criticized deal with Hamas was not finalized. According to a new report by The Wall Street Journal, Trumps nominee for Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, delivered the message during a meeting with Netanyahu in Israel. The president has been a great friend of Israel, and now its time to be a friend back, Witkoff said. He added that Trump was exasperated by delays and warned there would be all hell to pay if an agreement failed to materialize. Sources familiar with the meeting revealed that Witkoff told Netanyahu his negotiating team must be empowered to make decisions, warning, If Netanyahu didnt want to work that way, everyone should just pack their bags and go home. Following the meeting, Netanyahu ordered his teamcomprising representatives from Mossad, Shin Bet, the IDF, and political advisorsto travel to Qatar for urgent talks aimed at finalizing the agreement. The deal, reached in Doha on Wednesday and approved by the Israeli government on Shabbos, closely resembles a proposal put forth by U.S. President Joe Biden in May. However, Netanyahu had resisted that earlier plan, citing pressure from his far-right coalition partners and concerns about maintaining Israels military position. In July, he reportedly told hostage families, If we give up on victory over Hamas, we are all in danger, according to a recording obtained by the WSJ. After Witkoffs meeting with Netanyahu, Trump claimed on Truth Social that Arab officials observed he had more influence on Netanyahu in one meeting than Biden had over the past year. Witkoff reportedly alleviated concerns from Hamas that the IDF would resume fighting after the release of hostages in the agreements first phase. If everyone abides by the agreement, then Trump would encourage meaningful negotiations in Phase 2, a source said. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul, an Israeli soldier killed and captured by Hamas during the 2014 Gaza War, the IDF announced. The mission was conducted jointly by the IDF and the Shin Bet security agency, with participation from elite units, including the Navys Shayetet 13 commando unit and a top-tier force from the Military Intelligence Directorate. The exact timing and location of the operation remain undisclosed. After retrieval, Shauls body was returned to Israel and transferred to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, where it was positively identified. Military officials promptly informed Shauls family of the recovery. Shaul lost his life on July 20, 2014, in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City during an intense phase of the 2014 Gaza War. As members of the Golani Brigades 13th Battalion navigated the area in an M-113 armored personnel carrier, the vehicle became trapped in a narrow street. During efforts to free the APC, Hamas operatives launched an attack with anti-tank missiles, resulting in the deaths of seven soldiers, including Shaul. His body was subsequently taken by Hamas. Shauls remains remained in Gaza until now, and was often seen as a bargaining chip for Hamas attempts to have terrorists arrested by Israel freed. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) REAL-TIME UPDATES ARE CONTINUING ON THE LIVE BLOG On Sunday morning at about 10 a.m., Hamas finally delivered the names of the three hostages scheduled to be released on Sunday at about 4 p.m., 18 hours after it was supposed to be transferred to Israel and 90 minutes after the ceasefire was supposed to go into effect. As expected, three female hostages are on the list: Doron Steinbrecher, Emily Damari, and Romi Gonen. Emily Damari, 28, a UK-Israeli citizen, and Doron Steinbrecher, 32, were both abducted from their homes on Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Damari was shot during the abduction and seriously wounded. Romi Gonen, 24, was abducted from the Nova music festival. She was shot and suffered a gunshot wound to her hand before the abduction. According to a hostage released in November, Romi was alive at that point but was in dire need of medical attention as she could not move her fingers and they were changing colors. According to the hostage deal agreement, Hamas is obligated to release the names of the hostages who will be released at least 24 hours beforehand. Hamas delayed transferring the list and instead of transferring it on Shabbos at 4 p.m., they delivered it on Sunday morning, an hour and a half after the ceasefire was supposed to begin. When the list did not arrive in Israel by 8:30, the IDF carried out airstrikes on Hamas terror targets in northern and central Gaza. Gazan reports said that five people were killed and about 20 wounded in the IDF strikes. Despite the delay, residents of northern Gaza have begun returning to where their homes used to be, along with residents of Rafah. In footage from the Gaza Strip, Hamas police are seen deployed in the area. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Israels Justice Ministry on Motzei Shabbos released a list of 735 terrorists slated to be released in exchange for 33 hostages in the first phase of the ceasefire/hostage deal. In total, if the second phase of the deal is carried out, 1,904 terrorists are to be released. Beginning on Sunday evening, the families of victims murdered by terrorists who are slated for release will be personally notified of the fact by representatives of the IDF, Israel Police, and other security agencies. Just a partial list of terrorists slated for imminent release in the first phase of the deal is chilling: Ahmad Barghouti was sentenced to 13 life terms after ordering attacks that killed 12 Israelis. He is a cousin of Marwan Barghouti, the most notorious terrorist slated to be released in the second stage. Wael Qassem, Wasssam Abassi, and Mohammad Odeh, members of Hamass Silwan Cell, which was responsible for several attacks in the early 2000s that killed 35 Israelis, including the attack at the Moment Cafe in Jerusalem, the attack at the Shapidel Club in Rishon Lezion, and the attack at the Frank Sinatra cafeteria at the Hebrew University. Zakaria Zubeidi, the former commander of Fatahs Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Jenin, was responsible for a series of terror attacks, including the 2002 attack at the Likud branch in Beit Shean that killed 6 Israelis. His name may be familiar to some readers as he is one the highest-profile of six terrorists who escaped from the high-security Gilboa Prison in 2021 and was later recaptured. Abdullah Sharbati, Majdi Zaatari, and Samer al-Atrash, members of a cell that planned the bombing of the Egged bus No. 2 on Rechov Shmuel HaNavi in Jerusalem in 2003. The attack killed 24 people, including 7 children and a pregnant woman, and wounded over 130 people. The cell was also responsible for the suicide bombing on Egged Bus No. 6 in French Hill in 2003, which killed 7 Israelis and injured 20. Mohammad Abu Warda, a terrorist who ordered the terror attacks on Egged Bus No. 18 in Jerusalem in 1996, which killed 45 Israelis. He was sentenced to a total of 48 life terms. Sami Jaradat, one of the terrorists responsible for the attack on the Maxim restaurant in Haifa in 2003, killing 21 Israelis. Ali Safouri, a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist responsible for killing 9 Israelis and wounding over 100 in a series of attacks, including a car bomb explosion at the central bus station in Hadera and a shooting attack at a Hadera market. Ramadan Mashahra, one of the terrorists involved in the suicide bombing in the Gilo neighborhood of Jerusalem in 2002, which killed 19 Israelis. Shadi Amouri, one of the masterminds behind the car bombing at the Megiddo Junction in 2002, which killed 17 Israelis. Omar Al-Zaan, a Hamas military commander sentenced to 27 life terms and an additional 25 years for orchestrating terror attacks that killed 27 Israelis. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The leaders of the Otzma Yehudit party Itamar Ben Gvir, Yitzchak Wasserlauf, and Amichai Eliyahu submitted letters of resignation from their positions to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday morning in the wake of their opposition to the ceasefire/hostage deal approved by the government. Additionally, the partys MKs, Tzvika Fogel, Limor Son Har-Melech, and Yitzchak Kroizer, submitted letters of resignation to the coalition chair from their roles leading various committees. Ben-Gvir told Kan News on Tuesday that the deal tells Hamas: Abduct, murder thats the only way youll win. The deal is a disaster that paves the way for the next October 7. It could be that we are releasing the next Sinwar. He referred to his appeal to the chairman of the Religious Zionist party, Betzalel Smotrich, to join him, saying, I could not convince him to resign. Smotrich voted against the deal but said he said that he is remaining in the government after he received several promises regarding demands he made to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, including the continuation of the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. That promise precludes any chances that Phase 2 of the ceasefire/hostage deal, which calls for a permanent ceasefire, will be carried out. Most political commentators believe there is little chance that Phase 2 will be carried out, with Channel 12s Amit Segal stating on Sunday that at this moment, the chances are almost non-existent. Netanyahus coalition now remains with a 63-seat majority in the 120-seat Knesset. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) REAL-TIME UPDATES ARE CONTINUING ON THE LIVE BLOG A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday, marking a turning point in the 15-month-long conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip. In a key first step of the agreement, Hamas released three Israeli hostages who had been held captive since the start of the war. The released hostagesRomi Gonen, 24, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival, and Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, both abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Azawere handed over to Israeli forces near the border with Gaza. The IDF confirmed that the women have been reunited with their mothers at an IDF facility, where they underwent initial medical assessments before being taken to hospitals to meet other family members. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu described the day as incredibly moving and hailed the return of the hostages as a significant achievement. Speaking with Gal Hirsch, the governments point person on hostage negotiations, Netanyahu said, The whole nation is embracing you, welcome home. The Prime Minister added, They went through hell, they are going from darkness to light, they are truly exiting slavery for freedom. This moment was achieved through the sacrifice and bravery of our heroic fighters this is a big moment, an emotional moment. A big day. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas has agreed to a gradual release of 33 Israeli hostages over the next six weeks. In return, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including detainees from Gaza. Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release approximately 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of this arrangement. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking from North Charleston, South Carolina, expressed optimism about the ceasefire. The guns in Gaza have gone silent, Biden said, adding that he had received a call confirming the release of the first three hostages. While he noted it was still early and details about their health and safety were emerging, he said they appear to be in good health. Biden emphasized the importance of persistence in ensuring the agreements success. Success is going to require persistence and continuing support for our friends in the region, and the belief in diplomacy backed by deterrence, he said. The deal, which Biden initially outlined in May, now falls to the Trump administration to oversee and implement in the coming months. Biden credited his administrations efforts in shaping the agreement, describing the unity among his team in its final days as necessary, effective, and unprecedented. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) After Electric Los Angeles Concert, Akiva Comes East Israeli star Akiva will headline his first concert in the New York area on February 17th at the Bergenpac in Englewood, New Jerseyand hell perform at South Floridas Boca Raton Synagogue on February 16th. Just three weeks ago, an electrified crowd filled Los Angeless Wilshire Ebell Theatre to dance and sing along to every word of Akivas heartfelt hits. I was half way around the world and the crowd knew all my songs, Akiva says. It goes to show that, when it comes to music and love, distance is nothing. Since catapulting to the top of Israels charts in 2018, Akivas music has merged middle-eastern flair with western styles, fused religious themes with everyday emotions, and gained an eager audience among religious and secular alike. Now, his fresh, authentic style has sold out concerts in Miami, Orlando, and Los Angelesand hes coming to South Florida and New Jersey, just across the bridge from New York. Looking forward to two evenings of music and unity, Akiva says. Music reminds us that we are one people, connected in our hearts, no matter which continent were on. To book tickets and see Akiva in Boca Ration, Florida, click here To book tickets and see Akiva in Englewood, New Jersey, click here Businesses face a backlash for championing woke campaigns, from diversity to environmentalism, according to a major global report. The Edelman Trust Barometer, which tracks attitudes towards companies and public institutions across the globe, suggested there was growing scepticism of firms taking on 'societal issues'. Compiled by public relations giant Edelman, the survey of 33,000 members of the public in 28 countries also reveals growing distrust of governments, bosses and the media with many feeling mounting frustration over their prospects for the future. And it suggests that while businesses are judged to be more ethical than governments, there are doubts whether they should be in any position to address broader issues. Chief executive Richard Edelman said: 'Business is facing a backlash from those opposing it as a catalyst for societal change.' The poll reveals varying attitudes about whether businesses should be addressing issues such as affordability, climate change, misinformation and discrimination not entirely negative. Backlash: Edelman said business was being 'pushed back' for its involvement in issues 'from diversity, equality and inclusion to sustainability' But it suggests there are 'guardrails' that firms should overcome before their involvement is seen as justified, such as whether they could have a major impact, if doing so would boost their performance, if they caused the challenge or if the issue harms them or their customers. Edelman said business was being 'pushed back' for its involvement in issues 'from DEI [diversity, equality and inclusion] to sustainability'. The findings come after high-profile instances where corporate involvement in controversial social issues has backfired, such as backlash against US beer brand Bud Light after it involved transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in a campaign. And the Danish firm behind Lurpak and Anchor butter was hit by a boycott after it announced a trial to reduce the amount of methane a gas linked to climate change that its cows produce. The survey findings were part of a wider report showing a 'moderate to high sense of grievance' overall among the public, defined by 'a belief that government and business harm them'. Among the frustrations is that things 'will be better than today for the next generation', believed by just 36 per cent. People in the UK are even more pessimistic, with only 17 per cent holding that view. The report argues that this has been reflected at the ballot box. 'Citizens have raised their voices against business, government and the wealthy,' said Edelman. 'Incumbent parties have been ousted in Western democracies, including the US, UK, France, Germany and Canada.' This is an interesting ask at the outset of the MAGA era . . . Probably intended for Sunday morning editorials . . . We wanted to share with our readers early . . . Here's the word . . . Kobach files lawsuit to stop Census from counting illegal aliens TOPEKA - (Jan. 16, 2025) Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and attorneys general from Louisiana, Ohio, and West Virginia filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration in Louisiana District Court to stop the U.S. Census Bureau from counting illegal aliens for reapportionment purposes in 2030. "It is a national embarrassment that the most powerful country in the world does not know how many citizens it has and has not known for decades. Because the federal government has been counting illegal aliens in the census, California has many more congressional seats and electoral votes than it should. This lawsuit will restore the Founding Fathers' original vision of the United States," Kobach said. According to the lawsuit, the U.S. Census Bureau's existing residence rule unlawfully requires counting illegal aliens and nonimmigrant aliens in the apportionment base used for assigning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Electoral College. Ohio and West Virginia each lost a congressional seat and an electoral vote to states with higher illegal immigrant populations in the 2020 Census, according to the complaint. The suit also warns that Kansas and Louisiana will likely lose congressional seats and electoral votes in the 2030 Census because of the unlawful residence rule. During the 2000, 2010, and 2020 censuses, the rule resulted in redistribution of congressional seats from states with fewer aliens to states with higher alien populations. For instance in 2022, Pew Research estimated that 56% of the nation's 11.7 million aliens lived in just six states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates revealed similar numbers. According to the suit, the rule also deprives Plaintiff states of federal funding that is proportioned on the basis of population, violates the Fourteenth Amendment, and is inconsistent with the constitutional requirement of near-equal representation. ### Developing . . . Right now we share tribute to angel Behati as we take a quick peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Also . . . We wanted to note that there's a somewhat legit theory that the TikTok shut down is mostly a stunt so that Prez Trump can garner an early win by flipping the switch back on . . . Which is also kind of a mixed blessing for those of us who don't want to watch silly dances or personal confessions BUT appreciate the content kept on other spyware outlets. Check TKC news gathering . . . Three-Peat Seats Prove Scarce Limited number of tickets for AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead on sale Monday Any remaining tickets will be available for the general public to buy online starting at 11 a.m. Monday. Dead-Tree Real Estate Moves Grand Place adds two office tenants and amenity space - Kansas City Business Journal Grand Place, a $95 million redevelopment of a historic building in the Crossroads Arts District, continues its recent leasing momentum with the addition of two office tenants. Cowtown Score Debuts Local man writes Chiefs-themed song he hopes becomes the soundtrack to a three-peat The Chiefs' success has inspired people to do many things. For the most part, people buy merchandise or attend games. But not retired Lee's Summit school guidance counselor, Duane Bierwirth. He was inspired to write a song. Remembering Local March 11th Annual MLK Walk and Address at Brush Creek on Monday Heartland Conservation Alliance will host its 11th Annual MLK, Jr. Nature Walk and Keynote Address on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The event lasts from 9 am to n... No Chill For Training Day Olathe firefighters train for ice rescues to tackle the unexpected in winter's coldest moments The Olathe Fire Department trains annually for ice rescues, preparing for rare, unpredictable situations to prevent the worst. Angel Shares Forgiveness Behati Prinsloo shares rare PDA-packed photos with Adam Levine after overcoming cheating scandal The Maroon 5 frontman was accused of having a year-long affair with a model in September 2022, just months before his wife confirmed their third pregnancy. Social Media Shut Down Earns Outcry Across Other Platforms TikTok goes dark as US ban takes effect Millions of TikTok users in the United States are no longer able to watch videos on the social media platform as a federal ban on the immensely popular app takes effect. MAGA Part Deux Unpacked Trump's 2nd term represents hope for the right and fear of a dark era for others President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration comes at a pivotal time in American history. Insulated from controversy, Trump will enter the White House more prepared than when he first won in 2016. Progressives Pretend To Split On Upcoming Mass Deportations Republicans set to give Trump big immigration win - while dividing Democrats Republicans are on the verge of giving President-elect Trump a big win on immigration to kick off his second term - and doing it with the help of Democrats while dividing the minority party on the hot-button issue. The GOP spent years pillorying the Biden administration for being weak on the border and immigration, with... Holy Land Holds Out Netanyahu says cease-fire will not begin until Israel receives list of hostages to be freed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the cease-fire deal with Hamas would not begin until Israel has the list of expected to be freed. War Of Pleasantries?!?! Ukraine opens a new front against Russia - flattering Trump | CNN World leaders have been rushing to get on Donald Trump's good side since his reelection as US president, arguably none more so than Ukraine. Reviewing El Papa Tell-All 5 takeaways from Pope Francis' new autobiography View from the Vatican: Hope is less autobiography than it is an aggregation of existing stories, interviews, speeches and history that are already known about the now-88-year-old pontiff. Faith Collab Cont'd Local retreat centers team up for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - The Leaven Catholic Newspaper The idea grew to include surrounding retreat centers at one of their meetings in early December. Grigs Shares Arctic Update Kansas City weather: Arctic blast brings bitterly cold temps The cold air moved in Saturday and is sticking around through Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Sunday Vibes by Masego is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. A glimpse at the political struggle over education/indoctrination access to future voters whilst other nations continue to outpace American students in math, science and even the fun stuff like literature and history . . . To be fair . . . Prog blog prose blames conservatives for the hot mess at public schools . . . The politicization of school boards began by 2020, when some parents became activists against pandemic-era remote classes and mask mandates. The summer protests over the death of George Floyd deepened divisions, especially in rural America, and there was an epidemic of challenges to books in school libraries. School board meetings in Kansas, as elsewhere in the country, have become the arena for newly elected, hyper-partisan members fueled by misinformation and narrow agendas, I wrote in 2022. These barefaced culture warriors claim vaccines are hoaxes, masks are ineffective, and a secret leftist plot to make white kids feel bad about themselves by teaching unpleasant facts about American history. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Hamas-Israel Ceasefire: Salute to People of Gaza Despite round the clock terror and horrifying attacks in the last 15 months, the ordinary people of Gaza exhibited remarkable patience for which they deserve acclaim Sunday January 19, 2025 6:16 PM , Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi After the death of Yasser Arafat , Abu Mazen Mahmoud Abbas assumed the presidency of Palestine. On the global stage, he is regarded as the representative and President of Palestine. He has held this position since 2005. However, he has not raised the issues of Palestine's freedom, the rights of the Palestinian people and their sovereignty on the international level with the assertiveness and strategy as they require. The reality is that the strong conviction and sincere passion needed to champion the Palestinian cause are missing in him. " Operation Tufaanul Aqsa " was carried out with great consideration. Had it not taken place, the current status of Al-Aqsa Masjid would have undergone significant changes, the Palestinian cause would have become much more complicated, the annexation agenda of the Zionist state would have advanced swiftly, and people might have forgotten Palestine altogether. Following Operation Tufaanu Aqsa , not only did Palestine emerge as a key topic among people across numerous countries from the East, West, North, and South, but many politicians also began discussing the Palestinian issue. In fact, several nations went so far as to formally recognize Palestine as a state. Massive demonstrations in support of Palestine were held in numerous European, American, Asian, and African countries, as people rallied for the Palestinians to receive their rightful claim. The Zionist state turned Gaza into rubble during this war. The people of Gaza made immense sacrifices, both in terms of life and property. Throughout the conflict, they didnt receive two meals a day on time, and even access to drinking water was far from easy. They were forced to travel back and forth from northern Gaza to southern Gaza and vice versa due to the sever attack from the Zionist state. Throughout this prolonged period, they never experienced a moment of peace, remaining in a constant state of suffering and distress. This terror and horrifying attack was not for a few hours or days, but it endured for fifteen and a half month. Despite this, the ordinary people of Gaza exhibited remarkable patience. They did not oppose their leaders, nor did they revolt against them. At this moment of ceasefire, salute to the brave and resilient people of Gaza. Their courageous leaders and fighters also deserves honour, who sacrificed their lives to protect Al-Aqsa Masjid and to preserve the existence of Palestine, successfully halting the dangerous agenda of the Zionist occupying state from advancing. After the announcement of the ceasefire agreement , Dr. Khalil al-Hayya, the head of the negotiation committee from Hamas, delivering a detailed statement said: "In this historic moment, which marks the outcome of our people's relentless struggle and unwavering patience that has endured for decades, a new era is about to begin. We extend all words of pride and honour to the great people of Gaza." He continued: "O people of Gaza, O people of dignity, O families of the martyrs, the wounded, the prisoners, and the missing, who have kept their promises, shown immense patience, and endured hardships like no one else before you, you have faced trials that no one else has experienced. You remained steadfast in every moment of patience, fought on the battlefield of jihad, and, by Allah's will, achieved the highest honour. "We rejoice that your resolve, struggle, patience, sacrifices and countless contributions will finally be rewarded. In this monumental moment, we pay tribute to the great martyrs: children, women, the elderly, scholars, fighters, doctors, journalists, defense personnel, government and police members, and tribal leaders, who have all given so much." In this war, the people of Gaza have endured tremendous suffering. Due to the Zionist state's airstrikes on civilian areas and ground assaults, nearly 46,600 individuals in Gaza have lost their precious lives. A group of researchers, led by British experts, estimates that around 59% of those killed were women, children and the elderly. According to the research published by the renowned British medical journal The Lancet, the number of martyrs reported by Gazas Ministry of Health is approximately 40% lower than the actual figure. Additionally, around 110,000 people have been injured. The material damage has also been disastrous. Gaza's infrastructure including homes, schools, hospitals, Masjids, clinics, churches and roadshas been destroyed and reduced to rubble. The electricity and water supply systems have been severely damaged as well. As a result, many of Gaza's residents have been forced to flee their homes, becoming refugees living in tents. Economically, the people of Gaza have suffered significant losses, with businesses, shops, factories and industries left in ruins. Tragically, over 224 humanitarian workers, including employees of UNRWA, have lost their lives due to the Zionist state's attacks. During this war, a significant number of journalists working in the Gaza Strip have been martyred. Reporters Without Borders, is an international organization that advocates for journalists' rights, has its headquarters in Paris, France. In a statement, the organization's Director-General, Thibaut Bruttin, said: "Throughout the ongoing open aggression in Gaza, which has lasted for one year and three months, the occupying Israeli forces have killed over 200 Palestinian journalists, with at least 41 of them martyred while carrying out their duties." According to official media office statistics in Gaza, the number of martyred journalists has now reached 205 since the beginning of the genocide in the Strip. Bruttin emphasized that under the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas on January 15, journalists should be allowed to enter the Gaza Strip. He further demanded the opening of borders and accountability for the crimes committed by the occupying Israeli forces. Brittin also stated: "Following the ceasefire agreement, the work of both local and international journalists is more crucial than ever. Therefore, international journalists should be granted immediate and unrestricted access to the besieged Gaza Strip." In this war, the Zionist state of Israel has also faced significant losses. Israel has acknowledged the deaths of 405 of its soldiers, while nearly 1,400 civilians and around 2,000 military personnel are reportedly dead due to rocket attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah. These attacks have caused considerable damage to infrastructure in several areas of Israel. Some buildings, roads, and essential facilities have been impacted. Moreover, the war has severely affected Israels economy, with sectors such as business and tourism facing major challenges. As a result, the Israeli economy has been significantly harmed . The security situation has become increasingly complicated, especially in border areas, where residents have been psychologically affected by the constant threat of attacks. Many people across various countries are now reportedly view Israel committed terrorism and genocide against the civilians of the Gaza Strip. A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Zionist state was reached on 15th January 2025. Qatar, the United States, and Egypt played a key role as mediators in facilitating this agreement. The Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdur Rahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, announced the deal, revealing that both parties had agreed to exchange hostages and prisoners and to restore lasting peace, which would lead to a permanent ceasefire. Following this announcement, during a meeting on 17th January, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved the Gaza ceasefire agreement, and on January 18, it was officially ratified by the Israeli Cabinet. However, eight members of the Cabinet voted against the agreement, including the Minister of Internal Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The agreement is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 8:30 am. According to the agreement, the first phase will last six weeks, or 42 days, during which Hamas will release 33 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. In exchange, the Zionist state will release 50 Palestinian prisoners for each female soldier hostage and 30 Palestinian prisoners for each other hostage. One report also suggests that Israel will ultimately release a total of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. During this phase, the occupying forces will withdraw from Gaza, allowing the people of Gaza to return to their homes. Additionally, Israel will permit 600 aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip daily. The second phase will involve the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by the Zionist state, and in return, Hamas will release the remaining hostages. In the third phase, reconstruction efforts for Gaza will begin, and the remains of Israeli hostages, who were killed in Palestine while captivity, will be returned. The second phase, which will focus on the release of hostages, is set to begin on the 16th day of the first phase. However, the families of Israeli prisoners have called on the government to start negotiations on the return of prisoners immediately, rather than waiting the full 16 days. Now, let's examine some of the Zionist state's earlier claims. The Israeli government had asserted that it would only end the war after completely eliminating Hamas. However, today it finds itself negotiating with the very same Hamas, which, despite the martyrdom of some of its top leaders, remains active on the ground. In addition, Israel had claimed that it would continue the war until all of its hostages were freed from Hamas captivity. Yet, in this regard, it has been unsuccessful managing to free only a few hostages. As a result, the Zionist state has been compelled to enter into negotiations with Hamas for the release of prisoners. Israeli intelligence had long been lauded for its effectiveness. However, after Hamas's Operation Tufaanul Aqsa, people began to realize that there are forces even more powerful than Israeli intelligence which can carry out operations against Israel without it even being aware. This attack has left the Zionist state both psychologically and materially weakened. Following the " Deal of the Century " proposed by Trump, the Zionist state rapidly escalated its annexation efforts. Now, the situation has evolved to the point where Israeli settlers in the border areas are feeling increasingly insecure. They no longer feel safe. According to the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, the Israeli government was compelled to evacuate its citizens from cities near the Lebanese border, relocating them to safer areas. The Zionist state has moved its residents from the northern city of Kiryat Shmona to government-funded camps. The people make efforts and plans, but it is not always guaranteed that they will succeed according to their intentions. There is a fundamental principle regarding war: "One day it will be in your favour, and another day it will be against you." Sometimes you will emerge victorious, and other times your enemy will. This should not cause discouragement. There was a time, for instance, when the brave people of Hamas managed to get released 1,045 oppressed Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for one Shalit . [The writer, Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi, associated with Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia. He can be contacted via qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Who braided Israeli Captive: Netizens debate as Hamas released 3 hostages The Palestinian Resistance Groups Sunday January 19, 2025 released 3 Israeli hostages, all females namely - Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, sparking debate over their convivial appearance Monday January 20, 2025 11:44 AM , ummid.com News Network Gaza Strip: The Palestinian Resistance Groups Sunday January 19, 2025 released 3 Israeli hostages, all females namely - Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, sparking debate over their convivial appearance. The Al Qassam Brigade fighters were in full military uniform as they arrived in a black sedan with the female Israeli captives to hand them over to the waiting Red Cross SUV. The Israeli captives were handed over to Red Cross officials as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians gathered at as-Saraya Square in Gaza City to watch the prisoners swap. As many as 90 Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange of the 3 Israeli captives as per the term of the Gaza Ceasefire deal finalised between Hamas and Israeli and which came to force Sunday morning. [The Palestinian prisoners who will be released today as part of the first phase of the exchange deal have arrived at the Israeli Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah.] Israeli Captives Braided, Smiling Video footages and images of the Israeli captives shared on social media platforms during their release showed them smiling, cordial and also braided. The convivial appearance of the Israeli captives who remained with the Palestinian Resistance Fighters for around 471 days has sparked debates on internet. "Lol... this is so horrifying isn't it? They are even braid the hair of Israeli female prisoners?" a social media users who identifies on X as 'Aditya Juans Mandagie' wrote. Another social media users, Nida Khan Yousufzai, tagging an image of one of the female Israeli captives released today wondered, "Who braided the Israeli captive? Serious Question (sic)." "They braided the Israeli captives hair? Lol", one more X user wrote while sharing the virale image. Yet another social media user sharing the video of the Israeli captives wrote, "Aww look at them, all neat with limbs intact. And braided hair (sic)". BREAKING: Al-Qassam Brigades: The first batch of zionist prisoners in the Gaza Strip is handed over as part of the first phase of the Al-Aqsa Flood Deal for prisoner exchange. NOTE: Al-Qassam gave them a gift, a photo from Gaza accompanied by a graduation certificatepic.twitter.com/5PCo8q0Ng2 Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) January 19, 2025 Some social media users also highlighted one the Israeli hostages sporting a Palestinian flag. "Resistance even braided her hair and made her look pretty while preparing her to hand over to Israel in exchange for its own prisoners..... She is even wearing a Palestinian necklace", a social media user wrote. The netizens also hailed the treatment of the Israeli hostages in Hamas custody despite facing genocide and acute shortage of food supplies in Gaza. "Despite a genocide & famine in Gaza, the Zionist prisoners were well treated well-fed and protected. And it is even more incredible that Israel could not secure release of even a single one through force... True character of a Muslim resistance. Compare that with what the Zionist maniacs and perverts did in Gaza...", a netizen wrote on X. Another social media user summarised the whole episode in these words, "Why does it look like they're coming back from a vacation?" Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. (@FahadShabbir) GAZA, DOHA, CAIRO, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 19th Jan, 2025) A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip came into effect today, marking the start of its first phase, which will last for 42 days. This follows 15 months of Israeli aggression on the region. The United Nations has also announced that the first aid convoys have entered Gaza. A ceasefire finally came into effect in Gaza at 11:15 today. First trucks of supplies started entering just 15mins later. A massive effort has been underway over the past days from humanitarian partners to load and prepare to distribute a surge of aid across all of Gaza, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OCHAoPt), said on X. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari in a statement on X, stated, We confirm that the Names of the three hostages who will be released today have been handed over to the Israeli side. They are three Israeli citizens, one of whom holds Romanian citizenship and the other British citizenship. Thus, the ceasefire has begun. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced today that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has martyred at least 46,913 Palestinians and injured 110,750 others since 7 October 2023. Arkansas' Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom have little in common ideologically, but the two have both been vocal supporters of an idea that's been rapidly gaining bipartisan ground in the states: Students' use of cellphones needs to be banned during the school day. At least eight states have enacted such bans over the past two years, and proposals are being considered in several more states this year. Here is a look at the push by states for such bans. Why are states banning cellphones at schools? The push for cellphone bans has been driven by concerns about the impact screen time has on children's mental health and complaints from teachers that cellphones have become a constant distraction in the classroom. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who has called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms about their effects on young people's lives, has said schools need to provide phone-free times. Nationally, 77% of U.S. schools say they prohibit cellphones at school for non-academic use, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. But that number is misleading. It does not mean students are following those bans or all those schools are enforcing them. Kim Whitman, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement, said the issue is catching on because parents and teachers in both red and blue states are struggling with the consequences of kids on mobile devices. "It doesn't matter if you live in a big city or a rural town, urban or suburban, all children are struggling and need that seven-hour break from the pressures of phones and social media during the school day," she said. What states are enacting bans? At least eight states California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia have enacted measures banning or restricting students' use of cellphones in schools. The policies range widely. Florida was the first state to crack down on phones in school, passing a 2023 law that requires all public schools to ban cellphone use during class time and block access to social media on district Wi-Fi. A 2024 California law requires the state's nearly 1,000 school districts to create their own cellphone policies by July 2026. Several other states haven't banned phones, but have encouraged school districts to enact such restrictions or have provided funding to store phones during the day. Sanders announced a pilot program last year providing grants to schools that adopt phone-free policies, and more than 100 school districts signed on. Sanders said she now wants to require all districts to ban cellphones during the school day, but the proposal will leave it to the districts on how to craft the policy. "Teachers know [cellphones are] a huge distraction, but much bigger than that is that it is impacting the mental health of so many of our students," Sanders told reporters on Thursday. Other governors recently calling for bans include Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, who was sworn in this month, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has suggested she'll seek a statewide policy, but has not offered specifics. What is the opposition to the bans? The cellphone bans have faced opposition from some parents who say they need to be able to contact their children directly in case of emergency. Some parents have pointed to recent school shootings where having access to cellphones was the only way some students were able to communicate with loved ones for what they thought might be the last time. But supporters of the bans have noted that students' phones could pose additional dangers during an emergency by distracting students or by revealing their location during an active-shooter situation. Parents opposed to the ban have also said they want their children to have access to their phones for other needs, such as coordinating transportation. Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union, said she agrees about the dangers of social media for children but that the bans sought by states are too broad. Banning the devices during the school day is not going to solve underlying issues like bullying or the dangers of social media, she said. "We have not done our job as grown-ups to try to teach our kids the skills they need to actually navigate this technology," she said. "We've just kicked the can down the road and thrown them into the deep end of the pool when they're by themselves after school." For years, Tunisians have been picking bright red peppers, combining them with garlic, vinegar and spices and turning them into a saucy spread called harissa. The condiment is a national staple, found in homes, restaurants and food stalls throughout the coastal North African nation. Brick-red, spicy and tangy, it can be scooped up on bread drizzled with olive oil or dabbed onto plates of eggs, fish, stews or sandwiches. Harissa can be sprinkled atop merguez sausages, smeared on savory pastries called brik or sandwiches called fricassees. In Nabeul, the largest city in Tunisia's harissa-producing Cap Bon region, local chef and harissa specialist Chahida Boufayed called it "essential to Tunisian cuisine." "Harissa is a love story," she said at a festival held in honor of the chili paste sauce in the northeastern Tunisian city of Nabeul earlier this month. "I don't make it for the money." Aficionados from across Tunisia and the world converged on the 43-year-old mother's stand to try her recipe. Surrounded by strings of drying baklouti red peppers, she described how she grows her vegetables and blends them with spices to make harissa. The region's annual harissa festival has grown in the two-plus years since the United Nations cultural organization, UNESCO, recognized the sauce on a list of items of intangible cultural heritage, said Zouheir Belamin, the president of the association behind the event. He said its growing prominence worldwide was attracting new tourists to Tunisia, specifically to Nabeul. UNESCO in 2022 called harissa "an integral part of domestic provisions and the daily culinary and food traditions of Tunisian society, adding it to a list of traditions and practices that mark intangible cultural heritage including Ukrainian borscht and Cuban rum. Already popular across North Africa as well as in France, the condiment is gaining popularity throughout the world from the United States to China. Seen as sriracha's North African cousin, harissa is typically prepared by women who sun-dry harvested red peppers and then deseed, wash and ground them. Its name comes from "haras" the Arabic verb for "to crush" because of the next stage in the process. The finished peppers are combined with a mixture of garlic cloves, vinegar, salt, olive oil and spices in a mortar and pestle to make a fragrant blend. Variants on display at Nabeul's Jan. 3-5 festival used cumin, coriander and different spice blends or types of peppers, including smoked ones, to create pastes ranging in color from burgundy to crimson. "Making harissa is an art. If you master it, you can create wonders," Boufayed said. A hallmark of the nearly 250-year American democracy is the quadrennial peaceful transfer of presidential power, and it is set to unfold again on Monday, with Donald Trump, the 45th president until he lost his 2020 reelection bid, set to be inaugurated as the countrys 47th leader after winning last Novembers election. Millions of Americans are expected to watch on television as the 78-year-old Trump takes the oath of office for a new four-year term in the White House while President Joe Biden, 82, leaves the presidency after a single term. But only about 600 people will see Trump sworn in live, with the ceremony moved into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda at Trumps behest. An arrival Sunday night of an Arctic blast of frigid air into Washington could push the temperature to -6 Celsius at noon on Monday, when the traditional outdoor swearing-in ceremony would normally be held on the steps of the Capitol overlooking the National Mall. It is expected to be the coldest Inauguration Day in Washington in 40 years, when Ronald Reagans second inauguration was also moved inside in 1985. About 250,000 tickets to Trumps planned outdoor ceremony on the Capitol steps had been handed out to his supporters and dignitaries but inaugural officials said they now can simply keep the ducats as commemorative souvenirs. The traditional inaugural parade along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House has also been canceled because of the weather, with bands, marching units, drill teams and the like now parading past Trump, his wife, Melania Trump and other officials in his new administration at the nearby 20,000-seat Capital One Arena, with thousands of other celebrants literally left out in the cold. Lavish black-tie balls are still planned for Monday evening. Trumps ascendancy to power again comes with some historical footnotes: He will become the first felon to serve as U.S. president, after his conviction last year on 34 criminal charges linked to falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 hush money payment to porn film star Stormy Daniels, although a judge declined to penalize him in any way. Charges that Trump, a Republican, tried to illegally overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden were dropped when he defeated his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the 2024 election because of a long-standing Justice Department policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. Trump will also become the second U.S. president to serve a second nonconsecutive term, after Grover Cleveland in the 1890s. Beyond the pomp and circumstances of U.S. inaugurals, both Trumps supportive Republican colleagues and opposition Democrats will be closely watching to see what policy changes he quickly announces with executive orders to undo Biden edicts or simply to push forward with planks from his winning campaign against Harris. Trumps Day 1 promises are wide-ranging, but whether he signs orders affecting all of them or spreads out some of them to the coming days is not certain. Perhaps his most persistent claim from the campaign trail is that he plans to deport more than 11 million undocumented migrants living in the United States, starting with migrants who have been convicted of crimes and then others who have been ordered to return to their home countries after losing asylum bids to stay in the U.S. But an apparent Trump plan to begin the immigration crackdown on Tuesday in Chicago leaked to U.S. media outlets, leaving Trumps handpicked border czar, Tom Homan, to say that that the timing of the deportation plan is now being reconsidered. Were looking at this leak and will make a decision based on this leak, Homan told The Washington Post. Its unfortunate because anyone leaking law enforcement operations puts officers at greater risk. Nonetheless, Homan said the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency will start arresting public safety threats and national security threats on day one. Well be arresting people across the country, uninhibited by any prior (Biden) administration guidelines. Why Chicago was mentioned specifically, I dont know. This is nationwide thing, he said. Were not sweeping neighborhoods. We have a targeted enforcement plan. Trump has also vowed to close the southwestern U.S. border with Mexico and force would-be asylum-seekers to remain in Mexico while their claims to stay in the U.S. are adjudicated. All of his get-tough-on-migrant plans are sure to draw legal challenges from advocates supporting those seeking a new life in the U.S., possibly leaving Trumps actions in limbo for extended periods, weeks, maybe months. Related to immigration, Trump says he wants to end birthright citizenship for anyone born in the United States, although it is part of the U.S. Constitution, so it is not clear how he plans to try to do that unilaterally. Trump has also vowed to quickly impose heightened tariffs on key trading partners, including Canada, China and Mexico. The incoming president says he plans to pardon many of the 1,500 supporters of his who stormed the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, to try to block Congress from certifying that Biden won the 2020 election. Trump has called those arrested and convicted patriots and hostages wrongly prosecuted. It is not clear whether Trump will pardon only those convicted of relatively minor offenses or include those convicted of attacking the 140 law enforcement officials who were injured in the mayhem four years ago. Trump vowed for months to end Russias war on Ukraine before he takes office, but in recent days his aides have said the goal now is to try to reach a truce in the fighting in the first 100 days of his administration, which would be around the end of April. Trump also wants more oil drilling in the U.S. even though in 2023, U.S. energy production exceeded consumption by a record amount, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Two transgender issues have also drawn Trumps attention. Trump has repeatedly referred to transgender women as men, telling his supporters that he will ensure transgender women cannot compete in womens sports. I will keep men out of womens sports, 100%, immediately, first day, Trump told one political rally during the campaign. He also frequently has assailed gender-affirming care, which can include hormone therapy. On day one, I will revoke Joe Bidens cruel policies on so-called gender affirming care. The young boy wore a suit and bow tie to his stepfather's funeral Saturday, where he demanded a handkerchief and wiped tears off his mother's 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 Haiti's 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 America's Creole service and worked for the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the Boston Caribbean Network, among others. On December 24, he traveled to downtown Port-au-Prince with other journalists to cover the anticipated reopening of Haiti's General Hospital, which gangs had pillaged. Shortly after he arrived, gunmen opened fire. "He was killed for bringing news to the world," said Natoux's colleague, Rene Celias. Johnson "Izo" Andre, considered Haiti's most powerful gang leader and part of the Viv Ansanm coalition of gangs that have taken control of 85% of Port-au-Prince, posted a video on social media claiming responsibility. He said he had not authorized the hospital's reopening. Natoux's colleague, Jacalin, also blamed the government for the attack, which led to the health minister being replaced. "You shouldn't 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 Thursday. Robest Dimanche, spokesperson 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 it's unlikely those responsible will be brought to justice. Last year, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) 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 United Nations 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 mother's face and then wiped his own as a family friend cradled the boy's head and whispered something in his ear. When the funeral ended, loved ones lifted Natoux's coffin high into the air. One colleague placed his hand on the Haitian flag draped over it as anguished wails filled the church. France's President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to former French Resistance activist and author Genevieve Callerot, who has died at age 108. Callerot, who was among the last survivors of the groups that fought the country's 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." 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 her, 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. 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. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold Sunday, seemingly starting a six-week pause in 15 months of fighting in Gaza and setting the stage for the release of dozens of hostages held by the militants, including three young women freed in the first hours of the truce. The truce started at 11:15 a.m. local time and hours later, a Red Cross convoy headed into Gaza, the narrow strip of land along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and secured the release of Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Early Monday, Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, hours after the three Israelis were released. Large white buses carrying the detainees exited the gates of Israels Ofer prison, just outside the West Bank city of Ramallah. Palestinians crowded the buses, chanting and cheering, as celebratory fireworks burst overhead. Israel had pledged to free them as part of the ceasefire deal agreed to last week after a year of futile negotiations. U.S. President Joe Biden, who spurred negotiations leading to the truce, said on his last full day in office, "After so much pain, destruction, and loss of life, today the guns in Gaza have gone silent." Gonen had been abducted from a music festival on Oct. 7, 2023, during the shock Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of about 250 hostages, while the other two women handed over to Israeli authorities were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Damari is an Israeli-British dual citizen. The Palestinian death toll from the Israels counteroffensive after the October 2023 attack has reached more than 46,000, with most of them women and children, although the Israeli military contends, without providing evidence, that it has killed 17,000 militants. The ceasefire was delayed for three hours when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would not start until Hamas provided a list of the three hostages set for release Sunday. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks in Gaza raged on, with the Gaza health ministry saying at least 26 more people were killed, but did not say whether they were civilians or fighters. The military had warned people to stay away from Israeli forces as they retreated to a buffer zone. The truce was announced last week after intensive mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Bidens outgoing administration and President-elect Donald Trump's team had both pressed for an agreement to be reached before Trumps inauguration and return to the White House on Monday. "Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. The terms of the pact call for a 42-day first phase with the release of 33 of the 99 hostages believed to be held by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees freed. About two-thirds of the hostages are believed to be alive, with the rest killed in fighting or having died. Israeli forces are expected to pull back into a buffer zone inside Gaza, and many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home, although much of Gaza has been laid to waste. According to a list provided by the Palestinian Authoritys Commission for Prisoners Affairs, all of those released are women or minors. Israel said those on the list had been detained for what it said were offenses related to Israels security, from throwing stones to more serious accusations such as attempted murder. There is also supposed to be a surge of humanitarian aid to famished Palestinians in Gaza, with hundreds of trucks entering daily, far more than Israel has allowed during the fighting. The United Nations' World Food Program said trucks had started entering Gaza through two crossings after the ceasefire took hold. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said in a statement, As the ceasefire entered into force today, humanitarian aid moved into Gaza as part of a prepared surge to increase our support to survivors. More than 630 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza today, with at least 300 of them going to the north. There is no time to lose. After 15 months of relentless war, the humanitarian needs are staggering. Today also brings a measure of relief in Israel as the first hostages have been released to be reunited with their families. Detained Palestinian women and children were also released today, in line with the ceasefire agreement. This is a moment of tremendous hope fragile, yet vital as we continue to navigate the complexities of the days and weeks ahead, Fletcher said. Top Israeli officials support the ceasefire, but not all of them. Israel's hard-line national security minister meanwhile said his Jewish Power faction was quitting the government in protest over the ceasefire agreement. Itamar Ben-Gvir's departure weakens Netanyahu's coalition but will not affect the truce. Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire should begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the first phase and how the rest of the hostages in Gaza will be freed. But Palestinians across Gaza celebrated the initial truce. Masked militants appeared at some of the celebrations, where crowds chanted slogans in support of them, according to news accounts. Palestinian residents began returning to their homes in parts of Gaza City early Sunday, even as tank shelling continued to the east, closer to the Israeli border, overnight. Families could be seen making their way back on foot, with their belongings loaded on donkey carts, residents said. "The sound of shelling and explosions didn't stop," said Ahmed Matter, a Gaza City resident. Matter said he saw many families leaving their shelters and returning to their homes. "People are impatient. They want this madness to end," he said. Reactions in Israel were more varied, as people hoped for the safe return of the hostages but remained divided over the agreement. "It's a new day," Nissan Kalderon, the brother of hostage Ofer Kalderon, 54, told Israeli Channel 12. "Don't stop. Bring all the hostages home." Asher Pizem, 35, from the Israeli city of Sderot near Gaza, said he eagerly awaited the return of the captives. But he said the deal had merely postponed the next confrontation with Hamas and criticized Israel for allowing aid into Gaza, saying it would contribute to the revival of the militant group. VOA U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. It is one of the 20th century's most memorable images: a naked girl, screaming, running from a napalm bombing during the Vietnam War. More than a half-century later, a new documentary is calling into question who took it and the retired Associated Press photographer long credited for the photo insists it was his, while his longtime employer says it has no evidence of anyone else being behind the camera. The film about the Pulitzer Prize-winning picture, "The Stringer," is scheduled to debut next week at the Sundance Film Festival. Both photographer Nick Ut and his longtime employer are contesting it vigorously, and Ut's lawyer is seeking to block the premiere, threatening a defamation lawsuit. The AP, which conducted its own investigation over six months, concluded it has "no reason to believe anyone other than Ut took the photo." The picture of Kim Phuc running down a road in the village of Trang Bang, crying and naked because she had taken off clothes burning from napalm, instantly became symbolic of the horrors of the Vietnam War. Taken on June 8, 1972, the photo is credited to Ut, then a 21-year-old staffer in AP's Saigon bureau. He was awarded the Pulitzer a year later. Now 73, he moved to California after the war and worked for the AP for 40 years until retiring in 2017. This image contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing. Click to reveal This image contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing - Click to reveal FILE - South Vietnamese forces follow terrified children, including 9-year-old Kim Phuc, center, as they run down Route 1 near Trang Bang after an aerial napalm attack on suspected Viet Cong hiding places, June 8, 1972. The film's allegations open an unexpected new chapter for an image that, within hours of it being taken, was beamed around the planet and became one of the most indelible photographs of both the Vietnam War and the turbulent century that produced it. Whatever the truth, the film's investigations apparently relate only to the identity of the photographer and not the image's overall authenticity. The dispute puts the filmmakers, who call the episode "a scandal behind the making of one of the most-recognized photographs of the 20th century," at odds with Ut, whose work that day defined his career. It also puts them at cross purposes with the AP, a global news organization for whom accuracy is a foundational part of the business model. How did the questioning of the photo begin? It's difficult, so many years later, to overestimate the wallop that this particular image packed. Ron Burnett, an expert on images and former president of the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, called it "earth-shattering." "It changed the way photos have always been thought about and broke the rules for how much violence you can show to the public," Burnett said. The photo sat unchallenged for much of its 53-year existence. All these years later, a counter-narrative has emerged that it was instead taken by another person, someone who worked for NBC News at the time and also lives now in California. The person allegedly had delivered his film to the AP's office as a "stringer," a non-staff member who provides material to a news organization. The husband-and-wife team of Gary Knight, founder of the VII Foundation, and producer Fiona Turner are behind the film. On his website, Knight described "The Stringer" as "a story that many in our profession did not want told, and some of them continue to go to great lengths to make sure isn't told." "The film grapples with questions of authorship, racial injustice and journalistic ethics while shining a light on the fundamental yet often unrecognized contributions of local freelancers who provide the information we need to understand how events worldwide impact us all," Knight wrote. Knight did not return a message seeking comment from the AP on Thursday. A representative from Sundance also did not return a message about a cease-and-desist letter from Ut's lawyer, James Hornstein, trying to stop the film's airing. Hornstein would not make Ut available for an interview, saying he anticipated future litigation. Knight and Turner met with AP in London last June about the allegations. According to the AP, filmmakers requested the news organization sign a non-disclosure agreement before they provided their evidence. AP declined. That hampered the AP's own investigation, along with the passage of time. Horst Faas, chief of photos for AP in Saigon in 1972, and Yuichi "Jackson" Ishizaki, who developed Ut's film, are both dead. Many of the Saigon bureau's records were lost when communists took over the city, including any dealings with "the stringer." Negatives of photos used back then are preserved in AP's corporate archives in New York, but they provided no insight for the investigation. Still, the AP decided to release its own findings before seeing "The Stringer" and the details of the claim that it is making. "AP stands prepared to review any evidence and take whatever remedial action might be needed if their thesis is proved true," the news organization said. Some who were there are sure about what happened The AP said it spoke to seven surviving people who were in Trang Bang or AP's Saigon bureau that day, and all maintain they have no reason to doubt their own conclusions that Ut had taken the photo. One was Fox Butterfield, a renowned longtime New York Times reporter, who also said that he was contacted by Turner for the documentary. "I told them what my memory was and they didn't like it, but they just went ahead anyway," Butterfield told AP. Another was photographer David Burnett, who said he witnessed Ut and Alexander Shimkin, a freelance photographer working primarily for Newsweek, taking photos as Kim Phuc and other children emerged from smoke following an attack. Shimkin was killed in Vietnam a month later, according to the investigation. A key source for the story in "The Stringer" is Carl Robinson, then a photo editor for the AP in Saigon, who was initially overruled in his judgment not to use the picture. AP reached out to Robinson as part of its probe, but he said he had signed an NDA with Knight and the VII Foundation. Knight followed up, saying Robinson would only speak off the record, which the AP concluded would have prevented the news organization from setting the record straight. Robinson did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment on Thursday. On duty that day in Saigon, Robinson had concluded that Ut's picture could not be used because it would have violated standards prohibiting nudity. But Faas overruled him, and senior AP editors in New York decided to run the picture for what it conveyed about war. The AP questioned Robinson's long silence in contradicting Ut's photo credit, and showed a photo from its archives of Robinson with champagne toasting Ut's Pulitzer Prize. In a 2005 interview with corporate archives, Robinson said he thought AP "created a monster" when it distributed the photo because much of the world's sympathies were focused on one victim, instead of war victims more broadly. Former AP correspondent Peter Arnett, who believes Ut made the image, said Robinson wrote to him after Faas' death in 2012 to make the allegation that Ut had not taken it; he said he did not want to do it while Faas was still alive. According to the AP investigation, Arnett said Robinson told him that Ut had "gone all Hollywood" and he didn't like it. Hornstein characterized Robinson, who was dismissed by AP in 1978, as "a guy with a 50-year vendetta against the AP." He also questioned the long silence by the man supposedly identified in the documentary as the person who really took the photo. The lawyer also produced a statement from Kim Phuc, who said that while she has no memory of that day, her uncle has repeatedly told her that Ut took the picture and that she had no reason to doubt him. Ut also took her to the nearest hospital after the photo was taken, she wrote. A major journalist in Niger was in custody Saturday, an association said, a day after the private TV channel he runs was suspended following a report critical of the military-led regime. Seyni Amadou, editor in chief of Canal 4 TV, has been arrested, said CAP-Medias-Niger, which represents media workers in the country. On Friday, Niger's communications ministry announced the channel had been taken off the air for a month. State television channel Tele Sahel said Canal 3 TV had been punished "for violating the rules of ethics and deontology." Canal 3 told AFP in a statement that the suspension was "linked to a broadcast on the ranking of ministers" in the government of Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, a civilian appointed by the military regime. In the report's ranking, Zeine was placed first and several of his ministers were called the "soft underbelly" of the government. CAP said in a statement Friday it regretted Amadou's arrest and detention and called for the rights of journalists to be respected. "Never in the history of media regulation in Niger has the decision to suspend a media been taken by the executive, including in so-called exceptional periods," it added. CAP called on Communications Minister Sidi Raliou Mohamed to reconsider his decision. Niger lies 80th out of 180 countries on the 2024 Press Freedom Index published by Paris-based media rights campaigners Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Already in November, another journalist at Canal 3, Serge Mathurin Adou, was detained and later convicted on allegations he attempted to destabilize fellow junta-led Sahel nation Burkina Faso. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the chief of Niger's powerful presidential guard, in 2023 ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, a key ally of the West in fighting jihadis in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the coup, Niger's military rulers have turned their back on former colonial power France and forged ties with fellow juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as with Russia. It has also blocked international channels including Radio France International (RFI), France 24 and the BBC. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of state, is pledging to press Thailand to prevent the deportation of 48 Uyghurs held there since 2014 after fleeing alleged persecution in Xinjiang, in northwest China. "Thailand is a very strong U.S. partner, a strong historical ally," Rubio said during his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday. "That is an area where I think diplomacy could really achieve results because of how important that relationship is and how close it is." Describing the Uyghurs' plight in China as "one of the most horrifying things that has ever happened," he said, "These are people who are basically being rounded up because of their ethnicity and religion, and they are being put into camps stripped of their identity and into forced labor literally, slave labor." Human rights advocates say returning the Uyghurs to China risks torture, long imprisonment, or disappearance. Rubio, a leading critic of Beijing, co-sponsored the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which bans imports from Xinjiang unless free of forced labor. His stance for human rights in China has subjected him to Chinese sanctions since 2020. China refutes accusations of genocide Both the Biden and previous Trump administrations have classified China's actions in Xinjiang as genocide, while a 2022 United Nations report said Beijing's policies may constitute crimes against humanity. China rejects these accusations, framing its actions as anti-terrorism measures. The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok claimed on Wednesday that Uyghur detainees in Thailand had terrorist ties. "A small number of individuals, enticed by external forces, fled abroad and even joined the 'East Turkestan Islamic Movement,' [ETIM] a terrorist organization recognized by the United Nations, becoming terrorists themselves," the embassy stated. Although ETIM was listed as a terror group in 2002, the U.S. delisted it in 2020, citing no "clear and convincing evidence of ETIM's existence," according to Congressional Research Service. Julie Millsap, government relations manager at the Washington-based group No Business With Genocide, dismissed China's claims. There has been "no evidence presented to link these men to terrorism," Millsap told VOA. "The PRC cannot claim concurrently that it has a population of happy, dancing Uyghurs while labeling asylum seekers as extremists." Arslan Hidayat, team lead of the Save Uyghur campaign by U.S.-based Justice for All, said Uyghur detainees in Thailand recently faced a troubling development. "Last week, I learned from the detainees that Thai immigration officers attempted to photograph 43 Uyghur detainees and have them sign documents similar to those used in 2015, when more than 100 Uyghurs were forcibly repatriated to China," Hidayat told VOA Friday. "Fearing a repeat of that mass deportation, the detainees refused and launched a hunger strike, which continues to this day," he said. 'Degrading treatment or even torture' In addition to the 43 Uyghurs in Thailand's IDC, five are imprisoned after a failed escape attempt. A U.N. report cited "degrading treatment or even torture" and five deaths, including two children, urging Thai authorities against deportation without due process and individual protection assessments. Human Rights Watch on Friday urged Thailand to release detained Uyghurs and grant them safe passage to a third country. "Successive Thai governments have kept the Uyghurs in inhumane detention, while under pressure from the Chinese government to send them to China," said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, calling on Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government to end this cycle. VOA contacted the Thai Embassy in Washington and the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry for comment on the Uyghurs' status and the reports of potential repatriation but received no response. Babar Baloch, global spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, told VOA the agency is closely monitoring the situation and has sought assurances from Thai authorities. "We continue to remind the authorities of their obligations on non-refoulement and to advocate for alternatives to detention," he said Friday. Zumretay Arkin, vice president of the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress, cited ongoing discussions between China and Thailand about deportations in the context of the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. "We remain concerned about their fate and continue to increase public pressure," Arkin told VOA, adding that her group had called on partner organizations to organize global protests outside Thai diplomatic missions. Family torn apart Rahile, a 32-year-old Uyghur mother of three living in Turkey, has been separated from her husband, detained in Bangkok for nearly a decade. She asked that his name not be used, fearing reprisal from Thai authorities. "We had just built our home [in Xinjiang] and were living a normal life when everything turned into a nightmare 12 years ago," she told VOA from Kayseri, Turkey, requesting her last name be withheld to protect relatives in southern Xinjiang. Their ordeal began in 2013 when a Uyghur working for the Chinese government warned her husband that his name was on a detention list as authorities targeted Uyghur men under vague suspicions of alleged separatism and extremism. "My husband learned of an escape route and asked if I would follow or stay behind," Rahile said. "People around us were disappearing. He had no choice but to leave." The couple fled without passports, relying on smugglers to cross into Southeast Asia. Intercepted in Thailand in 2014, Rahile and her two young sons spent 18 months in detention before Turkey resettled more than 170 women and children. Her husband remained with more than 150 Uyghur migrants in Thailand. Weeks later, over 100 Uyghurs were forcibly deported to China. "They were never heard from again," she said. "I was relieved my husband was still in Thailand. I hoped we'd reunite soon." A decade later, her youngest son, born in Thai detention, has never met his father. "The space was so cramped my children could sleep, but I had to stand," she said. "Now, my husband has endured that pain for 11 years." In Turkey, Rahile juggles jobs to support her family after initial aid from the local community. "My children ask why their father isn't here," she said. "I have no answer for them." A senior Taliban leader has publicly criticized his governments policy of prohibiting female education in Afghanistan, calling it a personal choice rather than an interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. The rare public rebuke from Sher Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban deputy foreign minister, comes amid persistent international calls for Afghanistans rulers to permit girls education in secondary schools and beyond, as well as to remove restrictions on womens access to public life at large. The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, and their reclusive leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has introduced his strict interpretation of Sharia to govern the conflict-ravaged country through dozens of edicts, primarily curbing girls access to education beyond the sixth grade and prohibiting most women in workplaces and public life at large. We call on the leadership of the Islamic Emirate [Taliban] to make education accessible to everyone, Stanikzai told a religious seminary graduation ceremony in the Afghan border province of Khost. There is no justification for denying this, just as there was no justification for it in the past, and there shouldn't be one at all, he asserted in a speech Afghan TOLO news aired Sunday, following the ceremony the day before. Stanikzai suggested that the world is critical of the Talibans curbs on women and this is precisely the problem that they have with the Afghan government, which has not been officially recognized by any country, primarily over its treatment of the female population. Today, we are committing an injustice against 20 million people out of a total population of 40 million. We have stripped them of all their rights by closing the doors to schools and universities for them, giving them away as compensation in personal disputes, and preventing them from choosing their husbands, Stanikzai said. Are we truly following Sharia? The path we are currently following is guided by personal choice, not Sharia, he said. Stanikzai has been publicly speaking out against bans on female education, but his latest relatively harsh remarks represent the first direct challenge to the edicts issued by Akhudzada from his base in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar that primarily targeted women. The Taliban regained power after years of launching insurgent attacks against U.S.-led international forces, which ultimately withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021. This withdrawal was a result of a February 2020 agreement negotiated between then-President Donald Trumps administration and the Taliban, with Stanikzai leading the insurgents in the discussions. In a speech earlier this month, Stanikzai described Trump, who is set to return to the U.S. presidency Monday, as a decisive and courageous U.S. leader, predicting a shift in Washingtons policies toward Afghanistan under the new Trump administration. We hope that he takes positive steps forward. We will also come forth, God willing. We want to build good relations with the international community and the Western countries, Stanikzai said. The United Nations and global human rights defenders have persistently denounced Taliban restrictions on women. Last August, the Taliban announced a new law on the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice, which bars women from traveling or using public transportation without a male guardian. The law requires women and girls to cover their faces in public and prohibits them from singing in public or letting their voices be heard outside the house. Richard Bennett, the U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has documented in his reports an institutionalized system of discrimination, segregation, disrespect for human dignity, and exclusion of women and girls. The Taliban banned Bennett from visiting the country in September. Demographers say the first members of Generation Beta are being born this month, following on the heels of Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha. VOA spoke with African futurists on what they think will define the lives of the continent's Gen B'ers, from AI to better life expectancy and economic growth. Labels like Baby Boomers, Millennials or Generation Alpha are increasingly used globally to describe people born about the same time, often sharing similar experiences and challenges. VOA spoke with African futurists and scientists to understand how Gen B, who will be born between now and 2039, can expect Africa to have changed by the time they are adults. Halidou Tinto is a scientist from Burkina Faso, who is conducting cutting edge research with the recently developed malaria vaccine. He says futurists believe that people born in Africa in 2024-2025 can reasonably expect that malaria will no longer be a major public health problem in the years to come, and especially when these babies become adults. More than 200 million people in Africa catch malaria each year, and a half-million people die of it, according to the World Health Organization. Malaria is particularly deadly for children. According to UNICEF, the U.N.s childrens agency, improvements in public health like this will lead to a brighter future for children born in coming years. Paul Quarles Van Ufford, a social policy adviser for UNICEF, says Children born today, also, are less likely to die before their fifth birthday and one of the big progress stories in Africa, because of vaccination, management of diseases and that there is less poverty is that child mortality has reduced. He says that life expectancy in Africa has increased exponentially in the last 20 years. Data from the U.N. shows that if current trends continue, Africas life expectancy could reach 70 by 2050, compared to 61 years old now. Researchers in Kenya who have recently developed an Artificial Intelligence, or AI, chat bot to educate young people about HIV and AIDS say the role of AI is going to grow in Africa. Dr. Consolata Gakii, with the University of Embu, says The young people are coming up with, utilizing AI to solve societal or local problems, from image processing to precision of weather, there is so much that is happening within our country, she said. Jakkie Cilliers, head of African Futures at the South Africa based Institute for Security Studies, says Gen Bs relationship with technologies like AI will only expand in coming years. Its a future of more freedom and more self-dependence, a future of innovation, a future in which technology really leads to benefit the ordinary person and the relationship between technology and the individual, I think is, just every year, is going to expand, he said. Cilliers adds that tech will allow greater access to the globally developing gig economy, which means workers will become less reliant on the government. He also says that about the time Gen B members become adults, the continent will pass an important milestone. For the first time, there will be more people of working age on the continent than dependents, like children and older people. That could lead to an explosion in economic growth. Although there are many challenges facing Africa, Generation Beta has a lot to get excited about. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Most people encounter Customs and Border Protection agents when they enter the United States at land border crossings or airports. But those agents are also responsible for inspecting goods leaving the country. VOAs chief national correspondent, Steve Herman, reports Gardai from the Waterford Roads Policing Unit seized a car from a learner driver while on patrol on Thursday night, January 16. They said in a post on social media that the ANPR system alerted them to a car with no insurance. When they stopped the vehicle, they discovered the driver had no NCT, tax or L-plates on display. The driver was also unaccompanied. Gardai say they seized the car under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, and a prosecution will follow. 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. 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. In Washington to attend the inauguration, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government was looking forward to working with the new Trump administration to advance their shared interests. Australias ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, also recently met the president-elect at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Rudds future was thrown into doubt last year when Trump learnt of past comments the former prime minister had made about the Republican, in which he described Trump as a traitor to the West and the most destructive president in history. When presented with the comments during an interview with former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage on Britains right-leaning GB News in March, Trump said, I dont know much about him. I heard he was a little bit nasty. I hear hes not the brightest bulb. He wont be there long if thats the case. The meeting at Trumps international golf course in Florida was the first time the pair have had direct contact with each other. Asked by this masthead how it went, and whether Wong was confident of a good working relationship, she replied: I think the meeting was a short discussion. Obviously, it went well, as can be seen by the fact that this invitation has been extended. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong will attend Donald Trumps inauguration. Credit: Bloomberg I think [the working relationship] is demonstrated, isnt it? Weve seen the AUKUS legislation shepherded through, weve seen this visit organised, weve seen the invitation to the inauguration for both me and also ambassador Rudd. I think that speaks for itself. An Indian court on Saturday found a 33-year-old man guilty for the rape and murder of a doctor, a crime that sparked nationwide protests and hospital strikes last year. The discovery of the victim's bloodied body at a government hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata last August once again highlighted the chronic issue of violence against women in the world's most populous country. It led to demands by doctors at government hospitals for additional security, with thousands of citizens in Kolkata and elsewhere in India joining the doctors' protests in solidarity. The trial of defendant Sanjoy Roy was fast-tracked through India's normally glacial legal system and arguments in the case concluded a little over a week ago. "The sentence will be delivered on Monday," presiding judge Anirban Das said after finding Roy, a civic volunteer in the hospital, guilty of rape and murder. Roy has consistently maintained his innocence and again told the court that he was not guilty. "I have been framed," he said. Roy was brought to court by a prison van and greeted by a crowd of protesters, held at bay by police officers, demanding he be given the death penalty. "Hang him, hang him," they chanted. The sentiment was echoed by the victim's family, none of whom have been identified in keeping with Indian law around the reporting of sexual violence cases. "The common man will lose faith in the judiciary if he is not handed down the death penalty," the victim's mother, seated just a few metres from Roy when the verdict was read out, told AFP. Her father added: "He brutally snuffed out the life of our daughter. He deserves the same fate." The trainee doctor was found raped and murdered in a seminar room of the hospital last year. The crime led to nationwide outrage and prolonged protests by doctors across the state, demanding justice for the victim and stronger security measures in government hospitals. Roy was arrested a day after the victim's body was discovered. India's Supreme Court set up a national task force after the protests that suggested ways to enhance safety measures in the government hospitals. The victim's father at one of the protest marches in October told AFP that his family was "devastated". "My daughter's soul will not rest in peace until she gets justice," he said. The gruesome nature of the attack drew comparisons with the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a Delhi bus, which also sparked weeks of nationwide protests. On January 20, the United States president is sworn into office in Washington D.C. The inauguration is an important ceremony that officially marks the start of an administration. As part of the event, the incoming president speaks to the nation and announces U.S. policy goals. This year, expanded security measures will stretch across much of Washington. The citys mayor, Muriel Bowser, announced major street closures and special transportation measures to increase security during inauguration events. The Associated Press reports Washington D.C.s National Guard will deploy 7,800 soldiers to help with security. The Secret Service is reportedly under additional pressure because of two attempts on the life of incoming President Donald Trump last year. In one of those attempts, Trump received minor injuries. The Library of Congress has saved many historical documents and objects from past ceremonies. Here are some facts and firsts about U.S. presidential inaugurations: Inaugural firsts: George Washington did not take the oath to become the first U.S. president in January nor was the event held in Washinton, D.C. His first inaugural address was given to a joint session of Congress gathered in Federal Hall in New York City, on April 30, 1789. New York City was the nations first capital. Washington began a tradition that stood for many years of kissing The Bible after taking the oath of office. The Museum of the Bible says on its website that four other presidents Warren Harding, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush used Washingtons Bible in their ceremonies. Bush had hoped to use Washingtons Bible for his first inauguration in 2001, but weather delayed shipping so he ended up using a family Bible instead. Washingtons second inaugural address set another mark: it was the shortest at 135 words. For 144 years, the inauguration was not held in the winter, but mostly in March. John Adams, the nations second president, was the first to receive the oath from the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. His swearing in took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the nations second capital. Thomas Jefferson was the first president to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C. He walked to and from the ceremony instead of riding in a carriage. The U.S. Marine Band played at the event for the first time and has done so in every ceremony since. In 1825, John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams, broke with tradition. He was the first president to long wear pants instead of traditional shorter pants with stockings. The man who replaced Adams, Andrew Jackson, was the first to receive the oath on the East Portico of the Capitol Building. John Quincy Adams refused to attend. In 1837, Martin Van Buren was the first of a new generation of presidents to not have British ancestry. His parents were Dutch and he was born a citizen of the United States. William Henry Harrison set an unhappy first: On Inauguration Day in 1841, he gave the longest-ever speech without wearing warm clothes. He became sick and died weeks into his term. Abraham Lincoln gave his first inaugural speech surrounded by heavy security as the nation neared war between the North and South. His second address, in 1865, was shortly after the end of the U.S. Civil War. He urged Americans With malice towards none; with charity for all to bind up the nations wounds. In 2009 and 2013, Barrack Obama took his oath on Lincolns Bible. In 1909, William Howard Tafts inauguration was notable for taking place inside the Senate Chamber because of a huge snowstorm. It took about 6,000 men to clear snow for the parade. The inaugural ceremony of Calvin Coolidge in 1925 was the first to be broadcast on radio. And the first president to have a televised inaugural ceremony was Harry Truman in 1949. Franklin D. Roosevelts second inauguration was the first to take place on January 20th. The 20th Amendment to the Constitution moved the events date because of improved transportation methods. In 1953, Dwight Eisenhower broke the tradition of kissing The Bible and instead gave a prayer. Robert Frost was the first poet to every speak at an inaugural event. Frost recited his poem The Gift Outright for John Kennedys 1961 swearing-in. Kennedy was the first Roman Catholic president. Joe Biden was the second. After Jimmy Carters inauguration, he and first lady Rosalynn Carter walked down Washington D.C.s Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House instead of riding inside a car. Ronald Reagans inaugurations set two marks that may also never be equaled. At noon on Reagans first inauguration, the temperature was nearly 13 degrees Celsius. That was the warmest Inauguration Day ever. Then, on his second in January 1985, the temperature was nearly minus 14 degrees Celsius the coldest day ever for the event. This year, January 20 will mark only the second time a U.S. president has been inaugurated for a second term that did not follow the first. Donald Trump first took the oath of office in 2017. He joins Grover Cleveland, who was inaugurated in 1885 and 1893. Cleveland is known as the 22nd and 24th President. Trump is set to be both the 45th and 47th President of the United States. Im Mario Ritter, Jr. And I'm Caty Weaver. Mario Ritter, Jr. adapted this story for VOA Learning English from Library of Congress materials. _______________________________________ Words in This Story oath n. a public promise by a government official to fulfill his or her duty address n. a speech before a lot of people for a major event in public life carriage n. a vehicle with wheels that is pulled by horses malice n. a desire to cause harm to others charity n. the willingness to give to others with a good heart bind up v. (phrasal) to wrap a wound in cloth or a bandage so it will heal recite v. to give a speech or reading of a written work from memory and not to read it We want to hear from you. Our comment policy is here. While the cup of tea seems at first glance to be uniquely Irish, it is in fact, very un-Irish. The loose leaves that found their way into tea canisters on the mantlepieces of old Ox Mountain cottages, were once green shoots, growing on warm slopes in countries as far away as India and Cylon. The origins and history of tea date back almost 5,000 years and it now has more than 3,000 different variations. It is the most widely consumed beverage in the world and has an unrivalled historical and cultural significance. Tea plantations When I hear the word plantation, I think of colonial powers, wealthy landowners and slaves. Were tea plantations any different? As tea began to grow in popularity in the late 1700s, it was quickly seen as a profitable crop, capable to creating great wealth, much like sugar, coffee and tobacco had previously proved. Tea plantations sprang up in India, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and eventually East Africa. Tea was introduced to India by the British in the early nineteenth century to break a Chinese monopoly. The first area to be planted was the mountain region surrounding the city of Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills. A History of Cylon Tea gives a good account of how the tea industry developed in that particular country decades later. The plantation era of Ceylon began with the British opening up thousands of acres of fertile land. It was just a matter of clearing the forest, no simple task, but carried out efficiently given the limitations of that era. The tea-growing industry in the hill country of Ceylon was almost exclusively dominated by British interests in the period up to independence in 1948. Palais des Thes (The Tea Palace), based in Paris, provide information that helps us to understand more about tea and how it is cultivated. They explain that tea trees may be pruned and shaped for up to 50 years. Over this time, the tea plants become dwarf-like and form strange plantations, a mixture of vibrant green cover and miniature forests. Tea plantations look like a huge forest made up of small trees that rarely reach above 1.5 metres in height. When their trunks are thick and gnarled, they show that their age is much greater than their small size would suggest. In their natural state, tea plants can reach a height of 15 to 20m. If they are to be cultivated, they are kept at a height of about 1.20m by regular pruning, to form what is known as the "plucking table", which facilitates hand plucking and encourages bud growth. Fashionable treat Colonial powers, with money to invest and with large populations at home seeking new tastes, were quick to cash in. Easily acquired lands, cheap labour and monopolised transportation routes completed the equation and soon supplies of affordable tea were everywhere. While at first, tea was a fashionable treat, it soon became available to the masses. Tea drinking was first a British tradition but later, the Irish embraced tea like no other nation. Soon we had our own tea companies catering to our own particular tastes. When freshly picked, tea leaves are green. They are then left to wither naturally before being further dried to become the black tea we are most familiar with. At this stage the tea is packed for shipping and is only blended later, usually in the country of sale. From the early days, tea arrived in Ireland in bulk; large tea chests held the precious cargo. The conventional tea chest is a foil-lined box with an approximate size of a half metre square. The traditional construction was of very thin wood held at the edges with metal strips. When a tea chest arrived in a shop, it was often the boring job of the boy serving his time to open the chest and bag off the contents into half-pound brown paper bags for retail sale. The bags were carefully weighed and then secured with a string binding and placed on the shop shelf. Such bags had no markings; no country of origin and no best before date. This half-pound package was an eagerly sought item, however, and was top of everyones weekly shopping list. Eventually, when it arrived home, it was tipped into the tea canister on the mantelpiece the safest and driest place in the house. The perfect brew There are two things that make for the perfect cup of tea; one is how it is brewed and the other is the setting in which it is enjoyed. Let us see what the experts have to say about the perfect brew. Yorkshire Tea, the kings of British tea, suggest the following method. In the interests of nostalgia, the method uses loose tea rather than tea bags. The Tea Expert's Method: Warm the pot - a quick swirl of hot water means the cold doesn't shock the tea. Use a china teapot because it is traditional and part of the ritual. One spoon per person and one for the pot - still the golden rule when using a loose-leaf tea. Freshly boiled water (not reboiled), for good oxygen levels. Stir - stirring the tea leaves helps the tea to infuse. The time - 3 to 4 minutes is the time needed for optimum infusion. Tea on the Bog Picture this A man cycles each day to the bog that is just a short distance from our house. He has travelled about five miles, making his way along the hilly roads at the base of Knocknashee. Apart from a pitch-fork and a turf spade that he has tied along the bar of his bike, he has on his carrier an old string shopping bag containing his rations for the day. They consist of a few cuts of buttered soda bread, a small bottle of milk, a half dozen eggs and two little mustard tins - one containing sugar, the other, loose tea. Swinging on his handlebars is a gallon tin can. He also has with him an old soot-marked burner and a large tea-stained mug. After he passes our house, he stops at our well and fills his tin can with spring water. He walks the last few hundred yards to the bog to ensure he doesnt spill the water. Arriving on the turf bank, he sets aside his bag of food and his can of water. He then commences the solitary work of cutting and spreading the turf he will need for the following winter and spring. At noon, he leaves his work to gather a few bits to kindle a fire; strong heather branches, clods from last year and a few dry black sods to give heart to his fire. As the fire matures, he pours half the spring water into the old burner and places it on the fire. When it comes to the boil, he wets his tea in the mug. He puts three eggs in the remaining water in the burner and replaces it on the little fire. In the time it takes his eggs to boil, his tea is drawn. While waiting, he sits back and enjoys a Gold Flake, lit with a coal from the fire. When he is ready, he adds the full of the palm of his hand of sugar to the tea, together with a dash of milk. He tops his eggs and eats them one by one, accompanied by the cuts of soda bread, all washed down with generous draughts of sweet tea. Finally, he savours each remaining mouthful of tea as he smokes another Gold Flake. There was never a more perfect mug of tea. Two private spacecraft are on their way to the moon to carry out separate missions. The landers launched January 15 from the American governments Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The private company SpaceX used its Falcon 9 launch vehicle to fly the landers into space. The two separated from Falcon 9 about one hour into the flight. Mission leaders said the launch went exactly as planned, with no problems reported. The trip to the moon will take some time. One spacecraft is expected to land on the lunar surface in early March, while the other should touch down in late May or early June. In February 2024, the first private spacecraft completed the first U.S. moon landing in more than 50 years. The lander, called Odysseus, was developed by the Texas-based company Intuitive Machines. The spacecraft experienced some technical problems but was able to carry out several science experiments before powering down permanently on the moon in late March. For this current mission, Texas-based Firefly Aerospace developed Blue Ghost, one of the two landers launched. The other, named Resilience, belongs to Japanese company ispace. Both are designed to collect data and materials to support several planned moon missions some including astronauts in coming years. The Blue Ghost lander is targeting a landing site near a volcanic structure called Mons Latreille. It is a 480-kilometer basin that sits in the northeast quarter of the near side of the moon. The American space agency NASA says the 2-meter-tall Blue Ghost is carrying 10 NASA science and technology instruments. They aim to gather valuable scientific data studying Earths nearest neighbor, the agency said. NASAs Artemis program aims to send astronauts to the moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The next planned flight in that program is Artemis II, which is set to launch in April 2026. In that mission, four astronauts will fly NASAs Orion spacecraft more than 400,000 kilometers on a trip around the moon. Nicola Fox is the associate administrator for NASAs Science Mission Directorate in Washington D.C. She said in a statement the agencys cooperation with private companies is a critical part of bringing humanity back to the moon. Fox added that NASA chose the new experiments partly because of information learned from NASAs Apollo space program, which began in the 1960s. She said the current mission seeks to ensure the safety and health of our future science instruments, spacecraft, and, most importantly, our astronauts on the lunar surface. Blue Ghosts equipment includes a tool to collect dirt and another to dig a hole for measuring temperatures below the lunar surface. The spacecraft is also carrying a device built to measure light reflections to be used with lasers to better measure the distance between Earth and the moon. In addition, Blue Ghost is carrying instruments to examine the structure and density of areas beneath the lunar surface. Other equipment will seek to capture X-ray images of the edge of Earths magnetic field. The ispace lander Resilience is carrying an exploring vehicle, called a rover, to the moon. The five-kilogram rover is designed to collect lunar soil and other materials from the surface. Resilience is also carrying equipment and instruments to complete several experiments for Japanese companies and other organizations. One of the experiments will test an electrolysis device designed to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. Such a device could help future astronauts better use water resources on the moon and produce rocket fuel. Other experiments set for the Resilience mission include food production tests and the deployment of a deep space radiation probe. The instrument is designed to collect detailed measurements of ionizing radiation in space. NASA has said it is paying $101 million to Firefly for the mission and another $44 million for the experiments. Officials from ispace did not report how much its mission would cost. It is the second moon mission for ispace. During the last one, Japans space agency JAXA successfully launched its SLIM spacecraft to the moon in January 2024. But the lander touched down imperfectly, causing some communication and power problems. However, Japanese space officials reported they had stayed in communication with SLIM through late April. During this time, they said the spacecraft was able to collect valuable data about the landing and surrounding area. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from NASA, The Associated Press and Agence France-Press Quiz - Two New Private Spacecraft Launch to the Moon Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ______________________________________ Words in This Story mission n. (space exploration) the flight of a spacecraft to its target along with tasks expected to be carried out lunar n. of, relating to, or resembling the moon reflect v. if a surface reflects heat, light, etc., it sends the light, etc. back and does not absorb it electrolysis n. use of an electric current to cause chemical change in a liquid ionize v. to cause to form an ion: an atom or small group of atoms that has an electrical charge because it has added or lost one or more electrons Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extends Spring Festival greetings to the country's military veterans while attending a gala held by the CMC for retired military officers of Beijing-based troops in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 17, 2025. [Xinhua/Li Gang] BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended Spring Festival greetings to the country's military veterans. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended the greetings while attending a gala held by the CMC for retired military officers of Beijing-based troops on Friday. Xi joined the veterans to their warm applause, asking them about their health and living conditions. They looked back together on the extraordinary journey of the Party, the country and the military over the past year and major achievements. The veterans vowed to rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, resolutely follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and implement Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military. They pledged to carry on fine traditions, maintain political integrity, and make new contributions to building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. This year's Spring Festival, also referred to as Chinese New Year, falls on Jan. 29. (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Ye Shan 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. && SINGAPORE, Jan 19 Singapores National Parks Board (NParks) is keeping a close eye on an incident involving crocodiles that escaped from a breeding farm in Batam earlier this month. The Straits Times reported yesterday that heavy rain over three days reportedly caused parts of the farms fence to collapse, allowing the reptiles to break free. The farm, located on Bulan Island about 30km from Sentosa, is home to saltwater crocodiles. As of now, at least 23 have been recaptured; however, it remains unclear how many are still at large, the report added. While concerns have been raised about the possibility of these crocodiles swimming to Singapore, experts are urging calm. ADVERTISEMENT Kannan Raja, president of the Herpetological Society of Singapore, explained to The Straits Times that while saltwater crocodiles do swim out to sea, it doesnt necessarily mean theyll reach Singapore. There are many islets between Batam and Singapore, so the crocodiles have multiple routes to take. There may be sightings if they make it here, but I dont think this is a cause for worry or for avoiding coastal areas, he was quoted as saying. He also advised caution for anyone encountering a crocodile: Move away slowly and keep a safe distance. If its in the water, stay away from the edge. Avoid engaging with the crocodile avoidance is the best policy. Meanwhile, NParks group director of wildlife management, How Choon Beng, emphasised the importance of public vigilance, urging anyone who spots a crocodile to report it to NParks. Heed warning signs and advisory notices put up in areas where crocodiles have been sighted, he was quoted as saying. For any crocodile sightings, the public can contact NParks at 1800-476-1600. Cote dIvoire has become the latest West African country to back Moroccos efforts to help unlock the trade potential of landlocked Sahel countries, by offering them access to its infrastructure, including Atlantic ports. Speaking at the end of fifth session of the Morocco-Cote dIvoire Joint Grand Cooperation Commission held in Laayoune, the largest city in the Sahara territory, Cote dIvoires foreign minister Leon Kacou Adom said the initiative evidences Moroccos support for Africas development. He noted that his country can only naturally endorse such an initiative and play its part. Cote dIvoire is a beneficiary of King Mohammed VIs vision and the Kingdoms economic and industrial successes, he said. This is why were 100% behind this Initiative, and were paying close attention to its development and implementation, added the Ivorian top diplomat. Adom also reiterated his countrys support for Moroccos territorial integrity and its sovereignty over the Sahara. For Cote dIvoire, this position is non-negotiable, he said, describing the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco as a credible and realistic solution for resolving the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. In 2020, Cote DIvoire opened a consulate in Laayoune. So far, 29 countries have opened a consular representation in the territory in a tangible support for Moroccos territorial integrity and an acknowledgement of the Saharas territorys economic and development potential as well as its role as a gateway to Africa. Its been just over a decade since longtime friends Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance holed up in a cabin outside of Heber City, Utah, to record their first album. Over a period of two weeks, with minimal recording equipment and a lot of inspiration from the Wasatch Mountains, the musicians created their first Americana/folk-infused album filled with tight harmonies that reflected their close friendship and years of performing together. Since much of their music references places that have been formative in their lives and careers, they named the album Utah. But to their surprise, when they began touring in support of that album, they found a lackluster response in the Beehive State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, Clay used three sad words to sum up Jamestown Revivals first show in Utah: It wasnt good. I think we had eight people show up, eight or 12, something like that. It was less than 20, he previously told the Deseret News. The venue was cool but we just didnt sell any tickets. And no matter how cool the city is or the venue is, if nobody shows up to see you play, its just not a good show. You dont tour to play for yourself. But Jamestown Revival never gave up on Utah. As Clay tells it, the bands Utah fans came out of nowhere. Over the past several years, Jamestown Revival has performed sold-out shows at Salt Lake Citys The State Room, and expanded to the larger sister venue The Commonwealth Room that is about double the size and sold that out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont take that for granted, Clay said. Now, Jamestown Revival has gained even wider recognition as the composers behind the smash Broadway hit The Outsiders, which last year won the Tony Award for best musical and is up for the best musical theater album Grammy Award on Feb. 2. Winning would mark the musicians' first Grammy, the culmination of work that began not long after that secluded recording session in the Wasatch Mountains. At some point, youre just like, How lucky am I gonna get? Its icing on the cake, Clay recently told Rolling Stone. Zach and I have been writing songs since we were 15. A Grammy, to us, is the ultimate honor. How Jamestown Revival joined The Outsiders About a year after the release of Utah, Jamestown Revivals manager approached them with an unexpected opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some people in his circle were working on a musical adaptation of S.E. Hintons coming-of-age novel The Outsiders, and they wanted the songs to come from Broadway outsiders, as Texas Highways reported. Jamestown Revival fit the bill. Clay told Rolling Stone the closest he and Chance ever got to the theater world before that was when they sang together in high school choir. But according to their Outsiders music collaborator, Justin Levine, the youthful, throwing-caution-to-the-wind feel of Utah got at the heart of The Outsiders. So Clay and Chance, who are from the small town of Magnolia, Texas, and began writing songs together as teenagers, composed two songs in an attempt to get the gig one they thought was way too slow and not what the production was looking for, and the other a really quintessential Broadway-sounding tune, Clay told Texas Standard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They ended up pitching the one with Broadway vibes. They really didnt like it, Clay told Texas Standard. They were like, Do you have anything else? And we were like, Well, just send them the one that they probably wont like, but what do we have to lose at this point? We already sent them something they hated. So we sent them that. That song, Stay Gold, was well received. And roughly nine years later, its one of the biggest hits in the musical, and has been performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! But Stay Gold was just the beginning. Over the years, Jamestown Revival scrapped songs and reworked others, and studied the art of writing for a musical particularly how to write songs that move the story forward and write songs that reflect and match the tone of the characters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing for the musical, I think it made us better songwriters in every capacity, Clay told Texas Standard. And it was such a fun chapter. And now its so fun watching it affect people and watching it create its own life. Composing a musical also meant Clay and Chance, who are used to going on tour and taking center stage, were more in the background as the stars of The Outsiders brought their music to life. But hearing their songs performed on the Broadway stage, and seeing them resonate with such a wide audience, has been a huge reward for the pair of musicians, who received a Tony nomination for best original score. One thing we keep hearing is, This musical really sounds unique. It doesnt sound like traditional Broadway, Clay told Texas Highways. And I love to hear that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americana has reached a level of popularity that I dont think anyone would have ever guessed, he later told Rolling Stone. People want to hear that kind of music in other art forms, like Broadway. Whats next for Jamestown Revival While Clay and Chance arent opposed to working on another musical, they told Rolling Stone theyve started working on a new album its been three years since their last and that theyre looking forward to applying the lessons and techniques theyve learned from The Outsiders songwriting process. Were two buddies from Magnolia, Texas, and if were writing songs and making a living, were beating the system, Chance told Rolling Stone. Were just excited to keep exploring where our collaboration takes us. The musical has taught us to say, Yes to things and just dive in. Top Jamestown Revival songs For fans of The Outsiders who are interested in exploring Jamestown Revivals music, here are two top songs from each of their albums. Album: Utah (2014) California (Cast Iron Soul) Wandering Man Album: The Education of a Wandering Man (2016) Love is a Burden Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Company Man Album: San Isabel (2019) Round Prairie Road Harder Way Album: Young Man (2022) Young Man Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These Days ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A volunteer has helped grant wishes to dozens of children battling critical illnesses. On Saturday, some of those kids returned the favor. Make-A-Wish New Mexico honored Leigh-Jo Anzures with a surprise ceremony at its Albuquerque office. Anzures granted his wish back in December and the children he helped stopped by to tell him, Thank You. Make-A-Wish brings The Price is Right to life for Albuquerque girl Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, Leigh-Jo was there when one girl got the dog she wished for. He helped me through the way and he was always just been there for me throughout this whole journey, says Wish Kid Isabella Pishyar. It seems like theyve gone by so fast. Ive met so many families, so many kids, so many different stories. Its been a great journey, says Anzures. Leigh-Jos connection with the kids doesnt end when the wish is granted. Make-A-Wish says he continues to play an active role in their lives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Officials are investigating a shooting and a rollover crash in the Napier area overnight after at least one person was injured, according to law enforcement. The crash occurred near Lafayette Street and Claiborne Street around 3 a.m. Sunday. Shortly after, a shooting was reported at the intersection. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts News 2 video from the scene shows a dark-colored sedan flipped on its roof in the middle of the roadway. A second vehicle went off the roadway and crashed near a fence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person was injured in the incident and transported to an area hospital. No additional details on their condition or the cause of the crash were immediately released. Officials are working to determine if the incidents are connected. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. CHICAGO A 19-year-old man was shot during an argument in a parking garage overnight in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood on the citys Northwest Side, according to police. 1 killed, 1 injured in early-morning shooting in Belmont Cragin Police say the man was in a verbal altercation with an unidentified male offender around 1:45 a.m. Sunday in a parking garage in the 3100 block of North Central Avenue. The offender then took out a gun and shot the 19-year-old before fleeing the scene in a red SUV, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The victim was taken to an area hospital in serious condition. Police say nobody is in custody, and Area Five detectives are investigating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two people have died in separate shootings in Phenix City since Friday, according to Phenix City police. The first incident happened Friday, when police were called at about 8:50 p.m. in reference to a shooting in the 100 block of Seale Road. Police said officers who responded found 28-year-old Matthew Brooks III, a Phenix City resident, dead at the scene. The Criminal Investigations Division was called in and began an investigation, police said in a news release. This is still an active and ongoing investigation. The police department is seeking the publics assistance. If you have any information about the shooting, please contact Sgt. Jose Silva at (334) 448-2838, Lt. Kristy Anglin at (334) 448-2835, or the police non-emergency number at (334) 298-0611. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second shooting was reported after 3 a.m. Saturday morning, police said. Officers responded to the 1000 block of North Railroad Street for a reported shooting and found two victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both were taken to a local hospital. One of the victims, 39-year-old Travis Oakley, died at the hospital. The other victim, a 47-year-old woman, was in critical condition Saturday. Both victims were from Phenix City, police said. This case was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division and is currently active and ongoing, police said. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The pandemic led to a surge in anti-vaccine misinformation that is still affecting the world, experts warn. A fringe anti-vaccine movement took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to bring conspiracy theories to a much wider audience, propelling dangerous misinformation about life-saving jabs that still endures five years later, experts warn. Vaccine skepticism was around long before COVID but the pandemic "served as an accelerant, helping to turn a niche movement into a more powerful force," according to a 2023 paper in The Lancet journal. The pandemic also marked a change in strategy by anti-vaxxers, who previously targeted parents because children routinely received the most jabs. But when next-generation vaccines were developed in record time to help bring COVID under control, mandatory vaccination was introduced for adults in many countries. Vaccine skepticism suddenly had a much larger audience, bringing together people across swathes of the political spectrum. "During this period, we observed several bubbles with normally well-defined borders converge towards anti-vaccine beliefs," said Romy Sauvayre, a French sociologist specializing in vaccine hesitancy. The pandemic saw conspiracy theorists, "alternative medicine" enthusiasts, politicians and even some doctors and researchers make or amplify false information about vaccines or COVID. One example was hydroxychloroquine, which controversial French researcher Didier Raoult claimed could cure COVID, in an initial study that was recently retracted. Donald Trump, who was US president at the time and will be inaugurated again on Monday, was among those who then promoted the drug. "Behind these sometimes quite radical media doctors, there are broader issues of trust in health authorities," said sociologist Jeremy Ward, who has studied vaccination in France since 2020. Anti-vaxx misinformation has led to rising measles rates in many countries. 'Backbone of vaccine misinformation' Beyond concerns about health, "this movement has mainly been structured around the defense of individual freedom", said Jocelyn Raude, a researcher in health psychology. This was seen during the pandemic, when protests proliferated against mandatory vaccination and lockdown measures. The anti-vaccine movement found particularly fertile ground on the far-right, with some proponents reaching the highest rungs of power. Trump's pick for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has repeatedly spread anti-vaccine conspiracies, including suggesting that COVID is an "ethnically targeted" virus. The Center for Countering Digital Hate named RFK Jr. and his anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defensefrom which Kennedy has temporarily withdrawnamong its "disinformation dozen" of leading online anti-vaxxers. Callum Hood, the center's head of research, said Kennedy's "accounts were some of the fastest growing anti-vaccine accounts during the pandemic", reaching an audience of millions. "That is a really strong position to be in when you start to look to build a support base for his political ambitions." Noel Brewer, a public health professor at the University of North Carolina and one of the authors of The Lancet study, said that "social media has been the backbone of vaccine misinformation efforts". A protest against the flu vaccine in Massachusetts last year, in which several signs cited Covid. Rising measles as bird flu looms The consequences of this mass misinformation are difficult to calculate. "Some researchers believe that repeated exposure to false information can cause people to not get vaccinated, while others believe the effect is relatively weak because it would only allow them to justify pre-existing vaccine hesitancy," said Raude. Meg Schaeffer, an epidemiologist at the SAS Institute, told AFP that "misinformation around COVID" was driving down overall vaccination rates in the United States, including for long-conquered measles. "The result is hundreds of cases of measles in kids, half of whom are hospitalizedthat's something we never used to see in the US," she said. With fears rising about the potential threat of bird flu to spark a mass outbreak in humans, there are also concerns that vaccine hesitancy could inhibit the world's ability to fend off another pandemic. "If we would for instance be confronted with a pandemic in the near future, we would have major issues with the use of vaccines because of that," Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans told AFP. With the world largely turning its attention away from COVID, some anti-vaxx influencers have been pivoting to other conspiracy theories. "These same accounts now share content that is pro-Russian or skeptical about climate change," said Laurent Cordonier, a sociologist at the Descartes Foundation. While these subjects may not seem connected, "the driving force is anti-system sentiment", he added. 2025 AFP KE IKI, Hawaii (KHON2) Multiple Honolulu agencies are searching for two missing swimmers, 18 and 17, at Ke Iki Beach on Oahus North Shore. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The Mililani teens were out on a date Friday night, according to loved ones. They were reported missing after not returning home last night. First responder agencies Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Police Department and Ocean Safety responded to the incident around 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coast Guard officials joined the search around noon. We got a helicopter in the air, we got a rescue company and an engine company currently actively searching, said Battalion Chief Chad Nakagawa. We typically search for 72 hours, possible to extend beyond that depending on the circumstances. The surf was coming up last night, so in the day it was not that big. But last night its probably six to eight feet now. Lots of current, lots of tide, lots of water moving. It came up quick last night, said Ke Iki resident Kevin Tinneny. The National Weather Service had a high surf warning posted since yesterday for north facing shores. Officials say that the surf was said to be an estimated 40 foot faces last night. Ke Iki also has a reputation for being dangerous, as it claimed two lives earlier this winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lifeguards respond to fatal incident at Sharks Cove Ke Iki beach: Its dangerous, its deadly, its not a good swimming beach. Go to a beach where we have lifeguards, Tinneny said. Raphael Pecoraro, a friend of the missing swimmers, said the two were on a date at Ke Iki beach when they went missing. He identified the two as Samantha and Joey. Pecoraro said that their car was found with their belongings such as their phones and wallets on the beach. Its not like them. We were thinking if they were going to go in the water, it wouldnt make sense because the tide was high and like 25-30 feet, Pecoraro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends of the two teens searched on the ground nearby, and are asking members of the community to stay faithful. Pecoraro described Joey as someone who would drop anything to help you, and Samantha as the most positive person you could know. He tells community members to stay together and stay strong and hope that the two can be located as soon as possible. Honolulu Ocean Safety is asking the community to avoid the area for safety reasons and so the search can continue uninterrupted. HFD suspended the search due to darkness at around 7:34 p.m. Saturday. The search will continue at first light Sunday. This is a developing story. KHON2 will update as more information becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. A man was killed by police after they say he fatally shot his wife and their 2-year-old daughter, and also injured their two other children, in Louisiana. Authorities responded to the shooting incident at a residence in River Ridge at around 4:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, Jan. 18, when they found a woman and a child dead, as well as two other children injured with gunshot wounds, the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office said in a news release. The suspect was later identified as Glenn Bohn Jr., 46, by FOX 8 New Orleans, which also identified the two victims as his wife, Dung Pham, 40, and their toddler, Amy Bohne. Sheriff Joseph Lopinto told the outlet that a 13-year-old girl called police, alleging that her father shot her mother and also the siblings inside the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our deputies arrived on scene and found a 40-year-old female along with a two-year-old child deceased in the hallway, Lopinto continued to FOX 8 New Orleans, adding that two other children, a 9-year-old and the girl who called the police, were also found both shot and wounded. Related: Her Father Murdered Family and Has Been a Fugitive for Decades: Here's What She'd Say If They Came Face to Face Police next encountered the suspect in a back bedroom of the home, where he ended up producing a firearm," according to authorities. Deputies then return fired upon him, striking and killing him inside the residence." The 9-year-old child is in critical condition, while the 13-year-old is stable after suffering an ankle gunshot, Sherrif Lopinto said. The children were both transported to a children's hospital for their injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopinto confirmed that the children involved in the incident were the suspects biological children. "Our initial investigation indicates the suspect shot all of the victims inside the residence, he added. 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. WVUE FOX 8 New Orleans/YouTube Sheriff Joe Lopinto, pictured Sheriff Joe Lopinto, pictured Related: Missouri Father Accused of Fatally Shooting Teen Son Outside of Family Home and Trying to Hide Evidence The teenager injured in the shooting was identified as eighth-grader Tier Bohne by Archbishop Chapelle High School on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school wrote that they are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred this morning, as they offered their support to the victim and her family. Police are investigating the scene and are not currently looking for any other suspects. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People CHICAGO Two priests who served at multiple churches throughout Chicagoland have been accused of sexually abusing a minor. The Archdiocese of Chicago said Fr. Matthew Foley has been accused of sexually abusing a minor while he was assigned to St. Agatha Parish in Lawndale nearly 30 years ago. Meanwhile, Fr. Henry Kricek has been accused of sexually abusing a minor while he was assigned to St. John Bosco Parish in Belmont Cragin about 40 years ago. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich said in a letter to families of multiple parishes that both Foley and Kricek have been asked to step away from ministry as authorities investigate the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please make that phone call: Help needed to solve Gage Park murder of beloved father The Archdiocese said both priests have strenuously denied the allegations. Cupich went on to write the following in each letter to the families of multiple parishes: Moreover, as is required by our child protection policies, the allegation was reported to civil authorities, the person making the allegation was offered the services of our Victim Assistance Ministry and the archdiocese has begun its investigation. After the civil authorities have finished their work, the archdiocese will complete its investigation and report the results to our Independent Review Board. We ask that you reserve judgement on this allegation until the process has concluded, as those accused are innocent until proven otherwise. We appreciate your patience. Only by conducting a thorough and impartial review can we ensure fairness to all concerned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount concern. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward. They will be received with dignity and compassion. Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the archdiocesan website at www.archchicago.org. No other information was 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 WGN-TV. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Two people were thrown from a motorcycle and seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in Salt Lake City Saturday evening, according to Salt Lake City Police. Authorities are actively seeking the suspect involved in the incident. The crashed occurred at around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, in Salt Lake Citys Ballpark neighborhood. An officer was reportedly patrolling the area when they found the crash located at Cleveland Avenue and Main Street just moments after it happened. The officer found two people on the ground a 53-year-old man and 18-year-old woman with serious injuries. The officer applied a tourniquet to the man until medical personnel could arrive, who then took both individuals to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement POLICE: Several arrested after 17-year-old girl chased down, killed in Cedar City According to police, the suspect driver was heading north on Main Street and pulled over near Cleveland Avenue to make a U-turn. The victims were also heading north on Main Street when the suspect turned into them, police said. The suspect reportedly did not stop. Witnesses told police that the driver left the scene, heading south on Main Street before turning west on Andrew Avenue. SLCPD described the suspect vehicle as a gray or light-colored Ford compact car with significant frontend damage. Police said the car will likely require repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about a car matching this description, or a car being brought in for repairs is encouraged to call 801-799-3000, a press release from SLCPD states. It is illegal for anyone to conceal or tamper with evidence. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. After two juvenile drivers face charges in connection with stolen cars, two Quad Cities police chiefs ask the community and legislators to help stop the epidemic, according to a joint statement from Moline and Rock Island police. At 4:22 a.m. Saturday, a Moline Police officer was at 38th Street and 18th Avenue in Rock Island after giving a resident a ride from Moline to Rock Island. The Moline Police officer heard radio traffic that Rock Island Police were in pursuit of an SUV and a sedan that had just been involved in a gunfire incident in Rock Island. The information relayed was that the vehicles were last seen eastbound on 18th Avenue from 30th Street in Rock Island. Juveniles, a car chase and a crash The Moline Police officer helped the resident, then saw two vehicles driving in the wrong lane of a one-way street, and they appeared to be following each other. The officer attempted a traffic stop by activating emergency lights on his squad car and the vehicles began accelerating as they continued eastbound into Moline on 19th Avenue, the release says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second Moline Police officer joined the pursuit to assist at 3rd Street and 19th Avenue. The suspect vehicles, disregarding traffic control devices, were driving recklessly at more than 80 mph. The cars north onto 15th Street Place from 19th Avenue and continued northbound into the Wyndham Hotel parking lot at 1415 River Drive, Moline. The vehicles crashed into each other and the drivers ran off, with Moline Police officers chasing them. An officer caught a 14-year-old boy from Rock Island who was the driver of the red 2016 Kia Sorento SUV. Another Moline officer caught a 16-year-old boy from Davenport who was driving the silver 2013 Hyundai Elantra sedan. Two additional officers from East Moline also arrived to assist. Three additional juvenile passengers a 14-year-old boy, a 12-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl were taken into custody for questioning. It was later confirmed that both vehicles were stolen out of Rock Island. Initially at the scene, the vehicles had not been reported stolen, but officers saw the steering columns broken and USB devices used as keys. Later, the owners confirmed the vehicles had been stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juvenile Court Services responded to screen the cases for adjudication. The juvenile justice system is very different from the adult justice system, including the intake and adjudication process, the release says. This process is out of the control of the law enforcement agency. The juvenile drivers were charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing and eluding, and released on GPS monitoring pending court proceedings. Other juveniles involved were questioned and released to their parents without charges. The incident began about 3:20 a.m., when Rock Island Police responded to the area of the 1600 block of 18th Avenue in Rock Island for a report of gunfire involving two stolen vehicles. Offenses that occurred in the City of Rock Island jurisdiction are still under investigation by the Rock Island Police Department. Further information will be released by their agency, the release says. Law enforcement cannot stop this epidemic alone. Again, we find ourselves dealing with juvenile behavior risking their own safety and that of the public. The stolen car epidemic might be the single greatest threat to public safety in the Quad Cities right now, said Moline Police Chief Darren Gault. Im proud of the Moline Police Department officers who were able to resolve this situation last night. If those vehicles would have crashed resulting in injury or death, we would be having a different conversation today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This on the heels of a scary situation just days ago with a toddler in a stolen vehicle, he continued. The public has to be exhausted from this problem and should be outraged. Law enforcement cannot stop this epidemic alone. The community needs to take action, including demanding action from the courts, legislators and in our neighborhoods. Ive had good conversations with local legislators about this problem, but it is a statewide issue that needs major attention. Every day the Quad Cities has vehicles stolen, many times by repeat offenders, that endanger the safety and quality of life in our community, Gault said. We have already had 38 stolen vehicles in the Illinois area in 18 days of 2025; nine of those in Moline. Something must be done. We need your help, said Gault. The reckless acts of these juveniles continue to put the lives of those in our communities at great risk, said Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud. With the recent incident of a 4-year-old being kidnapped in the back of a stolen car, and now vehicles fleeing from police with an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old in the back seat, it is clear that these juveniles are becoming bolder and will only continue to escalate their deadly behavior, unless our system of catch and release isnt changed by our state legislators. On behalf of the concerned citizens of Rock Island and the entire Quad Cities, we ask that our courts, our legislature, and our community members band together to demand change. The incident remains under investigation by the Rock Island Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division. No further information was available early Sunday. Police ask anyone with information about the case to contact Rock Island Police at 309-732-2677 or Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500, or use the P3 Tips app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. By this point in 2023, Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmakers in control of state government moved swiftly to enact their agenda. But with the return of divided government this year, the 2025 legislative sessions first big hurdle will be in court. A power struggle between DFL and Republican lawmakers in the House has sucked up much of the oxygen at the Capitol this past week and their squabble over how the chamber will be led for the next two years is headed for the state Supreme Court. A hearing on whether the GOP can lawfully conduct business as the majority is scheduled for Thursday. In November, voters elected a House tied 67-67 between the parties for the first time since 1979. Initially, Republicans and Democrats had been working on a power-sharing deal. That changed after one DFL representative-elect stepped aside, putting the balance at 67-66. And another elections results are disputed by the GOP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, Republicans are attempting to take control of the House with whats likely to be a temporary majority. They claim they can conduct business because they have 67 members a majority of 133 members. In response, Democrats have boycotted the session, arguing there need to be 68 members to initiate any business by the 134-member body. Despite the no-show, Republicans elected a speaker Tuesday and are proceeding with business as normal. What happened? When initial election results showed thered be a tie between the DFL and Republicans in the House, caucus leaders Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold-Spring, started power-sharing negotiations in anticipation of an evenly-split chamber. It was unclear who would control the speakership at the time, but by two weeks after the election, the leaders had announced a tentative agreement where the parties would share control of committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations slowed and eventually halted amid GOP challenges to two DFL House victories. Heres what happened in the lead-up to and in the first week of the session: Nov. 20 GOP candidate Paul Wikstrom files an election challenge in Ramsey County disputing the residency of his DFL opponent, Curtis Johnson, who won by 30 points. Wikstrom submits thorough evidence gathered by his campaign with the aim of proving Johnson never moved into the Roseville apartment he listed on paperwork to run in House District 40B. Nov. 26 Republicans announce theyll sue to challenge results of a recount in which Rep. Brad Tabke, DFL-Shakopee, won reelection over GOP challenger Aaron Paul. They claim 20 missing absentee ballots could have tipped the race. Dec. 27 Johnson steps down after a court rules theres enough evidence that he didnt live in the district he won. Gov. Tim Walz calls a special election in House District 40B for Jan. 28. This is later challenged in court and delayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move grants House Republicans what they call an organizational majority, though theres debate over whether that means they can pass bills or elect a speaker. Dec. 29 The Senate DFL announces that Sen. Kari Dziedzic, former majority leader, has died after a long battle with cancer. The Senate is at a 33-33 tie. Jan. 6 Republicans sue to challenge the timing of the special election in House District 40B. They argue Walz should have waited 22 days after the start of the session rather than calling it for Jan. 28. Jan. 7 House Democrats say they wont show up on the first day of the session without a power-sharing deal from Republicans. Jan. 11 DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon, who is constitutionally tasked with initiating the new House session, says he will not convene the House unless there are 68 members present. In his and the House DFLs view, a quorum of members under the state Constitution must be at least that number. Jan. 12 House Democrats swear in members in a closed ceremony at the Minnesota History Center. Doing so prevents them from needing to show up at the House on the first day of the session, giving them the ability to deny Republicans a quorum. The GOP calls the move illegitimate. Monday, Jan. 13 The state Republican Party threatens to issue petitions for recall elections against House DFLers if they do not show up for opening day of the session on Tuesday. Tuesday, Jan. 14 House DFLers are a no-show at the Capitol. Sixty-seven Republican representatives assemble in the House chamber. After a roll call, Simon rules there is no quorum and adjourns the House. Republicans then move forward with proceedings and elect Demuth as speaker without 66 DFL representatives present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DFLers decry the GOP actions as unlawful and unconstitutional, and they file challenges in the state Supreme Court. Republicans assuming the role as the majority also set in motion a path to deny the admittance of Tabke, despite a court decision the same day finding he won the election. The Legislature is able to determine who is an eligible member after an election, though DFLers call this an abuse of power. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Senate begins the session with little drama with its 33-33 split. DFL and Republican members agree to a temporary power-sharing agreement before the special election for the late Sen. Dziedzics seat. Wednesday, Jan. 15 The state Supreme Court hears arguments in the case where Republicans argue the 40B election, the Roseville seat Johnson gave up, should be held at a later date. The court indicated it would have a decision soon, and that theyll hear the DFL challenge on the quorum case next Thursday. Thursday, Jan. 16 Walz presents his budget recommendations, which hes required to do before the Legislature begins budget work and typically does in the second half of January. This years budget proposal is slimmer than the last one as the state faces a potential deficit in future years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers typically wont have serious discussions about the state budget until after the February budget forecast, but the governors recommendations are a general starting point for discussions. Friday, Jan. 17 The Minnesota Supreme Court rules Walz called the special election in 40B too early and directed the governor to hold it at a later date. This move will extend the GOP a majority. Meanwhile, a judge delayed the trial of state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, for felony burglary in connection to a break-in at her stepmothers home in Detroit Lakes, Minn. Republicans and some DFLers have called for her resignation. What happens next? It doesnt appear House Democrats are ready to return to the Capitol at any point before they get a commitment from Republicans on power-sharing or the special election in 40B is resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doing so before either condition is met would give Republicans a quorum with their current majority, potentially ending their legal challenge to the Republican-run House. Until the Supreme Court rules on the matter of House control, much state business is on hold. Though typically, major bills, like those forming the budget, do not develop until later on in the legislative session. Lawmakers have until the end of June to pass a two-year budget. The session officially ends May 19, though the governor can call the House and Senate back if work is unfinished. If no budget is passed by June 30, the state risks a government shutdown. Related Articles AUSTIN (KXAN) A 25-year-old man was sentenced December 11 for multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and trafficking of a child, according to Hays County court records. Diego Alejandro Cortez pled guilty to those charges. The court sentenced him to serve 40 years in state prison. He will receive 529 days of jail credit towards his sentence. PREVIOUS: Registered sex offender engaged in this behavior shortly after bonding out Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hays County Sheriffs Office had arrested Cortez in July 2023. At the time, HCSO said Cortez had enticed a 10-year-old girl to leave her home and had assaulted the girl multiple times. Cortez was also previously arrested December 2021 for a similar incident in Abilene. According to court documents, he required to join the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry in May 2021. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jan. 18Fred Nathan remembers the moment when the idea for a nonpartisan think tank popped into his head. The Santa Fe attorney was in the middle of a yearslong fight to shutter New Mexico's drive-up liquor windows while working as special counsel to then-Attorney General Tom Udall in the 1990s, pushing Udall's policy agenda. In its final moments, the bill changed to require massive payouts to liquor store owners, resulting in a veto from Gov. Gary Johnson, then a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathan said he didn't understand when one Democratic lawmaker gleefully celebrated the bill's death and framed it as a harbinger of doom for Johnson's reelection bid. "I thought we were in this to save lives," he recalled thinking at the time. Think New Mexico a 26-year-old nonprofit founded by Nathan, its executive director, on Jan. 1, 1999 was intended to "drain the politics out of issues and put the focus on solutions," he said. It has since grown into a consistent voice at the New Mexico Legislature, tackling some of the state's thorniest issues including public education, health care, taxes and jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization's approach has broadened in recent years as it has brought on full-time advocates for particular issues. Its most recent comprehensive reports one in 2023 on education and another in 2024 on solutions for the state's health care worker shortage will serve as longer-term plans as the think tank doggedly pursues its policy goals, Nathan said. "Special interests ... that make a lot of money have paid lobbyists representing them; they're well represented over there. The broad public isn't," Think New Mexico Associate Director Kristina G. Fisher said from the organization's office on Paseo de Peralta. "Our purview is basically to go across the street and work for issues that benefit the public," she added. Early victories Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Think New Mexico's first initiative: a push for full-day kindergarten. "If you want to lift the state up in the national rankings, the obvious place to start was education, and we wanted to start at the beginning," Nathan said, referring to New Mexico's longtime spot at or near the bottom of nationwide education rankings. After the think tank developed a case for full-day kindergarten and a way to pay for it by trimming government spending elsewhere, lawmakers pushed through a bill to accomplish the task during the 2000 legislative session, and then-Gov. Johnson made a down-to-the-wire decision not to veto it. "That was an incredible victory," Nathan said, teary-eyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, Think New Mexico set its sights on repealing the state's food tax, a three-year effort Nathan called "our second big victory." The move ended the state's tax on groceries starting Jan. 1, 2005. But the fight against the food tax didn't end, Fisher noted. "There have been multiple times when there have been efforts to bring back the food tax," she said. The most serious effort was in 2010, as the state reeled from the effects of the Great Recession. After intense lobbying from Think New Mexico and some 15,000 emails from its supporters, then-Gov. Bill Richardson line-item-vetoed what would have been a revival of the tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization has moved toward tackling bigger and broader issues in recent years. About three years ago, it reached a "pivot point," Nathan said. "We could be more impactful if we could hire people to work on issues full time ... because our pattern had been to kind of bounce around," he said. "We can't just parachute in over seven or eight years," Fisher added. Mandi Torrez became the education reform director in 2022, when the think tank published a 60-page policy report with 10 major recommendations to put the state's public education system on a better path. That report, Nathan said, will serve as Torrez's "work plan" for the next five to 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Think New Mexico bought on Dr. Alfredo Vigil as its health care reform director and published a lengthy report focused on solving the industry's worker shortage another persistent problem in New Mexico, with providers from behavioral health clinicians to reproductive care workers voicing concerns about a lack of qualified staff. The report offers an outline for the organization's advocacy plans in 2025. 2025 to-do list Think New Mexico's 10 "big ideas" to shore up New Mexico's provider workforce include improving pathways to health care careers, expanding student loan repayment programs and establishing a permanent fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It won't be able to cross off every item on its wish list in the 2025 session starting Tuesday. Fisher said the organization will lobby for four initiatives: interstate health care worker compacts; tax policies that benefit providers, the permanent fund and medical malpractice law reforms. "It's about what's ripe. What is there potential opportunities to pass?" Fisher said. Interstate health compacts are intergovernmental agreements to honor workers' licenses from other states. To cover a variety of providers, Fisher said Think New Mexico will push for nine bills. Those for speech-language pathologists and audiologists and occupational and physical therapists already have been filed in the House. Think New Mexico is eyeing two tax changes: a permanent repeal of the state's gross receipts tax on medical services and an expansion of the rural health care practitioner tax credit, both of which Fisher said would create incentives for providers to work in New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization is also pursuing medical malpractice reform shaping up to be one of the major issues lawmakers will face in the upcoming session. Think New Mexico's proposal, which is distinct from a plan proposed by House Republicans, would cap attorneys' fees, end lump-sum payments to cover plaintiffs' future medical costs and partially redirect funds from punitive damages to improve the health care system, Nathan said. Malpractice cases should do three things, Fisher said: "They should make the patient whole. They should provide reasonable compensation for the attorneys representing the patients. And they should not overly burden doctors." But as the system stands, she said, "We're seeing a very heavy burden on doctors, and we're seeing attorneys get more than reasonable compensation in many of these cases." The recommended changes are intended to strike more of a balance. Finally, Think New Mexico hopes to see the state establish a $2 billion health care permanent fund to pay for other changes, including student loan repayment programs, tax credits and higher Medicaid reimbursement rates. Such investment funds have grown increasingly popular in recent years allowing the state to use budget surpluses to pay dividends in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The second biggest cost to state government is health care. We could really use a fund there," Nathan said. It's not yet certain if any of Think New Mexico's proposals will make it across the finish line during the 2025 legislative session. What is certain: The think tank will continue to advocate with an eye toward changes that are "broadly beneficial to the public," Fisher said. She added, "We're able to hopefully lift those up and put them on more of an even playing field with the very concentrated special interests." The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating after a trooper shot and killed a man who pulled out a gun during a traffic stop Saturday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 8:40 p.m., Georgia State Patrol conducted a traffic stop on 26-year-old Cameron David James, driving a Nissan Altima traveling southbound on Interstate 85 in Coweta County. The GBI said James was removed from his car during the traffic stop. When troopers tried to arrest the 26-year-old, officials said he resisted and a trooper deployed his Taser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the GBI, the Taser was ineffective and James reportedly reached into the car for a gun. A trooper fired his weapon, hitting James, authorities said. TRENDING STORIES: After being shot, James got back into his car and drove away from the scene, traveling soundbound on I-85. He eventually crashed his car on the side of the road. Troopers tried to provide aid, but James was pronounced dead on the scene. No troopers were injured during the incident. The investigation is active and ongoing. The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Three Israeli women, hostages for 15 months in the Israel-Hamas war, were set free on Sunday and reunited with their families at the start of a ceasefire that was expected to begin an ongoing exchange of captives from both sides. The hostages were freed in exchange for what was expected to be 90 Palestinian prisoners in the early days of the ceasefire. The women, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, were accompanied by Israel Defense Force and other special forces on their journey to Israeli territory. First video of the three hostages leaving Hamas cars pic.twitter.com/eTyfErQm6l Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) January 19, 2025 The first stage of the deal was expected to bring freedom to 33 hostages over six weeks. That list includes two of the American citizens presumed to still be alive. President Joe Biden said four more Israeli women were expected to be released within a week, with another two weeks before the start of the second phase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Word of the truce sparked off celebrations in Gaza, where Palestinians honked horns, played music and fired guns to welcome the news after more than a year of fierce hostilities. The IDF said soldiers had begun to withdraw from war-torn Gaza. Hamas gunmen paraded through areas that had been evacuated by the Israeli forces, the New York Times reported. The cease-fire is the product of months of talks between Egypt, Qatar and the United States. The war began Oct. 7, 2023 when Hamas soldiers invaded Israel, killing 1,195 people and taking 251 captives; Israel launched its bombing and infantry campaign into Gaza three weeks later. The post 3 Israeli Hostages Returned by Hamas as Gaza Ceasefire Begins appeared first on TheWrap. Two teens, one 14 years old and one 16 years old, were arrested early Saturday after leading Rock Island and Moline police on high-speed pursuits in a pair of stolen vehicles. The chase, which police said endangered everyone who may have been on the streets early Saturday, came to an end in the parking lot of the Wyndham Hotel in Moline. The two teens were released on GPS pending further court hearings. Three other juveniles in the vehicles, a 14-year-old, a 12-year-old and an 11-year-old, were released to their parents Police say they need the help of the community and legislature to solve the problem. In a joint news release issued Saturday, Rock Island Police Chief Timothy McCloud and Moline Police Chief Darren Gault said that juveniles are becoming bolder in criminal behaviors, and the courts, legislature and community need to demand change to the current system. The reckless acts of these juveniles continue to put the lives of those in our communities at great risk, McCloud said. With the recent incident of a 4-year old being kidnapped in the back seat of a stolen car, and now vehicles fleeing from police with an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old in the back seat, it is clear that these juveniles are becoming bolder and will only continue to escalate their deadly behavior unless our system of catch and release is changed by our state legislators. McCloud said that at 3:20 a.m. Rock Island officers were sent to the area of 17th Street and 18th Avenue to investigate a report of gunshots. City cameras captured the passenger of a silver sedan firing a handgun at a red 2016 Kia Sorento and both vehicles rapidly leaving the area. H&S Convenience, located at 1700 18th Ave., was struck on both the north and west sides of the building. No injuries were reported, and it was determined that both vehicles had left Rock Island. No charges have been filed in the shooting, and it remains under investigation, the release said. However, the Kia Sorento and another vehicle, later determined to be a silver 2013 Hyundai Elantra, were soon seen coming back over the Talbot Memorial (Centennial) Bridge The two vehicles then went east on 18th Avenue and a pursuit was authorized. However, because of the excessive speeds, the officers could not safely stop the vehicles. Information was sent to the Moline Police Department. Gault said that at 4:22 a.m. a Moline police officer was at 38th Street and 18th Avenue in Rock Island after providing a citizen a ride from Moline to Rock Island. The officer heard radio traffic that Rock Island police were pursuing two vehicles that had been involved in a shooting in Rock Island. The vehicles were eastbound on 18th Avenue from 30th Street. The Moline officer saw two vehicles, with one appearing to be following the other, on 18th Avenue. The officer attempted to make a traffic stop, but the vehicles began accelerating as they continued east into Moline on 19th Avenue. A second Moline police officer joined the pursuit at 3rd Street and 19th Avenue. The vehicles being pursued disobeyed traffic-control devices and were traveling at speeds of more than 80 mph. The vehicles turned north onto 15th Street Place from 19th Avenue and continued north to the Wyndham Hotel parking lot at 1415 River Drive. The two vehicles crashed into each other and the drivers fled on foot. One Moline police officer captured the driver of the Kia Sorento, a 14-year-old male from Rock Island. Another Moline officer captured the driver of the Hyundai Elantra, a 16-year-old male from Davenport. Two squads from East Moline arrived on the scene to assist. Three passengers from the vehicles, a 14-year-old male, a 12-year-old female and an 11-year-old female were taken into custody. It was later confirmed that both vehicles were stolen out of Rock Island. They had not yet been reported stolen, but officers saw the steering columns had been broken and USB devices used to start them. Officers from Juvenile Court Services responded to the scene. Gault said the Juvenile Justice system was very different from the adult justice system, including the intake and adjudication process. This process is out of the control of the law enforcement agency. The drivers of the stolen vehicles were charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing and eluding. They were released from custody on GPS monitoring pending court proceedings. The other three juveniles were questioned and released to their parents without charges. The stolen car epidemic might be the single greatest threat to public safety in the Quad-Cities right now, Gault said. Im proud of the Moline Police Department officers who were able to resolve this situation last night. If those vehicles would have crashed resulting in injury or death, we would be having a different conversation today. Gault said the public must be exhausted from the stolen vehicle problem and should be outraged. He called for the community to take action and push courts and legislators to make changes at the state level. We have already had 38 stolen vehicles in the Illinois area in 18 days of 2025; nine of those in Moline, Gault said. Something must be done. We need your help. Three more women are accusing Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor of sexual misconduct, the latest in a string of allegations against the chambers most powerful Democrat. The three women accuse Taylor of abusing his position as a lawmaker by making unwanted advances, touching them without permission and, in one case, forcibly kissing a legislative intern against her will after following her into the womens bathroom at a downtown bar. The new accusations date back to Taylors early years in the legislature, but together with more recent allegations show a nearly decade-long pattern of unwelcomed sexual conduct toward younger interns, lobbyists and staffers. In all, six women have now publicly accused Taylor of sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Taylor, who was elected to the Senate in 2008, denied the new allegations. "These false allegations from over 15 years ago are untrue and unsubstantiated and were never brought to my attention or that of Senate leadership," he said. "I have never nor would I ever force myself on or romantically pursue a colleague, lobbyist, staff member or intern. I also do not condone any behavior that compromises the safety and well-being of anyone working in or serving at the Statehouse." IndyStar reported last month that three women had accused Taylor of sexual harassment. Those allegations, which date from 2009 to 2016, involved unwanted touching and the romantic pursuit of an intern. In response to IndyStars initial reporting, Taylor apologized for his past behavior and acknowledged there have been times when I may have blurred the lines and behaved in a manner that potentially made my colleagues or those who witnessed my actions uncomfortable. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Taylor has questioned the timing of IndyStar's reporting and suggested racism is at play in the coverage. "As the first Black person in Indianas history to serve as Senate Minority Leader, these ongoing efforts to attack my legacy are attempts to undermine the work I have done since being elected in 2008," he said. "Throughout my time in office, I have remained focused on serving constituents throughout the state, and that is where my attention belongs not on responding to decades-old rumors rooted in hearsay. "As a husband and father, my priority has always been and will continue to be my family. To imply that I would do anything to cause them pain or harm is reprehensible." The new accusations are likely to raise more questions about the culture at the Statehouse. Four of Taylors accusers say legislative leaders or top staffers were aware of their allegations, but took little action even as he climbed to the position of minority leader in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the allegations, Taylor has continued to receive support from a majority of his fellow Democrats in the Senate. Six of 10 caucus members voted to reelect him as minority leader during a closed-door caucus meeting on Nov. 18, just hours after IndyStars story was published. Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor speaks on Org Day, or organization day, ahead of the upcoming legislative session on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Indianapolis. The vote disheartened his accusers and stirred anger among many rank-and-file Democrats. Meanwhile, Republicans who control supermajorities in both chambers of the legislature have indicated little appetite for investigating the allegations against Taylor or improving sexual harassment policies for lawmakers. 'It was painful The three new allegations come from women who approached IndyStar with their own stories after the first three allegations were revealed. Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar typically does not name people who say they are victims of sexual harassment or abuse. The names of people whom they previously told of the incidents are also being withheld to protect the identity of the women who say they were harassed or assaulted. In an interview with IndyStar, a former legislative intern said she was out with a group of staffers at a downtown bar on South Meridian Street with lobbyists and lawmakers in 2010 when Taylor followed her into the womens restroom and assaulted her. Before I could even make a couple steps, I hear the door slam behind me shut, she said. I turned around and Sen. Greg Taylor was standing there. He moved quickly toward her and pushed her against the wall, the woman said. Advertisement Advertisement He moved in and started very aggressively, like it was painful, kissing me and jamming his tongue as far down my throat as he could, she said. He had one hand kind of around my head and another on my shoulder. The woman said she pushed Taylor off her and he stumbled backward, then stared at me for a couple seconds before leaving the room without saying a word. The next day at work, the woman who said she was assaulted felt like she was floating through the day in an out-of-body experience, sort of a daze. At one point, she started to cry. She said she recounted the incident to a fellow intern and a friend the next day. Both the fellow intern and the friend confirmed to IndyStar that the woman told them about the incident. Advertisement Advertisement The womans friends encouraged her to report what happened, but she felt she couldnt. "It was a person of powers word against an intern, the woman said. I thought, maybe, possibly, I wouldnt be believed. I just kept quiet. After that, the woman said continuing to work at the Statehouse was difficult. She encountered Taylor on an elevator ride after the alleged assault. He looked at me, got wide-eyed, and I felt like I was going to throw up, she said. I remember acknowledging him and he did a fleeting pursed-lip smile and then looked away and faced forward. That was awful. The woman said she started taking the stairs at the Statehouse after a second elevator encounter. Advertisement Advertisement I stopped using that elevator altogether, she said. She eventually left politics. I felt like, I dont belong here anymore, she said. The assault didnt happen at the Statehouse, but it was really difficult to even see, not just his face, of course, but other faces there. It really cast a shadow over the whole thing. She said she decided to come forward after more than a decade of silence to stand with the other women, whose stories she first heard about after IndyStars initial reporting on allegations against Taylor. Ive carried this guilt for a long time, the woman said. I really want them to know that they are by far not alone. I stand with them in solidarity in our pain. Pattern of behavior Two other women who reached out to IndyStar in recent weeks said Taylor behaved inappropriately with them in 2009, his first full year in office. Advertisement Advertisement A former Indiana Senate employee said Taylor walked up behind her on the Senate floor and used his body to push in her knee joints, causing them to buckle. He then grabbed her shoulders and top half, the woman said, causing her to fall backward into his arms. She said his actions came out of nowhere and crossed a line. The situation made her uncomfortable, she said. She said she didnt report the incident because she was willing to overlook it, but someone else must have, because she was called into a meeting with Laura Bauman, then chief of staff for Senate Democrats, and another legislative staffer to check on her well being. "They told me that someone had reported an incident that they witnessed between Taylor and I that they felt was inappropriate and caused me to react as well," the woman told IndyStar. Advertisement Advertisement Bauman is now deceased. The other staffer, who no longer works for the legislature, confirmed the womans account. "What happened to the other girls was far worse than me, the woman said. What happened to me establishes the pattern of behavior. It started with me and progressively got worse." 'He was relentless' That same year, a woman who was working as a lobbyist said Taylor made repeated unwanted verbal advances toward her, saying things like, "You could be with me." At the time, she was seeking Taylor's support for legislation on behalf of a client. She said the advances took place at the Statehouse and at outside events. "It was incessant," she said. Taylors behavior put her in a difficult position because she depended on positive relationships with lawmakers to effectively advocate for her clients. "Theres that power dynamic and they take advantage of that," she said. The former lobbyist said she expressed her concerns about Taylor to a friend at the time. That friend confirmed the womans account. He was relentless, the friend told IndyStar. She told him over and over and over to leave her alone. The woman said she stopped working at the Statehouse because it was such a toxic environment. She never reported Taylors behavior. Reporting sexual harassment in a political environment is tough, especially if you want to have a career and be successful, she said. I was worried about folks continuing to want to work with me. Indiana State Sen. Greg Taylor takes a call before speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, during the ceremonial start of the upcoming legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The session starts in earnest on Jan. 9, 2023. A slap in the face to women The allegations against Taylor are just the latest involving elected officials at the Statehouse in recent years. Women from both parties say the abuse crosses party lines and includes both lawmakers and other officeholders. Regarding Taylor, the new allegations are similar in nature to those IndyStar uncovered in a story last month. One former staffer said Taylor pinned her against a door near the Ways & Means Committee room in 2009. Another filed a formal complaint in 2014 after experiencing unwanted touching. A third woman said Taylor pursued her romantically after she asked him for a recommendation during her 2016 internship. The allegations have raised questions about the culture at the Statehouse, where men have long dominated. Only 27% of Indianas 150 state lawmakers are women. Thats a smaller percentage than all but 11 states, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. Taylor said he has been a champion for women since he became Senate Minority Leader in 2020. "When I became a leader, I prioritized gender equity in my hiring decisions," Taylor said. "I have continued to have women in key positions of authority, including executive director of campaigns, caucus chief of staff and communications director for the Senate Democratic Caucus. The allegations being made against me directly contradict my long-standing commitment as a legislator to ensure women are treated equitably and with respect." Nationwide, sexual harassment in state legislatures is pervasive, according to a 2024 report from the National Womens Defense League, which found that at least 130 Statehouse lawmakers were publicly accused of sexual harassment by 359 people across 45 states since 2013, statistics they say are likely much higher due to underreporting. This is not one bad apple, said Emma Davidson Tribbs, director of the center. We know that that is a fraction of the lived experience and the reality of sexual harassment in the political workspace. She said the years-long silence and lack of action surrounding the Taylor accusations suggests there is not a robust and proactively protective situation in the Statehouse. Despite longstanding concerns about sexual harassment, Indiana's lawmakers didnt adopt a policy for themselves until about five years ago. That policy, which remains in effect, puts legislative leaders and an ethics panel composed of lawmakers in charge of responding to formal complaints. Experts on sexual harassment have said those policies need to be updated. Some have called for a way to submit complaints anonymously and for independent, third-party investigations of complaints. Senate Democrats have drafted rule changes for the Senate that would add a human resources or third-party attorney to the ethics panel an idea that would require approval from the majority party. In November, Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray said hed continue to think about that idea, but said he generally believes adding these types of positions takes accountability away from lawmakers. Accountability is supposed to be on us, he said. We need to own it. When it goes badly, we need to take the blame. Taylor said Senate Democrats have also created a staff manual "to ensure our employees are protected and have clear pathways for reporting concerns without fear of retribution." Meanwhile, Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston have refused to release data on the number of sexual harassment complaints at the General Assembly. In fact, Huston recently called the discussion about Statehouse culture unfair. Davidson Tribbs called on lawmakers to make the number of complaints public, as well as any consequences that have been levied. All it says to me is that there's clearly a problem they do not want the public to be aware of, she said. These situations are made worse in the dark. This is one of the reasons why survivor support and women coming forward is so important. In the meantime, the women accusing Taylor say the lack of any consequences for Taylor shows that the culture at the Statehouse remains firmly rooted in a problematic past. Its really a slap in the face to women in general, said a woman who described unwanted touching by Taylor in 2009. We all have experiences like that. It was very clear that it never stopped. The victims just changed. Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on X: @IndyStarTony. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer atkdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X:@kayla_dwyer17. Contact IndyStar senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com or follow her on X: @hayleighcolombo. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 3 more women accuse Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor of sexual misconduct Plans to open a controversial $3 billion casino on Coney Islands fabled boardwalk could be crapping out. The land-use committee for Brooklyns Community Board 13 delivered a potentially lethal blow to the Thor Equities-led development teams glitzy The Coney project on Wednesday, rejecting an application to close some local streets and purchase air rights to build high-rise towers and connecting pedestrian bridges for the proposed casino. We dont need more traffic, more gambling, more crime, said committee member Angela Kravtchenko. Coney Islands proposed $3 billion casino is on the chopping block. Facebook The Coney The full board will vote on the plan Wednesday, but the panel typically backs recommendations of their committees. And although community board opinions are only advisory, they historically wield major influence in the citys land-use review process that is ultimately decided by the City Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coney plan along Surf Avenue from West 12th to West 15th streets includes a 500-room hotel, a convention center and concert venue. The project is contingent on securing one of three casino licenses the state plans to award in and around New York City by the end of this year. At least 11 development teams are vying for the licenses, but only four proposed casino bids including Thors need land-use changes approved by the city before even being considered by state gaming regulators. Earlier this month, Manhattans Community Board 4 delivered a big blow to a glittering $12 billion casino complex proposed for Hudson Yards by rejecting a zoning change needed by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts. The Coneys development team insisted the committees vote isnt fatal. We dont need more traffic, more gambling, more crime, said committee member Angela Kravtchenko. Facebook The Coney We remain encouraged by the increasing number of community members and stakeholders who are supportive of the historic investment The Coney is prepared to make into the Coney Island community, which includes creating a $200 million community trust fund for boardwalk and safety improvements, community grants and other amenities, said the development teams spokesman. Right now, most of the world's food system relies on animal agriculture. Without the farming of livestock, like cows, chickens, and pigs, there would be no meat products, like burgers, nuggets, and sausages, on the shelves. It seems simple: No farmed animals, no meat. But actually, in the future, that might not be the case. All over the world, food scientists are embracing a new type of technology that allows them to take cells from live animals and nurture them in bioreactors with nutrients. In the bioreactors, the cells form connective tissue, muscle, and fat. In a nutshell: They become meat no slaughterhouses and no industrialized farms required. This type of meat is often called cultivated meat, although it is also known as cell-based meat or lab-grown meat. It is notably different to plant-based meat, which is made with plant-based ingredients, not animal cells. If scaled successfully, cultivated meat would provide the world with protein, while reducing the number of farmed animals on the planet (and crucially, the amount of land and resources needed to sustain those animals). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this emerging industry is not without controversy. Many are concerned about the impact that cultivated meat would have on farmers, for example, while others are not yet convinced about the safety of eating meat grown in a lab. All over the world, countries are taking different approaches to cultivated meat. Some have embraced it with open arms, while others have shut the door. Keep reading to find out more. Read more: 6 Canned Meats You Should Be Eating And 6 To Avoid Singapore Has Approved The Sale Of Cultivated Chicken Person looking at cultivated meat products in fridge - Good Meat In November 2020, Singapore made history when it became the first country to grant cultivated meat regulatory approval. Specifically, the Singapore government allowed Eat Just a San Francisco-based company known for its vegan liquid egg products to sell cultivated chicken in restaurants. Following this approval, Eat Just, which produces the cultivated chicken through its dedicated cultivated meat offshoot, Good Meat, began selling in a Singapore restaurant called 1880 in December 2020. More than four years later, you can still buy Good Meat's cultivated chicken in Singapore. Only now, you'll need to head to Huber's Butchery and Bistro. There, for the very first time, customers can order cultivated chicken to take home to cook in their own kitchens. Currently, the chicken is made with 3% cultivated meat, while the rest is made up of plant-based ingredients. Good Meat isn't alone. In April 2024, the Singapore Food Agency granted approval to cultivated quail meat, produced by the Australian-based cultivated meat company Vow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meat is made with cells from a Japanese quail species, called Coturnix japonica, and then crafted into two products by Vow's offshoot, Forged by Vow. The products are Forged Parfait and Forged Gras (which is like the French delicacy foie gras, but made with cultivated quail meat instead). Right now, cultivated quail is on the menu at a handful of Singapore eateries, including the Mandala Club, Restaurant Fiz, and Black Cow. Italy Bans Cultivated Meat To Protect Farmers Pigs on a farm - BushAlex/Shutterstock In 2023, farmers celebrated as Italy became the first country in the world to ban cultivated meat. They were concerned that, if allowed to grow, the industry would go on to impact their profits. At the time, the law was passed with 159 votes to 53, and anyone who violated it by producing, importing, or selling cultivated meat would face a fine of up to 60,000 (around $62,500 USD). Italy's Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida said at the time the ban would protect the country from the "social and economic risks of synthetic food," per the BBC. He added that Italy was conserving the relationship with food and human labour "that we have enjoyed for millennia." But, in reality, an Italian ban on the cultivated meat industry isn't that straight forward. Italy, which is a member of the European Union (EU), did not submit the ban for approval to the European Commission. This is despite the fact that an Italian ban on cultivated meat could impact the entire European single market not just Italy. If the EU, which is currently considering its position on cultivated meat, decides to allow companies to produce and sell cultivated meat products, Italy's ban could be challenged by the European Commission. Ultimately, this means that its ban could be unenforceable in the future. The Good Food Institute (GFI), a nonprofit that advocates for alternative proteins and a sustainable food system, has called Italy's attempt to ban cultivated meat "disproportionate and unfair." The U.S. Has Approved Cultivated Meat Egg and chicken sandwich against yellow background - Upside Foods Singapore isn't alone. In 2023, the U.S. became the second country in the world to approve cultivated meat. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) specifically gave the nod to two companies: California-based Upside Foods (formerly known as Memphis Meats) and Good Meat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both specialize in chicken but are working on new products. Upside Foods, for example, claims it has breakfast sausages in the works, and it has also developed cultivated duck and meatballs in the past. In 2022, after it had submitted its application to the FDA but before the U.S. gave regulatory approval, Good Meat began building the world's largest bioreactors to produce both cultivated chicken and beef. According to the company, the bioreactors can grow more than 13,000 tonnes of cultivated meat a year. Now, due to the U.S. approval, it is possible to try cultivated chicken in a selection of eateries across the country. In December 2024, New York City restaurant Wildair hosted a tasting session for Upside Foods' Upside Chicken. Good Meat has paused its tastings for now, but in July 2023, it also partnered with Chef Jose Andres to serve cultivated chicken at his Washington D.C. restaurant China Chilcano. The chicken was paired with native potatoes and anticucho sauce and served to diners in a Peruvian dish called Anticuchos de Pollo. Florida And Alabama Have Banned Cultivated Meat Gloved hand holding slab of meat in petri dish - Oleksandra Naumenko/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone was pleased by the USDA and FDA's decision to grant approval to cultivated meat companies. In May 2024, Republican governor Ron DeSantis took the decision to go against the federal agencies and ban cultivated meat in the state of Florida. In a statement at the time, DeSantis said that Florida was "fighting back" against the emerging cultivated meat industry and the "global elite's plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish," notes the BBC. He added that the ban was a sign that the state was "standing with the cattle ranchers." At the same time, DeSantis also expressed his position against the growing edible insect market. Also in May 2024, Alabama joined Florida and passed a statewide ban on cultivated meat. The bill, which was signed into law by the state's Republican governor Kay Ivey, was lauded by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. The Vice President of the organization Erin Beasley said in a statement at the time that the "tireless efforts" of Republican Senator Jack Williams and State Representative Danny Crawford, who sponsored the bill to ban cultivated meat, would "protect consumers in Alabama" and ensure they could "continue to purchase safe, wholesome, real beef." Other states that have moved to ban or moderate the cultivated meat industry include Arizona and Texas. Texas, for example, passed a law in 2023 that would require all cultivated meat products to be labeled clearly with words like "lab-grown" or "cell-cultured." Hong Kong Has Approved The Sale Of Cultivated Quail Forged gras on plate - Forged by Vow In November 2024, Hong Kong also took the decision to allow cultivated meat when it granted regulatory approval to Vow's cultivated quail products. As a result, both Forged Parfait and Forged Gras were initially available to diners at an izakaya restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental hotel called The Aubrey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forged Parfait and Forged Gras contain a mix of cultivated quail and plant-based ingredients. Forged Gras, for example, contains ingredients like fava bean protein, konjac, carrageenan, and yeast extract. All work together with the quail to deliver a product that tastes just like foie gras only it does not require real meat from ducks or geese. Unlike Hong Kong, Mainland China has not currently given approval to cultivated meat, but it is looking likely that it will happen soon. In September 2024, the country signed a $300 million cultivated meat trade agreement with Israel. The agreement will enable China and Israel to collaborate on the growth and development of the cultivated meat market. Israel is currently a hub of cultivated meat innovation. It is home to several leading companies in the industry, including Aleph Farms, Super Meat, and Believer Meats. But innovation is also happening in mainland China. In July 2024, for example, researchers in Beijing revealed that they had worked out how to embed cultured meat cells from pork and chicken into grains of rice. The result is a novel hybrid food product that combines cultivated protein with carbohydrates. Romania Is In The Process Of Trying To Ban Cultivated Meat Scientist holds burger next to raw meat in petri dishes - AnnaStills/Shutterstock In October 2023, Romania took its first steps toward joining Italy when the country's Senate unanimously voted to ban the sale of any cultivated meat. At the time, the law dictated that anyone who sells meat grown in a lab will be subject to a fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as with Italy, Romania's journey to outlaw the cultivated meat industry will not be as straight forward as it might like. Romania is a member of the EU, which means that the ban is also likely in breach of the European single market. Environmental organization Greenpeace's investigative journalist platform Unearthed has expressed concern that the livestock industry is attempting to block the approval of cultivated meat products in Europe, including in Romania. In July 2024, Unearthed revealed that, with Follow The Money, a Dutch investigative journalism website, it had jointly investigated livestock executive links to anti-cultivated meat campaigns. It claims that in Romania, for example, one senator who played a key role in passing the ban is not only the owner of a pork farm, but also the vice president of the Romanian pork lobby. There have been no further updates on the Romanian ban's progress since 2023, despite the fact that it was supposed to move on to Romania's Chamber of Deputies for debate in September 2024. The Chamber of Deputies is the second half of Romania's Parliament, after the Senate. Israel Has Approved The Sale Of Cultivated Beef Person eats cultivated steak on skewer - Aleph Farms As aforementioned, Israel is a key player in the growth of the cultivated meat industry. So it makes sense that, in December 2023, the country also granted approval for the sale of cultivated meat. While other countries have focused on chicken or quail, Israel approved cultivated beef, making it the first country in the world to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meat in question was created by Aleph Farms, a startup that has been working on developing cultivated products since 2017. In January 2024, the company revealed that it had been sent a "No Questions" letter from Israel's Ministry of Health in the previous December. In short, this letter meant that the government agency was satisfied that Aleph Farms' cultivated beef is safe to sell to the public. The first product that has been approved from the company is its Cultivated Petit Steak a bite-sized cut of cultivated steak. Right now, the product is listed as "coming soon" on the Aleph Farms website. Another notable Israeli cultivated meat company is Believer Meats. It's headquartered in Rehovot, Israel, but it has focused much of its product development in the U.S. For example, in 2022, it started work on its first commercial-scale production factory in North Carolina. The company hopes that when complete, the facility will be capable of producing 26 million pounds of food every year. Hungary Tried To Ban Cultivated Meat Unsuccessfully Scientists hold cultivated meat sample with tweezers - Mindful Media/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungary has attempted to ban the sale of cultivated meat, however it has not yet been successful. Like Italy and Romania, it is a member of the EU, which means that any laws passed against cultivated meat without EU approval may be in violation of the European Single Market. Hungary notified the EU Commission that it was intending to ban cultivated meat in July 2024. It justified by the proposal by stating that the ban would protect "human health and the environment" and preserve "the traditional rural way of life." However, in October 2024, the European Commission and EU member states Czechia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden shot down the ban after a review. The Netherlands, for example, stated in a comment on Hungary's ban proposal that an "absolute ban" is not "proportionate," given that cultivated meat is not yet for sale anywhere in the EU. Sweden's comment mirrored that of the Netherlands, noting that the proposal "lacks a proportionality assessment." In its own response, the European Commission called Hungary's ban "unnecessary" and "unjustified." International food awareness nonprofit ProVeg International praised the response of EU member states and the EU Commission. Julie Martin, the organization's cellular agriculture lead, said that any bans on cultivated meat "are not founded on substantial scientific evidence," since the technology is still in development. The UK Has Approved The Sale Of Cultivated Meat For Pet Food Golden retriever eating from bowl - Tatyana Vyc/Shutterstock In July 2024, the U.K. became the first country in Europe to approve cultivated meat. But there's one catch: Right now, it's for pet food, not human consumption. The U.K. is no longer a member of the EU, which means it did not have to put forward any cultivated meat laws to the European Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the U.K.'s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (the government agency in charge of safeguarding the health of animals) granted approval to cultivated meat products from Meatly. Based in the U.K., Meatly has developed food for dogs and cats using cultivated chicken. The brand is hoping to launch the product to market in 2025. The brand's CEO Owen Ensor said in a statement in July that the U.K.'s approval marked "a significant milestone for the European cultivated meat industry." In February 2024, before the approval of cultivated pet food, prestigious London department store Fortnum and Mason hosted a tasting for a scotch egg made with cultured meat. The store did not have government approval to sell the meat. Instead, it was given to members of the press for free. The beef in the scotch egg was made by Ivy Farm Technologies, another U.K. cultivated meat brand. The brand is hoping to one day become the leading producer of cultivated meat in the U.K. and around the world. The Netherlands Approves Cultivated Meat For Tastings Mosa Meat burger - Mosa Meat In a major EU milestone, in July 2023, the Netherlands became the first of the member states to allow pre-market tastings for cultivated meat. This doesn't mean that the Netherlands can sell cultivated products, but it does mean that cultivated meat companies can host tastings in the country. This is particularly significant for the Netherlands cultivated meat already has a rich history in the country. In fact, in 2013, it was Mark Post, a Dutch scientist, who created the first-ever cultivated beef burger. Together with food technician Peter Verstrate, Post co-founded Mosa Meat, which remains one of the Netherlands biggest cultivated meat companies.One year after the Dutch government's approval, Mosa Meat hosted the first tasting of its cultivated beef in Maastricht in the Netherlands in July 2024. It was also the first time that a cultivated meat product had been tasted inside an EU country. At the time, Mosa Meat's CEO Maarten Bosch said the tasting was an important part of the product development process. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. A multi-day incident at a home just outside Haysville ended early Saturday with SWAT team members finding the 79-year-old suspect dead inside with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office said. The Sheriffs Office was called about a domestic violence incident at 4:22 p.m. Thursday in the 8400 block of South Minnesota Circle, which is a dirt road lined with houses that ends in a cul-de-sac just east of Haysville. The 79-year-old man threatened his 47-year-old son with a handgun, sheriffs office spokesperson Branden Stitt said. The suspects wife, who is in her mid-60s, and a grandson were home at the time as well, Stitt said, adding that the adults all live at the address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses said the man pointed the firearm at his son during an argument over money and threatened to kill him, Stitt said. The confrontation further escalated when the man, after being locked out of the home, reportedly threatened to shoot through the door to regain entry. The suspects wife had locked him out but he was let back in after the threats, Stitt said. Deputies arrived and found the son outside. Deputies were able to get the woman and grandson evacuated, Stitt said. Stitt said the deputies stayed on scene for a for a very long time Thursday before deciding that, since the man was alone inside, their presence could escalate the situation. They left and handed over the case to investigators, who started working on it Friday morning and made contact with the suspect, but he refused to leave the home to meet with them, Stitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies went back Friday afternoon. A warrant was obtained Friday evening. The joint sheriffs office and Wichita Police Department SWAT team and crisis negotiators responded to serve the warrant, as the incident involved a firearm. Negotiators started talking with the suspect over the phone around 10:30 p.m. Friday, Stitt said, but the man refused to come out. After some time of not responding to calls or prompts from a loudspeaker, a gas munition was introduced into the home to gain compliance, Stitt said. SWAT members entered the home just after 6 a.m. Saturday and found the man dead inside. Stitt said officers had responded to domestic violence calls at the home in the past, but he did not have the details of those calls. Sister JoAnn Persch and Sister Pat Murphy used to set up a sacred space in the McHenry County Jail library once a week for immigrant detainees. The men held there who could connect with their families only by phone would file into the room in orange jumpsuits and take a seat. The sisters would offer a hand. And they would listen to stories about the mens sons and mothers a world away. We used to fight against solitary confinement, Persch, now 90, recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Persch and Murphy, who is 95, have devoted their lives advocating for local and federal immigration legislation to fix a broken system. Theyve been arrested four times at demonstrations. Theyve fought for detained immigrants to gain more access to pastoral care. Theyve been foster moms. The sisters have seen a lot of change in their time advocating for immigrants. But their fight isnt over. President-elect Donald Trumps promise to enact mass deportations potentially starting in just a few days would go beyond anything they could have imagined when they started this work decades ago. To prepare, they said theyre ordering informational cards and packets from nonprofits to pass out to families. What could happen to these people is extremely important, Murphy said. (Trumps) words the way he talks about immigrants. Its an act of disrespect. Complete disrespect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While its unclear what Trump will do after his inauguration on Monday, Chicago is considered one of the targets for an immigration crackdown because of the citys commitment to providing sanctuary for newcomers runs counter to Trumps narrative and agenda on the issue. The incoming presidents top immigration official, Tom Homan, gave local politicians a warning at a public meeting in December that Chicago could be ground zero. Since then, in the weeks leading up to the transition of power, advocates, attorneys and city officials have been busy preparing rapid response teams, Know Your Rights presentations and resources for what immigrants should do if captured by federal immigration agents. The sisters say they are one piece of that mass mobilization. Sisterhood Books about immigration are stacked in the corners of Persch and Murphys carpeted two-bedroom apartment in south suburban Alsip. Their accomplishments and certificates of achievements are carefully framed and hung on the walls: a document from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbins writing them into the Congressional Record for Womens History Month; Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupichs lifetime achievement award. But their advocacy isnt just marked in accolades. In 2018, they were arrested protesting on behalf of the Dreamers, young immigrants who would have been provided protections under never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act. In 2019, the sisters were arrested while protesting the deaths of children in family detention camps on the border. The list goes on. The sisters met in 1960 working at an elementary school in Wisconsin. After several years, Murphy moved to Peru to be a missionary and Persch went to Chicago to teach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their careers follow a turning point in American Catholicism, where many nuns moved from traditional roles to activism. Persch and Murphy admired their sisters some friends, some role models who were doing groundbreaking work at the same time they were: Sister Theresa Kane fighting for womens ordination in the Catholic church. Sister Kathleen Desautels with the Sisters of Providence championing nonviolent protest. Persch called them fearless. Their interest in immigration was inspired by their fellow sisters path-paving leadership, rooted in religion. The sanctuary movement specifically in the United States is a religious movement, said Emily Crews, executive director of University of Chicago Divinity Schools Martin Marty Center, whose mission is the public understanding of religion. Often we think resistance to immigration is religious, and I think thats true in some ways, but the protection of immigration is also religious, Crews said. When Murphy returned from Peru to Chicago in 1969, it was a different time for the Catholic church than when the sisters first joined. The friends had stayed in close touch while Murphy was in Peru, and they reunited in their mutual desire to fight for justice. It was amazing, we were able to pick up where we left off, Persch said. And we were able to do more of what we knew had to be done than we could have done. They switched out their habits for jeans and sweatshirts. They decided to moved out of the convent into an apartment and were given free rein to work with groups serving disenfranchised people. They capitalized on the very new possibilities of the time, they said. The two nuns have a rhythm, strengthened as theyve aged together. Murphy, the older sister, has a smaller frame and a softer voice. Persch is steady and straightforward. They both decided to join the Sisters of Mercy because they were impressed with how the congregation was responsive to the world around it, they said. But they were especially drawn to each other because of their mutual deep call to justice. They both went to Mercy High Schools, and Jesuits met with them to impart social justice. They remember and can sing the Catholic action theme they used to perform as little girls. The Sisters of Mercy have enabled us to do what weve done for so many years, Murphy said. We were bold. We were on the cutting edge. A 40-year fight Persch and Murphy formed a public sanctuary in the 1980s and 90s, opening up Su Casa Catholic Worker House, a home for survivors of torture from Central America, on the South Side of Chicago. Many of them now are U.S. citizens, said Persch. In 2007, they connected with a faith-based immigration lawyer who was frustrated with the deportation system in Illinois. That lawyer thought praying at the states deportation center in Broadview might help. For decades, immigrants have been bused from the center to an airport, where they are flown out of the country. The center acts as a bus station of sorts. People are shuffled through before they are transported to their countries of origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nuns led prayer groups as the buses went out every Friday, calling themselves the Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants. The sisters asked to get inside the facility but were told no. They met with the Midwest director for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who recommended they go to McHenry County Jail in Woodstock, which at the time was housing 200 immigrant detainees. Again, they were told no. Thats where we got our motto. We do things peacefully and respectfully, Persch said. But we never take no for an answer. When asking didnt work, they pushed for legislation. The sisters worked with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights to successfully pass a bill allowing religious workers to enter immigrant detention centers. As a result, teams of volunteers from all different faith backgrounds Jewish Muslim, Baptist, Christian, Buddhist began joining them in 2010 in the McHenry jail library each Tuesday to have conversations with the jailed immigrants. They brought prayer books and holy cards. McHenry County Jail For 12 years straight, the sisters worked as volunteers in McHenry County Jail listening to stories and praying. They would pray that ICE would treat them with respect. They would pray for the elected officials making decisions that would trickle down and affect progress. They would pray to always have immigration lawyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The women have dealt with a lot of frustration, but also enjoyed some success. They say immigration stories are often circular. A few years ago, Persch remembers meeting a Muslim man at the McHenry jail who had been detained at OHare International Airport because of a misunderstanding with ICE about who paid for his college scholarship. ICE agents thought he was lying about how he got to the U.S. so they put him in the county jail. He had all of his paperwork ready to go to Valparaiso University, and the university staff didnt know why he never showed up. With their connections to ICE in Washington, D.C., and help finding an attorney, Persch said he was able to get out of jail. He was able to register for a city college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, he now works with an airline at OHare, Persch said with a laugh. After the sisters spent some time at the jail, the guards started warming up to them. At first, Persch and Murphy said, officers would patrol the library, walking around the edges of the room. But the officers got used to the homemade cookies and wrapped candy canes they would bring in around the holidays. Sometimes, they would come out to pray with the sisters. Eventually, they left the sisters and the detainees alone. Persch said they sometimes couldnt find an officer even if they needed something. When the pandemic came, the sisters were no longer allowed inside McHenry jail. They started holding Zoom visits and online prayer sessions. Immigration detention in county jails was outlawed in Illinois in 2022 with the Illinois Way Forward Act. He doesnt need to respect anyone As the world emerged from COVID and buses of migrants from Central and South America were sent to Illinois by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022, the sisters jumped at the opportunity to help. They founded a nonprofit called Catherines Caring Cause to help asylum-seekers settle in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many of their previous colleagues have died, every day rain or shine they pack up their briefcase and get in their red Toyota Corolla to get to work. Theyve opened 17 apartments to house almost 100 asylum-seekers, many families with children. The nonprofit provides rent, utilities and food for one year. Persch and Murphy visit the homes weekly. Our goal now is to help those families get prepared for life under Trump, Persch said. We want to have parents put in writing who theyd like to have custody of their children if they are detained and sent away. The sisters recently visited one of the families theyre helping house on the Southwest Side to drop off a Know Your Rights packet how to stay safe, deal with people who come to their houses, request a judicial warrant and exercise constitutional rights in the event of a raid. Zuleika del Carmen Valencia cox de Appleton, 52, and Oscar Alfonso Appleton, 43, met the two sisters while staying at a city shelter. Theyre warriors, Valencia cox de Appleton said. Unlike others who have crossed our paths and treated us poorly, the sisters are always looking out for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The migrant couple, from Panama, left their home because of threats from organized street gangs, they said. They couldnt let their 14-year-old son, Josafat, walk outside. They lived in constant fear that something might happen to them. Valencia cox de Appleton had a law degree with a specialization in human rights in Panama. In Chicago, she is learning English at a city college. She cried when she thought about the fear her son faces at school, about whether she would be able to finish her English degree. The expectation with Trump right now is that hes going to do what he wants to do, she said. He doesnt need to respect anyone. Thats the problem. Murphy sat on the couch in their living room, slowly flipping through the packet. She spoke in slow Spanish. Then she raised her fist in the air. I dont know what well do, but well fight, she said. It was an incongruous sight the tiny nun, the fragile fist held in the air against the wall of uncertainty facing the three-member family. It made Appleton laugh. Yes, with your fighting, Patricia, were safe from the world, he said. A prayer On a recent Friday morning, the sisters braved the 14-degree Chicago weather to pray. Persch wore a neon green hat with pink snowflakes and clutched a rosary. Her counterpart wore a white hat with red flakes. Their eyes watered from the cold. We pray for those who have been harmed by this cruel and violent system, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sisters said they spent years building up relationships with the ICE directors who knew them by name who grew to trust and know them. Theres constant turnover, they said, and they havent had the opportunity to build new relationships. Its not too late, they said. Jan. 18DIXON As Dixon's primary health care facility implements new restrictions to reproductive care services and some residents cite concerns about a lack of LGBTQ+ affirming care, the Lee County Health Department wants residents to know it also is a resource for the community, LCHD Administrator Cathy Ferguson says. KSB Hospital's partnership with OSF HealthCare, a Catholic organization, was made official May 10 when the two organizations announced in a news release that they'd signed a term sheet and expected a full merger. On Jan. 1, KSB was renamed OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center as OSF officially took over operations and KSB became the 17th hospital in the OSF ministry. As a Catholic healthcare organization, OSF Saint Katharine abides by the directives set forth in the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Service, which guide provider practices based on the teachings of the Catholic church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those directives also include several limitations to reproductive care specifically within medical birth control and contraceptive practices, terminating a pregnancy, infertility treatments and alternatives. [ Dixon's KSB Hospital merger with Catholic organization sparks reproductive healthcare concerns ] "Obviously this change in their [KSB's] scope of services creates a need, and we want to fill that need," Ferguson said in an interview with Shaw Local News Network. "We've already been getting referrals from OSF physicians who can't do the prescribing [of contraceptives]. We've already been seeing people and have appointments scheduled," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lee County Health Department has offered a wide range of women's health care, reproductive care and education services since the 1970s regardless of an individual's ability to pay. The LCHD receives Title X funding, which is a federal grant program created to provide comprehensive and confidential family planning services and preventive health services to low-income or uninsured individuals. "Sometimes when people think of the health department, they think it's just for people who are low income, but we can see anyone," Ferguson said. "Some people choose to come to us just because they like it here." The department is able to bill most insurance and has some patient fees. The cost of services is based on patient income and household size, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Types of services available At the LCHD, Courtney Teller, physician's assistant, conducts annual reproductive and well-woman exams, which include pap smears, breast exams and referrals for labs, mammograms and/or colon cancer screening as needed. They have various types of medical birth control available, including implants like intrauterine devices and Nexplanon, as well as Depo-Provera shots, contraceptive patches, and ring and oral contraceptives, Jenny Conderman, director of community and personal health at LCHD, said in an interview with Shaw Local. Its office also offers free condoms and emergency contraceptive pills at a discounted price, Conderman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department provides urine pregnancy tests. If positive, they refer the patient to another facility for further testing and offer counseling to discuss the patient's options moving forward, Teller said. For those struggling to get pregnant, the department offers basic infertility services like counseling, discussing treatment options and referrals to other health care facilities, she said. Teller can provide HPV vaccinations as well as testing and treatment for many sexually transmitted infections. The department also offers testing and treatment for urogenital infections, Teller said. A welcoming environment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At LCHD, "everybody is welcome here, and we try to create a warm environment, you know, through signage and we have some cool photos on the wall that show various individuals. Courtney, our physician assistant, is very comfortable treating anyone, and I believe anybody that walked through our doors would feel comfortable," Ferguson said. PFLAG President Sarah Schlegel told Shaw Local that is particularly important for the LGBTQ+ community. "LGBTQ+ individuals seeking care at a religiously affiliated medical facility may face significant challenges due to the intersection of their healthcare needs and the religious institution's beliefs. From outright discrimination and denial of services to more subtle forms of bias and a lack of understanding, these barriers can make accessing health care emotionally distressing and difficult," Schlegel said. "In our community specifically, the biggest challenge I see is that providers are inexperienced in addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ population. This hinders communication between providers and patients. Patients may not feel comfortable disclosing their healthcare needs, and may avoid seeking care altogether," Gabbi McKanna, a PFLAG Sauk Valley board member, said in an interview with Shaw Local. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKanna said care provided through the lens of the Catholic religion could add an additional layer of discrimination and exacerbate that problem. In a statement provided by OSF HealthCare Media Coordinator Paul Arco, OSF said, "OSF believes everyone is worthy of respect and Mission-promised care and love. This includes members of the LGBTQ+ community. OSF does not provide specialization in gender transition processes, but we provide many forms of health care to members of the LGBTQ+ community, including those who have gone through gender transition processes." LGBTQ+ affirming care is intended to ensure that health care providers create a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for all LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes using correct names and pronouns, providing mental health or sexual orientation support and addressing unique health disparities like risks for sexually transmitted infections. In general, care consists of education, counseling and referrals. For information, visit lchd.com or call 815-284-3371. Jan. 18ANDERSON A pilot program involving several local agencies has a goal of revitalizing a downtown neighborhood. The Anderson Community Development Corp. (ACDC) is working with Habitat for Humanity of Madison County, the Anderson Community Development Department and Pathstone to bring new affordable housing to the neighborhood south of the railroad tracks that run parallel to 14th Street. Kevin Sulc, chairman of ACDC, said the revitalization effort includes Pearl and Fletcher streets from 16th to 23rd streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said a portion of the project is being funded through the American Rescue Plan program. ACDC is working with Habitat for Humanity and the D26 program at the Anderson Community Schools to build houses in the area. Sulc said Habitat completed a house at 2118 Pearl St. and the foundation has been completed on another structure at 1630 Fletcher St. Work will start there when the weather improves. He said another Habitat project will take place at 1702 Fletcher St., and a third housing project is being planned for the area. "We would like to see two more homes built in the area," Sulc said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Todd Fisher, director of the Anderson Municipal Development Department, has identified several other potential properties that could be demolished and have new houses built. "We're looking to start a community outreach program and learn the needs of the residents in the area," Sulc said. "We're hoping to get volunteers to perform the work and donate materials. The goal is to beautify those two streets." Jan Miller, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, said Pathstone has completed construction on two houses in the neighborhood and has started on a third. She said Habitat has completed two houses in the area, has one under construction and another set for later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "ACDC is going to demolish five houses with the properties to be used for in-fill housing," Miller said. "The South Meridian Street Church of God is helping and the plan is to ask residents what houses should be demolished." She said $440,000 has been set aside to acquire, demolish and build three houses in the neighborhood. Miller said the local Habitat chapter averages construction of three houses per year. Lelia Kelley, executive director of the Anderson Community Development Department, previously said this census tract has one of the lowest home ownership rates in the city and the highest rents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Building affordable housing for home ownership is very important," Kelley said. "This neighborhood has not seen any real investment in over 30 years." She said obtaining the properties through the Blight Elimination Program has allowed projects to start and move forward in the neighborhood. Kelley said the partnership allows Habitat to reinvest money and close the funding gap. "The area they're building in was not a marketable area," she said. "We can build the houses for what we can sell for, and we provide the gap funding so they are not building at a loss." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley said as a result of the Habitat for Humanity project on Fletcher Street, several private owners have improved housing in the neighborhood. "This neighborhood is going to see change, but it will take time," she said. "There is still a lot of work to be done." The Madison County Commissioners last year approved the transfer of 10 parcels in the area of Pearl and Fletcher streets to the Anderson Housing Authority. Also approved was the transfer of three properties along West 22nd Street to the Anderson Community Development Corp. Sulc said the properties obtained by the Housing Authority would be used for in-fill housing. Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863. CAIRO (Reuters) - About 200 aid delivery trucks, including 20 carrying fuel, began arriving on Sunday at the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing ahead of entry into the Gaza Strip, two Egyptian sources told Reuters. A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza took effect on Sunday morning after a nearly three-hour delay, pausing a 15-month-old war that has shaken up the Middle East. The aid trucks were using the Kerem Shalom entry point pending completion of maintenance at the Rafah border crossing into southern Gaza from Egypt, the sources said. (Reporting by Ahmed Mohammed Hassan; writing by Cairo Newsroom; editing by Mark Heinrich) MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) The U.S. is set to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the federal holiday set aside to honor the life of the civil rights icon. But in Alabama and Mississippi, Monday is also Robert E. Lee Day in honor of the Confederate general. The two states recognize King and Lee on the third Monday in January. Their state governments created holidays more than a century ago to honor Lee and later combined the day with the federal holiday established in the 1980s to honor King. The strange juxtaposition of honoring men from vastly different legacies has persisted for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How it happened Both men have January birthdays. Lee was born Jan. 19, 1807. King was born Jan. 15, 1929. In the years after the Civil War, white politicians in southern states created multiple holidays to honor Confederate leaders and dead Confederate soldiers. Alabama lawmakers in 1901 named a January state holiday for Lee. Mississippi did the same in 1910. President Ronald Reagan in 1983 signed legislation naming the third Monday of January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor the slain civil rights leader. States slowly added the day to their roster of state holidays. Alabama and Mississippi in the 1980s adopted Martin Luther King Day as a state holiday, adding it to their existing day honoring Lee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some other southern states at one time also had a joint holiday, but have ended that practice, leaving only Alabama and Mississippi with a single day honoring both King and Lee. Efforts to separate Black lawmakers in Alabama and Mississippi have made multiple attempts in recent years to separate the holidays. But they have so far been unsuccessful. Rep. Kenyatte Hassell said he wants to try again in Alabama in the legislative session begining next month. It is disrespectful to Kings memory and the struggle of the civil rights movement to celebrate him alongside a Confederate general, Hassell, said Hassell, a Democrat from Montgomery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are fundamental difference between General Lee and Dr. King. The Confederate general, he fought the preserve slavery and uphold the whole institution of white supremacy. Dr. King was a civil rights leader who fought for equality and justice for all people, Hassell said. The holiday celebrating Lee and King together comes in states where Black residents account for more than a quarter of the population. Black citizens make up 36% of the population in Mississippi and 27% in Alabama. King first rose to prominence in the 1950s as the leader of the boycott against the segregated bus system in Montgomery, Alabama. Hassell in 2023 introduced legislation, co-sponsored with more than a dozen other lawmakers, that would remove the reference to Lee on the January holiday. Another 2024 bill would have moved the Lee holiday to Columbus Day in October, which coincides with the month of his death. Neither bill made it to a floor vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Mississippi, Rep. Kabir Karriem, a Democrat from Columbus, introduced legislation this session that would remove the recognition of Lee from the holiday. The bill states the purpose is to reflect the transformative power of Mississippi from its past to its present by celebrating holidays that wholly reflect the remarkable strides made by all citizens. Fewer Confederate holidays across South Many states in the South have opted to abolish or rename Confederate-related holidays. Louisiana in 2022 struck Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day from the list of official state holidays. Virginia in 2020 scrapped a holiday honoring Lee and Confederate Gen. Thomas Stonewall Jackson, both natives of the state, to make Election Day a state holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia in 2015 changed Confederate Memorial Day to the neutrally titled State Holiday. Arkansas in 2017 ended the states practice of commemorating Lee on the same day as King, leaving only Alabama and Mississippi remaining. Alabama and Mississippi have three Confederate-related state holidays. Both states mark Confederate Memorial Day in April and mark the birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. South Carolina marks Confederate Memorial Day in May. Other states have Confederate-related holidays on the books, but they are not full holidays when state offices close. An Alabama woman is claiming she was forced to attend jury duty while breastfeeding and it has sparked outrage in her community. Kandace Brown of Morris said she was summoned for jury duty in December, according to local news outlet CBS 42. The mom of four told the outlet that she reported to the assigned Jefferson County courthouse on Monday, Jan. 13, with her 3-month-old daughter, Parker. Brown said she attempted to explain to court officials that she would need to postpone her service due to the fact that her daughter is exclusively breastfed, but she added that she was met with pushback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post, Brown said, It was a horrible experience. Brown further explained that she attempted to formally postpone jury duty using the typical channels before her report date, but she said she was denied. Related: Nursing Mother's 'Awful' TSA Experience Sparks New Breastfeeding Bill for Traveling Parents I called and turned in the forms to be excused, and it was not granted, she wrote in her post, while also sharing that her daughter does not take a bottle and pumping during jury duty was impossible. In the post, Brown also noted that there were two other mothers at the courthouse at the time and that they were also told they would need to make accommodations for their children. She claimed that one of the judges threatened to get the Department of Human Services (DHR) involved should accommodations not be made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While speaking to CBS, Brown said that a judge got on a microphone in the courthouse and said, I cant see the children, but I hear that kids are here today. You need to make accommodations for your child to come and be picked up. We would hate for DHR to be involved. "And so, were like, Oh gosh, surely this cant happen, she recalled. Brown told the outlet that while she was ultimately dismissed for jury duty that day, a representative from the court told her she was not excused for the week despite the fact that her childcare situation and the needs of her infant were unchanged. Im not saying that every mom in the state of Alabama should be excused at all, she told the outlet. I will serve when I [dont] have a child that depends on me for life for nourishment. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In a statement to Alabama publication AL.com, Judge Shanta Owens one of the judges reportedly present that day called the situation with Brown and her infant a misunderstanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. PEOPLE has reached out to Judge Owens, as well as several other judges at the Jefferson County circuit court, for comment but did not immediately hear back on Friday, Jan. 17. Getty Judge (stock image) Judge (stock image) Related: Mom Says Kids' Gym Employee Stopped Her from Breastfeeding: 'Breast Milk Could Stain the Mats' In her Facebook post, Brown noted that she has since done research on protections for nursing mothers called to jury duty in the state of Alabama and was appalled to find that there are none. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Jan. 14 follow-up Facebook post, Brown shared that state auditor and former legislator Andrew Sorrell has reached out to her about working to get bill HB369 a bill designed to help nursing Alabama mothers receive exemption from jury duty passed in the state legislature. We do need other mothers experiences pertaining to this! Brown wrote in her post, before calling on other Alabama moms to share similar experiences. Please message me here on FB and share your story, so we can have as many stories as possible to take to committee! Ive seen many comments but many are being lost so please message me if you have had any experiences like this you can share, she added. Read the original article on People MORRIS, Ala. (WIAT) Breastfeeding mothers will now be exempt from jury duty, according to an administrative order from the Alabama Supreme Court. This ruling follows an outcry from mothers in Jefferson County who had bad experiences when called on for jury duty. Kandace Brown says she was called upon for jury duty in Jefferson County last week. The mother of five is still breastfeeding her youngest daughter, and she cant spend more than a few hours away from her. Brown tried to explain this to the court, but she was told she was not excused from jury duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was upset, I was angry, I was appalled, said Brown. When Brown went to the courthouse with her still breastfeeding daughter to report for jury duty, she says a judge threatened to call DHR on her. I thought, what could we do about this, how could this happen, how could they treat mothers this way, this obvious mistreatment? Brown added. Alabama supreme court grants breastfeeding women exemption from jury duty after public outcry She did what she thought was best share her story on Facebook, where the post was shared more than 1,000 times. Because of Browns Facebook post, change is coming to Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It truly shows the power of social media, and like we were talking about, how it can be used for good, Brown said. An administrative order from the Alabama Supreme Court unanimously passed Friday, excusing breastfeeding mothers from jury duty. It shows you that your voice can be heard. If you have been wronged in the court system, or any kind of judicial, or any kind of governmental position that government is responsive, you dont need to just sit by and take it, said CBS 42 Political Analyst Steve Flowers. The administrative order states that Alabama circuit judges have 30 days to submit new written procedures under this ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Jan. 18Richard Simmons' decisions over the past couple of decades put him in and out of the prison system more than a half dozen times and led to his methamphetamine addiction. But on Wednesday, sitting in a corner of the New Mexico Reentry Center, a nonprofit focused on housing and job placement for formerly incarcerated people, Simmons had a revelation. "I went to prison my senior year in high school. Finding a job with a record (like mine) feels impossible," said Simmons, 55, tears in his eyes. "But I don't have another one in me to go back. I've been seven times." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stories like Simmons' aren't uncommon in New Mexico, especially in Albuquerque. A December report from the Legislative Finance Committee revealed that more than 5,864 individuals were incarcerated in the 2024 fiscal year across eight state prison facilities and two private detention centers. The report noted close to half would return to prison. Organizations like the New Mexico Reentry Center and its executive director, Natasha Garcia, are trying to change that. Her nonprofit, entering its fifth year, is finding success in helping formerly incarcerated individuals find housing and jobs. The nonprofit is now expanding its playbook to other parts of the state. The next stop? Espanola. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new expansion Garcia turned her life around about a decade ago, and by 2020, she knew her calling would be to help those who didn't know how to help themselves. "I started slamming dope at 17," said Garcia, now 37. "I was going to prison for two years, and my public defender came back, and she got the judge to just give me a year (in) county and a year probation. ... I didn't want to go but had a long rap sheet. And so I got out and I changed my life." Founded in Garcia's kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Mexico Reentry Center mostly makes its name known to people getting out of jail or prison by word of mouth and through its connections with other entities, like Bernalillo County's Resource Re-entry Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past few years, the center has placed roughly 600 people in jobs and homes. The work caught the attention of Monica Abeita, executive director of the Santa Fe-based North Central New Mexico Economic Development District, which was looking at ways to use some of a Good Jobs Challenge grant about $6.4 million it received from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. A portion of that grant, about $180,000, will help set up an office in Espanola to help formerly incarcerated workers find jobs in construction and health care in the northern part of the state. "One of the groups that we had said we were going to focus on was formerly incarcerated folks and people coming out of substance abuse recovery," Abeita said. "That's one of the reasons the workforce participation rate in the north is low and it's really an area for a lot of opportunity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partnership began in earnest at the beginning of January and has already been on a fast track to implementation. She and her team last week identified an office in Espanola and are signing a year-long lease in a space next to another nonprofit, Inside Out Recovery. Garcia is putting out feelers for a worker who can focus on intensive case management not only helping people find work but also tracking down needed documents like driver's licenses, birth certificates and social security cards. She's also making connections with businesses, like clinics and construction companies, as well as the courts in the area. The hope is to open the office by the end of January. "It's crunch time," Garcia said. "So just building our network up there and letting the jails and parole (officers) know, 'Hey, we're out there now.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting back on track Eileen Sandoval, 55, an intensive case manager with the New Mexico Reentry Center, knows more than most about the help it takes to get people coming out of jails and prisons back on track. She herself was incarcerated, getting out in November 2023, the day before Thanksgiving. She, like others, was questioning what was next. "They said, 'Call this lady.' I said, 'She's never gonna answer me.' She answered me. ... She explained everything and told me to be ready on Monday morning," Sandoval said. "She went and got me an ID, social security card, birth certificate. Everything she did to help me get ahead, that's what I do for them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandoval, who started working with Garcia in June, said of the more than 100 clients she helped last year, only about four returned to jail or prison. Many of them found work. "If you don't have money, you're gonna go do whatever it is you know how to do to make that money," Sandoval said. "But if you have that money in your pocket, you feel good about it." Garcia hopes that with the expansion to Espanola, she and her team will be able to help more people find work and eventually success that will keep them from returning to their old ways. Garcia is also thinking bigger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the organization works off contracts and grants, she wants to use a self-sustaining model that includes creating businesses to fund the New Mexico Reentry Center's work. Garcia and her team are currently awaiting a new screen printer to make shirts with art by some of her clients. But she points to Los Angeles-based Homeboy Industries, also a nonprofit, which has more than a dozen social enterprises of its own, including a cafe and apparel company. That's the ultimate goal. "They're making legit money. And you see all the homies tatted out, and they're happy, they're working," Garcia said. "We need to get these businesses because then, boom, I'll put them to work right away and then we'll be making money." While Garcia has yet to implement that self-sustaining model, she's not far off. She's already taken the first step: helping those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Downstairs at the New Mexico Reentry Center's Downtown offices, Simmons just finished applying for a job. Later that day, he was on his way to the dentist and then to Goodwill. "No matter what that piece of paper says, I'm probably one of the most trustworthy people you'll meet in your life," Simmons said, pointing to a list of his criminal history. "Life out here don't stop." Alhambra police officers fatally shot a man Saturday as he advanced on them with a knife, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. About 11:40 a.m., officers responded to a call reporting a suicidal man in the 1200 block of South Almansor St. in Alhambra, and when they arrived a man came at them with a knife, according to the Sheriffs Department, which is assisting the Alhambra Police Department in investigating the incident. The Sheriff's Department said the man was shot several times after he came at officers in an aggressive manner" and ignored commands to drop the knife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Police found what they described as a large kitchen knife at the scene. No further details have been released. 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. A police officer shot and killed a person in Alhambra on Saturday, authorities confirmed. Officers responded to reports of a suicidal man on the 1200 block of South Almansor Street at about 11:41 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, which is assisting the Alhambra Police Department with the investigation. The man, who was reportedly armed with a knife, began walking toward the officers. Authorities ordered the man to drop the knife but he refused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued advancing in an aggressive manner when officers opened fire, fatally shooting him. He was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A large kitchen knife was recovered at the scene of the shooting, police said. No officers were injured and no additional details were made available as the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information can call the LASDs Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. TikTok star Alix Earle rose to fame on the social media platform, but now it seems she is worried about her star power fading without it. The 24-year-old graduate of The University of Miami took to the app to share an emotional video expressing her concern about what life will look like without TikTok. Alix Earle Sobs Over A Possible TikTok Ban MEGA The lifestyle influencer has over 7.2 million followers on the app who love to watch her Get Ready With Me videos and makeup tutorials. However, now that the app is in danger of shutting down, the social media sensation took a moment to express her frustration and sadness about the apps possible demise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can't sleep. I'm so freaked out about this. Im just so sad, just thinking like all of the memories just going away, she told her followers. I love you guys so much and I just feel like I need to just check in with you guys right now. Im freaking out because, Im like, Where am I gonna scroll? she asked the camera. Its so much fun talking to everyone on here. Alix Earle Asks Her Followers To Check Her 'Into A Mental Hospital' In addition to posting her content, she admitted that she loves "consuming it as well" and does not know how to go on without the app. It is worth noting that she is also active on Instagram, where she boasts 3.8 million followers. Guys, its not okay, she went on to say. 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? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is going to be the worst day ever, she added, most likely referring to Sunday when the app is supposed to shut down. However, it is worth noting that the Biden administration has signaled that they do not plan to shut down the app over the holiday weekend. Instead, they plan to wait until Monday, when President Trump officially takes office, to make a decision on whether or not to truly ban TikTok or not. Alix Earle Says Goodbye To TikTok MEGA In a video compilation of "Get Ready With Me" videos, Alix Earle officially said her fond farewell to the platform. "Dear TikTok, thank you for changing my life & so many others. I started posting on here my freshman year of college [with] the hopes of gaining a platform," she wrote in the caption. "I posted almost every day for three years & right when I was at one of the lowest points of my life, somehow my videos started to gain traction." "I realized that this platform is so unique in that I didnt have to be 'perfect' or so curated," she continued. "I started to share my journey w/ acne and starting Accutane. Although I didnt want to post my bare skin online, the overwhelming positivity helped me in ways I could have never imagined. From not wanting to leave my house to being able to share my insecurities to millions created such a special bond with you guys." Alix Says That She Could 'Be Herself' On TikTok MEGA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although there are numerous social media platforms available, the social media sensation felt that TikTok was a "place where I could authentically be myself and share every aspect of my life. I introduced my friends, family, relationships, struggles with mental health, school, advice, fashion journey, recipes, upsets and quite a few hangovers," she confessed. "The fact I can meet any one of you and we instantly feel like best friends is the most special thing in the world to me," she continued. "Although I have tried to be a big sister on here you guys have helped me so much in becoming a better person , maturing, and learning quicker than I ever imagined. I will always be here but if it is no longer on TikTok I wanted to say thank you." "I still cant comprehend how any part of my life is real and its thanks to this app that allowed me to make best friends with millions of you all around the world. Ill always keep the party going just might be somewhere else now," she added, although she did not reveal what other social media website she might be heading to. Donald Trump May Give TikTok A 90-Day Extension MEGA On Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump told NBC News Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker that he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day extension from a potential ban after he takes office on Monday, January 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although he did not make a final decision yet, 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 added. Melissa Calusinski has served 16 years of a 31-year prison sentence for the death of Benjamin Kingan, a 16-month-old whom she cared for at an Illinois day care center. She has long insisted she is innocent. "This is not where I belong," Calusinski told "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty. "I'm gonna continue to fight no matter what 'cause I did not do this." "48 Hours" has been covering this case for more than a decade, and over the years, Melissa's appeals have failed. But she and her attorney, Kathleen Zellner, are not backing down. Now, they are taking their fight out of the court system and straight to the governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, and his prisoner review board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're asking them to declare that she's actually innocent and release her. We are also saying commute her sentence," said Zellner. THE DEATH OF BENJAMIN KINGAN The story began on Jan. 14, 2009. Melissa, then 22, was working as a teacher's assistant at the Minee Subee day care in Lincolnshire, an affluent suburb of Chicago. Ben Kingan attended day care there along with his twin sister and their two older siblings. What caused the death of 16-month-old Benjamin Kingan in January 2009? Melissa Calusinski (2014): I came to work And I saw Ben. He was fine, normal, happy, playful. Late that afternoon, after the kids were fed a snack and cleaned up, Melissa says she put Ben down on the carpet and he crawled into his bouncy seat on the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa Calusinski (2014): He's sittin' in his bouncy chair, playing with his blanket. And he was startin' to kinda fall asleep, which was normal. The teacher working with Melissa stepped out of the room briefly, leaving Melissa alone with the children. That's when Melissa says she noticed something wrong with Ben. Melissa Calusinski (2014): He didn't look right. I took his little hand, and I touched his hand and I'm like, "Ben, Ben." He did not wake up at all. I saw orange foam coming out of his nose, andum I'm sorry (cries). Melissa called for help. Her older sister, Crystal Calusinski, also worked at the day care at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crystal Calusinski: I hear on the intercom, "someone help me, help me, help me." I ran in then started CPR immediately. Erin Moriarty: What was that like for you Crystal? Crystal Calusinski: I dream about it a lot. (Emotional) Like, I see it in my, you know, my head. 911 was called. BETH KATZ TO 911: I have a child who wasuh, who's foaming, who's not breathing. Paramedics responded. Ben was taken to the hospital. He was pronounced dead an hour later. Melissa Calusinski (2014): Me and my sister fell to the floor and were just were just bawling. What happened to him and how? I don't I don't understand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation was launched. According to the police report, during an autopsy, the pathologist, Dr. Eupil Choi, told a detective that he observed a skull fracture, extensive bleeding inside Ben's head, and that the injury "was caused by another person," using "strong force," "within hours prior to" Ben's death. And yet, Ben had no cuts or obvious wounds on the outside of his body, no serious bruises. The pathologist listed the autopsy as "pending further studies." Police brought in the day care workers who had been with the toddler on the day of his death determined to find out what happened to Ben. DETECTIVE (to Crystal Calusinski): Somebody did something to him. After Melissa was read her rights, detectives began pressing her for answers. DET. SEAN CURRAN (interrogation): I have a good idea that you've seen what happened or you were involved with what happened 'cause you were the only one in the room at the onset of this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa denied over and over again more than 60 times doing anything to Ben. MELISSA CALUSINSKI (interrogation): I never put my hands on him... (crying) I did not drop him. But the detectives didn't stop. DET. GEORGE FILENKO (interrogation): You're there. It's not like there were 50 people in that room with you All these years later, Melissa still remembers what it was like being in that room. Melissa Calusinski has been behind bars since 2009 when, at the age of 22, she was arrested for murdering 16-month-old Benjamin Kingan at a suburban Chicago day care center where she worked. She has long maintained her innocence. / Credit: CBS News Melissa Calusinski: They weren't listening to anything I said. After nine hours under pressure and without an attorney Melissa changed her story. She says she thought if she told the investigators what they wanted to hear, they would let her go home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DET. GEORGE FILENKO (interrogation): We're not going anywhere until we get the facts here. Melissa Calusinski: The only way for me to get out was to make a confession, a false confession I wasn't thinking at all. Erin Moriarty: You weren't thinking of the consequences of doing something like that? Melissa Calusinski: No. No. All I could think about was just going home DET. SEAN CURRAN (interrogation): He starts acting up. And you get mad at him, and you throw him on the floor. MELISSA CALUSINSKI: (nods) DET. GEORGE FILENKO: You threw him on the floor? MELISSA CALUSINSKI: Yeah ... Really hard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Melissa was taken to another station for booking, she repeated the same story to another investigator. MELISSA CALUSINSKI (interrogation): I went like that. (Throws doll down) Melissa Calusinski's 2009 arrest photo. / Credit: Lincolnshire Police Dept. After spending 14 hours with police, Melissa Calusinski was arrested for the murder of Benjamin Kingan even though she almost immediately took back the story she told police. MELISSA CALUSINSKI (in police car): No, I'm innocent. Melissa's parents, Paul, and Cheryl Calusinski, still remember receiving the news. Paul Calusinski: And I said, "what?" Erin Moriarty: Did you think possibly she had hurt this baby? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Calusinski: Not at all. Cheryl Calusinski: No. Paul Calusinski: Nope. Cheryl Calusinski: Nope. She is the kind of person that would never Paul Calusinski: harm anybody. Cheryl Calusinski: never put her hand on someone else's child. But Melissa had told investigators that she did, and after that, the manner of death on Ben's death certificate was listed as "homicide." Law enforcement announced they had solved the case. DETECTIVE ADAM HYDE (to reporters): Miss Calusinski admitted to police that she had taken the infant boy and thrown him on the ground Crystal Calusinski: They made her look like a bad person. And she's not that type of a person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa's family would make it their mission to clear her name. Crystal Calusinski: My parents sold everything that they had Paul Calusinski: I put all my effort into getting her free They had no idea how much of a fight they were in for. QUESTIONING THE EVIDENCE Stephen Scheller (2014): He was a very healthy baby. Just a happy, happy little boy. In November 2011, nearly three years after the death of Ben Kingan, Melissa Calusinski went on trial for murder. The State argued that Ben was a perfectly healthy toddler leading up to his death. Matthew DeMartini and Stephen Scheller prosecuted the case. Erin Moriarty (2014): How would you describe what the parents have gone through? Matthew DeMartini (2014): When somebody takes your child from you, I don't think there's any words to describe what they've gone through. Dr. Choi, the pathologist who conducted the autopsy, testified about that skull fracture he said he had seen, and how he believed the child's injury was recent and consistent with having been thrown to the floor by someone. But Melissa's trial attorney, Paul De Luca, told the jury about a head injury Ben had previously received. It was noticed at the day care three months earlier. Paul De Luca: Melissa was not even working there at the day care center. After Ben's death, multiple people including day care teacher Nancy Kallinger told investigators about it. NANCY KALLINGER (police questioning): He got a bump on the back of his head I mean, we called the mom, the mom called the doctor. But prosecutor Scheller argued that the earlier injury was insignificant. Stephen Scheller (2014): The pediatrician actually examined Benjamin's head, had felt around, um, said there was no issues that mom should just keep an eye on him. Ben never had an issue after that. That's not what defense experts said. They noted that after the injury, there were possible signs of head trauma. Medical records showed that in the days after the injury, Ben was lethargic and had a persistent fever. And another day care employee, Holly, who asked that we identify her by her first name only, testified for the defense about the last time she saw Ben two days before his death. Holly: Melissa walked into the room and she was holding Ben And she said, like, he's not feeling well. And it was almost immediately after she said that, that he threw up, like, everywhere. The next day, one day before he died, Ben was kept home from day care. Prosecutor Matthew DeMartini argued it was a stomach bug or a winter cold. Matthew DeMartini (2014): He was given Pedialyte and put to bed. He woke up the next day and he was fine. But the defense maintained that Ben's prior injury was so serious that any new impact could have had major consequences, and Ben did have a habit of throwing his head back. Holly: He would be sitting on the ground, and he would just kind of lunge his body backwards and hit his head You know, I guess you'd call it like he was a head banger. Nancy Kallinger recalled that Ben had done that twice on the day of his death. NANCY KALLINGER (police questioning): I put him on the floor, and he immediately threw himself on the floor. And then I walked towards the sink, and he threw himself again. Prosecutors insisted that Melissa had hurt Ben. Stephen Scheller (2014): This child did not explode or implode on his own. During questioning, Melissa Calusinski denied more than 60 times doing anything to Ben Kingan. / Credit: Lake County State's Attorney's Office And they pointed to her confession. Stephen Scheller (2014): She became frustrated holding Ben. She threw him to the floor. Prosecutors told the jury that the fall was so severe it caused that skull fracture. At trial, they mentioned a "skull fracture" more than 30 times. But was there one? While most of the experts who testified from both sides agreed there appeared to be a fracture in autopsy photos one defense expert said she couldn't say for sure. And according to Melissa's attorney, Paul De Luca, the X-rays the prosecution had provided before the trial were unreadable. The dark, unreadable X-rays of Benjamin Kingan given to the defense before trial. / Credit: Paul De Luca Paul De Luca: Before trial, I said, do we have any better images? And it was no. The State's final witness, pathologist Dr. Manny Montez, gave the most vivid and damaging testimony at trial. He said he examined the body and felt the fracture with his bare hands. Paul De Luca: Dr. Montez said he put his finger in the skull and through the fracture. I mean, it was devastating. The jury deliberated for seven hours before convicting Melissa Calusinski of aggravated battery of a childand first-degree murder. Melissa Calusinski: My heart sunk. I know I didn't do this. Melissa's family remained determined to prove her innocence. Paul Calusinski: I didn't accept the verdict. I knew it was wrong. In 2012, a year after the conviction, Dr. Thomas Rudd the then-newly elected Lake County Coroner agreed to review the autopsy evidence at the urging of Melissa's trial attorney. Rudd spoke with "48 Hours" about the case in 2014. Dr. Thomas Rudd: I saw a membrane and I thought, "my God." Erin Moriarty: What do you mean when you say you saw a membrane? Dr. Thomas Rudd: You see a scab. Similar to what forms on your skin, except it's in the brain. Dr. Thomas Rudd points to a membrane in a slide of Benjamin Kingan's brain. Erin Moriarty: This is a slide of a part of this infant's brain? Dr. Thomas Rudd: Correct. By definition, if you have a membrane, you have an old injury. At Melissa's trial, Choi had told the jury he observed no sign of an old injury. But according to Rudd, Dr. Choi had simply missed it. He called in Dr. Nancy Jones, a well-regarded pathologist, for a second opinion. And she agreed with Rudd and noted that the old injury had been healing for about two or three months a time frame consistent with that bump on Ben's head that was noticed at day care. Dr. Thomas Rudd: How they let that go is beyond me. Like the defense experts at trial, doctors Jones and Rudd believed that the old injury was further exacerbated by Ben's head banging. Dr. Thomas Rudd: The added fluid of the recent injury pushes that brain down and shuts down the breathing system. That is the cause of the child's death. It was the old injury. The old injury was massive. Rudd phoned the now-retired Choi, who signed a sworn affidavit, conceding that he had "missed that Ben had suffered an old injury." But he crossed out the word "significant." And when asked if he would have changed his testimony at trial, Choi said, "no." Matthew DeMartini: There's no indication that anything in there is significant. But Rudd suspected that Choi may have also been wrong about another major issue in the case: that alleged skull fracture. Dr. Thomas Rudd: What should have been done was that whole section should have been cut out to look under the microscope to see if, in fact, it is a skull fracture. And they didn't. Rudd believed what Choi and the other medical experts thought was a skull fracture may have instead been a normal part of Ben's growing skull, but he couldn't prove it. Then, in 2015, Melissa's father said he received an anonymous call that there was a set of X-rays at the coroner's office that had never been turned over to the defense. When Rudd's staff searched the computer archives, they came across startling images that were never shown at trial. Dr. Thomas Rudd: I was dumbfounded. There's definitely no skull fracture here. WERE BEN KINGAN'S X-RAYS MANIPULATED? Dr. Thomas Rudd (2015): I've shown this to various pathologists and a radiologist They've all called me and say, "There is no skull fracture in this child at all." In 2015, four years after Melissa Calusinski's conviction and shortly after those clear X-rays of Ben Kingan were found Dr. Rudd changed the manner of death on Ben's death certificate from "homicide" to "undetermined." By this point, defense attorney Kathleen Zellner had taken on Melissa's case. Kathleen Zellner: I don't know of a case in America where someone is serving a 31-year prison sentence for a death that was undetermined. Zellner, who has built a career on getting the wrongfully convicted out of prison, was intent on getting Melissa's conviction overturned. And in 2016, Melissa was granted an evidentiary hearing to present what Zellner argued was new evidence before Judge Daniel Shanes, the same judge who presided over Melissa's trial. Melissa Calusinski's defense says that clear X-rays found after her conviction prove Benjamin Kingan did not have a skull fracture and that the dark, unreadable images the defense was given before trial had been manipulated. / Credit: Lake County Coroner's Office Kathleen Zellner: The new evidence was that the images that had been given to Paul De Luca had been darkened. Remember, the State gave De Luca, Melissa's trial attorney, a disk containing the dark, unreadable X-rays before trial. At the evidentiary hearing, Rudd testified about finding the clear X-rays X-rays that he and other defense experts said showed no skull fracture; X-rays that Zellner argued would have changed the outcome of Melissa's trial. Kathleen Zellner: The skull fracture was the pivotal point in the state's case to convince the jury it was a homicide But at the evidentiary hearing, prosecutors argued that this wasn't new evidence in the case. They said the disk provided to De Luca had software that could enhance the X-rays and that he simply didn't do enough to brighten them. De Luca says he couldn't even open the software. Paul De Luca: I call in a secretary I call in somebody else in the office no one could get any better images. Zellner, with the help of an imaging expert, argued that it didn't matter what De Luca did that the X-rays that he had been given had been modified and were inferior to the ones on the coroner's office computer. She also called a witness whom she believed raised more questions about the prosecution's case: Paul Forman, the deputy coroner during Ben Kingan's autopsies. Forman disputed the testimony of one of the most important witnesses at Melissa's trial Dr. Manny Montez. Remember, Montez was the State's final witness who testified that he felt a fracture in Ben Kingan's skull. But Forman, who said he was there when Montez came to the coroner's office, testified that Montez never physically examined Ben's body or actually touched the child's skull. Erin Moriarty (2016): Could he have somehow gone in and looked at Ben's body, examined the body without you knowing? Paul Forman (2016): No, I was with him from the moment he came in the door to the moment he left. The State tried to discredit Forman by questioning his memory as well as his mental health. Forman told "48 Hours" he had been treated for bipolar disorder and depression. Paul Forman: Well, it was a personal attack. But Forman wasn't the only defense witness who raised questions about Montez's testimony. Dr. Robert Zimmerman, a renowned pediatric neuroradiologist who examined the readable X-rays, testified that if that skull fracture had existed, it would be clearly visible. Dr. Robert Zimmerman (outside of courthouse): It wasn't there on the X-ray, so I don't think he could've actually seen it. But prosecutors stood by their trial witnesses doctors Montez and Choi who said they saw and felt a skull fracture. "48 Hours" reached out to both doctors for this broadcast, but they did not respond to our requests for comment. When the evidentiary hearing ended, Judge Shanes ruled against Melissa. In his ruling, Judge Shanes stated that he didn't find Forman's testimony regarding Montez credible. And he agreed with the State that De Luca could have brightened the X-rays and made them readable. It was another letdown for Melissa and her family. Melissa Calusinski: You clearly made a mistake. (Crying) I just don't understand. Zellner appealed the ruling, but again, a disappointment. And then, four years later, in 2022, there was a development that few saw coming. Eric Rinehart, a new state's attorney in Lake County the county where Melissa was convicted had taken office. Zellner says he wanted more information on the discrepancy over the X-rays, so he recommended she retain the digital forensics company, Garrett Discovery. Kathleen Zellner: We paid for them, but he recommended them. Andrew Garrett is the CEO of Garrett Discovery. Brian Bowman is a digital forensics expert who works for him. They concluded the X-rays were manipulated by someone using a software tool used to view X-rays. Erin Moriarty: How did Paul De Luca, the defense attorney, end up with these very dark pictures? Andrew Garrett (at computer with X-ray on monitor): I can show you. So, if I take these sliders here and I drag 'em all the way down or all the way up, you can manipulate this photo. So, somebody went in, and they altered the contrast to make it look like that on screen, and then exported that file Erin Moriarty: On the coroner's computer? Andrew Garrett: On the coroner's computer. Bowman agrees there was little De Luca could do. Brian Bowman: The defense counsel could have adjusted some of the contrast on the JPEGs that they were given. But they couldn't make the images bigger, and they wouldn't be able to go in and zoom into the depth and have the clarity of the image that the original is. But if Ben Kingan's X-rays were manipulated, who did it? In their report, Garrett and Bowman pointed to the State. Erin Moriarty: You put in here, the State adjusted the settings of the images that resulted in black, washed-out images You're saying that either the prosecutor's office or the coroner's office, but somebody representing the State did this? Andrew Garrett: Yes. Brian Bowman: Yes. Andrew Garrett: This is not a kiosk computer sitting in a lobby. This is in their custody and control. You have to be in the coroner's office to get access to this. WAS MELISSA CALUSINSKI'S CONFESSION COERCED? In late 2022, when Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart met with the forensic experts experts he recommended and learned of their findings, attorneys Kathleen Zellner and Paul De Luca were also there. Kathleen Zellner: Eric was just indignant He was saying, whoever had done this manipulation should be held accountable. I believed after the meeting that he believed in Melissa's innocence, and he was going to try to rectify this. Paul De Luca: I thought he was gonna do something about it. But nothing happened, say Zellner and De Luca. And as the months stretched on, Zellner decided to also look more closely at Melissa's confession. Kathleen Zellner: That's the only evidence against her there's nothing that tips this as being a homicide. Absolutely nothing. Zellner asked Dr. Saul Kassin, a psychology professor and leading expert on false confessions, to review the case. Dr. Kassin had first analyzed the interrogation back in 2016, when he was a CBS News consultant. He told us then and now that it appears police went into that room determined to get a confession. DET. SEAN CURRAN (interrogation): The reason that we were called in on this incident is 'cause Ben's skull was fractured DET. SEAN CURRAN: What we need to know right now is if this was done by accident or did somebody intentionally hurt him? MELISSA CALUSINSKI: Yeah. I I would never put my hands on him Saul Kassin: Her denials were emphatic. MELISSA CALUSINSKI (interrogation): I never put my hand on a child, ever. Saul Kassin: And they plowed over all of them. DET. GEORGE FILENKO (interrogation): You know what medical evidence is, it just doesn't lie, OK? MELISSA CALUSINSKI: Yeah. Remember, a detective reported that during the autopsy, the pathologist, Dr. Choi, told him that Ben had a skull fracture, and that the injury was recent and was caused by another person, using strong force. DET. GEORGE FILENKO (interrogation): They did an autopsy on Ben. MELISSA CALUSINSKI: Yeah DET. GEORGE FILENKO: We're talking a skull fracture DET. SEAN CURRAN: There's sometimes accidents happen, and I mean, they're unavoidable. Saul Kassin: They launch into an accident scenario. MELISSA CALUSINSKI (interrogation): I did not drop him. DET. SEAN CURRAN: Did you lose your patience and hit him? MELISSA CALUSINSKI: No. DET. SEAN CURRAN: Did you push him into a wall? MELISSA CALUSINSKI: Uh-uh. (shakes her head no) After nearly six hours with investigators DET. GEORGE FILENKO (interrogation): You didn't come to work that day with the intent of hurting anybody. Melissa told them it was an accident. DET. SEAN CURRAN (interrogation): Did you drop the baby? MELISSA CALUSINSKI: Yes. I wasn't paying attention and he slipped out of my hands But that didn't satisfy the detectives who had left the room periodically to phone Dr. Choi. DET. SEAN CURRAN (interrogation): That story you're giving us is a load of s*** DET. GEORGE FILENKO: There is no way, no way that that would have caused that traumatic of an injury. DET. GEORGE FILENKO: All you need to do is tell us the truth and we're done. Saul Kassin: They're not saying nothing will happen to you, but it's implied. After nine hours in that room, the investigators were finally getting Melissa to tell a story that could account for a skull fracture. DET. GEORGE FILENKO (interrogation): You were angry. MELISSA CALUSINSKI: I was angry and aggravated. DET. GEORGE FILENKO: Show us how angry you were and show us what happened, and let's just get this over with and move on. MELISSA CALUSINSKI: OK. So I got angry. DET. GEORGE FILENKO: Yeah. MELISSA CALUSINSKI: And I went, "boom." DET. SEAN CURRAN: I I'm gonna tell you something right now. MELISSA CALUSINSKI: OK. DET. SEAN CURRAN: This is very specific. MELISSA CALUSINSKI: OK. DET. SEAN CURRAN: This is gonna leave a specific mark. MELISSA CALUSINSKI: Like a fracture. Then, they gave Melissa a scenario of why she got angry After nine long hours, under pressure and without an attorney, Melissa Calusinski confessed to throwing the toddler on the ground. DET. SEAN CURRAN (interrogation): We think in this situation, the other babies are screaming, crying and what she did. DET. SEAN CURRAN: He starts acting up and, you get mad at him, and you throw him on the floor ... MELISSA CALUSINSKI: (Melissa nods) DET. GEORGE FILENKO: You threw him on the floor? MELISSA CALUSINSKI: Yeah. Saul Kassin: She needs to get out of there. She can't take it anymore. MELISSA CALUSINSKI (interrogation): I am so sorry. DET. GEORGE FILENKO: OK. We understand. The detectives who interrogated Melissa did not respond to "48 Hours"' request for comment. Kassin raises concerns about how long Melissa was in that roomapproximately 10 hoursand how particularly vulnerable she was. About two-and-a-half years before Ben Kingan's death, Melissa had reported she was raped. Saul Kassin: She was enclosed in a small space, pinned down and sexually assaulted. Now she's pinned into the corner of a room. I can only imagine that while this would be normally stressful for the average person, it would be even more stressful for somebody with that history. The defense recently had Melissa evaluated by a psychologist and psychiatrist. They diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder. They also assessed her as having borderline intellectual functioning. She scored at a 4.8 grade level in sentence comprehension, which could help explain why she believed she could go home even after she had confessed to murder. MELISSA CALUSINSKI (interrogation): I'm just kind of curious, how long, much more, 'cause ? DET. GEORGE FILENKO: Not much longer, we're on the phone right now. We're trying to get this done as quickly as possible. MELISSA CALUSINSKI: Because I just want to go home and spend time with my parents and my puppy. Saul Kassin: She had no idea what was happening. The confession, in my mind, is worthless. There are multiple reasons why she might have given this confession. This isn't just a vulnerable suspect. It isn't just interrogation tactics that are highly deceptive. It's both. The jury at Melissa's trial heard about her low IQ. But the judge would not allow a false confession expert to testify. Zellner believes that testimony might have changed the verdict. Erin Moriarty: If Melissa Calusinski had not walked into that room, if she had insisted on an attorney, would she be in prison today? Kathleen Zellner: No, absolutely not. They had absolutely nothing. There's no eyewitness. There was no video. The reason Melissa Calusinski got charged is she confessed. But if Melissa didn't harm Ben Kingan, what happened to the toddler? It raises more questions about that earlier injury the one that was discovered at the day care months before his death. Several employees there remembered a co-worker. CRYSTAL CALUSINSKI (interrogation): She was working there at that at that time when that happened. Her name is Brenda. NANCY KALLINGER (interrogation): What I believe, I only heard, I didn't see anything, is that she put him in the crib, and I believe he threw himself back. She quit the day after. Brenda didn't testify at Melissa's trial, and the defense was never able to track her down. But "48 Hours" did. MAKING THE CASE FOR MELISSA'S FREEDOM Melissa Calusinski was interrogated for hours about the injury Ben Kingan received just before his death. But what about the day care worker who was reported to be with Ben a few months earlier, when he got a lump on his head? She didn't return "48 Hours"' calls. But when we located her, she agreed to speak to us on the condition we obscure her face and identify her only by Brenda, her first name. Erin Moriarty: On October 27, 2008, there was a report of an injury on Ben Kingan Do you remember that? Brenda: No, I don't. Erin Moriarty: The way it's been described is from some people is that Ben was with you, and you were putting him in the bed, they heard a bump and and then he had a bump on the back of his head. Brenda: No. Erin Moriarty: Did that happen with you? Brenda: No. Erin Moriarty: But you did stop working the very next day? Brenda: I did. I was just kind of tired of being there. I don't recall a bump and I don't recall ever bumping him. Erin Moriarty: So, do you say it didn't happen or you don't remember it happening? Brenda: No, it didn't happen. Brenda has never been charged with harming Ben intentionally or accidentally. But attorney Kathleen Zellner is adamant that Ben sustained a serious injury that day. Kathleen Zellner: I think that his parents were misled by the day care center about that incident. The Minee Subee day care was shut down by state authorities shortly after Benjamin Kingan died. And according to police reports, it wouldn't be the first time that the day care allegedly tried to cover up the seriousness of a child's injury. The day care was shut down by state authorities shortly after Ben died. In April 2024, more than 12 years after Melissa's conviction with no success in the court system Zellner filed a clemency petition asking Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to exonerate Melissa or release her for time served. Kathleen Zellner: I believe this is her best chance for freedom. Before a scheduled hearing, Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart spoke to an attorney representing Ben Kingan's family, and then, he wrote a letter to the prisoner review board stating his office "strongly opposes Melissa's clemency petition." Erin Moriarty: Were you shocked by that? Kathleen Zellner: Totally. I believe he thinks in his heart that she's innocent. Rinehart would not do an on-camera interview or speak to "48 Hours" on the record, but in that letter to the board, he stated that there is no new evidence in the case and that "Melissa's petition for clemency does not establish" innocence. On July 9, 2024, Zellner went before the prisoner review board to make her case for Melissa's freedom. KATHLEEN ZELLNER (at clemency hearing): What we want to do today is focus on who is this person, and how did she end up in the position that she's in, convicted of the first-degree murder of a child. But also there, making an impassioned plea, were Ben Kingan's parents. Amy Kingan, Benjamin's mother, speaks at Melissa Calusinski's clemency hearing. / Credit: CBS News AMY KINGAN (at clemency hearing): My name is Amy Kingan and I am here with my husband, Andy. We are the parents of Benjamin Kingan who was murdered when Melissa Calusinski threw Ben to the ground, fracturing his skull Because of her actions, Andy and I are adamantly opposed to Melissa Calusinski's release ... We continue to read about how there's no justice for Melissa. But where is the justice for Ben, and for Andy and myself and our surviving children ? We hope that you, as the prison review board, and the governor, will deny her petition for clemency. Amy and Andy Kingan declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview. Following Amy Kingan's statement, Zellner was then given the chance to respond. KATHLEEN ZELLNER (at clemency hearing): There is no question that the death of a child is probably the worst thing that could ever happen to a parent, but The only way that a parent gets closure is with the truth. And the truth has not come out on this case I know that she is innocent. After the hearing, it was up to the prisoner review board to make a confidential recommendation to Gov. Pritzker as to whether Melissa should be released. Melissa Calusinski with Erin Moriarty: If you had a chance to talk to Governor Pritzker yourself Melissa Calusinski: Mm-hmm Erin Moriarty: what would you say? Melissa Calusinski: I would say, just please look at my case I didn't do this. Holly, who worked at the day care with Melissa, believes her so much so that she wrote this letter to the governor: Holly (reading letter): From the time Melissa was arrested for Benjamin's murder, I have always thought she was innocent. The evidence does not point to Melissa. Holly: I can only imagine how Ben's family is gonna feel, knowing that I'm saying Melissa is innocent. (crying) But an innocent person should not be in jail. When "48 Hours" first met the Calusinski family in 2014, five years after Melissa's arrest, they still had her bedroom set up. Today, that room is still set up just as it was. Paul and Cheryl Calusinski haven't given up hope that their daughter will be home soon. Paul Calusinski: She's daddy's little girl. (cries) Cheryl Calusinski: She is. Paul Calusinski: We did everything together. Cheryl Calusinski: And we're just gonna keep on until she comes home. The Prisoner Review Board made its confidential recommendation to Gov. Pritzker in January 2025. There is no deadline for the governor to act. "48 HOURS POST MORTEM PODCAST Erin Moriarty and Producer Stephanie Slifer discuss the death of 16-month-old Benjamin Kingan and the questionable conviction of Melissa Calusinski. They talk about the anonymous phone call that revealed a surprising discovery years after the trial, the hours-long police interrogation that led to Melissa's confession, and what's next in the case. Produced by Stephanie Slifer. Richard Barber is the producer-editor. Alicia Tejada is the coordinating producer. Grayce Arlotta-Berner is the editor. Charlotte Fuller is the development producer. Lourdes Aguiar is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. Trump's statement on New Jersey drones issued at White House press briefing Trump offering "deferred resignation" to government workers unwilling to return to office A look at Lunar New Year celebrations AUSTIN (KXAN) A U.S. law will ban any smartphone applications owned by companies in foreign adversary nations on Sunday. Ahead of the ban, some Americans decided to protest the law by signing up for the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu (REDnote). Biden wont enforce TikTok ban, official says, leaving fate of app to Trump Since the exodus started on Monday, the app has held the top spot in the Google Play Store and Apples App Store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law likely also means an end for REDnote, whose parent company is based in China. However, while incoming President Donald Trump said he would allow more time for TikTok to be sold to an American company, it doesnt appear that extension will be provided to other companies. Around a third of U.S. adults used TikTok, according to Pew Research. The American arrival to REDnote was a culture shock, a merging of two distinct internet cultures and languages. The new users, primarily English speakers, initially struggled with the apps Simplified Chinese interface and content. In addition, the spike in site traffic may have triggered glitches. AP: Heres what you need to know about the RedNote app Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But over the week, the TikTok Refugees settled in, glitches abated and the developers added a translation feature. The sites rules also require users to adhere to Chinese law, much like how U.S.-based apps require users to adhere to U.S. laws. This means no criticism of Chinas leaders or policy and no promotion of drug culture or gambling. Texans post Longhorns pride on REDnote Texans have shown off their cities and favorite places on REDnote. It doesnt take much searching to find posts with UT Austins clock tower, Bevo and DKR Stadium. KXAN asked Texans on the social media site about what brought them to the app. A University of Texas at Austin freshman said she found the users less judgmental than on TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone is super welcoming, she said. Ive posted photos Ive taken around UT and it has gotten traction from Chinese students at UT and others interested in going to UT. An interest in Chinese culture was another draw to the app. I came here because it seemed interesting, she said, I want to learn more about Chinese culture and how their social media is different from ours. Another Texan, a social media marketing manager, said shes frustrated with U.S. officials. The main reason is our officials not listening to the people about the vitality of Tikok, she said. Ill be losing a few TikTok clients. So I had to explore another app I would possibly be fit to offer to my clients. Instagrams performance is barely comparable to TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that shes also found the Chinese response really positive and extremely welcoming. Her favorite parts of the site are discussions of cultural differences and explanations about customs. They are genuinely curious about our lifestyle, and were genuinely curious about theirs, she said. I think a lot of Americans are starting to realize how happy some people are in China, even though we were sold this scary tale about how terrible it is over there. But the Austin-bound social media manager said that shes already on her second account on the site. Her first was banned following her posting a video where she kissed her girlfriend. She said that she feels the censorship isnt a reflection of the users opinions, however. Of course there is some censorship, she said. Honestly, the overwhelming majority of Chinese users have nothing but sweet things to say. Rarely, I get a few comments about being careful.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queerness on social media, regardless of nation, is a tightrope. Facebook parent company Meta recently changed its moderation policies to reduce protections for LGBTQ+ users. X (formerly Twitter) has also stripped down its policies since its purchase by Elon Musk. AP: Meta nixes diversity and inclusion program as it prepares for second Trump administration Honestly, I have never felt safe discussing my sexuality on Instagram or Facebook, before or after the updates, the social media manager said. Its just not a platform thats comfortable for homosexuals. Youre always subjected to some sort of hate. Versus TikTok, which was a thriving community of queer people. Chinas users react to American arrivals KXAN also asked the sites users in China for their thoughts about the new Americans in their midst. Comments from those users were read using REDnotes in-app translation feature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One user from the Chinese province of Jiangsu said they and others in China have previously used foreign social media websites. [We] do not like a lot of biased remarks against us, so dont want to waste time to refute it, that user said. You are welcome to experience what kind of environment we are in, I believe you can feel our happiness and kindness. Both Chinese and American users are ordinary people who seek a better life, said momo (a meme name used by anonymous users) from Xinjiang. American friends may be easier to express their feelings, and Chinese people are relatively reserved. For some, the conversations online have brought them a new (or for some, renewed) sense of global community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such direct communication allows us to see each others real life and thoughts, and this feeling is too wonderful, said a user in Beijing. I havent seen the internet so vibrant for a long time, said a user in Shanghai. The enthusiasm and sincerity of American friends is touching. It reminds me of the 2008 Beijing Olympics when everyone was talking about the global village. The news is full of confrontation and disputes, I havent felt this kind of harmony in a long time. Some users said theyve been surprised to learn about the conditions and hardships faced by many Americans. Both countries citizens have compared the costs of living, medical care and housing. How did you Americans survive under such high pressure? asked one user from the province of Guangdong. Everything is different to the US I learned about 10 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought you all lived a relaxed life, but it turns out everyone is quite tired, said another user in Guangdong. The lives of people at the bottom even sound worse than ours. But a user in Japan had insight into what users may be feeling solidarity. They are Chinese cows and horses, and you are American cows and horses, they said. We are instigated to be hostile to each other. This dialogue makes us understand that we are all ordinary people who love life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) For 43 years, Wesley United Methodist Church has been hosting its Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship breakfast. This event bringing students, local leaders and their families together to recognize and honor Kings life and legacy and help three local seniors follow their dreams by awarding each of them a scholarship. Westfield River Elementary School invites community in to see new, state-of-the-art facilities Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important to continue to provide scholarships and assistance to needy students who ordinarily would not be able to get into college or did not have the financial aid to finish, said Rep. Bud Williams of the 11th Hampden district. Dr. King was a Baptist minister and civil rights activist that advocated for not only racial equality, but non-violence and justice here in the U.S. All of these efforts with the goal to end violence, racial discrimination and segregation in the United States. He was also known as someone who pushed for education equality and opportunity for all. Leaders at Saturdays event say its essential that students, including those of color, are able to learn and get a quality education where they can succeed. Pastor Taylon Lancaster told 22News, Today really speaks to the significant contributions that faith communities and those that support Dr. King. It means so much being that this is the 43rd annual breakfast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pastor Lancaster said its important to inspire the youth and encourage a message of hope to live by the words and legacy of Dr. King. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended court for the first time on Saturday to fight a request by investigators to extend his detention as they probe his failed martial law bid. Tens of thousands of Yoon's supporters rallied outside the court and scuffled with police as they chanted support for the suspended leader, who plunged South Korea into its worst political chaos in decades with his bid to suspend civilian rule. The president's December 3 martial law declaration lasted just six hours, with lawmakers voting it down despite him ordering soldiers to storm parliament to stop them. He was impeached soon after. Yoon was detained in a dawn raid on Wednesday on insurrection charges after he refused investigators' summons and went to ground in his residence, using his presidential security detail to resist arrest. South Korea's first sitting president to be detained, Yoon also declined to cooperate during the initial 48 hours detectives were allowed to hold him. The disgraced leader remains in custody after investigators requested a new warrant on Friday to extend his detention. Yoon "explained and answered faithfully regarding the facts, evidence, and legal issues", his lawyer Yoon Kab-keun told reporters after Saturday's hearing. The court must decide whether to free Yoon, which analysts say is unlikely, or extend his detention for around another 20 days. Its ruling is expected late on Saturday or early Sunday. Crowds of Yoon's backers gathered outside the court, waving flags and holding "release the president" placards. The Yonhap news agency said police estimated up to 44,000 supporters had rushed to the area. A total of 40 protesters were arrested for physically assaulting police officers, attacking a member of the media, or attempting to enter the court building, among other offences, a district police official in Seoul told AFP. The hearing concluded after about five hours at around 6:50 pm (0950 GMT), a court official said. Yoon left the court in a blue Justice Ministry van with his guards jogging alongside, AFP reporters saw, heading back to the Seoul Detention Center where he is being held. Two vehicles carrying staff from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is probing Yoon, were attacked by protesters "resulting in a threatening situation for the CIO personnel", the body said in a statement. The CIO will "request that the police (impose) strict punishment based on the evidence collected regarding these actions", it said. Yoon sent a letter through his lawyers on Friday thanking his supporters, who include evangelical Christians and right-wing YouTubers, for protests that he deemed "passionate patriotism". During the hearing some protesters outside chanted "Cha Eun-gyeong is a commie!", referring to the judge reviewing the arrest request. Others cried "We love you, President Yoon Suk Yeol" and "Impeachment is invalid!" They marched while waving South Korean and American flags and took over the main roads in front of the court. Yoon's party typically favours South Korea's US security alliance and rejects engagement with the nuclear-armed North. "The likelihood of the court approving the arrest is very high and, aware of this, Yoon has urged maximum mobilisation among his hardline supporters," Chae Jin-won of Humanitas College at Kyung Hee University told AFP. "Today's protests serve as a sort of farewell event between Yoon and his extreme support base." The crisis has seemingly boosted support for the conservative People Power Party (PPP), for whom Yoon won the presidential election in 2022. A Gallup survey published on Friday showed the PPP's approval rose to 39 percent, three points higher than the opposition Democratic Party. A decision by the court to approve Yoon's continued detention would give prosecutors time to formalise a criminal indictment for insurrection, a charge for which he could be jailed for life or executed if found guilty. Such an indictment would also mean Yoon would likely be detained for a maximum six months during the trial. Once "the warrant is issued this time, (Yoon) will likely be unable to return home for an extended period", political commentator Park Sang-byung told AFP. Yoon said on Wednesday he had agreed to leave his compound to avoid "bloodshed" but that he did not accept the legality of the investigation. He has refused to answer investigators' questions, with his legal team saying Yoon explained his position the day he was arrested. If that court rules against him, Yoon will formally lose the presidency and elections will be called within 60 days. He did not attend the first two hearings this week but the trial, which could last months, will continue in his absence. WAUKEE, Iowa Waukee Parks and Recreation brought the community together for an indoor fun fest that benefited both families and local businesses. The annual Waukee Family FunFest took place Saturday at the Lutheran Church of Hope. We love events, and Waukee brings out small town feel, but also, its hard to do events in January, said Danae Edwards, Recreation Supervisor for Waukee Parks and Recreation. So, we partnered with Hope to utilize their space for indoor events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indoor space allowed for a variety of activities such as inflatables, a caricature artist, activity demonstrations, and treat sampling. They all think its so cool and its just fun to get to see them interact with the other kids that are here brothers, family, friends, and then the businesses as well, said Edwards. Hamilton County deer processing class ensures nothing gets wasted But the event didnt just offer a way to let the kids burn off some energy, it helps connect families with resources and local organizations. We have preschools, dance studios, chiropractors, fitness studios, nonprofits are here, and they all provide a game crafter activity for the kids that show up for the event, said Edwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much fun as the kids had, Edwards says it was a good opportunity for Waukee residents to connect with city officials, understand important upcoming changes, and learn about new opportunities. Visitors were able to meet members of the Waukee Police and Fire Department, learn about Public Library activity opportunities, and learn about their Waukee Parks and Recreation department. Whether youve lived here for years or just moved to Waukee, this event is a fantastic way to explore our communitys services while enjoying a morning of family fun, said Edwards. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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? ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is looking for an Arizona man they say is connected to a murder from four years ago. In January 2021, police responded near Central and Pennsylvania to reports of a man being shot. According to a criminal complaint, officers arrived to find David Gracia-Dominguez dead from a gunshot wound. According to the criminal complaint, Gracia-Dominguez and another man sold Eric Montano drugs before Montano fired at Gracia-Dominguez. Albuquerque police seek information on pair accused in deadly stabbing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also says police contacted Montano in August that year with Montano telling them he intended to turn himself in but never came. Anyone with information on Montanos location should contact APD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Jan. 18 (UPI) -- A federal appellate court has agreed with opponents of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that it is illegal, but in its ruling limited the focus of an injunction to the state of Texas. The three-judge Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled unanimously on Friday that Republican-led states challenging the so-called "Dreamers" program are correct in arguing the Biden administration's rules governing the effort are unlawful and should be blocked, thus handing a victory to Texas, Nebraska, South Carolina and Mississippi. Under a final rule issued by President Joe Biden in 2022, federal prosecutors are given discretion to defer the removal of young people who came to the United States illegally years earlier as children, who have no current lawful immigration status, and who were already generally low enforcement priorities for removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Known as "Dreamers," there are believed to be more than 500,000 such young immigrants currently living the in the United States. The future of DACA under President-elect Donald Trump remains in doubt given his hardline campaign promises and announced plans to deport millions of illegal migrants from the United States. He also attempted to end the DACA program during his first administration. However, Trump last month signaled a willingness to work with Democrats to spare Dreamers from deportation. DACA has remained virtually frozen while the Fifth Circuit mulled the GOP-run states' suit challenging whether the executive branch has the authority to create such a consequential program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Andrew Hanen of the southern district of Texas ruled in 2021 that President Barack Obama exceeded his authority when creating the program in 2012, and in Friday's ruling, the Fifth Circuit agreed, affirming that states have sufficient legal standing to bring suit against it. But, in a setback to the plaintiffs, the panel also ruled that Texas is the only state with such standing, meaning it declined to uphold the lower court's nationwide injunction against the Biden rule. The decision also left in place the lower court's decision allowing current DACA recipients, even in Texas, to renew their status while the case is on appeal. Analysts said that mixed ruling has set up a likely Supreme Court challenge to sort out the inconsistencies, which would mark the first time the nation's highest court weighs in on the long-running battle over DACA. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called Friday's decision a "major win." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a win for Texas. I am pleased the Fifth Circuit found that the Biden Administration's DACA policy was unlawful," he said. "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." The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, a nonprofit group that appealed the lower court ruling, praised the Fifth Circuit's move to restrict the existing injunction to a single state. "The ruling restores DACA in 49 states, providing temporary relief for thousands of young people who study, work, and contribute to our nation," MALDEF Vice President of Litigation Nina Perales said in a statement. "And all current DACA recipients remain protected, and able to renew their DACA grants, until this case concludes its journey through the courts." What organizers hope is the final application before Billy Frank Jr. is memorialized in the U.S. Capitol, has been submitted, the latest step in a years-long journey to immortalize a man that changed the state, and how tribes are treated. The sculpture, when approved by the Capitol Architect, will feature Billy sitting, a bolo tie popping with color, as is the Pendleton blanket over his lap, and salmon swimming beneath his feet. They all speak to his life and his work, Michael Wallenfells, with the ArtsWa, the agency that helped organize the selection of the artist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billys work began with fighting for the rights of Native American tribes through a practice his family had passed down through generations: fishing for Salmon among the Nisqually River. What seems commonplace now, was contentious in the 1960s and into the 1970s. They were definitely spat on, people were shot at on the river when they were doing those missions, [The State] didnt think those treaties mattered to anyone, said Debbie Preston, the communications director for the Nisqually tribe. Tribes right to fish the waters was contested by the State of Washington, despite a treaty that had been in place for more than 100 years at the time. That treaty granted Tribes the right to catch half the fish in the States rivers. Rather, Billy and other activists were met with arrests, beatings, and even gunshots in their direction. Billy himself was arrested 59 times in protesting and demonstrating for his treaty rights before the state and federal governments recognized them because he knew what it said in the treaty. He knew what had been granted to Native Americans, said Denny Heck, the Lt. Gov. Of Washington and a friend of Billy. Though Heck would be the first to say Billy made everyone he met feel like a friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing about Billy was he was so unwaveringly consistent in his values, his vision and in his advocacy that it really eventually captured your heart, Heck said. Dubbed the Salmon Wars of the time, the Federal Government, led in part by the Nixon administration, sued the State of Washington for not recognizing the treaty rights. Known now as the Boldt Decision, U.S. District Court Judge George Boldt, ruled in favor of the tribes. That ruling has been held up after several rounds of appeals. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the decision. The ripple effect spread through the country as similar treaties entered between governments and tribes suddenly had merit. It also changed how the fish so synonymous with Washington was treated. The tribes feel that they are caretakers of that and the salmon represents all things that need to be taken care of, said Preston. Preston met Billy when she came aboard the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Thats where Billys impact on the natural spaces of the region began to take hold. The right to fish was one thing for Billy, the treatment of the fish and the environment was another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Before Boldt], there was no counting, you never count, you just took all the fish you could take, Preston said. [Tribes] get half the take today, and its less than they had before the Boldt Decision because of the degradation of our waters, Heck said. Then, the era of comanagement began, where ancestral methods of counting salmon and salmon eggs took hold to determine how healthy a run is and how many fish could be taken. Sometimes that number was zero. No chum Salmon had been fished on the Nisqually for the past seven years. Even with less-than-favorable conditions this year, the run returned as strong as ever. So you have a run coming back thats nearly as large than theyve ever had that they have recorded, Preston said. Billys work removed culverts from the stream, Debbie was with him when the first slabs of damns on the Elwha River were removed, a culmination of his conservation work to restore the habitat for Salmon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billy will stick out in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol when his sculpture is eventually placed there. For one, hes smiling, a requirement for anyone who knew him. Second, he will likely sit right outside the U.S. House of Representatives. Finally, he will be sitting, an intentional choice by the artist, Haiying Wu. Hed been arrested and dragged around so many times that [Wu] felt that Billy had earned his rest. Wallenfells said, Now is his time to sit and look out on the Nisqually River and take a moment to reflect on everything hes accomplished and the people in his life. An Arab-Mexican fusion concept is opening a brick-and-mortar midtown Sacramento restaurant after nearly two years of pop-ups, filling the shoes of one of the citys deepest-rooted watering holes. Meza, Kasandra Kachakjis culinary manifestation of her Syrian and Mexican heritage, is scheduled to open in March at 1415 16th St., where Simons Bar & Cafe previously stood. Mezas restaurant, like its pop-ups, will specialize in sourdough flatbread wraps grilled on a domed griddle called a saj. The wraps are filled with ingredients such as zaatar and a cucumber-mint-tomato medley or melted quesillo cheese with batata harra (spicy Lebanese sweet potatoes). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First-time visitors ought to try the Taco Arabe, lamb coated in al pastor spices and wrapped with arugula, pickled onions and the garlicky spread toum, Kachakji said. The Viva Palestina wrap includes pomegranate molasses-braised chicken, sumac and caramelized onions, an adaptation of the popular Palestinian dish msakhan. A pastry menu that includes seasonal conchas, chocolate chip tahini cookies and sfouf (Lebanese almond-semolina cake) will expand in the brick-and-mortar kitchen. That space also opens up more possibilities for additional dips such as cashew-based labneh or sikil pak, a Mayan blend of pepitas and habaneros, as well as coffee service and more catering gigs, Kachakji said. Were really excited to have a space for our community that weve been building for the last couple of years, where they can congregate and enjoy our food and have space to meet, Kachakji said. Meza began popping up at the since-closed midtown cafe Pressed Coffee + Records in early 2023, and eventually developed a circuit that included local breweries, Nittys Cider in East Sacramento, the Oak Park Farmers Market and local festivals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meza is currently only serving at the Saturday morning Midtown Farmers Market, but will reopen at Nittys in the spring, Kachakji said. Opening hours at the restaurant will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner and late-night service eventually on the horizon. Simons Bar & Cafe was a favorite of legislative staffers and lobbyists from 1984 until its closure in November 2023, the go-to spot for end-of-session revelry and late-night plates of Chinese food. Former Frank Fats bartender and Hong Kong immigrant Simon Chan Sr. was a rare universally beloved figure throughout Sacramentos politico scene, a friend to all who went the extra mile for his regulars. Chan died of COVID-19 complications in March 2021. His son Simon Jr. kept the restaurant and bar open for another two-and-a-half years. But, with his father gone, he eventually lost the passion needed to sustain the restaurant amid a challenging business climate. Arizonans rally at the state Capitol on Jan. 18, 2025, in advance of Donald Trump's inauguration. The "People's Rally" advocated for reproductive rights and other causes Trump and Republicans are expected to undermine. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror Hundreds of Arizonans rallied across from the state Capitol on Saturday to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump and advocate for the causes the Republicans administration is expected to undermine over the next four years. Amid the crowds of pink and green knitted hats that symbolize the abortion rights movement, Stacey Owens brandished a handmade sign of a woman wearing an American flag bikini with an arrow pointing toward it that read This land is my land. The 61-year-old lamented that the country has lost its way, and said she showed up to the Peoples Rally on behalf of her granddaughters and to highlight the need to mobilize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im marching for awareness, to get people off the couch, she said. I know people are disillusioned, but we need to stand up and say, Enoughs enough. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Phoenix gathering was one of dozens of events held across the country by prominent reproductive rights groups, including Womens March and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. In speeches, organizers called on attendees to get involved and push back against harmful local policies, from anti-abortion proposals to strategies to make civic engagement more difficult. Marlee Valenzuela, the president of Planned Parenthood Generation Action at Arizona State University, which educates students about sexual health, said now is the time to have uncomfortable conversations with friends and neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot let this new administration undo decades of activism that has expanded rights to autonomy, safety and opportunity, she said. We must keep fighting, we must be the safe spaces that we want to see in the world and we must expand our activist communities and support each other. A sign at the Peoples Rally at the state Capitol on Jan. 18, 2025, in advance of Donald Trumps inauguration. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror Criticism of the incoming Trump administration was a consistent theme among protestors at Wesley Bolin Memorial Park. Laura Heidenreich, 67, waved a flag with Trumps name crossed out on it, below which was printed Dont forget Jan. 6th, a reference to the 2021 insurrection the president-elect has been widely accused of instigating. Tied to the flag was a balloon caricature of a crying baby Trump. Heidenreich said Trumps involvement in the insurrection should have disqualified him from public office. He should not have been allowed to be president, he should be in prison, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starla Clark wrote NO SIGN is BIG ENOUGH to list ALL the REASONS IM HERE, in bold lettering on the back of an unfolded United States Postal Service envelope. She, too, was critical of Trumps election. I was raised with different values than everything he stands for, she said. But opposition to Trump, while a unifying theme among protestors, wasnt the only impetus behind their rallying. Gina Guglielmo, whose sign advocated for LGBTQ rights, abortion access, climate change action and racial justice, said that while Trump plays a prominent role in pushing far-right policies, he isnt alone in the push to pass harmful legislation. He symbolizes the agenda, but its not just about him, she said, pointing out that discriminatory proposals exist from the state government level up to the federal government, both of which are now controlled by Republicans. Leaders of progressive organizations celebrated Novembers passage of Proposition 139, the states abortion rights initiative, and pointed to it as proof that a majority of Arizonans oppose restrictions on reproductive health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Athena Salman, the director of Arizona campaigns for Reproductive Freedom for All, one of several groups that helped draft and promote Prop. 139, noted that it won more than 60% of the vote, earning significantly more votes than Trump. Our lawmakers should take note, she said. Enshrining abortion rights in our constitution received more votes than any statewide politician, any judge (and) Donald Trump. That should make it clear from the legislature on up that, if theres a mandate, its for reproductive freedom and not the extreme agenda outlined in Project 2025. Project 2025, a conservative wish-list of policies that has been widely advertised as a roadmap for Trumps second presidency, includes plans to ban the abortion pill, limit contraceptive health care coverage and heavily restrict the ability of women across the country to obtain abortions. While Trump publicly disavowed Project 2025 during the campaign, multiple former advisors and current allies were involved in the plans creation. Several major architects of the plan will hold key posts in Trumps administration, setting the stage for them to implement a conservative Christian agenda that has the potential to reshape the federal government and redefine rights long held by all Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erika Mach, the chief external affairs officer for the Arizona branch of Planned Parenthood, warned politicians that supporting anti-abortion initiatives would only spell defeat for them in the next election. We are here today to remind our elected officials that we dont want them messing with our bodies, she said. And if they try, we will hold them accountable. The passage of anti-abortion legislation at the federal level would undermine the protections guaranteed by Prop. 139 in Arizona and undercut similar ballot measures approved by voters in other states. But its unclear if the threat of electoral retribution will have any effect. Democrats ran on a pro-choice agenda in the 2024 election yet, despite a clear contrast in policies and widespread public support for abortion rights, Republicans still won a trifecta at the federal level and increased their majority at the Arizona Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other states, including ones with abortion bans, also saw Republican sweeps at the ballot box. Across the country, anti-abortion groups and lawmakers were emboldened by the results of the 2024 elections, which they viewed as proof that abortion rights arent a strong enough platform to mobilize voter outrage. A mom and her daughter at the Peoples Rally at the state Capitol on Jan. 18, 2025, in advance of Donald Trumps inauguration. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror Still, health care advocates are hopeful in the ability of voters to make a difference. Carly Gadberry, an organizer with Healthcare Rising AZ, pointed out that Arizonans have made their voices heard via citizen initiatives. The group helped shepherd the states abortion rights ballot measure and Prop. 209, which implemented new protections for those with medical debt, through the citizen initiative process. Gadberry said that, while 2026 may seem far away for some, the group is prepared to support efforts to circumvent hostile politicians and pass new safeguards through that same process again. Our plan is clear, she said. Were taking this fight to the ballot and using ballot initiatives and the power of your vote to make it happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rally leader and progressive activist Raquel Teran, a former state senator and one-time head of the Arizona Democratic Party, encouraged attendees to mobilize and celebrated Arizonans long history of advocating for social change. When Sheriff (Joe) Arpaio was targeting the people in our communities for the color of their skin, we organized! she chanted. When Russel Pierce passed SB1070, we organized! In 2015, we increased the minimum wage! We passed protections on health care! The abortion act made it into the constitution! We have been here before, we have muscle memory, we have heart memory and we are ready for the next four years! SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WASHINGTON D.C. (KNWA/KFTA) An Arkansas man is among the latest to be arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement during the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to the Department of Justice. James Edward Porter, 59, of Hot Springs, was arrested by the FBI in Benton on Jan. 16. Porter made his first court appearance in the Western District of Arkansas and was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His charges were unsealed on the final business day before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn back into office. Federal court documents allege that Porter attended a rally at the Ellipse and made his way to the west side of the Capitol. Porter reportedly positioned himself at the front of the mob attacking a police line protecting the Inauguration stage, according to the DOJ. During the confrontation with officers, Porter allegedly pushed against an officer and grabbed his baton. A struggle ensued and the officer eventually removed Porters hand from the baton. Tontitown man sentenced for involvement with Jan. 6 riot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porter then allegedly confronted another officer, lunging forward and pushing the officer, the DOJ said in a news release. Porter continued engaging with police until another rioter deployed an orange chemical irritant, prompting him to retreat into the crowd. James Porter is accused of lunging at police and grabbing an officers baton during the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. (Courtesy: Department of Justice) A court filing said the FBI interviewed Porter in July 2024. Porter told authorities he was trying to stop the officer from hitting another person in the crowd when he grabbed the baton. He said after he let go of the baton he got into a fighting stance and told the officer, If you hit me, Im gonna gonna hit you. Porter also told the FBI agents that he went to the Capitol because it was what my president told me to do and he was there to have our voices heard about the election being stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porters case was assigned to U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michel Harvey for the initial hearing. The DOJ said the case is being investigated by the FBIs Little Rock and Washington Field Offices. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Ahead of Joe Bidens official exit on Jan. 20, the outgoing President announced the appointment of two Los Angeles notables to the Board of Trustees of the United States Holocaust Museum Memorial Council. Matthew Segal, the CEO of ATTN:, a leader in social video, pairing purpose-driven media with virality to inform large audiences of topical issues and subjects, and Mandana Dayani, the former president of Archewell, the production and audio company founded by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and its philanthropic arm, will join the Council, which was established by Congress in 1980 through the Holocaust Memorial Council Act. Its aim is to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and educate the public about the lessons learned through the tragedy. It also operates Washington D.C.s More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With rising antisemitism in the U.S. and beyond, especially since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and subsequent war in Gaza, both Segal and Dayani have been vocal about the importance of remembering the attempted genocide of Europes Jewish population during World War II, which in many ways set the stage for the current conflict. The promise to never forget the horrors of the Holocaust is more urgent than ever in the age of online misinformation, said Segal, who appears regularly on shows like Real Time With Bill Maher and NBCs Today. I look forward to leveraging my skills as a storyteller and advocate to ensure this promise remains steadfast for generations to come. Dayani is a brand strategist who co-founded I am a voter, described as a nonpartisan movement reshaping the importance of civic engagement and using pop culture and information to make voter identity mainstream, aspirational, and an integral component of how anyone identifies themselves. Advocating against antisemitism and standing in support of Israel has been one of the most meaningful privileges of my life, she said in a statement. I am deeply grateful to President Biden for this profound honor, and I remain deeply committed to our community and to ensuring that the promise of Never Again truly means Never Again. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NOTE: A lawsuit represents only one side of a story. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) On Friday, Jan. 17, attorneys for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were in federal court seeking to strike a lawsuit challenging the organizations use of tithing donations. The final verdict is pending. In this suit, the plaintiffs a group of current or former members of the church are challenging how church leaders have used tithing and other donations. In the Latter-day Saint faith, many members of the religion donate 10% of their income to the church each year, a form of donation referred to as paying tithing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lawyers file to dismiss lawsuit over tithing fraud against LDS church, investment arm Plaintiffs allege that the defendants the Latter-day Saint church and its investment arm Ensign Peak Advisors committed fraud by investing a portion of donated funds and allowing those funds to accrue interest over time, instead of immediately using those donations for religious or humanitarian works, according to court documents. According to the church, money received through tithing is said to be sacred and is used to help it carry out its mission. In its motion, the church argued that tithing used in its investment branch is important to its long-term goals, including building church facilities (such as chapels and temples) and pursuing humanitarian efforts. The plaintiffs are seeking a class action lawsuit essentially attempting to sue the church on behalf of millions of its members in the United States who have donated money since 1998. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in its motion to strike, the church argues the plaintiffs claims are not suitable for class action treatment due to the conflicts of interest between the plaintiffs and most members of the proposed class with the proposed class being those who have paid tithing since 1998. The church has asked the court to strike the allegations, stating the plaintiffs and their counsel cannot adequately represent the faithful Church members who make up the vast majority of the proposed class. Plaintiffs must show that at every point in the litigation, they will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class,' the motion reads. But the vast majority of putative class members are faithful Church members who give tithes as a fundamental part of their faith and who not only oppose this lawsuit but view it as an attack on their own religious beliefs, their Church and the Church leaders they support. Defendants also argued a class action suit would violate the First Amendment by forcing the release of names and identities of tithe-paying church members, in addition to how much they have donated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The churchs attorney and Judge Robert Shelby argued whether this argument has any legal standing, and if all religious organizations should be exempt from lawsuits like this one. It is unknown when the verdict will be released. ABC4.com has reached out to both parties but has not heard back at the time of publication due to the ongoing litigation. Background The LDS church and Ensign Peak are at the center of several lawsuits, with one recently being filed in Jan. 2024. The motion to strike was filed by the counsel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Ensign Peak Advisors (who are the defendants in the tithing fraud lawsuit) on Sept. 10, 2024. That same day, lawyers for the defendants also filed to have the whole case dismissed with prejudice, which means the plaintiffs would be unable to refile the same claim in court in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Associated Press, Ensign Peak Advisors was created in 1997 and (as of 2023) had grown to more than $100 billion in value. Since its inception, it has reportedly spent funds twice: To save a failing, church-owned life insurance company in 2009, and to build City Creek Center from 2010 to 2014, the AP reported. The defense also argued the plaintiffs said they were unaware of Ensign Peaks existence until 2019 and ultimately said all the claims against Ensign Peak should be dismissed. Garett Hodson, Jonathan May, Yeonseung Kim, and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Piyush Goyal, India's Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, had a productive meeting with Maros Sefcovic, the European Union Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, in Brussels. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral trade relations, advancing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and progressing the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Goyal co-chaired a delegation-level meeting with the European Union Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Sefcovic. In a post on X, Goyal added, "Engaged in productive discussions, reviewing bilateral trade ties and the progress of the India-EU FTA, and the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Also deliberated on the global trade situation. Looking forward to working towards a fair, balanced, and equitable FTA, as well as, the 2nd meeting of the TTC." Goyal emphasised the importance of working towards a fair, balanced, and equitable FTA, as well as preparing for the 2nd meeting of the TTC. The India-EU FTA aims to remove barriers and help EU firms export more, open up services and public procurement markets, and ensure protection of geographical indications. Goyal began his visit to Brussels on Saturday with a meeting with Maros Sefcovic, the European Union Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security. The two leaders discussed bilateral issues, including trade relations and the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Goyal is on a visit to Brussels for a High-Level Dialogue with Maros Sefcovic from January 18-20. Earlier in a press release on Friday, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry had said, "This visit underlines the importance that India attaches to its trade and investment ties with the European Union (EU), one of our largest trading partners with bilateral trade estimated at over USD 180 billion in 2023-2024. At the same time, the EU is also a significant source of Foreign Direct Investment, with total FDI estimated at USD 117.34 billion." On the sidelines, Goyal is also expected to meet Ngozi Okonzo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation; Bernard Quintin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belgium apart from holding interactions with representatives of Belgian industry and the Indian community. (ANI) When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Herbert Kickl on his way out of Vienna's Hofburg Palace following talks with Austria's president, Alexander Van der Bellen, earlier this month. | Credit: Joe Klamar / AFP / Getty Images "Vienna could be about to get its first far-right leader since WWII," said Oliver Noyan on Politico (Brussels). Ever since Herbert Kickl's far-right Freedom Party edged a win in September's legislative elections with 29% of the vote, Austria's centrist politicians have tried to block Kickl from becoming chancellor. Last week, though, negotiations between those mainstream parties collapsed, and Kickl promptly "fired the starting gun" on coalition talks with the centre-right Austrian People's Party (OVP). Kickl, whose party was founded by former Nazis, styles himself as the Volkskanzler ("People's Chancellor"), and has vowed to build a "Fortress Austria" by banning asylum seekers and "remigrating" those already in the country. It's a dark day for Austrian politics, said Michael Volker in Der Standard (Vienna), but mainstream parties like the OVP don't "have many options left". If the latest talks fail, there could be another election. Polls suggest the Freedom Party could do even better next time round. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Chancellor Kickl is not a given," said Thomas Mayer in the same paper. Austria's centrist parties may come to their senses and try a second round of coalition talks, or form a minority government. And even if Kickl does prevail, that doesn't mean he'll succeed. He'll soon realise governing is far harder than campaigning. He won votes on an anti-establishment platform, railing against the EU and lambasting "the system". But as chancellor, he'd be the face of that system, and how he plans to close Austria's gaping 18 billion budget deficit while cutting taxes and protecting social benefits remains "his secret". Most of his policies will fail on first contact with reality, said Arno Tausch in Kurier (Vienna). His proposal to eliminate social benefits for asylum seekers, for example, won't make it past the Austrian and European courts. And as with all awkward coalitions, it won't be long till the "internal contradictions" between the Freedom Party and the OVP burst into the open and end this new government "with a bang". The real worry is "the Putinisation of central Europe", said The Economist. While Vladimir Putin's closest neighbours in the Baltics see him "for exactly what he is: a murderous revanchist who invades his neighbours", a growing number of central European nations are sympathetic to the dictator. Viktor Orban, "the strongman of Hungary", has cosied up to the Kremlin and repeatedly attempted to block European sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. And "he has a like-minded neighbour" in Robert Fico of Slovakia, while in the Czech Republic another pro-Russia eurosceptic is leading the polls. How chilling that Austria, too, is on the brink of being led by a Putin sympathiser who wants to cut aid to Ukraine. Kickl joins a growing gang, but his rise "will delight only the autocrats". The Oklahoma Free Speech Committee held its first meeting over two years ago. As an advisory committee to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, state law empowers it to do three primary things. It reviews institutional policies and procedures that affect free speech. It receives and reviews complaints about deprivations of free speech rights. And it provides biannual training to all college deans, heads of departments, and individuals responsible for establishing university free speech policies or handling free speech complaints. For two years now, the committee has been actively fulfilling these functions. After the laws passage, the state regents adopted Policy 2.28 the so-called Chicago Principles by which each public college or university in Oklahoma has made the fundamental commitment that debate may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed. Thus, each college or university has a solemn responsibility to promote a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation and to protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it. More: Guest: Why the threat to freedom of speech on college campuses is real Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These principles are the campus free speech North Star. They point to the value of expressive freedom and teach that freedom of speech includes the free exchange of ideas in a civil, respectful manner. Thus, [a]ll members of a college or university community share in the responsibility for maintaining a climate of mutual respect. As events of the last year at many elite campuses across the country have shown, however, civility that climate of mutual respect often has been absent. Thats wrong. We must do better. We cannot simply espouse respect for free speech. We must model it. We must show both how to engage in a civil debate and how to protect and to promote free expression, [while acting] in conformity with the principle of free expression. To be sure, [c]oncerns about civility and mutual respect [may not] be used as a justification for closing off discussion of [offensive] ideas. However, compliance with free speech mandates does not end the discussion. [F]ostering the ability of members of a college or university community to engage in debate and deliberation in an effective and responsible manner is an essential part of an institutions educational mission. Some 248 years into the American experiment in self-governance, we know that engaging in the free exchange of ideas in a civil, respectful manner is the better way. College community members are free to criticize and contest views and speakers. But they may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Some college campuses have been restricting speech. Oklahoma schools intend to protect it American higher education is the best in the world because of free speech, free expression and academic freedom. We do not indoctrinate. We do not merely pass on knowledge. We do not simply certify. Instead, we foster critical thinking and thereby pass on the key to lifelong learning and a better, more civil society. Lets remember that is our mission. Andy Lester Mariana Pitts Andy Lester is a partner in the Oklahoma City office of Spencer Fane LLP. He specializes in civil litigation and appellate law and chairs the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee. Mariana Pitts is an attorney in the Oklahoma City office of Spencer Fane LLP. She handles complex civil litigation, appeals, and immigration law matters. She chairs the Training Task Force of the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee, where she led the effort to establish Oklahomas first free speech training program for college and university leaders. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: We cannot only espouse respect for free speech. Model it. | Opinion Standing on a corner near Cross Street Market in early January, Willie Dardens watchful eye scanned a group of Baltimore high school students walking toward the public bus stop. Darden mentors students through the Movement Team, one of five community-based organizations involved in the citys Safe Passage Baltimore program. The program helps kids commute safely to and from school and prevents student-involved incidents. A lot of kids they wont listen to their parents, but theyll listen to us, Darden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors office provided data showing violence near schools has decreased during the programs implementation. But local businesses near two of the targeted schools described the students as violent and disruptive and suggested more could be done to bring order to the surrounding area when kids get out of school. The Safe Passage program launched in 2023 and is city-funded through the Family League of Baltimore, which provided $525,000 for it this year. Safe Passage organizations engaged with over 8,000 students from September to December 2024 and have significantly enhanced students sense of personal safety, the mayors office said. Violence decreased by 10.8% within around two miles of Digital Harbor High School and 10.9% within two miles of the Academy for College and Career Exploration (ACCE), which serves middle and high school students, the mayors office said Friday. Both schools joined the Safe Passage program at the beginning of the current school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But at a Federal Hill Starbucks a couple blocks from Dardens post, employees described frequent problems last week. I feel like theres not a lot of help Two supervisors, Mia Sanchez and Ben Krause, described how kids earlier that day had knocked down and broken some of the stores merchandise and also threw stuff at Krause. While Krause was speaking with The Baltimore Sun that afternoon, Sanchez directed a group of students to exit the store after one began vaping inside. It feels like theres not a lot of help, Sanchez said. Krause and Sanchez didnt know about Dardens job with the Movement Team, but they said Darden sometimes comes in to order a tea and asks them how the kids are behaving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a street corner in Hampden, just down the road from ACCE, two employees at Bella Roma shared similar concerns. They declined to provide their names due to concerns they would face retaliation and damage their relationship with the school. Last fall, a kid broke a window while trying to kill a bee inside the store with their foot, one of the employees said. Another time last year, three kids got in a fight that ended in a bloody mess and a broken table inside the restaurant. Some kids have grabbed bags of food they didnt order and run out of the store. Large groups also have congregated outside the door, deterring customers from coming in, the other employee said. But that doesnt happen now as much as it used to. Its gotten better, but I still think there should be better order when theyre let out of school, the employee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing just across the street from Bella Roma near Roosevelt Park on Friday afternoon are two community engagement specialists with We Our Us, another organization involved in the Safe Passage program. They stand outside by the bus stop an hour before and after school and said theyve seen a positive impact from the program so far. One, Jordan Ragin, said he used to see shady characters standing around outside, but not so much anymore. Were just here to make sure no bad actions are taking place and everybodys safe. Thats what were here for, he said. They said employees from the school also keep watch over the area. The employees at Bella Roma said representatives from the mayors office have come in to speak with them. They said police sometimes show up after an incident, but not always. More work remains A police department spokesperson said the department has collaborated with Bella Roma and will continue to work with them, as well as with Starbucks, to address ongoing concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we are encouraged by the decrease in crimes around these schools, we recognize that more work remains in addressing such incidents, the spokesperson said in an email. These occurrences underscore the critical importance of Safe Passage and the collaborative efforts of all our partners in reducing and preventing student-involved incidents. The spokesperson also noted that juvenile victims of homicides and non-fatal shootings decreased by 74% in 2024, compared to 2023. Last year, Safe Passage program leaders laid out a measure of success for the program, saying theyd look for a decrease in violence within a 2-mile radius of schools, a decrease in calls about students from businesses and residents, and an increase in students school attendance. Aggravated assaults and robberies were among the data points being tracked by Baltimore police, city schools, the mayors office, and city schools police. Something good Councilman Mark Conway, who chairs the public safety committee, said he and his council colleagues have received complaints about kids causing trouble and safety concerns for kids. Their activities sometimes include bullying or looting or hanging out in stores, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most kids arent causing problems, Conway said, but there are some who get into trouble. Many times, the presence of an adult nearby can dissipate issues like theft or fighting among peers, he said. The idea of the program is to make sure that kids are moving along and that there are additional eyes on the street, especially during those critical times right before school and right after school, he said. Conway said theres a need for additional support at other schools besides the handful that are currently involved in the program. We want to figure out if this is the approach that we want to expand to other parts of the city, and I think that data will be an important piece, he said. Darden said the merchants near the intersection of Cross and Light streets used to have problems with kids being in their stores. His goal is to build relationships with the kids and keep them out of trouble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to spending two hours near the bus stop at the beginning and end of school each day, he also mentors kids during the day in the school building. Sometimes, kids call him and tell him they dont have any food or that their moms boyfriend is mistreating them, he said. Hell pick them up in his car and try to talk to them and calm them down, and maybe get something to eat. Basically, try to make them understand how life goes; everything is not going to go your way, Darden said. One student he mentored was getting into a lot of trouble and was looking for guidance and a man in his life, Darden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He didnt want to listen to anyone. And then gradually, we got him, he said. Darden said he was a DJS kid himself decades ago. As an adult, hes now helping kids struggling with similar challenges. If I could stand out here for all the wrong things I was doing, he said, I could stand out here for something good. Have a news tip? Contact Brooke Conrad at bconrad@baltsun.com, 443-682-2356 or @conrad_brooke on X. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has dubbed Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg a criminal and said he would be likely to betray the MAGA movement despite his recent efforts to woo the president-elect. The War Room podcast host told ABC News Jonathan Karl on This Week that he saw Zuckerberg and other tech billionaires including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos as supplicants. Theyre not there as the oligarchs, he asserted in an interview that aired Sunday. We had no power. President Trump was out and, I mean, went out of the political class and the Republican Party, and Fox News turned against him. Were going to make him a nonperson. He was banned from their platforms for, I think, 18 months. But as soon as Zuckerberg said, Ive been invited, Im going, The floodgates opened up, and they were all there knocking, trying to be supplicants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I look at this, and I think most people in our movement look at this as President Trump broke the oligarchs. He broke them, and they surrendered, they came. When Biden talks about that, they create the oligarchs. They only became oligarchs and they flipped on them. when they had surrendered. And now, now theyre going to come to Trump. Bannon went on to make a comparison between the tech billionaires who are set to attend Inauguration Day and the surrender of Japan in front of General Douglas MacArthur in 1945. Former Trump White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said in an exclusive interview with @JonKarl that tech billionaires' planned attendance at Monday's inauguration is a sign of their "official surrender" to President-elect Donald Trump. Read more: https://t.co/bwVoqzjlYo pic.twitter.com/vAZOewOAB5 This Week (@ThisWeekABC) January 19, 2025 He also said he did not believe Zuckerberg, claiming that the Facebook founder was a criminal and a figure that the Trump administration could not trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon, who was released from prison in October after serving for contempt of Congress, did not provide any evidence that the tech founder committed a crime. Meta did not immediately respond to request for comment. Zuckerberg has embarked on a new campaign to woo Donald Trump in recent months by changing content moderation policies on his platforms, abandoning diversity schemes, and visiting the president-elects Mar-a-Lago club to find a resolution to a lawsuit brought by Trump in 2021. Bannon questioned Zuckerbergs non-partisan funding of various electoral boards in 2020, a line of attack he has taken for several years as he continues to believe the election was stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called for lawmakers to examine Zuckerbergs political activities properly. I want to see that in a systematic adjudication either in the House or, I think, better with a grand jury and a special prosecutor to go through 2020, he said. What I want is the House to do it first. But if theyre not prepared to do it, a special counsels set up that looks at the 2020 election and looks at it seriously and adjudicates it. If theres nothing there, theres nothing there, Bannon said after he rejected Karls suggestion that he wanted the Justice Department to prosecute Zuckerberg. In a warning to the president-elect, Bannon suggested Zuckerberg should be kept at an arms length. When its convenient for him, he will flip, he said. Former Trump White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said in an exclusive interview on ABC News' "This Week" Sunday that tech billionaires' planned attendance at Monday's inauguration is a sign of their "official surrender" to President-elect Donald Trump. "As soon as [Mark] Zuckerberg said, 'I've been invited. I'm going,' the floodgates opened up and they were all there knocking, trying to be supplicants. So I look at this and I think most people in our movement look at this as President Trump broke the oligarchs, he broke them and they surrendered," Bannon told "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl. Meta's Zuckerberg and Amazon boss Jeff Bezos are among the tech executives set to appear at the inauguration, alongside close Trump ally Elon Musk, the world's richest man. Meta and Amazon are just two of the tech giants who have given money to President-elect Trump's inaugural fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump inauguration live updates In the wake of Trump's victory in November a handful of tech's most powerful executives have made trips to Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida for meetings with the president-elect. But despite the show of support, Bannon remains skeptical of their allegiance to Trump and the MAGA movement, specifically citing Zuckerberg's recent alignment with the right. PHOTO: Steve Bannon speaks during an interview with ABC News' Jon Karl, on Jan. 17, 2025. (ABC News) "Zuckerberg's, you know, road to Damascus came a little late. It was after the Fifth of November," Bannon told Karl. "It's very, you know, now wants to be a bro. He Kung Fu fights. He's going to UFC. He's got his hair done differently. He's, he's cut. That doesn't hack it with me. That guy will flip on President Trump and he'll flip on us in the second. When it's convenient for him. He will flip." Meta declined to comment on Bannons remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon, a stalwart of the MAGA movement and major influence in Trump's sphere during the early days of his first administration, has been one of the strongest supporters of the 45th president throughout his political career. He frequently echoed Trump's false claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election and served four months in prison after defying a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. During his interview with Karl, Bannon insisted that Trump's message during Monday's inaugural address will be less dark than the first time around. "I think he's going to try to unify the country around a course of action that we have to take, I think he'll lay out the challenges, and he'll lay out the beginning in some sort of 65-, 60,000-foot level -- what his policies and proposals are. But I think it'll all be about unifying the country and going forward together." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Musk, Zuckerberg and Bezos will have ringside seats for Trump's inauguration Bannon cited the broad coalition that led to Trump's return to the White House as a reason for the shift in tone. "It's a whole ecosystem You have working-class African Americans. You have South Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, people are now prepared not just to stop voting for Democrats, but to vote for him." Bannon, told Karl that Trump has the ability to hold that wide-ranging coalition together like few other figures in American history. "If you had to have somebody to do it, he's the guy to do it," Bannon said. "That's why he is at the level of Washington and Lincoln." Bannon says tech billionaires have 'surrendered' to Trump originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A group of Upper West Side bars is trying to use congestion pricing to gin up business. Youre in luck . . . all our locations are above the zone, boasted a social media post this week from Dive Bars owner Lee Seinfeld, referring to the new $9 congestion-pricing zone below 60th Street in Manhattan. Dive Bar owner Lee Seinfeld took the opportunity to encourage patrons to stay uptown and avoid the Congestion Relief Zone. Insatgram @divebarny Seinfeld, who owns the Upper West Side spot as well as Broadway Dive, Dive 75 and Dive 106th, said he and other bar owners are hoping customers who live or work outside the 60th Street toll zone stay close to home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another reason to stay uptown! one follower chimed in. But the promotion will only go so far. Now is the toughest time of the year for us in the bar and restaurant business, Seinfeld said, citing Dry January, the frigid weather and students being home for winter break. Seinfeld owns Broadway Dive on 101st Street and Broadway, Dive Bar on 96th Street and Amsterdam, Dive 106 on 106th Street and Amsterdam, and Dive 75 on West 75th Street and Columbus Avenue. Leonardo Munoz January is the worst month for bars and restaurants, owners told The Post, thanks to Dry January and other factors. Leonardo Munoz With congestion pricing to boot, its going to be very bad for business, he said. Food prices have rocketed 45% since 2020, he said, and his businesses barely made it out of the pandemic. Those in the bar and restaurant industry worry that congestion pricing will slow traffic to Midtown establishments. REUTERS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, some Big Apple restaurants below 60th Street are offering $9 discounts to offset the new levy for customers. Its a way to take a bit of the sting out of being stung by congestion pricing, restaurateur Aristotle Telly Hatzigeorgiou told The Posts Side Dish. US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced further acts of clemency, one day before leaving office. Biden pardoned five individuals, one of them posthumously, a White House statement said. Punishments for two others were commuted, with their sentences now set to expire on February 18. "These clemency recipients have each made significant contributions to improving their communities," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The well-known black activist Marcus Garvey, who died in 1940, was pardoned posthumously, having spent almost three years in prison for mail fraud before then-president Calvin Coolidge commuted his sentence in 1927. US presidents tend to make use of their powers of clemency towards the end of their terms. Biden has issued a large number of pardons and commutations in recent weeks, mostly for non-violent drugs offences. Many of the sentences were passed under legislation that has since been amended. However, the president's decision in early December to pardon his son Hunter provoked serious criticism. Hunter Biden had been found guilty of a firearms offence and of tax evasion. There have been calls for Biden to issue pre-emptive pardons for critics of Donald Trump, who takes office as president on Monday and has threatened to pursue opponents. Biden could yet do so in the last hours of his presidency. President Joe Biden addresses attendees at the International African-American Museum on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 in Charleston, South Carolina. One day before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, Biden thanked South Carolina for its support during his speech. (Photo by Grant Baldwin/Getty Images) CHARLESTON President Joe Biden spent the final day of his tenure in the state that catapulted him into the office: South Carolina. The day before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Biden spoke at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, then the International African American Museum in downtown Charleston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After he touched down in South Carolina, Biden also talked to reporters about the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that resulted in the release Sunday of three hostages. Addressing one of South Carolinas largest Black churches, Biden again thanked South Carolina voters for putting him on the path to be the 46th president. I could not be standing here, I would not be standing here and thats not hyperbole, at this pulpit were it not for Jim Clyburn, Biden told the congregation. Though South Carolina never backed Biden in the general election, it was Clyburns endorsement in 2020 ahead of the states first-in-the-South Democratic presidential primary that reinvigorated Bidens campaign. After a poor start in his third attempt at the office, a victory in South Carolina culminated in his victory over then-President Donald Trump, Bidens predecessor and successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he stepped off Air Force One on Sunday, Biden hugged Clyburn, South Carolinas only Democrat and longest-serving congressman, whom Bidens referred to as his best friend. At both the church and the museum, Clyburn commended Biden for his work. I know Joe, we know Joe, but most importantly Joe knows us, Clyburn said at the museum. He has demonstrated in these four years how well he knows the American people. Biden easily won South Carolinas Democratic presidential primary in February, the partys first recognized primary of the campaign, against two extreme long-shot candidates. But it ultimately didnt matter, as he dropped out in July following a disastrous debate performance against Trump. President Joe Biden is welcomed on stage by Congressman James Clyburn at the International African American Museum on Jan. 19, 2025 in Charleston. (Photo by Grant Baldwin/Getty Images) Ceasefire Biden spoke on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that went into effect Sunday, declaring the guns in Gaza have gone silent. Biden told reporters that two American hostages will be released as part of the first phase of the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement reached last week paused more than 15 months of warfare between Israel and Hamas. The decades-long conflict was reignited Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 civilians and taking some 250 hostages. Ive worked in foreign policy for decades and this is one of the toughest negotiations Ive been a part of, Biden said. Biden said the second phase of the agreement will include the release of Israeli soldiers and the permanent end to the war without Hamas in power or able to threaten Israel. The first three hostages released from Gaza arrived in Israel on Sunday. Church Theres one word that resonates with Biden when he steps into a Black church, he said Sunday: Hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not a joke, he said to the congregation at Royal Missionary, a church he visited in February of 2020 during his presidential run. Its among several Black churches in South Carolina Bidens spoken at over the years. Following the 2015 Mother Emmanuel massacre of nine people following a Wednesday night prayer service, then-Vice President Biden spoke at the funeral for Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the churchs pastor and state senator. Last month, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 inmates on federal death row. The Mother Emanuel shooter was among just three condemned killers he left on death row. Bidens first campaign stop a year ago was at Mother Emanuel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In North Charleston on Sunday, Biden quoted scripture and touched on his own personal tragedies as he delivered a message of persistence, community and hope, as well as honored Martin Luther King Jr. Your friends bear witness, they see your pain, they pick you up, they help you get to Sunday, from pain to purpose, said Biden, who added that multiple friends in South Carolina aided him through personal tragedies. Biden called King one of his political heroes Sunday after a service that included a video dedicated to the civil rights activist and preacher. He also called the Black church the spiritual home of the Black experience. Biden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a truth we honor, he said. State Sen. Deon Tedder, D-Charleston, a member of Royal Missionary, emphasized Bidens importance to the Black community. You will always be known to us as one of Americas most consequential presidents, said Tedder, who won a special election in November 2023 after his predecessor, Marlon Kimpson, joined the Biden administration. At multiple points in his speech, applause erupted through the crowd and a booming thank you was heard at one point. The president said his father called abuse of power the greatest sin. The essence of the Bible, he said, is that all people are created equally and deserve to be treated equally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We never fully lived up to that commitment, but never fully walked away from it either because of you and your ancestors before us, Biden said. Biden said that we pledge allegiance not just to an idea but to each other. Thats how I viewed my decision to issue more individual pardons than any pardons than any president in American history. To show mercy to those who served a significant amount of time, he said. Biden closed his message by again thanking the people of South Carolina, saying being their president was the greatest honor of my life. And to a resounding applause, the 46th president said, Im not going anywhere. Museum During his speech at the International African American Museum, Biden called slavery Americas original sin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museum sits on Gadsdens Wharf, the arrival point for more than 100,000 slaves in the 1700s and 1800s. This museum is so important. It embodies the trauma and the triumph of the African American experience, Biden said, and embodies the truth that Black history is America history. The president also said Martin Luther King had a deep influence on him when he was young. As he spoke to the predominantly Black crowd, Biden said he was honored to serve alongside Barack Obama, the first Black president and Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president. Biden boasted the appointments of Lloyd Austin, the first Black defense secretary, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to be on the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together we kept our commitment to have an administration that looks like America, he said. After the crowd cheered at Brown Jacksons appointment, Biden said shes smarter than them too. The moment drew laughter from the crowd. It was a laugh line borrowed from his own speech a year ago at the state Democratic Partys First-in-the-Nation Celebration fundraising dinner ahead of the primary. Biden closed his speech with a thank you to the nation and a passage from the Bible. I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Biden said, quoting a passage from Psalm chapter 37. Moments later, Biden said what could be his final public words as president. May God keep the faith and may God bless his soul this sacred place, said Biden. God Bless America. The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) announced the launch of its Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme, the Ministry of Electronics and IT stated in a release. Launched by S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Chairman of NIXI, the program aims to build awareness and develop expertise in internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens. The Ministry added that the program aims to equip participants with the knowledge to effectively engage in global internet governance processes with I-Star 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, the Ministry's release added. The program offers a bi-annual internship with two parallel tracks: a six-month program and a three-month program. Each intern will be mentored by subject matter experts from international organisations like ICANN APNIC or APTLD, members from Special Interest Group, high-ranked retired government officials and faculty advisors from recognised institutions/universities. A fixed stipend of Rs 20,000 per month will be provided to interns along with support to conduct mandatory outreach programs, according to the release. S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, GOI and Chairman, NIXI, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the internship, he said, " 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."He further added that the scheme is set to shape the next generation of tech policy leaders & 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," Krishnan added. Set up on June 19, 2003, the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a not-for-profit (Section 8) company under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. It is tasked with increasing Internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating various infrastructure aspects to enable the Internet ecosystem to be managed and used by the masses. (ANI) When Donald Trump takes control of the White House on Monday, he will inherit something his voters hardly would have expected during a long campaign of berating outgoing President Joe Biden on immigration: a U.S.-Mexico border with the lowest number of illegal crossings in five years. President Joe Biden accomplished that unlikely feat by working more closely with Mexico to increase enforcement there, and by implementing a mix of policies that allowed more people into the country to make humanitarian claims, while all but eliminating migrants ability to press for claims like asylum when crossing the border outside legal ports of entry. The result was a delicate balance of diplomacy, incentives for crossing through legal ports of entry and added deterrence to discourage illegal crossings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one benefits from the drop in unauthorized crossings more than Trump, who campaigned promising a mass deportation effort that will require redirecting immigration enforcement resources from the U.S.-Mexico border to the interior of the United States. But unwinding Bidens border policies, as Trump has pledged to do, risks creating new challenges after a year in which unauthorized crossings dropped consistently. President Trump will inherit a quiet border from the Biden administration, Ariel Ruiz Soto, a senior policy analyst with the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, told HuffPost. We will see how long it stays that way. Border patrol agent Pete Bidegain looks from a hilltop on the U.S. side of the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona, on June 25, 2024. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool, File Bidens immigration enforcement legacy was largely defined in the public eye by chaos at the border: Televised images of thousands of people from around the world trying to cross into the United States and surrender to border agents in order to pursue asylum in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border jumped from 400,651 in 2020, the last year of the first Trump administration, to more than 1.6 million the next year after Biden took office though many of those involved multiple encounters with the same individuals who were quickly sent back across the border. Encounters between ports of entry at the southern U.S. border reached nearly 250,000 in December 2023, the most recorded in a single month. But things have changed: Illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have plummeted in the past 18 months, while legal forms of migration have expanded. The number of border encounters in December 2024 was the lowest since July 2020, the Biden administration said last week. After a three-year low in border encounters during Trumps first term in April 2020, largely due to COVID-19, the number of encounters began to rise then accelerated after Biden won the White House, in part on a message of restoring the United States historic role as a safe haven for refugees and asylum-seekers. The rise in encounters wasnt solely a result of Bidens presidency encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border rose in each of Trumps last months in office but they continued ticking up with Biden in office. Biden also watched as Republicans elevated border politics to a national story. Beginning in 2022, Republican governors led by Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida bused and flew asylum seekers to Democratic cities, usually without any advance warning to local officials or nonprofits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott also deputized National Guard troops and state troopers for Operation Lone Star, part of an effort to arrest thousands of migrants for state crimes like trespassing after theyd crossed the border. Soldiers deployed as part of the effort told HuffPost it was a made-for-TV display of force. They and others also relayed grave reports of abuse. The tactics went largely unanswered by the Biden administration. It was very politically savvy, said Kristin Etter, director of policy and legal services at the Texas Immigration Law Council, referring to Texas Republicans. They were able to turn the border red, to blame Joe Biden, to benefit from illegal immigration economically, and create a prototype for the Trump administration. Members of the National Guard stand for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow governors as they hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Feb. 4, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images In his efforts to tamp down on border crossings, Biden did not totally abandon Trumps practices. For example, hisadministration (and challengesin federal court from red states) kept Title 42, the pandemic-era authority that allowed immigration agents to turn away people at the border, in place for years. The program ultimately ended with the end of the COVID-19 national emergency, in May 2023. Biden expelled far more people under the program than Trump did. But the defining policy practices of Bidens time in office have taken place over the last year and a half a carrot-and-stick approach that cracked down on asylum rights at the border while also providing pathways for parole and asylum-seekers away from the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The asylum restrictions started with the circumvention of lawful pathways rule in May 2023, then expanded with a major asylumcrackdown this year. The Biden administrations rule makes most people who cross the border between ports of entry ineligible to seek asylum a sharp break from the past and only ends if the weekly average of apprehensions between ports of entry drops below 1,500 for 28 days straight. Critics argue that Biden has emulated the first Trump administrations legal reasoning. The effects have been devastating, said Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLU Immigrants Rights Project, who has participated in litigation against the Biden rules. We have documented many people with credible [asylum] claims being sent back. At a human level, theres been real devastation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration also negotiated with Mexico to ramp up immigration enforcement significantly within its borders over the last year, which acted as the most decisive factor for lowering unauthorized crossings, according to Ruiz Soto, the MPI analyst. Mexicos National Guard and military both played increasing roles in immigration enforcement and detention over the last year, establishing more checkpoints on highways and railway yards used by traveling migrants and detaining Central American migrants for longer periods of time, Ruiz Soto said. The Biden administration also pressured Mexico to ramp up its merry-go-round strategy, in which Mexican authorities intercepted hundreds of thousands of migrants as they approached the border with the United States and deposited them in the south of the country. The tactic allowed officials to deter migrants from far-flung countries like Venezuela, whom Mexican officials cannot easily deport, from reaching the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexican enforcement has been a game changer for arrivals to the United States since January 2024, Ruiz Soto said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Biden administration cracked down on asylum, his administration also worked to incentivize more orderly means of migration: An app, CBP One, allowed migrants to schedule appointments at ports of entry, where they were paroled into the country and allowed to pursue humanitarian claims like asylum. (The app has been criticized for technical glitches, language limitations, and months-long wait times.) The Biden administration also created a program allowing people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who were vetted and had financial sponsors in the United States to fly themselves into the country. The CHNV program relieved pressure at the border from citizens of those countries, while still allowing them the opportunity to pursue claims like asylum. More than 500,000 people availed themselves of the opportunity. Biden also oversaw other expansions: During his four years in office, the United States naturalized a record number of new citizens an estimated 3.5 million people, according to the Migration Policy Institute. He also ramped up refugee resettlement, bringing 197,000 refugees into the United States across four years up from 118,000 during Trumps first term. The Biden administration expanded temporary protected status, which shields people from deportation back to countries facing dire political turmoil or natural disasters. More than 1 million people are currently protected by TPS, which operates in 18-month periods. Biden recently added another 18 months of TPS status for program participants from El Salvador, Ukraine, Sudan and Venezuela. The latter group makes up more than half of the program. Taken together, the carrot-and-stick policy package drew significant criticism from the left while failing to fend off attacks from the right. But it did succeed in drawing down the pressure at the southern border while offering novel opportunities for people to come into the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, theyre handing over to the Trump II administration a much more controlled border, and a much more robust legal immigration system, Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, said recently. But soon, both sides of the equation could face dramatic changes. Trump appears to be on a collision course with Mexico over tariffs, despite the fact that he depends on the country for help on immigration enforcement and expects Mexico to accept deportees from the United States who originally came from third countries like Venezuela and Cuba. And South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trumps pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee at her confirmation hearing Friday that she would seek to end both the CHNV parole program and do away with the CBP One app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem on Friday referred to migration at the southern border as an invasion and pledged to reinstate Migrant Protection Protocols, better known as Remain in Mexico, which mandated that asylum seekers wait across the border for court appointments in the United States. It is a war zone down there, she said. Opinion. As President Joe Biden concludes his presidency this coming Monday, Indian Country will say goodbye to a president who has shown unprecedented attention and respect to tribal nations. The Biden-Harris administration set a new standard in federal-tribal relations, demonstrating an historic commitment to addressing the needs and priorities of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. While no administration has a perfect record in navigating the complex, often fraught relationship between the federal government and Indigenous nations, the administrations achievements deserve recognition. From the appointment of Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, as the first Native American to serve as Secretary of the Interior, to record-breaking investments in tribal communities, the Biden-Harris administration has consistently elevated Indigenous voices and prioritized tribal sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden appointed more than 80 Native Americans to federal positions, placing Indigenous leaders throughout government agencies in roles that shape policy and ensure tribal consultation. These appointments helped transform how federal agencies understand and work with Native nations; hopefully, theyll be a foundation for future administrations. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provided $31 billion specifically for tribal governments and programsthe largest one-time investment in history. This funding was a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping tribal communities address longstanding disparities in health care, housing, and infrastructure. The administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also dedicates billions to critical tribal needs, including broadband expansion, clean water access, and climate resilience projects. Beyond funding, the administration has engaged with Indian Country on issues of sovereignty, treaty rights, and environmental justice. The restoration of Bears Ears National Monument to its original boundaries demonstrated respect for the tribes who fought to protect their sacred lands. Biden's pledge to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples reflects a commitment to aligning federal policy with global standards of Indigenous rights. The White House Tribal Nations Summit, revived under this administration, provided a critical platform for tribal leaders to voice their concerns directly to the highest levels of the federal government. These summits have resulted in tangible outcomes, including executive orders on improving public safety in tribal communities and addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 2024, Biden traveled to the Gila River Indian Reservation to give a formal apology for the atrocities perpetrated at federal Indian boarding schools that left tribal communities scarred for generations. The historical trauma continues to this day. Its horribly, horribly wrong. Its a sin on our soul I formally apologize. Biden said. This to me is one of the most consequential things I've ever had an opportunity to do in my whole career. I know no apology can or will make up for what was lost during the darkness of the Federal Boarding School policy. But today, were finally moving forward into the light. Last month, at the final White House Tribal Nations Summit of his administration last month, Biden proclaimed the Carlisle Indian Boarding School site in Pennsylvania a national monument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new monument encompasses 24.5 acres of the U.S. Army's Carlisle Barracks, one of the countrys oldest military installations. The designated monument area will include the historic buildings and structures that once made up the Carlisle School campus, including the School Road Gateposts, which were constructed by Native American children and youth who were forced to labor at the school. About 7,800 children from more than 140 tribes were sent to Carlisle stolen from their families, their tribes and their homelands. It was wrong making the Carlisle Indian school a national model, Biden told the White House summit. We dont erase history. We acknowledge it, we learn from it and we remember so we never repeat it again. However, while the Biden-Harris administrations actions are historic, much work remains. The Indian Health Service (IHS) continues to be underfunded, and systemic barriers to economic development in tribal communities persist. The next administration must address challenges like the extractive industries' encroachment on sacred lands and ensure that federal agencies are held accountable for meaningful consultation with tribes. History has shown that administrations can make promises to Indian Country but fail to follow through. The Biden-Harris administration, however, has laid a foundation of trust and progress. Its now up to tribal leaders and communities to continue pushing for transformative change while holding the incoming administration accountable to Indian Country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a nation built on treatiesmany of which remain unfulfilledthe progress weve seen under this administration reminds us of what is possible when tribal nations are treated as equal partners. The road ahead is long, but the unprecedented actions of this administration give hope that we are moving closer to a future defined by equity, justice, and respect for tribal sovereignty. In our traditional teachings, Native Americans are taught to respect our elders. Biden, who has been ridiculously ridiculed for his age, will ultimately be remembered for his even-handed leadership. For me, I will forever remember him for his commitment and attention to Indian Country. Thayek gde nwendemen - We are all related. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net President Biden on Sunday announced pardons for five individuals, including multiple civil rights advocates, and commuted the sentences of two others. America is a country built on the promise of second chances, Biden said in a statement. As President, I have used my clemency power to make that promise a reality by issuing more individual pardons and commutations than any other President in U.S. history. Today, I am exercising my clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption, he added. These clemency recipients have each made significant contributions to improving their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden, set to leave office Monday, announced a posthumous pardon for the late Marcus Garvey, a civil rights leader convicted of mail fraud in 1923. Garvey created the first Black-owned shipping line and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Supporters of a pardon for Garvey had argued his conviction was politically motivated. Biden also pardoned Don Scott (D), the Speaker of Virginias House of Delegates, who was convicted in 1994 of a nonviolent drug offense and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Scott is a Navy veteran who worked as an attorney after his release. My journey from being arrested as a law student to standing here today as the first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates in Virginias 405-year history is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of second chances, Scott said in a statement. Others to receive a pardon on Sunday included Darryl Chambers, a gun violence prevention advocate who was sentenced to 17 years in prison for a nonviolent drug offense in 1998. Chambers is a native of Wilmington, Del., where Biden also resides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president also pardoned Ravi Ragbir, an advocate for immigrant rights in New York and New Jersey who was convicted of a nonviolent drug offense in 2001. He also pardoned Kemba Smith Pradia, who was sentenced to 24 years in prison in 1994 for a nonviolent drug offense. Pradias sentence was commuted by then-President Clinton in 2000, and she has since worked as a criminal justice and racial equity advocate. Biden also commuted the sentences of two individuals so that their sentences would end on Feb. 18, the White House said. The first, Robin Peoples, is serving a 111-year sentence for crimes he committed in the late 1990s. Peoples would likely face a lower sentence today under current law, and the White House said his clemency petition has received overwhelming support. Biden also commuted the sentence of Michelle West, who was sentenced to life in prison for crimes committed between 1987 and 1993. The White House said Wests case has received significant support from civil rights activists, fellow inmates and lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has announced thousands of clemency actions in his final weeks in the White House, most of them focused on nonviolent offenders. He also commuted the sentences of many death row inmates to life in prison and issued a full pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned five people on Sunday, including the late civil rights leader Marcus Garvey, and commuted the sentences of two, the White House said in a statement. Garvey, who died in 1940, was a civil rights leader who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923 and sentenced to five years' imprisonment, a sentence that was commuted by President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. Human rights organizations credit Garvey as the first man to organize a mass movement among African-Americans. The White House said he created Black Star Line shipping company and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which celebrated African history and culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other people pardoned include Darryl Chambers, a gun violence prevention advocate who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense, immigration advocate Ravidath Ravi Ragbir, who was convicted of a non-violent offense in 2001, the White House said in a statement. Biden also pardoned Don Leonard Scott, who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Scott was elected to the Virginia state legislature in 2019 and became its first Black speaker last year, the White House said. Kemba Smith Pradia, a criminal justice advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994, also was pardoned. Biden commuted the sentences of two others who were sentenced in the 1990s and whom he credited with remarkable rehabilitation: Robin Peoples and Michelle West. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Scott Malone) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden on Sunday posthumously pardoned Black nationalist Marcus Garvey, who influenced Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders and was convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s. Also receiving pardons were a top Virginia lawmaker and advocates for immigrant rights, criminal justice reform and gun violence prevention. Congressional leaders had pushed for Biden to pardon Garvey, with supporters arguing that Garvey's conviction was politically motivated and an effort to silence the increasingly popular leader who spoke of racial pride. After Garvey was convicted, he was deported to Jamaica, where he was born. He died in 1940. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said of Garvey: He was the first man, on a mass scale and level" to give millions of Black people "a sense of dignity and destiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not clear whether Biden, who leaves office Monday, will pardon people who have been criticized or threatened by President-elect Donald Trump. Issuing preemptive pardons for actual or imagined offenses by Trumps critics that could be investigated or prosecuted by the incoming administration would stretch the powers of the presidency in untested ways. Biden framed the commutations and pardons as in keeping with the sacred covenant of our nation. Speaking to the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in South Carolina, Biden said that when people "we love fall and make mistakes, Americans pick them back up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont turn on each other. We lean into each other. Thats the sacred covenant of our nation. We pledge an allegiance, not just to an idea, but to each other, Biden said. Biden has set the presidential record for most individual pardons and commutations issued. He announced on Friday that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. He also gave a broad pardon for his son Hunter, who was prosecuted for gun and tax crimes. The president has announced he was commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment just as Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. In his first term, Trump presided over an unprecedented number of executions, 13, in a protracted timeline during the coronavirus pandemic. A pardon relieves a person of guilt and punishment. A commutation reduces or eliminates the punishment but doesnt exonerate the wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those pardoned on Sunday were: Don Scott, who is the speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates in a chamber narrowly controlled by Democrats. He was convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and served eight years in prison. He was elected to the Virginia legislature in 2019, and later became the first Black speaker. I am deeply humbled to share that I have received a Presidential Pardon from President Joe Biden for a mistake I made in 1994 one that changed the course of my life and taught me the true power of redemption, Scott said in a statement. Virginia Gov. Glenn Younkin, a Republican, said in a statement that Scott's success and determination to reshape his future" was inspirational for all of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrant rights activist Ravi Ragbir, who was convicted of a nonviolent offence in 2001 and was sentenced to two years in prison and was facing deportation to Trinidad and Tobago. Kemba Smith Pradia, who was convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and sentenced to 24 years behind bars. She has since become a prison reform activist. President Bill Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. Darryl Chambers of Wilmington, Delaware, a gun violence prevention advocate who was convicted of a drug offense and sentenced to 17 years in prison. He studies and writes about gun violence prevention. Biden commuted the sentences of two people: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michelle West, who was serving life in prison for her role in a drug conspiracy case in the early 1990s. West has a daughter, Miquelle West, who has written publicly about the struggle of growing up with a mother behind bars. I was only a little girl when my mom dropped me off for school one morning and never picked me up," she said in a statement thanking Biden. I have grown up and lived my entire adult life under the cloud of mandatory life in prison. Today, after more than 30 years hoping and advocating every day that her life sentence could somehow be reduced, the clouds have parted. I finally see the sunshine and a bright future for us both. Robin Peoples, who was convicted of robbing banks in northwest Indiana in the late 1990s and was sentenced to 111 years in prison. The White House said in a statement that Peoples would have faced significantly lower sentences today under current laws. ___ Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in Charleston, South Carolina and Gary D. Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report. The 2024 campaign could hardly have been more bitter, more personal. Joe Biden painted Donald Trump a threat to democracy. Trump mocked Biden as feeble and the worst president ever. Now, just months later, Biden will put politics aside and stand near his successor as he takes the presidential oath spelled out in the Constitution. The gesture is a tradition of American democracy, but especially notable given that Trump skipped Biden's inauguration four years ago after refusing to concede. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden confirmed he would honor that tradition -- as so many presidents have before -- shortly after he hosted Trump at the White House following his November victory, another courtesy Trump failed to extend to Biden in 2020. "Understand that Biden is the preeminent institutionalist," said Allan Lichtman, a presidential historian and professor at American University. "These rituals are extremely important for reaffirming the peaceful transition of power," Lichtman said. "Biden is striving as best he can not to be petty, not to be vengeful, but to try to reestablish the basic norms and symbols of our democracy." PHOTO: Workers continue with the finishing touches on the presidential reviewing stand on Pennsylvania outside the White House, Jan. 16, 2025, in Washington, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. (Jon Elswick/AP) It all comes after the tumultuous relationship between Biden and Trump was on full display in the presidential race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden long asserted Trump was an existential threat to the nation's bedrock principles and freedoms, while Trump repeatedly skewered Biden's age and questioned his mental acuity as he more broadly criticized Democrats as the "enemy from within." Those dynamics were exhibited in their only debate in June, which altered the course of the campaign as Democratic panic after the showdown led to Biden withdrawing from the race. PHOTO: President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump participate in the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images, FILE) I really dont know what he said at the end of that sentence. I dont think he knows what he said, either, Trump said at one point, after Biden struggled to find the words and drifted off. Biden called Trump "such a whiner" as he slammed his election denialism. "This guy has no sense of American democracy," Biden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such disdain was put aside as Biden and Trump met in the Oval Office in mid-November and vowed a smooth transition. The White House described the sit-down as cordial, and Trump said it was a "really good meeting." But the antagonism has resurfaced in the final stretch, even as the outgoing and incoming administration worked together to secure the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. PHOTO: President Joe Biden shakes hands with US President-elect Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on Nov. 13, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Trump has taken issue with Biden's final actions in office, such as his ban on offshore oil drilling, claiming they are intended to block him from implementing his agenda. "We are inheriting a difficult situation from the outgoing administration, and they're trying everything they can to make it more difficult," Trump complained at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month, claiming Biden's promise of aiding a transition was "all talk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden, in turn, in his farewell address, issued a pointed warning to Americans to be vigilant against abuses of power ahead. While he didn't mention Trump by name, the parallels were obvious as he condemned the expanded executive reach Trump has sought and cited the danger he said was posed by the ultra-wealthy elites now in Trump's close company. "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," he said. MORE: Biden, in farewell address, warns about dangers of unchecked power in ultra-wealthy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there was no mistaking who Biden was referring to when he called for a constitutional amendment to "make clear that no president -- no president -- is immune from crimes that he or she commits while in office" -- as a counter to last year's blockbuster Supreme Court ruling. "The president's power is not unlimited. It's not absolute, and it shouldn't be," Biden said. On Monday at noon, Trump will respect tradition and solemnly swear he will "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." The peaceful transition of power Biden sought will be complete. Biden sees to peaceful transition of power with Trump after bitter campaign: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The deal that I first put forward last May for the Middle East has finally come to fruition After so much pain, destruction, and loss of life, today the guns in Gaza have gone silent, President Joe Biden said Sunday, announcing the commencement of the ceasefire in Gaza and celebrating the release of three Israeli hostages. Dozens more hostages are slated for release in the coming days per the terms of the deal. The Israeli government identified the freed hostages as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, and the Israeli military confirmed the three women are in Israeli custody and en route back home. Biden said the hostages appear to be in good health. In remarks delivered in Charleston, South Carolina, Biden announced that humanitarian assistance has begun to enter Gaza. Hundreds of trucks are entering Gaza as I speak, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli inspections had been preventing much aid from crossing into Gaza, aid groups have said, although the Israeli government has blamed the delays on distribution issues in Gaza. The ceasefire deal will allow 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid to enter the strip each day. Many Gazans, including thousands of children, are malnourished and lack adequate shelter due to the conflict. According to UNICEF, almost the entire population of Gaza approximately 2.1 million people faces food insecurity. Palestinian health officials have recently said that more than 46,000 people have been killed in the war. A recent peer-reviewed study in The Lancet estimated that 64,260 people in Gaza died from traumatic injuries in the first nine months of the 15 month conflict. The researchers said that approximately 59.1 percent of those killed were women, children and people over the age of 65. The United States provided weapons and munitions to Israel throughout the conflict as Netanyahu refused multiple calls for a ceasefire since Oct. 7, 2023. Biden called the ceasefire talks one of the toughest negotiations Ive been a part of but celebrated progress in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran is in the weakest position in decades In Lebanon theres an opportunity for a future free from the grip of Hezbollah, he said. In Syria, a future free from the tyranny of [former dictator Bashar al-] Assad. For the Palestinian people, a credible path to a state of their own. For the region and the future of normalization, an integration of Israel with all of its Arab neighbors, including Saudi Arabia. President-elect Donald Trump has attempted to take credit for orchestrating the ceasefire, but when asked about Trumps claims, Biden responded Friday by saying, Is that a joke? Trumps envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is reportedly considering visiting the Gaza Strip to help ensure the ceasefire continues. The conflict has left Gaza devastated in the wake of genocidal acts, war crimes and intentional famine. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday shared insights on his participation at World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025. The Union Minister highlighted that there will be a detailed discussion on issues ranging from inclusive growth, invetments in social phisical and digital infrastructure to democratising technology. He pointed out the global interest in India's approach to economic policy, digital transformation, and the Digital India programme. He stated, "The Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has put huge focus on inclusive development, and a growth which brings a big transformative change in the lives of the people at the bottom of the pyramid. People who have been left out of development over many decades in the past, whether it is bank accounts, whether it is providing toilets, gas connections, whether it is having tap water connections, getting the basic infrastructure in the or villages done. Infrastructure in the urban areas done. This is something which the world wants to understand." "In the World Economic Forum at Davos, there is a lot of interest in understanding our thought process, PM's economic policy about digital transformation and also the way technology has been democratised by our PM's Digital India program... There will be detailed discussion in the World Economic Forum about inclusive growth, investment in social, physical and digital infrastructure and democratizing technology," he added. The annual WEF meeting 2025 in Davos takes place from 20 - 24 January. The meeting brings together government, business and civil society leaders to set the year's agenda for how leaders can make the world a better place for all. Davos 2025 convenes under the theme, 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age'. The 2025 meeting is being organized under five areas: reimagining growth, industries in the intelligent age, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, and rebuilding trust. More than 350 governmental leaders are expected to participate this year, including 60 heads of state and government. (ANI) Outgoing US President Joe Biden praised the release of further hostages from the Gaza Strip and the start of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on Sunday as an important step. "Today, the guns in Gaza have gone silent," Biden said. "I was pleased to have our team speak as one voice in the final days was both necessary and effective and unprecedented, but success is going to require persistence and continuing support for our friends in the region, and the belief in diplomacy backed by deterrence," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the agreement, the first three hostages from the Gaza Strip were released and handed over to the Israeli military. The women had been held since their abduction during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Biden stated that four more women are expected to be released in the next seven days, followed by three further hostages each week, including at least two US citizens. Asked if he was concerned that Hamas might regroup, Biden replied: "No." WASHINGTON (AP) The outgoing U.S. ambassador to the United Nations says she watched Americas leadership diminish in the world during Donald Trumps first presidency and China fill the vacuum. Linda Thomas-Greenfield is warning that if it happens again during Trump's second term, adversaries will move in anew. In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Thomas-Greenfield said during Joe Bidens presidency, the United States again engaged with the world, rebuilt alliances and reestablished Americas leadership. That is the gift that we hand over to the next administration, she said, and I hope that they will accept that gift in the spirit in which it is being given to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advice to Trump's choice for UN ambassador In a brief meeting with Trumps nominee, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, Thomas-Greenfield told her that the U.N. is important, and that it is important that we not cede any space to our adversaries. Those rivals will change the rules of the road," she warned. "And so, U.S. leadership is extraordinarily important. In his first term, Trump called the United Nations just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time. He suspended funding to its health and family planning agencies and withdrew from its cultural and education organization UNESCO and top human rights body. That's raised uncertainty about what's ahead, especially because the United States is the U.N.'s biggest single donor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stefanik has called for a complete reassessment" of U.S. funding for the 193-nation world body, described the U.N. as a den of antisemitism and urged a continued halt to support for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA. Of course, the U.N. isnt perfect and needs reforms, Thomas-Greenfield said. But to those who criticize the U.N. as a big bureaucracy where little gets done or decisions are ignored, she said she always quotes the late former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Madeleine Albright, who said if it didnt exist, we would invent it. Thomas-Greenfield stressed the U.N.s importance in dealing with major global issues, from war to humanitarian aid and the need to regulate artificial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States must stay at the table, she said, so that we can have influence and work with the entire system to ensure that the system delivers to the world. The most important table is the horseshoe-shaped one for the 15 members of the U.N. Security Council, the most powerful U.N. body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. Thomas-Greenfield said she gave Stefanik the same advice she got to meet quickly with all of them including permanent members Russia and China, rivals with veto power. Shes going to be sitting around the table with them on almost a daily basis, Thomas-Greenfield said. So, its important to know the individuals you are going to have to engage with, whether they are friends or foes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The failure to solve global crises In her final emotional speech to the Security Council, Thomas-Greenfield focused on Sudan, saying she wished there was closure on one crisis the world faces ticking off Gaza, Ukraine, Congo and other hotspots. She told AP the U.N. and the world have to be more proactive in our engagement to try to end these conflicts. Sudan, where nearly two years of fighting has created famine and the worlds worst displacement crisis, is an example of where as an international community, we could have done more sooner and ended the suffering sooner. Her focus on Africa Thomas-Greenfield, now 72, started her career as an academic and lived in Liberia, where she first saw U.S. diplomats at work and decided to join the Foreign Service in 1982. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She spent much of her more than 40-year career in Africa, returning to Liberia as ambassador, and rose to be assistant secretary of state for African affairs from 2013 to 2017, when Trump took office. Biden brought her out of retirement to become U.N. ambassador and a member of his Cabinet. At the United Nations, she said shes gained a much broader perspective on Africas important place in the world and urged recognition of its immense resources its people. Africa is an extraordinarily young continent, Thomas-Greenfield said. These young people will be the future of the world. Using gumbo diplomacy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the U.N., Thomas-Greenfield harkened back to her Louisiana roots, saying she was going to engage in gumbo diplomacy by cooking the states famous dish which mixes up lots of different flavors for fellow diplomats. Diplomacy is about bringing together people with different ideas, backgrounds, interests and guidance and coming up with a solution that we all can live with, she said. Thats what I think diplomacy is about. Thats what gumbo is about. So gumbo diplomacy has been very successful, Thomas-Greenfield said, pointing to over 200 U.N. resolutions adopted during her four years as ambassador, 77 of them drafted by the United States. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said she has connected with people of all backgrounds and beliefs using her signature gumbo diplomacy, always speaking from the head, but also from the heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Thomas-Greenfield said she plans to spend time with her grandchildren and work with college students to encourage "the next generation of multilateralists who will be filling the halls of the United Nations. As a Black woman, she said her advice to young Black men and women is dream big, and if things don't go your way, look for another tack and open doors that you hadn't intended to go through. OTTAWA The race to replace Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is dominated by one name: Donald Trump. How to wrestle with the incoming president and his tariff threats has emerged as the defining question in the Liberal Party leadership contest. Officially entering the race this weekend is Chrystia Freeland, who served as Trudeaus finance chief and deputy prime minister until her shock resignation in December. Freeland is positioning herself as a trade hawk willing to inflict retaliatory pain on American exporters and as a "battle-tested" trade negotiator who led Canada through trade talks to replace NAFTA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you force our hand, we will inflict the biggest trade blow that the United States has ever endured, Freeland said to applause at her campaign launch event in Toronto on Sunday afternoon. I promise, if Im prime minister, our response to illegal and unjustified tariffs will be dollar for dollar retaliation. She described Trumps threat of imposing a 25 percent on Canadian exports as an existential threat to the country. He wants to steal our jobs and drive away investment. He has spoken clearly and repeatedly about making our Canada the 51st state. And he has threatened to use economic coercion to do so. We do have to stop him and we will. Her chief rival is Mark Carney, the former head of two G7 central banks. Although hes a political rookie and never held elected office, the former financier argues he is best qualified to negotiate with a Trump White House. I'm not the usual suspect when it comes to politics, he said Thursday in Alberta, where he announced his candidacy, but this is no time for politics as usual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Often around now, Freeland and Carney are in Davos, frequent flyers to the annual World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Instead, for the next 50 days, theyll be duking it out against each other, taking shots at Trump while simultaneously under fire from Conservatives who denounce the two Liberals, both Harvard and Oxford grads, as globalist elitists out of touch with ordinary Canadians. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in one brushstroke last week dismissed Trudeau, Freeland and Carney as economic radicals with a woke climate agenda. "They have made us more dependent on President Trump," he said. Freeland says Poilievre is ready to bow down to the incoming president. If Pierre Poilievre is elected, he will be on the first flight to Mar-a-Lago to kiss the ring. He will sell us out, she said at Sundays rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has warned that hitting Canada with 25 percent tariffs is on his to-do list for his first day in office. Trudeau insists Ottawa is ready to retaliate: We will not hesitate, he said Friday. The looming trade war has preoccupied Ottawa, which is equally distracted by the hasty and abbreviated campaign to replace the three-term prime minister, who returned from Christmas holidays with a career update. The Liberal Party will choose its new leader on March 9. Canadians will go to the polls in 2025, so soon enough the populist Conservative leader will have to argue his case in an election where the ballot box question is likely to be, Who can best respond to Trump 2.0? In her December exit letter, Freeland warned that how Canada handles Trump will define us for a generation, and perhaps longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she launched her campaign Sunday, Freeland boasted of her role in negotiating the new NAFTA. I led the fight to save NAFTA and Canadian jobs even when the Conservatives wanted me to back down, she said. When Donald Trump imposed illegal tariffs on steel and aluminum, I defended us once again and I won. The rocky road that led to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement was fueled by antagonism between Freeland and Trump. Her behavior was totally toxic and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada, he said on Truth Social in December after learning that she'd resigned from Trudeaus Cabinet. She will not be missed!!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first advertising in the Freeland campaign turns Trump attacks into a selling point. I want to let you in on a little secret, she confides in a spot released Saturday. Donald Trump doesnt like me very much. Im a tough negotiator. Freeland is looking a lot like Canadas Kamala Harris that is, a political figure Canadians associate too closely with Trudeau and his nine years in office. The Conservatives are making sure everyone gets the connection. A Nanos poll this week showed the Conservatives with a more than comfortable 27-point lead over the Liberals as Canadians become increasingly concerned about jobs and the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poilievres message, speaking publicly for the first time after Carney entered the race, was that Freeland was over-taxing working people. For more than two years, the Conservative leader has campaigned across Canada with the message that the country is broken. Now, just as Trump did during his campaign, hes reminding voters that he understands the rising cost of groceries and other economic stresses are hurting families. This is a tax on home builders when we have a housing shortage, a tax on doctors when we have a doctor shortage. It is a tax on small business when we have an economic crisis. Its a tax on farmers when we have a food price crisis, Poilievre said this week of a Liberal tax measure. Trudeau, himself, arguably has done more than any Conservative attack ad or rhetorical flourish to remind Canadians that Freeland is intertwined with his unpopular Liberal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chrystia has been by my side for close to 10 years now, he said earlier this month when he announced his decision to step down. She has been an incredible political partner through just about everything we have done as a government and as a party over the past decade. Trudeaus endorsement is now the backtrack to a Conservative attack ad featuring images of the prime minister and Freeland and the tagline: Just like Justin. The Trudeau-Freeland political partnership was forged on July 26, 2013, when she said goodbye to a journalism career in New York and joined the Liberal Party. She won a special election in Toronto later that year. In the 2015 general election, Trudeau led his third-place party to majority government status, ending almost 10 years of Stephen Harpers rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Canada has no term limits for its federal leaders, anything more than a decade usually exceeds the political best-before date in the minds of Canadian voters. The next leader of the Liberal Party faces a reckoning with Canadians. Government House Leader Karina Gould entered the race on Saturday, calling for a new generation of leadership. But many of Trudeaus senior Cabinet ministers are taking a pass on the chance to take the helm of their party. Four of them Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson cited their desire to instead double down on their current roles in the fight for Canadas interests against Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freeland has made it clear she wants to do the same thing as Liberal leader. When it came to fighting for our great country, previous generations of Canadians did not back down, she said last week. We wont either. The National Weather Service has issued two cold-weather advisories for Chicago and other parts of the state this weekend, warning of dangerously cold wind chills that could dip as low as 20 to 25 degrees below zero. The advisories are in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday to noon Monday, and from 9 p.m. Monday to noon Tuesday in portions of central, east central, north central and northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. The bitterly cold temperatures can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, according to the weather service. After the sun starts to go down in the late afternoon (Sunday), temperatures will fall even more, and when we expect wind chills for the city around 20 below, said NWS meteorologist Kevin Doom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While cold snaps arent uncommon at some point in the winter, Doom said these temperatures are much lower than the typical 31 degrees this time of year. The forecast shows wind gusts of 15 to 20 miles per hour Sunday and Monday. The weather service recommended wearing appropriate clothing outdoors, including a hat and gloves. It also encouraged people to keep pets indoors as much as possible and to make frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors. If you have to go outside, make sure youre bundling up, Doom said. This definitely isnt the kind of cold to mess around with. More than 200 city buildings, including libraries, park district buildings and senior service centers, will serve as warming centers during the cold snap. The public also can go to any of Chicagos 22 police stations to keep warm. Dangerously cold weather is expected Monday and Tuesday, bringing single-digit temperatures to Northwest Indiana and Northern Illinois accompanied by negative wind chills of -20 degrees or worse. The National Weather Services Cold Weather Advisory went into effect 6 p.m. Sunday and was expected to last into Monday afternoon. Temperatures arent expected to get higher than 10 degrees on Monday, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, with a low of -5 degrees forecast of Monday night. Tuesday may be even colder as a high of 5 degrees is expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Double-digit temperatures are expected to return on Wednesday with a high of 22 degrees, according to the NWS forecast. The bitter cold is especially dangerous as wind chills as low as 20 to 25 degrees below zero are expected and can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, the NWS advisory stated. While cold snaps arent uncommon at some point in the winter, NWS meteorologist Kevin Doom. said these temperatures are much lower than the typical 31 degrees this time of year. The forecast shows wind gusts of 15 to 20 miles per hour Sunday and Monday. If you have to go outside, make sure youre bundling up, Doom said. This definitely isnt the kind of cold to mess around with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather service recommended wearing appropriate clothing outdoors, including a hat and gloves. It also encouraged people to keep pets indoors as much as possible and to make frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors. School delays Most schools are off Monday for the federal holiday. Gary Community School Corp. has already announced a two-hour delay on Tuesday in expectation of needing temperatures to warm up enough to allow buses to start. When wind chills drop below freezing, various communities open warming shelters. In Valparaiso, the YMCA, located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing will be open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.. on Monday through Friday. The Valparaiso Branch of the Porter County Public Library, located at 103 Jefferson St., is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and CoAction, located at 2001 Calumet Ave., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those who need special help during weather emergencies should register themselves or a loved one for the Contact Assistance Referral (CARE) Program by emailing Natalie Kasberger at nkasberger@valpopd.com or (219) 462-2135. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In East Chicago, Riley Hall, located at 1005 E. Chicago Ave., will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday. In Gary, the warming centers have two categories: Women, Children and Family Shelters and Mens Shelters. In the first category, the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center, located at 1900 W. 41st Ave., will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Ambridge-Mann Community Center, located at 2822 W. Fourth Ave., will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.; and Missionaries of Charity, located at 509 W. Ridge Road, will be open, but call (219) 884-2140 for hours of operation. As for the Mens Shelters, Brothers Keeper, located at 2120 Broadway, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Restoration House Shelter for Men, located at 1365 Taney St., will be open, but call (219) 427-1587 for hours of operation; and Serenity House, located at 5157 Harrison St., will be open, but call for (219) 980-1955 for hours of operation. In Hammond, Claude Street Transitional Housing (for women & children), located at 5515 Claude Ave., will be open, but call (219) 933-7013 for hours of operation, and Rescue Mission Shelter for Men, located at 527 State St., will be open, but call for (219) 932-2085 for hours of operation. Emergency kit In this weather, residents are advised to put together emergency kits, including rock salt or another product to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction, a shovel, sufficient heating fuel, adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm, a weather radio, minimize travel, bring animals inside, and create a family communication plan, the NWS stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When shoveling snow, avoid overexerting yourself as it can cause heart attacks, according to the American Heart Association. Drivers should try to travel during the day and avoid traveling alone, inform others of your schedule, and stick to main roads and avoid shortcuts. Travel with emergency supplies including a cell phone car charger; first-aid kit; extra blankets, hats, gloves and coats; plenty of drinking water and non-perishable snacks for passengers, including pets; flashlight and extra batteries; reflective warning triangles; and an ice scraper or snow brush, according to AAA. Safety tips NIPSCO advises residents to clear snow and ice from intake and exhaust vents, which can help avoid carbon monoxide buildup and help appliances operate well. Space heaters, which are a source of winter home fires, should be used with caution, on hard surfaces and anything flammable should be at least three feet away. Do not burn charcoal or run a generator indoors. Never use a stove or oven as a source of heat. Meters should be clear and visible in case maintenance is required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frozen pipes can cause pipes to burst during extreme cold events. Let faucets drip, especially those adjacent to an exterior wall, according to the American Red Cross. Chimneys should be cleaned and checked for blockage at least once a year before using your fireplace, NIPSCO stated in a rellease If you smell any rotten egg odor of natural gas or think there may be a gas leak, stop what you are doing, leave the area immediately, and then call 911 and the NIPSCO emergency line at 1-800-634-3524. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, and feeling ill or tired while at home, but fine when away. For more winter weather and home safety tips, visit nipsco.com/winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To find out more about the resources available to help you manage your energy bill and pay down past due balances, call NIPSCO at 1-800-464-7726 or visit nipsco.com/assistance. The Chicago Tribune contributed. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is now in full swing, and I wanted to share a recent interaction I had with a patron during a research request. As part of my job duties working at UTA Special Collections, I work extensively with our photograph collections, with our largest being the Fort Worth Star-Telegram photograph collection. When Fort Worth pastor Kyev Tatum approached me one day last summer on a quest for information, he introduced me to a notable Fort Worthian, Beatrice Pringle, and her Stock Show story. This is the part of my job that Im most excited by getting to be a part of and help further someones research journey while also learning more about the rich history of this community in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as Stock Show history goes, many know the story of Bill Pickett and how he dazzled crowds at the 1904 Fat Stock Show with his never-before-seen bulldogging technique. Pickett, a Black cowboy, was often barred from rodeos because of his race, so his exhibition at the Stock Show was uncommon, given that Fort Worth was still entrenched in Jim Crow-era segregation at that time. For a period from 1945 until 1953, the Stock Show held a livestock competition for young Black men that was separate from a similar contest for young white men. There was a significant inequity in prize money awarded between these two categories with $645 offered to the winner among the Black contestants versus $2,040 awarded to the winner among the white contestants. It wouldnt be until 1956 that the Stock Show allowed Black cowboys to compete in rodeo for the first time in its history. Among the first five Black cowboys to enter rodeo competition that year was Willie Thomas of Richmond, Texas, who placed first in Brahman bull riding. In 1962, the Stock Show awarded its second first-place rodeo title to a Black competitor, Ernest Bud Bramwell, in steer wrestling. Following this win, Bramwell helped co-found the American Black Cowboy Association in 1968 to increase Black representation at rodeos across the country. Fort Worth Stock Show officials pose with the champions at the final performance and closing ceremonies of the 1962 Stock Show rodeo. On horses are the champions, who include Ernest Buddy Bramwell (top row, third from left) of Marlow, Oklahoma, the first place winner in steer wrestling. This leads us to the 1970 Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show, where a Black woman named Beatrice Pringle eagerly bid on the grand champion steer inside the packed auction arena filled with dozens of white men. She didnt appear to be the least bit fazed by the fact that there was not a single person in that arena who looked like her she was on a mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I viewed this series of negatives for the first time, I was immediately in awe of Pringle. Frame by frame, I took in her outfit, her body language, her laser focus on the task at hand. She was radiant in her all-white cowgirl clothing among a sea of dark colored suit jackets. She exuded sheer confidence, and it was difficult for those around her not to notice. Two Star-Telegram photographers captured her from different angles as she exuberantly threw her hand up with each bid. Beatrice Pringle, representing Good Publishing Co. of Fort Worth, sits among a crowd before placing the winning bid of $7,000 for the grand champion steer of the 1970 Fort Worth Fat Stock Show. Pringle, public relations director at Good Publishing Co. at the time, was sent to bid on the grand champion steer by her boss, George Levitan, owner of the publishing firm. Good Publishing Co., based in Fort Worth, published four nationally distributed, Black-oriented magazines, including Sepia, Hep, Jive, and Bronze Thrills, each focusing on various aspects of African American culture. Bidding for the 18-month-old, 1,215 pound Hereford-Angus crossbreed named Corky opened with a $1,000 bid by a representative of Amon Carter Jr., president and publisher of the Star-Telegram. Other bidders included First National Bank, Buddies Super Market, General Dynamics-Fort Worth, Continental National Bank, Piggly Wiggly, Jettons Cafeteria, and a car dealership owner Bill McKay. Pringle entered the bidding war with a $5,800 bid, and she continued bidding against representatives from Fort Worth Cab and Baggage, Fort Worth National Bank, and a few more back-and-forth bids from First National Bank reps. After what was probably only mere seconds of bidding, Pringle secured the top bid at $7,000, which is worth about $57,000 today. Beatrice Pringle places a bid for the grand champion steer at the Fort Worth Fat Stock Show in 1970. Upon winning the auction, Levitan ordered that the steer be re-auctioned and the funds raised from that auction be given to Josephine Marshall, a Fort Worth woman who was in danger of losing her 11 foster children due to poor housing conditions. The year prior, Levitan made a similar move to buy the grand champion steer and gave it to Mama Josephine, as she was known, who then sold it to Piggly Wiggly for $1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Mama Josephine, George Levitan also saw greatness in Pringle. In May 1975, Levitan promoted Pringle to publisher after she served the company for 19 years in various roles. By 1977, Good Publishing Co. distributed over 750,000 copies of six different magazines all over the world. This is just a brief glimpse into Beatrice Pringles impact in the community and in the field of communications, and I am grateful to Tatum for introducing me to her. Tatum plans to present his research findings on Pringle through an upcoming exhibit titled The Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women History Makers in Fort Worth, which will be on display at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History from March-June, 2025. Sara Pezzoni works toward promoting greater access to Fort Worth Star-Telegram archival collection materials as a staff member of the Special Collections department at the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. Shortly before the presidential election, on a Sunday morning, the doorbell rang. I thought it was my husband returning from an out-of-town trip, signaling he was home. I opened the door to a petite woman who asked if we could talk. I stepped onto the front porch. She said she attended a Baptist church adjacent to our central Topeka neighborhood of Potwin. She noticed a lot of Kamala Harris signs in the neighborhood 20 by my count, versus three for Donald Trump and said that made her mad. She said she decided she needed to talk to people to find out why they supported Harris-Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris-Walz, I corrected, before adding, Because shes pragmatic. What does that mean? she asked. I rolled my eyes before saying, Practical. She said she was raised a Jehovahs Witness and described herself as a Christian. I think Trump is evil, I said. She said he had been a sinner but had redeemed himself. Have you not sinned? she challenged. Of course, I said, and asked her to leave my porch. As she was departing, I asked if she intended to vote for Trump. She said yes. I said that in my opinion, if she was a Christian, she was voting for the Antichrist. She said she had previously thought that too, believing the lies of the media. I told her I was a freelance writer, so part of the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I went inside fuming. Shortly, my phone rang. It was my neighbor. She warned me not to answer the door if the doorbell rang. Too late, I said. We compared our experiences. When the Trump supporter asked my neighbor, who also had a Harris sign in her yard, about her support of the vice president, she said she supported Harris because of her stand on reproductive rights. I congratulated my neighbor for sticking to policy. I was not proud of how I dealt with this woman at my door. Should I have asked her more questions? Yes. But instead, I let her get under my skin. At one point she even said, I see you can get mad, too. A week after the election, my husband and I went to Massachusetts, where his brother lives in Beverly, on the North Shore, a half mile from the Atlantic Ocean. On a morning walk, I saw an interesting looking fellow with his dog, gazing out at the ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking a chance, I said, Beautiful day, despite everything. He laughed and we chatted. He said he sees us in sort of a scientific experiment following Trumps reelection, suggesting we would all just see what happens. A few days later, my husband and I saw this same light-skinned Black man, who introduced himself as Pierre. He described growing up on a dairy farm outside Ann Arbor, Michigan, with eight sisters. He said his family was not stigmatized, but was always treated as special. He described himself as an eternal optimist. He works remotely from Massachusetts in manufacturing. He said he was talking to his neighbors about our earlier encounter, mistakenly reporting we were from Oklahoma. He noted that Oklahoma was a state where every county voted for Trump, spawning a meme comparing it to Massachusetts, which voted as blue as Oklahoma voted red. I corrected him about my home state, saying that Harris had won several counties in Kansas, and that Trump had won our county, Shawnee, by only 31 votes. Despite the common perception, I told him, Kansas is not a red monolith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imagine my delighted surprise when I did a bit of research the other day to discover that Harris actually won in Shawnee County in the final tally. I saw this first on Politico, and thought the publication had accidentally inverted the votes. But on Nov. 11, The Kansas City Star reported unofficial results showing the Democratic ticket won in Shawnee County. The New York Times interactive map of Kansas currently shows Shawnee County as a light blue, not pure azure, but blue enough, with Harris edging Trump by 407 votes. I cannot tell you how happy I was to find this out further evidence that Kansas is not a totally red rectangle. At least I had been in a slim majority somewhere, rather than in the minority of Shawnee Countians that included the self-assured Baptist woman at my doorstep. Obviously, it is easier to talk with people who agree with us. Across the miles, I chanced a conversation with a stranger, which yielded pleasure and mutual discovery. Across the political divide, I didnt do so well. Next time, Ill try harder. Jeffrey Ann Goudie is a n award-winning freelance writer and book critic whose work has appeared in The Boston Globe, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, The Kansas City Star and The Kansas Reflector, among many other publications. She lives in Topeka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday applauded the flourishing startup ecosystem in the country away from the major business centres, adding that the registration of startups in Nagaland has surged by over 200 per cent last year. In his recent Mann Ki Baat address, he applauded the remarkable growth of India's startup ecosystem, particularly in smaller cities. He highlighted a 200% surge in startup registrations in Nagaland last year, with key sectors including waste management, biotechnology, and logistics. "In a state like Nagaland, the registration of startups has increased by more than 200 percent last year. Waste Management, Non-Renewable Energy, Biotechnology and Logistics are the sectors in which the most number of start-ups are being noticed, " Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated. Addressing the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat and the first of this year, the Prime Minister mentioned the successful completion of 9 years of Startup India. PM Modi further added, "Just a few days ago, Start-Up India has completed 9 years. More than half of the startups that have been formed in our country in these 9 years are from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and when we hear that, every Indian's heart is delighted with the fact that our startup culture is not limited to just big cities." Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the significant role played by women in these ventures, with many of the startups in smaller cities being led by daughters of India. Reflecting on the evolution of India's startup culture, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the vast transformation over the last decade. "Ten years ago, the idea of entering the startup world was met with skepticism, but today, India's startup ecosystem has become a hub of innovation and opportunity. The Prime Minister urged young people to take full advantage of the new opportunities arising across the nation," he added. "10 years ago, when someone used to talk about entering the field of start-ups, one had to listen to many kinds of taunts. Some would ask, after all, what is a start-up? Others would say, That will not lead you anywhere! But see how big a changeup has come in a decade now! You too should take full advantage of the new opportunities being created in India. If you believe in yourself, your dreams will also soar to new heights," the Prime Minister stated. Going further, PM Modi highlighted the achievement of Bengaluru-based space-tech startup, adding that the Pixxel has launched India's first private satellite constellation. He added, "I am proud to share that an Indian space-tech start-up, Pixxel from Bengaluru, has successfully launched India's first private satellite constellation--'Firefly.''. This satellite constellation is the world's highest-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation. A few days ago, our scientists achieved another significant milestone in the space sector. Our scientists successfully carried out satellite space docking," PM Modi added. (ANI) A couple from Brentwood received federal penalties after pleading guilty to making false statements on loan applications. According to the Department of Justice, Brennan McNally, 43, and his wife Angela McNally, 43 lied about employment status and income when filing for a residential loan. When the McNallys lied so that they could get a federally funded loan, they put themselves above the worthy and qualified applicants for whom the funds were intended, said U.S. Attorney Olshan. We appreciate the work of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General in this case and will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to stamp out financial fraud wherever we find it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will both spend a day in the custody of the U.S. Marshalls Service and will be under three years of supervised release. The couple will also have to spend $26,251 in restitution to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The defendants engaged in an egregious scheme to misrepresent the spouses employment, falsely claiming she was a federal employee to take advantage of a HUD-insured mortgage program designed to assist hard-working individuals realize the American dream of homeownership, said Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. No one is above the law and our office will continue to work with the U.S. Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners to investigate individuals who jeopardize the integrity of FHA mortgage programs. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Light snow flurries in Indianapolis early Sunday signaled an approaching arctic air mass that could bring dangerous wind chills as low as -20 degrees across Indiana in the coming days. Bitterly cold temperatures are forecast across Indiana from 7 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to a cold weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service. By Monday, the daily high is expected to drop near 10 degrees, with wind chill indexes cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin within just 30 minutes. Bitter cold is expected for the first half of next week. A cold weather advisory is in effect and wind chill values will fall to -10 to -20 on Sunday Night through Wednesday morning. #INwx pic.twitter.com/Sd0ffZLjyr NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) January 18, 2025 The NWS urges Hoosiers to cover all skin when going outdoors and to bring pets inside. When traveling, wear several layers and bring extra blankets in case of an emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That cold air will continue to filter in and we're going to be below zero for overnight lows tonight," NWS Indianapolis meteorologist Randy Bowers told IndyStar. "For the next few days, we're going to be quite a bit colder than normal." Indiana's weather colder than normal At the peak of the cold blast, Central Indiana temperatures will be 25 to 30 degrees below typical levels, Bowers said. The average high this time in January is 36 degrees, while the overnight low is around 20 degrees. Here's the latest NWS forecast through Wednesday: Sunday, Jan. 19: Scattered snow showers before 1 p.m., then scattered flurries. Mostly cloudy, with temperature falling to around 14 by 5 p.m. By tonight, ambient air temperatures will be as low as -1 and wind chill values as low as -14. Monday, Jan. 20: Sunny and cold, with a high near 12. Wind chill values as low as -14. Monday night's low is around 3. Tuesday, Jan. 21: Mostly sunny but even colder than Monday, with a high of 8 degrees. Tuesday night's low is -3. Wednesday, Jan. 22: Mostly sunny with a high near 22. Wednesday night's low is 17. Will it snow in Indiana this week? Little to no snowfall is forecast over the next week. On Sunday, a band of snow swept across Central Indiana and counties east of Indianapolis. Visibility could be poor for drivers, with rapid snow accumulations of a few tenths of an inch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There really is not a good chance of precipitation for the next seven days," Bowers said. "Kind of a dry pattern. It's mainly just cold." Weather info you need Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories. Indiana power outage map: How to check your status. Internet outages: How to track them. What you should and shouldn't do when the power is out. Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call. Warming shelters around Indianapolis People can find information about warming shelters via the city's winter contingency plan or by calling 211. Emergency warming shelters will be available during harsh weather conditions through March 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indy Parks Family Shelters will be open to all during normal business hours, which can be found at this link. More: Freezing cold is here. Where to stay warm and find overnight shelter in Indianapolis. Email IndyStar Housing, Growth and Development Reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09 This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana's dangerously low wind chills make state colder than normal Heart specialist joins Franciscan in Michigan City Dr. Tansel Turgut, a heart specialist, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City, according to a release. Turgut earned his medical degree from Hacettepe University School of Medicine in Ankara, Turkey. He completed his internal medicine residency at State University of New York at Buffalo, his cardiology fellowship at Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation in New Orleans and his fellowship in interventional cardiology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, the release said. He is accepting new patients at the Franciscan Health Heart Center, at 3500 Franciscan Way, which is adjacent to Franciscan Health Michigan City hospital. Call 219-878-8200. Indiana Grown awards $25,000 in grants Indiana Grown, the states agricultural marketing initiative, has announced seven members, including one from Merrillville, recently received a total of $25,000 in grant funding to promote their products at trade shows nationwide, according to a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grants were awarded to businesses with commercially ready products who want to expand, the release said. The winners included: Tell City Pretzels, Tell City; Tulip Tree Creamery, Indianapolis; Bee Great, Churubusco; Cute as a Cupcake, Merrillville; Smoking Goose, Indianapolis; Market Square Popcorn, Indianapolis and Old Major Market, also from Indianapolis. Tulip Tree Creamery and Smoking Goose will be using the funding to attend the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. Other winners will be attending the National Restaurant Show in Chicago and the Snacks and Sweets Expo in Indianapolis, the release said. Lake County Forever campaign growing Legacy Foundation officials recently announced that the Lake County Forever campaign has moved beyond the 80% point of its $1.9 million goal, according to a release. The campaign is driven by a promise from Lilly Endowment Inc., which will donate $2 for every $1 raised through Lake County Forever, tripling every donation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of June, the campaign hopes to raise $5.8 million for area nonprofits. The money will go toward unrestricted funds, which go directly to nonprofits that address community needs throughout Lake County, the release said. For more information, visit legacyfdn.org. CLH names new director of operations Longtime firm member Stephanie Russell has been named director of operations for CLH, CPAs & Consultants in Michigan City, according to a release. Russell joined CLH in 2000 through the Michigan City High School inter-cooperative work program. She started at the firm as a file clerk and advanced through every administrative position within CLH, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her new role, Russell is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the firm, developing and improving business, recruiting and pipeline growth strategies, fostering strong relationships internally and assisting staff in providing outstanding client services, the release said. She is active with several professional organizations, including the Lakeshore SHRM and International SHRM and is a member of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerces Education Committee. Geriatric emergency department care accredited Franciscan Health Crown Point recently earned the bronze standard Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), according to a release. The program recognizes emergency departments that provide excellent care to older adults. The voluntary program provides specific target criteria and goals for emergency clinicians and administrators, the release said. Franciscan Health Crown Point is located at 12750 St. Francis Drive at the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. 231. More information is available online at www.franciscanhealth.org or by phone at 219-738-2100. California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta on Saturday warned landlords that price-gouging rules in effect because of the Los Angeles County fires apply even in cases where bidding wars break out over their property. Under those rules, which kicked in when the governor declared a state of emergency, local landlords generally can't charge more than 10% above what they were charging or advertising before the crisis. Many landlords have tried to charge above those levels anyway, posting listings online that sometimes shows increases greater than 50% or even 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rental ads have drawn outrage from politicians, tenant groups and even some landlord organizations who have all urged law enforcement to crack down. Bonta has promised to prosecute, but there has been confusion among some agents, property owners and tenants whether the law applies to instances where there is a bidding war. At times, fire victims either at the property owner's urging, or under their own volition have submitted offers well above the initial asking price, desperate to find housing in a tight market after the fires destroyed their homes. In a news release Saturday, the attorney general's office sought to clarify any confusion, explicitly saying that the price-gouging law applies to bidding wars, with landlords unable to accept offers that result in rent exceeding the limits otherwise set by the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The bottom line is this: landlords cannot charge, or accept, rent that exceeds the 10 percent cap set by Californias price gouging statute, even if they find someone who is willing to pay it, Bonta said in a statement. Our legislature has enacted robust protections for renters during times of crisis, and Im committed to ensuring that those protections are followed and respected. If convicted of price gouging, landlords can face up to a year in jail and criminal penalties of $10,000 per violation. The attorney general's office urged Californians who believe they've been a victim of price gouging to report it at oag.ca.gov/report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. This article was originally published in CalMatters. Rural school districts already beset with financial struggles are furiously scrambling to save a century-old funding source that Republican lawmakers last month eliminated from the federal budget. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which has been approved almost continuously since 1908, is intended to compensate rural counties that have large swaths of non-taxable national forest land. Last year, the bill brought nearly $40 million to 39 California counties, funding everything from after-school programs to school roof repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money is a lifeline for rural districts that, because of lower enrollment, receive less money from the state than their urban and suburban counterparts yet tend to have large numbers of high-needs students and higher costs, such as providing bus service to remote areas. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter In December, amid the flurry of last-minute budget negotiations, the bill died in the House after House Speaker Mike Johnson did not put it forward for a vote. The bills original sponsors hope to reintroduce it in the next few weeks in a last-ditch effort to get it passed before the final budget deadline in March. Its a longshot, but school officials are renewing their fight because the loss of those funds could have deep repercussions for rural school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It might not seem like much, but its real money for us, said Allan Carver, superintendent of schools for Siskiyou County, which last year received $4.3 million from Secure Rural Schools. If it was to go away, there would be a hole in our budget that would have an undeniable impact on children. GOP promises to cut federal spending Republican Congressional leaders did not respond to interview requests from CalMatters. But in budget hearings, they have vowed to reduce government spending, including education funding. President-elect Donald Trump has also proposed eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and making other cuts to schools. His advisor, Elon Musk whom Trump recently named head of a yet-to-be-created Department of Government Efficiency has been outspoken in his desire to cut federal programs. Thats been frustrating for rural residents, many of whom supported Trump in November and feel Secure Rural Schools is neither a partisan issue nor a government handout. This is not a gift of Congress, said Lonnie Hunt, a retired judge from rural Texas whos head of the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition. Its a pact made more than 100 years ago between the government and local communities. If the federal government had not made this deal, theyd never have been able to create the National Forest Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet somehow its been lost in the politics, Hunt added. Its a shame that rural America is being victimized here. And Im pointing fingers in all directions, not just one side. Mold and layoffs in Trinity County Secure Rural Schools dates from the creation of the National Forest Service in the early 20th century, when the federal government set aside millions of acres of land for logging. Because that land was removed from the local tax rolls, nearby communities were left with budget shortfalls and few options to make up the cash. To compensate, the federal government agreed to share a portion of timber profits with those areas. When the logging industry started to decline in the 1990s, the government started augmenting the payments through the modern version of Secure Rural Schools. Congress gave these counties $35.8 million for rural schools last year but no more is coming In 2024, these 39 California counties received money through the Secure Rural Schools program because they have National Forest Service land. The money goes to counties that have National Forest Service land, where its divided between schools and public works. California, with nearly 21 million acres of national forest, receives far more than any other state. And within California, Trinity County receives the second-highest amount $3.5 million last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Located in the mountains of northwest California, Trinity County spans 3,208 square miles and is more than twice the size of Rhode Island. About 80% of it is owned by the federal government, which means it has limited ability to raise money through local tax measures. Due in part to the decline in logging, its also one of the poorest counties in the state, with a poverty rate of more than 20%, compared to 12% statewide. Trinity Alps Unified, the largest district in the county, received about $600,000 from Secure Rural Schools last year, about 5% of its overall budget. That money was crucial for paying for things like teachers aides, art and music programs, field trips and after-school programs, Superintendent Jaime Green said. Local residents know all too well what could happen without Secure Rural Schools. In 2016, the only other time in recent memory the bill didnt pass, Trinity County school districts didnt have money to make basic repairs to school buildings, leading to dangerous outbreaks of toxic mold at numerous campuses. Students and teachers lives were disrupted by school closures, and the state had to spend more than $50 million to help districts rebuild. This time, Green is warning that the district may have to eliminate seven jobs, leading to bigger class sizes and fewer enrichment programs. He worries that the students who need the most help will suffer the worst impacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were an impoverished county, and the only way to reverse that pattern of poverty is through education, Green said. Cutting funding hurts kids. We have to be realistic about that. Keeping the pressure on Green and other rural superintendents have traveled to Washington, D.C. almost a dozen times in the past year or so to lobby for Secure Rural Schools. Their work paid off, at least in the Senate, where the bill passed unanimously. Green and his colleagues plan to keep the pressure on through emails and phone calls to Republican leadership, in hopes of convincing them to support rural schools even as they face pressure from Musk and Trump to slash federal spending. Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, president of the National Association of Counties, has also been persistently lobbying for Secure Rural Schools. He said theres usually some last-minute wrangling before the bill passes, but this year was vastly different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every time it comes up, all the cowboy hats show up to advocate for the bill in Washington, D.C., he said. This year we had a lot of momentum and we thought wed get it over the hump. It was a gut punch when it didnt go through. We were shocked, to be honest. Rural areas lack of population and money often means that politicians overlook residents needs in those areas, Gore said. Likewise, few people outside of rural areas would hear about the impact if programs are cut, he said. None of the House Republican leaders, including Johnson, party leader Rep. Steve Scalise and House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer, represents areas that receive Secure Rural Schools funding. None of the three responded to requests for comment. Its a catastrophe that no one knows about, said Gore, referring to the bills failure. But we have an absolute responsibility to these small towns, who are the stewards of these largely unmanned federal lands. The last Secure Rural Schools payment was in April. Even if Congress returns to funding the bill next year, even one missed year of payments may leave an impact, superintendents said. Children will have fallen behind academically and teachers will have lost their jobs. In small communities where jobs are scarce, layoffs can have a disproportionate impact, sometimes leading to families moving out of the area entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, wed go through the motions but we always got it solved by the buzzer, Hunt said. This year were past the buzzer and were in OT. But we wont quit. This story was originally published on CalMatters. TORONTO (AP) Pro-Palestinian protesters and a significant endorsement of her rival for the Liberal Party leadership marred former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's campaign launch on Sunday for the job of Canada's next prime minister. It was Freeland's abrupt resignation as finance minister last month that forced Justin Trudeaus exit as prime minister and party leader. Freeland is now running for both the next leader of the Liberal Party and prime minister of Canada. But as Freeland started her speech at a children's club in Toronto on Sunday, about a dozen protesters who were in the audience would start yelling, at different times: Free Palestine!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After security guards kicked each protester out, another would repeat the process. Those outside banged on the doors and kept shouting. The disruptions stretched Freeland's speech to about two hours. The protesters released a statement saying they were staging a rolling protest to demand an end to Canadas complicity in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people. They said their action comes after 15 months of unsuccessful attempts to reach Freeland. I am not afraid and Im not going to back down, Freeland said. Canadians are just not going to put up with it. You can have a different point of view but you cannot stop others from speaking and you cannot stop our democracy." Just before Freeland took the stage, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly released a statement on X, saying she was endorsing former central banker Mark Carney to be the next Liberal leader and prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trudeau is to remain prime minister until a new Liberal Party leader is chosen on March 9. Joly said she believes Carney is best positioned to defeat opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in the coming general election, and is the best candidate to deal with President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canada. Carney helped Canada dodge the worst of the 2008 crisis while heading the countrys central bank. He also helped the U.K. to manage the after effects of Brexit during his 7-year tenure as governor of the Bank of England. Mark brings unparalleled economic experience, Joly said in a statement. During times of crisis, governments of all stripes turn to Mark, including the 2008 financial crisis and Brexit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney and Freeland are both front-runners for the Liberal leadership while former Government House leader Karina Gould has also announced her candidacy. Party members will elect the new leader. Joly herself was considered a leadership candidate but decided not to run so she help the government deal with Trump's tariff threat. Her support for Carney gives him a boost in Quebec, where Joly is from. Freeland announced her resignation from Trudeaus Cabinet on Dec. 16, criticizing some of his economic priorities in the face of Trumps tariff threats. The move stunned Canada and raised questions about how much longer the increasingly unpopular Trudeau could stay in office. The next Liberal leader could be the shortest-tenured prime minister in the countrys history. All three opposition parties have vowed to bring down the Liberals minority government in a no-confidence vote after parliament resumes on March 24. An election is expected this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trudeau announced his resignation on Jan. 6 after losing support both within his party and in the country. The political upheaval comes at a difficult moment for Canada. Trump keeps calling Canada the 51st state and has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods. "If you hit us, we will hit back," Freeland said during her speech Sunday in a message to Trump. I promise, if Im prime minister, that our response to illegal and unjustified tariffs will be dollar-for-dollar retaliation," she added. "If you force our hand, we will inflict the biggest trade blow that the United States has ever endured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After she resigned as finance minister, Trump called Freeland totally toxic and not at all conducive to making deals. Freeland was Canadas point person when the U.S, Canada and Mexico redid its free trade deal during the first Trump administration. Freeland and Trudeau had disagreed about two recently announced policies: a temporary sales tax holiday on goods ranging from childrens clothes to beer, and plans to send every citizen a check for $250 Canadian dollars ($174.) Freeland, who was also deputy prime minister, said Canada could not afford costly political gimmicks. For sometime I had been in disagreement with the prime minister specifically over spending, Freeland said. Those disagreements disagreements got worse after President Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on our country. At that point I realized that we faced what could be an existential threat and I realized that we had to really had to focus all of our energies focused on that threat. We had to keep our fiscal fire powder dry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Freeland herself has been criticized for Canadas growing deficits and she was finance minister when the Liberal government became deeply unpopular with voters over a range of issues, including the soaring cost of food and housing as well as surging immigration. Trudeau told Freeland last month he no longer wanted her to serve as finance minister, but that she could remain deputy prime minister and the point person for U.S.-Canada relations. Freeland resigned shortly after, releasing a scathing letter about the government that proved to be the last straw for Trudeau. On a Monday afternoon just a week before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, about a dozen Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School fifth-graders sat cross-legged in the New London schools cozy library and heard some hard truths about their countrys history with segregation. Holding a copy of Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, paraprofessional Mamie Bauduccio-Rock, the schools storyteller, walked the wide-eyed and sometimes incredulous students through what life in America was like in the mid-20th century. You and I would not be in a classroom together, Bauduccio-Rock, who is white, informed a young Black student, highlighting the cruelty and unfairness of the era, as well as changes forced by King and his contemporaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teaching Kings life and legacy has evolved considerably in recent years, with teachers and administrators eschewing the once-a-year approach of raising the subject only around the civil rights leaders birthday on Jan. 15. I want to underscore to children why they have a day off, Bauduccio-Rock said as she helped students compose a diamante" poem about King using a series of words whose completed shape resembles a diamond. We cant just do a one-off. That would be unjust and not respectful. Assistant Principal Alysha Carmody said curriculum related to Kings life is tailored to specific grade levels, but with a single overarching goal. We want to instill those skills King espoused to help them grow as human beings, she said, adding the school is preparing to create a "dream wall," based on Kings I Have a Dream speech, in which they write down their recommendations on how to improve the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those lessons include inviting guest speakers in from local NAACP branches, analyzing speeches and hosting debates centered around the issues King faced as a young preacher pushing back against entrenched racism. Serenity Francis, a 2024 New London High graduate, recalled examining a section of one of King's speeches during a history course. Francis, an 18-year-old freshman at Central Connecticut State University, said she'd like to see school districts expand their lessons beyond King and Malcolm X. "There should be more attention paid to people like Harriet Tubman and other civil rights leaders," Francis said, referring to the Black abolitionist. "I'm also in favor of hands-on activities and not just reading a passage or text about a person." New London Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie said while the school district in January hosts a series of special activities related to King, the message of nonviolent resistance is reiterated throughout the school year with his messages embedded in reading, social studies and history classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its more of a holistic approach to teaching Kings legacy, so its not just one day or a single month, New London Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Hills-Papetti said. Keeping King relevant for older students New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus Principal Bryan Mahon said teachers and administrators over the years have made a conscious effort to remind students of Kings relevance to their own lives. Its important students and we have so many different cultures represented here see themselves in Kings work and become engaged, Mahon said. It also gives them the chance to talk about how society sees them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oliver Aubin, 17, of Norwich, a senior at Norwich Free Academy and recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund award last fall, said King is taught at NFA year-round in different classes. But the focus on King intensifies in January and during Black History Month in February. Aubin said King and other prominent civil rights leaders are key components of the NFAs Black and Latino Studies class. Aubin said he is especially pleased that, with NFAs diverse student body, students from many different countries of origin, some of whom have never heard of King, will learn about his teachings and his legacy. NFA 10th grader Abigail Gaspard, 15, of Norwich, said she would like to learn more about King and other civil rights leaders in history and other classes. She wishes history classes would teach more about all aspects of history, not just the prominent events in American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we talk about activism, Gaspard said, Martin Luther King comes up in all classes, and other prominent Black leaders. Karen Cook, head of the history and social studies department at Norwich Free Academy and a 30-year veteran in the education field, said the regional high school offers several civil rights classes, including a 10th grade global studies citizenship class that focuses on the individuals role in improving society. All 11th graders are required to take a U.S. history course, and a Black and Latino studies elective is also offered. Cook said its sometimes overlooked that King was a young man when he entered the public stage. This was not an old person, and he was surrounded by other young people fighting for change, she said, noting recordings of Kings speeches are readily available, giving students a chance to hear his message directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook said todays students are often motivated by social justice causes, including those related to environmental and LGBTQ+ issues, interests that connect with King's push for equality. We want students to know that in addition to his standing up for civil rights, King was also a brilliant mind, Cook said. j.penney@theday.com North Little Rock, Ark. The North Little Rock Fire Department rushed to the Shell gas station on McCain Boulevard to see a car wash in flames on Saturday morning. Chief Battalion Josh Cox said he later found out that there were several unsheltered individuals that were seeking refuge in the structure there overnight. Once the manager was aware of the fire, she opened the door and allowed them to flee, Cox said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warming shelters opening in central Arkansas ahead of weekend cold front Chesney Overton said when she came to work at the gas station and saw the car wash burned up and ashes covering the ground, she had just hoped no one was inside when the fire happened. Weve had trouble with keeping them out during this winter. Because theres a heater to stop the water from freezing, Overton said. Sue Cowan Williams Library announces re-opening date after closure due to fire And as temperatures continue to plummet, Cox hopes those unsheltered find a safer way to stay out of the cold. If the unsheltered are going to these warming centers where they can seek refuge and be warm, then theyre not doing any kind of unsafe burning or something to try to keep themselves warm, keep themselves alive, Cox said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exact cause of this fire is under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. NEWPORT, Tenn. A man is facing a second-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting in Newport, Cocke County Sheriffs Office said. On Sunday at 1:47 a.m., CCSO found Daniel Messer, 35, dead from an apparent gunshot wound. While investigating the incident, the detectives spoke to Eric Banks, 40. Father and son dead after domestic dispute in Harlan County According to police, Banks said hed been drinking alcohol before the shooting. He and Messer spoke about guns and Banks retrieved a .44 Magnum Ruger then went to Messers bedroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banks claims that he stood in the bedroom and pulled the hammer back and as he was trying to release the hammer slowly while it was aimed at Messer, the firearm discharged shooting the victim in the face, which killed the victim, said a CCSO spokesperson. CCSO arrested Banks on charges of second-degree murder. A bond was not set for him at this time but will go before a judge to decide the bond. Messer was taken to the Knoxville Forensics Center for an autopsy. Accidental shooting of 8-year-old in Harlan County under investigation We ask for prayers for the family during their loss, the CCSO spokesperson added. Such a tragic incident that has claimed the life of another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Actress Bhagyashree called for securing the Indian borders after the Saif Ali Khan stabbing attack accused was confirmed to be a native of Bangladesh by Mumbai police. The Saif Ali Khan's stabbing incident occurred on January 16, during which the actor was attacked at his Bandra residence. The 'Hum Tum' actor sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. At an event in Indore, actress Bhagyashree said that the latest incident at Bandra has put a question mark on the safety of a lot of people who live in Mumbai. While speaking to ANI, she said, "When incidents like this happen in Mumbai, then everyone gets tensed. The local public too. It's not about Bollywood, it's about the safety of everyone. Everyone's safety is under a question mark. And especially if an immigrant does something like this, then we should definitely secure our Indian borders, very important." The actress shared that she was "shocked" when she came to know about the incident. "We who live in Mumbai are very shocked by what happened because Mumbai is considered as one of the safest cities in India hah. So, after the incident, obviously, everyone is tense. But the Police are doing their job well. And I think in the latest news, the assailant has been caught. Therefore, I hope the legal process starts soon." Meanwhile Mumbai police have caught the accused identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, who they claim is a native of the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh. As per the police statement, the accused entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. The case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Further, according to the police, the accused was about to flee to his native village when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. Shehzad was sent to five-day police custody by Bandra Holiday Court today. His advocate Sandeep Shekhane denied the police claims and alleged that "no proper investigation" has been done till now. "A police custody for 5 days has been granted. The court has asked the police to submit a report within 5 days. The police have no proof that he is a Bangladeshi. They said that he came here 6 months ago, it is a wrong statement. He has been living here for more than 7 years. His family is in Mumbai... This is a clear-cut violation of 43A. No proper investigation has been done," Shekhane told reporters. The case was reported by Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse. After the attack, the actor was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, where he received treatment for serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is recovering 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. While the actor is now "out of danger," medical staff are closely monitoring his condition. At an event, Soha Ali Khan shared the health update of the actor while talking to the media during an event. She said, "We are happy that he is recovering well and we are very thankful and we feel very blessed and grateful that it wasn't any worse. Thank you for all your wishes." (ANI) A cease-fire between Hamas and Israel took effect Sunday, silencing the guns over Gaza and renewing hopes of a possible end to a 15-month conflict that has killed tens of thousands and edged the Middle East to all-out regional war. By late afternoon, an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and detainees had begun. Three hostages were handed over to Israeli forces the first of 33 expected to be freed over the next six weeks in exchange for some 1,900 Palestinians. Israeli authorities were assembling the first 90 at Ofer prison in the West Bank, but by early morning Monday they still had not been freed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal follows months of tortuous negotiations led by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, with the Qataris regularly expressing frustration and threatening to walk away at one point. The precariousness of the deal was highlighted even before the fighting stopped. The cease-fire had been set for 8:30 a.m. local time, with plans for three female hostages to be exchanged for dozens of Palestinian prisoners later in the day. But in the hours ahead of the deadline, Hamas failed to send the list of hostage names, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say there would be no cease-fire unless the information was received. Hamas blamed technical field issues for the delay and said it was still committed to the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Cease-fire deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Gaza As the clock struck 8:30, Gaza residents began to celebrate, with thousands in the streets cheering in impromptu parades and aid groups distributing sweets. Minutes later, with no word from Hamas, the sounds of explosions began to reverberate in the sky. Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari issued a statement saying Hamas was not fulfilling its obligations, and contrary to the agreement has not given Israel the names of the hostages. Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather Sunday in Tel Aviv. (Oded Balilty / Associated Press) Per the directive of the prime minister, the cease-fire will not take effect as long as Hamas is not fulfilling its obligations, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The [Israeli military] is continuing to strike now in Gaza, as long as Hamas is not fulfilling its obligations to the deal. Almost two hours later, Hamas announced it had handed the names of the hostages to Qatari mediators. At 11:15 a.m., the cease-fire came into effect. Rescue services in Gaza said 19 people were killed during the delay. Despite the shaky start, the cease-fire held throughout Sunday, allowing the first detainee exchange to begin around 4:30 p.m. local time. Read more: Scores of Palestinian minors sit in Israeli prisons. He wanted his 13-year-old son to join them In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis converged on so-called Hostages Square, the courtyard where Israelis have come in repeated demonstrations demanding the government move faster in releasing the hostages. Live broadcasts showed people cheering when news of the hostages release came through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They chanted Everyone, now to indicate they wanted all hostages returned. In Gaza City, thousands of Palestinians gathered in Sarayah Square the designated handover point. Hamas fighters armed with assault rifles pushed back the crowds as a convoy of vehicles carrying the three Israeli hostages entered the square. Moments later, the hostages were swiftly transferred to a Red Cross car, which delivered them to the Israeli military. Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza watch as photographs of the first hostages awaiting release, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari, appear on a screen in Tel Aviv. (Oded Balilty / Associated Press) The hostages were identified as Romi Gonen, 24, kidnapped from the Nova music festival; and Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, both kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheba Medical Center reported that the three women were stable. Israeli authorities released footage of tearful reunions with their families. You're here!" a relative cried. "I can really touch you! The crowd in Sarayah Square was eagerly awaiting the first wave of Palestinians freed in the deal 90 women and children. Some were bound for Gaza and others would remain in the West Bank. But more than seven hours after the Israeli hostages were handed over, there was still no sign of the Palestinians to be released. Neither the Israeli government nor the Red Cross, whose workers had entered the Ofer prison to inspect the detainees before delivering them to Palestinian authorities, offered an explanation for the delay. At one point, Israeli security forces fired tear gas to disperse crowds of Palestinians gathering near the prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Tareq al-Batsh, a 35-year-old taxi driver from the Al-Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza city now living in a shelter in Deir al Balah, relief that the cease-fire had come to pass was tempered by the frustration of not immediately being able to see his relatives in the north. The best he could do for now was call them to celebrate. Todays joy feels incomplete," he said His wife, Diana al-Batsh, 30, said the first thing she would do was travel north to hug her parents. "I regret coming to the south," she said. "I came here for the childrens safety, but now it feels empty without everyone I love around me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were returning to their home in the north, even though they know its partially destroyed. Al-Batsh plans to use tarps to cover holes in the walls as best he can. His wife said they would take some basics with them mattresses, old clothes, a few essential items and figure out the rest when they get there. Were afraid this truce could fail at any moment, of course," she said. "But still, for now were cautiously optimistic." Azhaar Rasheed al-Mashharawi, a 52-year-old housewife from Gazas Al-Shujaiya neighborhood, had been preparing for this moment for the last two days, sifting through belongings and gathering whatever she needed to start cleaning her house. Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Yunis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Sunday. (Jehad Alshrafi / Associated Press) "I wanted to be ready before anyone else," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was looking forward to reuniting with her daughter, 35-year-old Rania, and her six grandchildren. I plan to buy some sweets for them. I just want to bring them something nice after everything theyve been through. Nofal Ayyad, a 60-year-old builder also from Al-Shujaiya, said he was happy his family was safe, but he echoed the feelings of many of his neighbors, saying his happiness will be complete only when I can finally go back home to the north." The cease-fire deal is largely similar to what was proposed in May but never materialized. The first phase, which is built on the exchange of 33 hostages Israelis and some foreigners for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, is set to last 42 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the more than 250 people Hamas and other militant groups kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, a total of 94 remain in Gaza. About a third of those are thought to have died. As part of the first phase, aid deliveries will surge to 600 trucks per day, a vast increase that will provide much-needed relief at a time when vast swaths of the Strip have been obliterated. Roughly half the trucks will be dedicated for north Gaza, where the destruction is greatest. On Sunday morning, UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, said 4,000 trucks half of them carrying food and flour were ready to enter. Israel has agreed to withdraw from the Netzarim Corridor which runs from east to west and bisects the Strip and Gaza residents can go back to their homes in the enclaves north. Israeli forces will remain in the Philadephi Corridor between Gaza and Egypt, Netanyahu said. A little over two weeks into the cease-fire, negotiations are expected begin on phase 2, which includes the release of the remainder of the hostages and eventually a full withdrawal and a permanent cease-fire. Its unclear how long those negotiations which promise to be even thornier than those of the first phase will continue, but Netanyahu insisted in a statement on Sunday morning that Israel would return to fighting if it concludes negotiations on Phase 2 are futile. Special correspondent Shbair reported from Deir al Balah and Times staff writer Bulos from Beirut. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) What started off as a perfect Saturday in Austin quickly changed in the afternoon, reminding Central Texas winter is not over. From city crews, to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), to electric companies everyone is getting ready for what might happen in the next few days. Cold weather tips for pet owners If the parking lot at Pease Park was any indication, people were taking advantage of a nice, sunny Saturday afternoon. Calm before the storm Its such a beautiful day, one college student told KXAN. Im so glad we came out here. It just feels so nice to see everyone enjoying the park. I love it, another student said. Its the warm before the super cold and the super hot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Austin is already winterizing its parks. Barton Springs, for example, is under a swim at your own risk advisory for Monday and will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21. Were fully staffed up, Austin Energy says Austin Energy is ready for the cold snap, as well. Were fully staffed up. Were making sure all our supplies that are necessary are there so in the event of a power outage our crews can roll out as quickly and safely as possible, Austin Energy spokesman Matt Mitchell said. Austin Energy preps for winter, urges customer readiness City ready with warming shelters The city has also already opened warming shelters to keep people out of the weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have overnight shelters available and weve expanded our overnight shelter capacity, said Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes. People flock to stores to stock up KXAN went to visit the H-E-B store on South Congress on Saturday afternoon. The parking lot and store were packed with shoppers. There was a noticeable amount of water and toilet paper already off the shelves, but it did not appear people were panic buying. TxDOT readies roads for ice, snow potential When it comes to the roads, youve likely already seen the work TxDOT has done. Were laying that brine down well in advance before, during, and after the storm, spokesman Adam Hammons said. We want to make sure were getting all those roadways to prevent ice from forming on there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several local districts close, delay classes amid winter storm Planning for worst-case scenarios TxDOT is also reminding people if you do have to travel early next week to have an emergency kit packed and ready in your car. Drivers should also make sure gas tanks and fluids, like for your windshield, and wipers are in working order before its too late. The Austin International Half happens Sunday morning. Organizers are reminding runners to dress in warm layers with feels-like temperatures expected to be in the teens. There are also numerous road closures for the morning run, which 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 KXAN Austin. With guns being brandished, the flash of distinctive green Hamas headbands and the din of the crowd, it must have seemed like the fateful day they were captured all over again. But in fact, for the three hostages one British it was the opposite, the moment for which their families had been praying for 471 torturous days: freedom. Hamas militants hand over hostages kidnapped during the Oct 7 attack on Israel - DAWOUD ABU ALKAS/REUTERS One can only imagine what was going through the minds of Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, as they were driven in a small white minibus into the shattered remains of Al-Saraya Square in Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mobbed by Palestinian civilians from all sides, the vehicle was surrounded by masked Hamas fighters wearing immaculate uniforms, no doubt intended to show the world that it would take more than 15 months of Israeli bombardment to wipe them off the map. Then, as the side door slid open, we finally saw the faces of the three women upon whom hopes for peace in this corner of the Middle East had been invested. It must have been a disorientating, terrifying moment. But as they were summoned out of the van and into the crowd by their tormentors, a kindly looking man wearing a Red Cross vest reached out his hand. Al Jazeera Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps only then would they have truly begun to hope. The first day of Israels long-awaited deal with Hamas had started badly. As agreed, Israel forces began withdrawing from areas of Gaza early in the morning, ahead of an expected ceasefire. But it soon emerged there was a problem. Israel had not received the promised list of hostages which were to be released, according to Benjamin Netanyahus office, and as such the ceasefire would not begin until it did. Cue an IDF airstrike which reportedly killed 13 people and wounded at least 25. Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on Gaza - Anadolu The world feared the worst. However, Hamas confirmed its commitment to the deal, which was to see the release of 50 Palestinian prisoners on day 1 alone, blaming the delay on technical field reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 9.15am GMT, three hours behind schedule, the ceasefire started, and before long multitudes of Palestinian civilians were seen walking back towards their homes. One aerial shot showed dozens trudging back through the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, the scene of so many much-criticised IDF airstrikes, now reduced entirely to rubble. Palestinians return to what is left of their homes - OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP At the same time, humanitarian trucks a key part of the deal were seen entering the territory in greater numbers than had previously been allowed, at Egypts Karam Abu Salem crossing and others. Among the crowds already building in Tel Avivs hostage square, and elsewhere, hope started to build in earnest, no more so than in Kibbutz Gat, where friends of Emily, the British-Israeli hostage, had put up a big screen and speakers to watch the developments live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage showed them wrapped in Israeli flags, some taking the occasional swig of a bottled beer, pacing up and down in an agony of nerves. People gather to watch the hostage release - Shir Torem/REUTERS Elsewhere, Itamar Ben-Gvir, the hardline national security minister, did his best to derail the deal by sensationally quitting Benjamin Netanyahus government, calling on fellow firebrand Bezalal Smotrich, the finance minister, to follow suit. Israel held its breath, but Mr Smotrich declined, citing national responsibility. Meanwhile, two large Israeli military helicopters were at a base in Reim, the scene of one of the Oct 7 attacks, being checked over by ground staff, ahead of flying the hostages and their close family members to hospital. Their rotors, however, remained stationary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two large white coaches were also queuing outside Israels military Ofer detention facility, near Ramallah in the West Bank, ready to liberate the 50 Palestinian prisoners 30 serving life sentences whom Hamas had demanded in exchange for Emily, Romi and Gonen. At long last, everything was in place. In a day of incredible images, it was the footage of a convoy of Red Cross vehicles driving at speed through the damaged Gazan streets that brought home to the world how close this longed-for first release might be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, of course, that chaotic moment in Al-Saraya Square. They moved quickly between the vans, the three women. But the pictures snatched at that moment showed them looking neatly dressed and well presented, despite their ordeal; further evidence, perhaps, of Hamass remorseless eye for publicity. One even had tidily plaited hair. People climb onto the roof of a Red Cross vehicle - DAWOUD ABU ALKAS/REUTERS Nothing, however, could conceal the bandaged left hand of Emily, where she was shot by the terrorist group on Oct 7. At 3.19 GMT, the Israeli military confirmed the hostages had been transferred to the Red Cross and were on their way to Israel. Around this time, a heartbreaking video emerged showing the mothers of the three hostages sitting closely together on a sofa while an IDF soldier showed them footage of their daughters repatriation on a phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that point, the older women appeared too transfixed by the footage to display much outward emotion. What exactly were they watching? Mothers of the hostages watch a video of the hostage release It might have been the footage of the hostages in the Red Cross vehicles pulling into a location still in Gaza to be met by members of the IDF - by and large female soldiers, standing informally, ready with hugs, guns out of sight, as far as possible. Or was it that historic moment they crossed through the perimeter wall back into Israel, a convoy of headlights in the dark flanked by special forces Humvees? At around this time, the IDF formally announced that the three women had crossed into Israeli territory and would shortly be with their families. Cheers went up across Hostage Square and across Israel. In Kibbutz Gat, a TV news reporter was grabbed during a live broadcast and hoisted onto the shoulders of the celebrating crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily, Doron and Romi are now in safe hands, said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, of the IDF. Minutes ago Emily, Doron and Romi were reunited with IDF and ISA forces. They are now with us and on their way home. But in portent of the difficult weeks to come, Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, another military spokesman, added: We cannot and will not forget for a moment that 94 hostages, including women, children and elderly men, remain in Hamas captivity. By 4.30pm GMT the military confirmed that all three women had been reunited with their mothers. It did not take long for photos to emerge of their desperate, joyful embraces. Emily Damari embraces her mother after being released from captivity - IDF SPOKESPERSON HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily and Mandy Damari after being reunited In one particularly touching moment, Emily can be seen alongside her mother, Surrey-born Mandy Damari, 63, in a video call to other family members. And in perhaps the most shocking moment of the day, she holds up her bandaged left hand to the camera, revealing that she has lost two fingers. But maybe it was also the most heartening, because alongside that shocking injury was a big, cheeky smile. After 471 days Emily is finally home, said Mandy later. I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name. In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home. Emily shows her bandaged hand on a video call - AFP In his last full day as president, Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire for which Donald Trump had taken credit referring to a region fundamentally transformed. After so much pain, death and loss of life, today the guns in Gaza have gone silent, said the outgoing president during a visit to South Carolina. Meanwhile, EU council chief Antonio Costa described the truce as a glimmer of hope. For Sir Keir Starmer, the release was wonderful and long-overdue. We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, he said. In a sign of how difficult lasting peace may be, video emerged later in the day showing militants in Gaza chanting the army of Mohammed is coming for the Jews. Mr Netanyahu, as is his way, celebrated the return of the three women, but promised to bring everyone home. Romi, Doron and Emily - an entire nation embraces you, with congratulations on your homecoming. This moment was achieved thanks to the sacrifice and fighting of our heroic fighters - the heroes of Israel, he said, adding: I promise: We will bring everyone home! He above anyone knows that the work has only just begun. Providing the ceasefire holds, negotiations for the next phase of the deal will begin in 16 days time. But, for the time being, Mr Netanyahu focused on the positives. I know, we all know, theyve been through hell, he said in a phone call to the hostage coordinator. They are coming out of darkness into the light. This is a big moment, an exciting moment. There had been enough emotion for a lifetime. The first stage of the hostage deal was complete. 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. CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Charleston International Airport is monitoring the potential for winter weather impacts this coming week. Airport officials are in contact with their airline partners to keep flights on schedule, and they are working with local and state partners to ensure safe operations. Forecasters are anticipating a winter weather event to impact much of the Lowcountry region on Tuesday into Wednesday, which could include snow, sleet, or freezing rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really the icing event is what were obviously concerned about, said Elliott Summey, Executive Director & CEO of the Charleston International Airport. Weve bought the right equipment in. Weve got the right chemical equipment as well to be able to break up that ice quickly, keep the runways open and keep the roads open. Brian Query, Director of Airport Operations at Charleston International Airport, said preparation for winter weather began months ago to make sure they had resources in place to keep operations moving. We have a plan in place for these types of things, and as it gets closer, we start shoring it up, he said. We started talking with the airlines yesterday. Ive talked to the Joint Base Charleston a couple of times. Weve talked to the FAA tower already. The airport said travelers should check with their individual airlines for flight updates and iflychs.com for travel advisories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) With inches of snow expected to fall in New York City, the roads could get dicey. Once snow accumulation reaches two inches, New York City will send out a fleet of snow plows to clear the citys roads, which will be tracked on a website called PlowNYC. Winter storm snow totals expected in NYC and NJ Thousands of sanitation workers will be on 12-hour shifts operating about 2,500 snow plows and 700 salt spreaders on Sunday. Using the PlowNYC website, locals can track what roads have already been plowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city will be hard at work, but Mayor Eric Adams is also asking locals to do their part. Home and property owners are expected to clear off the sidewalks around their properties and could face fines up to $150 for failing to pick up a shovel. Winter storm warnings and advisories went into effect at 1 p.m. Sunday and last through 4 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service. In total, New York City, Long Island and Southern Westchester could see between 3 to 6 inches of snow, the most hitting the New York City area. Snow isnt expected to stick until after temperatures drop below 32 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. By Miro Mamman and Avi Ohayon TEL AVIV/SDEROT, Israel (Reuters) -Thousands of Israelis gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, some cheering and some in tears, as a giant television screen broadcast the first glimpse of the first three hostages to be released under the Gaza ceasefire deal. They watched as the three women - Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari - got out of a car in Gaza City and were handed over to Red Cross officials amid a surging crowd that was held back by armed men in camouflaged military gear, with green Hamas headbands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm excited, I was so nervous, that they would come safe and alive to their mothers' hands. They were in the hands of terrorists for 471 days, three young women," said Shay Dickmann, whose cousin was found slain by her Hamas captors in August. The Israeli military shared video showing their families gathered in what appeared to be a military facility crying out in emotion as they watched footage of the handover to Israeli forces in Gaza before they were brought back into Israel. Pictures shared by the families showed the three women embracing their mothers at a reception centre, with Emily Damari beaming broadly and waving a bandaged hand missing two fingers at family on the other end of a mobile phone video call. After a nerve-racking morning, waiting to hear whether Damari would be one of the three hostages freed on Sunday, her friends breathed a sigh of relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We didn't have any sign of life from her for a whole year and this is the first time we are seeing her, and we are seeing her walking on her two feet and we are just waiting here to hug her and say how much we love her," said Guy Kleinberger. They were later flown to a hospital in Tel Aviv in a helicopter that Israeli media reported was piloted by the head of the Israeli air force. "Romi, Doron, Emily," an entire nation embraces you," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDING REMAINING HOSTAGES The release of the three women, the first of 33 hostages due to be freed from Gaza under phase one of the deal, is in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hostages were taken in one of the most traumatic episodes in Israel's history, when Hamas gunmen attacked a string of communities around the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 civilians and soldiers and abducting 251 hostages - men, women, children and elderly. But amid hope among many Israelis that the six-week ceasefire marks the beginning of the end to the war, there is deep unease about the uncertainty surrounding the remaining 94 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. "The ceasefire is something that I hope will work out," said Tomer Mizrahi, in Sderot, a town in southern Israel within sight of Gaza that was attacked on Oct. 7. "But as I know Hamas, you cannot even trust them one percent." Images of Hamas police emerging on to the streets as the ceasefire took effect underscored how far Israel remains from its originally stated war aims of destroying the Islamist group that has ruled in Gaza since 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm torn," said Dafna Sharabi from Beit Aryeh-Ofarim, a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank. "On the one hand there's a ceasefire to strengthen the forces, to rest from all the madness, on the other, maybe it's not the time," she said. "They should have been eliminated, wiped out," she said. "My son was on reserve duty for a year over there ... and he sees all the Gazans returning, Hamas returning its forces to all the places he fought in." MEN OF MILITARY AGE NOT IN THE DEAL After 15 months of war, Gaza lies largely in ruins. Israel's campaign has killed almost 47,000 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian health ministry and displaced most of the two million people who live in the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for many in Israel, the war will not be over while Hamas still stands and there have been a series of rallies opposing the ceasefire as a sell-out that abandons men of military age taken captive, who are not in the first batch of 33 hostages. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has already resigned and his fellow hardliner Bezalel Smotrich has also opposed the deal and said he has been reassured that it is not the end of the war. The Israel Democracy Institute said its latest Israeli Voice Index, conducted just before the deal was agreed, found 57.5% of Israelis in favour of a comprehensive agreement that would see all hostages back in return for ending the war. Twelve percent supported a partial hostage release in return for a temporary ceasefire. Amid the mix of emotions, for some, a sense of exhaustion outweighed any concerns about the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have been waiting for this for a long time. We wanted it to be an absolute victory, I hope we get that absolute victory," said Shlomi Elkayam, who owns a business in Sderot. "There are pros and cons, but in the end we are tired of it all. We are tired and we want everyone here at home." (Writing by James Mackenzie and Maayan LubellEditing by Ros Russell) CHICAGO A community health organization is helping Chicagoans keep warm amid the cold. Winter clothes drives were held in nine South Side communities Saturday and hundreds of winter hats, scarves and gloves were donated. Over the next few days, the actual temperature will be below zero at times, and when you factor in the wind chill, outside will feel even worse. Cook County to open warming centers in suburbs during extreme cold this week Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrival of dangerously cold air has already caused airlines to preemptively cancel flights coming in and out of Chicago. Disruptions to train and bus services are also possible. At the winter clothes drive, organizers said the donated items will not only help people save money, but theyll also keep people safe from weather-related injuries. You know its after Christmas. Its hard on people out here already, and we want to serve them the best way we can, said Rochetta Tyler, site supervisor at the Acclivus location. Its also why volunteers said theyll keep working Saturday until every item is handed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What weve got left, were just going to try and take it out to the community, volunteer Adrian Sims said. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Warming centers also opened across the city for anyone who needs a warm place to be. The warming centers will be open through next Friday, Jan. 24. Keep in mind if the closest warming center to you is a library, it will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. 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 WGN-TV. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Svamitva Scheme after property cards were distributed to beneficiaries via video conferencing. Shinde called the initiative "historic" and transformative for rural India. Speaking to the media, Shinde said, "Today's decision is historic, and I thank PM Narendra Modi for it. Over the last 10 years, he has introduced several schemes for the poor and women, and the Svamitva Scheme is among the most significant." Shinde highlighted the scheme's potential to uplift rural communities by enabling economic opportunities. "This process will run continuously, and everyone will benefit from it. Because of this scheme, people can avail loans, and start businesses, and such initiatives will bring prosperity to people and villages," he stated on Saturday. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 65 lakh property cards under the 'SVAMITVA Scheme' to property owners in more than 50,000 villages in more than 230 districts across 10 States and two Union territories through videoconferencing. Addressing the occasion, he remarked that today was a historic day for the villages and the rural areas of India and greeted all the beneficiaries and the citizens on the occasion. The Prime Minister remarked that five years ago, the SVAMITVA scheme was launched to ensure that the people residing in rural areas receive their property cards. He remarked that different states refer to property ownership certificates by various names, such as Gharoni, Adhikar Abhilekh, Property Card, Malmatta Patrak, and Awaasiya Bhumi Patta. "Over 1.5 crore people have been issued SVAMITVA cards in the past 5 years", said PM Modi. In today's program, he added that more than 65 lakh families had received these cards. Prime Minister also remarked that under the Swamitva Yojana, around 2.25 crore people in villages have received legal documents for their homes now. He extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the beneficiaries. (ANI) A 31-year-old North Texas man charged with child sexual assault has been missing since August, officials with the Collin County Sheriffs Office said. Officials with the sheriffs office are asking for the publics help to find the man, who they identified in a Facebook post as Robert Gregory Johnson III. Johnson, a former Uber driver, allegedly sexually assaulted a 12-year-old passenger after picking her up from a medical facility in Frisco on July 9, 2024, acccording to WFAA-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl was supposed to be dropped off at her mothers home, but Johnson pulled into the parking lot of a nearby shopping center and assaulted her. The girl told her therapist the next day about the incident. The therapist reported it to police, according to WFAA. Johnson was arrested on July 17 and bonded out of jail five days later, officials with the sheriffs office said. Over a month later in August 2024, Johnson cut off his electronic ankle monitor and has been missing since, according to the Facebook post. Johnson has family ties to Wylie, Dallas, Garland and North Louisiana, officials said. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigator Reid Golson at rgolson@collincountytx.gov or submit a tip via text by texting CCSO to 847411. BEIJING (Reuters) -China issued its first national action plan to build a "strong education nation" by 2035, which it said would help coordinate its education development, improve efficiencies in innovation and build a "strong country". The plan, issued by the Communist Party's central committee and the State Council on Sunday, aims to establish a "high quality education system" with accessibility and quality "among the best in the world." The announcement was made after data on Friday showed China's population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, with the number of deaths outpacing a slight increase in births, and experts cautioning that the downturn will worsen in the coming years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High childcare and education costs have been a key factor for many young Chinese opting out of having children, at a time when many face uncertainty over their job prospects amid sluggish economic growth. "By 2035, an education power will be built," the official Xinhua news agency said, adding that China would explore gradually expanding the scope of free education, increase "high-quality" undergraduate enrolment, expand postgraduate education, and raise the proportion of doctoral students. The plan aims to promote "healthy growth and all-round development of students", making sure primary and secondary school students have at least two hours of physical activity daily, to effectively control the myopia, or nearsightedness, and obesity rates. "Popularising" mental health education and establishing a national student mental health monitoring and early warning system would also be implemented, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also aims to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas to improve the operating conditions of small-scale rural schools and improve the care system for children with disabilities and those belonging to agricultural migrant populations. The plan also aims to steadily increase the supply of kindergarten places and the accessibility of preschool education. (Reporting by Farah Master and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Jamie Freed) China and the United States should seek more common ground and avoid strategic misjudgment, the state-run People's Daily said on Sunday, in an apparent call to the coming Trump administration to deepen engagement. The editorial in the Communist Party mouthpiece came two days after a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US president-elect Donald Trump, and just ahead of his inauguration on Monday. The South China Morning Post will feature a live blog of the ceremony in Washington. In mapping the way forward for the two countries, the People's Daily mentioned the "ice-breaking" in the 1970s, when shared interests acted as "the strongest adhesive". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. In 1972, then US president Richard Nixon's historic visit to China signalled a major step forward in relations after decades of isolation for Beijing. Both countries recognised the need to counterbalance the Soviet Union in the Cold War and saw potential for shared economic interests. "The river of history flows ceaselessly, and often the crucial moments come down to just a few steps," Sunday's article said, as it sought to set the tone for four more years of Trump. According to the editorial, US-China relations have evolved into a "community of intertwined interests" in the nearly five decades since diplomatic ties were established in 1979. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some of the issues in China-US relations are growing pains brought about by the deep integration of both sides' interests. These growing pains need to be resolved through continued growth, rather than leading to incorrect strategic perceptions," the article said. "China and the United States [should] grasp and handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, which will bring more certainty to a turbulent world." Xi and Trump spoke over the phone on Friday, in talks described by the American leader as a "very good one" for both China and the US. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Xi said they both attached "great importance to mutual interactions" and hoped "for a good start of the China-US relationship" during Trump's second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also agreed to set up strategic channels of communication and maintain regular contact, which the People's Daily said had instilled confidence about promoting "a smooth transition and a positive start" in relations. Beijing's official readout of the phone call also quoted Trump as saying that he was looking forward to meeting Xi "as soon as possible". Trump also expressed interest in visiting China in his first 100 days in office, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter. Trump's first term, from 2017 to 2021, was marked by frequent anti-China rhetoric and a bruising trade war with the rival economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His new term begins amid all-out US-China competition, from trade and technology to national security issues. In the latest development, Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok was forced to suspend its services in the US a day before Trump's inauguration. Trump has also threatened huge extra tariffs on Chinese imports and alleged security risks posed by China, while his cabinet of mainly China hawks has increased uncertainties about the relationship with Beijing. At the same time, Trump said earlier this month that Xi and he would "probably get along very well" and was also reported to have invited him to his inauguration, though the Chinese leader will not be attending. Last week, Beijing said Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng would attend Trump's inauguration as a special envoy from Xi - the first time such a senior Chinese leader will be present at the ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing earlier said the two sides had "maintained communication through various means". The People's Daily article sounded a positive note. "Under the current international situation, the common interests between China and the United States are not decreasing, but increasing," it said. "Both countries should properly handle differences with foresight and perseverance, seeking common ground while reserving differences, so as to lay a solid foundation for bilateral relations." Annual two-way trade has crossed US$660 billion, Yuyuan Tantian - a social media channel affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV - said on Saturday. More than 70,000 US companies made profits of US$50 billion each year, while US exports to China supported 930,000 American jobs, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The People's Daily also called on both sides to respect each other's core interests and major concerns, citing Xi's recent messages to Trump urging him to handle the Taiwan issue with "great caution". Properly managing differences and boosting cooperation would bring more certainty to an unstable world, and public opinion in both countries strongly supported this approach, the article added. Shi Yinhong, a professor of International Relations at Renmin University in Beijing, said it was still too early to predict whether relations could improve under Trump, and whether a meeting between the two leaders could substantially lift ties after several fractious years. "The rivalry between the two countries is much stronger, decisive, and structural than a so-called summit [between Xi and Trump]," Shi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding TikTok's suspension of US services, Shi said it remained to be seen how Trump would handle the situation, given his "changeable" character, although Trump said he was "most likely" to grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve after taking office. The platform used by 170 million Americans suspended services in the US on Sunday, Beijing time, after the US Supreme Court backed a law requiring the app to sever ties with its Chinese parent, ByteDance, or face a ban. Trump has vowed to address the issue through "political means" in an effort to "save" TikTok. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. The News Chinas population declined in 2024 for a third consecutive year. Despite the number of births in the country rising for the first time in a decade, the new data reinforced that population decline is not a blip, this is the new normal, a Hong Kong-based professor stold the Financial Times. Chinas demographic challenges are closely intertwined with its economic pressures: Budgetary strains led many young people to not have kids, which will in turn lead to labor shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the short term, Beijing is looking to boost domestic consumption while preparing for Donald Trump, who has threatened tariff hikes. Chinas 2025 outlook is one of near-term improvement, but this should not be mistaken for a long-term recovery, the Atlantic Council wrote. Chrissy Teigen has a plan to save the world from social media! In a series of videos posted on her Instagram Stories on Saturday, Jan. 19, the model and cookbook author, 39, shared an idea for limiting social media use in our daily lives. I personally think that one day there will be the most incredible rule, she began in the video, which was filmed from her bed. I think the government, or some kind of ethics committee somebody should shut off social media between 6 p.m and 6 a.m. Leave it all up. Everyone gets to do anything they want, but only between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Shut it off. Done, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cravings by Chrissy Teigen founder went on to reassure her younger fans that there was, in fact, life before social media. "Guys, life was great. Life was awesome before this, she said. I know its hard to see it now. But its doable. Its very doable. This doesnt have to be our lives. And I say this for myself as well because obviously Im on here [social media] right now doing this. But it doesnt have to define us or be our whole lives, she concluded. Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock Chrissy Teigen Chrissy Teigen Related: TikTok Has Shut Down in the U.S. and Users Have Thoughts: Here are Some of the Best Reactions Teigens comments come after TikTok went dark for several hours starting on Saturday, Jan 18 ahead of what was scheduled to be an official government ban on the Chinese-owned app. Users who visited the platform were met with an official statement from the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now," the message read. Service on the platform was later restored on Sunday, Jan. 19. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! The TikTok sell-or-ban legislation which was supported by politicians on both sides of the political aisle was signed into law by President Biden in 2024 after concerns emerged that the app posed a risk to private user data and national security. Under the terms of the new law, TikTok must be sold to an American-owned company or a non-foreign adversary, or else it will be banned from continued use within the U.S. NurPhoto via Getty Stock Photos Person using TikTok (stock image) Person using TikTok (stock image) Related: Instagram, Facebook Are Addictive and Harmful for Kids, Sweeping Lawsuits from 41 States Claim Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President-elect Donald Trump who will be inaugurated into his second term on Monday, Jan. 20 has said he will likely consider a 60- to 90-day extension for the app until he can potentially facilitate a sale to a domestic company, according to The Washington Post. 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, 78, said while calling into Meet the Press on Jan. 18. 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. A potential TikTok ban aside, this isn't the first time widespread social media use has been called into question in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 2024, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy officially stated that social media may be a contributing factor to mental health issues among young people in an opinion piece published in The New York Times. He also called for warning labels to be placed on social media, much like with alcohol and cigarettes. It is time to require a surgeon generals warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents, he wrote. A surgeon generals warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe, he added. Read the original article on People Chrissy Teigen is the latest celebrity to speak out against the TikTok ban, accusing Donald Trump of orchestrating an alleged scheme to position himself as a hero. The federal ban on TikTok has taken millions of U.S. users by surprise, leaving them unable to access the immensely popular social media platform. As of Saturday evening, the app was removed from major app stores, including those operated by Apple and Google, while its website displayed a message confirming the short-form video platform was no longer available. The blackout began just hours before the law officially took effect, leaving many users frustrated and searching for answers. Among those voicing their opinions is actress and author Chrissy Teigen, who took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the ban and its potential implications. Chrissy Teigen Sounds Off On TikTok Ban Instagram Stories | Chrissy Teigen In a series of Instagram Stories posted just before the law was enforced, Teigen accused Donald Trump of using the situation as a ploy to manipulate public perception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets talk TikTok, Teigen began. Everyones bummedOMG, I cant believe its shut down. Its not going to be shut down. She continued, [TikTok] is on a hiatus for now, and its going to come back. And its gonna come back under Trumps leadership, so every young person is going to be like, OMG, Im so grateful he brought it back, he brought back free speech. Teigen suggested that the ban and its eventual reversal could be used to position Trump as a savior in the eyes of TikTok users, claiming, It gets to be claimed by him as this amazing thing he did for people, and youre all going to fall right into it. What Happened To TikTok? Contributed Photo TikTok users opening the app on Saturday were greeted with a pop-up message preventing them from scrolling through videos. The message read, Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now, and explained that a law banning TikTok had been enacted in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message also hinted at a possible resolution, stating, We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office, a nod to President-elect Trumps pledge to save the platform. TikTok encouraged users to stay tuned for further updates. The message presented to U.S. users leaves them with only two choices: closing the app or selecting an option that redirects them to the platforms website. On the website, users encounter the same message and are provided the option to download their dataa process TikTok previously warned could take several days to complete. Apple And TikTok Respond To U.S. Ban Canva Apple confirmed the removal of TikTok and ByteDance apps from its U.S. app stores in a statement posted on its website. While the apps are no longer available for download domestically, visitors to the U.S. may still have limited access. Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates, the company said per AP News. For users who already have TikTok installed on their devices, the app will remain functional, but it cannot be redownloaded if deleted or transferred to a new device. Additionally, in-app purchases and new subscriptions are no longer available. Apple warned that the ban could affect the apps performance, security, and compatibility with future iOS and iPadOS updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, TikTok CEO Shou Chew posted a video expressing gratitude for President Donald Trumps commitment to finding a solution to keep the platform accessible in the United States. Chew praised Trump for taking 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, Chew said. One who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process. Social Media Users React To TikTok Ban Canva Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the fallout from the ban continues, the debate over TikToks future in the U.S. has sparked widespread discussion. One X user wrote, "They really took away TikTok. Nah take Facebook instead. Take Instagram. Sh-t take my EX idc." "TiktoK banned, rednote down, Trump about to be in office, my ex still alive. CAN LIFE GET ANY WORSE?" another asked. TikTok Does Not Work With A VPN Canva Many other users, including those residing in Canada, and even one member of The Blast residing in Panama, claim that a VPN doesn't even work to gain access to the social media platform. "Tiktok not even working with a VPN" one X user said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Omg, even a vpn doesnt work to access TikTok," another wrote. For now, TikTok remains offline, and millions of users are left waiting to see what will happen with the popular social media app. Jan. 19More than 1,000 rooftop solar panels, part of a multimillion-dollar clean energy system set up by the city of Albuquerque in 2019, have sat unused in Downtown for six years. Documents obtained by the Journal show more than $4 million in bond revenues was spent on solar panels for seven buildings two of which are still not generating power and one that operates at 6% of its full capacity. So what's the issue? The pandemic, according to the city. Officials said the solar panels are supposed to come online by the end of this year only six years late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investments are part of a longstanding campaign promise by Mayor Tim Keller to have the city operate on 100% renewable energy by 2025. The city is currently operating at 80% renewable power, according to the city's Chief Administrative Officer Samantha Sengel. She said what will get the city to 100% would be a measure to install solar panels on 25 more city buildings outside of Downtown. That bill received a unanimous "pass" recommendation from the Finance and Government Operations Committee on Monday and the full City Council will vote on it at a later date. "Mayor Keller made a commitment for the city to meet our 100% renewable energy goal," Sengel said. "It's a bold commitment that's meant to ensure that the city is thinking about long-term sustainability." Keller was not made available for an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are more than 1,000 solar panels hooked up but not generating power in Downtown: 180 panels at Civic Plaza; 240 at the old Albuquerque Police Department at the Rosenwald Building; and 600 on the Main Library. "This is another one of Keller's big promises with nothing to show for it," City Councilor Dan Lewis said in a statement to the Journal. "He's been given a blank check and taxpayers are left with nothing. I don't know what Keller can do with another four years that he hasn't been able to do in eight." Keller has already announced that he'll be seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term from Albuquerque voters this November. Getting the solar this year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of 2025, all of the currently unused solar panels will be generating electricity, according to Dan Mayfield, a city spokesperson. The panels that are not producing power cost the city upward of $1.4 million to set up. Public Service Company of New Mexico has already given the three projects permission to operate, according to PNM spokesperson Eric Chavez. He said the Main Library got permission in January 2022, the Convention Center got permission in November 2022 and the old APD building got permission in May 2023. The city constructed its solar power system in 2019 based on PNM requirements, which are "very sensitive when it comes down to the network connection," said Saif Ismail, Albuquerque's energy and sustainability division manager. Chavez explained that "back feed" of power onto the Downtown network could affect the power grid's reliability. PNM doesn't allow the total aggregated generation of projects to go over 50% of the project's minimum load. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Downtown network provides power to a number of critical customers and infrastructure," he said. "Therefore, PNM has protections in place to ensure reliability in that area." So when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and power usage drastically dropped Downtown, requirements changed. Systems designed in 2019 to offset 2019 levels of electricity no longer matched up with 2020 levels of electricity. "The projects proposed by the city were much too large at the time of proposal," Chavez said, "and PNM suggested downsizing the projects based on the protection studies done prior to the city of Albuquerque beginning construction." But if PNM's warnings didn't have an effect, COVID did force the city to rethink its plans for energy distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So basically, during the pandemic, we started using so much less electricity that the interconnection rules ... PNM had, didn't work anymore for us," Mayfield said. "And so, it's kind of a good problem to have in that we're using less electricity than we were in 2019." As an alternative, the city is now looking at ways to connect the solar panels set up in 2019 to different buildings, Ismail said. "You can look at the grid Downtown as one big bucket of water, and if we keep putting more in it, we'll break the bucket," Mayfield said. "But we can put hoses into that bucket to other buildings." For example, there's a five-story law enforcement building behind the Rosenwald Building to which the city wants to connect those panels, he said. The Civic Plaza panels could connect to City Hall in addition to the dozen that are already powering the Convention Center. And the city could relocate 300 panels from the Main Library which currently has 600 panels to Fire Station 9 and the new Northwest Multigenerational Center on the West Side, according to Mayfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alternative to relocating the panels is letting them sit unused on the roofs as some of them already have for six years and wait for energy consumption to go up in the next five years before generating power with them. A typical solar panel's lifespan is 30 to 35 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, so in this scenario, about a third of these solar panels' lives would be non-productive. In addition to rerouting power to adjacent facilities, Chavez said, PNM is considering other options like system size compared to load changes like if load growth was to grow to pre-pandemic levels. "The city of Albuquerque," Chavez said, "has a very aggressive clean energy goal that we applaud and are excited to help them meet." During Selma's 60th anniversary of the voting rights campaign, civil rights activists prepare for a second Donald Trump presidency. Illustration: Jianan Liu/HuffPost; Photos: Getty Linda Lowery was just 14 years old in 1965 when she marched 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in support of voting rights. She and several other Black teenagers were with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. that day, taking it upon themselves to demonstrate for civil rights at a young age. On Jan. 2, 1965, King spoke before 700 people at Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which launched what is recognized now as the Selma Voting Rights Campaign. It was led by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) as they prepared to increase voter registration for Black people in the rural South and in America as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, I was [in the march] at 14. Dr. King had been to Selma numerous times, and the young people of Selma had been trained in the principles of nonviolence, starting with SNCC and Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Lowery told HuffPost. SNCC had already been here training and encouraging young people to get involved in a nonviolent movement and training us on the principles of nonviolence. For Lowery, now 74, and others who protested in support of civil rights 60 years ago, there is a level of irony that Donald Trumps second presidential inauguration will take place Monday, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. Many people across America cringed when Trump compared himself to King last August, while describing the large crowds of people he has spoken to at his campaign rallies. Nobody has spoken to crowds bigger than me. If you look at Martin Luther King, when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours, same real estate, same everything same number of people, if not we had more, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps odd comments on King were not limited to that. Tear gas fills the air as state troopers, ordered by Alabama Gov. George Wallace, break up a march at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965, on what became known as Bloody Sunday. Associated Press He at one point last year referred to Republican Mark Robinson, the disgraced North Carolina gubernatorial nominee, as Martin Luther King on steroids in a speech. I told that to Mark, I think you are better than Martin Luther King. I think you are Martin Luther King times two. Trumps actions and rhetoric have deeply offended people over the years. That perspective is especially true for Kirk Carrington, a Black man from Selma who also marched those 54 miles as a teenager. Carrington was 16 at the time. He remembers the large number of teenagers and even younger kids participating in the civil rights movement years prior, and his opinion on Trump winning a second term is very simple: America was not ready for a woman to be a president, Carrington told HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He mentioned that each time Trump won an election, he happened to be running against a woman: former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. Both women he beat were more qualified than he is, Carrington said. And the people he is surrounding himself with, they are not qualified. He wants incompetent people around him. When Carrington was growing up, America was a segregated nation. It was something he was born into as a child, dealing with racism. But now, Carrington says, racism comes in a different form. Dianne Harris, who was 15 when she marched in Selma and now works as a civil rights historical tour guide, remembers when King was invited to her hometown, and she recalls how important many Black people in Selma thought it was for him to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Trumps November election, Harris has been doing a lot of praying, she said. The devout Christian said America needs prayer and the country needs leaders who want to serve all the people, not just some. Hearing Trumps rhetoric and promises to change laws and policies, she said, she detects fear in his approach. It is ironic that the observation of MLK Day and the inauguration fall on the same day. However, I do feel that many Blacks and other people who believed in what Dr. King stood for and he was trying to be about the essence of civil rights and good for mankind all those good things I think the momentum of us celebrating Dr. Kings birthday will not be diminished by the inauguration, Harris, 75, told HuffPost. The Rev. Martin Luther King, flanked by Hosea Williams (left) and the Rev. Bernard Lafayette, discusses plans for a poor people's march on Washington at an Atlanta news conference on Jan. 16, 1968. Williams was field director of the project and Lafayette coordinated the march. Charles Kelly/Associated Press The voters have spoken. It may not be the choice that many of us chose, but the voters spoke. And we will deal with the cards that have been played. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three Selma marchers, Harris, Carrington and Lowery, wanted America to change for the better. But they believe that America has gotten to the point where it is now because there is still a level of hate in peoples hearts and that Trump is just a symbol of that hate. Lowery remembers when she was 14, marching across the bridge, being chased by a Selma deputy and Alabama state trooper. On the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Lowery recalled, she ran into a crowd of tear gas and a man behind her struck her. She said she was kicked by a state trooper so hard that she rose off the ground from the impact. Lowery said she thinks she passed out as she was being beaten. When she woke up, she was on a stretcher being loaded into a hearse. She told the medics she was not dead and jumped off the stretcher. I let them know I was not dead and I was not getting into that hearse. And then I started running again, Lowery told HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lowery can still remember many of the officers faces, saying the brave children of Birmingham and Selma put the word unity back into community as they faced the threat of violence from law enforcement in the Jim Crow era. She likened the looks of the mens faces as they were beating her that day to the viral images and video of a white police officer in Minneapolis as he knelt on the neck of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, killing the Black man on the street. It was the same look that Derek Chauvin had on his face when he so arrogantly looked into the camera as he had his knee on Mr. Floyds neck. And it was 55 years between the two incidents. And I could not see where anything we had done had made a difference in the hearts of people, Lowery said. There has always been some cosmetic change, and that was it. It didnt change peoples hearts. It has not changed, and that is the hurting part. People gave their lives to make a change, and the only difference it made was painted over, it was cosmetic. Related... WASHINGTON (AP) When President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in as president of the United States inside the Capitols rotunda, he will do so facing a bust of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the federal holiday commemorating Kings legacy. It's a disquieting contrast for some civil rights advocates who wish to fulfill the late reverend's dream of non-violent social revolution. Events honoring King and advocating for his vision of a just society will occur across the nation as many in the U.S. observe the peaceful transfer of power in the capital. The concurrent events have been met with mixed feelings by civil rights leaders, who broadly reviled Trumps rhetoric and stances on race and civil rights during his third presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But many leaders, including King's own family, see the juxtaposition as a poignant contrast and a chance to refocus the work of advancing civil rights in a new political era. Im glad it occurred on that day because it gives the United States of America and the world the contrast in pictures. Is this the way you want to go or is this the way you want to go? said the Rev. Bernice King, the late Kings youngest daughter and CEO of the King Center. Its not a day that he can be the star, which he loves to be, Kings daughter said of Trump. He has to contend with that legacy on that day, regardless of how he manages it and handles it in his presentation. I hope those around him are advising him well to honor the day appropriately in his speech. This is the third time in the nearly 40 years since the federal King holiday became law that it coincides with a presidential inauguration. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also were sworn in for their second terms on the holiday. Both praised King in their remarks; it is yet to be seen if and how Trump who falsely claimed his first inauguration had larger crowds than King's March on Washington will acknowledge the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will he sound a message of unity and a presidency for all, or will he continue to focus on his base and some of the divisive policies he's championed, like an anti-DEI stance, rounding up immigrants and cutting important parts of the social safety net through this DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) process? asked Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League civil rights group. Morial added that Trump's inauguration landing on MLK Day represented a contradiction of values. Many civil rights leaders will spend the day commemorating Kings legacy after a week of public and private organizing, giving speeches and strategizing how to respond to the incoming administrations agenda. Its the best of times and the worst of times, said Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, an organization whose members mentored, collaborated and clashed with King throughout the Civil Rights Movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission doesnt change. Our job is to make democracy work for all, to make sure that equal protection is ensured under the law, Johnson said. He added that the group doesnt want to assume the Trump administration cant be a partner on advancing civil rights or racial justice. On Wednesday, Johnson and other civil rights leaders met with Congressional Black Caucus members on Capitol Hill to discuss how to work with and to oppose the Trump administration. That same day, the National Action Network, a civil rights group founded by the Rev. Al Sharpton, hosted a breakfast at which Vice President Kamala Harris urged attendees to stay motivated. Ours is a journey," she said. Whatever the outcome of any particular moment, we can never be defeated. Our spirit can never be defeated, because when that happens, we won't win. Martin Luther King III, the late King's eldest son, prayed with Harris on stage. King had campaigned for Harris in the fall and called her an advocate who speaks to our better angels and embodies Dr. King's legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many racial justice advocates are set to organize demonstrations, vigils and community service events to mark the holiday and prepare for what they consider an adversarial administration. Some groups are reflecting on parallels and differences with how King organized in the face of explicitly white supremacist state and local governments and geopolitical tumult. The hostility is similar, particularly in that there is a mobilized, active and aggressive extremist-right hell bent on unraveling rights and any sense of shared purpose, shared problems or shared solutions, said Maya Wiley, CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. What differs, Wiley said, is the understanding "there has to be opportunity for everyone. King himself worried the legal protections he dedicated his life to realizing would not be followed by greater anti-discrimination efforts or social programs. He proposed it would take white Americans embracing a deeper kinship with Black Americans and engaging in economic and social solidarity to see change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year before his 1968 assassination, King wrote in his final book that giving a Black person their "due often required special treatment. I am aware of the fact that this has been a troublesome concept for many liberals, since it conflicts with their traditional ideal of equal opportunity and equal treatment of people according to their individual merits, King wrote in the 1967 book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community." "But this is a day which demands new thinking and the reevaluation of old concepts. King's advocacy for new concepts found an heir in the enactment of affirmative action policies in workplaces and schools. Many advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion policies see such programs as realizing his vision, though that argument has come under withering scrutiny from conservative activists. Trump's views on race have been criticized for decades. The federal government sued Trump for allegedly discriminating against Black apartment seekers in the 1970s. He was instrumental in promoting the birther conspiracy theory that Obama was not born in the U.S. And his campaign rhetoric about immigrants and urban communities since 2015 up to November's election has been derided as prejudiced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As president, Trump enacted some criminal justice reform laws that civil rights advocates praised but then proposed harsh crackdowns on 2020 racial reckoning protests. In April, Trump did not dispute the notion that anti-white racism now represents a greater problem in the U.S. than systemic racism against Black Americans. I think there is a definite anti-white feeling in this country and that cant be allowed either, Trump said during an interview with Time magazine. Janiyah Thomas, a spokesperson for the Trump transition, said Trumps inauguration would be monumental, turning a new leaf and ushering in the golden age of America and said Americans should remember wise words from King: We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of his life, King reflected on the early backlash to civil rights, especially with integrated housing developments, interracial marriage and necessary economic and social programs. He expressed frustration with then-President Lyndon B. Johnson for prolonging the Vietnam War rather than making a greater investment in anti-poverty efforts. This is where the civil rights movement stands today. We will err and falter as we climb the unfamiliar slopes of steep mountains, but there is no alternative, well-trod, level path, King wrote. There will be agonizing setbacks along with creative advances. Our consolation is that no one can know the true taste of victory if he has never swallowed defeat. ___ This story corrects that Donald Trump was sued by the federal government in the 1970s, instead of found liable. ___ Associated Press reporter Kate Brumback in Atlanta contributed to this report. At 2 a.m. in mid-November 2021, 60-year-old John Gall of Cleveland Heights, Ohio was sleeping soundly on his couch. Suddenly, a GMC Yukon smashed through the walls of his house, sending insulation and debris flying. Suddenly, the whole house explodes on both sides. Everything was just vaporized, Gall told a Scene reporter in December of 2024. Insulation was flying in the air. Mud all over. A ton of noise. There was a car in the kitchen thats how I woke up." Don't miss And it's not the first time his home has been hit by a car. After three crashes and four different mayors, Gall is tired of what he sees as the city's failure to fix the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, he's taking matters into his own hands. ABC 5 Cleveland shows his yard now filled with handpainted signs aimed at the city, with phrases including "Speed bump? Seriously? WTF?, "A promise not kept is a lie" and "Hey! Mayor Seren! Why?" The city told ABC 5 it has taken measures to protect Gall's home. A speed table has been installed, temporary boulders sit on his lawn and a flashing sign now warns drivers of the upcoming T-bone intersection. But Gall insists it's not enough. Whats causing these accidents? Gall purchased the home in 1996 and has had three cars crash into his home within the last 10 years. According to Gall, the first accident occurred around 2012 and destroyed his pickup truck, which was parked in his front yard. The accident with the GMC Yukon in 2021 involved a police chase that sent a car careening into Gall's kitchen. In 2022, another crash took out his garage. The most recent crash, in 2023, landed on his lawn, just missing his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue, according to Gall, is that a guardrail was removed from his yard in 2005, and he wants it replaced. However, Cleveland Heights Mayor Khalil Seren and the Ohio Department of Transportation say that's not possible. "The Ohio Department of Transportation guidelines that we adhere to will not allow a guardrail in that location because of the danger to eastbound motorists on Fairmount. There's an impalement risk. There is simply not enough room in that location to provide the impact attenuators that a guardrail would require. Not only that, but a guardrail is not intended to or designed to stop a head-on collision. Period," Seren told ABC 5. For Gall, the issue isn't just the crashes. It's the fact that his homeowner's insurance rates have skyrocketed due to the accidents. I can't get homeowners insurance. I currently have insurance, but they jacked the rates, and if I have one more claim, I'm being dropped, Gall told ABC 5 reporter Nadeen Abusada. I pursued other insurance companies. Nobody will touch me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city did offer to buy his home, but Gall says it's not enough for him to purchase a similar home in today's market. "I don't have a mortgage. The house is paid off. What can I buy where I won't have to pay that's comparable to where I'm currently living, said Gall. The signs Gall installed in his yard have helped draw attention to the issue and have become a local talking point. Posts on Instagram and Facebook have thousands of likes and comments from residents discussing the issue. 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 What can you do if you face a similar issue? If you're facing persistent safety issues like Gall, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reaching out to your local department of transportation, county commissioners or mayor should be your first step. If that fails, consider these options. Escalate your issue Escalating the problem to higher authorities, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), may prompt a review of local traffic policies and drive action that is outside of the city's reach. Find local advocacy groups Partnering with advocacy groups focused on road safety or urban planning may also provide valuable expertise and support. For example, in Cleveland Heights, the Safe Streets 4 Cleveland Heights organization might be able to offer assistance. These organizations may help you identify actionable solutions, connect with decision-makers or highlight your case through public campaigns. Work with your insurance company If rising insurance costs are part of the problem, reach out to your insurance company. They have a vested interest in preventing damage to your home and may be willing to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some insurers may suggest ways to mitigate your risk, which you can use to bolster your requests to the city. It's also worth shopping around with other insurers that may have different underwriting policies. Reach out to your state's insurance commissioner Many states have departments dedicated to assisting consumers with insurance issues, including mediating disputes and providing resources to find alternative coverage. Filing a formal complaint with your local insurance commission can bring attention to your issue and prompt broader action. If all else fails, consider reaching out to local news stations and finding legal representations to help you navigate this situation. That may be what finally allows Gall to find relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recently hired a lawyer, Marlon Primes, and says Cleveland Heights may install bollards in place of the boulders that currently sit on his property. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. The central government has invited the protesting farmers for a meeting which will be held on February 14 in Chandigarh to discuss their demands, a senior official said. The breakthrough came after a delegation led by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Priya Ranjan, met fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and held a meeting with the representatives of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The discussions between the Centre, Punjab government, and farmer representatives will take place at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration, Sector-26, Chandigarh. The meeting will focus on addressing the pending demands of farmers. In an official letter issued by Priya Ranjan, it was stated, "You are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Kindly ensure your presence on time." Representatives from the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been invited to attend the meeting. The letter further highlighted that this meeting is part of an ongoing dialogue, following a prior meeting held on February 15, 2024, in Chandigarh. Earlier, the Supreme Court on Wednesday sought from the Punjab government complete comparative medical reports of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death since November 26, to obtain an opinion from the medical board of AIIMS. The apex court posted the case for hearing on January 22. The top court was hearing a contempt petition filed against the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Punjab for not complying with December 20 order of providing medical aid and hospitalisation to Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death since November 26. Dallewal, the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanouri border to press the Centre to accept the farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The top court has been asking the Punjab government to ensure Dallewal gets proper medical aid during fast unto death. (ANI) PIEDMONT TRIAD, N.C. (WGHP) Cloudy skies this evening with temperatures remaining in the 40s into the overnight hours. Well see isolated showers during the very early morning hours Sunday with isolated to scattered showers remaining into the afternoon. Sundays showers are associated with our next cold front which will be bringing in brutally cold temperatures for the start of the week. That arctic air starts to arrive by Sunday afternoon and evening which means temperatures will be colder by the evening Sunday than they were in the morning. As colder air filters in behind the Arctic front, rain may briefly changeover to light snow Sunday afternoon and evening. Little to no accumulation is expected. Once were below freezing Sunday evening, well remain there likely until Thursday afternoon. The coldest afternoon temperatures weve seen since 2022 arrive for the first half of the week which also brings the longest stretch of below-freezing temperatures since 2018, with nearly 92 hours below freezing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well start Monday morning around 17 degrees and afternoon highs reach the upper 20s with sunny skies. Breezy conditions will make it feel like the single digits Monday morning with afternoon highs feeling more like the low 20s. Increasing clouds on Tuesday with morning temperatures around 12 degrees and highs around 29 degrees. Were watching the potential for snow Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning. However, right now, the chance is fairly low with better snow chances in eastern NC, along the coast. The further east in the Triad you live, the slightly better your odds are for snow Tuesday night. Keep checking in with the FOX8 weather team over the next few days as we fine-tune the forecast and release snow totals. Wednesday morning temperatures will be around 12 degrees again with highs around 27 degrees. Skies will be mostly sunny. Well slowly start to thaw out into the weekend. Temperatures remain in the low 10s Thursday morning but try and reach above freezing in the afternoon with highs in the mid-30s. By Friday, morning temperatures will be in the low 20s and highs reach the upper 30s. Saturday morning starts off in the low 20s again but afternoon highs reach the mid-40s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. Low pressure has made its way into northern New Mexico from the northern Rocky Mountains today. This low-pressure system brought round one of snow to New Mexico. Over the course of the day, the snowfall has moved across the northeastern corner of the sate and south towards Tucumcari and Clovis. The National Weather Service issued Winter Weather Alerts for northeast New Mexico through tonight. 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 today. The light dusting is forecasted for northeast New Mexico. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. DENVER (KDVR) An arctic blast over the weekend is leaving Colorado a little worse for wear. Subzero temperatures are set to hit just about everywhere in the state with only a couple of cities remaining above zero degrees. Pinpoint Weather Alert Days are in effect as many areas are expected to stay in freezing and subzero temperatures through Tuesday. To add insult to injury, a wind chill will make it feel significantly colder. Temperatures will reach below zero this weekend. Wind chill will make it worse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday night, the negative 5 degrees in the forecast for Denver is significantly warmer than other areas will be. The Pinpoint Weather team has double-digit negatives in the forecast for several areas of the state. While most Coloradans will have to deal with the subzero temperatures, there will be a few groups who will be facing even more extreme conditions. The three cities facing the lowest temperatures this weekend include: Gunnison: -34 Craig: -24 Steamboat Springs: -15 Pinpoint Weather Alert Days are issued as temperatures will be freezing for several days, and lows overnight are expected to be below zero degrees overnight. These temperatures are nothing to scoff at, especially for the residents of Gunnison who will face a nearly historic cold. Denver weather: Heres how much Snow has fallen in Colorado during arctic blast so far What are the coldest temperatures ever recorded in Colorado? Here is how the low temperatures measure against some of the other coldest days in Colorado history, according to the Colorado Climate Center: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steamboat Springs Feb. 1, 1985: (-46) Dillon Dec. 24, 1924: (-46) Crested Butte Feb. 6, 1982: (-47) Walden Feb. 2, 2011: (-48) Kremmling Feb. 2, 1951: (-49) Lake George Jan. 10, 1962: (-50) Alamosa Jan. 28, 1948: (-50) Eagle Jan. 12, 1963: (-51) Taylor Park Feb. 2, 1985: (-60) (Colorados all-time record) Maybell Feb. 2, 1985: (-61) While Gunnisons overnight low Saturday does not crack the top ten, it does not miss by much, occupying the 16th coldest temperature in Colorado history. It falls in between Ridgway, which reached -36 on Jan. 12, 1963, and Dinosaur, which hit -29 on Dec. 22, 1990. Colorados record is the fourth-lowest temperature recorded across the 50 states, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, only behind: Wyoming: (-66) Montana: (-70) Alaska: (-80) Those in the Denver metro can expect temperatures to dip to negative five degrees overnight. Denver, Colorado weather resources Stay prepared for storms and forecast changes, a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day and other important weather information: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Whipping winds are intensifying natural disasters fueled by climate change, stoking raging California wildfires and supercharging major Atlantic hurricanes. With destructive force, they have the ability to tear off roofs, flatten neighborhoods, and rip trees from the soil, leaving a barren environment in their wake. In the last few weeks, theyve helped to set Southern California on fire, along with the effects of climate change on the arid region. There are a lot of people that believe that climate change is happening and real, but not many people believe that they are actually currently experiencing climate change themselves personally. But, they are, Daniel Gilford, a meteorologist and atmospheric scientist with Climate Central, told The Independent on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change is creating conditions ripe for fire growth in areas affected by the winds. Warmer temperatures caused by climate change and atmospheric warming fuel droughts - notably, Southern California hasnt seen rain for months - that dry out fuels like grasses. As the climate warms, more water evaporates from the ground and vegetation. And, wildfire is also driven by hydroclimate whiplash and volatility: rapid swings between unusually wet and dry periods. Warmer temperatures can also result in more rain and heavier precipitation events, like the atmospheric river storms that have slammed the Golden State over the last couple of years. The precipitation allows for intense growth of grasses that will die out. A person tries to hose down embers from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, earlier this month. Hurricane-force winds helped the deadly wildfires spread across the region, alongside impacts from climate change (AP) Still, it remains hard to say whether the Santa Ana winds are becoming more or less frequent due to climate change - it may even decrease them. The data [is] unclear, I would say, in terms of how climate change might affect Santa Ana winds and those strong, sort of accelerating downslope winds toward the ocean that can really promote that extensive wildfire spread. And, maybe serve as a start to, if youre knocking down powerlines, infrastructure, things like that, that can ... create those sparks that start a fire, Andrew Winters, assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at Colorado University Boulder, explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a fire is lit, winds can serve as a blow torch, helping it quickly spread. Two of Californias largest wildfires this month were driven by hurricane-force winds gusting up to 100 mph. Videos showed 70-to-90 mph winds blowing a blizzard of embers across front yards in Altadena and through palm trees, setting them ablaze. Winds that strong can turn a bad situation into a nightmare, grounding firefighting aircraft when they blow over 40 mph, according to Cal Fire Incident Commander Gerry Magana. This month wasnt the first time the winds have had that destructive force in Los Angeles County, and it surely wont be the last. The Santa Ana winds, cool and dry winds blowing from the desert out to the Pacific Ocean, have been a part of the ecosystem for centuries. Winters pointed out that, due to warming from climate change, the position of the upper level jet stream in the northern hemisphere is expected to shift north. The jet stream is a fast-moving ribbon of wind within the atmosphere that can significantly influence weather patterns. The jet stream moving north would focus the potential for precipitation to impact the Pacific Northwest and leave California with the expectation of more dry days in the future. And, with those drying conditions, its almost like youre stacking the deck for a catastrophic fire to develop, he said. So, kind of the footprint from climate change potentially on what were seeing in California is really in the context of how climate change can alter the large-scale atmospheric circulation and wind patterns in a way that favors these prolonged drought periods that can contribute to the development of favorable sort of fuel conditions ... that can lead to rapid wildfire growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the effect of climate change on the Santa Anas remains up in the air, the impact on hurricanes is clearer. An aerial photo shows houses damaged after Hurricane Helene made landfall last September in Horseshoe Beach, Florida. Hurricanes wind speeds are increasing due to climate change (AFP via Getty Images) Gilford led research on how climate change powered up hurricanes churning in the Atlantic Ocean last year, more than 2,500 miles away. He found that climate change increased the maximum wind speeds for every Atlantic hurricane last year, raising their highest sustained wind speeds by between nine and 28 mph. The increase helped move seven hurricanes to a higher category on the classifying Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, and strengthened tropical storms into hurricanes. Record ocean warmth during the hurricane season due to climate change made major Hurricanes Helene and Milton stronger, adding 16 to 24 mph respectively, according to the study from the non-profit Climate Central. Storms like Beryl and Raphael formed in ocean waters that were made 1.3 or 1.4 degrees Celsius warmer than they would have been 100 years ago, Gilford said. The storm has this speed limit at which it can spin based on its environmental conditions. And, the warmer the sea surface temperatures, the faster a hurricane can spin, he noted, adding that hurricanes care about sea surface temperatures like cars care about fuel sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists have yet to fully capture how the atmosphere could be changing and affecting these hurricanes, according to Gilford. But, there will definitely be more intense storms as the planet continues to get hotter. Last year was the hottest year on record. We know that climate change is happening all around us. Its influencing our lives right now. Its affecting the storms that were living through, the terrible disasters that we see on TV, or the terrible heat we might experience outside for a given day, he explained. Climate change is living. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) Connecticut Attorney General William Tong sat down with Dennis House to discuss the Stone Academy case, Prospect Medical Holdings filing for bankruptcy and his future. Watch the interview in the video above. THIS WEEK IN CONNECTICUT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. The refill of Lake Tapps that usually happens in mid-February will be delayed this year, the Cascade Water Alliance said in a news release Friday. The alliance and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working on a project that will postpone the refill until about March 15, the release said. This project will replace a 100-year-old infrastructure with a new diversion structure that will improve water diversion reliability and water quality for the reservoir, the release said. It is part of a broader USACE project designed to improve the fish passage at Mud Mountain Dam. The delayed phase of the project will improve the flow of sediment in the White River and will provide a new diversion structure for Cascade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Amspacher, the water resources manager for the Cascade Water Alliance, told The News Tribune that this phase of the project is to update the intake structure, where they bring water into Lake Tapps. The updates include an automated gate that determines how much water can get through. Its designed in a way that will prevent sediment and logs from building up and interfering with the opening and closing of the gate, he said. Asked about the significance of the delay for residents and visitors, he said those who live on the lake use the lower water levels in the winter to work on their docks and bulkheads. Recreation-wise, the water levels affect the timing of when residents can put their boats in the lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The water level on the lake is between 541.5 feet and 543 feet from April 15 to Sept. 30 for recreation, the release said. Cascade is hopeful it can reach a reservoir level of 541.5 feet by April 15, the release said, but that depends on how construction goes and on the water level of the White River. The lake is a popular destination for Pierce County residents in the summer, and crowds got big enough last summer that the county implemented new parking restrictions, The News Tribune reported. We understand the sensitivity surrounding timing of lake levels and are working diligently with the Cascade Water Alliance to complete this phase of the project, which will allow the White River to refill Lake Tapps, Col. Kathryn Sanborn, commander of Seattle District, USACE, said in a statement. This project will benefit both USACE and the Lake Tapps community. The Cascade Water Alliance purchased the Lake Tapps reservoir in 2009 from Puget Sound Energy, to use in the future as a municipal water supply. The members of the alliance are Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish Plateau Water, Skyway Water & Sewer District, and Tukwila. Over 1.7 million pilgrims visited the Mahakumbh Mela on Sunday as of 8 AM, according to official data released by the Uttar Pradesh government. On the seventh day of the Maha Kumbh, among a congregation of over 1.7 million devotees gathered at the Sangam Triveni, 10 lakh Kalpvasis and 7.02 lakh pilgrims took a holy dip by 8 AM. As of January 18, more than 77.2 million pilgrims have taken a dip at the Sangam Triveni during the Maha Kumbh 2025. Earlier today, devotees gathered in the Maha Kumbh Mela amid the layer of dense fog engulfed the area. The inclement weather conditions don't seem to have an effect in the footfall of pilgrims. The footfall of the pilgrims is expected to increase in the upcoming days as four key Shahi Snans are yet to come. Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). Earlier on January 17, more than 2.5 million pilgrims visited the Maha Kumbh on the sixth day till 4 PM, as per the data released. Meanwhile, spiritual leader Morari Bapu arrived in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and said that he is very excited for the ongoing Maha Kumbh. He said, "...I am very happy and I have arrived for 'katha' at the Mahakumbh. The arrangements for the Mahakumbh are very good. I am very excited as it is a very big festival for the 'Sanatan Dharma' and Spiritual world..." 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. (ANI) North Carolinas colleges and universities are watching through a fog of uncertainty as President Donald Trump begins his second term. Theres cause to worry about how the returning president will approach higher education. Although he is a graduate of an Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania, Trump is dismissive of intellectuals and tends to have a transactional view of higher educations value. He is, after all, founder of Trump University, a for-profit real estate school that closed with Trump agreeing to pay $25 million to resolve fraud charges. And his nominee to head the Department of Education which many of his conservative followers want to eliminate completely is Linda McMahon, a former pro-wrestling executive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration approach to higher education will be especially important to North Carolina. The University of North Carolina System of 16 universities is among the best in the nation. The states private universities, led by Duke and Wake Forest, are key contributors to the states workforce and economy. The first worry for universities, whether public or private, will be whether Trumps hard line on immigration will affect international students. Nearly 25,000 international students attend North Carolina colleges and universities, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Those students enrich campus culture, but are also good for the bottom line, as many pay full tuition. Early in his first term, Trump sparked chaos by trying to impose a Muslim travel ban, but its unclear whether he will take aggressive actions affecting international students in his second term. Nonetheless, many schools encouraged international students to return to campus before Trump second term. Another area of uncertainty is federal financial aid for students. Trump opposed President Joe Bidens efforts to forgive student loan debt and may cut back federal work-study and loan programs. Some of his supporters want to privatize all student loans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal funding for university research also will be a sensitive issue for North Carolina, particularly in the Triangle. Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University collectively receive more than $2 billion in federal research funding annually. The Trump administration may cut grants related to climate change and other areas where conservatives are skeptical of the value. While Trumps decision on funding is a concern, the more prominent changes may be about campus culture. Conservatives have already ended affirmative action through a Supreme Court ruling, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs are being rolled back or dismantled. The right-wing Heritage Foundations Project 2025, widely seen as a guide to the priorities of Trumps second term, supports changing the character and priorities of universities by changing the standards and the organizations that accredit them. Trump agrees. He said in 2023, When I return to the White House I will fire the radical left accreditors that have allowed our colleges to become dominated by Marxist maniacs and lunatics. Replacing accrediting groups with others in line with Trumps agenda could lead to the erosion of academic freedom, a diminished faculty role in university governance and the loss of tenure for professors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a moment of enormity for American higher education, Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, recently told The New York Times. Many of President Trumps top advisers are the architects of Project 2025, which seeks to dismantle higher education, not reform it, and to replace what they perceive as woke Marxist ideology with their own conservative ideology. In Florida and Texas, such a transition is well underway and is likely to accelerate in North Carolina. The states Republican lawmakers have stocked the UNC Board of Governors and campus trustees with conservatives. Their goal is to stamp out DEI programs and refocus the curriculum on studies that will provide students immediate career opportunities rather than a broader education. Defenders of academic freedom and shared university governance may be wary of what may come to campus in Trumps second term. One consolation, though, is that Trump is not especially interested in higher education. His preoccupation with immigration, tariffs and even Greenland may keep, at least for a while, the worst proposals for changing higher education from becoming reality. Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@newsobserver.com BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (WBOY) The third annual Country Roads Fire Conference began at the Event Center at Brushy Fork on Saturday, and brought together around 70 firefighters from West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, and more. The fire fighters came to learn how they might improve in firefighting, and today was a lecture day. Topics included leadership and how to do the first analysis on a fire. Training Chief Kyle Romagus came from East Montgomery Texas to talk about how new firefighters need more realistic trainings, saying, I think the credentialing process that we have fails to bring realism into the training academies due the fact of the restrictions that we have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials urge people to be safe with space heaters in the winter Romagus said that the lack of realism is due to a reaction within the firefighting community to fatalities in fire trainings in the 70s and 80s, but that the pendulum needs to swing the other way as new firefighters are not as prepared as they could be when separated from those more experienced. The Buckhannon Fire Department started the conference because it wanted a way for local fire departments to hear national conversations in firefighting without having to leave the mountain state. Assistant Chief in Warren District VFD Cody Cutright explained that if his fire department went out of state for a conference, then they would have to leave their families for a weekend, and most of the interior firefighters would be out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Country Roads Fire Conference is set to continue on Sunday with hands on training. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. "Uncertainty, heartbreak and hope." These heightened emotions have overwhelmed members of Aliento since Nov. 6, according to Reyna Montoya, CEO and founder of the organization. This Phoenix-based nonprofit advocates for students who are undocumented, DACA recipients and part of a mixed-status family. One of their members is Xiomara Flores, a 20-year-old biomedical student at Arizona State University, the oldest of five children who have only known Arizona as home. Her parents arrived to the U.S. as undocumented minors her mother at the age of 2 from Morelos, Mexico, and her father at the age of 12 from Guerrero, Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fear is something they're accustomed to, Flores told The Arizona Republic. It's impossible not to feel that way when her parents have survived decades of persecution for a crime they had no idea they were committing when entering the country as kids. We try to not instill that fear. Especially having young siblings and having known what that fear is in the past, Flores said. But we also dont want to keep them in the naiveness of what could happen either. What could happen, she states between the lines, is the possibility of her parents getting picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and being deported. President Donald Trump's promises to conduct mass deportations and the history of family separations experienced during his first term have awoken a mix of emotions fear and confusion topping them for many mixed-status families living in Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's first term was infamous for implementing family separation for immigrants seeking asylum at the border. And while it's not clear if his administration will re-instate that policy, those who have been living in the U.S. without authorization for years know the likelihood of removal under his new presidency is greater, and the impact felt by family members, undocumented or not, will be felt even more. According to the American Immigration Council, Trump's strict immigration policies could impact an estimated 4 million mixed-status families living in the U.S. Like Flores, Britney Vera, a 20-year-old Business pre-law student at ASU and native Arizonan, is a member of a mixed-status family. Vera is the second of three daughters of Mexican immigrants native from the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, who entered the United States in 1990. The couple was in search of a better life for the family they would ultimately have and settle in Phoenix, Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (My sisters and I) have the privilege to be in college because of my hard-working parents who sacrificed so much to come to this country, Vera said. Their whole life all theyve ever known is to work and theyve been here longer than they have in their own homeland, but this country still refuses to accept them as people that are considered citizens just due to their status. Family separation a likely outcome under Trump Family separation isnt new, nor will it cease to be even after Trump leaves office, especially in a state like Arizona with a history of a hard stance against unauthorized immigration. Workplace and neighborhood immigration raids, enforcement of immigration laws by Maricopa County sheriff deputies, and the passing of SB 1070 in 2010 the show me your papers law loom over what could now be the states harshest immigration agenda to date with Proposition 314. Approved by about 60% of voters in November, the proposition would make crossing the border illegally a state crime, granting local law enforcement agencies and courthouses the ability to enforce federal immigration law. The law wont go into effect until Texas clears legal hurdles with a similar legislation that was slated to take effect in March 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evelyn Cruz, director of the ASU Law Immigration Clinic, said even though the proposition would expedite deportations in Arizona if enacted, she advised the immigrant community to stay calm and wait for the courts to determine its legality before reacting to the potential changes. "There's a lot of different moving pieces ... It's scary, I'm sure, to have all these things floating out there that could happen. But the reality is that you have to take each piece on its own and work logically across them," Cruz said. During the 2024 election cycle, Trump centered his campaign around a border crackdown, promising a "historic slate of executive orders" that will surpass the scope of mass deportation efforts in the 1950s. He also pledged to seal the border and remove criminals who he says are smuggling drugs, fostering gang violence and endangering communities across the country. During his first administration, the number of interior arrests made by ICE rose 30% in the 2017 fiscal year. The number of deportations of unauthorized immigrants also rose 17% from 2017 to 2018, and the number of migrant apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border rose in fiscal 2019 to its highest annual level in 12 years, according to a Pew Research Center analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the increase, deportation, arrest and border apprehension levels were still behind compared to the early 2000s. The number of arrests of unauthorized immigrants during the first Trump administration was far lower than during President Barack Obamas first term in office, the Pew analysis showed. This time around, however, Trump has outlined a more aggressive approach in his immigration plans for his upcoming administration. During his speech at the AmericaFest in Phoenix in December, he said that on the day he takes office, on Jan. 20, he will launch a removal program for undocumented immigrants called "Operation Aurora," and referenced an Eisenhower-era deportation program that used military-style tactics to remove illegal immigrants and included raids on cities as far north as St. Louis. We will begin the largest deportation operation in American history, larger even than that of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Trump said at the rally. We will get them out fast, and we have no choice. Tom Homan, Trump's appointed border czar, has said that mixed-status families can be impacted as the administration carries out deportation plans. Homan was the acting director of ICE during Trumps first term and oversaw a controversial family separation policy during the first administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would impact an estimated 8.5 million U.S. citizens who have a family member currently living in the country under unauthorized status, according to the American Immigration Council, severely gutting household incomes. Cruz said there's still uncertainty regarding the procedures and legality of Trump's proposed action for his second term in office. With Trump's approach likely resembling immigration crackdowns in the past, racial profiling practices may be of particular concern, with enforcement agencies potentially targeting Latino-prominent areas or work sites placing added pressure on mixed-status families, she said. "This creates an additional burden to people who look like a stereotype of an undocumented person," she said. "That's something that we saw with SB 1070: U.S. citizens who have been here for generations have been impacted. With mixed-status families, it creates stressors that mostly impact a community that has an equal right to U.S. protection." However, she said any new policies implemented during Trump's upcoming administration would need to withstand legal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There needs to be some established control as to how these things get done, and not rush to judgment," she said. "There are some things that can be very drastic that can be done within the framework of the law as it exists, but do require an investment of time and process ... That is something that unfortunately will have to be addressed as each activity comes about." Fear can paralyze you Mixed emotions have never been more present than ever for families who could be impacted. For many, time stood still the morning of Nov. 6, post-election day, while a sudden burst of fear and anxiety dismantled the hope that accompanied them during the 2024 election cycle. Some have preferred to stay calm and not worry about something that hasnt happened. Others go from one end to the other, fearing their current situation and leaning into the possibility that their family could survive another administration and remain together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While filled with that hope, Flores and her family try not to fall into naiveness, preparing for the worst possible outcome. Vera tries to maintain a sense of peace at home by offering words of reassurance, promising her parents and her sisters that they'll stay together as Trumps second term nears, especially with her mother who has expressed that fear since Nov. 6. While remaining strong at home, Vera has found comfort in friends who could be impacted in the same way. We can all relate to each other. Even if were 20 or 21, having our parents taken away from us will forever be scary, Vera said. Its like that little girl still lives inside me, who was scared of taking a simple car ride late at night to get gas, always scared of living in the US with undocumented parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the American Immigration Council, the deportation of parents or family members can have lasting negative effects, especially on children, leading to "significant physical, emotional, developmental, and economic repercussions for millions of children across the country." Though they have explored different alternatives, Flores and her family do not have a solid plan for when Trump enters office on Jan. 20, and instead are waiting to see what the situation will look like in real-time. One of the options leaves Flores to assume responsibility over her siblings who are 17, 15, 12, 11 and 9 years old. In the case that my parents were to get deported I would be assuming responsibility for my siblings. Of course, with the support and help of my surrounding family and friends that we have here, Flores said. Moving to Mexico as a whole family could maybe become an option as well, she said. While the fear of mass deportation is paralyzing some, others, like Alexa Baez, are confident the incoming president is the best choice for the country and for people like her. Baez is a transgender woman from Veracruz, Mexico, who arrived in the U.S. 24 years ago fleeing the violence of her country. Baez is part of a mixed-status family her siblings are undocumented like her and her nephews and nieces are U.S. citizens. Despite being a Trump supporter who could not vote for him because of her undocumented status that doesnt exempt her feelings of concern. If he keeps his promises alive, it will symbolize many affected and separated families. Many who would have to return to Mexico where the situation is very difficult, Baez said. At home, she encounters tension due to the abundant division of political stances and immigration statuses. It's something she's learned to live with, but it doesn't deter her from reassuring her loved ones. Do not take things hastily. Do not be afraid, take things calmly. Yes, you always need to have a plan, but you don't have to be alarmed by what might happen, Baez said. You have to go on with your lives as you naturally do without worrying too much about politics or what people say. Cruz advised the community to stay informed about evolving immigration policies under the upcoming administration and to ensure they understand their rights and obligations as they navigate any potential changes to their current situation. "Make sure that as each new policy comes down the pipe, you examine it thoroughly as to how it impacts you and what is likely to happen with that particular thing," she said. "That's the best advice that one can give." She also encouraged people to seek legal resources and educational materials from immigrant-advocate organizations, such as the National Immigration Law Center and the Arizona-based nonprofit Chicanos Por La Causa. Families prepare for worst possible outcome Veras family came up with a plan during Trump's first term in the likelihood that her parents were forcibly removed from the country. Days before he steps into office again, she said the plan has evolved a bit, but it's equally as devastating to her. The plan then was to allow all responsibilities to fall on Veras older sister, the only adult at the time, aside from her undocumented parents. Now, as all three daughters are of legal age, the parents have found a more profound sense of peace knowing their children can take care of each other. With Trump being back in office again it definitely brings back a lot of deja-vu, a lot of anxiety, Vera said. Now that Im going into my twenties and I can be more independent, I still wholeheartedly depend on my parents being here. Having them taken away from me would be devastating. As soon as results were called the early morning of Nov. 6, Aliento partnered up with therapists and began holding listening sessions their way of offering a space to individuals directly affected by Trumps deportation promises, Montoya said. The organization has also hosted community events with their students and their families, reminding them that they're not alone. We know the emotional toll that it takes to constantly hear the anti-immigrant rhetoric on television or coming from politicians, but also, the feeling that it goes from words into actions, and it can have real ramifications within our family, she said. We wanted to be in tune with their emotional reality because fear can paralyze you. Aliento was launched in June 2016, during Trump's first successful presidential bid. After he won in November 2016, Montoya recalled getting an overwhelming number of calls from targeted immigrant communities. As a part of their commitment to transform trauma, fear and anxiety into hope and action, Aliento began assisting impacted individuals with creating emergency family packets. The initiative consisted of the gathering of all necessary documents, like birth certificates and passports as well a list of emergency contacts or people allowed to take custody of minors, medical conditions officials should be aware of and more all to keep in handy if a family ever experienced deportation. With Trumps second term being right around the corner, Aliento intends to offer the same support. On its website, the organization displays a Defense and Preparation Plan form that upon completion will give users access to an information and document-gathering plan. This is the plan you wished you never had to use, but in case something happens, you have it here, Montoya said. Flores vaguely recalls the first Trump administration. She was 12 at the time he took office. She said she understood the basics of what he planned on doing regarding unauthorized immigration. If there was a family separation plan then, she wasn't aware of it. This time around, her parents have decided to surrender to whatever outcome lies ahead, always putting it into Gods hands, she said. On her end, she has taken the initiative to start gathering the necessary documents and seeking contact information for local organizations and immigration lawyers, if they're ever needed. As weird as it sounds, my dad, especially, has said that hed be ready to go back to Mexico. Hed be ready to go back to where he originally called home, Flores said. And my mom says the same thing. They say, 'its hard to live in a country where it is constantly being blasted on the news and from the president and from the people that youre not wanted. Have story tips on Latino communities in the Valley? Reach La Voz reporter Paula Soria at psoriaaguilar@gannett.com. Reach Republic reporter Laura Daniella Sepulveda at laura.sepulveda@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mixed-status families brace for possible separation under Trump A federal judge has ordered a North Texas-based white supremacist group to pay nearly $3 million to a Black musician they are accused of attacking in Massachusetts in 2022, court documents state. Patriot Front and its leader, Thomas Rousseau of Grapevine, failed to respond to a lawsuit filed by the musician in 2023. As a result, Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts issued a default judgment in a Jan. 13 court order. The judgment awards Charles Murrell $755,000 for physical and psychological injuries and $2 million in punitive damages and attorneys fees. Patriot Front is designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Rousseau and approximately 100 members of the white nationalist organization were in Boston for a demonstration on July 2, 2022. They took over public sidewalks without permission from the city and marched down the street carrying flags, shields and signs that read Reclaim America. Murrell, a classical saxophone player, was on his way to play outside the Boston Public Library when he encountered the group. One of the Patriot Front members called him a racial slur, and the group pushed the saxophonist into the street, court documents state. When Murrell tried to get back on the sidewalk, members of the group shoved him into a light post, knocked him down and hit and kicked him while he was on the ground. Patriot Front later posted footage from the incident on its website, but no one was prosecuted for participating in the attack. Murrell testified that he feared for his life during the attack, according to court documents. Injuries he sustained have made it difficult for him to play the saxophone for a living as he had previously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rousseau was arrested in Weatherford in 2020 after members of the Parker County Sheriffs Department said they saw him and two other men place stickers on county property. In June 2022, Rousseau and other Patriot Front members were arrested in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, on suspicion of conspiring to riot at a nearby gay pride event. More top stories from our newsroom: Gunman found guilty of killing 5-year-old and teenager Teen wounded in 2021 Timberview High School shooting was killed Monday Recent jail deaths unite groups from both sides of political aisle [Get our breaking news alerts.] SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) It was an unexpected concert outside the KRON4 studios on Friday nightone put on by a pack of coyotes howling under the city lights on Front Street. Maybe they were trying to get on the news, or maybe they were just feeling the loveit is their mating season, after all. Hillsborough PD shares photos of alleged DUI car wreck: 100 percent preventable Coyotes are native to San Francisco, and from December through February, they become much more visible as they search for mates and safe places to raise their pups. San Francisco Animal Care & Control (SFACC) says this is completely normal behavior, and while coyotes arent typically aggressive, people should stay aware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coyotes in San Francisco are used to city life. Theyre familiar with the sounds, smells, and sights of an urban environment, and seeing them during the daytime isnt unusual, says SF Animal Care & Control. Coyotes usually avoid humans, but they will become protective if they have pups nearby. SFACC says one of the biggest mistakes people make is feeding them. Coyotes that associate humans with food become bolder, which can lead to dangerous encounters. SFACC warns that this kind of behavior often forces officials to step in, which doesnt end well for the animals. If you encounter a coyote, the best thing to do is keep moving, SFACC advises. Dont run, but dont linger. If you have a small dog, pick it up. Never let your pet interact with a coyote. And if a coyote gets too close, shout, wave your arms, stomp your feet, or make loud noises. Dog attacked and killed by pack of coyotes at Baker Beach Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are a few key tips from San Francisco Animal Care & Control: Keep dogs on a leash and cats indoors. Coyotes dont distinguish between small pets and prey. Avoid known coyote activity areas when walking your dog, especially during pup-rearing season. Never feed wild animals. It encourages dangerous behavior. Report coyote den activity in overgrown yards to SFACC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Monday is not only Inauguration Day. Its also the day our nation observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is perhaps ironic that on a day when President-elect Donald J. Trump is inaugurated in the midst of a deeply divided nation, we also celebrate a man who spoke often about the need to create the beloved community. The Rev. Kings vision The beloved community represents a world where poverty, hunger and homelessness are not tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. It does not mean no conflict, but it does mean a world where conflict does not devolve into violence or the otherizing and dehumanizing of people different from ourselves. The term the beloved community was first used in the early days of the 20th century by the philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce, who founded the Fellowship of Reconciliation. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., also a member of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, popularized the term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For King, the beloved community was not a lofty utopian goal to be confused with the rapturous image of the Peaceable Kingdom, in which lions and lambs coexist in idyllic harmony, according to The King Center. Rather, the beloved community was for him a realistic, achievable goal that could be attained by a critical mass of people committed to and trained in the philosophy and methods of nonviolence. The work continues Kings vision lives on today. In 2021, his son, Martin Luther King III, spoke at a Brigham Young University forum on the topic so dear to his father. To begin building the beloved community, we must embrace the belief that, ultimately, we are all brothers and sisters in the great human family, King said. It means working together to create communities which have no barriers between black, white, red, brown and yellow. We are all members of the same family because we are all children of the same God. Citizens of the beloved community stand up against bullying, corruption, exploitation and war and stand up for peace, justice and reconciliation. Such a community provides decent jobs, decent homes, quality education, justice and health care. It also requires interracial cooperation and creative altruism, creative activism and creative leadership, reported the Deseret News at the time. Later that year, the Rev. Andrew Teal, chaplain, fellow and lecturer in theology at Pembroke College, also spoke at BYU on building the beloved community. First, he said, we need to recognize that we are all beloved now. No exception. That means the person who doesnt look like you, doesnt worship like you, has different political views than you theyre beloved, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being a beloved community is also necessarily building a beloved community that is safe, he said. The beloved community has boundaries, norms, and expectations. We cannot seek to exploit the vulnerable or collude with oppression or unkindness; we must especially safeguard the most vulnerable those who need our help the most. The foundations of how we begin to build a beloved community, he shared, begin with: We see you, We will learn to see ourselves with you, and Together we will face the whole host of difficulties rooted in our history and prejudices and our own confusion. In January 2022, Shankar Vedantam, journalist, writer and previous NPR social science correspondent, also spoke at BYU on the beloved community and the psychological genius of nonviolence. One of the greatest psychological and strategic advantages of nonviolence and the idea of loving your enemy, he said, is that it allows you to see your enemies as human beings. It allows you to be curious about them, allows you to ask, Let me try and understand where youre coming from. Modern application Creating the beloved community through seeing others humanity and their divine nature, through treating people with dignity and disagreeing without being disagreeable, probably sounds familiar and it should. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has repeatedly called on church members to shun contention and be peacemakers. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, asked members to root out racism. The Dignity Index invites us to check our political speech and use words that recognize the dignity of those with whom we disagree. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox continues to emphasize the need to disagree better, and author Bryan Stephenson talks of the need for stone catchers in an era of stone throwers. Each of us holds the power to effect change by nurturing empathy, promoting understanding and standing in solidarity with those who seek to be treated with dignity and kindness. By choosing dialogue over division and compassion over conflict, we can honor the legacies of the Rev. King and work together toward a future where the ideals of the beloved community are not just aspirations, but a lived reality. We cant sit back and wait for someone else to do something. We all need to lift where we stand and work to heal our deep divisions. As we do so, Kings dream will inch ever closer to becoming a reality. Storm Center 7s Nick Dunn is tracking extreme cold weather for the Miami Valley. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A cold weather advisory has been issued for multiple counties from Sunday evening until Wednesday: Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, Warren Counties in Ohio & Randolph, Wayne, and Union Counties in Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logan County declared a Level 1 Snow Emergency around 11 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Dunn says Sunday evening has chances of scattered snow showers and snow squalls as an arctic cold front moves in. Dangerous wind chills begin Monday and are supposed to last through Wednesday, according to Dunn. Mondays wind chills will range from -10 to -20 degrees, Dunn says. Tuesday is likely to be less dangerous, but the wind chills are still going to be in the 0 to -10 degrees range, according to Dunn. The Storm Center 7 team will continue to follow these extreme cold conditions. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] No matter how much has changed over the past decade, one thing remains true: Saturday Night Live never brings in Dave Chappelle for a filler episode. The comedian has now hosted the show four times in just more than eight years, each stint coming on the heels of a pivotal election. Last night, in the SNL installment preceding President-Elect Donald Trumps second inauguration on Monday, Chappelle opened his monologue by detailing his attempts to turn down the daunting gig this time around. The SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels had apparently tried persuading Chappelle to again take the stage following the 2024 presidential election; Chappelle spent the several weeks prior to and after Trumps reelection rejecting the offer. He eventually relented, he said, so that I could just get rid of all these old Trump jokes and start fresh. That lead-in suggested that Chappelle might spend the rest of his set revisiting familiar comedic territory. But where Chappelle has previously doubled down on his right to offend, he instead used the moment to lay the groundwork for sharp, wide-ranging commentary. The moment I said yes, L.A. burst into flames, he quipped, following up with the kind of posturing that audiences have come to expect from him: He acknowledged that its too soon to laugh about the wildfires still ravaging Southern California, then threw the camera a mischievous wink. The veteran comic knows where the line is, he seemed to be saying, and revels in crossing it simply because he can. In a marked contrast to his earlier SNL appearances, thoughincluding his one in 2022, for which he received criticism for perceived anti-Semitic remarksthe comedian seemed mellower. And not only did Chappelle demonstrate an interest in unity, but he also offered viewers an unexpected and sincere-sounding plea for compassion. [Read: Does Dave Chappelle find anything funnier than being cancelled?] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chappelle wrapped his nearly 20-minute act with a direct appeal to the divided country and its incoming president. He ended with a timely anecdote about connecting with others amid deeply entrenched conflicts. Chappelle said that in the mid-aughts, after walking away from his eponymous hit show, he spent some time soul-searching in the Middle East. The comedian recalled that the late former President Jimmy Carter flew to Israel during that period; Carter was there to promote his 2006 book, Palestine: Peace, Not Apartheid. Chappelle described Carters insistence on then going to the Palestinian territory despite the Israeli government saying it would be too dangerous. I will never forget the images of a former American president walking with little to no security while thousands of Palestinians were cheering him on, and when I saw that picture, it brought tears to my eyes, he said. He continued: The presidency is no place for petty people, so Donald TrumpI know you watch the showman, remember, whether people voted for you or not, theyre all counting on you, whether they like you or not. Theyre all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you. And I mean this when I say this: Good luck. Please, do better next time. Please, all of us, do better next time. Do not forget your humanity. And please, have empathy for displaced people, whether theyre in the Palisades or Palestine. Last nights call to presidential action was a stark departure from Chappelles earlier comments about Trump during the comics SNL debut, in an awkward, unsettling episode following Hillary Clintons defeat in November 2016. Chappelle stole the show with a monologue (and a Chris Rockassisted skit) that conveyed his lack of surprise at Trumps ascendancy. But Chappelle ended on a more serious note. He waxed poetic about the hopefulness he felt after seeing a sea of Black faces at a party held in the Obama White House: So, in that spirit, Im wishing Donald Trump luck, he said. And Im going to give him a chance, and we, the historically disenfranchised, demand that he give us one too. A few months later, the comic reportedly said he regretted being the first guy on TV to say, Give Trump a chance. Chappelle deployed his trademark barbed humor to further thoughtful ends last nighteven when he wasnt talking about Trump. After running through a list of famous friends who lost their homes in the L.A. fires, the comic mocked the replies hed seen on videos of the blazes. Everyones like, Yeah, it serves these celebrities right. I hope their houses burned down, he said. You see that? That right therethats why I hate poor people. Chappelle then took a drag from his cigarette, waited for the audience to finish laughing, and got to the real punch line: Cause they cant see past their own pain. The comic went on to emphasize the countrys glaring economic inequality while expressing concern for people outside his own wealthy milieu. He spoke about the working-class families that found out the week of the fires that their fire-insurance coverage had been revoked; when he seemingly misspoke by saying health insurance, Chappelle suggested that Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcares CEO, could help either way. It was a grim joke, one that telegraphed his understanding that many Americans feel exploited by both industriesand reminded viewers that he can still bring peoples experiences into his comedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: Chappelle was right] Of course, Chappelle was still himself, throwing in a handful of musings about how scary it is to be famous right now and making a cringe-worthy comparison between West Hollywood and Sodom. A later sketch also saw him revisiting some of Chappelles Shows most memorable (and outrageous) characters. But the stand-up never took the lazy, condescending tack thats made him divisive among critics in recent years. (Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer, which premiered on Netflix last month, kicks off with a lengthy segment that rehashes his stalest material.) Chappelle instead drew on his experiences of living in the Midwestsomething he also did, to compelling effect, when he hosted SNL after the 2020 presidential election. From this personal angle, he sought to elucidate the similarities between demographics that look wildly different at first glance. It didnt always work perfectly, then or now, but it felt refreshingly human. Article originally published at The Atlantic Former day care worker Melissa Calusinski has served 16 years of a 31-year prison sentence for a crime she insists she didn't commit a murder that may not have even happened. She was convicted in 2011, at the age of 25, of murdering Benjamin Kingan, a 16-month-old whom she cared for at an Illinois day care center. Over the years, her appeals have failed, but as "48 Hours" reports, she has now taken her fight out of the court system and straight to the Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. This is a case "48 Hours'" correspondent Erin Moriarty has been reporting on for more than a decade, and Moriarty's latest report, "Unraveling the Case Against Melissa," features new interviews and never-before-reported information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story began on Jan. 14, 2009, when Calusinski, then 22, was working as a teacher's assistant at the Minee Subee day care in Lincolnshire, a suburb of Chicago. Late that afternoon, Calusinski was alone in a classroom with Ben and other children when she says she noticed he was unresponsive and foaming from the mouth. 911 was called. Ben was taken to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead an hour later. During an autopsy, the pathologist, Dr. Eupil Choi, told a detective that he observed a skull fracture, extensive bleeding inside Ben's head, and that the injury was caused by another person, using strong force, hours prior to Ben's death. And yet, according to the autopsy report, Ben had no cuts or serious wounds on the outside of his body. When police brought Calusinski in for questioning, she denied more than 60 times doing anything to Ben. But after nine long hours, under pressure and without an attorney, she confessed to throwing the toddler on the ground. "The only way for me to get out was to make a confession, a false confession," Calusinski told "48 Hours." The trial and aftermath Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her November 2011 trial, Lake County, Illinois, prosecutors argued that Ben was a perfectly healthy child leading up to his death. Choi testified about the skull fracture he said he observed and how he believed the injury was recent and consistent with having been thrown to the floor by someone. Dr. Manny Montez, another pathologist who was brought in by the state to consult on the autopsy, testified that he examined the child's body and felt the skull fracture with his bare hands. Ben Kingan Calusinski's trial attorney, Paul De Luca, tells Moriarty he had little to counter the alleged skull fracture because, before trial, prosecutors gave him a disc containing dark, unreadable X-rays. Still, De Luca argued that Calusinski was not guilty and that her confession was coerced. He and defense experts pointed to a previous injury Ben sustained. It was noticed at the day care three months before Ben's death and before Calusinski even started working there. Ben was also reported to have a habit of throwing himself back and hitting his head. The defense argued that habit exacerbated the old injury and contributed to his death. The jury ultimately rejected that argument, but Calusinski remained determined to prove her innocence, and in 2012, a year after her conviction, Dr. Thomas Rudd, the then-newly elected Lake County coroner, agreed to review the autopsy evidence at the urging of De Luca. In slides of the child's brain, Rudd identified what he said was evidence of the old injury evidence that Choi, the pathologist who conducted the autopsy, had missed. Like the defense experts at trial, Rudd and another well-regarded pathologist he consulted with, believed that the old injury was further exacerbated by Ben's head banging. A day care worker, Nancy Kallinger, had told police she saw Ben throw himself back twice on the day he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The added fluid of the recent injurypushes that brain down and shuts down the breathing system. That is the cause of the child's death. It was the old injury. The old injury was massive," Rudd told "48 Hours" in 2014. Still, prosecutors stood by their case. And even though Choi admitted in a sworn affidavit that he had missed that Ben had suffered an old injury, he said he would not have changed his testimony at trial. Then, in 2015, Rudd's staff found clear X-rays of Ben on the coroner's office computer that would turn the case upside down. Rudd and other defense experts said the clear X-rays showed Ben did not sustain a skull fracture. Rudd ultimately changed the manner of death on Ben's death certificate from homicide to undetermined. By this point, defense attorney Kathleen Zellner, who has built a career on getting the wrongfully convicted out of prison, had taken on Calusinski's case. Zellner fought to get Calusinski's case back before a judge and in 2016, Calusinski was granted an evidentiary hearing to present what Zellner argued was new evidence before Judge Daniel Shanes, the same Lake County judge who presided over Calusinski's trial. Zellner argued at that hearing that had the defense had access to the clear X-rays at the time of the trial, the verdict would have been different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The skull fracture became really important at trial because the prosecutors mentioned it 32 times," Zellner told Moriarty. "It was the pivotal point in the state's case to convince the jury it was a homicide." But at the evidentiary hearing, prosecutors argued that there was no new evidence in the case and that the disc provided to the defense before trial had software to enhance the x-rays and that De Luca didn't do enough to brighten them. But De Luca testified he couldn't open the software, and Zellner, with the help of an imaging expert, argued that it didn't matter what De Luca did, that the X-rays he had been given had been modified and were inferior to the ones found on the coroner's office computer. At the evidentiary hearing, Zellner also called Paul Forman, the deputy coroner during Ben's autopsies, to the stand. Forman disputed the testimony of pathologist Montez, who testified during Calusinski's trial that he felt a fracture in Ben's skull. But Forman, who said he was there when Montez came to the coroner's office, testified that Montez never physically examined Ben's body or touched the child's skull. Dr. Robert Zimmerman, a renowned pediatric neuroradiologist, also took the stand for the defense at the evidentiary hearing, and he too raised questions about Montez's testimony. Zimmerman testified that if the skull fracture had existed, it would be visible on the clear X-rays. According to him, it wasn't. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, prosecutors stood by their trial witnesses, Montez and Choi, who said they saw and felt a skull fracture. Neither doctor responded to "48 Hours"' recent requests for comment. At the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, Judge Shanes ruled against Calusinski and denied her a new trial. In his ruling, Shanes stated that he didn't find Forman's testimony regarding Montez credible, and he agreed with the state that De Luca could have brightened the X-rays and made them readable. An appeals court affirmed that decision. "I just don't understand," Calusinski told Moriarty through tears. Then, in 2022, there was a development that gave Calusinski and her defense hope. Eric Rinehart, a new state's attorney in Lake County, had taken office. Zellner says Rinehart sought more information on the discrepancy over the X-rays, so he recommended she retain the digital forensics company, Garrett Discovery. In this week's "48 Hours," Andrew Garrett and Brian Bowman, of Garrett Discovery, walk Moriarty through their findings. In a report, they concluded the X-rays were manipulated by someone using a software tool used to view X-rays and "that resulted in black washed out images which were unreadable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can't think of an innocent explanation," Garrett told Moriarty. Garrett and Bowman presented their findings to Rinehart in a November 2022 meeting attended by Zellner and De Luca. "Eric was just indignant," Zellner told "48 Hours." "He was saying, whoever had done this manipulation should be held accountable." "I thought he was gonna do something about it," De Luca said. But according to Zellner and De Luca, nothing happened after that meeting. By April 2024, Zellner decided to file a clemency petition asking that Pritzker exonerate Calusinski or release her for time served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe this is her best chance for freedom," Zellner told Moriarty. Melissa Calusinski's fight for clemency A hearing was scheduled for July 2024 before the governor's prisoner review board. But days before that hearing, in a twist that Zellner says she didn't see coming, Rinehart met with an attorney for Ben's family and then wrote a letter to the board stating his office "strongly opposes Melissa's clemency petition." Rinehart would not do an on-camera interview with "48 Hours" or speak on the record, but in that letter to the board, he wrote that there is no new evidence in the case and that Calusinski's petition for clemency does not establish innocence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 9, 2024, Zellner went before the prisoner review board to make her case for Calusinski's freedom. She was joined by De Luca, computer forensics experts Andrew Garrett and Brian Bowman, and Kathryn Thomas, a Yale psychologist who evaluated Calusinski and found her to be particularly susceptible to giving a false confession. Thomas told the board that she and her colleague, psychiatrist Alexander Westphal, diagnosed Calusinski with borderline intellectual functioning. Calusinski scored at a 4.8 grade level in sentence comprehension. They also diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from a rape she reported about two-and-a-half years before Ben's death. But not everyone at the clemency hearing was there in support of Calusinski's release. Two Lake County assistant state's attorneys, one of whom had prosecuted Calusinski, spoke in opposition, as well as Ben Kingan's parents, who said they were convinced Calusinski is guilty. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker / Credit: Getty Following the hearing, it was up to the prisoner review board to make a confidential recommendation to Pritzker as to whether Calusinski should be released, and "48 Hours" has learned that recommendation was just made. There is no deadline for the governor to act. When Moriarty asked Calusinski what she would say to the governor if given the chance, she responded, "I would say, 'Just please, look at my caseI didn't do this.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moriarty's report includes new interviews she conducted with Calusinski, her family, her attorneys, the computer forensics experts, and a false confession expert who analyzed the case. Moriarty also interviewed two former employees of the day care who have never spoken out before. The clock is ticking for TikTok and its 170 million American users Israel-Hamas ceasefire just hours away from taking effect What is Trump planning to change on Day 1 of his second term? A man "doubted" to be a Bangladeshi national has been arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence, Mumbai Police said on Sunday morning. The accused has been identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad (31). "There is preliminary evidence to suggest that the accused is a Bangladeshi. He does not have valid Indian documents. Some items seized indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national," Dixit Gedam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone 9, said during a press conference. According to the police, the accused entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on January 16, during which Saif Ali Khan was attacked and sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. The accused will be produced before the court, DCP Gedam said, adding, "We will seek police custody. We doubt that the accused is of Bangladeshi origin and thus, we have invoked relevant sections of the Passport Act as well." "Prima facie the accused is a Bangladeshi and after entering India illegally he changed his name. Currently, he is using Vijay Das as his name. He came to Mumbai five to six months ago. The accused was using multiple aliases. He stayed in Mumbai for a few days and then in the vicinity of Mumbai. He used to work in a Housekeeping agency," the DCP said. The police are verifying the credentials of the accused and investigating whether he has a criminal record. This development follows the stabbing of Khan multiple times in his Bandra apartment in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan was 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. (ANI) Make it gramamtically corRect A family is in search of a new daycare after an employee allegedly put a 4-year-old boy in a garbage can because he refused to take a nap. The child's mom, Monica Forte, opened up about the alleged Jan. 13 incident to ABC 7 Chicago, telling the outlet that she had no words especially when she first saw the surveillance footage from The Learning Lab in Homewood, Ill. The shocking video, which was shared by ABC 7, shows an employee at the Homewood preschool dragging Grayson, the eldest of Fortes two sons, toward a trash can by a wall and placing him inside of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other children at the daycare, where both Grayson and his 2-year-old brother have been going for almost two years, meanwhile, were not only present but also appeared to watch the entire incident unfold in front of them. My first thing was, of course Im crying, Forte recalled of watching the footage for the first time. "And I immediately went to the police station. However, she and the boys father, Justin Barnes, were quickly informed that there was nothing the police could do, because their 4-year-old son had not suffered any physical injuries at the workers hand. And though the Homewood daycare allegedly fired the employee who placed the child in the trash can and another who failed to intervene the parents are still concerned, especially because multiple other staff members allegedly witnessed the incident and did nothing to stop it from happening or report it after the fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parents told the outlet they are grateful to Grayson for telling them, because if he hadnt, they may never have learned what he went through. The Learning Lab, they added, should have told them before he did. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Getty Inside a daycare (stock image). Inside a daycare (stock image). When questioned about the incident, the daycare employee allegedly told Forte and Barnes that it was a joke, the parents told ABC 7. But the security footage tells a different story and has left the parents wondering how a daycare professional could have such a drastic reaction to such a common occurrence. "If you work with kids, I mean, you have to learn, Forte told ABC 7. They should know how to deescalate these certain situations when they don't want to take a nap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Learning Lab did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Jan. 19, nor did the Village of Homewood Police Department. In a statement to ABC 7 on Jan. 17, The Learning Lab said, "We tried to work cooperatively and transparently with the family. We are working with our licensing agency, DCFS and the Homewood police. We have shared additional information we became aware of yesterday because we believe it warranted further investigation and possible action against the person who did this. Forte and Barnes are now considering a civil lawsuit against the daycare and, in the meantime, are searching for a new spot for their sons, according to the Chicago outlet. They are also worried for their sons mental wellbeing, and particularly about the lasting impact of the humiliation he experienced, because of how many people witnessed the incident. We just want to, you know, make sure that Grayson is aware that the situation that happened, that, you know, the helper, what she did was wrong, Barnes told ABC 7. What he did, he did nothing wrong. It was just way worse than I could imagine, the concerned dad added. Im worried about what he feels. Read the original article on People Jan. 18Deacon Lawrence (Larry) J. Valdo Deacon Lawrence (Larry) J. Valdo, a devoted catholic and family man passed away at his home in Acomita, NM on January 13, 2025. He was born to Sarah and Julio Valdo (both deceased) on November 30, 1937. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Shane Jaramillo. Upon graduation from Grants High School in 1957, he started his career in the health field at the Bernalillo County Medical Hospital as Admitting Clerk and attending St. Joseph College on the Rio Grande as a part time student, eventually receiving his Bachelor of Science degree. He was employed as a Lab Technician with Lovelace Hospital and later served in a similar position with the Department of Indian Health Services, Shiprock, New Mexico. Valdo entered military service in the US Army Reserve Unit. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to school for his master's degree in Hospital Administration. He worked as a Physicians Assistant at the Gallup Indian Hospital, transferring to the newly opened Acoma, Canoncity, Laguna Hospital on the Acoma Reservation where he retired at the age of 70. He became active and performed voluntary work with numerous Catholic organizations and ministry. He answered his calling and entered the Deaconate Training Program. Upon completion, he was ordained Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Gallup on September 13, 2003, in Grants, New Mexico. Deacon Larry is survived by his son, Jeffrey; daughter Gaylene Ortiz; his brother Mike and his wife Cindy; sister Dale Sanchez; nephew David; nieces Veronica, Camille, Sarah and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relations. Rosary and funeral service will be Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5pm at St. Anne Church, Acomita and Funeral mass will be Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 10am. Interment will follow at Mount of Peace Cemetery, McCartys. Most Reverend James Wall, Bishop, Diocese of Gallup will preside. Funeral arrangements by Mt. Taylor Funerals, 120 N. 3rd Street, Grants, NM 505-287-5511 BOGOTA (Reuters) -The death toll from rebel-related violence in a key drug trafficking region of Colombia has doubled to 60, the government's human rights ombudsman said on Saturday. The ombudsman's office posted on social media that about 60 people have died violently, 32 were kidnapped and hundreds were displaced due to conflict in recent days between the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) and the now-demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). President Gustavo Petro last week accused the ELN of committing a war crime in the attacks, and suspended peace talks with the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ELN, in a statement on Saturday, accused a faction of the FARC of having initiated the conflict by killing civilians and committing other aggressions. The FARC faction did not publicly respond to the allegation. On Friday it said it had begun withdrawing its units to prevent the violence from escalating. The Catatumbo region is considered strategic for drug trafficking because of its proximity to Venezuela, from where illegal armed groups export cocaine, security sources have said. Petro's government since 2022 has pursued peace negotiations with leftist guerrillas and criminal gangs founded by former right-wing paramilitaries, in a bid to end Colombia's internal conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six decades of fighting in the Andean country has killed at least 450,000 people. The ombudsman's office warned that many social leaders and their families are at risk of being kidnapped or killed for opposing the ELN. It called on the ELN and other armed groups to allow humanitarian aid into the area and to "end all attacks against the civilian population." (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by William Mallard) I think [diversity] is our problem to figure out, Mark Zuckerberg once told an audience of students. You need diverse teams to do the best work. Its important that we do better on diversity, not only because its the right thing for the country and for the people, but because thats the only way were going to serve our community the best. For years, these words from the Meta chief executive appeared in bold on the companys hiring website, alongside the statement that diversity is a must-have for Meta not an option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company boasted about hiring more women and minorities, while also promising to tackle bias in the workplace. Today, Zuckerbergs quote no longer appears at the top of Metas diversity section, because that web page no longer exists. Last week, the company wiped it. The URL that used to take you there now directs users to a broader accessibility and engagement statement. This month, Meta told staff it was eliminating many of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) schemes, including hiring targets for women and ethnic minorities, and ensuring diverse shortlists when recruiting for new positions. On the same day, Zuckerberg told Joe Rogan, the Donald Trump-supporting podcaster, that corporate culture had swung too far towards the idea that masculinity is toxic. This coincided with the company removing tampons from mens bathrooms. Mark Zuckerbergs Meta is among a growing number of US companies to backtrack on its diversity policies - Manuel Orbegozo/Reuters Metas announcement capped a rightward shift from Zuckerberg, who is seeking to ingratiate himself with Trump as the new administration considers how to handle a ban on rival app TikTok and as a US government competition lawsuit against Meta approaches trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is not alone. Across the US, major corporations are scrapping diversity policies under pressure from activists on the Right and in response to the change in the political weather. Last week, McDonalds said it would remove diversity goals for managers and no longer put its suppliers under pressure to introduce their own DEI schemes. In November, Walmart said it would shut down a $100m (82m) Centre for Racial Equity and close special schemes for minority-owned suppliers. Over the summer, Jim Farley, Fords chief executive, told staff that it would stop schemes such as quotas for minority-owned dealerships, saying its policies should take into account the current landscape. Even in this context, Metas change of tack is notable. Silicon Valley giants have long been perceived as being at the vanguard of modern, liberal workplaces. Yet attitudes are now shifting fast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEI is dead, wrote one employee of Jeff Bezoss space company Blue Origin on Blind, an anonymous workplace messaging app, alongside a smiley emoji. I think we as a people are realising just how goofy we have become. Pressure from activists led many companies to publicly release diversity statistics during the early 2010s. (The Rev Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, regularly turned up at tech companies annual meetings to harangue executives into making changes.) However, the DEI movement accelerated dramatically in 2020 after the police murder of George Floyd prompted nationwide racial justice protests. The DEI movement gained fresh impetus in 2020 following racial protests in the wake of George Floyds murder by US police - Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters At the end of that year, and weeks after Trump lost the election, BlackRock, the worlds biggest asset manager, said it would vote against company directors who failed to advance schemes boosting diversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To supporters, DEI schemes that encourage greater representation for women and minorities deliver happier workers and more varied perspectives. Researchers have claimed diverse companies are more profitable and more likely to retain staff. To their opponents, the schemes are divisive, smack of tokenism and are unfair. Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, has called DEI another word for racism. Across corporate America, a carousel of major employers are now pulling back on diversity initiatives as Trump prepares to take office. Several companies including Ford and Harley-Davidson have dropped out of an annual survey by LGBT advocacy group Human Rights Campaign that scores companies on measures such as transgender-friendly toilet policies and internal training for managers on gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon told staff earlier this month it was winding down outdated programmes, saying this would lead to a more truly inclusive culture. It has removed phrases such as equity for Black people and LGBTQ+ rights from a page detailing its corporate policies. Ethan Peck, of the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), a conservative group that has pushed companies to drop DEI positions, says businesses have become more receptive to its pressure in recent months. It definitely felt like a losing, uphill battle for a long time, but things sometimes happen gradually and then all at once. There seems to be a vibe shift, a culture shift and a policy shift incoming. Youre going to see a lot more companies dropping DEI in the next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peck is pushing Google to leave the Human Rights Campaign with a shareholder motion submitted for its annual meeting later this year. He credits Robby Starbuck, a 36-year-old anti-woke activist, for forcing many companies to change their position on DEI. Starbuck, a former music video producer, has used an X account with 750,000 followers, many of whom are disgruntled staff, to publicise what he has described as far-Left policies and encourage fans to boycott companies such as DIY chain Lowes, Ford and tractor maker John Deere. All have toned down or cancelled DEI initiatives in response. Harley-Davidson, another target of Starbucks, explicitly cited negativity on social media over the last few weeks when it cancelled initiatives such as sponsoring Pride events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anti-DEI movement has also been emboldened by the US Supreme Court, which in 2023 said affirmative action policies at US universities were illegal because they amounted to discrimination. The ruling did not apply to companies directly, but led to predictions of a wave of legal challenges. Janelle Gale, Metas HR chief, cited the decision when announcing the end of its schemes, saying the group of judges had recently made decisions signalling a shift in how courts will approach DEI. The final straw, however, might have been Trumps election. Anti-woke activist Robby Starbuck has been credited with forcing many companies to change their position on DEI - Jason Davis/Getty Images North America At the end of his first term, Trump signed an executive order banning DEI training among federal contractors and institutions funded by the US government. Joe Biden issued an opposing order on his first day in the White House, but once Trump returns to the Oval Office on Monday, he is likely to reverse the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the election, Trump labelled DEI programmes anti-white racism and called the policies un-American. Musk has said his new Department of Government Efficiency will hastily move to shut down government DEI initiatives, and continued his attack on the concept, blaming diversity schemes for the response to Los Angeles wildfires. Not all companies are like Meta which is conspicuously seeking to curry favour with Trump or like John Deere and Harley-Davidson, whose customers are likely to be more Right-leaning and therefore receptive to the anit-DEI message. Apple last week pushed back against an NCPPR shareholder proposal to scrap its DEI efforts, saying it inappropriately attempts to restrict Apples ability to manage its own ordinary business operations. The bulk-buy retailer Costco is similarly defending its own diversity efforts from shareholder attacks. Bridge Partners, a recruitment firm, found last summer that two thirds of American companies were still prioritising DEI schemes. However, this was down from 77pc a year earlier, and the snapshot was taken before the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The movements influence may now have peaked. As America prepares for a new political era, DEI could be one of its first victims. 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. With just one day left in Joe Biden's presidency and Israeli hostages finally starting to trickle out of Gaza, deputy national security adviser Jon Finer wants to make sure his boss gets credit for the pause in fighting. "This deal is really the deal that he laid out back in May," Finer told Jonathan Karl on Sunday on ABCs This Week. "The attention of the world, of the press, of maybe even other governments around the world had moved on to other issues," Finer said. "But President Biden, literally just about every day would call Jake Sullivan or me or others on our team and ask for an update on the deal, what he could do to help push things forward, who he could deploy to the region, who he could call on the phone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Israeli hostages were released Sunday. Aid trucks have also begun flowing through Gaza. The deal tees off an initial six-week cease-fire, during which 33 Israeli hostages (some of them deceased) and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are set to be released. Negotiations on a longer-term agreement will take place in the coming weeks. Biden's team had been working on the cease-fire for months with Qatar and Egypt. "It never escaped his attention," Finer said. "And it really was his persistence that ultimately led to the day that we're going to have today and the opportunity for a better future in the region that this unlocks." And while both sides may be squabbling over who gets credit for the pact, Biden's team worked closely on the negotiations with members of the incoming administration. Some in the international community say Trump was the closer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that'll be a question that historians will have to answer moving forward," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told Kristen Welker on Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press." "Right now we should be focused on making sure that phase one of this plan is fully implemented and that we can move to phase two and phase three as it relates to the reconstruction of Gaza, making sure that Hamas is completely and totally eradicated and that there's a path toward a just and lasting peace. Speaking on CNN's "State of the Union," incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz said Trump deserved much of the credit for getting the deal across the finish line and that he is likely to make even more progress in the future. "Just a month ago, to get where we are now seemed impossible," he told host Dana Bash. "I mean, this this hostage deal, this cease-fire was stuck. Now, for, what, 15 months, 14 months? And just within a month we're there. President Trump can bring all sides together uniquely." When asked by Bash what it was that Trump did to get the deal finished, Waltz said it was Trump's rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The assurances to Hamas in terms of all hell to pay," Waltz said, adding: "And the assurances to our Israeli partners were: If Hamas backs out of this deal, if Hamas doesn't abide by this deal in any way, we will be with them." House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed that sentiment. "I'm not going to forecast that action," Johnson told Welker on Sunday. "But I will tell you, President Trump is coming back to restore peace through strength. And that's what the American people voted for and that's what our allies around the world are counting on." DENVER (KDVR) On Saturday, FOX31 got a chance to see just how many pets are left outside in dangerous conditions. In a ride-along with the Denver Animal Protection on Saturday, crews first got a report of two, fluffy white puppies in a Montbello ditch. I was very surprised. Sometimes calls that we get are not accurate. Im amazed that more people were not calling these puppies in because they were pretty noticeable, said Mary Kate Long of the Denver Animal Protection. Long was able to safely slide into the ditch covered in snow, leash the Great Pyrenees puppies and get them out safe and sound. The pair, a girl and a boy were checked by a veterinarian and appeared to be in good condition, other than being very dirty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigating shooting in downtown Denver The shelter will wait about five days for the possible owners to claim them and then they will be put up for adoption. Thankfully, DAP said these puppies could withstand colder conditions in comparison to other types of vulnerable dogs. These temperatures can be dangerous, especially for dogs with shorter coats, smaller dogs, older dogs, dogs with health problems, said Sergeant Noah Imai of Denver Animal Protection. We do get dogs that just love this type of weather but it is just important to keep an eye on all our pets when theyre outside. During the ride-along, DAP spotted a loose Border Collie mix in a Montbello neighborhood and also checked in on another home that had previously been summoned for leaving their dog out in the cold. The Cane Corso mix was outside again during the ride-along after Denver officers reportedly asked the owners to bring it inside Friday night. Long checked in with both owners about the conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law in Denver requires that pets have access to food, water and shelter adequate for their species, said Imai. They start lifting their paws, scratching at the door, theyre letting us know that they want to come back in. For animals that are regularly outside, were looking for shivering, theyre going to need to eat more food so theyre going to need more supervision during this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) Greenville County deputies are investigating a deadly shooting at a hotel. According to the sheriffs office, authorities received a call shortly after 7:30 p.m. regarding a gun shot victim at 2504 Wade Hampton Boulevard. The location is listed as the InTowne Suites Extended Stay Hotel. When deputies arrived, they found a man who has been identified by Greenville County Coroners Office as 42-year-old Quintin Lamar Mitchell, of Greenville, with at least one gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting remains under investigation. An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday. Be sure to stay with 7NEWS for the latest developments as they become 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 WSPA 7NEWS. The Rockdale County Sheriffs Office is looking for a man suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run crash, then stabbing the driver of the truck he hit. Deputies say that at approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday, a Dodge Charger hit a Chevy Silverado on Interstate 20 Eastbound near Panola Road in DeKalb County, then left the scene. The driver of the truck, an off-duty police officer from the metro Atlanta area, then followed the Dodge into Rockdale County near Salem Road to get the license plate information. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] After the Dodge pulled into a parking lot, the two drivers argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies say that argument escalated into the Justin Perry Hurst hitting the victim and then stabbing the victim multiple times. The off-duty officer was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Deputies have not yet said how badly the officer was injured. Hurst drove away from the stabbing scene and authorities are trying to locate him. He has ties to the Alpharetta area and is considered armed and dangerous. Aside from the Dodge Charger, his last known vehicle is a white 2019 Volkswagen Passat with Georgia tag # CWC3082. If you come into contact with him, please call the Rockdale County Sheriffs Office at 770-278-8000. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) Two individuals were arrested on murder charges Saturday after they allegedly chased down and shot a 17-year-old girl in Cedar City, resulting in her death, according to the Iron County Sheriffs Office. Michael Edward Hess-Witucki, 23, and Ethan Andrew Galloway, 23, were arrested on one count of murder (first-degree felony), 12 counts of felony discharge of a firearm serious bodily injury (first-degree felony), obstruction of justice (second-degree felony), possession of controlled substance marijuana/spice (class-B misdemeanor), and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person (third-degree felony). Both individuals admitted to the murder, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two others identified as Matthew D. Sorber-Petrie, 22, and Aldric S. Felipe, 21 were arrested on felony obstruction of justice and transaction of a firearm by a restricted person for their involvement in the incident. PREVIOUS STORY: Several arrested after 17-year-old girl chased down, killed in Cedar City At around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, Hess-Witucki and Galloway allegedly pursued the victims vehicle on the belief that she had been stalking them in their neighborhood. It was later revealed that the victims vehicle had been in the same townhome complex, but for unrelated reasons. In Hess-Wituckis vehicle, the suspects pursued the victim to a remote location, police said. It was at this location that Galloway fired twelve rounds at the victim from Hess-Wituckis vehicle, shooting her multiple times and endangering the life of another juvenile in the victims passenger seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds, police said. Deputies reportedly searched the area where the surviving juvenile victim claimed the suspects first confronted them. Police found a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle at this location. Several witnesses told investigators that they saw the suspect vehicle in the area during the timeframe of the victims death. Surveillance video reportedly supported their statements. The Iron County Sheriffs Office issued a search warrant for the suspects residence and vehicle. Prior to serving the warrant, deputies found Hess-Witucki, Galloway, and Sorber-Petrie outside of the residence as they were attempting to leave and detained them on sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies then executed the warrant and found several firearms and ammunition matching the caliber used in the homicide, similar to the shell casing recovered at the crime scene, at the residence, according to the sheriffs office. They also found narcotics, including mushroom vapes, marijuana vapes, and an assortment of pipes used to smoke marijuana, at the residence. During a post-Miranda interview, both Hess-Witucki and Galloway allegedly admitted to participating in the homicide. Hess-Witucki admitted to driving his vehicle and pursuing the victims vehicle, police said. Galloway admitted to sitting in the front passenger seat and firing at the victims vehicle, resulting in the death of the victim, police said. Both suspects admitted that their actions had resulted in serious bodily injury and death of the victim, a probable cause statement filed by the sheriffs office states. Their justification for chasing the victims vehicle was they believed they had previously observed the victims vehicle in their neighborhood and presumed the occupants of the victims vehicle were stalking them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the interview, Galloway wrote a letter of apology to the parents of the victim, describing why he chased the victims vehicle and shot her. Sorber-Petrie reportedly admitted that he allowed Hess-Witucki and Galloway to take his gun with the knowledge that they were going to use it to confront the victim. Sorber-Petrie, along with Felipe, stayed at the residence knowing that Hess-Witucki and Galloway went to pursue the victim, police said. Hess-Witucki admitted to removing the spent shell casings from his vehicle. All four individuals reportedly knew that the spent shell casings used in the crime had been taken out of the car and stored in a container. They also had full knowledge of the events leading up to the shooting and after, according to the sheriffs office. Hess-Witucki, Galloway, Sorber-Petrie, and Felipe were booked into Iron County Jail on the charges aforementioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have not yet released the identity of the juvenile victim. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. 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. The Mumbai Police on Sunday morning confirmed that the person arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan is an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh. The accused, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. As per the police statement, various investigation teams were formed to investigate the crime, and a case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Further, according to the police, the accused was about to flee to his native village when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. It was revealed that the accused is a native of the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh. The case was reported by Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on January 16, during which Saif Ali Khan was attacked and sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. Earlier, during a press conference, the Mumbai Police stated that there was preliminary evidence suggesting the accused is a Bangladeshi national. "He does not have valid Indian documents. Some items seized indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national," said Dixit Gedam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone 9. The accused will be produced before the court, DCP Gedam said, adding, "We will seek police custody. We doubt that the accused is of Bangladeshi origin and thus, we have invoked relevant sections of the Passport Act as well." "Prima facie the accused is a Bangladeshi and after entering India illegally he changed his name. Currently, he is using Vijay Das as his name. He came to Mumbai five to six months ago. The accused was using multiple aliases. He stayed in Mumbai for a few days and then in the vicinity of Mumbai. He used to work in a Housekeeping agency," the DCP said. This development comes after Khan was stabbed multiple times in his Bandra apartment in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, where he received treatment for serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is recovering 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. While the actor is now "out of danger," medical staff are closely monitoring his condition. (ANI) DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) New details emerged during a press conference Thursday in the case of a Durham man accused of trying to support and join ISIS. The FBI said the investigation lasted about seven months, leading to 29-year-old Alexander Justin Whites arrest in December as he was boarding a jet bridge at Raleigh Durham International Airport. Investigators believe he was a lone actor. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: FBI charges Durham man with trying to join ISIS, court document shows Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. White was literally stopped in his tracks, said Robert DeWitt with the FBI. A 30-page criminal complaint accuses White, who also allegedly goes by the name Sulaiman Al-Amriki online, of making comments and posts on social media supporting ISIS. The complaint has an image of an itinerary showing a flight to Paris with the eventual destination of Morocco on Dec. 5, 2024. The complaint alleges that Mr. White made or attempted to make some financial transactions in support of ISIS camps, U.S. Attorney Mike Easley said. The complaint alleges that White communicated with multiple individuals about joining ISIS his intention to be a mujahadeen, Inshallah, which is an Arabic term, meaning to be someone who commits violent jihad or attacks against non-Muslims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When White was asked if he was okay killing members of the military or US citizens, the complaint alleges he stated if it was a family member, I would still fight back with them, Easley continued. We collaborated in this case with the Moroccan authorities, the U.S. Attorney said. The Moroccan General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance provided insight and assistance as we built our case. If convicted, White faces up to 20 years in prison. I want the public to know you may be the first to see someone mobilizing towards violence, Easley said. Your son, your brother, your friend, or your neighbor. You may see it before we do. We ask you if you see someone sliding into a dangerous ideology, if you see someone mobilizing towards violence, speak up now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS 17 visited the last known address for White on Thursday. No one answered the door when we knocked. Whites family did not respond to requests for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Bob Taylor, who has died aged 75, was Detective Chief Superintendent of West Yorkshire Police from 1991 to 1999, then head of operations in the National Crime Squad, Britains equivalent to the FBI, until 2001. Over more than 30 years in the police Taylor was involved in more than 150 murder hunts and led nearly 50 major investigations into murderers, kidnappers and rapists in which he achieved a conviction rate of 100 per cent, earning the nickname Lucky Bob. His most famous case was that of Michael Sams, the Keighley-born tool repairer and trainspotter who kidnapped the Leeds teenager Julie Dart on July 9 1991, the day after Taylor was promoted to detective chief superintendent. Sams took his victim to his warehouse in Newark, Nottinghamshire, where he kept her in a coffin-like box, and sent ransom letters to the police. Ten days after she went missing her body was discovered dumped in a field in Lincolnshire. Sams claimed later that he had murdered her when she tried to escape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following January, Sams kidnapped Stephanie Slater, a Birmingham estate agent, as she showed him around a house, held her captive in a makeshift wooden coffin inside a wheelie bin for eight days at his workshop then released her after her employer paid a 175,000 ransom. In February 1992 BBC Crimewatch broadcast a telephoned ransom demand and Samss voice was recognised by his ex-wife, who named him. When Sams was arrested it was a moment of triumph, but for Taylor the hard work of assembling the evidence that would stand up in court was only just beginning. Sams made it personal the way he turned it into a game, he recalled. I just wanted to wipe that smile from his face. Sams was a vain man, who, Taylor recalled, wanted to be the centre of attention. So I decided to play mind games with him. Sams assumed he would be questioned by a senior detective and was irritated that he was only interviewed by policemen he regarded as underlings. In the hope of gaining access to the top man, Sams kept adding details to his story. I was this shadowy figure in the background, while colleagues did the interviews, Taylor recalled. Sams kept wanting to see the boss, but I wasnt ready to see him until he was ready to confess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mind games extended to having Sams described in the press as a fiend: I knew that would wind him up; he didnt mind being called a killer, but not a fiend. Bob Taylor in 2003 on the BBC reality TV show The Murder Game - Television Stills/BBC The killer also suffered from dyslexia, which Taylor exploited to trap him. In the ransom letters he sent after Julies disappearance, he kept referring to Millgate police station, rather than Millgarth. When we were bringing him up to Leeds for interview, we asked him where he was going. He said Millgate. As Stephanie Slater had been kidnapped in the West Midlands, the investigation was a joint exercise with the West Midlands force, and the experience made Taylor a firm believer in establishing a national police force: Whenever you got anything that crossed a force boundary, you could have been going into France because of the competition going on, he recalled. The relationship between the two forces was not helped by the fact that West Yorkshire had earlier been called in to investigate alleged corruption in the West Midlands force. Taylor was critical of the rival forces approach. Sams had only one leg, the other having been amputated due to cancer. Because of his disability, Birmingham detectives dismissed him as the potential killer; it was Taylor who sent his detectives to arrest Sams at his warehouse because so many other factors fitted the profile he had built up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sams was convicted of murder at Nottingham Crown Court in 1993 and sentenced to life in jail. A few days after his conviction, Taylor met him in prison. His solicitor told me: He thinks the world of you Bob, because nobody but the countrys finest could have caught him. But if I had a fan club, I wouldnt want him in it. An only son, Robert Taylor was born in Leeds on July 17 1949 to Eric and Marion Taylor. He left Osmondthorpe Secondary School to work for his parents small plumbing business, and it was this experience that motivated him to join the police. [My father] fell victim to an unscrupulous builder, who, despite knowing he was going bankrupt, contracted us to do the work he knew we would never get paid for. The money he owed my father was equivalent to over a years wages for me. My dad eventually got 12 from the Official Receiver. The unfairness and sheer crookedness of it all shocked me. He joined Leeds City Police (later to merge into West Yorkshire Police) in January 1970, and it was a proud day when he became PC 1008 Robert Taylor. He spent two years in uniform, patrolling the streets of Gipton Estate in Leeds, but he always wanted to be a detective. He spent 27 years in the CID, rising steadily through the ranks and gaining a law degree on the way. Taylor worked as a detective sergeant on the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry, an experience which, like the Sams case, confirmed his belief in the need for a national force rather than 43 separate forces. Detectives led by Assistant Chief Constable George Oldfield had been deceived by hoax tapes made by a man with a north-east accent, he recalled: They never looked at the people who survived the attacks, all of whom described the attacker as a dark-haired man with a soft Yorkshire accent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oldfield, he said, failed to communicate with junior staff: If you did manage to talk to him, he was usually drunk... It was a case of lions being led by donkeys. So many mistakes were made that I was determined to learn from them if I was ever put in charge of a murder inquiry. By the time Taylor was appointed head of operations at the National Crime Squad in 1999, his only unsolved murder was the case of a 51-year-old receptionist, Wendy Speakes, who had been raped and killed in her Wakefield home in 1994. Then, nearly six years later, a phone call from West Yorkshires fingerprints specialist confirmed a match with one found on her door handle, and Christopher John Farrow was arrested. Dubbed the shoe fetish killer because, after tying up his victim, he had forced her to wear a pair of blue mule shoes before subjecting her to a sex attack and stabbing her to death, was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment, completing Taylors 100 per cent detection and conviction record. During his time in the force, Taylor was often seen on BBCs Crimewatch. After his retirement he appeared in documentaries and an eight-part BBC series, The Murder Game, a reality drama show in which detectives worked together to solve crimes under Taylors supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also wrote an autobiography, Crime Buster (2002), in which he recalled the highlights of his career and set out a trenchant case for a national police force, an end to trial by jury and a national DNA register. A former colleague of Taylors described him as an old-school detective possessing an avuncular friendliness flavoured with a quiet dash of menace. Universally respected by colleagues and junior officers, he was particularly known for the unstinting compassion he showed towards victims and their families. He received numerous commendations, including seven from judges, and became the first detective chief superintendent to receive the Dennis Hoban Trophy for outstanding detective work. But Taylor was highly critical of modern trends in policing, telling an interviewer in 2002 that the service was all about cost-cutting, not providing a better service... We have a new age of managers trying to reinvent the wheel, instead of seeing whats worked in the past and dealing with the basics. I wouldnt last two minutes if I joined today, he observed, adding: probably wouldnt be politically correct enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bob Taylors two marriages were both dissolved, though he remained good friends with his second wife, Sheron Boyle. She survives him with their twin sons and with two sons and a daughter from his first marriage. Bob Taylor, born July 17 1949, died December 28 2024 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Thousands of suicides by women could be linked to domestic abuse, the mother of a victim who took her own life has suggested. Sharon Hollands daughter Chloe, from Portsmouth, killed herself two years ago, aged 23, following a campaign of domestic abuse from a former partner. Ms Holland, who has campaigned to teach children in school about coercive control, made the comments after the conviction of Ryan Wellings, who stood trial for manslaughter following the suicide of Kiena Dawes, his partner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three years ago, Dawes, who was 23, left a note that read Ryan Wellings has killed me before taking the couples nine-month-old daughter to a friend and taking her own life. Kiena Dawes killed herself in 2022 after a campaign of assault and mistreatment by Ryan Wellings In a UK first, Wellings, 30, was put on trial for manslaughter following Dawess suicide, but was cleared by the jury. He was convicted of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour, and jailed for six and a half years on Thursday. The judge described Wellings as unrepentant for the pattern of assault and mistreatment he displayed, and said he was a clear danger to any future partner. Sharon Holland said Ryan Wellings sentence was no deterrent to future offenders - Family handout/Solent News Following the hearing, Ms Holland said Wellings had totally got away with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the sentence, of which he will serve half before being released on licence, was no deterrent to future offenders. Ms Holland, 51, set up the campaign group #HerNameWasChloeHolland in memory of her daughter, who took her own life in March 2023 after suffering similar abuse from her former boyfriend, Marc Masterton. Masterton admitted to coercive and controlling behaviour and was jailed for 41 months. Ms Holland has has since campaigned for tougher sentencing for the offence, and for abusive partners to face manslaughter charges when their partners die by suicide. Marc Masterton admitted to coercive and controlling behaviour and was jailed for 41 months - Solent News Its just so heartbreaking, it brings it all back, she said. Another woman dead, another child left behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every one of those girls represents what happened. Im just so angry about it, I feel like theres no hope for us to get manslaughter now. She said despite Wellings being tried for the unlawful killing of Dawes, the outcome was devastating. They are getting away with it, she added. Ryan Wellings was put on trial for manslaughter following Kiena Dawess suicide, but was cleared by the jury - Lancashire Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Holland, who has called for coercive and controlling behaviour to be taught in schools so that youngsters can recognise the signs of abuse, said there was a lack of understanding among the public about the dangerous behaviour. The jury probably didnt have a clue about coercive control, she added, claiming that many people will take the view that if a woman takes her own life a partner cannot be to blame. She said there should be experts explaining what coercive control is in courts. She added: It shouldnt always be on the woman. The victims are blamed for not leaving, and the families are told where were you? What about the perpetrators? What are they getting blamed for? Credit: Lancashire Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under UK legislation, the most serious perpetrators of coercive control can be sentenced for up to five years in prison. In comparison, Queensland, in Australia, recently passed laws to criminalise coercive control, which will carry a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail. Ms Holland said she had set up a WhatsApp group made up of people who have lost a relative or loved one in similar circumstances, which has more than 30 members. However, she warned these numbers could still be the tip of the iceberg. This isnt just a one-off If the police are just putting it down as suicide and not connecting it then there are probably thousands, she added. This isnt just a one off. This has been going on for years. A lot of people are fighting for justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Holland added: Surely this case has got to trigger something. The trouble is, there will be another case in a few months. A spokesman from the Womens Aid charity said: Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on the mental health and wellbeing of survivors, and some will sadly feel that they have no other choice but to consider death by suicide. From our work with survivors, we know that nearly half of those in refuges have experienced depression or suicidal thought as a direct result of the abuse they have endured. It is important that survivors know that they are not alone, and that organisations like Womens Aid are here to listen and provide support. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Donald Trump Jr. was seen in unexpected company as he made the rounds in Washington D.C. over the weekend ahead of his fathers inauguration. The eldest Trump child was spotted Saturday being trailed by his former fiancee, Kimberly Guilfoyle, as he greeted former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaros son, Eduardo Bolsonaro and his wife, Heloisa Wol. The scene played out at the Bienvenido Ball, billed as the official hispanic inaugural ball, where Guilfoyle was an honorary chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The friendly exes were captured in a video posted to Eduardos Instagram stories: he captioned the video Time to celebrate buddy" and tagging Don Jr., who also shared the post to his followers. Don Jr. reportedly dumped Guilfoyle for Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson at some point last year. Kimberly and I will never stop caring for each other and will always keep a special bond, he told Page Six last month. The two appeared comfortable and relaxed as they greeted their Brazilian counterparts together. While Eduardo, a member of the lower house of Brazils National Congress, was in D.C. to attend the inauguration of Don Jr.s dad, his father was stuck at home in Brazil, despite being invited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because Bolsonaro the Elderdubbed the Trump of the Tropics for his combative right-wing politics that mirrors the MAGA wayhad his passport confiscated in November after he was indicted for plotting an alleged coup to stay in power after he lost the 2022 election. Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a political foe of Bolsonaros, denied his request to travel to America to witness Mondays swearing in. Eduardo told Folha de Sao Paulo on Friday that he believed Moraes decision amounted to interference on behalf of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated his dad in the 2022 election. He expressed optimism that US authorities under a second Trump administration could ban Moraes and other Brazilian justices from entering the United States after they temporarily banned MAGA billionaire Elon Musks X last year for spreading misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The social media platform was restored after paying a $5 million fine and agreeing to point a Brazilian representative in accordance with local laws. In my opinion, there is a real risk that Alexandre de Moraes will lose his visa to enter the United States, he told the newspaper. Especially if he shows signs of such brutally aggressive behavior, not only against Brazilians, but also against American authorities. Last year, a group of Republican lawmakersincluding Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL), Rich McCormick (R-GA), and Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL)urged the State Department to ban Moraes for allegedly acting like a totalitarian dictator. Please give your dad my best, Don Jr. told Eduardo in the video posted to Instagram, as the two clutched hands. The following audio is muted to obscure what he said to at greater length. Donald Trump will be sworn in as the president of the United States on Monday for the second time, and behind him youll see Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and other tech titans, if all goes as planned. In a press conference after his victory, the former and future president Donald Trump proclaimed: In the first term everybody was fighting me. In this term everybody wants to be my friend. There is no better way to describe the U-turn of the corporate elite in the last eight years. Consider the technology billionaires set to be in attendance at Trumps inauguration on Monday, and those who poured millions into it. In 2017, Trump spoke of American carnage, protests eruptedand it was mostly just family who were near him when he was sworn in. In photos, you can see his vice president Mike Pence, his wife Melania Trump, and his children: Barron, Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Donald Trump Jr. Behind them are the Obamas, Bidens, and in-lawsand Republican mega donor Miriam Adelson among elected officials. There are no photos of the three wealthiest men in the world who are all expected to be there this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump 2.0s right-hand man Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will be in attendance for the president-elects inauguration on the dais. TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew is planning to attend, too. Although, that was before the Supreme Court upheld a law banning his app if it is not sold to a non-Chinese company. Multiple publications have reported Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are also planning to show up. WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2017 : U.S. President Donald Trump hugs his family after he was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States during the presidential inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 20, 2017. Donald Trump was sworn in on Friday as the 45th President of the United States. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu via Getty Images) Their attendance is despite Trumps prior insults and threats; he once called Bezos, who owns The Washington Post, Jeff Bozo and threatened to jail Zuckerberg. Not to mention, Musk and Zuckerberg were set for a cage match at one point, and Musk and Bezos are in a space travel competition. But they appear to have put that aside for a budding bromance. Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Gavin DeGraw, and other stars are slated to perform throughout the inaugural celebrationsagain, a step up in A-list celebs from the last time, when the lineup included The Missouri State University Chorale and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Since his election night win, Trump has raised more than $200 million, at least $150 million of which is for his inauguration, according to The New York Times. He appears to be beating his own record set eight years prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase are among the corporations that donated to his inaugural fund, according to data from OpenSecrets. While there isnt much difference when it comes to those who donated, apart from Meta and Uber, for instance, some companies and their respective leaders are donating more and are far more public about it. Take Amazon for example: the company donated less than $100,000 to Trumps first inauguration, according to OpenSecrets. In early December last year, outlets reported Amazon was planning to donate $1 million for Trumps second inauguration, and stream it on Prime. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com At least 100 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers will provide crowd control and perimeter security at Donald Trumps inauguration as the nations 47th president Monday, CMPD officials said Saturday. This will be my fourth one, Major J.D. Thomas of the CMPD Special Investigations Unit said in a video announcing the departments inauguration plans. A 27-year CMPD veteran, Thomas said it was my honor to be one of the leaders going up with our detachment of mobile field force units and bike patrol officers. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Major J.D. Thomas will help lead the contingent of CMPD officers providing crowd control and perimeter security at Donald Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. Charlotte has had the privilege of being asked to go as long as weve had this mobile field force unit, Thomas said. Its always a good time by the officers to go up and represent the city of Charlotte. The influx of people to celebrate the election process, its a great honor for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police Chief Johnny Jennings told the group of inauguration-bound officers that CMPD has built a solid reputation assisting other agencies at such events. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings told the group of inauguration-bound officers that CMPD has built a solid reputation assisting other agencies at such events. Whenever we send groups and teams, and whether its bike officers or others, Im always getting calls back from that chief or those organizations saying, You guys are sharp. You guys know what youre doing. Youre the best at it. We want you back, Jennings said. Thomas cited the departments experience at Democratic and Republican national conventions. Weve got a good reputation with crowd control and being able to work large events with the public, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, CMPD officers provided security at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, just days after a failed assassination attempt on Trump. More than 130 law enforcement agencies including CMPD, Concord police, Greensboro police and Cary police sent officers to help at the convention. CMPD officers are sworn in by other agencies in charge of inauguration security, Thomas said. Were able to be an asset and help those departments with the influx of people to the Capitol, he said. The moment the election results flashed across the screen, I was in disbelief. I had followed Kamala Harris campaign with hope and excitement, seeing her journey as a promise that someone like me a young woman with Indian roots could reach the highest levels of power. Kamala was a leader who understood the fight for gender and racial equality because she had lived it. Before Election Day, I had imagined a future where girls wouldnt have to worry about their fundamental rights being threatened. But when Donald Trump was declared the winner, I felt a crushing sense of dread: not just from disappointment, but from fear of what would follow. Unfortunately, it seems like those negative changes are already starting to happen. When Trump was elected in 2016, people responded by organizing the Womens March and launching the #GrabYourWallet boycott. But this time, it feels different. Major US corporations are already aligning with Trump even before Inauguration Day. Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, recently announced it would stop using third-party fact-checkers essentially backing up Trumps claims of censorship while ignoring the growing problem of misinformation. And companies like Walmart, Ford, and McDonalds are pulling the plug on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which feels like a major setback to the progress made in the past few decades toward building a more inclusive society. More from SheKnows Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an officer of my schools Feminist Club, one of my favorite activities is to organize and facilitate discussions on topics like gender equality and womens rights. Since the election, our discussions have shifted they arent just theoretical anymore. We talk about the real implications of attending college in red states that have abortion bans and the dangers of Project 2025, which calls for banning the abortion pill mifepristone, limiting contraception, and ending protections against workplace discrimination and harassment. We worry about our friends in the LGBTQ+ community; its already hard for them to simply exist in a world that doesnt always accept them. We try to wrap our minds around what it means to have a president whos not only made crude remarks about women but has actually been convicted of sexual assault. Attacks like Your body, my choice and Get back to the kitchen were surging on social media right after the election. We are terrified of what all of this will mean for basic concepts weve learned about in health class, like consent and bodily autonomy. How will these fundamental rights be enforced if our powerful leaders refuse to respect them? While my male friends share these concerns, theres often a different sense of urgency when it comes to gender-based issues. For many girls, it feels like our rights are being personally attacked in a visceral way. So many of us are feeling this fear for our futures whether its about healthcare, education, abortion, or the environment. Its hard not to feel like were stuck in a moment where progress is moving backward instead of forward. But I know the world wont change on its own; we have to make it happen. My friends and I are committed to raising our voices, whether its advocating for reproductive rights or helping ensure our communities stay safe. Well keep organizing donation drives, hosting discussions, and partnering with other groups to amplify our impact and build stronger communities. As Trump prepares to take office, were determined that our work wont come to a halt. His presidency may threaten the progress weve made, but we know that change doesnt only come from the top. Change happens because we young people, activists, and those who care keep pushing forward. Were not helpless. Our work is only getting started. Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to issue an executive order once he takes office on Monday to delay a federal ban on the popular social media app TikTok and give its China-based parent company more time to find an approved buyer. Trump said the order would guarantee no penalties for any company that helped keep TikTok from going and further suggested the U.S. government take a 50% ownership stake in the company to keep it alive. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up. Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions, Trump wrote in a post on his social media website, Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SAVE TIKTOK the president-elect added in another post. TikTok went offline in the U.S. on Saturday in response to a federal law that required the company to divest from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, because of U.S. government concerns which Trump once shared that it could pose a national security threat. The law was upheld by a unanimous Supreme Court ruling on Friday. Trump has the power under the law to give TikTok more time to divest from ByteDance 90 days if he certifies to Congress that there has been significant progress made toward a sale and that the parties have signed binding legal agreements. The law is very precise, and the only way to extend that is if there is an actual deal in the works, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ala.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) were even more adamant about TikToks viability, saying in a statement on Sunday that theres no legal basis for any kind of extension of its effective date. For TikTok to come back online in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale that satisfied the laws qualified divestiture requirements by severing all ties between TikTok and Communist China, the GOP senators added. Only then will Americans be protected from the grave threat posed to their privacy and security by communist-controlled TikTok. The problem for Trump is that neither TikTok nor ByteDance have shown any interest in selling despite reports of prospective buyers lining up in the U.S. Theyve steadily refused divestiture since Congress passed the law in April of last year. A joint venture between the U.S. government and another buyer to acquire TikTok as Trump suggested on Sunday would be controversial, likely require congressional approval, and could pose First Amendment problems. It would also be another reversal for Trump and other Republicans who have lambasted Joe Bidens administration for getting involved in social media moderation, including combatting posts on dealing with COVID-19 and election security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), Trumps incoming national security advisor who was once a vocal critic of TikTok, said Sunday the new administration is committed to saving TikTok while keeping Americans safe. I wouldnt want the FBI or the U.S. government monitoring every keystroke or seeing every password, nor would we want the Chinese Communist Party, Waltz told CBS Face the Nation. But we also want an app that 170 million Americans clearly really enjoy and that we were able to get our message out during the Trump campaign in a very powerful way. Related... The News Donald Trumps inauguration represents a preview of his foreign policy approach. In a break from tradition, several foreign politicians and heads of state are on the guest list, including right-wing populist leaders Javier Milei of Argentina and Italys Giorgia Meloni. Meloni is reportedly the only EU leader to have been invited to the inauguration and is largely seen as the blocs olive branch to the new administration, while, Milei who has been described by Trump as his favorite president will likely seek closer trade relationships with the US. Other figures invited include British anti-EU populist Nigel Farage and French far-right politician Eric Zemmour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile Mexico, Canada, and China are bracing for Trumps promises to impose heavy tariffs on day one, while he has also threatened Greenland and Panamas sovereignty. SIGNALS Foreign leaders will take Trumps invite seriously Sources: The New York Times, Politico The inaugurations global nature reflects a growing deference toward Trump instead of the defiance that marked his first term, The New York Timess Peter Baker noted: Much of the world, it seems, is bowing down to the incoming president. While inaugurations are traditionally domestic affairs, Trumps guest list reads like a global Whos Who of right-wing populists, Politico wrote, offering a sense of the political trajectory of his administration. And foreign leaders wont be quick to dismiss the non-traditional invitation to a US inauguration: No one is going to laugh this off, and some may even come, because they all need things from Trump, one EU diplomat told Politico. Nations outside Trumps favor scramble to prepare for his return Sources: Financial Times, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal Hours before Trumps inauguration, Mexico agreed to a trade deal with the European Union and raced to build migrant shelters, as countries scrambled to prepare for Trumps return to office. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has been among the world leaders most urgently positioning herself for Trumps presidency, having already courted Canadian businesses and hitting back at Trumps aggressive rhetoric. Elsewhere, South Korea pledged a record amount of financing support for its exporters in anticipation of US tariffs, while China which during the last Trump term weakened its currency to combat his trade policies is this time likely to defend the yuan. Amid the ongoing celebrations for the Mahakumbh Mela and the arrival of people from foreign countries, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met a delegation from Italy. Founder and trainer of Meditation and Yoga Center in Italy, Mahi Guruji along with his followers made a courtesy visit to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow today. The women who returned from Prayagraj Mahakumbh recited Ramayana, Shiv Tandava and several bhajans in front of the Chief Minister. Over 1.7 million pilgrims visited the Mahakumbh Mela on Sunday as of 8:00 AM, according to official data released by the Uttar Pradesh government. On the seventh day of the Maha Kumbh, among a congregation of over 1.7 million devotees gathered at the Sangam Triveni, 10 lakh Kalpvasis and 7.02 lakh pilgrims took a holy dip by 8 AM. Earlier today, devotees gathered in the Maha Kumbh Mela amid the layer of dense fog engulfed the area. The inclement weather conditions don't seem to have an effect on the footfall of pilgrims. As of January 18, more than 77.2 million pilgrims have taken a dip at the Sangam Triveni.The footfall of the pilgrims is expected to increase in the upcoming days as four key Shahi Snans are yet to come. Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). Meanwhile, spiritual leader Morari Bapu arrived in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and said that he is very excited for the ongoing Maha Kumbh. He said, "...I am very happy and I have arrived for 'katha' at the Mahakumbh. The arrangements for the Mahakumbh are very good. I am very excited as it is a very big festival for the 'Sanatan Dharma' and Spiritual world..." The Maha Kumbh Mela has been witnessing a huge influx of devotees with some notable names participating in the event. 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. (ANI) CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Dozens of people gathered at Freedom Park Saturday morning for a political free speech rally. The event was meant to bring attention to major social issues, that participants say, are being threatened by the upcoming Trump administration. Organizers say the Peoples Rally in Charlotte is a grassroots effort to show solidarity and fight for issues such as womens reproductive freedom. Many participants spoke about what they expect the next four years will look like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Events like this were scheduled to be held nationwide and align with the Peoples March, which was set for 1 p.m. on Saturday in Washington D.C. QUEEN CITY NEWS MORE ON QCNEWS.COM Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) New Music World, the theme honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Springfield Symphony Hall, drew in communities from all over on Saturday evening. For the third year, Springfield Symphony Hall has recognized King, who dedicated his life to social justice and equality for all people. The concert featured pieces from some of the greatest African-American composers. Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast held in Springfield Some of those in attendance Saturday evening visited from the Hartford Symphony Orchestra where they were colleagues of violinist Melissa White. Anytime Melissa is going to be performing, I cant miss it. Shes that phenomenal of an artist, said Jennifer Phipps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others in attendance were musicians, looking forward to the diverse sounds influenced by jazz and blues that influenced the early visions of America. Were sharing a lot of the musicclassical music, by black composers that has not been exposed, said Peter Thomsen, Board Member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra will host Gershwin, Berlin & Friends concert on February 1 at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The drivers of an Infiniti and a BMW were arrested Friday night and their cars were towed after allegedly drifting their cars around a security officers vehicle in North Portland. The drifting, also called street sliding, was reported around 9:30 p.m. in a parking lot near 15900 N. Columbia Boulevard, police said. A drone was used to spot the drifting and also caught a private security officer approach the drivers to put an end to it. 1 dead in two-alarm fire at Aloha apartment complex Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, authorities said. the drivers then drifted around the security officer, which was caught on the drone footage. After getting the evidence, police pulled the cars over in traffic stops. The drivers of the 2005 Infiniti G35, Sergio Jimenez of Springfield, and a 2000 BMW 323 Series, Miguel A. Olmos-Gonzales of Portland, were arrested and booked into the Multnomah County Jail. Drone footage captured two cars street sliding around a security officers vehicle in North Portland, January 17, 2025 (PPB) This loaded gun was found in a vehicle after a street drifting event in North Portland, January 17, 2025 (PPB) A man is arrested after a street drifting event in North Portland, January 17, 2025 (PPB) Their cars were towed and may be subject to forfeiture under a new reckless driving law. Authorities also said they found a loaded gun in the Infiniti. Jimenez, 30, will likely face charges of unlawful street takeover, possession of a loaded gun and unlawful possession of a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 33-year-old Olmos-Gonzales faces unlawful street takeover. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. On Saturday (January 18) many people across the U.S. logged onto TikTok only for a message to appear on their screens telling them that it isnt available right now. For weeks, influencers who depended on the app for their income tried to remain hopeful that a U.S. company would purchase it before the ban went into effect, The shutdown comes after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a law barring TikTok from U.S. consumers, citing threats to national security. President Joe Biden signed legislation in April requiring TikTok to be sold by its owner, Chinese company ByteDance, or face a ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading up to the ban, many influencers spoke to their fans one last time either to thank their viewers or explain what they were going to do next, such as turning to the Chinese app, Rednote. Makeup artist, James Charles, reflected on the loss of the app by posting a video of himself on his Instagram Story saying that he had no idea what to do with himself and probably opened the app like six times just to get the same stupid message. This is so dystopian, he said. First of all, I feel pathetic that Im freaking out like this over an application being unavailable on my phone, but also, this has been a massive part of our lives for the last six years and normally when something like this happens I would get on TikTok and start complaining and I cant even do that. Normally when something like this happens I would get on TikTok and start complaining and I cant even do that, James Charles (right) said about the TikTok ban (X/@YSLONIKA and Instagram/@jamescharles) I feel cut off from the world and my community, he added. Now Im rooting for Trump? Ew. Make America great again, I guess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, other influencers such as Emily Senn, who had 348,000 followers on the platform, cried over losing TikTok as she explained how it helped her get through some tough times in her life. American influencers crying and having full bIown meltdowns over the tiktok ban is so unserious pic.twitter.com/H6yRu8KcGz welp. (@YSLONIKA) January 18, 2025 To the U.S. government, Im never forgiving you for this, she said. And Im never going to trust you ever again because you, just like that, took away millions of peoples incomes and livelihoods. Who does that? The pandemic, losing my job, all of that. Getting divorced, all of this s*** thats happened to me in the last five years since Ive been on here, she added Hours and hours and hours of time I put into creating stuff for this platform. Alix Earle, who had more than seven million followers on the app, posted a video of herself tearfully holding a glass of wine in bed. How Im going to sleep tonight, she wrote over the video. Thank god for this wine rn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really hitting me because I feel its like in a world where theres so much judgment, TikTok provided a place where I can be free, I can be cringe, I can be who I am, said Riri Bichri, a New York-based content creator known for her 2000s nostalgia parody videos. I shouldnt cry about something so stupid, but it really changed my life, she added. Another influencer with over two million followers under the username chloebuffcakes also cried about the loss of her community. Im just watching the life and community I built be torn down, she said. An app that has given millions of women financial independence and supported seven million small businesses. Where I shared losing my mom to brain cancer and became financially able to raise my seve-year-old sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, on Sunday (January 19), TikTok released a statement saying it had reached an agreement with its service providers after President-elect Donald Trump said he would issue an executive order on Monday giving ByteDance, its parent company, an extension to find a buyer. In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service, the app said in a statement. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. TikTok added: Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. Donald Trump didnt land a Senate seat for his daughter-in-law. But he has nothing to complain about in Gov. Ron DeSantis choice of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. Her credentials as a full-bore MAGA Trump loyalist are impeccable. She signed on to a stolen election lawsuit that one of her top deputies called batst insane. The Supreme Court apparently thought just as poorly of it, if not as bluntly. So it looks as if Trump will get another dependable drone in the Senate, and the American people have that much more to worry about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Marco Rubio, whom shell replace when hes confirmed as secretary of state, was not as predictable as Moody is likely to be. No longer attorney general The faint silver lining here for Floridians is that she wont be attorney general any longer. She betrayed the independence of her elected Cabinet office by cheerleading for DeSantis, even referring to him as boss. The attorney general is obligated by custom and law to defend state laws that are challenged. But there is no inherent duty to defend the governors executive actions, such as his squandering of state money to ship asylum-seeking immigrants from Texas to Massachusetts. Yet she backed him in that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moody also supported the gross misuse of state money to oppose and defeat the recreational marijuana and abortion rights ballot questions. A truly independent attorney general, protective of public money, would have taken the governor to court. Far-right legal stands Moody, a former judge, can be reactionary. The best that can be said is that she rarely launches bad ideas on her own, but shes often eager to support the wild schemes of DeSantis, Trump and the far-right contingent that supplies GOP leaders with their worst ideas. Her brief supporting Floridas effective ban on abortion was too extreme even for the Florida Supreme Court, which refused to trash the states privacy amendment as thoroughly as she wanted. She also tried to persuade the court to keep the abortion rights and marijuana questions off the ballot. She succeeded in getting the court to keep an assault weapons ban from voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She sued the Biden administration over vaccine and masking regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. So we say to her: Dont let the door hit you on the way out. Moodys departure is small comfort, because its the governors prerogative to name her replacement. Given how he thinks everything about Florida should be about him, its no surprise that DeSantis announced that his chief of staff and former campaign manager, James Uthmeier, will be Floridas next attorney general. The A.G. is supposed to be the peoples lawyer, not the governors lawyer. Reshaping another race Moody, who was term-limited, was considered a likely candidate for governor in 2026. Her Senate appointment now narrows that potential field, which is good news for other potential candidates such as Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis best choice would have been to appoint a caretaker in Rubios place, someone content to keep the seat warm until the next election. Thats what Gov. Charlie Crist did in 2009 when Sen. Mel Martinez resigned and Crist appointed George LeMieux, his former chief of staff, as a replacement. Crist himself was running for a full six-year Senate term, which he lost to Rubio in 2010. Moody, no placeholder, opened a federal fundraising account Thursday. If shes to retain the seat, she has history on her side. No Republican has been voted out of a Florida Senate seat since Paula Hawkins lost to Bob Graham in 1986. DeSantis could have appointed himself; his selection of Moody suggests he isnt interested in running for the Senate in 2026 when he too is term-limited. He may have set his sights on another run for president, having lashed himself to Trumps hip over their shared show of contempt for immigrants. Four years is a long time But four years can be an eternity in Florida politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Donald Trump, whos to be inaugurated Monday, has a successful second presidency, Vice President JD Vance will be the odds-on favorite for the GOP nomination to succeed him. But if Vance cant control the economic tides and other inexorable forces that have eroded more than one presidency, the 2028 White House election will be a free-for-all. Moody definitely has her future mapped out. All she needs is to be a competent senator and hope that the president she backed so ardently doesnt foul the nest for her party. The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board includes Executive Editor Roger Simmons, Opinion Editor Krys Fluker and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Executive Editor Gretchen Day-Bryant, Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney and editorial writers Pat Beall and Martin Dyckman. Send letters to insight@orlandosentinel.com. Jan. 19The waiting period for firearm purchases approved by Maine lawmakers last year was one of the few heartening legislative reforms of 2024. Now, mere months later, it is in danger of being undone. Time and again, when it comes to gun safety legislation, little to nothing happens. The fuzzy arguments and counterarguments clash, the impasse reigns. The lobbying for as much freedom as possible for gun shows, gun owners, buyers and sellers is professional, aggressive. And our lawmakers ultimately prove themselves to be afraid of the wrong thing: losing votes. Somehow, despite all of this and none of it unique to Maine legislators in Augusta last year managed to reach some consensus on a simple, reasonable and increasingly popular measure: the 72-hour waiting period. This was a measure that, while asking little, stood to improve the safety of Mainers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It passed into law without the signature of Gov. Janet Mills, an omission that offers an indication of just how high the political stakes. This editorial board welcomed the new waiting period as evidence of desire for change, as some kind of official acknowledgment of the use of firearms in impulsive violent acts suicide (the vast majority of deaths by firearm here in Maine are suicides) chief among them. Enter Republican Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham and a group of party co-sponsors who last week unveiled a bill that would repeal it. As we wrote here back in November: "The supposed 'quagmire' the 72-hour pause creates for sellers and buyers and the apparent intolerability of an 'administrative burden' suggests that those resistant to the law have zero appreciation for its potential value to public safety. Arguments against such a modest attempt at making Maine's relationship to firearms more safe are self-serving. Viewed more coldly, they put commerce above concern for others." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That gun rights groups would take the waiting period to task by challenging it in the courts, although disappointing, is to be expected. That a group of elected officials would go out of their way to target it within one year of its passage is absolutely maddening. "Well, it looked like we really cared after the shootings in Lewiston," was the comment of a Press Herald reader last Thursday. "I guess we are done with that." Copy the Story Link EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Dozens of community advocates and leaders in El Paso took part in the nationwide Womens March ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The El Paso Peoples Rally, as it was also being called, was meant to advocate for an array of issues and for people to express their opposition to Trumps promises of sweeping policy changes, organizers and participants said. Locally, the march and rally took place in Downtown El Paso, culminating with speakers at San Jacinto Plaza. Today, we are coming together to exemplify our resistance to what lies ahead, said U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, told the crowd. Unfortunately in El Paso, we know too well what the Trump administration is capable of, Escobar said. Escobar warned that the public-policy decisions of the incoming Trump administration could severely affect the El Paso community and urged people to be prepared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone in this country has certain civil, human, and constitutional rights. And we have to know them, understand them, and make sure that we utilize them to protect ourselves and the people we care about, Escobar said. Several other community leaders also took the stage to touch on different topics, including Womens health rights, immigrant and workers rights, LGBTQ rights, veteran rights and voter rights to name a few. El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said that El Paso will be ready for the changes to come but will also stand firm by its values. In El Paso, we do things very differently than the new administration. And so were trying to make adjustments. We know that the (incoming) administration is going in a direction that is very different from us. I mean, we want our borders protected, everything that people misunderstand, but we also want to be dignified, Samaniego said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samaniego recounted his time as county judge during Trumps final year of his first term. He said that the promises Trump made during his presidential campaign didnt all translate to action the first time around, and said it remains to be seen what will happen now. People in attendance expressed their concerns ahead of the potential sweeping changes to come. I came out here today to show my support for those who are opposing policies of the Trump administration that we feel will be detrimental to our community, to our country, and to the whole world, El Pasoan Charles Maddox said. So were letting people know that we are not giving up. Were going to continue fighting. Were going to continue engaging. Were going to be active. Were going to continue fighting for peoples rights. Were going to continue registering voters, said El Pasoan Diana Duron, a member of the Eastside Democratic Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Paso County Republican Party Chairman Jorge Gonzalez said local Republicans are excited to see Trump retake the presidential office and institute his proposed policies, which they believe will help restore normalcy and order. Trump won by a landslide. I mean, it was a very, very strong message to precisely those people that are protesting that (they) are on the wrong side, Gonzalez said. I am an immigrant, so you are protesting for me. Theyre wrong because I am a legal immigrant. Theyre protesting because they want illegality. So (if) they want illegal immigrants to come in (here), they are wrong. I am a veteran, if they are protesting on my behalf, they are wrong because I have my rights and Ive been attended by the VA, Gonzalez 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. GOSHEN An Elkhart man has admitted to robbing a gas station customer while indicating he was armed. Devin Haynes, 21, pleaded guilty Thursday to robbery as a Level 5 felony and to resisting law enforcement as a misdemeanor. His plea agreement allowed him to admit to a lesser included offense rather than the original charge of attempted armed robbery as a Level 3 felony. He admitted in Elkhart County Circuit Court that he tried to rob a man then fled from police on July 9. Police said he reached into a mans pocket at a South Main Street gas station and stole around $15, then demanded more money while reaching into his own shirt pocket as if he had a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haynes plea agreement leaves his sentence up to the discretion of the judge. A Level 5 felony is punishable by up to six years in prison and a Class A misdemeanor by up to a year in jail. Haynes may argue where he will serve his sentence. He must also make restitution to the victim through the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. Judge Michael Christofeno accepted the plea agreement and set sentencing for Feb. 13. The victim told police the robber threatened to blast him with the gun if he didnt give him the money, putting him in fear for his life. He said he punched the man in the face, causing him to run away, but he came back to try to steal the victims bicycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim said the robber finally left after he told the cashier to call the police. He provided a description of the suspect, and based on that description police arrested Haynes minutes later after a foot chase north of the gas station. Police didnt find cash in his pocket other than some change nor did they find a gun. As he was being arrested Haynes shouted to some bystanders to go get my gun, according to police. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Paramarth Niketan Kumbh Mela Camp on Sunday to attend the ongoing 'Katha' by Indian spiritual leader Morari Bapu. CM Yogi was welcomed by Swami Chidanand Saraswati, the spiritual head of the Rishikesh-based Parmarth Niketan Ashram. "Crores of people are visiting Prayagraj daily just to take a holy dip. Amazingly, 10 lakh people are taking a dip within an hour. The kind of crowd management, event management and safety done here by Yogi ji is amazing," Saraswati had said earlier while speaking to ANI. Morari Bapu arrived in Prayagraj on Saturday and expressed his excitement for the ongoing Maha Kumbh. He said, "...I am very happy and I have arrived for 'katha' at the Mahakumbh. The arrangements for the Mahakumbh are very good. I am very excited as it is a very big festival for the 'Sanatan Dharma' and Spiritual world..." Over 1.7 million pilgrims visited the Mahakumbh Mela by 8 AM on Sunday, according to official data released by the Uttar Pradesh government. On the seventh day of the Maha Kumbh, a congregation of over 1.7 million devotees gathered at the Sangam Triveni. By 8 AM, 10 lakh Kalpvasis and 7.02 lakh pilgrims had taken a holy dip. As of January 18, more than 77.2 million pilgrims have taken a dip at the Sangam Triveni during the Maha Kumbh 2025. Earlier today, devotees gathered at the Maha Kumbh Mela despite a layer of dense fog engulfing the area. The inclement weather conditions did not seem to affect the footfall of pilgrims. The footfall of pilgrims is expected to increase in the coming days, as four key Shahi Snans are yet to take place. The Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The upcoming 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). Earlier, on January 17, more than 2.5 million pilgrims visited the Maha Kumbh by 4 PM, as per the released data. (ANI) Billionaire CEO Elon Musk appears to be looking to create his very own Mar-a-Lago in the nations capital. Multiple anonymous sources told Eater that the worlds richest man is aiming to make the winning bid on the Line, a trendy D.C. hotel that is up for auction, and turn into a private social club. The once buzzy 220-room hotel, which opened just seven years ago, went to auction after it failed to meet its owners financial expectations, according to The Real Deal. The once-hip hotel has 220 rooms. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Images Its unclear exactly what Musk plans to do with the space if he wins the public auction this Thursday. Yet given that he will be co-director of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and has been inseparable from President-elect Donald Trump since he clinched the election, Musk could be looking to set up his own headquarters. Trumps own private club, Mar-a-Lago, has long served as his headquarters. / Scott Olson / Getty Images Trumps own signature private club and resortMar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Floridahas long served as his headquarters. Since his first term, Trump has received visits there from world leaders, business titans, and celebrities, all seemingly looking to make a deal to join his orbit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, who owns Tesla and X, will join a slew of other top tech CEOsincluding Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezosat Trumps inauguration on Monday. Musk is even slated to speak at the pre-inaugural rally on Sunday, according to NBC News. Due to dangerously cold temperatures, the inauguration will take place inside the Capitol rotunda rather than outdoors. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I dont want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way, Trump said on Truth Social. 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!). ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) An Escambia County man has been found guilty in the 2021 shooting death of 33-year-old James Johnson. Mobile man sentenced for illegally possessing a machinegun: DOJ Dewitt Charles Echols was found guilty of second-degree murder on Jan. 15 by an Escambia County jury. A mugshot of Dewitt Echols (Escambia County Sheriffs Office). According to a state attorneys news release, Escambia County Sheriffs Office deputies were called to the 10000 block of North Loop Road on Aug. 23, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Johnson dead with a gunshot wound, sitting in the drivers seat of a Chevrolet Malibu, according to the release. The car engine was still on. 2 arrested in connection with September homicide: Escambia County Sheriffs Office Echols will be sentenced on March 12. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Weeks before Matias Bernal migrated to the United States from Mexico City in 2002, he and his younger sister were held at gunpoint by three strangers who ambushed them on their way to school. The would-be abductors forced the siblings to get inside their vehicle and drove away, releasing Bernals sister about 15 minutes later. Sensing that they werent going to let him go and fearing for his life, Bernal, then 14, jumped out of the moving vehicle and ran toward a freeway tollbooth to cry for help. Since crossing the border in San Ysidro by himself, Bernal reunited with family in Fresno, graduated high school at the top of his class and earned his doctorate of philosophy from UC Irvine. As executive director of the Fresno-based Education & Leadership Foundation, Bernal leads a nonprofit providing immigration services to people who, like him, seek to escape their countries violence and tumult and make the Central Valley their home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, despite his success, Bernal has not been able to evade a perpetual fear of deportation. A recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, Bernal has some legal protection from deportation. The programs future, though, is uncertain as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Trump has vowed to pursue mass deportations and end policies such as DACA and birthright citizenship. Last weeks Border Patrol operation in Kern County reminded Bernal of his tenuous legal status in the country and brought anxiety over whether Trump will follow through on his promise to launch the largest deportation program in American history. I knew at an early age and with the way that I had come to the United States that I was not able to share with folks outside of my immediate family about my status, said Bernal, now 36. I learned early on what it meant to be illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew from that early point that I was not going to be given the same opportunities as other folks, he said. I was worried, and I was afraid that at any point I could do something wrong that could get me in trouble or that immigration could show up. Living under constant deportation fears Bernal said growing up undocumented in Fresno in the early 2000s meant constantly living in fear of deportation and having to avoid a high number of checkpoints. He was especially worried when it came to school events that involved traveling outside of the state or even within the state to areas like San Diego where he knew there was heavy immigration enforcement. I avoided anything having to do with any traveling because of that, Bernal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coming to a new school where everything was in a different language was challenging for Bernal, yet he learned English quickly and graduated from McLane High School in 2006 as valedictorian and Fresno Unifieds student of the year. He graduated from Fresno State in 2011 with a bachelors degree in political science and criminology. He earned his masters degree in criminology and psychology at Fresno State in 2012. Bernal has not experienced anyone from his immediate family being deported. But when his sister attempted to cross the border at age 16, she was detained and stayed at a detention facility for about a month, he said. I understand very well what its like to not be able to communicate with a loved one in a detention facility and to be sort of on hold, and to be sort of on pins and needles to see whats happening, Bernal said. Matias Bernal, executive director for Education Leadership Foundation and a DACA recipient, shares his journey of fear and resilience as an undocumented immigrant. Despite his status as a DACA recipient, Bernal doesnt have a pathway to obtaining legal status. DACA, created in 2012 by former President Barack Obama, protects undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children from deportation and provides work authorization and social security numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernal, who has been a DACA recipient since 2013, said that while Dreamers like him dont have a pathway to legal status, DACA has allowed him to pursue higher education and a fulfilling career. It allowed me to, for the first time ever, have something like benefits, to have time off, to buy a car, to get an apartment, to get a credit card, those kind of things, because now I have a Social Security that I could utilize to do all of that, Bernal said. Financial and emotional toll As DACA recipient, Bernal must apply to renew his status every two years and pay the fees (which increased in April 2024 to $555, if renewed online, and $605 if renewed via mail) that allow him to work and travel within the United States. It does not give us a pathway to residency. It does not give us a pathway to citizenship, and it does not take the undocumented status from our lives because we are still in this place of reapplying just to be here, Bernal said. What DACA really means is that (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) will not prosecute our deportation or removal. Itll defer it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump vowed to end the DACA program during his first term. The State of Texas also led the charge to terminate DACA, with the case going all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The court held that the way the president tried to eliminate DACA was problematic, kicking it back to the lower courts. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has since paused all initial applications and is only allowing DACA renewals to continue. While there is a financial burden when reapplying for DACA every two years, there is also an emotional toll of the uncertainty over whether the application will be approved. And if its approved when it will be approved processing times can vary even when renewals are submitted within the recommended 90-to-180-day timeline. Bernal said Trumps inauguration Monday has resurfaced the stress and fear he experienced during Trumps first term, particularly after his 2018 announcement to end DACA, which was later halted by the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first administration was very scary, and it was very demoralizing to think that as a country, we were moving in that direction, Bernal said. And I say we because I consider myself to be part of this community, and I love this country, and I call it my home. pro immigrant organizationsMatias Bernal, executive director for Education Leadership Foundation and a DACA recipient, (center) with a broad coalition of immigrant rights, legal and community organizations during a press conference at the Federal Building in downtown Fresno on Nov. 8, 2024, to share their reactions to election outcomes as well as commitments to protect vulnerable communities. Bernal recently shared his journey of fear and resilience as an undocumented immigrant. Bernal said knowledge is the best way to combat that fear. Since November, he has been busy meeting with families of undocumented immigrants and coordinating know your rights informational sessions. Hes told anyone who needs to hear it that everyone in the country, regardless of whos president, has constitutional rights whether or not they are U.S. citizens. Information is power, and education is the best way to overcome that fear, Bernal said. These constitutional rights apply to all, even with Trumps promise of mass deportations Detectives immediately knew they were dealing with a professional hit. The criminals had riddled the taxi with some 40 bullets, yet stole nothing from the dying driver and passenger. But what puzzled them was the identity of the victim of the ferocious attack in the centre of Lima, Perus chaotic capital, last December. That passenger, Andrea Vidal, 27, was a slim, photogenic lawyer and former congressional aide. By the time she succumbed to her injuries in intensive care one week later, investigators had begun to unearth a scandal shocking even by the rock-bottom standards of the Andean nations ethically-challenged Congress a prostitution ring allegedly operating within the legislative palace itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politicians initially sought to ignore the mushrooming scandal, which Ms Vidal, who was part of the ring, had reportedly been on the point of revealing when she was killed. But public pressure finally forced them to act. Last week, they banned female aides from wearing miniskirts and shorts. A taxi is riddled with bullet holes after a shooting in Lima where Andrea Vidal was killed - Cuarto Poder/Facebook The alleged sex-for-votes scheme and the politicians controversial response has rocked even a jaded society that long ago wrote off the entire political class as hopelessly corrupt. It has also shone a spotlight on apparent attitudes towards women in parliament, which critics describe as mediaeval and even compare to the Taliban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the various lurid allegations relates to another aide, 26-year-old Isabel Cajo. While she lacks the bachelors degree required for her post, she did previously have an OnlyFans page. She is reported to have been appointed last year at the personal request of then-speaker Alejandro Soto. He has denied involvement in her hiring, while she claims she is the target of unjust attacks. Investigations are ongoing, but the prostitution ring is thought to have been run by Jorge Luis Torres Saravia, who has been fired from his job heading Congresss legal office. He insists he had nothing to do with Ms Vidals murder and that the pair were friends. Bullet holes in the window of the taxi - Cuarto Poder/Facebook Mr Torres Saravia is an associate of Cesar Acuna, who leads one of Perus largest political parties, the Alliance for Progress. Mr Acuna has called for the full weight of the law to be brought on those responsible for the scandal but also accused the press of taking advantage of it to damage his party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Acuna, who owns a chain of lucrative private universities, has been accused of plagiarising his doctoral thesis and has admitted to being banned from the United States, apparently for suspected money laundering, which he denies. Politician accused of rape The scrutiny of macho attitudes in Perus political class intensified this month after one politician, Jose Jeri, was accused of rape at a New Years party. One of his colleagues, Edwin Martinez, who was not at the party, subsequently accused the alleged victim of being drunk, adding: She should have controlled herself better. Mr Jeri denies the allegation but has temporarily resigned from his party while police investigate. Yet that forced congress to finally address the issue, this week introducing the miniskirt ban. The controversy marks a new low for what may already be the least popular legislative body in the world, with an approval rating consistently in single digits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than half of the 130 members of the single-chamber Congress are currently under criminal investigation for everything from bribery to domestic violence. Government officials in Congress in Lima - Juan Carlos Cisneros/AFP via Getty Since taking office in July 2021, the current Congress has awarded itself pay rises and increased expenses while ignoring pressing social problems, including that 40 per cent of Peruvian toddlers suffer anaemia. At the same time, legislators have passed laws legal experts warn make it harder to prosecute organised crime. The principal beneficiaries have been the cocaine trade, rampant illegal mining and a booming extortion industry that has led to gangland hits becoming commonplace. Recent counter-reforms include requiring a suspects lawyer to be present during police raids effectively giving alleged criminals hours to dispose of evidence and banning officers from seizing black market explosives used in the illegal gold mining that has devastated the Peruvian Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parliamentarians have also restricted prosecutors ability to hold suspects on bail and loosened the legal definition of organised crime. That led to a court on Wednesday revoking an arrest warrant for Nicanor Boluarte, brother of Dina Boluarte, the president. He had been on the run for weeks, avoiding pretrial detention on suspicion of bribery and influence-peddling, which he denies. Ms Boluarte came to office representing the Free Peru party, which describes itself as Marxist-Leninist. Yet she has formed a tactical alliance with the conservative-dominated congress as they together seek to block investigations of Perus runaway graft. The president faces multiple probes of her own, including for the Rolexgate scandal and allegedly abandoning office to have a secret nose job. She admits the surgery but insists that it was medically necessary and claims that her 400,000 jewellery collection, acquired on her 40,000 presidential salary, was the fruit of her own hard work. 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. Carrying her small daughter, an Israeli mother stood amid a crowd of people next to the helipad of the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv, which on Sunday received the three former hostages released in a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas. How good is it that youve come home, read a sign in Hebrew held by the young daughter. The helicopters, which took off from southern Israel, near the Gaza border, carried Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari the first of 33 hostages set for release during the first phase of the deal that went into effect Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three women were kidnapped by Hamas during its attack on October 7, 2023, which killed more than 1,200 people and took more than 250 others captive. Footage shared by the Israeli government shows the three women arriving at the hospital, draped in Israeli flags and embracing their families. In exchange, Israel is expected to release 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including 69 women and nine minors, the youngest of them 15 years old. Near the Sheba hospital, a group of Israelis played music and sang patriotic songs on Sunday night. As medical vehicles carried the hostages from helicopters to the medical facility, dozens chased the vans, chanting their names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you, thank you, one woman cried as she was embraced by another. Left to right: Damari, Steinbrecher and Gonen are reunited with their mothers. - Israel Defense Forces Earlier in the so-called Hostages Square in central Tel Aviv, a wave of applause overtook the plaza once the hostages were announced to be in the custody of the Red Cross. People hugged, waved flags and cried at the news. For many Israelis, it was a moment they had dreamt of throughout the 15 months of war in Gaza. Romi is coming back! Emily is coming back! Doron is coming back! a group chanted in the square. Confirmation of the handover for the crowd came on a large television screen in the square, which was broadcasting Al Jazeera with Israeli commentary playing in the background. Everybody is crying Among those waiting for the hostages release was 29-year-old Shay Dickman, who stood at the center of the square carrying banners of all three women. She is a cousin of Carmel Gat, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and killed in captivity. Another cousin of hers was released in the short-lived ceasefire-and-hostages deal of November 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three hostages are about to come back in our safe hands, Dickman told CNN in Hostages Square, just minutes before their release was announced. Tania Coen-Uzzielli, director of Tel Aviv Museum of Art, had been watching the square where Israelis gather daily to express solidarity with the hostages from her nearby museum every day. She said that previously, she had sometimes felt that the return of the hostages was wishful thinking. Their release brings unbelievable emotions, she said. Its a very emotional moment, Coen-Uzzielli told CNN. We were waiting for this moment since the last release, which was more than one year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coen-Uzzielli said she could feel the pulse of the plaza every day, as it is right next to her museum. Everybody is crying, she said. People gather in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to await the news of the hostages' safe return on Sunday. - Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images Mai, another woman, who declined to give a second name, said, We can breathe a little more again after months of waiting. And we are going to be here until the very last one comes back. The first phase of the agreement is expected to last six weeks, during which time 30 other hostages are to be gradually released. The war has been devastating to Palestinians living in the besieged enclave. The military offensive launched by Israel in response to Hamas October 7 attacks has killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians and injured 110,750 more, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war has also displaced nearly all of Gazas population of more than 2 million people, flattened swathes of the territory in an Israeli bombing campaign and triggered a spiraling humanitarian crisis. Israel has not committed to ending the war, but has said it will take part in negotiations to progress the ceasefire to its next phases. Mediators in Cairo, including Egypt, Qatar and the United States, will monitor the implementation of the deal. In an exclusive interview with CNNs Bianna Golodryga, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Sunday stressed that the ceasefire agreed to is a temporary one, saying we will start to negotiate on the second phase after a little bit more than two weeks during the first phase, but added that it is not automatic to move from one phase to the other phase. Coen-Uzzielli, the art museum director, said she hopes that the remaining hostages are freed and that the war finally comes to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really hope that an international force will influence the ultimate decision to continue the release of the hostages and to stop this tragic war, she said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Hamas is set to release at least three Israeli hostages each week between late January and early March under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The proposal amounts to 33 hostages, who will be freed in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Hamas continues to hold a total of 94 hostages, the majority of whom were kidnapped during the Oct 7 attack in 2023. Some 34 of them are presumed dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release of the remaining hostages is set to be negotiated in stages two and three of the deal. How does the ceasefire deal work? The ceasefire deal struck by Israel and Hamas is a multi-stage agreement, which means that all hostages and prisoners will only be released if its conditions are met. The first stage is what Joe Biden referred to a full and complete ceasefire for six weeks. If the ceasefire holds, negotiations on the second and third phase of the deal will begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire. What happens when hostages are released? Hamas does not hand the hostages to Israel directly. Instead, it gives them to the Red Cross in Gaza, who then transport them to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first three hostages released under the ceasefire deal on Jan 19 Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31 were transferred to the Red Cross in Al-Saraya Square in Gaza City before being driven directly to Israel. The switch of vehicles is thought to be an attempt to minimise contact between Hamas fighters and Israeli troops. Before handing the trio over to the Red Cross, Hamas gave them gift bags reportedly containing photos of their time in captivity and release certificates. The hostages were met at the Gaza-Israel border by the Israeli military, who provided comfort caravans for them to recuperate in. Ashley Waxam Bakshi holds up a photo of her hostage cousin Agam Berger - LaPresse They were stocked with toiletries and baskets of fresh clothes, and had adjoining outdoor areas with colourful patio furniture, pillows and potted plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The freed hostages then met their families and were admitted to the Sheba Medical Centre in Ramat Gan. All hostages will be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and women will be given pregnancy tests. The UN has said that there is clear and convincing evidence that hostages in Gaza were raped and sexually abused by Hamas. When hostages were previously released in November 2023, they were first taken by the Red Cross to Egypt via the Rafah Crossing before later being taken to Israel. How have the hostages been treated? There is little information about the condition and treatment of the current hostages, owing to the secrecy of Hamass operations in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother of Emily Damari said that her daughter was doing better than expected the day after she was released, although little was revealed about the conditions she was kept in for 15 months. Doctors who cared for the child hostages released in 2023 said they had experienced significant weight loss, psychological trauma, complications of poor hygiene and complications of recent shrapnel injuries. Hospitals have been told to follow strict hygiene guidelines after microbiology tests on the first round of hostages showed multiple gastrointestinal pathogens and various infectious diseases. Several other hostages also released in November 2023 said that they were first held in Palestinian homes before being transferred to hospitals in Gaza, which the US claimed were being used as cover for Hamas operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other hostages have been rescued by the Israeli military from tunnels under Gaza, where Hamas has established a vast, subterranean network of storage areas and command centres. Some said that they were initially treated with care by civilian Palestinians, who were paid around $19 per day by Hamas to house them. However, conditions in the homes worsened as the war continued and Gaza faced food and water shortages. Others were kept in terror tunnels from the beginning of their captivity, living without daylight for weeks and suffering the abuse of their Hamas guards. The family of hostage Liri Albag released images of the 19-year-old taken from a proof of life video Proof of life videos released by Hamas indicate that some of the remaining hostages are in poor physical and mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan 4, the group released a video of 19-year-old Liri Albag, who was serving as an IDF surveillance soldier when she was captured on Oct 7. Her family allowed still images from the video to be released to the public, warning in a statement that she appeared to have been mistreated. This is not the same daughter and sister that we know, the family said. She is in bad condition and her difficult mental state is evident. 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. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) As a major blast of bitter cold heads for North Carolina early this week, the major electric utility in the state says preparations are underway to deal with the arctic temps. The cold weather moves into our area on Monday with lows Monday night in the teens in central North Carolina and just single digits in the North Carolina mountains, according to the CBS 17 Storm Team and the National Weather Service. UPDATE: 6 inches of snow at NC Outer Banks forecast; winter storm watch for entire NC coast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dangerously cold wind chills as low as -20 (are) possible along and west of the Blue Ridge, the National Weather Service says about North Carolina mountains starting Sunday night. The arctic blast settles in with even colder temps forecast for Wednesday night for the Raleigh area with 14 degrees predicted as the low. The mountains could see temps around 6 degrees Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Highs each day in the mountains will likely stay well below freezing. UPDATE: 6 inches of snow at NC Outer Banks forecast; winter storm watch for entire NC coast Highs each day in central North Carolina are forecast around freezing with just 30 degrees for a high predicted on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duke Energy, which serves about 4 million customers in North Carolina, said they have already made plans for the cold weather including additional staffing plans and plant evaluations to ensure weather protections are in place for our equipment. RELATED: Accumulating snow likely Tuesday night in central NC Jeff Brooks, Duke Energy spokesman, said the company already handled advanced work on facilities. The operational teams also completed all maintenance outages at our power plants before the winter to ensure plants are available when they are needed during the coldest parts of the year, Brooks said in an email to CBS 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Snow, brutal cold set for NC mountains Sunday; winter storm warning and single digit lows But, very cold weather could cause problems. We could also see some isolated outages due to an occasional equipment failure from the cold temperatures, Brooks said. The company is watching the snow forecast Sunday night in the North Carolina mountains and Tuesday night in eastern and central North Carolina. If its a snow event and only a few inches, it will probably not result in a large number of outages. But if its an ice event that resulted in a quarter inch or more of ice, we could see potential outage impacts from downed tree limbs, Brooks said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Saturday, Brooks said the winter weather forecast appears to be for snow. The power grid is a machine with millions of parts and even though its designed to work in extreme conditions, its not unusual for an isolated outage to occur due to a failed piece of equipment, he said. Duke Energy Progress serves about 1.5 million customers in central and eastern North Carolina, including Raleigh, as well as the Asheville region. Duke Energy Carolinas serves about 2.2 million households and businesses in central and western North Carolina, including Charlotte, Durham and the Triad. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Leaders of several sanctuary cities where officials had prominently rejected Donald Trumps first-term immigration policies are shifting their tone as he prepares to take office again and carry out his mass deportation plans. Some local officials have softened on how closely they want their cities to be identified with the sanctuary city label and have pledged to work with federal immigration authorities. But others have doubled down on their cities being sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants and reject any notion that theyd cooperate with a Trump administration seeking to deport millions of them. The mixed approaches of officials in some of the largest and heavily Democratic cities in the U.S. underscore the countrys shifting politics on immigration. While leaders in these cities largely and often loudly rejected Trumps immigration policies when he was last in the White House, some are now willing to work more closely with his administration on a top priority or tamp down their rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle Parker and District Attorney Larry Krasner, both Democrats, seem to have shied away from some of the rhetoric celebrating the city as a sanctuary as well as the oppositional approach city officials took in the past. Asked whether he still considered Philadelphia a sanctuary city, Krasner did not directly answer. Sanctuary city can mean a lot of things, and so that whole discussion can get confusing and maybe generate more heat than light, he said in an interview with NBC News. Krasner said Philadelphia was a city of brotherhood, of love, of sisterly affection, where we respect and support our immigrant neighbors who are hardworking and are law-abiding and are contributing to our society. Krasner added that he would follow the law, uphold the Constitution, and whatever that says we have to do, were going to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the extent that ICE has the legal right to do things, obviously we will not interfere, he said, but added that if ICE agents do things that are crimes, theyre going to have a problem. Sanctuary city is not an official term. Rather, it refers to a city, county or municipality that has enacted laws that either explicitly or effectively prevent or limit local officials from cooperating with federal immigration authorities as part of a broader effort to make undocumented immigrants feel safe. Parker, the mayor, was asked during an interview last week with NBC10 in Philadelphia if she considered Philly a sanctuary city. She danced around the question, replying, I believe that in America, our diversity is by far our greatest strength. Were a city made up of neighborhoods, and I too believe that our diversity is our greatest strength, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by NBC News whether Parker identified Philadelphia as a sanctuary city, and whether city authorities would cooperate with ICE and the Trump administration if they move forward with deporting undocumented immigrants, her spokesperson also declined to answer directly. As Mayor Parker made abundantly clear after the November election, the Parker Administration remains laser-focused on the agenda that Philadelphians elected her to implement: making Philadelphia a safer, cleaner, greener City, with access to economic opportunity for all, the spokesperson, Joe Grace, said in an email to NBC News. Grace added that the citys 2016 executive order on ICE detainers remains in place. In 2016, Jim Kenney, then the mayor of Philadelphia, signed an executive order barring the city from honoring some ICE detainers (a detainer is a request that local officials hold an immigrant who is due to be released from custody for an additional 48 hours to allow ICE to take them into its custody). While that policy remains in place, the cautious tone struck by Parker and Krasner marks a notable departure from the one city officials struck during Trumps first term. Kenney, for example, was caught on camera singing and dancing gleefully in 2018 after a judge ruled in favor of the citys sanctuary policies. New York Citys yearslong immigration pivot In New York City, a shift on immigration policy has been underway for several years. Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, who met with Trump in Florida on Friday, has indicated his interest in working with the incoming administration, including on immigration issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York has struggled to cope with a surge in migrant arrivals in recent years a crisis that would destroy the city, Adams said in 2023. Adams repeatedly criticized the Biden administration on the issue, saying it hadnt done enough to help New York and other cities. He also met with incoming border czar Tom Homan in December. While Adams continues to call New York a sanctuary city, he has signaled a desire to change the citys laws in a way that would allow city officials to cooperate with federal immigration and law enforcement officials to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Last month, he said migrants accused of crimes should not necessarily receive due process. His broader approach is a stark contrast from that of his predecessor, Bill de Blasio, who was New York Citys mayor during Trumps first term. In 2014, when Barack Obama was president, de Blasio, a Democrat, helped enact laws that significantly hampered city law enforcement officials from working with ICE agents seeking to deport undocumented immigrants. Throughout the Trump administration, he expanded some of those laws to make it even more difficult for ICE agents to deport undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams spokesperson Liz Garcia said the mayor has been clear that New York City will always be a city of immigrants, which is why the Adams administration has worked diligently over the past few months to ensure city staff has the most accurate, up-to-date information on how to uphold our sanctuary city laws. We also continue to work with immigrant New Yorkers to ensure they know their rights around federal immigration enforcement, Garcia said. Our administration is doing the work to provide for immigrant communities across the city. Other local Democratic leaders say they wont be bullied Meanwhile, leaders in other big sanctuary cities have maintained an aggressively oppositional posture to the incoming Trump administration on immigration issues. In the weeks following Trumps victory in November, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, said the city will not bend or break on its sanctuary laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told The Washington Post in November that there will not be any cooperation with ICE deportations. And last week, the Chicago City Council voted down a proposal that would have eased laws barring city officials from cooperating with federal immigration authorities who are targeting individuals involved in certain violent and drug-related crimes. Responding to questions on the issue from NBC News, Johnson spokesperson Erin Connelly forwarded a recent press release that stated, The City of Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnsons Administration reaffirm our commitment to the welcoming city ordinance. Chicagos sanctuary policies are part of that ordinance. NBC News reported that ICE officials are planning a major enforcement operation in Chicago following Trump's inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, a Democrat, has been even more outspoken on preserving his citys sanctuary laws during the second Trump administration. We wont change that, because those are one of our core values, Johnston told Colorado news website Denverite in November. Were not going to sell out those values to anyone. Were not going to be bullied into changing them. In that interview, Johnston also raised the idea that Denver police, as well as Denver citizens, could band together to prevent federal immigration authorities from deporting undocumented immigrants. Its like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right? he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to questions from NBC News about Denvers status as a sanctuary city, and regarding the extent to which city officials might cooperate with ICE, Johnston spokesperson Jordan Fuja said in a statement: Denver defines itself as a welcoming city and we do have laws on the books, both city and state, that ensure that local police do not do the work of federal immigration enforcement. Thats the federal governments job, not ours. If Donald Trump tries to break the law and abuse his power, he will get no help from us, the statement said, adding that the mayor is considering a number of options to strengthen protections for all our residents. Denver is proud to be a welcoming city, and we will do everything in our power to protect those who live here, the statement continued. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Congress candidate from New Delhi Assembly, Sandeep Dikshit, accused AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal of degrading the level of politics and making it "dirty" by using inappropriate language against the then Delhi Chief Minister and Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit. Sandeep Dikshit, the son of Sheila Dikshit, was conducting a door-to-door campaign in the New Delhi Assembly constituency. When asked about Kejriwal's statement made during a speech, in which he said, "Sheila Dikshit was a good woman and used to fight free and fair elections," Sandeep Dikshit hit back at Kejriwal. "Look at how he (Arvind Kejriwal) spoke about Sheila Dikshit at that time. He used inappropriate language against her, did they not remember then that she was a civilised woman?... Arvind Kejriwal is directly responsible for degrading the level of politics in Delhi and making it dirty... He has poisoned the culture of politics in Delhi...," Dikshit saiD. Notably, Sheila Dikshit was the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi, and also the longest-serving female Chief Minister of any Indian state, having served for 15 years from 1998 to 2013. Further, commenting on the work done by his mother as CM, Dikshit mentioned the closure of muster rolls and said,"We are getting a very good response. The people are very disappointed with Arvind Kejriwal and the BJP. The biggest issue here is that the muster rolls have been shut down for the last 10 years by the NDMC... People want the muster rolls from Shiela Dikshit's tenure should be resumed..." Earlier, Dikshit filed his nomination papers for the New Delhi Assembly on Thursday, setting up a triangular contest between Congress, BJP, and the ruling AAP. BJP has fielded Parvesh Verma for the seat, while AAP has placed Kejriwal in the contest. Voting for the 70-member Delhi Assembly is scheduled for February 5, with votes to be counted on February 8. (ANI) The claim: Mark Cuban moved company from Texas to California A Jan. 12 Threads post shows images of billionaire Mark Cuban and a building rendering that bears the name of his prescription drug company. Mark Cuban Shifts Company From Texas To California: Cant Operate In Red States, says the posts caption and the text in the image. The Threads post was reposted more than 150 times in five days. More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False The claim originated on a satirical website. Cubans drug company remains headquartered in Dallas, and there is no credible evidence that he moved any of his companies from Texas to California. Claim originated on satirical Facebook account The claim touches on the trend of billionaires shifting companies across state lines based on their political climates. Elon Musk announced plans to move the headquarters of his SpaceX and X companies to Texas over objections to a California law that bans the forced outing of LGBTQ+ students. Then, citing concerns about bias," Meta Platforms in January said it would move its key content policy team from California to Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Cuban has not, however, gone in the opposite direction by moving any of his Texas-based companies to California. There is no credible evidence that former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban moved any of his companies from Texas to California. Fact check: No, Mark Cubans net worth didn't fall $1 billion. Thats satire While the post does not specify which of Cubans businesses it references, the image shows a rendering of the exterior of a Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co. facility. The discount pharmaceutical company lists its address as 320 S. Walton St. in Dallas. Its website details the 22,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Dallas that opened in 2023 and makes no mention of any planned or completed relocation. It also lists Dallas as its location on its LinkedIn page. There have been no announcements and no credible evidence related to such a move for any other companies owned by Cuban, the former majority owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. The claim originated from a Dec. 22 Facebook post by SpaceX Fanclub, which is part of the SpaceXMania network of satirical accounts. That account states in its bio that nothing on this page is real. The wording of the Threads post matches the Facebook post, which is labeled as satire. Advertisement Advertisement Linked in the comments to the Threads post is a longer article posted to a disreputable website that includes an image shared Dec. 22 by the Patriots Network another account in SpaceXMania's network with a watermark identifying the claim as a fabrication. The article also resembles one published Dec. 17 by Esspots that also contains a satire label. Cuban supported Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, in the 2024 presidential election won by Republican Donald Trump. His victories in the seven battleground states turned wide swaths of the country red. The term "red state" typically refers to states that have backed Republican candidates, either traditionally or in the most recent election. The Threads post is an example of what could be called stolen satire, in which content originally written and presented as parody is captured and reposted in a way that makes it appear authentic. As a result, readers of the second-generation post are misled, and that is what happened here. USA TODAY reached out to a Cost Plus Drugs spokesperson and to the Threads user who shared the claim but did not immediately receive any responses. Advertisement Advertisement Lead Stories, PolitiFact and Check Your Fact debunked versions of the claim. Our fact-check sources Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co., accessed Jan. 16, home page Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co. PBC, accessed Jan. 16, LinkedIn profile Spacex Fanclub, Dec. 22, Facebook post Spacex Fanclub, accessed Jan. 16, Facebook profile Esspots, Dec. 17, Mark Cuban Moves His Company from Texas to California: I Cant Breathe in Red States Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here. USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: Satire behind claim Mark Cuban moved company out of Texas Claim: Vice President-elect J.D. Vance once said of President-elect Donald Trump, Mr. Trump is unfit for our nations highest office. Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution Context: After Trump chose him for his running mate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Vance declared: "I was wrong about Donald Trump," referring to the many critical statements he had previously made about Trump. Claims that U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance once said of President-elect Donald Trump, "Mr. Trump is unfit for our nation's highest office," circulated online during the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim was posted to Instagram (archived) when Vance was first announced as Trump's pick for vice president, along with a caption that read in part, "JD Vance is officially Trump's pick for Vice President, and the only thing we agree with him on is this quote from 2016." The claim has been repeated in various (archived) posts (archived) on X, and can even be purchased as a bumper sticker on eBay. The claim that Vance once said "Mr. Trump is unfit for our nation's highest office" is attributed correctly and comes from an op-ed written by Vance and published in The New York Times on April 4, 2016. The line comes near the end of the op-ed, titled "Why Trump's Antiwar Message Resonates with White America," in which Vance theorized about the appeal of Trump to a Republican base that he thought was disillusioned with the party and its chosen candidates in the wake of the War on Terror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The op-ed came two months before the release of Vance's memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," which also garnered attention at the time for shining a light on the rise of Trump's popularity with working-class voters. The full context of the New York Times quote reads: Mr. Trump is unfit for our nation's highest office. But to those humiliated by defeat, he promises we'll win again. To those discouraged by a government unable to care for the people it sent to war, he promises to take care of our veterans. To those voters furious at politicians who sent their children to fight and bleed and die in Iraq, he tells them what no major Republican politician in a decade has said that the war was a terrible mistake imposed on the country by an incompetent president. Anger about the wars isn't the only reason voters support Mr. Trump. But his willingness to say what other G.O.P. candidates won't reflects what people like most about him: his complete break with the party elite. Because the last time Republican voters put a member of that elite in the White House, he sent their children on a bloody misadventure. Until others recognize that failure, expect many to support the one major candidate who does. Vance wrote a similar piece for USA Today published on Feb. 18, 2016, titled "Trump Speaks for Those Bush Betrayed," in which he reflected on the Sept. 16, 2015, Republican debate and wrote, "I quickly realized that Trump's actual policy proposals, such as they are, range from immoral to absurd. But as a Marine Corps veteran who grew up in a struggling Rust Belt town, I understand why many adore him why I, if only briefly, cheered him on." Vance's criticism of Trump prior to being named as his running mate for the 2024 election is well documented and the vice president-elect said "I was wrong about Donald Trump" during the vice presidential debate with Gov. Tim Walz on Oct. 1, 2024. Snopes reached out to Vance's team for comment and will update this article if we get a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes has fact-checked many of Vance's statements before, including Vance calling Trump "America's Hitler," claims that Vance once said school shootings are a "fact of life" and that he once said "car seat rules" are causing Americans to have fewer kids. Sources: - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou0Qmcdfn04. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025. ---. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmQ6GDUcxtw. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025. JD Vance. "Opinion: Why Trump's Antiwar Message Resonates with White America." The New York Times, 4 Apr. 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/04/opinion/campaign-stops/why-trumps-antiwar-message-resonates-with-white-america.html. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McClurg, Jocelyn. "Best-Selling 'Hillbilly Elegy' Helps Explain Trump's Appeal." USA TODAY, https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2016/08/17/jd-vance-hillbilly-elegy-donald-trump-usa-today-best-selling-books-book-buzz/88862854/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025. "Trump Picks Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, a Once-Fierce Critic Turned Loyal Ally, as His GOP Running Mate." AP News, 15 July 2024, https://apnews.com/article/trump-vice-president-vance-rubio-burgum-rnc-6cc438a8370a21b2631f5a53b06b71d0. Vance, J. D. "Trump Speaks for Those Bush Betrayed: Column." USA TODAY, https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/02/18/donald-trump-white-working-class-rust-belt-voters-elections-2016-column/80422422/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Trump will be sworn in as president in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Monday, after the forecast bitter cold prompted planners to move the ceremony under the building's neoclassical dome for the first time in four decades. That shift means that Trump will take the Oath of Office in the 96-foot (29 m) across, 180-foot (55 m) high sandstone hall at the Capitol's center, the same spot where some of his supporters rioted on Jan. 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Here's a look at Jan. 6-related events that played out in the Capitol Rotunda. * Rioters smashed windows as they battled police to fight their way into the Capitol on Jan. 6, doing what the Architect of the Capitol estimated was about $1.5 million worth of damage to the building. Some carried flags and wore red MAGA hats, others dressed in helmets, gas masks and tactical vests, mugged for photos. Rioters climbed onto statues, including of former Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One man was photographed walking through the Rotunda carrying off the lectern used by the speaker of the House of Representatives, then Democrat Nancy Pelosi. * The next day, Democratic then-Representative Andy Kim stopped on his way to work, kneeling down on the Rotunda's floor to pick up garbage left behind by rioters. Kim was elected to the U.S. Senate in November. * Crews scrambled for days to repair damage, and clear the remnants of chemical irritants fired by police in the battle as they prepared for Democratic President Joe Biden's inauguration. * When the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump a second time over his conduct on Jan. 6, nine House Democrats formally triggered the start of his trial on Jan. 25, 2021, when they carried the charges back through the Rotunda, delivering them to the Senate for trial. Trump was ultimately acquitted in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who fought with rioters on Jan. 6 and died the following day, lay in honor in the Rotunda -- a recognition usually reserved for senior elected officials on Feb. 3, 2021. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for defending lawmakers, which his parents, Charles and Gladys Sicknick, accepted on Dec. 6, 2022. They pointedly declined to greet the Senate and House of Representatives then-top Republicans, Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy. * Trump returned to the Capitol for the first time since the riot on Jan. 9, 2025, stopping in the Rotunda to pay his respects to former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29. (Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Daniel Wallis) ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey has emerged as one of the most influential power brokers in Syria after rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad last month, ending his family's brutal five-decade rule. NATO member Turkey is now in a position to influence its neighbour's future diplomatically, economically and militarily. Here are details of Turkey's connections with Syria and how it hopes to use its influence there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHY IS TURKEY IMPORTANT? Turkey, which shares a 911 km (566-mile) border with Syria, was the main backer of rebel groups fighting under the banner of the Syrian National Army during the 13-year uprising against Assad. It cut diplomatic ties with Damascus in 2012. It is the biggest host of Syrians who fled the civil war, taking in some 3 million people, and is the main entry-point for aid. Since 2016, Turkey, with its Syrian allies, has mounted several cross-border military campaigns against Kurdish militants based in Syria's northeast that it sees as a threat to its national security. Syria's new administration, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate, is friendly towards Ankara. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT DOES TURKEY WANT? With its strong ties to Syria's new leadership, Turkey stands to benefit from intensified trade and cooperation in areas including reconstruction, energy and defense. Assad's fall has presented Ankara with a window of opportunity to try to end the presence of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) along its borders. Ankara views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is deemed a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. The YPG militia spearheads the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance, which is the United States' main local partner in the fight against Islamic State and controls swathes of territory in the northeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington's longtime support of the Kurdish factions has been a source of tension with Ankara, but Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said he believes incoming U.S. president Donald Trump will take a different approach. Trump has not said publicly what his plans might be but has said that he thinks "Turkey is going to hold the key to Syria." Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who heads HTS, has said he does not want Syria becoming a platform for the PKK to launch attacks against Turkey. As rebels led by Sharaa took control of Damascus last month, fighting flared between Turkish-backed and Kurdish-led forces in the northeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SDF has shown flexibility regarding some of Turkey's demands, telling Reuters last month that its foreign fighters, including PKK members, would leave Syria if Ankara agrees to a ceasefire. Intensive talks are underway to try to resolve the conflict in the region. WHAT HAS TURKEY SAID AND DONE? Turkey's intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, was in Damascus days after Assad was ousted, and its top diplomat, Fidan, was the first foreign minister to visit. Turkey was also the first nation to reopen its embassy. Fidan has said that Turkey is proud to have been "on the right side of history" in Syria but has no desire to "dominate" it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey has promised to support Syria's reconstruction, offering to help rebuild infrastructure, draft a new constitution, supply electricity and resume flights. It hopes Syrians it is hosting will start returning home but has said it will not force them to leave. Turkey has also called repeatedly for the YPG to be disbanded, while warning of a new military offensive if authorities in Damascus do not address the issue. Its officials have met repeatedly with U.S. and Syrian counterparts about the issue. The SDF has said it would be willing to integrate with Syria's defense ministry, but only as "a military bloc". (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Daren Butler and Alexandra Zavis) We cook them for breakfast and use them in countless recipes. Yet, eggs are one of the most risky foods for salmonella, a type of bacteria that often causes food poisoning. Even with food safety efforts, one in every 20,000 eggs is contaminated with the bacteria. When safety standards aren't met at egg farms, millions of eggs can be tainted. That's exactly what happened at Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms of Iowa, leading to the largest and one of the worst egg recalls to hit America. This massive egg recall occurred in August 2010, affecting 380 million eggs from Wright County Egg and more than 170 million eggs from Hillandale Farms. That's more than 550 million eggs potentially contaminated with salmonella, making it one of the biggest food recalls in American history. Both of the farms are located in Iowa and supply shell eggs to grocery stores and restaurants under various brands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began investigating a possible outbreak after identifying an ongoing increase in reports of salmonella enteritidis in July 2010. Of the 29 restaurants where it tested shell eggs for contamination, 15 were supplied by Wright County Egg. Through laboratory testing, the CDC also found that the feed mill at Wright County Egg and the egg water wash in a Hillandale Farms packing facility were compromised. By December 2010, it was estimated that more than 1,900 salmonella infection cases resulted from the outbreak in multiple states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 9 Chain Restaurants That Serve The Lowest-Quality Chicken Scandals Were Uncovered After The Massive Egg Recall Female worker at a factory egg farm where the chickens are caged in a huge warehouse - Tianyu Wu/Getty Images The record-making egg recall wasn't the end of the issue for Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms of Iowa because the incident garnered the attention of the U.S. Department of Justice. Its investigation discovered that, through various ownerships and dealings, the farms were tied to Quality Egg LLC operations and that the company staff had been concealing its neglect of food safety standards from regulators and customers, such as Walmart, since 2006. The personnel even hid the fact that salmonella enteritidis tests came back positive on 47% of the days they tested. In 2014, the company "pleaded guilty to one count of bribery of a public official, one count of introducing a misbranded food into interstate commerce with intent to defraud and one count of introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce," according to an Office of Public Affairs press release. On top of that, Quality Egg owner Austin "Jack" DeCoster and chief operating officer Peter DeCoster "pleaded guilty to one count of introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce." Then, in 2015, Hillandale Farms came under fire again after video footage from an undercover Humane Society investigator showed decomposing chickens at one of its facilities in Pennsylvania. The investigator worked there for three weeks and also captured piles of broken eggs and the hens' cramped and dirty living conditions. It was this chicken farm scandal that pushed Costco to improve its egg standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungry for more? Sign up for the free Daily Meal newsletter for delicious recipes, cooking tips, kitchen hacks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. Read the original article on The Daily Meal. HIGH POINT On Doug Haggertys chest, just beneath his left shoulder, a tattoo featured a picture of one of his dogs a golden retriever named Kitty and asked a simple, poignant question: Who are you when no ones watching? The question alludes to the old maxim about how integrity means doing the right thing even when no ones there to see you do it but in Haggertys case, its an especially relevant question. That couldnt have been more obvious than on Jan. 5, when a Celebration of Life gathering for the 41-year-old High Point man was held at Toms Place, the restaurant where Haggerty had worked for the past three years. There were close to 150 people there it was packed and thats where I heard all these stories of Dougs charity that I didnt know anything about, Haggertys father, High Point veterinarian Richard Haggerty, says with a look of slight bewilderment on his face. He did all these nice things for people, but he didnt tell anybody he just did them. He would bend over backwards for anybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doug was the moped driver who was killed in a Dec. 31 crash at the intersection of East Lexington Avenue and Cook Street when a motorist failed to yield and struck the moped as she was turning. The driver, Dayra Denesse Santos Pineda, was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to yield from a stop sign, and no operators license. Dougs tragic death devastated his family, of course, but the stories they heard at the Celebration of Life gathering five days later offered a much-needed balm, soothing their grief with reminders of what a kind, gentle soul he was. Consider, for example, the story of the elderly, disabled man whose house was on fire. Doug was going to work one morning, and he saw smoke coming from a house, says Dougs mother, Debbie Jones. He knew the old man who lived there he was in a wheelchair. Doug goes up to the house and sees flames inside, so he went in and pulled the man out before the firefighters even got there. The guy called Doug from the hospital to thank him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other stories reflected the special place the elderly held in Dougs heart. He mowed all the old ladies and old mens lawns on his street he mowed their grass for free, Richard Haggerty says. Jones tells a similar story. The house across the street was owned by two elderly women that lived in Virginia, she says. Every month or two, they would come down and try to mow their grass. Doug would see them, and hed throw down whatever he was doing and go mow for them. They kept trying to pay him, but he would always say, No, Im not gonna take any money from you. He did that for other neighbors, too. Hed just mow up and down the block. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other stories struck a similar chord: A pastor recounted how Doug showed up at his church every Tuesday morning to help unload a tractor-trailer of food and set it on tables to be distributed to the needy. He once literally gave an elderly man the coat off his back a fine, $200 down coat, according to Jones because it was cold and the man didnt have a coat. I can get another one, Doug told his grateful recipient. When he learned that a disabled neighbors caretaker had been abusing the neighbor, he dismissed the caretaker and helped his neighbor find a new one. He often cooked meals for his elderly next-door neighbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a high-school friend broke up with her boyfriend the night before the prom, Doug offered to go in the guys place so she wouldnt have to miss her prom. Jones says her son made a habit of buying peoples groceries for them. Somebody would be in front of him, and their debit card would get declined, she explains. Hed step right up and pay for them and say, Have a nice day. And then hed carry their groceries to the car for them. Thats just who he was. Doug was never famous, but the High Point natives face was a familiar one. After graduating from T. Wingate Andrews High School, he worked in area restaurants, most notably Elizabeths Pizza on Westchester Drive and then at Toms Place. If you were a regular, he knew your order before you placed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of work, he loved his family, his Atlanta Braves, his N.C. State Wolfpack and his dogs and he obviously loved doing things for others, often in secret. That was just his nature, Jones says. He did things for people all the time, but he didnt want people to know it. Which brings us back to that poignant tattoo on Dougs chest: Who are you when no ones watching? Now we know who Doug Haggerty was, and its a legacy worth sharing. ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) A monthslong investigation into a fentanyl overdose death was put to rest when the suspect allegedly responsible for distributing the drug turned himself in Sunday morning, the Washington County, Virginia Sheriffs Office said. A news release from the sheriffs office said Joshua Maggard, 46, of Chilhowie, turned himself in at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon Sunday morning. KSP: Husband, wife shot in Harlan County, Kentucky during domestic dispute Joshua Maggard; Photo: Washington County, Va. Sheriffs Office The release said investigators found that he was allegedly responsible for the overdose death of Richard Maggard, 50, who died on Aug. 18, 2024. Joshua reportedly distributed fentanyl to Richard, which directly led to the victims fatal overdose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the entire investigation, our office worked closely with the Washington County, VA Commonwealths Attorneys Office, and the Western District Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke, Virginia, the release states. According to the sheriffs office, Joshua Maggard is charged with felony homicide and distributing a controlled substance (Schedule IIFentanyl). He is 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, center, meets with, from left, State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil, Barry DeKay of Niobrara, Steve Halloran of Hastings, Steve Erdman of Bayard and Brian Hardin of Gering. Feb. 23, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Arguments for whether Nebraska lawmakers should change the threshold needed to end debate and shut off a filibuster, possibly aiding conservative priorities, appear more centered on rural and urban interests than partisan goals. This year, the Nebraska Republican Party again identified lowering the filibuster threshold set currently at two-thirds of the 49-member Legislature, or at least 33 votes as a top priority for the legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some conservative lawmakers urge caution about a goal they say could hurt rural interests or backfire. Census data has shown urban and suburban eastern Nebraska growing faster than many more rural counties concentrated to the west. State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Jana Hughes of Seward and Teresa Ibach of Sumner, from left, talk at a legislative retreat in Kearney. Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and weve got to defend that, said State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward. It gets frustrating at times, but you got to remember that whos in the minority depends upon the topic, said State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte. Integrity of the Unicameral The Legislature is officially nonpartisan, which means lawmakers do not have formal leadership structures built around party affiliation, such as majority or minority leaders. However, all but State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, a nonpartisan progressive, is a registered Republican or Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have secured 33 of the 49 seats, meaning if all senators vote in lock-step, partisans could have enough to pass conservative priorities. However, Eric Underwood, chair of the NEGOP, has called it worrisome and sad that some conservatives might deviate from the pack. State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, left, is the lead sponsor on the Stand With Women Act. Jan. 10, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) In a Jan. 7 email to supporters before the legislative session began, Underwood identified some GOP priorities possibly at risk if the filibuster rules didnt change, a list that included bills to define male and female in state law and shift how the state awards presidential electors. The integrity of the Unicameral is in the effectiveness to purposefully and meaningfully benefit Nebraskans, NOT a select few special interests, Underwood wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Loren Lippincott of Central City proposed the filibuster rules changes to the six-member Rules Committee, chaired by Lippincott. Kauths proposal would offer a sliding scale to the filibuster shut-off valve, known as cloture. It would stay at two-thirds of the 49 senators but be based only on two-thirds of those who are present and voting yay or nay. Senators who attend but do not vote, those present, not voting, would be treated as if they were absent, lowering the number of votes needed to invoke cloture or forcing senators to pick a side. State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City, center. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Lippincotts rule change would drop the hurdle to clear on cloture motions to 30 votes, or three-fifths, similar to the votes needed to override a governors veto. In recent years, some conservative priorities including Lippincotts bill related to presidential electors, to end the blue dot have fallen short by just a few votes. Filibuster has grown in use Part of the attention on the filibuster comes after the 2023-24 legislative session, when senators considered 78 cloture motions, 58 alone in 2023, the most in any year in legislative history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2023, Democratic State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, and Hunt, the nonpartisan progressive, filed 742 filibuster motions in one day on more than 100 bills. They brought the Legislature to a crawl to oppose Kauth and other Republicans over Legislative Bill 574, a bill they said would be harmful to transgender Nebraskans. State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, a Democrat who is vice chair of the Rules Committee, said she doesnt look at the rules as a partisan thing. Everybodys a minority in that body at some point, DeBoer said, noting rural-urban and ideological differences. Were not easily grouped into two groups up there. State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The point after which cloture can be pursued is traditionally set by the speaker of the Legislature. Over the past decade, cloture has usually been allowed after eight hours in the first round of debate, four hours in the second round and two hours in the third and final round. The speaker in 2024 began to halve cloture time for bills dealing with social issues late in the session. Unlike for legislative bills, cloture cant be invoked to shut off debate on rules changes. It takes 30 votes to suspend the rules in that instance. A caution from Greater Nebraska Jacobson said the filibuster rule, designed for senators to talk a bill to death, does get overused, but he said senators should tread lightly on changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current 33-vote threshold means the largely rural 3rd Congressional District, which has 15 Republicans and one Democrat in the Legislature, and often aligns on agricultural policy, cant filibuster a bill without support from the more urban districts, the 1st and 2nd, he said. If the rules change, the 3rd District might need more outside support. Minority rights can run the gamut of who they represent. That kind of minority might protect us at some point, and weve got to defend that. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil voiced similar concerns about ag-aligned senators being able to stop legislation that farmers or ranchers think could be harmful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other than that situation, I would say Id be in favor of making it easier to pass legislation, Murman said. State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner. March 3, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska News Service) Jacobson and State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner also noted that central Nebraska had recently lost a legislative district to Sarpy County, which could happen again after the 2030 census. Ibach, a member of the Rules Committee, said she could be more OK with the Kauth sliding scale proposal, because a senator being present, not voting is a conscious decision that she said shouldnt affect a bills fate. A powder keg Conrad, now in her 11th year as a senator, said she sees no reason for dramatic changes to the rules. She noted that two-thirds of senators have less than three years of experience in the Legislature, including Kauth and Lippincott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you bring forward legislation that you know is going to ignite a powder keg, thats when the rules really come into play, Conrad said. Theres never a rules fight when people are bringing forward thoughtful legislation. Theres a rules fight when senators bring forward divisive measures. Kauth herself needed the support of lawmakers who went to great lengths to vote in favor of LB 574, her 2023 priority bill to place restrictions on medications for minors with gender dysphoria. Former State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island came to vote in March 2023 without a knee, Kauth noted. And former State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar left the hospital when she was dealing with complications from her pregnancy in May 2023 to pass Kauths bill, which was combined with a stricter abortion ban. Nebraska lawmakers watch the final vote to advance and send LB 574 to Gov. Jim Pillens desk for approval and block the public view of State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar. May 19, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) That was needed after cloture for a near-total abortion ban from former State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston failed 32-15. One Republican and one Democrat were present, not voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had the Kauth sliding-scale cloture rule been in place in 2023, lawmakers would have helped a bill advance that would have banned most abortions in the state after about six weeks gestation. Present, not voting The current cloture rules helped Republican State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston win his push for a less restrictive approach to abortion after he refused to take a position on cloture. He instead helped negotiate a later amendment to revive abortion restrictions through Kauths bill, still halving the allowable window for most abortions in Nebraska, to about 10 weeks gestation. The NEGOP in May 2024 censured Riepe largely for side-stepping the cloture vote. Ive said this much because Ive been criticized on that. I say, OK, Ill give you a solid no, Riepe said last week. Present, not voting is a soft no in legislative terms, Riepe continued. Its trying to be polite that says, Im sorry, but I cant go. I think if youre actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty. State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha Riepe said he opposes efforts to change the cloture threshold because in the one-house, Unicameral Legislature there arent as many checks and balances to slow down the process as there are in a typical two-house, bicameral legislature. Were supposed to debate stuff, Riepe said. Were supposed to have differences of agreement. State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, center, meets with a group of his colleagues as debate takes an unintended turn Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Lincoln. Around him are, from left, State Sens. George Dungan of Lincoln, John Cavanaugh of Omaha, Ben Hansen of Blair, Anna Wishart of Lincoln and Justin Wayne of Omaha. Not pictured, to Brandts right: State Sens. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha and Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, a farmer who has been a swing vote, along with Riepe and Hughes, said hes fine with the cloture rules as is. Beyond obvious partisan splits, one notable rural-urban divide on cloture came in August on Brandts Legislative Resolution 2CA that could have allowed voters to decide whether owner-occupied housing could be valued below 100% market value. Rural senators led the filibuster. Cloture failed 26-16. A bit of a penalty Kauth said it always drove me nuts and was frustrating before she joined the Legislature to see senators sit out votes by being present, not voting. So, in 2023, she tried to eliminate the practice. After serving more, she saw many strategic reasons to employ the tactic, but theres no price to pay for it. I think if youre actually not going to take a stand on something, there should be a bit of a penalty, Kauth said. She has noted that seven senators were fighting cancer or helping a loved one fight cancer in the past two years, yet many of them got to the floor to cast decisive votes for their constituents. She described those efforts as nothing short of breathtakingly impressive. Majority rule, minority rights Speaker John Arch of La Vista, a nonvoting member of the Rules Committee, asked Kauth how senators could know before a vote for cloture is taken how many votes would be needed to be successful. Kauth responded that 33 votes should always be the goal, meaning all senators are present and voting. State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, Merv Riepe of Ralston and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln join at the back of the legislative chamber to escort the chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court on the first day of the 2025 legislative session. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Arch said the rules facilitate majority rule but protect minority voices, with the debate for him always around, Where is that balance? Cavanaugh said senators should think carefully before any rule change because any reaction to her is against the whole body. Her constant filibusters in 2023 led to a rare mid-session rules change. To eliminate the voice and the protections given to the minority are just going to mean that were going to ramrod through legislation that wasnt ready to be passed, Cavanaugh said, defining the filibuster as an opportunity for the minority to have a voice. Conrad agreed and said it would be very myopic to push partisan rules changes forward in an attempt to silence progressive voices because, ultimately, that could backfire. Its critically important that we honor our oath that we took, voluntarily, to serve in a nonpartisan institution, Conrad said. Any attempt to, I think, shift that balance or put a thumb on the scale for partisan purposes really should be viewed very, very skeptically. Rules Committee hearing State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, the other Democrat on the Rules Committee, cautioned Kauth and others at a Thursday Rules Committee hearing that tax policy has been one of the most important issues that splits more on rural-urban than along party lines. Bostar also cautioned that a future rogue legislative speaker could steer cloture votes to when opponents were off the legislative floor and against previously defined limits for cloture. State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, center, is flanked by State Sens. Carolyn Bosn and Beau Ballard, from left to right, both of Lincoln. April 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Kauth responded that she didnt foresee that happening, though lawmakers could respond if a speaker was abusing the authority. State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, another Republican on the Rules Committee, echoed the sentiments at the Thursday hearing that present, not voting is a way to communicate to a bill sponsor, and constituents, that theyre in the middle on issues, not a hard yes or no. Hansen suggested limiting Kauths sliding scale filibuster proposal, which was seen as more favorable during the Rules Committee hearing, to the third and final stage of debate final reading. Kauth said she was open to suggestions but that her proposal at all stages could help keep some bills alive. Play by the rules The Rules Committee has not yet begun discussing the cloture proposals, instead focusing Thursday on whether to require leadership and committee chair elections to be public, rather than by secret ballot. The committee has only discussed two other proposals, from Ibach and Hansen, to require statements of intent on legislation earlier in the session and to group more gubernatorial appointments for a single floor vote. Both changes are likely to advance to the full Legislature. State Sens. John Arch of La Vista, Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha and Ben Hansen of Blair, from left, meet on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature. Arch is speaker of the Legislature. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Other rules proposals being considered include: Creating a legislative technology or science committee. Removing a 20-bill cap, enacted in 2024, on how many bills senators can introduce each session. Cracking down on nongermane speech often used in filibustering by imposing new penalties, up to expulsion or impeachment. Barring news media from committee executive sessions. Clamping down on general filibuster motions. Committee deliberations will continue Tuesday morning on what rules changes to advance. Arch has scheduled debate on rules proposals to begin Wednesday morning, for up to three days. No matter the rules, Cavanaugh said, shell use them as they are available. Ive always played by the rules, whatever those rules are, Cavanaugh said. I plan on continuing to play by the rules. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE India's "extended neighbourhood," the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, hold significant potential for enhanced collaboration in trade, health, education, energy, technology and maritime security--this was the key takeaway from the deliberations at Kochi Dialogue 2025. The dialogue emphasised strengthening institutional mechanisms through inter-ministerial coordination, promoting 1.5-track diplomacy, harmonising accounting and financial systems, and enhancing investment channels to drive mutual growth between India and GCC countries. Addressing barriers in legal dispute resolution mechanisms was also highlighted as crucial to attracting Gulf investments into India. The role of the Indian diaspora was also underscored, calling for their active participation to advance India-GCC relations beyond siloed efforts. The Dialogue's venue, Kochi, was lauded as an ideal setting for fostering these critical discussions. Kochi Dialogue 2025, a two-day Track 1.5 international diplomacy dialogue, brought together diplomats, government officials, key decision-makers, stakeholders and business leaders from India and countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on 16th & 17th January 2025 in Kochi, Kerala. Organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), a Kochi-based think tank, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, a first-of-its-kind multi-stakeholder dialogue on the theme 'India's Looking West Policy in Action: People, Prosperity and Progress' aimed at further strengthening India's ties with the countries of the Gulf region was virtually inaugurated by Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, MoS, External Affairs & Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, with a special address by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General, Gulf Cooperation Council. Attended by diplomatic communities and delegates from the GCC countries--Oman, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia--along with diplomats from Australia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India, the dialogue saw intense discussions, deliberations and opportunities on various themes like trade, energy cooperation, healthcare, education, technology, diaspora connections, and maritime strategic partnerships to further strengthen India-GCC relations. Day two of Kochi Dialogue 2025 began with a special address by Vice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar PVSM, AVSM, VSM (National Maritime Security Coordinator) on India's Look West Policy. Speaking about how non-traditional threats to maritime security are transnational in nature, he emphasised the need to address them collaboratively by India and the GCC, saying, "80% of the global trade is maritime trade. For India, it is 95%. National prosperity depends on maritime trade. The complexity and scope of maritime security have expanded. Information is the key to finding maritime security. I request the GCC countries to enter into more White Shipping Agreements and for International Liaison Officers collectively as GCC or individual countries. "We need to share the best practices for the prosperity of the region. Be it cyber security or port security, there must be more platforms for sharing these best practices. Trade is maritime in nature. One lakh ships cross the Indian Ocean. The majority is in the Arabian Sea. This shows the trade relations between GCC and India. The more we collaborate, the better for both India and GCC countries, as the volume of trade through maritime shipping routes is so high," he added. (ANI) Jan 14 (Reuters) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday proposed that food companies display nutrition labels on the front of the packages, in its latest push under the outgoing Biden administration to help consumers make healthier choices. The agencys nutrition priorities are part of a government-wide effort to fight the countrys chronic disease crisis, including health problems such as diabetes and heart illnesses. If finalized, the proposal would give consumers readily visible information on the front about a foods saturated fat, sodium and added sugars the three nutrients directly linked with chronic diseases when consumed in excess with details that interpret these contents as low, med or high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cancer diagnoses in women, younger people on the rise: Study The World Health Organization in its draft guidelines in October had said packaged food and drinks should have easy-to-read nutritional information on the front of the products. Countries such as Australia, Belgium, Chile, France and Italy have already made front-of-package labeling either mandatory or voluntary for companies. Nearly everyone knows or cares for someone with a chronic disease that is due, in part, to the food we eat. It is time we make it easier for consumers to glance, grab and go, said FDA Commissioner Robert Califf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed rule, if finalized, would likely impact companies from PepsiCo PEP.O to Kraft Heinz KHC.O and Hershey HSY.N. The companies did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Big food companies wont be jazzed for this proposal but its about time they be held accountable for honest marketing and improving the U.S. food supply, said Eva Greenthal, senior policy scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. FDA will allow Zyn nicotine pouches to stay on market Food manufacturers will need to add a nutrition info box to most products three years after the final rules effective date for businesses with $10 million or more in annual food sales and four years after the effective date for businesses with less than $10 million in sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also possible that manufacturers may reformulate products to be lower in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars, making them healthier, Rebecca Buckner, an FDA executive, said on a media call. The FDAs move comes more than a month after Califf was grilled by a Senate committee led by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in addressing the countrys obesity epidemic and the agencys regulation of the food and beverage industry. The proposed FDA rule fails to adequately warn the American people of the dangers of consuming these unhealthy products, Sanders said in a statement. He also added that he will be re-introducing legislation to require the food and beverage industry to put strong warning labels on their products, which will also ban junk food ads targeted at kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearing was on the heels of U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been critical of packaged foods, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused opposition leader Michal Simecka of "kissing Zelensky's ring" during his recent visit to Kyiv and said the MP wanted to stage a coup d'etat in Bratislava. Simecka, the pro-Western leader of the Progressive Slovakia party, headed a delegation of Slovak opposition MPs on a visit to Kyiv Jan. 17. The aim of the visit was to "reopen the door that Robert Fico slammed with his aggressive outbursts," Simecka said. In an address posted to Facebook late on Jan. 18, Fico said the delegates were "kissing (President Volodymyr) Zelensky's ring" and "promising him support for Ukraine's membership in NATO." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico said the opposition wanted to stage a coup and alluded to Ukraine's EuroMaidan revolution in his accusation. "We are preparing for all possible alternatives," he said. "We will be ready for everything. Especially for Maidan, that is, a coup d'etat across the street, which the opposition, especially Progressive Slovakia, is so tenaciously trying to achieve." Fico, a pro-Russian politician who has long opposed military aid to Ukraine, has escalated threats against Kyiv following the termination of Russian gas transit via Ukrainian territory on Jan. 1. He has threatened to limit aid to Ukrainians and cut off electricity supplies amid an energy crisis brought on by Russia's relentless attacks against Ukraine's power grid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As tensions mount, Zelensky and Fico have signaled they may hold talks in the coming days. Fico told reporters on Jan. 16 that he might meet with Zelensky at an unspecified location in the "next few days." Zelensky on Jan. 17 invited Fico to visit Kyiv. In his address, Fico showed no signs of softening his rhetoric against Ukraine. "Robert Fico is the Slovak Prime Minister, not a Ukrainian servant," he said. The prime minister said he would likely veto future financial aid to Ukraine from the European Union and reiterated his opposition to Ukraine's NATO membership. "The government I lead will never support Ukraine's membership in NATO, because it would only lead to World War III," Fico said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The government will also never propose sending soldiers to Ukraine to turn their weapons against the Russian Federation." Fico's friendliness towards the Kremlin has sparked outrage both at home and abroad. His meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in December drew condemnation from other European leaders. Mass protests erupted in Bratislava in early January, with thousands chanting "We are not Russia." A coalition of Slovak opposition parties announced on Jan. 14 that they planned to initiate a vote of no confidence in Fico's government. Read also: Zelensky slaps sanctions on Ukraines top pro-Russian politicians Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. HONOLULU (KHON2) Local businesses affected by the construction of the Skyline should mark their calendars; applications for financial relief are set to open at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 27. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The Citys Transit Construction Mitigation Fund has been in the works since July 2024 after Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam introduced Bill 40. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honolulu City Council later passed it in January 2024 before Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed it into law one month later. Aid soon on its way to Dillingham businesses hit hard by rail construction After months of discussion, city officials cemented the rules, a portal to accept applications and determined a way to disperse the funds. Applicants are eligible to receive grants of up to $10,000 if the construction of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project financially impacted them. Officials said the grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to fund availability. Councilmember Radiant Cordero strongly encourages anyone eligible for the program to take a look and apply once the window opens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Small businesses are such an important part of our community and economy, and those facing challenges during the construction of the largest public transportation project in our state really need our support right now, Cordero added. The small businesses that make Kalihi so special have been suffering throughout Rails development. Im glad that after years of talking about throwing them a lifeline, were finally actually doing it, said Dos Santos-Tam. Eligible businesses must meet the following requirements: Have fewer than 15 employees Generate less than $750,000 in annual revenue Located within one block of active rail construction on Dillingham Boulevard Currently open for business Majority owned by City residents Open for business at their current physical location before Jan. 1, 2022 Meet the business 10% revenue decline requirement The Transit Construction Mitigation Fund Grant Online Portal will accept applications until 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii More information about grant availability and the application process can be found on the City and County of Honolulus Office of Economic Revitalization website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. (Reuters) - A large fire broke out at a Hindu religious festival, the Maha Kumbh Mela, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, but the blaze was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported, officials said. The fire spread to at least 10 tents being used to host the Mela before emergency teams managed to contain it, District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mander told reporters. "At 4.30 p.m. today, we received information about a fire ... Fire brigade, police teams and organising teams rushed to the spot," he said, adding that the situation at the event was now normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The six-week-long Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher festival, began in India last Monday, and is touted as the world's largest gathering of humanity. More than 400 million people are expected to arrive in the city of Prayagraj over the course of six weeks to take a dip at the confluence of three sacred rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical, invisible Saraswati. (Reporting by Swati Bhat in Mumbai; Editing by Helen Popper) As Southern California shifts into recovery mode after the devastating wildfires, residents should stay on alert on Monday and Tuesday with high winds returning. The National Weather Service has issued another Red Flag Warning from 10 a.m. Monday to 10 p.m. Tuesday for much of inland Southern California, including parts of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. (National Weather Service) The warning comes as a result of projected high winds across the region combined with dry humidity the same recipe that contributed to the rapid spread of the Palisades and Eaton fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peak gusts were expected to reach the high 40 or low 50 mile per hour range in areas such as Orange County, the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. According to the NWS, the winds will likely be enough for Southern California Edison to send power shutoff warnings to some customers at some point in the early week. Those looking for tips on wildfire preparedness can view them 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. Following the implementation of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the first aid deliveries have arrived, according to local security forces. The UN World Food Programme stated that aid was delivered to the Gaza Strip through both the Kerem Shalom border crossing in the south and Zikim in the north. According to Arab media reports, nearly 200 trucks were en route to the Palestinian territory. The humanitarian situation in Gaza was already dire before the war began in October 2023 and has dramatically worsened due to Israel's extensive bombardments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the UN, more than 90% of the approximately 2 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip are experiencing severe hunger. Additionally, there is a lack of drinking water, emergency shelters, and medicines. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) had prepared 4,000 truckloads of aid supplies for the Gaza Strip, it reported. Half of these are loaded with food and flour. But delivering vital goods to the civilian population in the besieged coastal area has recently become challenging. In addition to Israel's security concerns and thorough inspections of the cargo, looting by armed groups in the Gaza Strip has been a significant problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the statement, UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini expressed hope that attacks on aid convoys might decrease with the enforcement of the ceasefire. Hamas stated that it would support the provision of supplies to the population in the Gaza Strip. When a massive wildfire tore through Sarah Mapels Northern California neighborhood in the late summer of 2020, she considered herself lucky. Firefighters saved her historic home, built in 1898, using water from a nearby creek. But making her ash- and toxin-filled home safe to live in again turned into an epic, yearslong legal battle with her insurer: the California FAIR Plan Association. An insurance pool created by state officials in 1968, the plan offers coverage to residents and business owners in wildfire-prone and other vulnerable areas who cannot obtain coverage from private insurers. Mapels problems with FAIR Plan began when her insurer sent her a $1,151 check for a repair estimate on her home that exceeded $50,000, documents show. For months, other challenges and frustrations followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of victims of the costliest wildfires in Los Angeles history could soon face the same maddening process and meager coverage. More than 3,600 policyholders in Altadena, Pacific Palisades and other parts of greater Los Angeles have submitted claims to the FAIR Plan to try to recover some of what theyve lost, it said in a Friday update. Mapel has some advice for them: Get ready for a fight. In addition, all FAIR Plan policyholders may have to pay fees to the participating insurers thanks to a policy change issued last July by Ricardo Lara, Californias insurance commissioner. Under a deal struck by Lara and the insurance companies that run FAIR, insurers will be able to collect money from policyholders to recoup half of any assessed losses up to $2 billion as a way to modernize and stabilize the operation. The new rule was part of a package designed to safeguard the FAIR Plans financial stability, itself part of a broader initiative Lara calls the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, said Michael Soller, a spokesman for the state Insurance Department, in a statement. But it means all FAIR Plan policyholders, not just those affected by the recent wildfires, will likely pay some of the damage costs they assumed the insurer would shoulder. Property owners have long expressed frustration with how private insurance companies handle damage claims made after fires, hurricanes or other catastrophes. But many consumers dealing with the California FAIR Plan have experienced significant problems simply getting paid for losses, an NBC News investigation found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan also discloses little information about its operations to the public or even the states Department of Insurance. And a 2022 assessment by the department shows that in recent decades the plan appears to have been profitable for the insurance companies running it, a situation that frustrated policyholders find galling. Sarah Mapel in her San Francisco home on Jan. 17. Launched with good intentions California is the largest insurance market in the country, but wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters have generated losses for some property and casualty insurance companies there. In recent years, some insurers have dropped customers in high-risk areas or stopped doing business in the state altogether, forcing residents to rely increasingly on the FAIR Plan. The plan provides coverage for those who cant obtain insurance from private insurance companies and only covers losses caused by fire or lightning, internal explosion and smoke. It caps residential policies at $3 million. Like some other states FAIR plans, Californias was created by the governor and state Legislature in 1968 when urban areas were on fire amid civil unrest. As insurers fled these neighborhoods, states set up what they called Fair Access to Insurance Requirements plans to guarantee that residents in areas abandoned by private insurers could protect their properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are 33 FAIR plans across the U.S., according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The plans are funded by private insurance companies doing business in the states, and those companies share in FAIR Plan profits, losses and expenses in amounts proportional to their market shares in the states. Sarah Mapels personal art collection, family photos and stack of books she was able to recover after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire scorched her home in Boulder Creek, Calif. Californias FAIR Plan policies can be costly, its customers say. Bruce Silverstein, a Malibu resident and city council member, said his basic FAIR Plan insurance costs him around $9,000 a year, roughly double what his private insurer had previously charged to insure his home before discontinuing coverage. Unlike private insurers that must file detailed financial reports with state regulators where they operate, Californias FAIR Plan functions in near total secrecy. A consortium of roughly 300 insurance companies that conduct business in the state, it produces only limited public information on its financial position, reserves and reinsurance arrangements with other insurers. The FAIR Plan does not publish a roster of current executives, for example. FAIR plans in other states routinely disclose those details, a recent California Insurance Department analysis found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Losses from the recent Los Angeles fires could reach $30 billion, according to estimates. Autonomous Research, a financial services analytics firm, estimates that the FAIR Plan could be on the hook for up to $8 billion in losses from the fires. As of Jan. 10, the plan had only $377 million to pay claims, the Insurance Department said. Among the sparse data the FAIR Plan does provide: It has a total of 452,000 residential policies in force and $458 billion in total insurance exposure as of Sept. 30, 2024, up 61% from the prior year. On Friday, the FAIR Plan calculated its exposure in the Pacific Palisades at $4 billion. It has not been determined how many of those properties have been damaged or destroyed by the fire. The FAIR Plan generally does not share its surplus, cash-on-hand estimates or amount of reinsurance, said spokeswoman Hilary McLean in a statement, declining to say why. It is too soon to anticipate the impact the latest fires will have on its customers, she said, adding: We can share that the FAIR Plan, primarily a catastrophe insurer, is prepared and actively serving customers who have made claims. Flaws in operations In recent years, information about flaws in the FAIR Plans operation has emerged both in consumer lawsuits and in rare assessments of the plan issued by the Department of Insurance. One 2022 Insurance Department examination, for example, found that between 2017 and 2021, the FAIR Plans claims handling practices repeatedly violated the states insurance code and code of regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 400 violations were identified in the examination. Among them, the FAIR Plan made unreasonably low settlement offers, delayed payments and failed to make thorough, fair and objective investigations when dealing with claims. In response to the report, the FAIR Plan said it disagreed with most of the findings. Another Insurance Department investigation in 2022 characterized the FAIR Plans operation as opaque and insufficiently funded, and noted inaccuracies in its financial reporting. In addition, executives failed to provide periodic inspection reports to the Insurance Department as required. A group of FAIR Plan policyholders claimed it also failed to routinely provide internal investigative reports to policyholders making claims as state law requires, according to an ongoing lawsuit. These reports allow homeowners to see the FAIR Plans claim materials such as third-party findings related to damage and repair costs. On Jan. 6, the California Superior Court ordered the FAIR Plan to comply with California law in the case. Asked about these criticisms and those of some customers, McLean, the spokeswoman, said in a statement: The California FAIR Plan is focused on serving policyholders who are impacted by the Southern California fires. We disagree with the accuracy of a number of the assertions that are the basis of your questions and have no further comment at this time. She declined to specify which assertions it disputed or why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The California Department of Insurance has sparred with the FAIR Plan over following state rules. In January 2021, after policyholders sued over policy limitations and coverage denials for smoke damage, Laras office wrote to the president of the FAIR Plan alleging it had illegally limited coverage for some claims. The FAIR Plan disagreed with the department and declined to reverse any of its claim denials, said Dylan Schaffer, the Oakland, California, lawyer representing the plaintiffs. For these current wildfires, Commissioner Lara expects FAIR Plan to process and pay all claims (including all smoke claims) in line with industry standards and in compliance with all laws, said Soller, the insurance department spokesman, in a statement. Last week, Lara declined multiple requests for an interview from NBC News. Bruce Silverstein in his Malibu home, which was damaged in the Franklin Fire last December. Silverstein now has an open claim with the California FAIR Plan. Silverstein, the Malibu city council member, has personally experienced problems submitting claims to the FAIR Plan, he told NBC News. He is in litigation with the insurer on a 2021 claim and has another pending claim based on the Franklin Fire that ripped through Malibu in December 2024, forcing him from his home. Given the recent L.A. fires, Silverstein said state authorities must step in to help homeowners get what they are due from the FAIR Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state of California needs to intervene and make FAIR Plan do what theyre supposed to do, which is honor their contractual obligation to make people whole who have paid them premiums year after year, Silverstein told NBC News. The insurance commissioner needs to get tough with them and the attorney general needs to bring legal action against them to force them to honor their obligations. Less transparency than in other states Compared with other FAIR plans, Californias is unusual not only in terms of its failure to publish financial statements, but also because of its decision not to provide public information about its management and operation. FAIR plans in Louisiana, North Carolina and Texas, by contrast, provide such details, the 2022 Insurance Department report said. And while the assessment urged the FAIR Plan to provide enhanced transparency and information to the general public to strengthen public awareness and accountability, it has not done so. The plans spokeswoman declined to say why. Fire damage in Silversteins home in Malibu on Jan. 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias FAIR Plan also compared unfavorably in financial strength with plans of similar size, the report said, with far lower capital levels, liquidity and less access to outside sources of capital, as well as considerably less reinsurance coverage provided by outside insurers. The FAIR Plan did not have a formal capital management or liquidity management plan, the report also noted. FAIR Plans staffing stood well below that of comparable plans, the Insurance Department found in the 2022 report. Californias plan had 133 staffers, compared with average staffing of 222 at four comparable plans. The FAIR Plan spokeswoman declined to say whether it had changed its policies as a result of the 2022 Insurance Department findings. To assess the FAIR Plans responses to the reports recommendations, the Insurance Department launched an exam last April. It is in progress. Even as insurers have complained that Californias insurance market is not profitable, the California FAIR Plan appears to have generated more profits than losses to its member insurers over the years, according to the 2022 Insurance Department assessment. Silverstein in his Malibu home that was damaged in the Franklin Fire. As with other plans, the insurers operating Californias plan determine when its member companies must contribute funds after a catastrophe, known as an assessment. No assessments have been levied by the California plan since 1995, the 2022 report noted, despite multiple high-cost calamities in the state. While insurance company members paid $260 million in two assessments in 1994 and 1995, since then, the FAIR Plan has distributed $438 million to those companies, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These profitability figures raise questions about the July change requiring FAIR Plan policyholders to share wildfire losses with insurers, said Schaffer, the Oakland lawyer, who has successfully sued the FAIR Plan on behalf of policyholders. The fact that FAIR Plan has not made any assessments in 30 years during substantial wildfire events suggests this business does not have the profitability problems the insurers say it does, Schaffer told NBC News. But now that we have a multibillion liability for the FAIR Plan, the insurance industry is going to pass it along to the consumer? Thats 180-degrees contrary to its legislative purpose. Fire damage in Silversteins Malibu home on Jan. 17. Soller, the Insurance Department spokesman, said that after Lara began as insurance commissioner in 2019, he stopped the FAIR Plan from returning profits to its member companies without the commissioners approval. Since then, he has not approved any such payments, the spokesman said. Any updates? In 2024, four years after the conflagration known as the CZU Lightning Complex Fire ravaged Mapels Santa Cruz County neighborhood, her fight with the FAIR Plan finally concluded. She cannot discuss the terms of her settlement with the plan, but she did describe her dealings with the entity. Sarah Mapels personal art collection and family photos rest in the corner of her dining room on Jan. 17. Mapel became a FAIR Plan customer after two private insurers dropped her, she explained. After the fire, her claims process began well enough, she recalled, with FAIR Plan staffers appearing eager to help. But she and her insurers paths soon diverged when the FAIR Plan contended that she could move back into her house as soon as water and power were restored. Everything was covered with soot and ash, she recalled, and its redwood construction had absorbed all of those toxins. Just stepping into my house gave me a horrible headache, Mapel said. She refused to move back. Meanwhile, Mapel waited for the report from the FAIR Plan insurance adjuster which took several months, according to her lawsuit. I was calling California FAIR Plan every week they werent communicating with me, she said. Any updates? What do I do to get back into my home? Sarah Mapel near her San Francisco home on Jan. 17. As the process dragged, the FAIR Plan cut the allowance it gave Mapel for rent payments while her home awaited remediation. Meanwhile, her neighbors with private insurance were receiving help, she said. Frustrated, she filed a complaint with the California Department of Insurance and hired Schaffer to represent her in a lawsuit against the FAIR Plan. She also testified about her experience with the plan at an Insurance Department hearing. I had the only coverage available to me, I did all the right things that I was supposed to do, Mapel said. Mapel eventually sold her Santa Cruz County home during her insurance battle and now lives in San Francisco. She is no longer a FAIR Plan customer because she rents. Her advice to those beginning the claims process with the FAIR Plan: Stay resilient and stay strong and stand up for yourself. The most important thing to understand about the FAIR Plan, she added: Theyre not actually there for you. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The first three Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian captives were released Sunday, signs that a long-awaited cease-fire was taking effect in Gaza, even as the Israel Defense Forces continued to operate and strike targets in the enclave. As the transfer of captives took place Sunday, displaced Palestinians in Gaza began returning to their homes and documenting the devastation while rejoicing in the pause, and possible end, of the nearly 500-day war. Among the photos shared were pictures of destroyed Israeli tanks and vehicles, a sign of the difficulty the IDF faced in achieving its war objectives. And images of the Palestinian flag being raised in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were returned to Israel, the IDF confirmed on social media, and were to undergo an initial medical assessment of their condition. "Romi, Doron and Emily -- a whole nation embraces you, welcome back home," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Facebook. "This moment was achieved by the sacrifice and fight of our heroic warriors -- heroes of Israel, I pledge: we will bring them all home!" Displaced Palestinians walk past the rubble as they attempt to return to their homes, the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Sunday on January 19, 2025. Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI. A group representing families of those taken captive by Hamas and other Palestinian militias on Oct. 7, 2023, called their return home a "moment of light in the darkness." "For the families and for all of us, it is a moment that will not be forgotten," the group said in its statement. "Their return reminds us of the heavy responsibility to continue working for the release of all until the last of the abductees is returned home." A view of the destroyed buildings as the ceasefire begins after an agreement is reached between Hamas and Israel on January 19, 2025 in Rafah, Gaza. Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI. Meanwhile, the Israel Prison Service confirmed to UPI in an email early Monday local time that it released 90 prisoners Sunday night from the Ofer Prison and the Jerusalem Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The prison service personnel are carrying out the release of prisoners in accordance with the agreed-upon political framework for the return of the hostages, in full coordination with all security forces," the statement said. The International Committee of the Red Cross arrives at the West Bank military prison of Ofer, north of Jerusalem, to move the Palestinian prisoners that are expected to be released in the Israel-Hamas release deal Sunday, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Photo by Atef Safadi/EPA-EFE The Palestinian Commission of Detainees' Affairs, a governmental body of the Palestinian Authority, had earlier revealed the names of the 90 women and children who would be released from Israeli captivity in the exchange. According to Palestinian news agency WAFA, the Palestinians released consisted of 69 women and 21 children, with 76 of them from the occupied West Bank and 14 from Jerusalem. A handout photo supplied by the IDF shows released Israeli hostage Romy Gonen with her mother Merav as she is reunited before being flown to an Israeli hospital and meeting with other family members on January 19, 2025. Photo /IDF Spokesman Unit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos taken from the notorious Ofer Prison showed the International Committee of the Red Cross teams preparing to receive the Palestinian captives. Still, the commission noted that one Palestinian prisoner, Muhammad Jabr, a 22-year-old from Deheishe Camp-Bethlehem, died in captivity from injuries he had sustained. He had been in administrative detention in the Negev Desert Prison since 2023 as it described allegations of civil rights abuses of Palestinian detainees. A handout photo supplied by the IDF shows released Israeli hostage Emily Damari with her mother Amanda as they are reunited before being flown to an Israeli hospital and meeting with other family members on January 19, 2025. Photo by IDF Spokesman Unit And despite the announcement of the ceasefire deal, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society -- which works closely with the ICRC -- said early Sunday that it had recorded violations by Israeli forces including the injury of paramedic Maha Wafi. "The surroundings of Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City are also being targeted by the occupation forces while the staff of the association are there," the PRCS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But officials like U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi indicated that they had high hopes for the ceasefire and trust that it would lead to lasting peace. "A durable Gaza Ceasefire will bring immense relief to devastated Gaza. We rejoice with all those for whom the nightmare is over," Grandi said. "But we must also trust that it leads to serious negotiations and to just, lasting peace for both peoples, so that no more ceasefires will be needed." Meanwhile, U.N. officials said more than 630 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Sunday, with 300 of them going to the north. "There is no time to lose," Tom Fletcher, under secretary general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief, said in a statement. "After 15 months of relentless war, the humanitarian needs are staggering." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that women involved in the production of the Virgin coconut oil in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are being inducted into self-help groups, and they are receiving specialised training in marketing and branding. The Prime Minister said that this is a significant step towards economically empowering our tribal communities. This comes after the Virgin coconut oil from the Nicobar district recently received the GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Expressing hope, PM Modi said that Andaman-Nicobar will soon become newsmaker in the world and the biggest contribution in this journey will be women's self-help groups of the territory. Addressing the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "There is another piece of very good news from Andaman and Nicobar Islands too. Virgin coconut oil in Nicobar district has recently received the GI Tag. After the GI Tag, another new initiative has been undertaken for virgin coconut oil. Self-help groups are being formed by organizing the women associated with the production of this oil. They are also being imparted special training in marketing and branding. This is a big step towards economically empowering our tribal communities." "I am sure that in future, the virgin coconut oil of Andaman-Nicobar is going to be a newsmaker in the world and the biggest contribution in that will be of the women's self-help groups of Andaman and Nicobar" he added. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is made from coconuts using traditional methods. It is unrefined, unbleached, and has no added chemicals or preservatives. Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme, where he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. However, this year it is being broadcasted on third Sunday due to celebrations of Republic Day on the last Sunday of the month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth. Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centers of All India Radio. (ANI) Three women held in Hamas captivity for more than 15 months were freed on Sunday after the implementation of a cease-fire agreed to by Israel and Hamas, which was delayed several hours due to Hamas failure to provide the names of the first group set to be released. A cease-fire slated to begin on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time was delayed after Hamas did not provide to mediators the names of those slated for release 24 hours before the exchange was set to occur. The cease-fire went into effect at 11:15 a.m. Doron Steinbrecher, Emily Damari and Romi Gonen were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023. Damari, a U.K. citizen, and Steinbrecher were taken hostage from their homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, while Gonen was taken from the Nova music festival. In January, Hamas released a hostage video in which Steinbrecher appeared with two other female hostages. The terror group did not provide signs of life of Damari and Gonen for the entirety of their captivity. The women appeared to walk unaided as they exited the vehicle that had transported them to the Red Cross. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the 18-hour delay another example of the kind of enemy we are dealing withThey began violating the agreement before it even went into effect. That was also the case in the previous cease-fire agreement, which Hamas repeatedly violated. They continue to torture the hostages and their families. Earlier Sunday, Israel announced that the body of slain soldier Oren Shaul, who was killed in the 2014 Operation Protective Edge, was recently retrieved from Gaza in a special operation. Shaul, along with Hadar Goldin, was killed in a firefight with Hamas fighters. Goldins body remains in Gaza. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced his resignation from the government on Sunday morning over the cease-fire and hostage-release deal. Ben-Gvir, along with Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and eight other ministers, voted on Friday against approving the deal. Smotrich plans to remain in the government. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich opposed the deal because they said Hamas has not yet been fully defeated in Gaza and is continuing to govern the enclave Hamas police officers were active in northern Gaza on Sunday morning and because of concerns over the terrorists slated to be released in exchange for the hostages. Saar acknowledged the heavy price of the deal in a press briefing soon after the cease-fire took effect, but said Israel is taking the risks because of our commitment to our brothers and sisters who are under captivity for over 15 months already, and we will do our utmost to release them. The foreign minister said the cease-fire is temporary at this point, and war will not end without Israel achieving its aims, whether through negotiations for the next two phases of the cease-fire, set to begin in 15 days, or through resuming military action in Gaza. I want to make it clear that Israel is committed to achieving all the objectives of the war that the security cabinet determined, which includes the return of all our hostages, dismantling of Hamas government and military capabilities, and to make sure the Gaza Strip will not be a threat to the State of Israel and its citizens, he said. While Israel said it vetoed the release of well-known terrorists, some of those on the list to be released are behind the most deadly and infamous attacks of the Second Intifada. Ahmad Barghouti was sentenced to 13 life sentences for leading the cell behind multiple attacks killing 12 Israelis, including the suicide bombing at the Seafood Market restaurant in Tel Aviv. Wael Qassem, Wassam Abbasi and Mohammed Odeh were members of the cell behind the bombings at Cafe Moment in Jerusalem, killing 11, Spaghettim Club in Rishon LeZion, killing 15, and the Frank Sinatra Cafeteria at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, killing nine. Abdullah Sharabat, Mandi Zaatari and Samer Alatrash were members of the cell that bombed three Jerusalem buses in 2003, killing 30 Israelis, including seven children. Some notorious terrorists are not serving life sentences and therefore will be released to the West Bank rather than be deported. Zakaria Zubeidi, who escaped prison in 2021, was the commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Jenin responsible for a series of attacks including one on the Likud headquarters in Beit Shean, which killed six Israelis. Mahmoud Atallah, who sexually assaulted six Israeli female prison guards, will also be released. Israels longest war has so far failed to destroy its main enemy, Hamas, which, despite suffering devastating losses, is framing the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a victory for itself and a failure for Israel. Soon after a ceasefire came into effect on Sunday, masked gunmen emerged in vehicles roaming the devastated streets of Gaza in celebration. Members of an elite unit wore their full uniform at Al Saraya Square in Gaza City during the hostage transfer. It was Hamas reminder that its armed wing was still here 15 months after Israel set out to destroy them. One of Hamas main goals for taking some 250 hostages during its brazen October 7, 2023, attack on Israel was to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. As Israel pounded Gaza in response Hamas vowed not to return the hostages until Israel withdrew its forces from the enclave, permanently ended the war, and allowed for rebuilding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After more than a year of fighting, Hamas and Israel in recent days reached a phased agreement that will see the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, in addition to a 42-day ceasefire and the entry of aid. The deal also opens the door for further negotiations that could lead to a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire. (The agreement) achieves all these conditions the resistance has achieved what the Palestinian people want, Hamas senior political member Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera after a deal was reached. Khalil Al Hayya, Hamas main negotiator, said in a speech on Wednesday that Israel had failed to achieve its war goals and praised Hamas armed wing, Al Qassam Brigades, whose spokesman Abu Obaida commended the war in Gaza as an inspiration for generations to come. Israels main goal of the conflict was to eliminate Hamas. Some Israeli ministers, lawmakers and even a small minority of hostage families view the acceptance of a deal as an Israeli defeat. Far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir and his party resigned from the government and Knesset (parliament), calling the truce a surrender. Fellow right-winger, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called it catastrophic and a group of army reservists labeled it The Surrender Deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, convenes his security cabinet to vote on the ceasefire deal on Jan. 17, 2025. - Koby Gideon/GPO/AP When you see the dancing in Gaza, the celebrations in villages in Judea and Samaria you understand which side surrendered in this deal, Ben Gvir said in a statement on Thursday. Judea and Samaria is what Israel calls the West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But most in Israel are welcoming the agreement, including the majority of the hostage families, Israels President Isaac Herzog and the political opposition. Netanyahus office said after the security cabinet approved the deal that the prime minister still supports the achievement of the objectives of the war. A neon sign referring to the Israeli hostages held in Gaza atop the Charles Bronfman Auditorium at HaBima Square in Tel Aviv on December 9, 2023. - Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty Images A source familiar with the matter told CNN that Netanyahu told ministers that the US has provided guarantees that if Hamas sabotages a certain stage of the deal, Israel can resume fighting. Hamas survival is a defeat for Israel Israels response to Hamas for the October 7 attack was intense. It flattened Gaza under the most severe bombardment campaign in the enclaves history, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians and displacing hundreds of thousands more, many of whom were forced to live in tents with little food and inadequate medical care. Israel also inflicted heavy losses on Hamas, killing its top leadership, including the mastermind of the October 7 attack Yahya Sinwar, and claimed to have killed thousands of the groups fighters. It was relentless in rooting out reemerging militants in previously cleared neighborhoods, all while fighting, and eventually defeating, Lebanons Hezbollah in the north, which had opened a new front against Israel in support of Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hamas that was once in military and political control of Gaza has been reduced to a fraction of its old self after Israels 15-month campaign, and with the significant weakening of its regional allies Hezbollah and Iran, the group has become regionally isolated. Displaced Palestinians return to the war-devastated Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on January 19, 2025, shortly before the ceasefire deal was implemented. - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images Yet the movement has continued to present itself to Palestinians as the most formidable armed resistance group against Israel, replenishing its ranks by recruiting almost as many new militants as it has lost. Each time Israel completes its military operations and pulls back, Hamas militants regroup and re-emerge because theres nothing else to fill the void, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in remarks at the Atlantic Council recently. Indeed, we assess that Hamas has recruited almost as many new militants as it has lost. That is a recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tahani Mustafa, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group (ICG), argues that the suffering inflicted on Gazas Palestinians by Israels war creates fertile ground for recruitment. You can see a recruitment surge precisely because when theres occupation and violence you can find relevance there, she told CNN. How can you expect whole hosts of segments of Gazas population who have lost everything to simply take it lying down? Its a war for survival. Groups like Hamas provide (the Palestinians) with the means of doing that. In his comments to the Atlantic Council, Blinken said the US has stressed to the Israeli government that Hamas cannot be defeated by a military campaign alone, that without a clear alternative, a post-conflict plan and a credible political rise to the Palestinians, Hamas or something just as abhorrent and dangerous will grow back. Hamas policemen stand guard in Gaza City, January 20, 2025. - Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian Hamas militants stand guard as they prepare to hand over hostages in Gaza City, January 19, 2025. - Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters Hamas pledges to rebuild The governance of post-war Gaza remains unaddressed, possibly due to skepticism over whether the ceasefire agreement will progress beyond the initial phase. Israels ultimate war goal is the complete destruction of Hamas. But Hamas appears unconcerned, suggesting that its cadres will play a role in rebuilding the devastated enclave. The whole population, and the resistance as part of it, will begin rebuilding what the occupation has destroyed, Hamas Hamdan told Al Jazeera. Hamdan maintained that regardless of the outcome, the day after for Gaza will remain similar to the day before. The day after, is like today, is like the day beforeit will be a Palestinian day, Hamdan said. Members of the International Committee of the Red Cross speak with fighters of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, in Saraya Square in western Gaza City on January 19, 2025. - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images While Hamas may be claiming victory, it has failed to force Israel to lift the crippling siege on Gaza and has presided over Israeli strikes that killed tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians and made Gaza unlivable. The October 7 attack, and the war it triggered, have had a ripple effect, significantly altering the regional balance of power and fundamentally reshaping the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas doesnt see its survival as a goal in this war, but for Israel, the groups very survival can be considered a defeat, the ICGs Mustafa said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The first Powerball jackpot of the year, worth a whopping $328.5 million, was sold in Beaverton, the Oregon Lottery announced Sunday. While the winner has yet to come forward, lottery players cannot remain anonymous under Oregon law. Winners also have a year to claim the top prize. Oregon Senate, House majority leaders are ready to work this legislative session The largest Powerball prize, valued at $1.3 billion was previously won in Oregon last year by Cheng Charlie Saephan, 46, of Portland, a Laotian immigrant and cancer survivor. He and his wife took half the money, with the rest going to a friend who chipped in to buy a batch of tickets with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Powerball is played in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Your odds of landing the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The Oregon Lottery will not release the location where the ticket was sold until the winner comes forward. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) Israeli hostages have been handed over to the Red Cross, signaling the start of Israel and Hamas three-phase ceasefire deal, according to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. Three Israeli women Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari were received in Gaza, in good health, and transported to Israel. They were reunited with family members and underwent medical evaluations. According to President Joe Biden, four more women will be released in seven days. Three additional hostages will be released every seven days thereafter including at least two American citizens as part of phase 1 of the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in return, according to a statement from the its prison service, the Associated Press and New York Times reported. The ceasefire deal was supposed to take effect at 1:30 a.m. ET but was delayed by nearly three hours until Hamas released the list of hostage names to Israeli officials. Two American citizens, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen, are on the list of hostages to be released in the first phase, which lasts six weeks, but they are not expected to be freed on the first day of the ceasefire, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer told NewsNation. Trump says he will not let TikTok stay dark following app shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He cannot say exactly when they will be released. No members of the Biden administration are in the region, Finer said. French citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are also among the 33 hostages, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. Palestinians are expected to be able to return to their homes during the first phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a statement via X following the safe return of the three hostages Sunday. Romi, Doron and Emily an entire nation embraces you, with congratulations on your homecoming, it read. This moment was achieved thanks to the sacrifice and fighting of our heroic fighters the heroes of Israel. I promise: We will bring everyone home! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog visited the Western Wall on Sunday to pray for the release of all hostages. With Gods help, we will see the hostages return, today and until we see every last one of them as per the signed agreement, Herzog said. I wish to share in the pain and offer a heartfelt embrace to all the families enduring these very difficult days, as we are in a deal that also releases murderers. But there is no greater Mitzvah (commandment) than redeeming captives. Names of hostages to be released The Times of Israel and Jerusalem Post reported the names of the 33 people set to be released in the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are: Liri Albag Itzhik Elgarat Karina Ariev Ohad Ben-Ami Ariel Bibas Yarden Bibas Kfir Bibas Shiri Silberman Bibas Agam Berger Romi Gonen Danielle Gilboa Emily Damari Sagui Dekel-Chen Yair Horn Omer Wenkert Alexander Troufanov Arbel Yehud Ohad Yahalomi Eliya Cohen Or Levy Naama Levy Oded Lifshitz Gadi Moshe Moses Avera Mengistu Shlomo Mansur Keith Siegel Tsahi Idan Ofer Calderon Tal Shoham Doron Steinbrecher Omer Shem-Tov Hisham Al Sayed Eli Sharabi The process for releasing the remaining American hostages, including those who have died, is ongoing. The temporary ceasefire is set to become permanent during the second phase. The third phase will involve the return of dead hostages and reconstruction in Gaza. Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal reached The ceasefire deal was reached earlier this week and officially took effect Jan. 19. Netanyahu said in a statement that the decision was made after examining all the political, security and humanitarian aspects, and with the understanding that the proposed transaction supports the achievement of the wars goals. Both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have claimed credit for the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Americans to be released from Gaza in first phase of ceasefire deal The pause in fighting comes after more than a year of conflict and a humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Israel says 405 soldiers have been killed in the conflict, while Gazas Health Ministry says more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed. It is not clear how many of those are combatants and how many are civilians. NewsNations Ashley Soriano and the Associated Press contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. The first three Israeli hostages have been transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross under the ceasefire deal with Hamas, the Israeli military says. Television footage showed the three women climbing out of a car in Gaza, accompanied by armed fighters. The three hostages expected to be handed over were earlier named as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, who have spent almost 500 days in captivity since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three women were due to be handed over by the Red Cross to an Israeli army unit in the Gaza Strip. From there, the women are to be taken to a military facility in Israel near the Gaza border for an initial examination before they are taken to hospital in Tel Aviv, where they are to meet their families. The first stage of the agreement foresees the release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, while the Israeli army is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. The deal was announced on Wednesday, capping months-long efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire and Hamas to release the hostages it is holding. Jan. 18Flathead High School, in collaboration with the Crown of the Continent Choir, Flathead Folk Band, and International Baccalaureate English and music students, will honor the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through a community celebration featuring music and speeches. The public is invited to attend the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration at 5 p.m. Monday in the high school auditorium, 644 Fourth Ave. W. in Kalispell. There is no cost to attend. The event aims to foster an understanding of King's legacy through speeches, music and videos, underscoring his enduring influence on non-violent social justice movements. The program will feature a selection of songs and anthems from the Civil Rights era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, International Baccalaureate English teachers Alison Kreiss and Clayton Mauritzen along with senior International Baccalaureate students Kylie Anderson, Gracyne Johnson and Jacob Johnson reflected on King's impact as a pivotal leader in the civil rights movement. They emphasized his role in abolishing racial segregation, discrimination and voter suppression through nonviolent protests and marches. The students highlighted the importance of educating others about King's contributions, which extended beyond racial equality to address issues like poverty and homelessness, Anderson said. They noted the relevance of his teachings to contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter. "It's really neat to see how his ideas and his actions are still prevalent," Jacob Johnson said, later adding, "It's incredible to see how far we've gotten and how far we still need to go." Participating in last year's celebration provided the students with a new perspective on the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a good thing to have because people may learn about it in schools, but they don't realize the impact it had on a lot of people's lives and how changed it would be now if we didn't have people like King," Gracyne Johnson said. "I think it's just one of those really important events that is needed for adults and it's needed for kids." As part of their International Baccalaureate English course, students study a variety of King's speeches, sermons, and essays. "Most schools probably only teach 'I Have a Dream' and maybe 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' ... We read over 10 speeches, sermons and essays over the course of the second quarter. We really look at the scope and evolution of King's thoughts over his entire career," Kreiss said. Mauritzen praised King's rhetorical mastery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I just love teaching him. I think he's really insightful. I think he's really thoughtful, and I think he gives a lot of space for people who don't agree with him, to join him and not feel challenged, but also be cared for and loved," Mauritzen said. "That's just such an important part of his entire kind of mission. He also understands the world, I think, in a really profound way that I still keep learning from every time I teach it," The students acknowledged ongoing challenges in race relations. "I mean, I see it even at school, people will say racial slurs in the hallway thinking it's funny. And these are students that don't understand the gravity of what these people had to go through," Anderson said, adding that even though Kalispell doesn't have a large Black population, these issues still matter and impact the Black community that does live here. Mauritzen gave historical context to King's work, emphasizing its continuity with earlier struggles for equality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Black Americans have been part of the country since the 1600s. I think of part of this movement, the Civil Rights era, as a continuation of what happened in, you know, in the 1770s and '80s. I think of it as a continuation of what happened following the Civil War and the Reconstruction," Mauritzen said. "I would happily put King among any of the Founding Fathers. "I think, like all the other movements, one of the things that's always a challenge is that he's just one name among of a lot ... There's a lot of people that we just don't remember who are part of this. For me, that's what I want to honor. Not just his legacy, but the legacy of everybody we are still impacted by the choices they made and the work they did." Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com. A 34-year-old Key West, Florida, man was in custody Saturday night after being accused of making threats of terrorism, extortion, stalking, and bribery involving a victim and Scott County officials, according to court records. Jacob Pautsch faces felony charges of threat of terrorism; false report of explosive or incendiary device hate crime; stalking violation of protective order; bribery; extortion; and an aggravated misdemeanor charge of accessory after the fact, court records show. Jacob Pautsch (Scott County Jail) A chain of emails Starting in May of 2024 to December of 2024, Pautsch sent emails, text messages and made several phone calls to the Scott County Sheriffs Office and the Scott County Attorneys Office demanding that criminal charges be dropped against Pautschs relative; otherwise, Pautsch said, he would file lawsuits, make personal calls to have Pautschs contacts at the Department of Justice, FBI, and other federal agencies raid the Scott County Sheriffs and the Attorneys Office, according to affidavits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Affidavits show Pautsch sent an email July 5 and July 9, 2024, to Scott County Sheriffs deputies and Scott County officials claiming to have evidence of modifying meta data by the victim of his relatives charges. On July 8, 2024, officials say in affidavits that Pautsch sent text messages to the victim in a domestic violence case who was staying in a residence after a court-ordered no-contact order. Messages include Bring the bomb squad, I paid for the house. Its rigged, and Tell Tim Lane to call you you filth. Pautsch sent several text messages and emails over several weeks to a victim making threats including federal charges, federal prison, presenting the victim in a false light to law enforcement, threats to protect property (awarded to the victim within the no-contact order) by deadly force along with comments for the victim to comment suicide, with racial slurs toward the victim and the victims family, according to affidavits. On July 8, officials say in affidavits, Pautsch sent an email to an employee of the Iowa Clerk of Courts stating If youre willing, the bureau of investigations is willing to compensate for disclosures relating to RICO and otherwise on a confidential information basis and so am I and my family as it relates. Affidavits say this implied that Pautsch was acting on behalf or as an agent of the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pautsch has claimed that several Scott County Sheriffs Office and several Scott County Attorneys names have been delivered to several federal agencies and these agencies are watching the conduct of these employees, according to affidavits. Pautsch has sent text messages and told Scott County Sheriffs Office deputies that DEA agents (Pautsch used agents names) are investigating a victim in Pautschs relatives case. Affidavits say that Pautsch is using this information, under deception, to have Scott County Sheriffs deputies respond to his relatives residence to intimidate the victim. Also, Pautsch demands to settle out of court via a confidential settlement agreement or he will make it public along and also present it to a grand jury and include it in a press release, along with statements Pautsch has proof of sexual misconduct of a Scott County Sheriffs Office deputy, affidavits show. He demands all charges be dropped against his relative. On Nov.15, 2024, Pautsch emailed Scott County Sheriffs Office officials and attached local media demanding charges to be dropped, according to affidavits, which show that within the emails, Pautsch slanders the sheriffs office and a deputy with the allegations of sexual misconduct but Pautsch refuses to provide the evidence he claims to have of these sexual misconducts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 22, Pautsch emailed Scott County officials claiming wire fraud by the county because Pautschs credit card was being declined for a bon for his relatives charges. Pautsch said he had a phone call the day prior to high level DOJ officials in reference to the charges against his relative. Affidavits say that Pautsch has contacted the DEA agent with the promise to provide information but in return Pautsch wants the DEA agent to delete information pertaining to Pautsch, who also states that if the information is not removed he will sue in the Southern District of Iowa. Pautsch hid his relative in Florida while there were warrants out for the relatives arrest, according to affidavits. While hiding the relative, Pautsch sent emails/text messages to several Scott County Sheriffs Office officials demanding the charges be dropped against his relative or they would face lawsuits, and several federal agencies would raid the offices. Affidavits show Pautsch has threatened to have several Scott County Sheriffs Office employees charged for various crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pautsch, who was in custody late Saturday on a $100,000 cash-only bond in Scott County Jail, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 28 in Scott County Court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities in Fond du Lac are investigating a fire at a strip mall that broke out early Sunday morning, with evidence suggesting the blaze may have been intentionally set. Firefighters and police officers responded to reports of a fire on the exterior of a strip mall in the 500 block of Peters Avenue around 1:02 a.m. Fond du Lac Police officers were first on the scene and used fire extinguishers to contain the flames until Fond du Lac Fire Rescue arrived to extinguish the fire fully. Wisconsin Department of Justice investigating death involving officer pursuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire had spread into the buildings exterior wall, prompting crews to cut into the structure to prevent further damage. No one was inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported. The fire caused moderate damage to the exterior and minor damage to the interior. Crews had the fire under control within five minutes. Later that morning, police apprehended a 19-year-old Menasha man near the scene who admitted to starting the fire. According to officials, the suspect claimed the act was in response to recent discussions about a potential TikTok ban. We are relieved that no one was injured, and the office was unoccupied at the time of the fire, said Chief Aaron Goldstein. Acts of violence, in any form, are not tolerated, and we remain committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our community. I am thankful for the swift response of our officers in helping knock down the fire and locating the suspect of this arson. The suspect is being held at the Fond du Lac County Jail, and a charge of arson is being referred to the Fond du Lac County District Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strip mall includes office space leased by U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman, though no additional details about the connection have been released. The investigation remains in its early stages and is being led by the City of Fond du Lac Police Department and Fond du Lac Fire Rescue. Manitowoc man sentenced to quarter-century in prison for child porn Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the City of Fond du Lac Police Department at (920) 906-5555. No further details are available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. CHICAGO Chicagoland residents are waking up to frigid temperatures early Sunday morning, as the area enters a deep, deep freeze for the first part of this week. As of now, all of Chicagoland is under a Cold Weather Advisory from 6 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday, So be prepared for bitter cold and dangerously low wind-chill values well below zero, especially overnight. Frostbite can happen on exposed skin within a half-hour in these kinds of conditions. For those seeking shelter from the dangerous cold, see information on warming centers in the City of Chicago and in Cook County below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early-morning temperatures Sunday were in the single digits, and itll likely stay that way, with wind chills remaining below zero through Tuesday. Blustery northwest winds on Sunday will increase by the afternoon, meaning wind chills will stay below zero even after the sun comes up. Wind-chill values could get as low as minus-15 to minus-25 overnight Sunday into Monday, with Mondays high temps for Martin Luther King Day topping out around 8. Its more of the same for Tuesday before things warm up, at least into the 20s, by Wednesday. The good news for Chicagoland if there is any is that the bitter cold this week will also bring an ample amount of sunshine, so other than some possible flurries, theres no snow in the forecast for the start of the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WGN Weather Center Maps & Interactive Radar Extended 7-Day Forecast Current Conditions The extended outlook calls for the bitter cold to continue for Monday and Tuesday, with highs between 5 and 10 degrees and wind-chill values well below zero. High temps are expected to get back up into the mid-20s by Wednesday and possibly to around 30 by Thursday, with a chance of afternoon snow showers. That might feel like spring-time to Chicagoland residents after the bitter cold for the first part of the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY Monday Morning Lows Tuesday Morning Lows Looking further ahead, temps look to climb back up to near average as we get to the end of January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while spring may feel like decades away right now, take heart: The days are getting a little longer and the sunsets a little later each day. Amtrak cancellations Amtrak has pre-emptively cancelled trains scheduled for Monday, with the Chicago area in a deep freeze. The rail agency said that due to the forecasted temperatures, its Monday Empire Builder train 7/27 from Chicago to Spokane, Wash., is cancelled. Empire Builder train 8/28, which normally runs between Seattle and Chicago, will operate only between Seattle and Spokane on Monday. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Family & Support Services: The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services activates warming areas at the citys six community service centers when temps are 32 degrees or below. The warming areas are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with reduced locations on holidays. Under extreme cold conditions, as defined by the National Weather Service and communicated by OEMC, warming center hours of operation at 10 S. Kedzie may be extended. Seniors are welcome at any of DFSSs 21 senior centers. DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations and hours. Those seeking a warm place to go after hours can also call 3-1-1 to be connected with available services. Individuals requiring emergency overnight shelter should also call 3-1-1. DFSS Homeless Outreach and Prevention (HOP) teams and street outreach partners work proactively with unhoused individuals to connect with warming options, shelter and well-being checks. Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and friends during a winter weather emergency. Warming Center Locations available Monday, Jan. 6 Friday, Jan. 10: All Community Service Centers (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Englewood Community Service Center 1140 West 79th Street. Garfield Community Service Center 10 South Kedzie Avenue. Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center 4314 South Cottage Grove. North Area Community Service Center 845 West Wilson Avenue. South Chicago Community Service Center 8650 South Commercial Avenue. Trina Davila Community Service Center 4312 West North Avenue. Senior Centers (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for locations. Chicago Public Library locations, visit chipublib.org for hours and locations. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday highlighted India's "historic achievements" in the field of Space. "My dear countrymen, in the beginning of 2025 itself, India has attained many historic achievements in the field of Space," PM Modi said. He lauded Bengaluru-based private space-tech startup Pixxel for its significant contribution in strengthening the space sector of the country. "Today, I am proud to convey that an Indian Space-Tech start-up, Bengaluru based Pixxel has successfully launched India's first private satellite constellation - 'Firefly'. This satellite constellation is the world's topmost high-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation," he said. The Prime Minister said that this achievement has not only made India a leader in modern space technology, but is also a big step towards a self-reliant India. "This success is a symbol of the growing strength and innovation of our private Space Sector. On behalf of the entire country, I congratulate the team of Pixxel, ISRO and IN-SPACe for this achievement." PM Modi also mentioned ISRO's successful docking of satellites. "Friends, a few days ago, our scientists marked another major achievement in the Space Sector. Our scientists have undertaken space docking of satellites. When two Space crafts are connected in Space, this process is called Space Docking. This technology is important for sending supplies to Space Stations and crew missions in Space. India has become the fourth country to have achieved this success," the PM said. He said that Indian scientists are also making efforts to grow plants in Space and make them survive. For this, ISRO scientists chose seeds of cow pea. " These seeds, sent on the 30th of December, germinated in Space itself. This is a very inspiring experiment which will pave the way for growing vegetables in Space in future. This shows how far-sightedly our scientists are working," he said. The Prime Minister also said that IIT Madras's ExTeM Centre is working on new technologies for manufacturing in Space. "This Centre is conducting research on technologies like 3D-printed buildings, metal foams and optical fibres in Space. This Centre is also developing revolutionary methods like concrete construction without water. This research of ExTeM will strengthen India's Gaganyaan mission and the future Space Station. This will also open new avenues of modern technology in manufacturing," he said. "Friends, all these achievements are proof of how visionary India's scientists and innovators are, in providing solutions to future challenges. Today, our country is setting new benchmarks in Space technology. I extend my best wishes to India's scientists, innovators and young entrepreneurs on behalf of the entire nation," he added. (ANI) Jan. 18CARL JUNCTION, Mo. A former teacher in the Carl Junction School District who was arrested Thursday has been charged with felony counts of possession of child pornography and first-degree stalking after a four-month investigation. The Jasper County prosecutor's office filed the two charges Friday against Craig Steven Smith, 53, of Carl Junction, who was a teacher in the district until the end of 2024. Smith was still in custody Friday in the Jasper County Jail in Carthage on a $400,000 cash-only bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he is released, the court ordered that he remain under house arrest with an ankle monitor and he only be allowed to leave his home between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for court proceedings. He also cannot have contact with any child under the age of 18 years and cannot have access to the internet. A written release from Carl Junction Police Department on Thursday said: "During the investigation, search warrants were executed at Smith's home and workplace, which led to the seizure and forensic analysis of Smith's personal and work-issued electronic devices. A forensic analysis led to the discovery of numerous images of child pornography on Smith's school-issued electronic devices. It is important to emphasize that no images of the stalking victim were included in this material. The stalking charge is based on a pattern of concerning behavior directed toward a minor student over the last several years." In the probable cause statement on the stalking charge released on Friday, Carl Junction police Detective Stephanie Castlebury said that from September 2018 when the victim was in sixth grade until November 2023, Smith had allegedly "disturbed victim one by giving her gifts, arranging for her to have lunch with him in his office, and sending inappropriate letters and text messages and voice messages." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castlebury said that since 2019 Smith allegedly sent thousands of electronic communications to the victim, "outside of school hours and unrelated to school activities and many of them contain inappropriate content." According to the affidavit, "Despite complaints and disciplinary action, Smith continued to find ways to have private interactions with victim one. When victim one was promoted from Intermediate School to the Junior High School, Smith transferred to the Junior High School as well. When victim one blocked Smith from social media and her phone, Smith found other methods to contact her." Carl Junction Superintendent Phil Cook said Friday that the district was unaware of the extent of the events as described by police. He did confirm the district had ordered Smith to stop having lunch with students in his office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We knew nothing about stalking," Cook said. "Never did we know anything about stalking. The only thing we knew was he was having a group of students, girls mainly, in his office during lunch. It happened when he was in the intermediate building and again when he moved to the junior high, and we took care of that and stopped it. As a matter of fact, we had resistance from some parents who said, 'No, he's OK.' They said, 'We're fine with our daughter going to lunch with him,' and we said, 'No, it's not OK.' That's what we dealt with before, and we thought it was taken care of so I wouldn't call it stalking." As for Smith's move from the intermediate building to the junior high building, Cook said there was an opening at the junior high and Smith applied for it. "He was hired, but again we thought we had taken care of the issues," Cook said. "He applied for another position and was transferred, yes, that's true, but we didn't know he was going over there because of a girl." He said the district thought it had dealt with the issues with Smith. Cook said he hadn't heard anything regarding Smith until about a year ago when a parent called him and asked that he instruct Smith to stop texting the parent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A probable cause statement for the child pornography charge said Castlebury served a search warrant on Smith's workplace on Aug. 29, 2024, as part of an investigation "related to the stalking of a student." Castlebury said the devices were located in the choir classroom and office assigned to Smith. "These laptops were password protected for the exclusive professional use of Smith," The statement said. "It was verified by the Carl Junction School District information technology department that Craig S. Smith was the sole recipient of these issued laptop devices and the only way to access the information on these devices was by using the password credentials of Craig S. Smith. Craig Smith was last at work in the choir room and his office on Aug. 29, 2024." The statement said Detective Trenton Greene with the Jasper County Sheriff's office found almost 400 images that he said "appeared to be child sexual abuse material." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a written statement issued on Thursday, the district said it was cooperating with investigators. "Representatives of the school district have cooperated fully with law enforcement officials throughout their investigation and will continue to do so if needed," the district said. "The Carl Junction School District, in partnership with our parents and community members, maintains the safety and well-being of students as our highest priority. We are deeply concerned for the individuals impacted by this matter, including the family of (the suspect), and offer them our full support." BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) James McLeod, a former City Court judge, officially announced his bid for Buffalo mayor on Saturday, making him the fourth candidate in the running. McLeod, a Utica native, served as a Buffalo City Court judge from 2009 to 2019 and has also held positions as an acting judge in Erie County Court and Erie County Family Court. In his announcement, McLeod named economic growth, playing an active role in the citys educational system, and reducing and eliminating red tape for Buffalo businesses as parts of his platform for mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Buffalo is in a financial calamity and is becoming two cities having his own goal to bridge that gap. Every part of the city was a good place to live, McLeod said. Unfortunately, with the passage of time and as a result of fiscal mismanagement and with too many in City Hall having their attentions directed to the big donors the average Buffalo family began to be neglected and it has resulted in Buffalo becoming two cities, with the dividing line being Main Street. Who is running for Buffalo mayor in 2025? McLeod said his priority for the citys education system is to increase retention and graduation rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with WIVB News 4 in December, McLeod listed the citys youth as one of his main areas of focus when it comes to improving the city. He created the first young adult court in Western New York for youth ages 16 through 18 to try and decrease recidivism. If were going to be a great city again, we have to work with our young people because they are indeed our future, he said. We have to find out the root cause of the problems and to keep them there and I believe I have the ability, I have the history, I have the know how to try to do that. According to his alma maters website, McLeod was the second African American in Buffalo to be hired as an associate with a major law firm. He has also served on the YMCA Board of Directors and as legal counsel to the Buffalo Urban League, among other positions. The list of candidates for the primary that will take place in late June now includes McLeod, State Senator Sean Ryan, Former City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield and Buffalo Common Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt. The general election will be held on Nov. 4. Latest Local News Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. DENVER (KDVR) A teacher from Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins was arrested and faces sexual assault charges, according to a press release from Fort Collins Police Services. Police said that staff from the Poudre School District made a report to human services in May 2024 after Brendan Gallagher, 49, told the staff member that he had an inappropriate relationship with a former student. What is the coldest temperature Colorado has ever reached? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, detectives said they identified a student who was victimized in one of Gallaghers classes in 2015. The Fort Collins Police Services Crimes Against Persons Unit coordinated with the Criminal Investigations Unit and arrested Gallagher on Jan. 16. Gallagher was charged with a felony: Sexual assault on a child position of trust Police said he posted a court-appointed $200,000 cash or surety bond on Friday. The school district placed Gallagher on administrative leave after receiving the initial allegation and cooperated with the investigation. Detectives believe there may be other victims as he held a similar position at Berthoud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They ask anyone with any information related to this incident or who is a potential victim to contact Detective Brandon Wootan at bwootan@fcgov.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. By Ahmed Eljechtimi RABAT (Reuters) - Four Moroccan truck drivers went missing on Saturday as they crossed the restive border area between Burkina Faso and Niger, according to a source from the Moroccan embassy in Burkina Faso and a Moroccan transport union. Three trucks, one carrying a spare driver, disappeared as they drove without an escort from Dori in Burkina Faso to Tera in Niger, an area known for Jihadist threats, the diplomatic source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Junta-led Burkina Faso and Niger are battling Islamist militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, whose insurgencies have destabilised Sahel states in West Africa over the past decade. The Moroccan diplomatic source said the embassy was working together with Burkina Faso authorities to find the drivers. Authorities in Burkina Faso have been organising security convoys to escort trucks in the border area to protect against militant attacks, the source said. The trucks set off after waiting for a week without getting an escort, Echarki El Hachmi, Secretary General of Morocco's transporters' union, told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trucks, loaded with infrastructure equipment, departed weeks ago from Casablanca heading to Niger, he said. El Hachmi urged more protection in areas of high risk as the number of Moroccan trucks crossing the Sahel continues to rise. Earlier this month, a convoy of Moroccan trucks was attacked on the Malian border with Mauritania, although there were no casualties, El Hachmi said. (This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Echarki El Hachmi's name in paragraphs 6, 8 and 9) (Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Ros Russell) (Bloomberg) -- Chrystia Freeland formally kicked off her campaign to lead Canada on Sunday, telling supporters that shes the best candidate to do battle with US President-elect Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg The former finance minister is entering the race to helm the governing Liberal Party and replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation on Jan. 6. Shes seen as a top contender alongside Mark Carney, a former central banker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freeland has vowed to fight for Canada, including using counter-tariffs to exert economic pressure on the US, where Trump will take office on Monday. He has threatened to levy steep tariffs on Canadian goods, potentially harming the economy. If you hit us, well hit back, Freeland said in a speech at a Toronto youth club, promising dollar-for-dollar retaliation on US tariffs that would inflict the biggest trade blow that the United States has ever endured. Shortly before Freelands speech, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly endorsed Carney for the party leadership. Joly is the most senior cabinet minister in Trudeaus government to publicly back one of the candidates. Her speech was repeatedly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, one of whom briefly displayed a Palestinian flag on stage. Later, pressed by a reporter, she said she was cautiously optimistic about the ceasefire in Gaza, and that the war had been absolutely heartbreaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canadas Liberal government has tried to strike a balance on the conflict by supporting Israels right to defend itself while advocating for it to use maximum restraint to avoid civilian deaths in Gaza. Freeland also promised to replace the carbon tax with a different policy to fight climate change. In provinces where there is a carbon tax, there are people who dont like that, so we have to listen to that and change it, she said. Freeland, 56, effectively forced Trudeaus departure after her own public resignation in December led to a wider revolt within the Liberal caucus. The split was primarily due to disagreement over fiscal responsibility, she told reporters at Sundays event. Party members will choose a new leader on March 9. If Freeland wins, shed be the first woman to lead Canadas Liberals and the second female prime minister of the country. A general election, which is likely to follow soon after the Liberal contest is concluded, will see poll-favorite Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader, challenge Freeland for the countrys highest political office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government House Leader Karina Gould also announced her candidacy over the weekend in a social media post. --With assistance from Laura Dhillon Kane. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Funding cuts to Afghanistan are the biggest threat to helping the countrys women, the chief of a top aid agency warned Sunday. Jan Egeland, the secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said women and girls were bearing the brunt of dwindling financial support for nongovernmental groups and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. The NRC helped 772,484 Afghans in 2022. That number fell to 491,435 in 2023. Last year, the aid agency helped 216,501 people. Half of its beneficiaries are women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egeland, who has made several visits to Afghanistan since 2021, said: We see one after the other peer organization cutting programming and staff in the last two years. The biggest threat to programs helping Afghan women is funding cuts. The biggest threat to the future well-being of Afghan women is (the lack of) education. The Taliban takeover in August 2021 drove millions into poverty and hunger after foreign aid stopped almost overnight. Sanctions against the countrys new rulers, a halt on bank transfers and frozen billions in Afghanistans currency reserves have cut off access to global institutions and the outside money that supported the aid-dependent economy before the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. The U.N. and others have urged the international community to continue supporting the beleaguered country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council have helped keep public services afloat through education and health care programs, including nutrition and immunization. But women and girls face more obstacles in accessing health care and education because of restrictions imposed by authorities and an ongoing shortage of female medical professionals, also exacerbated by Taliban decrees. Egeland said Afghan women and girls had not forgotten world leaders telling them their number one priority was education and human rights. Now we cant even fund livelihood programming for widows and single mothers, he told The Associated Press by telephone from the western province of Herat. The international community provided humanitarian assistance in many countries where they disagreed with local policies. But opposition to Taliban policies, together with a general starving of aid funding in many countries, was worsening the shortfall in Afghanistan, he said. Egeland said most of his discussions with Taliban officials on his trip were about the need to resume classes for women and girls. They still argue that it will happen, but the conditions are not right," he said. "They say they need to agree on what the conditions are. By Mohammed Salem, Nidal al-Mughrabi and James Mackenzie GAZA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Hamas released three Israeli hostages and Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, the first day of a ceasefire suspending a 15-month-old war that has devastated the Gaza Strip and inflamed the Middle East. The truce allowed Palestinians to return to bombed-out neighborhoods to begin rebuilding their lives, while relief trucks delivered much-needed aid. Elsewhere in Gaza, crowds cheered Hamas fighters who emerged from hiding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fireworks were launched in celebration as buses carrying the Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah on the West Bank, where thousands of people waited to welcome them. Those freed from Israeli prisons included 69 women and 21 teenage boys from the West Bank and Jerusalem, according to Hamas. In Tel Aviv, hundreds of Israelis cheered and wept in a square outside the defense headquarters as a live broadcast from Gaza showed three female hostages getting into a Red Cross vehicle surrounded by Hamas fighters. The Israeli military said Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari had been reunited with their mothers and released a video showing them in apparent good health. Damari, who lost two fingers when she was shot the day she was abducted, smiled and embraced her mother as she held up a bandaged hand. "I would like you to tell them: Romi, Doron and Emily an entire nation embraces you. Welcome home," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a commander by phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Sheba Medical Center, the women were reunited with their families in long embraces that went from tears to laughter. A smiling Damari was draped in an Israeli flag. They were among more than 250 people abducted and 1,200 killed in a Hamas raid on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has said. More than 47,000 Palestinians have since been killed in Israeli attacks, according to medical officials in Gaza. Nearly the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza is homeless. Around 400 Israeli soldiers have also died. The truce calls for fighting to stop, aid to be sent in to Gaza and 33 of the nearly 100 remaining Israeli and foreign hostages to go free over the six-week first phase in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Many of the hostages are believed to be dead. In the north of the Gaza Strip, Palestinians picked their way through a devastated landscape of rubble and twisted metal that had been bombed into oblivion in the war's most intense fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I feel like at last I found some water to drink after being lost in the desert for 15 months," said Aya, who said she had been displaced from her Gaza City home for more than a year. The first phase of the truce took effect following a three-hour delay during which Israeli warplanes and artillery pounded the Gaza Strip. That last-minute blitz killed 13 people, Palestinian health authorities said. Israel blamed Hamas for being late to deliver the names of hostages it would free, and said it had struck terrorists. Hamas said the holdup in providing the list was technical. "Today the guns in Gaza have gone silent," U.S. President Joe Biden said on his last full day in office, welcoming a truce that had eluded U.S. diplomacy for more than a year. "We've reached this point today because of the pressure Israel built on Hamas, backed by the United States." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Hamas, the truce provided an opportunity to emerge from the shadows after 15 months in hiding. Hamas policemen dressed in blue police uniforms swiftly deployed in some areas, and armed fighters drove through the southern city of Khan Younis, where a crowd cheered, "Greetings to Al-Qassam Brigades," the group's armed wing. "All the resistance factions are staying in spite of Netanyahu," one fighter told Reuters. TRUMP AIDE: 'HAMAS WILL NEVER GOVERN GAZA' There is no detailed plan in place to govern Gaza after the war, much less rebuild it. Any return of Hamas will test the patience of Israel, which has said it will resume fighting unless the militant group is fully dismantled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir quit the cabinet over the ceasefire, though his party said it would not try to bring down Netanyahu's government. The other most prominent hardliner, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, stayed in the government but said he would quit if the war ends without Hamas completely destroyed. The truce took effect on the eve of Monday's inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Trump's national security adviser-designate, Mike Waltz, said that if Hamas reneges on the agreement, the United States would support Israel "in doing what it has to do." "Hamas will never govern Gaza. That is completely unacceptable," he said. The streets in shattered Gaza City were already busy with groups of people waving the Palestinian flag and filming the scenes on their mobile phones. Several carts loaded with household possessions travelled down a thoroughfare scattered with rubble and debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahmed Abu Ayham, 40, of Gaza City said that while the ceasefire may have spared lives, the losses and destruction made it no time for celebration. "We are in pain, deep pain and it is time to hug one another and cry," he said. (Reporting by James Mackenzie, Maayan Lubell, Emily Rose, Yomna Ehab, Andrew Mills, Menna Alaa al-Din, Nidal al-Mughrabi, Michelle Nichols, Alexander Cornwell; Writing by Andy Sullivan, Peter Graff, Nidal al-Mughrabi, John Davison; editing by Philippa Fletcher, Sharon Singleton and Howard Goller) In his recent Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the innovative 'Haathi Bandhu' initiative in Assam's Naugaon, which has successfully mitigated human-elephant conflicts in the region. The initiative, led by a team of villagers, involved planting Napier grass on barren land, providing an alternative food source for elephants and reducing crop damage. "I want to share an example from Assam with you. There is a place in Assam called Naugaon. Naugaon is the birthplace of our country's great luminary Srimanta Shankardev Ji. This place is very beautiful. It is also the habitat to a large number of elephants," PM Modi said while addressing the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat. Prime Minister said that many incidents were being noticed in Naugaon where herds of elephants used to destroy crops, farmers used to get upset, on account of which people of about 100 villages in the vicinity were facing hardships. But the villagers also understood the elephants' helplessness, said the PM. "They knew that elephants were intruding the fields to satiate their hunger, so the villagers thought of finding a solution to this. A team of villagers was formed, which was named 'Haathi Bandhu'. Haathi Bandhu displaying their wisdom, made a unique effort on about 800 bighas of barren land. Here the villagers together planted Napier grass," said the Prime Minister. "Elephants like this grass very much. The result was that the elephants lessened straying towards the fields. This is a matter of great relief for thousands of villagers. This effort of theirs has been liked by the elephants as well," he added. PM Modi said that animals may not be able to speak, but humans can understand their feelings and their gestures very well. "My dear countrymen many a time, you must have seen pictures of amazing bonding between humans and animals; you must have heard stories of animals' loyalty as well. Whether it is a pet or a wild animal, their relationship with humans sometimes amazes us," he said. "Animals may not be able to speak, but humans can understand their feelings and their gestures very well. Animals also understand the language of love and live by it too." Modi emphasised the importance of coexisting with animals and understanding their needs. He also expressed joy over the addition of two new Tiger Reserves in the country, highlighting India's commitment to wildlife conservation. "Our culture and heritage teaches us to live with love with the animals and birds around us. It is a matter of great joy for all of us that in the last two months, two new Tiger Reserves have been added to our country. One of these is Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh and the other is Ratapani Tiger Reserve in MP," he said. (ANI) Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees early on Monday, hours after three Israeli hostages released from Hamas captivity in Gaza returned to Israel. Large white buses carrying the detainees exited the gates of Israels Ofer prison, just outside the West Bank city of Ramallah, as celebratory fireworks erupted overhead. Crowds of Palestinians thronged the buses, chanting and cheering. According to a list provided by the Palestinian Authoritys Commission for Prisoners Affairs, all of those released are women or minors. Israel detained all of the people on the list for what it said were offenses related to Israels security, from throwing stones to more serious accusations such as attempted murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military, which occupies the West Bank, repeatedly warned Palestinians against any form of public celebration. The release took place in the middle of the night, in what Palestinians criticized as an attempt to dampen the mood and deter crowds from welcoming the prisoners home. The most prominent of the detainees being freed on Sunday is Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, or PFLP, a secular leftist faction that was involved in hijackings and other attacks against Israel in the 1970s but has scaled back its militant activities in recent years. Since her arrest in December 2023, Jarrar has been held under indefinitely renewable six-month administrative detention orders, a practice denounced by human rights groups as a violation of international law. Dalal Khaseeb, 53, the sister of the late senior Hamas official Saleh Arouri who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut in January 2024 was also being released, as was Abla Abdelrasoul, the wife of jailed PFLP leader Ahmad Saadat. The agreement for the swap, laid out as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, involves Hamas gradually releasing 33 Israeli hostages held in the Palestinian enclave over the next six weeks in exchange for Israel releasing nearly 2,000 prisoners and detainees from the West Bank and Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) The first three hostages released from Gaza arrived in Israel on Sunday for tearful reunions with families, hours after the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold following 15 months of war. Palestinians waited for the first release of prisoners held by Israel. Footage showed 28-year-old Emily Damari, 24-year-old Romi Gonen and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher in a tense handover to the Red Cross on a Gaza City street. They were surrounded by a crowd of thousands, accompanied by masked, armed men wearing green Hamas headbands. The women were taken to Israeli forces and then into Israel, where their mothers were waiting. The three women were in stable condition, Sheba Medical Center said, and authorities released footage of them reuniting with their families, hugging fiercely and sobbing. Youre here! I can really touch you! a relative cried. Israels military also released images showing Damari raising a bandaged hand in triumph. It said she lost two fingers in the attack that sparked the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tel Aviv, thousands of people who gathered to watch the news on large screens erupted in applause. For months, many had gathered in the square weekly to demand a ceasefire deal. An entire nation embraces you, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, while the others were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Damari is an Israeli-British dual citizen and Steinbrecher has Israeli and Romanian citizenship. The ceasefire ushers in an initial six weeks of calm and raises hopes for the release of nearly 100 remaining hostages and an end to the devastating war. A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the truces start by nearly three hours, but the spokesman for Hamas military wing later said it is committed to the ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next up was the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Seven hours after the hostages release, Hamas called the delay the result of a last-minute conflict over names on the list. An Israeli spokesman on social media warned against riots and armed marches around the release. The truce, which started at 11:15 a.m. local time, is the first step toward ultimately ending the conflict and returning hostages abducted in Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack. This is just the second ceasefire in the war, longer and more consequential than a weeklong pause in November 2023. Negotiations on the ceasefires far more difficult second phase should begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the first phase. Israels hard-line national security minister, meanwhile, said his Jewish Power faction was quitting the government in protest over the ceasefire. Itamar Ben-Gvirs departure weakens Netanyahus coalition but will not affect the truce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate development, Israel announced it had recovered the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, in a special operation in Gaza. The bodies of Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, had remained after the 2014 war. Whats next The ceasefire deal was announced last week after a year of mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trumps team had both pressed for an agreement to be reached before the inauguration on Monday. Netanyahu has said he has Trumps backing to continue fighting if necessary. The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see 33 hostages gradually returned and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. The next release of hostages is expected on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There also should be a surge of humanitarian aid, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before. The U.N. humanitarian agency said more than 630 trucks with aid entered on Sunday, with at least 300 going to hard-hit northern Gaza. This is a moment of tremendous hope, humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said. Joy mixed with pain Across Gaza, there was relief and grief. The fighting has killed tens of thousands, destroyed large areas and displaced most of the population. This ceasefire was a joy mixed with pain, because my son was martyred in this war, said Rami Nofal, a displaced man from Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Masked militants appeared at some celebrations, where crowds chanted slogans in support of them, according to Associated Press reporters in Gaza. The Hamas-run police began deploying in public after mostly lying low due to Israeli airstrikes. Some families set off for home on foot, their belongings loaded on donkey carts. In the southern city of Rafah, residents returned to find massive destruction. Some found human remains in the rubble, including skulls. Its like you see in a Hollywood horror movie, resident Mohamed Abu Taha said as he inspected the ruins of his familys home. Already, Israeli forces were pulling back from areas. Residents of Beit Lahiya and Jabaliya in northern Gaza told the AP they didnt see Israeli troops there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One resident said they saw bodies in the streets that appeared to have been there for weeks. Israelis divided over ceasefire deal In Israel, people were divided over the agreement. Asher Pizem, 35, from the city of Sderot, said the deal had merely postponed the next confrontation with Hamas. He also criticized Israel for allowing aid into Gaza, saying it would contribute to the militant groups revival. They will take the time and attack again, he said while viewing Gazas smoldering ruins from a small hill in southern Israel with other Israelis gathered there. When Biden was asked Sunday whether he has any concerns about Hamas regrouping, he said no. Immense toll The toll of the war has been immense, and new details will now emerge. The head of the Rafah municipality in Gaza, Ahmed al-Sufi, said a large part of the infrastructure, including water, electricity and road networks, was destroyed, in addition to thousands of homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the fatalities but does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that sparked the war killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and militants abducted around 250 others. More than 100 hostages were freed during the weeklong ceasefire in November 2023. Some 90% of Gazas population has been displaced. Rebuilding if the ceasefire reaches its final phase will take several years at least. Major questions about Gazas future, political and otherwise, remain unresolved. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press reporters Josef Federman in Jerusalem, Sam Mednick in Ramallah, West Bank, and Mohammad Jahjouh in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, contributed to this report. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Gaza Strip residents told of devastation as they began returning to their homes on Sunday. "My house was razed to the ground - the house that I built myself over many years," Yasser Abu Younis told dpa. He and his family have returned to their home in Rafah in the south after seeking shelter in Al Mawasi on the Mediterranean coast. "I'm shocked by what I saw in Rafah," the 40-year-old father of four said. He described total destruction. Bodies, some of them decaying or half-eaten by dogs, were lying in the open, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yihia Abu Zakaria, a father of three, has yet to return from where he is in the south to his home in Beit Hanoun in the far north of the Gaza Strip. "It's been 15 months of hell, death and hunger," he said. Abu Zakaria plans to move north as soon as this is permitted. According to the terms of the ceasefire agreement, unarmed people are permitted to move north along a designated route from the seventh day. Cars can travel after being checked. The north is also devastated by repeated fighting. Eyewitnesses reported that people were returning from areas in the south to Rafah, which lies in the south directly on the border with Egypt. They were walking past huge heaps of rubble. And in the north, residents who had sought shelter in Gaza City were also moving to their homes further north. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Mohammad Salem CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) -Thousands of Palestinians burst into the streets across Gaza as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on Sunday, some in celebration, others to visit the graves of relatives, while many rushed back to see what remained of their homes. "I feel alive again," said Aya, a displaced woman from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip for over a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I feel like at last I found some water to drink after getting lost in the desert for 15 months," she told Reuters via a chat app. In the north of the territory, where some of the most intense Israeli airstrikes and battles with the militants took place, drone footage showed hundreds of people walking on a dusty road through a devastated landscape of crushed concrete and twisted metal. One displaced family arriving back in Jabalia, the largest of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps, surveyed what was left of their house, using shovels to clear the rubble of its collapsed walls. Elsewhere, displaced residents piled belongings onto rickshaws and trucks to make the trip home. "We came here in the morning... even before they announced the ceasefire," said Amal Abu Eita, standing in the ruins of her house. "We came with hope, thinking we might find just a single room, anything simple, just a small shelter to protect us. But when we arrived, we found the situation as you see it - tragic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armed Hamas fighters drove through the southern city of Khan Younis, with crowds cheering and chanting, despite an almost three-hour delay in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which follows 15 months of devastating conflict. Hamas policemen, dressed in blue police uniform, deployed in some areas after months of trying to keep out of sight to avoid Israeli airstrikes. People who had gathered to cheer the fighters chanted "Greetings to Al-Qassam Brigades" - the armed wing of Hamas. "All the resistance factions are staying in spite of (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu," one fighter told Reuters, referring to the armed wing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a ceasefire, a full and comprehensive one God willing, and there will be no return to war in spite of him." The ceasefire deal took effect after a nearly three-hour delay, pausing a war that has brought seismic political change to the Middle East and giving hope to Gaza's 2.3 million people, many of whom have been displaced several times. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said Israeli military strikes killed at least 13 people in attacks across the enclave during the delay. No more attacks were reported after it took effect at 11.15 a.m. (0915 GMT). "We are now waiting for the day when we head back to our home in Gaza City," Aya said. "Damaged or not, it doesn't matter, the nightmare of death and starvation is over." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AID TRUCKS ENTER GAZA The streets in the shattered Gaza City in the north of the territory were busy with groups of people waving the Palestinian flag and filming the scenes on their mobile phones. Gaza City resident Ahmed Abu Ayham, 40, sheltering with his family in Khan Younis, said the scene of destruction in his home city was "dreadful", adding that while the ceasefire may have spared lives it was no time for celebrations. "We are in pain, deep pain and it is time to hug one another and cry," Abu Ayham said via the same app. Many remembered relatives and friends killed during the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are happy we gained victory and that we will return (to our homes)," said Zakiya al-Masri, a woman in Khan Younis. "But it is not a complete joy ... We lost a lot of people." In a pocket of the southern city of Rafah, relatively spared by an offensive Israeli forces launched in May, Ahmed Abou Mohsen, 20, and his family returned to their abandoned home and were unpacking from the back of an open-backed white truck piled with bags of clothes, jerry cans and mattresses. "It is an indescribable feeling, a complete joy," he said. "But there are people...who will not feel the same feeling when they return to find their homes and areas completely wiped out." The highly anticipated ceasefire deal could help usher in an end to the Gaza war, which began after Hamas, which controls the tiny coastal territory, attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's response has reduced much of Gaza to rubble and killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza-based health officials. Long lines of trucks carrying fuel and aid supplies queued up at border crossings in the hours before the ceasefire was due to take effect. The World Food Programme said they began to cross on Sunday morning. The deal requires 600 truckloads of aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the initial six-week ceasefire, including 50 carrying fuel. Half of the aid trucks would be delivered to the north, where experts have warned famine is imminent. "The war ended, but life isn't going to be better because of the destruction and the losses we suffered," Aya said. "But at least there will be no more bloodshed of women and children, I hope." (Reporting and writing by Nidal al-MughrabiAdditional reporting by Mohammad Salem in Gaza; Editing by Helen Popper, Philippa Fletcher, Ros Russell and Sharon Singleton) Germany's ambassador to the United States has issued an unusually stark warning to the government concerning major changes likely to occur in US policy following the inauguration of Donald Trump as president. In a diplomatic cable addressed to the chancellery, the Foreign Office and the Interior Ministry, seen by dpa on Sunday, Ambassador Andreas Michaelis writes that the Trump 2.0 Agenda will cause "maximum disruption." The cable refers to a breakup of the established political order and bureaucratic structures and to plans for vengeance, terming them a "redefinition of the constitutional order." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would imply "maximum concentration of power with the president at the expense of Congress and the states," Michaelis writes ahead of Trump's inauguration on Monday. "Fundamental democratic principles, along with checks and balances will be undermined as far as possible, the legislature, law enforcement and media robbed of their independence and misused as political arm, and big tech will gain co-governing authority," Michaelis wrote. In his summary, Michaelis did not explicitly mention Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk, a close adviser to Trump, but he did name him later on in an individual analysis. The five-page cable carries the lowest of four confidentiality ratings meaning that it is intended for government officials only and not for wider publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Foreign Office in Berlin said it did not comment on internal documents as a matter of principle, but added that the US was one of Germany's closest allies. "The Americans have voted for President Trump in a democratic election. We will of course cooperate closely with the new US administration in the interests of Germany and Europe," it said. It added that the German government maintained a network of relations with broader society, in the states and in Congress across party lines. BERLIN (AP) The German ambassador to Washington wrote in a report back to Berlin that he expects Donald Trump in his second presidency to largely undermine the system of democratic checks and balances in the United States, the German news agenda dpa reported on Sunday. Ambassador Andreas Michaelis said in his confidential diplomatic report that the Trump agenda would rob the legislative branch, law enforcement and media of their independence. His diplomatic note was sent to the German Foreign Ministry and to the office of Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin last week, dpa reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report was made available to several media outlets, including dpa, and was being reported in Germany on the eve of Trump's inauguration Monday. Michaelis wrote that he expected Trumps agenda to bring a maximum concentration of power in the hands of the president at the expense of Congress and the states. His policy of maximum disruption, the breaking up of the established political order and bureaucratic structures as well as his plans for revenge ultimately mean a redefinition of the constitutional order, Michaelis wrote. The Foreign Ministry said it does not comment on internal papers, analyses or embassy reports as a matter of principle. However, it said it is clear that the U.S. is one of Germanys most important allies. The Americans chose President Trump in a democratic election. Of course, we will also work closely with the new U.S. administration in the interests of Germany and Europe, it said, according to dpa. Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday expressed concern at tech billionaire Elon Musk's interventions in the German electoral campaign. "What should really worry us is that a man like Elon Musk, who has great media power, is backing extreme right-wing parties in Europe, for example in the United Kingdom, in Germany and in many other countries," Scholz said during an election rally in Schwalbach am Taunus, near the western city of Frankfurt. "This should be criticized," he added. Germany goes to the polls in early elections on February 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has praised the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the "only party that can save Germany" and recently held a live conversation on his platform X with AfD leader Alice Weidel. He has also been highly critical of Scholz and of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Scholz said that Musk was not the first wealthy conservative to attempt to use his influence during an election campaign. "The fact that conservative media owners are running fierce campaigns against Social Democratic politicians is nothing new," said Scholz. "They've always been allowed to do that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fact that it is happening from abroad is new, but it is also covered by freedom of expression," he added. The conservative CDU/CSU alliance, which is currently in opposition, is leading in German polls on around 30%, followed by the AfD on around 20%. Scholz's centre-left SPD is trailing on 16%, followed by the Greens, his coalition partner, on 13%. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius believes that the German military could take part in securing the security of the demilitarised zone in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Source: Pistorius in an interview with the Suddeutsche Zeitung, as reported by European Pravda Details: Asked about the possible deployment of German troops in the buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia, Pistorius said that this "will be discussed when the time comes". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We are the largest NATO partner in Europe. So obviously, we will play a role and we have to take responsibility." Details: Pistorius believes that the key issue is creating a level of security for Ukraine that would prevent a repeated Russian invasion in a few years. He also said that he would soon travel to the United States to talk to the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Quote: "The candidate for the post of the US secretary of defence, Pete Hegseth, has not yet been approved. However, we are interested in meeting and exchanging views quickly in Washington in early February." Background: In December 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that the idea of a peacekeeping mission being deployed in Ukraine had been discussed during meetings in Brussels as one way of preventing another Russian attack and said he had seen a "positive response" from some leaders. Recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised that London is ready to play a "full part" in a possible peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, although he does not see such a prospect at the moment. Meanwhile, Poland's Defence Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has ruled out sending peacekeepers to Ukraine after the war, explaining that "NATO should focus on greater burden-sharing and diversification". Support UP or become our patron! German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday praised the release of three Israeli hostages as the Gaza ceasefire took effect. "Today is a day of joy. The hostages held by Hamas have been released and reunited with their families," Scholz posted on X. "All the hostages must be released, and more humanitarian aid must rapidly enter the Gaza Strip," he added. Scholz's comments were echoed by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who wrote on X: "Relief and sadness are today close to each other. Pure relief that the hostages will be able to embrace their dear ones after 471 days, but also sadness at the certainty that not all have survived the horror." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everything is still lacking: food, medical care and emergency accommodation," she added. "We will do everything along with our partners to ensure that the urgently needed aid, as agreed, will reach them quickly." The accused arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence has been sent to five-day police custody by Bandra Holiday Court on Sunday. Ahead of this, police have confirmed that the person arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan is an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh. The accused, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. As per the police statement, various investigation teams were formed to investigate the crime, and a case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Further, according to the police, the accused was about to flee to his native village when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. It was revealed that the accused is a native of the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh. The case was reported by Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on January 16, during which Saif Ali Khan was attacked and sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is recovering 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. While the actor is now "out of danger," medical staff are closely monitoring his condition. Meanwhile, the actor's family, including his mother Sharmila Tagore, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their sons Jeh and Taimur, visited Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on Sunday to check on his condition. Meanwhile, the actor's family, including his mother Sharmila Tagore, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their sons Jeh and Taimur, visited Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on Sunday to check on his condition.(ANI) Its already hotter than 90 degrees here at the 161st annual reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg in July and its not even 10 a.m. Cannons boom in the distance. From the parking lot outside the mock battlefield the real one, hallowed ground, is miles away the reenactors with Confederate flags and the tourists in MAGA caps look a little Jan. 6 menacing, combustible. Closer up, theyre friendlier, at least with each other, and the reenactors, whether repping North or South, are glad-handing. The make-believe soldiers are all bearing the rising heat in miserably tight and chafing wool. This is true to the experience of those who fought the original battle in early July 1863, when it was so hot that one soldier saw hundreds of men gasping for breath, and lolling out their tongues like madmen. He concluded, flesh and blood cannot sustain such heat and fatigue as we have undergone this day. Ive been to the Gettysburg reenactment before, as a tourist, in 2016. I came with my then 10-year-old son Ben, who did musket training with a group of budding reenactors. We sampled hardtack. This time I want to learn about something more than just history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country is embroiled in a ferocious decadelong tribal standoff over some grievous offense no one can precisely pinpoint but that goes back to at least Donald Trumps first campaign and, after his third campaign and second win, appears to be here to stay. Our modern American battle, whatever its origin, rages online and offline. You feel it at tense baby showers and see it in street brawls. It never takes a break. No one ever retreats. Like many of us, I now take pains to avoid political showdowns, sidestepping friends who seem to be spoiling for fights about climate change, immigrants or vaccines. Or maybe Im the one spoiling for a fight in these interactions and what I want most to avoid is the chippy, implacable side of myself. But the people here at Gettysburg go toward conflict. They are drawn to conflict so strongly, in fact, that they suit up, year after year, and drive to the battlefield to confront, and even act out, the worst, bloodiest and most fateful battle in the worst, bloodiest, most fateful war in American history. The obsession with re-experiencing trauma to gain mastery over it repetition compulsion has always fascinated me. Why do you do it? I ask several men at a booth for The Sons of Confederate Veterans. Theyre a nice-enough group, but they talk to me warily. All but one, Bill, refuse to give their names. Why do we do it? Bill says. The best answer I can give you is that its not that we're celebrating wins or losses. Were celebrating our family heritage. This is what our ancestors did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I tell the Confederate Sons that, what I really want to know while Im here, from the people who know the Civil War best, is if Americans are still fighting it. There the answer is yes but, paradoxically, some other reenactors tell me, Americans are only fighting outside the enchanted circle of the reenactment. Out there, especially on social media, not everyone feels so merry about the Confederacy. When I post on Facebook about my Confederate ancestor, I get flak from friends, a reenactor tells me. He wont give his name. Ive had people call my ancestor a traitor. Thats why hes here, he adds. Though acrid and sulfurous with the scent of gunpowder, the mock battlefield is a safe space. Reenactors dont disparage each others ancestors or each others politics. When pressed, reenactors and tourists alike mostly tell me theyre for Trump. But no one is especially interested in current events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one argues with me about ideology (unless the guy who dismisses this magazine as Shitico counts), but theyre eager to recount painful disagreements in their families and social circles. When asked about Trump, in fact, they change the subject to the grinding interpersonal tensions that many Americans now map onto politics. In these stories, standoffs are not over the usual you-didnt-invite-me-to-your-wedding kind of stuff. Theyre over grand matters of red v. blue, good v. evil. Many reenactors also study the actual family dynamics of the so-called Brothers War. Wandering around in the heat, I feel like Ive stumbled into a kind of conservative group therapy session, in which almost exclusively white, MAGA-aligned participants play out, and rhetorically resolve, tensions in their own families and communities by acting out those tensions from 150 years ago. Mock fighting and theatrical battle regalia seem to license catharsis. Its all different here, for a reason that only occurs to me now. This battle resolves not in bloodshed but in reunion. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection, as Abraham Lincoln said in his first inaugural address. We are not enemies, but friends. Here at Gettysburg, theyre acting out trauma, yes, but also reconciliation. Theyre also honoring those on the losing side, which seems to make the real-world civil war of our time, perhaps, a bit more bearable. At Gettysburg, everyone play-fights a battle and then breaks bread together. For just a couple of days, Americans get a reprieve from irreparability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I run into Paul and Tawnya Wells, a husband and wife in Union garb whose votes probably canceled each other out. Paul is for Trump better on the economy, he says but Tawnya cant stand him. I'm making plans to move to a different country, she says. And then, indicating another woman in a hoop skirt, Were for anybody else 2024. This country needs a factory reset, the woman agrees. Paul weighs in. I voted for Obama the first time around. He's like, We're going to unify. But it felt to me like none of that happened. The Wellses are evidently among the things Obama failed to unify. Paul gestures at his wife. We argue about this a lot, he says. We have differing political opinions, she says. They come to reenactments to remember simpler times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bonneted Trump supporter, also from Alabama, welcomes me to her stand where she sells jams and other treats branded with Confederate flags. She loves being in Gettysburg, she says, but is worried about friend drama back home. So as not to exacerbate that drama, she requested anonymity. People are just at each others throats, she sighs. Theyre so quick to criticize and jump. You can't post a comment on Facebook that 20 people don't come back at you. What most upsets her is a falling-out with one of her closest friends. She was my best friend since the fourth grade. Now shes very liberal. No matter what you say, she always has to have the last word. I tried to reestablish the friendship, but it just wasn't there. Most of the people I encounter are white, which makes sense if the reenactment is helping them work through family conflict. White families, after all, are those who are regularly described as having been torn apart by the Civil War. By the numbers, theyre also the most likely to be torn apart by todays political rifts. White people went 55 percent to 43 percent for Trump in 2024. White circles, if theyre broad enough, are apt to contain political infighting. (By contrast, Black people, who went 83-13 for Harris, are more likely to enjoy consensus at family dinners.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years ago, this kind of intra-tribal conflict among (mostly) white people seems to have colored the experience of at least some of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists. Dozens of them were eventually turned in by their people friends, family, coworkers and former partners suggesting heart-rending strife on the home front. Tipsters described having seen their loved ones develop increasingly disturbing views in the run-up to the riot. The Battle of Gettysburg, too, was explicitly a family affair. Many families sent soldiers who fought on opposite sides, including, as one reenactor recites to me by heart, the Walker brothers, the Crittendens, the Shrivers, the Taylors, the Dennens and the Byrnes. As someone here reminds me, Mary Todd Lincolns sisters all supported the Confederacy. Had she, like the rioters loved ones, watched and worried as they got radicalized or did they worry about her extremist views? For some, being related to people on the other side creates a reflex to exaggerate distinctions, to make them existential. When you're a Jet, You're a Jet all the way. The anthropologist Gregory Bateson named this impulse schismogenesis, a phenomenon where societies with commonalities and mutual interests reject solidarity and somewhat perversely define themselves against one another, affecting opposing habits, character, speech, clothing and even beliefs. Its a phenomenon that defined the Civil War and continues to define contemporary political conflicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Bateson put it, in social science jargon, If behavior considered appropriate in individual A is an assertive pattern, while B is expected to reply with submission, it is likely that this submission will encourage a further assertion, and that this assertion will demand still further submission. So you yell to make a point, and I respond with soft, even tones; that brings out more loudness in you, to which I respond with more softness, and on and on. The classic example of schismogenesis is Athens and Sparta. Athenians developed democracy and imperial power because they were hellbent on not being the brutish oligarchs of Sparta. And vice versa. Schismogenesis may be thought of as a broader version of Freuds narcissism of small differences, in which people with everything in common become hypersensitive to minor differences. In the U.S., you routinely hear notes of schismogenesis in lawn-sign standoffs and other showdowns with symbols. We rep MAGA because our neighbors are In this house libs. I have an FTP tattoo because my sister flies a Blue Lives Matter flag. And on and on. When Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was asked why he flew the totem of election deniers, an upside-down flag, over his house just after Jan. 6, he said little about principles or democracy or even Trump. He said his wife raised the flag to get back at a neighbor who called her a cunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether among elites in the tony parts of the Jersey Shore or in the rural counties from which so many reenactors hail, there is an almost urgent need to mark yourself as MAGA or anti-MAGA or risk being mistaken for that other kind of white person, on the other side of the political divide. Closeness with the enemy in white cohorts results in everyones trying to signal what side theyre on in barely detectable but extremely fraught ways. During the real Civil War there was a similar obsession with identity markers. Those with Northern sympathies flaunted their allegiance by wearing dark blue, but also fine textiles like silk, which were not available in the South. Anti-industrial Southerners wore discreet Confederate flag pins and simpler, homespun fabrics in butternut colors or Confederate gray. Lincoln knew that such markers can look small, but still be dangerous. As he said in his 1861 inaugural address, he respected that Southerners could find out-of-towners irritating and obnoxious. He promised he wouldnt install Northerners to govern in the South because they might do or wear weird, Northern stuff. As Lincoln knew, an irritated population can become ungovernable. The Gettysburg reenactment certainly shimmers with symbolism. There are not just the flags and period caps, but the current civil war collides with the old in anachronistic political sloganeering by the tourists. There are T-shirts emblazoned with upside-down flags. Theres a bumper sticker that says, I oil my gun with liberal tears. Caitlyn Dafni, a sporty-looking woman in an ABOLITIONIST shirt, tells me she opposes not just slavery but a cabal of pedophiles, a wild-eyed crusade that seems to have built rococo extensions onto QAnon. And Im signifying too. Though I have aimed to dress apolitically, someone rightly calls out my Sambas the overexposed footwear that marks me as a Yank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For all that, a range of symbols, many of them indecipherable to me, seem welcome or at least tolerated here. Thats probably because were in a fantasy world of costumes and props, and almost no one but Civil War obsessives can keep up with the meanings of the various logos crossed swords, eagles, chopped trees (the downfall of secession treas-on!) and tiny portraits that could be Lincoln or Jefferson Davis. Some people fly flags Ive never seen before. Maybe its like Woodstock or Burning Man that way, freaky flags flying and no one saying boo. Its a bit of a relief, not trying to read everyones shirts to see if theyre a friend or an enemy. Im starting to see why people come to this event. For its participants, the Gettysburg reenactment, where a bloodbath of a battle with more than 50,000 casualties is annually restaged, provides an unlikely refuge from conflict. A dominant theme of the event is, of all things, togetherness. Theres no North or South here, says another Confederate Son, who refuses to give his name because hes worried Ill say hes a white supremacist. Everybody works together. This is hard to fathom, since yards away from us, armed reenactors in Northern and Southern uniforms are making a good show of hating each other. But this Confederate Son describes comity in Gettysburg, too. Were not enemies. Weve been talking about getting the two camps together to do stuff. Reenactors are even happy to switch sides, as Americans never seem to do in real life. A lot of reenactors have both uniforms, Bill told me. When you get to an event, you may have more Confederates. They say, Hey, we need some guys to go to the other camp. OK, well, let me put on a blue shirt and go over there. Several men also tell me theyre SOBs Sons of Both, with Union and Confederate forebears. Perhaps their forebears are brothers who fought on opposing sides, or perhaps two ancestors intermarried some time back there, and gave birth to bouncing SOBs. Ironically, adds yet another Confederate son, who had been told by the head of his group not to give his name, The Sons of Confederate Veterans do more funerals for Union soldiers than the Sons of the Union. Well, they had nothing to prove, says Bill. We do. Speaking of something to prove, I ask Bill and the other nameless Confederate sons, why do Confederate reenactors show up to lose at Gettysburg year after year? The mention of their loss doesnt irritate them; evidently, there are no Gettysburg deniers. At some local reenactments, Bill says, both sides are even given a chance to win. You win today, we win tomorrow, he says. A gracious arrangement participation trophies in Civil War battles though its hard to imagine its kosher for history buffs. A Union reenactor in a hoop skirt, Naomi Sutton, gives another cheer for unity here. With reenactors, you know what was sacrificed to mend the fences and bring things together. It gives you more empathy for both sides and what people go through on a daily basis. Cannons blast on the battlefield. Theres a bona fide rebel yell. A few reenactors start to reject my bid for conversation. But most people are affable. Maybe this is the psychological value of the reenactment: Its a way to relive war as play, and thus drain it of its agony. On this note, every reenactor I meet seems impatient for a new Lincoln. Perhaps perhaps the right matriarch or patriarch, a forgiving and even-handed one, could reconcile the family and restore the bonds of affection Lincoln called for. As some in Confederate uniforms or MAGA hats tell me to get lost, and warn others against me, I realize this might take a miracle. Matthew Dellinger, of the 14th Brooklyn Living History Association, believes the reenactment brings about its own reconciliation. Of the first reenactment, for the 50th anniversary of the battle, in 1913, he tells me, Theres footage of men with long beards, walking up to the high watermark of the Confederacy on the battlefield. And theyre on the battlefield and shaking hands, instead of charging the wall and being shot down. Its a stirring image. Indeed, its how Philip Myers, a cameramans assistant who was at the reenactment in 1913, described the staging of the Souths failed infantry assault in the famous Picketts Charge. As the Rebel yell broke out after a half century of silence, Myers wrote, the Yankees, unable to restrain themselves longer, burst from behind the stone wall, and flung themselves upon their former enemies Now they fell upon each other not in mortal combat, but reunited in brotherly love and affection. Its hard to imagine our divided American family ever falling upon each other in brotherly love. For now, we keep picking at the schisms weve made. Black reenactors are so few here that everyone seems to know them by name. White reenactors point them out often as well as dubious stats about Black slaveholders to banish the whiff of white nationalism from the proceedings. Its not banished. When I mention white nationalism to the Sons of the Confederacy, thats when they clam up for good. Were done, the leader says, and refuses like so many others I spoke to to give me his name. Everywhere I go at the reenactment I hear about ancestry. The bloodlines of the participants run the narrow gamut from German to English to Irish. Truly, all of them could be cousins. David and Daniel Siever, two brothers from Brooklyn, are Jews and in a tiny minority. They say they feel generally comfortable with war reenactors, who are mostly explicitly Christian, as long as they stick to neutral topics. Occasionally, at WWII events, theyll get uneasy when someone waxes too enthusiastic about his Third Reich memorabilia. In 1988, when Tony Horwitz published his masterpiece Confederates in the Attic about Civil War reenactors and American social divisions, many rebel participants used the n-word, grand-dragoned for the KKK and defended slavery. No one I meet defends or even equivocates about slavery, at least not in my hearing. In their comportment with journalists, anyway, the reenactors have changed since Confederates in the Attic. Off the bat, Bill, the most outgoing of the Confederate sons, says, Slavery is no good. He adds: As a Christian, I say no. Saying no to human bondage is a low moral bar. Still, its striking that slavery is no good is one of the first things men whose ancestors fought to preserve it want to tell me. We were ignorant of who Black people were, Bill goes on, defensively. I wish hed stop. That we stands out. We thought they were inferior. We thought that was their place in life. The Sons of Confederate Veterans now refuse to let Klansmen or members of any hate group into their club. I ask about Oathkeepers and Proud Boys. Any hate group, they reiterate. I wonder by whose definition, but dont ask. A gentle woman in period dress, Vanessa Anderson, is likewise careful to distinguish herself and her people from Klan types. We all understand that each side has a valid point, she says of modern Democrats and Republicans. Then she stops short: Well, maybe not all of them. We don't want to bring back slavery. I don't think anybody really wants that. Except the crazies. Dellinger turns out to be writing a book about the scene. He is not for Trump, but hes also not keen to rehash social media bickering on hallowed ground. Thats why he dodges talk of politics. The salient thing about the reenactors is they love history, right? he says. They love immersing themselves in it. And yes, people say we're in another civil war. But to draw those parallels it would just mess it all up. Like its messed up everything else. Like those Thanksgivings with the ranting uncles I say. Yes. Like it messed up Thanksgiving, he says. This is our Thanksgiving. Looking out at the convivial crowd in cool costumes, I get it. As Americans try to do at many family gatherings, were here to remember that seemingly intractable conflicts, even ones with terrible costs, can resolve. And resolve with actual civility: in surrender, truce, treaty, compromise, legislation. A lot of civil wars end in a physically divided country, with new lines, or in horrible genocide, Dellinger says. You lost, so were going to slit your throats. But the American Civil War ended with, Go home. Officers can keep your sidearms. Everyone else, turn in your rifles. Because the whole premise of the Union Army was, We are one country, they fought with a flag that had stars on it for every state in the Confederacy. What does Dellinger think about the idea that a family-conflict metaphor is at the heart of our own civil strife? There were literally brothers fighting brothers, he says, returning to the Civil War. There's two buried in Greenwood Cemetery. The Prentice brothers. To anyone whos ever been in a family standoff, the origins of the disputes are often opaque. The heatedness of the disputes is often in inverse proportion to the clarity of their content. Sometimes were all the Hatfields and McCoys. And on that point, lets see if you know: Which family was Union and which one Confederate? What was the Hatfield-McCoy conflict over? The idea of brother-fighting-brother contributes to a narrative of family reconciliation, but that serves most the Union narratives, Dellinger says. Lincoln, after all, was pragmatic. Lincoln knew, Dellinger tells me, that if he made the conflict about slavery, he wouldnt raise a sufficient army because white Northerners, even though their own states may have outlawed slavery, were not going to send their sons to fight to free enslaved Black people. So he made his speech about saving the Union, about how the bonds that bring us together are stronger than the things that tear us apart. He says, We are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. To my surprise, Matt then does draw a parallel with contemporary politics and he even praises the now-defeated Harris-Walz campaign. They werent saying America has two sides, or that its Trump or democracy. They were saying the strength of America comes from the union. This is the first Ive heard anything about either presidential campaign from the reenactors. But I recognize the longing for peace in almost everything I heard from them. I heard it from the Wellses who seem sad to be arguing, from the Alabaman who misses her best friend, even from the Sons of the Confederate Veterans who insisted, Were not enemies. Reconciliation in fractious America might be a long way off but the old longing to save the union is still there, and its still strong. Despite President-elect Donald Trumps promise to issue an executive order extending ByteDances chance to sell TikTok before a national ban, multiple Republican lawmakers seemed to relish in the apps shutdown. Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AK) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) hailed tech companies including Amazon, Apple, and Google for removing TikTok from their app stores and cloud systems on Saturday as the ban was set to take effect. They also dismissed a provision in the law that would allow for a 90-day extension if there was progress toward a sale. Cotton is the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, while Ricketts sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law, after all, risks ruinous bankruptcy for any company who violates it," they wrote in a joint statement. Now that the law has taken effect, theres no legal basis for any kind of extension of its effective date. For TikTok to come back online in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale that satisfies the laws qualified-divestiture requirements by severing all ties between TikTok and Communist China. Only then will Americans be protected from the grave threat posed to their privacy and security by a communist-controlled TikTok. TikTok went dark on Saturday night, hours before a law banning its continued operations while under a Chinese-based companys control took effect. In a notice to users, TikTok said it was fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us to bring the app back online. Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday he would issue an executive order on Monday delaying a potential ban. The comments came as House Speaker Mike Johnson promised on Sunday the country would enforce the law and said Trump would negotiate a true divestiture of the platform from China, where ByteDance is based. Johnson has been a longtime advocate for the banas had Trump and President Joe Biden, before their reversals. Its not the platform that members of Congress are concerned about, Johnson said on Meet the Press. Its the Chinese Communist Party and their manipulation of the algorithms. They have been flooding the minds of American children with terrible messages glorifying violence and antisemitism and even suicide and eating disorders, I mean, crazy kind of stuff, and theyre mining the data of American citizens. Its a very dangerous thing. President-elect Donald Trump will sign executive orders on Monday declaring an emergency at the southern border and ordering the start of mass deportations of immigrants in the U.S. illegally, two people familiar with the matter said. That will be just part of an unprecedented flurry of actions by Trump on his first day in office, ranging from expanding energy production to reining in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. There are plans for Trump to sign executive orders throughout the day, including in the Capitol Rotunda, where he will be sworn in; at a watch party inside Capital One Arena; and eventually at the White House, according to one person familiar with the plans. They cautioned, though, that the plans are still highly fluid and have been changing in the past 24 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump will issue a slew of immigration-related orders as he looks to make good on his signature campaign promise to crack down on illegal immigration. The national emergency declaration will allow him to unlock additional authorities and resources from the Defense Department to follow through on his promise to secure the border and launch his mass deportation plan. He will direct agencies to begin the process of restoring "Remain in Mexico," a policy from his first term that required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their cases to be processed, according to a person familiar with what top Trump adviser Stephen Miller told GOP lawmakers on Sunday, granted anonymity to discuss the plans. Trump will also go beyond President Joe Bidens June border crackdown, using 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to further restrict asylum, the person said. He will also move to designate a series of drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Aides to Trump briefed Republican leaders Sunday on the executive orders Trump plans to unleash which also include a 35-page energy omnibus geared toward unlocking energy pipelines and expanding the areas open to drilling in the National Arctic Wildlife Refuge, according to two people familiar with the discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will address permitting, coal, and natural gas policies, and order a stop to the Biden administration's investments in renewable energy. The officials also discussed the process for removing insubordinate employees and the legal and constitutional guardrails that may prevent Trump from firing employees who dont follow orders. They also spoke about Trump planning actions to reverse Bidens diversity, equity and inclusion orders across the federal government. The Trump team has focused on several moves to reverse Bidens rules allowing remote work among the federal workforce following the Covid-19 pandemic. Trumps staff had already begun circulating copies of early executive orders with agency chiefs, according to people familiar with the discussions, granted anonymity to share the information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers are also anticipating the details of Trumps plans to save TikTok from a federal ban set to take effect at midnight on Sunday. Tiktok had voluntarily shut down its services in anticipation of the deadline but then brought them back online following a Sunday TruthSocial post where Trump vowed to save TikTok. Leading up to the inauguration, Trumps transition team has been contemplating a wide swath of Day One executive orders though senior aides continued to debate the language and several key aspects of the policies in the days leading up to the inauguration. Beyond the details that emerged Sunday, Trumps first actions potentially include slapping 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and declaring the U.S. trade deficit a national emergency. Trump has also pledged to pardon a still-unknown number of the 1,600 people charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, possibly within the first nine minutes of his administration. Aides have vacillated between raising expectations for blanket pardons or more limited pardons that would cover only nonviolent offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller, at a rally on Sunday, emphasized the sweeping crackdown on immigration that's in store. "And what is that going to look like come Monday afternoon? Its going to mean an executive order ending the border invasion, sending the illegals home and taking America back," Miller said. "It's going to mean the eradication of the criminal cartels and the foreign gangs who are preying [on] our people. And it's going to mean justice for every American citizen who has lost a loved one to illegal aliens. Mayah Ward and Sophia Cai contributed to this story. AUSTIN (Nexstar) A contentious vote Tuesday ended a months-long battle that divided Texas lawmakers. Lubbock Republican State Rep. Dustin Burrows won the vote for House Speaker. But some of his opponents believe the fight is not over. Burrows shared a message of unity in his acceptance speech after facing pressure from his own party to step down from the race. Recent days have tested our bonds, yet theyve also proven that this institution is greater than any one individual or faction, Burrows said to his House colleagues on the dais. He went on to say members will need to work together to pass property tax cuts, public education funding, and water infrastructure fixes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, we have to work together, because of whom we represent. We work for the people, Burrows said in his speech. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Texas Republican Party Chair Abraham George were vocal on social media that House Republicans should vote for the House GOP Caucus nominee, Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield. Cook won the nomination during a closed-door meeting of the caucus on Dec. 7. On the same day, Burrows declared victory after he and other Republican members walked out of the meeting. Burrows ended up winning the Speaker race after getting 85 votes to Cooks 55. Burrows only needed 36 votes from his own party and was able to secure the win by getting a majority of votes from the Democratic House members. Patrick said in a statement, I am proud of the Republicans who stood together and voted for Rep. Cook, the House Republican Caucus nominee. Republican voters expected the new speaker to be elected by Republicans, not Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George, the Texas Republican Party Chairman, said it is not the result the party was hoping for, but they hope Burrows will work to pass conservative legislation and fulfill the partys top priorities. However, George did say he would not be surprised if some of the county Republican parties decide to censure members who voted for Burrows. I believe we need to hold them accountable personally, and I also believe the party will do that, George said. There had always been a threat of censure in the lead-up to the vote. The Republican party of Texas had actually run attack ads in Burrows district, and Attorney General Paxton and George did a two-day, four-city tour to talk about the Speaker race in districts of Republicans who had not come out in support of Cook. The Texas GOP website also ran a banner at the top of its page that is linked to a list of House Republicans who were not in support of Cook. The rules of the party say a member can be censured if they violate Republican principles at least three times in a two-year span. If a member is penalized by a county party, then the State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) will review the censure and recommend penalties to George. One of those penalties would remove the member from the ballot and not allow them to run as a Republican in the next cycle, George said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But is that legal? Can a political party decide to not allow someone to run as a Republican or Democrat in a primary election? It is a question that became more prevalent as the Speaker race started heating up with threats of censuring members. David Luther is the president of the Texas Republican County Chairmens Association and it is his job to provide education and training to County Party chairs across the state. As soon as someone becomes a chair of the County Party they automatically become a member of the association, Luther explained. He said he knew the legality of the party rules could possibly come up depending on how the Speaker race ended. He reached out to a Texas law firm, Scanes, Yelverton, and Talbert, to ask them about the legality of removing someone from the ballot. Luther said the law firm had already been studying case law on the subject and was able to send him a memo of its findings and analysis. The front page of the memo says, The Texas Election Code does not permit political parties to restrict ballot access with additional obligations like Rule 44(e); instead, a party chair has a mandatory duty to accept and certify ballot applications complying with the Election Code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo went on to say, to insist that the partys own procedures must prevail over election law, the party would have to argue that the Texas Election Codes provision violates the partys First Amendment freedom of association rights. Such a challenge is unlikely to succeed. Under existing law, the better answer is that Rule 44(e) cannot override Texas election law. Luther took the memo and posted it to his X account and shared it with the county chairs in case they had questions about the legality of party rules. George said he expects there to be a legal battle if the party decides to impose that sort of penalty. The SREC is expected to meet sometime in the next two weeks, but George said there is no resolution on the table currently to censure anyone. Were going to keep our word. If that means spending millions of dollars in court, were going to do that, George said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last member to be censured was former Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont. The censure resolution against Phelan listed five actions as grounds for censure. Part of the reasons listed included the impeachment of Paxton and the appointment of House Democratic members to chair committees. One of the penalties listed in Phelans censure resolution said Phelan is discouraged from participating in the 2024 Republican primary. Phelan did participate and won a close run-off election. Battle for school funding to continue at the Capitol 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Governor Greg Abbott put a spotlight on ESAs as he addressed lawmakers in the Texas Senate on the first day of the legislative session. He told Senators that improving opportunities for Texans should be a guidepost for their work in the session, adding that ESAs are essential to achieving that goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can testify for a fact to the urgent pleas of 1000s of Texans to please use your voice and use your vote this session to expand the opportunity for every parent to choose the school thats best for their child, Abbott said. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 in December, that lawmakers 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. What do Texans want from lawmakers? Poll provides insight Before the legislative session got underway, the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin asked voters what they think should be top priority for lawmakers this go around. Answers from that poll could influence aspects of the session. James Henson, the executive director of the Texas Politics Project noted that the top responses in the poll matched pre-election public opinion polls. The top two responses, very familiar, immigration and border security, Henson said, noting that 22% of the people polled cited those issues as their top concerns. The economy/prices came out second in the poll, with 16% saying that should be the top priority at the legislature. I think the thing to really notice about that is how much continuity there is between what we saw in the election that we in November, and what were seeing going into the session. The poll questioned 1200 registered voters. This poll was in the field between December 9 through December 17. The idea here was to check in with voters at a little distance after the election, but before the coverage of the session really kicked in, Henson said. The poll, by charting public opinion, could have the potential to affect what lawmakers prioritize in the coming weeks. I think on one hand, we know that elected officials look at polling a lot, Henson said. Lawmakers are like a lot of the rest of people. They kind of pick and choose what they notice and what they dont, what they put stock in, what they dont. I think what is likely to be the thing thats most noticed is going to be the degree to which the economy and prices are still dominating how people are thinking about policy, whether its the national level or the state level, Henson added. That concern about the economy and prices is going to be the prism through which a lot of voters look at what the legislature does or does not do. New lawmakers make history, push priorities as session begins The first day of the legislative session brought a lot of new faces to the Capitol. According to the Legislative Reference Library, there are 34 new lawmakers this session, 31 in the House and three in the Senate. We spoke to two of the new lawmakers, one Senator and one Representative, to get insight into what led them to the Capitol, and how they hope to make a difference this session. Amarillo Representative Caroline Fairly made a bit of history on opening day. At 26 years old, she is the youngest Republican ever elected to the Texas House. I believe conservatives in my generation, we have to step up for the future of Texas, for the future of our kids and the next generation, Fairly said in an interview after Tuesdays swearing in ceremony. Fairly filed her first bill in early December. The legislation aims to limit cell phone use for students in classrooms. We care about our kids focusing on math, science, reading, Fairly said. The focus on that is protecting kids from seeing things on their phones that they shouldnt be exposed to at school, and bringing them back to understand to understanding the basics of education. Fairly won her election with support from conservatives like Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Ronny Jackson. Her father, Alex Fairly, is known for donating millions of dollars to conservative candidates. Hours before she took the oath of office, Fairly announced she would support Dustin Burrows for Speaker, after previously backing David Cook. Speaker Burrows, he is from the Lubbock area, and so I know that him coming into this position, it will help our area, the Panhandle, have more leverage and influence in the Texas House, Fairly said. I fundamentally believe he will lead the House in conservative ways, Fairly added. Senator Molly Cook is a first-term Democrat in a chamber dominated by Republicans. Cook, an ER nurse in Houston, said while it will be difficult to pass legislation, its important to have a voice like hers in the debate. Whether or not you get to put your name on a bill and pass something huge, but you do have a life saving impact on the policies that do get passed, and its important, especially as a nurse, to be in the room for those conversations, Cook said. I tell people that Im really taking my practice from the bedside to the Capitol, Cook explained. So instead of one patient at a time, I have 950,000 patients at a time, or 28 million patients at a time. This will be Cooks first session. But she took office last spring, after a special election to fill the seat previously held by John Whitmire, who left the Senate to become mayor of Houston. Cook had her swearing-in ceremony on May 16, the same day a derecho hit Houston, causing widespread damage. My swearing-in ceremony was in the path of the tornado, Cook said. Cooks experience as a nurse in the aftermath of that storm, and Hurricane Beryl last summer, shaped her decision to file a bill to study whether to bury power lines in parts of Texas. After knocking on doors to check on seniors when the power went out after both the derecho and Hurricane Beryl, I clocked in at the ER and I saw those same patients and their struggles to breathe, to stay warm or to stay cool, get the food and medicine that they needed, Cook said. So Im very excited to say were going to find out what we need to figure out if we can bury the power lines and keep the power on. Cook also made history as the first out LGBTQ+ member of the State Senate. She knows that some people may be looking for her to be a voice for that community. It is such a incredible honor. And I always start by showing gratitude to then Senator Barbara Jordan, who, of course, was gay and couldnt be out because the times were not what they are now, Cook said. And its no secret that the last legislative session was filled with vicious attacks on our community, and Im very proud to get to symbolize the resiliency of that community, Cook added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton issued a stern warning for companies working with TikTok, shortly after breaking with president-elect Donald Trump on the embattled platforms shutdown. Any company that hosts, distributes, services, or otherwise facilitates communist-controlled TikTok could face hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability under the law, Cotton said on Sunday in response to a TikTok statement. Any company that hosts, distributes, services, or otherwise facilitates communist-controlled TikTok could face hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability under the law, not just from DOJ, but also under securities law, shareholder lawsuits, and state AGs. Think about https://t.co/XamZ1qAk2K Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) January 19, 2025 The social media giant thanked its service providers for restoring service, throwing in a shoutout to 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cotton, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned that companies serving TikTok could be held liable not just by the Department of Justice but also by state attorneys general and shareholders. Think about it, he said. TikTok went dark for less than a day in the U.S. after the Supreme Court upheld a ban on the app over national security concerns. The platform is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, which has moved its operations to Singapore. Cotton and Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, earlier released a joint statement urging companies to halt operations with TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For TikTok to come back online in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale that satisfies the laws qualified-divestiture requirements by severing all ties between TikTok and Communist China, Ricketts said. TikTok thanked Trump for helping the company restore access to American users on Sunday, but many were quick to slam the move as a stunt to make Trump look good. Were a little more than 24 hours away from Donald Trump taking the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. The new congress was sworn in with narrow Republican majorities in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Trump will need those majorities to adopt his aggressive agenda. He doesnt have votes to spare in the house with 219 Republicans and 215 Democrats with one vacant seat, or overcome a filibuster where Republicans enjoy a 53 to 45 advantage with two Independents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress already started taking up some of that agenda regarding Donald Trumps immigration policy. One piece of legislation would require federal authorities to detain unauthorized immigrants accused of crimes like theft and shoplifting. Another would make it easier to deports migrants in the country illegally if they are accused or convicted of crimes like domestic violence, child abuse or sexual assault. It will be a new day in Washington DC when Donald Trump is inaugurated as president for the second time. Republicans are eager to push his agenda. One of those is Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood. He joins host Jim Niedelman for a conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a very small majority, but theres a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm on President Trump being inaugurated, of course, tomorrow, LaHood said. To hear more, click on the video. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Jan. 19SANTA FE Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently stopped to talk to people hanging out and camping in and around De Vargas Park in New Mexico's capital city just a short walk from the historic plaza and high-end jewelry shops. According to her, she saw drug paraphernalia, alcohol and an individual with a visible gunshot wound, but not much desire for treatment. "I can't get them to accept help, not one person," she recalled during an interview in the Governor's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The experience, she said, is not uncommon and underscores the challenges posed by scarce affordable housing, easy access to drugs and a stretched-thin behavioral health system. As she readies for her final 60-day legislative session as New Mexico's top executive, Lujan Grisham is going all-in on public safety issues. The governor, who tangled with Democratic legislative leaders last year over crime and homelessness, is not backing away from a new showdown as she enters the homestretch of her tenure as governor. She has held a series of crime-focused town hall meetings across the state and urged New Mexicans to contact legislators to express their support for her package of bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm going to keep fighting for the things that I believe make New Mexico families safer," Lujan Grisham told the Journal. "If a governor gets intimidated or just feels like 'I can't win a vote, so I'm not going to do it' and gives up, then maybe it's time for you to think about a different job," she added. With the session set to begin Tuesday, Lujan Grisham said her administration currently has 27 bills dealing with crime-related issues ready to be filed. That number could increase to 30 or 35 bills in the coming weeks, she added. In all, the governor said she expects there could be as many as 150 public safety bills filed before the session ends on March 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading legislators say they have been in talks with the Governor's Office and share her concerns at least to a point. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, said crime and public safety issues are "on the minds of all New Mexicans." He said lawmakers plan to push an expedited package of bills dealing with criminal competency and expanded mental health and drug abuse treatment programs during the session's first 30 days. "These are complex, really tricky constitutional issues," Wirth said. "You can't pass laws if the infrastructure is not there to get the people the help they need." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said some of the governor's proposals are "non-starters" in the Legislature, a list that could include a plan to make it easier to hold defendants charged with certain violent crimes behind bars until trial. Previous pre-trial detention bills have stalled at the Roundhouse amid concerns about whether they violate defendants' constitutional rights. But Lujan Grisham said public sentiment is behind her push for a "course correction" to the state's approach to crime and public safety. The governor said she has personally been chased and threatened and regularly sees theft occurring while she's shopping, sometimes prompting members of her security detail to intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said she has a family member addicted to fentanyl who has refused help, and a daughter-in-law was injured in a random violent attack and cannot go back to work. "If you're not going to get sober and get treatment, you can't commit crimes," she said. A crime focus at the Roundhouse This year's focus on public safety bills comes after a special session last July in which the Democratic-controlled Legislature adjourned without debating most of the governor's crime-related agenda. Her bills that did get filed were sponsored by Republicans, who say Democrats are now championing ideas they've supported for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also comes as at least 20 New Mexico cities saw a rise in violent crime from 2020 to 2022, with Bernalillo County's violent crime rate roughly three times higher than the national average. In addition, Lujan Grisham said some businesses are struggling to keep their insurance policies in place due to repeat vandalism. The governor insisted her concerns about crime are not new but said the issue has reached crisis levels. At least in part, Lujan Grisham blames that on a resistance from advocacy groups and Democratic legislators to most proposals dealing with stiffer criminal penalties. "We've been so entrenched as a state that it's the wrong reaction to be punitive," the governor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We stopped doing course corrections it had to be all of one and none of the other," she added, referring to the friction between advocates for stiffer criminal penalties and those pushing for expanded treatment and other preventive measures. "We just keep fighting on these two extreme measures," she said. "It's both. You must always do both." Lujan Grisham said she would not veto any bills that provide more resources for treatment programs but said ongoing participation in voluntary treatment programs is often anemic. During this year's session, she said she will once again push bills dealing with criminal competency and involuntary commitment for repeat criminal offenders who decline treatment for mental health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor said some changes have been made to the bills after last summer's special session, in an attempt to address concerns and make them more streamlined. Lujan Grisham said she also plans to ask lawmakers to pass two bills dealing with firearms a proposed ban on so-called "ghost" guns, or homemade firearms, and a limitation on the number of rounds that large-capacity ammunition-feeding devices are permitted to carry. She also intends to support legislation dealing with increased penalties for felons in possession of a firearm, saying those weapons often end up in the hands of juveniles. A relationship on the rocks? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her first six years as governor, Lujan Grisham's top agenda items generally got a warm reception with lawmakers, with a few notable exceptions. Overall, she described her relationship with the Legislature as a "pretty effective partnership" that has been less contentious than the executive-legislative divides in many other states. "There should be some natural tension and I'm alright with that," said Lujan Grisham. But Lujan Grisham also acknowledges that New Mexico's most recent governors Democrat Bill Richardson and Republicans Gary Johnson and Susana Martinez all ended their second terms at odds with the Legislature. Lujan Grisham said Martinez, who preceded her in office, was "not wrong" on crime issues, though she said Martinez could have done more on behavioral health and treatment programs. "They did not give her any attention on the criminal justice side," the current governor said. However, just as Martinez faced resistance in passing tough-on-crime laws, Lujan Grisham has also faced pushback in her attempts to enact more punitive policies. A coalition of more than 10 advocacy groups recently launched a billboard campaign opposing the governor's push and calling for increased investments in health care, education and housing programs. "While our communities want immediate solutions, we need reforms that actually work not policies that threaten the rights and dignity of New Mexicans while doing nothing to make us safer," said Daniel Williams, policy advocate for the American Civil Liberties Union in New Mexico. For his part, Wirth said a "reset" was needed after last year's special session. But he predicted the governor and lawmakers could find common ground as they pursue changes to the state's system for determining criminal competency. "There's too much important work to be done for us not to get to a good place at the end of the day," he said. With the start of the session nearing, Lujan Grisham said she's not deterred despite the resistance to some of her crime-related agenda. She said she believes Santa Fe is currently at a key juncture in its struggle to address housing, crime and drug use, while Albuquerque is "going to take years" to fix. "I'm hearing legislators say out loud both parties that it's a crisis," said Lujan Grisham. "I feel very confident we're going to get a pretty robust response," she added. RICHMOND, Va. (WJHL) Gov. Youngkin has released a statement condemning President Biden for granting clemency to two men who are in prison for drug charges in connection to the 1998 death of a Sussex County officer who was originally from Big Stone Gap. Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson were convicted through a plea dealand later acquittedfor the murder of Officer Allen Gibson. In 1998, in Waverly, Virginia, Officer Gibson was shot with his own service weapon in the woods behind an apartment complex. Gibson was born and raised in Big Stone Gap, according to Youngkins office. Claiborne and Richardson were named suspects and arrested for murder soon after Gibsons death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not Guilty, Sentenced to Life: Waverly Two gets to go home after decades as Biden grants clemency Although being acquitted by a federal jury of murder and firearms charges and maintaining their innocence, the pair are still serving a life sentence for a remaining drug trafficking charge. On Friday, President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals. Among them were Claiborne and Richardson. A news release from Gov. Youngkins office said that under the current terms, Claiborne and Richardson are scheduled to be released from a federal prison in July. A statement from Gov. Youngkin on Saturday can be found below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am beyond outraged and in utter disbelief that President Biden would announce clemency for Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardsontwo men who admitted for being responsible to brutally killing Officer Allen Gibson, a hero and dedicated servant to our community. What makes this even more unconscionable is the Biden U.S Attorney advised the White House not to commute these sentences as they are violent offenders. The pain and sorrow this clemency causes the Gibson family is unimaginable. To know that the men who took Officer Gibsons life will walk free is not just a grave injusticeit is a heartbreaking blow to those who continue to mourn his sacrifice. This is despicable; a grim day for justice and for the families who trust that our system will hold the guilty accountable. Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares released a statement as well on Saturday that included words from Gibsons daughter, Crissana, alongside his own. In her statement, Crissana expressed her anger regarding Bidens decision and criticized the Democratic Party for what she views as an abuse of the justice system. I am absolutely outraged by what has happened. My heart is shattered knowing that the men that killed my father are going to be released from prison and can walk the streets freely. This is a huge miscarriage of justice, and I am completely disgusted by the outgoing administration. The Virginia Attorney Generals office has worked tirelessly to keep these murderers behind bars, and I am forever grateful for their dedication and hard work. I am so disappointed that the disgraceful Biden administration has failed my family, my father, and the entire law enforcement community. Neither my family nor I have ever supported the release of Richardson or Claiborne, and we denounce this decision by the outgoing failed presidency of Joe Biden and the Democratic Partys abuse of the justice system. Officer Gibsons daughter, Crissana Gibson Miyares agreed with Crissana and said his office would work tirelessly until Gibsons family receives justice and Richardson and Claiborne are held responsible for Gibsons death. Yesterday, Joe Biden woke up and decided that these two violent criminals deserve clemency, said Miyares in his statement. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richardsons attorney, Jarrett Adams, told News Channel 11 on Saturday that he believes Gov. Youngkin and Miyares are using Crissana as a political pawn. 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, Adams said in an email statement to News Channel 11. The release from Gov. Youngkin added that during Barack Obamas terms, the former president declined to grant clemency to the two men. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. WASHINGTON D.C. (WTWO/WAWV) Indianas newly elected governor will be in attendance at President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday. Despite the temperatures moving the ceremony inside, Governor Mike Braun says the message will still be the same. The immensity of a crowd outside, yes, more people can participate, but I think back in Reagans second term, youre at the mercy of the weather, Braun said. I think it was the right decision. Im just looking for, again, that being the culmination of a hard campaign and the acknowledgment that half the country plus a decent amount, wants something completely different from what weve had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serving in the senate since 2019, Braun has been involved in many national issues, but he says he had little luck with the national administration. With a new one coming in, he hopes that will change. Im looking forward to really taking Indiana into new horizons and work between here, and there back home, to do things where both federal government and state government have to work together, Braun said. Braun believes when Trump is sworn in, he will start the change from the top. So much has got to change. I think thats why the American public is hopeful that Trump will at least start the process, Braun said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can watch President-elect Trumps inauguration tomorrow, at noon eastern time, right here on WTWO. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Officials with the Green River Area Development District will conduct a feasibility study to add a connection to I-165 to southern Daviess County. The connection, Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen said Friday, is needed for public safety namely, to provide better fire and rescue response to wrecks in the southern portion of the county along the roadway. I-165 is the former William H. Natcher Parkway. Currently, the only interchange between U.S. 60 in Daviess County and Ohio County is the interchange to Kentucky 69 near Hartford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A public notice was posted Friday. Joanna Shake, GRADDs executive director, said the county Metropolitan Planning Organization will amend its transportation improvement plan to include the feasibility study. The public notice is required to give the public time to comment on amending the plan to include the study. Castlen said the MPO board recommended the feasibility study. I view it as much needed, Castlen said Friday. Where they (the state) will place it, I dont know, but I view it as much needed from a safety standpoint. Castlen said the Masonville Volunteer Fire Department responds to vehicle collisions along the highway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When there is an accident, the department has to drive north on U.S. 231 to U.S. 60 and then drive south on I-165 to reach the accident. A lot of times theyll drive past the accident to get to the bypass, Castlen said. Wrecks along I-165 that would prompt Masonville emergency crews to respond are pretty common, Castlen said. In his time with county government as a county commissioner and judge-executive, We have had a number of serious accidents on that stretch of road, Castlen said, adding sometimes, you may have a serious injury, and the minutes matter. An interchange would also help other motorists if there is an accident, giving them a place to turn off the interstate spur without having to turn around to drive back to U.S. 60, or for northbound traffic, to drive back to Ohio County to find another route, Castlen said. Castlen said of the proposal, it was one I made very clear to the (MPO) group that I fully supported from a safety standpoint. Delhi Police has nabbed a liquor supplier for smuggling and transporting illicit liquor across the Haryana-Delhi border ahead of Republic Day and the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The incident occurred at around 7.15 am on Sunday. The Anti-Narcotics team of the South-West District apprehended one supplier and seized one van along with a consignment of illicit liquor, including Desi and English whiskey. The accused has been identified as Sagar @Monti, a resident of Ratiram Bag, Village Palam, New Delhi. He was caught while attempting to smuggle a large consignment of illicit liquor into Delhi from Haryana while one of the main accused Amit Palamia has escaped from the spot. The action was taken after the police received the secret information that a notorious liquor supplier, Amit Palamia is attempting to transport illicit liquor into Delhi. Acting on the information, the police laid a trap near the Green Orchid Farm on the Dwarka Expressway, where they intercepted a van. According to the police, both the vehicles belong to Amit Palamia. The team signalled the van to stop, but the driver recklessly continued, colliding with the police vehicle and breaking through the trap/naka, speeding towards Dwarka. The team chased and instructed him to stop again, but he did not comply. Another vehicle also followed the van during the chase. When the team tried to stop the van, the driver deliberately rammed it and tried to challenge police. Despite this, the team managed to control the van. Meanwhile, UP-registered black vehicle approached from behind, ignored signals to stop, hit the police vehicle, and fled the scene. During the search of the van, a large number of illicit liquor cartons were found in the rear of the van. The van contained various brands of illicit liquor labelled "For Sale in Haryana Only." This included 50 cartons of Fresh Motta Orange Masaledar (each containing 50 quarters of 180 ml), and 10 cartons of English Whisky, with 48 quarters of 180 ml of Double Blue Deluxe Branded Whisky, also labelled "For Sale in Haryana Only." Upon interrogation, he disclosed that the liquor was purchased from shops in Haryana and was being supplied to local bootleggers in different parts of Delhi for resale to earn substantial profits. He allegedly worked for Amit Palamia and had received instructions from him to supply it to various parts of Delhi. Accordingly, a case was registered under various sections of the Delhi Excise Act at Kapashera police station and the illicit liquor was taken into police custody through a seizure memo. The van used by the accused for transporting the liquor was also seized in the case. Further efforts are being made to nab the driver of the black vehicle. (ANI) Update (1:00 p.m. Sunday) Christopher Lewallen has been safely located, according to the Greenville County Sheriffs Office. ________________________ GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) Greenville County deputies are searching for a missing man who is in need of immediate medical attention. Christopher Lewallen, 38, was last seen near Odom Circle in Greenville around 6:00 p.m. Saturday, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewallen is described as a white male who weighs approximately 220 lbs. and stands 510 tall. He has brown hair and hazel eyes. Deputies said the man was last seen wearing a black tank top and pajama pants. He is believed to have left the area on foot. Anyone who sees Lewallen or knows his whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately. Christopher Lewallen (Courtesy: Greenville 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. An environmental group dropped a lawsuit that aimed to interrupt federal funding for Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant when it realized it wouldnt succeed in shutting down the plant. Friends of the Earth sued the U.S. Department of Energy in April for awarding $1.1 billion in federal funding to PG&E to keep operating the nuclear power plant. PG&E will use the grant to repay a state loan authorized by Senate Bill 846 that covered some of the cost of operating the power plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal of the lawsuit was to derail the grant, impede Diablo Canyons ability to continue operating and offer temporary or permanent relief from the dangerous, outdated facility, a Friends of the Earth news release said. However, Friends of the Earth ultimately decided to withdrew the lawsuit when it learned that the state would forgive the loan if PG&E spent or committed the funds meaning the nuclear power plant could afford to continue operating with or without the federal grant, the news release said. Why did Friends of the Earth sue? The $1.1 billion grant was awarded through the U.S. Civil Nuclear Credit Program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund nuclear reactors slated to close for economic reasons. The U.S. Department of Energy finalized the funding plan in January 2024, according to a news release from the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PG&E will receive the funding in installments to support the power plants operating costs from 2023 to 2026, the agency said. The grant will be used to repay a state loan that supports the nuclear power plants continued operations. The amount of each payment will be decided by the actual costs of operating the plant for each time period. PG&E was scheduled to get its first payment in 2025 based on the cost of operating the plant in 2023 and 2024, the release said. According to Friends of the Earth, the U.S. Department of Energys environmental impact review that accompanied the grant included outdated analysis from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission which the group said violates the National Environmental Policy Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PG&E, however, told The Tribune in April that the Department of Energy followed federal policy throughout the process. The environmental impacts of operation at Diablo Canyon are well understood and have been documented extensively over the course of the plants operation, Hosn said in a statement in April. Because an award under the Department of Energys Civil Nuclear Credit Program does not change the existing operating configuration of Diablo Canyon or result in significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns, the Department of Energy properly relied on prior analyses to support its decision. Friends of the Earth withdrew the lawsuit when it learned that PG&E is not required to repay the state loan so the plant would continue to operate even if the group lost the lawsuit, and as a result, the federal grant. Even though Friends of the Earth dropped the lawsuit, the organization stood by its claim that the U.S. Department of Energy did not conduct appropriate environmental review. The Department of Energy has almost certainly violated federal law, yet circumvented meaningful judicial review due to a technicality, Friends of the Earth legal director Hallie Templeton said in a news release. BAZETTA, Ohio (WKBN) On Sunday, members of the Trumbull County Republican Womens Club headed to Washington, D.C. for Mondays inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Around 6 a.m., 53 people boarded a charter bus, excited to go to the nations capital. The group includes over a dozen members of the club, along with their friends and family. Their trip started in the parking lot of the Bazetta Walmart, where everyone met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group also went to Trumps first inauguration in 2017. However, with this years event now being held inside, their plans have had to change a bit. Were going on the bus, and weve already been told to be ready at 4:00 in the morning, and a bus will be taking us to a parking lot where were going to be catching the metro and then were going to go head right over to the Capital One arena, and I know it only holds, like, 20,000 people. We are hoping that we are part of that 20,000, Judie Shortreed said. While theyre a little disappointed by this change of plan, Carol Jochman says sharing the excitement with others makes the trip worthwhile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just the camaraderie of being there, and its really fun because youre going to meet people from all over this country there and they have the same mindset as you, she said. Its more like a party or tailgate party, and its one big family and were going to have a great time, and thats what Im looking for. Even with the inauguration inside, the club will still have to brave the cold in D.C., waiting in line outside of the Capital One Arena. They joked that they may be walking like penguins. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Police in Grand Rapids say a 3-year-old was taken to the hospital Saturday after apparently shooting and injuring themself accidentally. It happened just after 12 p.m. on the 700 block of Sinclair Avenue, near Bradford Street NE, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department. Preliminary investigation indicates this was an accidentally self-inflicted injury, police wrote in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child is being treated for injuries that are serious but are not considered life-threatening, according to GRPD. Police say a safe storage investigation is underway, and the owner of the gun is cooperating. If you know anything, youre asked to contact GRPD at 616.456.3380 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345. Michigans safe storage law took effect in early 2024, requiring gun owners to keep firearms in a locked storage box or container when it is reasonably known that a minor is or is likely to be present on the premises. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force hosted a student educational day event today. Families were treated to hands-on activities with a focus on SPACE Exploration. This event is all about how technology, innovation and inventions from WWII to the present led the United States to outer space travel, says Heather Thies, the museums Director of Education and Volunteers. Todays event is a way for kids of all ages to come in and experience the museum in a new and exciting way. Leeann Norris, a parent who brought her daughter Lily to the museum says, This is a fantastic program. Anything to do with space or planes, she is very interested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museums next H+STEM Day is scheduled for March 1, 2025. WSAVs Eden Hodges will have more on this event tonight on News 3 at 6. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. More than 15 months after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza, a ceasefire agreement came into effect, leading to the release of some hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. On Thursday 20 February, Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages who were taken alive during the 7 October attacks. It is the first time the group has returned dead captives since the ceasefire began in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bodies were those of Shiri Bibas, 33, her two children, Ariel, 5, and Kfir, 2, and Oded Lifschitz, 84, a veteran peace activist. Forensic testing showed the fourth body that Hamas claimed was Shiri Bibas was an unknown woman from Gaza. Shiri's body was later identified and released to the Red Cross on 21 February. A couple of days later, Hamas released six hostages alive - four of whom were kidnapped during the 2023 attack as well as two men who had been held captive in Gaza for more than a decade. During the first six-week phase of a three-stage ceasefire, a total of 33 hostages should be freed in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talks on progressing to the next phase of the deal - under which the remaining hostages would be released and the war would end permanently - have not yet begun. These are the stories of those hostages who are still being held, which have either been confirmed by the BBC or credibly reported. This list is updated and names may change, as some people feared kidnapped are confirmed to have been killed or released. Last updated on 22 February 2025. [BBC] Ariel Cunio, 27, was abducted in the same attack on Nir Oz. Eitan Cunio, Ariel's brother who escaped Hamas, told the Jewish Chronicle that his last message from Ariel said: "We are in a horror movie." His partner Arbel Yehud, 29, was freed on 30 January 2025 under the ceasefire agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Cunio, 34, another of Ariel's brothers, was also kidnapped from Nir Oz. David's wife Sharon Aloni Cunio and their three-year-old twin daughters Ema and Yuly were released in November 2023. Sharon's sister Daniele Aloni, and her six-year-old daughter Emilia were both released the same month. Twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, 27, were taken from Kfar Aza. Ziv was messaging a friend as the attack happened. Their family say the IDF has told them the brothers are being held in Gaza. IDF soldier Matan Angrest, 21, was on duty on 7 October and is presumed to be in Gaza. Edan Alexander, 20, is an Israeli-US citizen who volunteered to join the Israeli army. He was serving near the Gaza border at the time of Hamas's attack. Edan's family said they had been told by Israeli officials that he had been taken to Gaza as a hostage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matan Zanguaker, 24, was taken with his partner Ilana Gritzewsky, 31, from Nir Oz. Ilana, a Mexican national, was released on 30 November 2023. Eitan Horn, 38, an Argentinian citizen, was taken with his brother Yair, 46, from Nir Oz at the time of the attack. Eitan works in education and remains in Gaza while Yair was released on 15 February. Bipin Joshi, 23, a Nepalese agriculture student, is believed to have been taken from Kibbutz Alumim. The Joshi family say they received confirmation from Israeli intelligence that his phone had been located in Gaza. Itzik Elgarat, 69, was kidnapped from Nir Oz, and reportedly shot in the hand during the attack. His phone was traced to Gaza after the attack. Israel said Itzik was on the list of 33 hostages to be released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nimrod Cohen, 20, was taken from Nahal Oz. After he was kidnapped, his father was invited to meet Pope Francis in Rome along with other hostages' families. Tsachi Idan, 50, was taken away by Hamas gunmen from his home in Nahal Oz. His eldest child, Maayan - who had just turned 18 - was shot dead in the attack. In August, Tsachi's wife, Gali, told US TV that the last she had heard of her husband was a report from released hostages in November 2023. Tsachi is on the list of 33 hostages to be freed during the first phase of the deal. Omri Miran, 47, was abducted from Nahal Oz. His wife, Lishay, said she last saw him being driven away in his own car. She and their two small daughters were not taken with him. Ohad Yahalomi, 50, was abducted from Nir Oz, along with his 12-year-old son, Eitan, who was released during the November ceasefire. Ohad was also named on the list of 33 hostages who should be freed. [BBC] A number of people were abducted from the Supernova music festival in southern Israel. Among them: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yosef Ohana, 24, had been at the festival with a friend, who told his mother he and Yosef had remained to help people escape the gunfire before running themselves. Several weeks after the attack, Yosef's mother was told by the Israeli army that he was a captive in Gaza. Avinatan Or, 31, was kidnapped along with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani. She was rescued from central Gaza in June, and revealed that they had been separated during the abduction. Guy Gilboa-Dalal was filmed in captivity in Gaza, his family say [Family handout] Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 23, attended the festival with his brother. In June, an unnamed released hostage was reported as saying they had been held in a room with Guy after their capture. Eitan Mor, 24, was working as a security guard at the festival. In June, his father told Israeli radio that "the last sign of life" his family had had of Eitan was four months previously, but he did not give any details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alon Ohel, 23, is a Serbian citizen who was attending the festival. Hamas footage showed him being taken away as a hostage, but his mother said in August that she had not seen or heard of him since then. Maxim Kharkin, 36, was invited to the festival at the last moment. He texted his mother twice after the attack, but has not been seen or heard of since. Segev Kalfon, 26, was running away from the festival, across the highway, when he was captured by Hamas. Bar Kuperstein, 23, was working at the festival when the attack took place. His family say they identified him in a video of Israeli prisoners, posted by Hamas. Since then, they say they have had no further information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elkana Bohbot, 35, had gone to the party with friends and, before losing contact, he spoke to his wife and mother telling them he was helping to evacuate the wounded, the Times of Israel reported. Hours later, his family found a video of him posted online by Hamas, which has been seen by BBC Verify. Rom Braslavski, 20, was working on security for the festival. According to an account published by Hostages and Missing Families Forum, he was trying to rescue an injured person in the attack when he was caught in a volley of fire. He has not been heard from since. Evyatar David, 23, was at the festival and on the morning of the attacks, he texted the family to say "they are bombarding the party". His family say they later received a text from an unknown number, containing video footage of Evyatar handcuffed on the floor of a dark room. According to Israel's foreign ministry, he is being held captive by Hamas in Gaza. [BBC] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Thai hostage named Nattapong Pinta remains unaccounted for, after the release of five others on 30 January 2025. Hostages whose death Israel has confirmed: On 20 February 2025, Hamas handed over the first bodies of Israeli hostages in Gaza. It said the bodies were those of a mother and two children from the Bibas family and Oded Lifschitz, an 84-year-old veteran peace activist. Hamas claimed the three Bibas family members were killed in an Israeli strike more than a year ago, without providing evidence. The BBC hasn't been able to independently verify this, and following the handover, Israel said forensics show the children Ariel and Kfir Bibas were "deliberately killed" by their captors. Forensic testing showed the fourth body that Hamas claimed was Shiri Bibas was an unknown woman from Gaza. A Hamas spokesman said that Shiri's remains seemed to have been mixed up with other bodies under the rubble of a structure after an Israeli air strike. Shiri's body was later identified and released to the Red Cross on 21 February. The release of hostages' bodies was agreed as part of the ceasefire deal, and Israel has confirmed it expects eight bodies will be handed over in total as part of the first phase. On 1 September 2024, the IDF announced that its forces had recovered the bodies of six hostages - Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt Ori Danino. The IDF said they had been murdered by Hamas shortly before Israeli forces could reach them. On 8 August, it was announced that the bodies of Abraham Munder, Alex Dancyg, Yagev Buchshtab, Chaim Peri, Yoram Metzger and Nadav Popplewell - all of whom who died in Hamas captivity - had been extracted from Gaza by the IDF and returned to Israel. Omer Neutra, a 22-year-old Israeli-American and grandson of Holocaust survivors, was serving as a tank commander near Gaza when Hamas attacked. Omer's parents said they were told by the Israeli embassy that he had been kidnapped, however the IDF later said he was killed on 7 October and his body taken to Gaza. In November 2023, the bodies of 19-year-old soldier Noa Marciano and 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss were found by Israeli troops in buildings close to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. In December 2023, the Israeli military expressed "deep remorse" after soldiers mistakenly killed three hostages in northern Gaza who had escaped from their captors. They were named as Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Talalka, 22, and Alon Shamriz, 26. In January 2025, the body of Yousef Zyadna, a 53-year-old Bedouin dairy farmer, was found by the Israeli military in an underground tunnel in the southern Rafah area. The IDF later said his son Hamza, 22, had been killed in Hamas captivity, after a forensic examination of remains. Yousef's other children, Bilal, 19, and Aisha, 17 had also been abducted but were released in November 2023. And in February 2025, the IDF said it had informed the family of Iraq-born Shlomo Mansour, 86, that he was killed by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and his body taken to Gaza. He is on the Israeli government's list of 33 hostages who should be released first under the ceasefire deal. Research by Jamie Ryan and Emma Pengelly More on Israel-Gaza war [BBC] Are you personally affected by the issues raised in this story? If it is safe to do so, please get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways: If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. Chapel Hill native Keith Siegel is on a list of hostages that could be released under the latest Gaza ceasefire, but hes not expected to gain his freedom on Sunday. Siegels family had been anticipating his return home since Wednesday, when Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas reached the latest, 42-day ceasefire. The 65-year-old, who has dual American and Israeli citizenship, has spent 471 days as a hostage in Gaza. On Sunday morning, the Palestinian militant group Hamas released a list of three women who they said would be released soon, according to an NPR report. An NBC News crew later reported seeing the hostages being transferred into Red Cross custody. Israeli Defense Forces and the Israel Security agency told the crew that the hostages are now in Israeli custody, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The women are the first of 33 hostages women, children, sick and older adults that could be freed. Four more hostages could be released in seven days, and the rest could be freed over the remaining five weeks, including another American, Sagui Dekel-Chen, according to CBS News. Siegel and his wife Adrienne Aviva Siegel were among 251 people kidnapped in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Another 1,200 people were killed, sparking the war between Israel and Hamas, which the United States considers a terrorist group. The fighting, which continued with Israeli airstrikes until the ceasefire early Sunday morning, killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israeli officials say 94 hostages remain in Gaza, and at least 34 could be dead. Israel has agreed to release over 730 Palestinian prisoners in the exchange in addition to over 1,100 Gaza residents being held by Israel, The Washington Post reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five Americans remain among the 61 Hamas-held hostages. The Washington Post reported in December that 117 hostages have been freed since Oct. 7, and 72 have been killed. Negotiations are continuing for the remaining hostages, including male soldiers, CBS News reported. Hamas has said it will not release the remaining hostages without a lasting ceasefire and Israels full withdrawal, the report said. Keith Siegel, a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has been held captive by the U.S. designated terrorist group Hamas since the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. This screenshot is taken from a video Hamas released Saturday, April 20, 2024, that was posted online by the Times of Israel. From a home on the border to hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel, a U.S.-Israeli citizen, have lived for 40 years in the Kfar Aza settlement near the Gaza border fence. Aviva Siegel is a native of South Africa who immigrated to Israel as a girl. Hamas militants kidnapped the couple, who have four children and five grandchildren, from their home in Kfar Aza on Oct. 7. They were driven in their car, along with a neighbor and two children, to Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixty-four people in Kfar Aza were killed, and only about 50 of the 1,000 residents who lived there before the attack have returned, according to The Times of Israel. The Israeli Army found their fathers car a few days later, the couples daughter Shir Siegel said in an interview for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a volunteer-based organization working toward the safe return of all Israeli hostages. Aviva Siegal was among 104 hostages released 51 days later. She was forced to leave behind her husband, who had broken ribs, she has said in interviews. The couples daughter Elan Siegel said in a Facebook post Siegel has been without his daily medication. The family has participated in demonstrations, addressed lawmakers in the U.S. and Israel, and pleaded with President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to press Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire that could bring all the hostages home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About her own time as a hostage, Aviva Siegel has shared harrowing experiences and severe violence of all kinds physical, emotional, and sexual, another daughter Elan Siegel wrote on Facebook in December. Aviva Siegel told McClatchy in April that her husband told her before she was released that his hope was to see his mother again. Keith Siegels mother died on Dec. 1 in Chapel Hill. Gladys Siegel, 97, never learned about her sons situation because of her age, the family has said. On Wednesday, a spokesperson told The News & Observer that the Siegel family wont be speaking with the media until after Keith Siegel is released. Aviva Siegel is expected to attend Trumps inauguration on Monday, she said. Hamas has handed over three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza, marking the first release of hostages since the ceasefire took effect. Source: CNN Details: The hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were released on Sunday, 19 January. They had been held in Gaza since their abduction from Israel on 7 October 2023. A large crowd gathered in Gaza for the hostage exchange, which included scores of masked militants from Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades and Palestinian Islamic Jihad's Al-Quds Brigades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, Israeli military officials confirmed that Hamas had transferred the three hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza. The hostages are en route to Israeli forces in Gaza, the military stated. An Israeli official informed CNN that the Red Cross had reported the three freed hostages were in good condition. "The condition of the three hostages is satisfactory following an initial medical examination," the official said. Update: The Israeli military later announced that the Red Cross had transferred the three freed hostages to Israeli forces in Gaza. They are now being transported to Israel. Background: On 16 January in Doha, Qatar, a formal agreement was signed between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza and the initiation of a ceasefire. On 17 January, the Office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that negotiation teams from Israel and Hamas had finalised the agreement. Later, Israel announced the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas provided a list of three hostages to be released on Sunday, 19 January. Support UP or become our patron! The Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Sunday that the group is committed to the ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of captives. Abu Obaida, a spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, said that the movement is ready to implement the terms of the agreement and the timeline for prisoner exchanges in a speech on television on the first day of the ceasefire. He said that the safe return of Israeli captives, who are to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, depends entirely on Israel's adherence to the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesman warned that any violations by the Israeli side could "jeopardize the agreement, directly impacting the safety of Israeli captives and the smooth implementation of the deal." He called on mediators to hold Israel accountable for its obligations. The Hamas official also warned that all attempts to integrate the "Israeli entity into the [Middle East] region" would be met by a "deep-rooted resistance." The people of Gaza have put up a "historic resistance" in recent months," said Abu Obaida. "We confirm that the great sacrifices and blood shed by our people will not be in vain," he said. Friend questions Vanity Fairs divorce story The brutal Harry and Meghan divorce allegations in this weeks bombshell Vanity Fair article have made a bad time worse for the couple, an old friend of Harrys who still lives in the U.K. has told The Daily Beast. The storied publication made an astonishing claim that a member of Meghans team spoke to publishers regarding her writing a book about divorce if she were to split from Harry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The friend, who remains in contact with both William and Harry, despite the brothers bitter feud, told the Daily Beast: The Vanity Fair divorce story seemed very unfair. There was a book but there wasnt a book, she was planning for life after divorce, but they are totally in love. What? There was not a shred of evidence. The article, by Anna Peele, alleged that a rumor has circulated in the book world that Meghans team had a conversation with a publishing house to gauge interest in a book about a post-Harry divorce. Peele says that the unidentified person allegedly acting for Meghan made it clear that the couple were not getting divorced, but was seeking to know, if such a divorce did happen, would this publisher theoretically be interested in a book that took place in its aftermath? The article says that nothing was ever put on paper and that no offer was ever made, and no manuscript was produced. In another section, however, the article said everyone testifies that Harry and Meghan appear to be deeply in love and are so hot for each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The friend told the Daily Beast, noting that Meghans new cooking show has been ridiculed and postponed, and that Harry has a grueling court case coming up (more on which below): Things arent easy for them right now. Vanity Fair have succeeded in making a bad time worse. Harry and Meghan did not comment to Vanity Fair, and have not responded to inquiries this week from the Daily Beast about the article. Meghan and Harry hater-in-chief Piers Morgan slams couple Piers Morgan, the former CNN anchor who now runs one of the biggest YouTube news channels in the world, has accused Meghan Markle and Prince Harry of cynical self-promotion over their public visits to Los Angeles fire relief centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with the Daily T podcast, Morgan said of the couple who have been accused of being disaster tourists: Im afraid Im very cynical. I think its purely for self-promotional reasons. Altadena, CA - January 10: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex member of the British royal family with mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo at a home at 2858 Highview Ave. and Altadena Dr. that was destroyed during the Eaton Fire in Altadena on Friday, January 10, 2025.(Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) / MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-Ne / MediaNews Group via Getty Images Morgan argued that the fact they have kept their titles is ridiculous, given the damage theyve caused to the institution that bestowed them upon them. He added: Nothing theyve tried since which doesnt involve trashing their family has worked. So now theyre running around trying to behave like a rival royal family, and I find it pretty sickening, actually. Harry could be headed home this week Prince Harry could make a return to the U.K. as early as this coming Tuesday for yet another blockbuster trial against News Group Newspapers, the publisher of U.K. tabloid the Sun, which Harry claims used deeply unethical and illegal methods to gather stories about him for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends of Prince William told the Daily Beast he had absolutely no intention of meeting with his brother, whom he has not forgiven for publicly betraying him in his memoir, Spare. The trial is due to last seven weeks and involves multiple plaintiffs. However, the detailed schedule has yet to be published, so it is not certain when Harry will give evidence. But, in his case against the Mirror, which he won, Harry showed up for the opening day before coming back to give evidence later. Meghans menacing whisper shout Meghan Markle used a whisper shout to aggressively berate employees so Harry wouldnt realize what was going on, according to a new claim by one of the first British journalists to report Meghan bullied her staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camilla Tominey, a senior editor at the Daily Telegraph, who was formerly a royal correspondent, also posted a gloating message to X saying that her reporting had been vindicated by the report in Vanity Fair, which alleged that her treatment of staff has been so poor since relocating to America that at least one ended up in long-term therapy. Tominey first reported that Meghan and Kate fell out over a bridesmaid dress fitting for Kates daughter, Princess Charlotte. This weekend, citing multiple sources, Tominey concurred with a line in the Vanity Fair piece in which a former staffer said: You can be yelled at even if somebody doesnt raise their voice. Tominey said a former employee had told her: 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Tominey quips that other peoples truth may finally be catching up with Meghan. The VF article says that one person took a leave of absence after working on three episodes of Meghans podcast and adds that several others described taking extended breaks from work to escape scrutiny, exiting their job, or undergoing long-term therapy after working with Meghan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, former employees of Meghansthe so-called Sussex Survivors Club, who told The Daily Beast in September that Meghan was a boss who had psycho moments and could be a demon have told The Royalist that they feel vindicated by the astonishing claims in Vanity Fair. One source told the Daily Beast in September: I always thought she was a classic narcissist and getting her staff to tell a magazine how amazing she is only confirms that in my mind. She is lovely when it is all going her way but a demon when the worm turns. Raul Arboleda/AFP via Getty Images The Vanity Fair profile makes a similar claim, with one ex-employee saying that Meghans relationships with staff tend to be warm and effusive until something goes wrong, at which stage Meghan will become cold and withholding. The Daily Beast touched base this weekend with some of the sources we spoke to back in September to garner their views in the wake of the VF piece. One said: I feel desperately sorry for the people affected, because I have been there, but I also feel vindicated. All those people saying she is the worlds greatest boss should be ashamed of themselves. Its obviously very tempting to work for her when you are being wooed and love-bombed, but people should be in no doubt; she is a nightmare. I would think the atmosphere will be particularly hellish now everything is going to s---. She doesnt do disappointment well. Research at the University of Houston will explore loneliness and problem drinking in the Hispanic community. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Chinese students and faculty at Texas public universities are awaiting guidance on whether a recent order by Gov. Greg Abbott, designed to protect the state from foreign espionage, might impact their research, travel, contracts and resident status. The order essentially cuts existing university ties with the Chinese government and other "foreign adversaries," including North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Russia and Venezuelan politician Nicolas Maduro. The ban could impact research funding and collaborations, preventing faculty from contracting with companies owned or controlled by foreign adversaries. It's unclear whether work travel or research will be affected if it is not sponsored by those governments but involves individual residents or businesses based there. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some also worry that the order puts undue focus on Chinese students and faculty, possibly affecting their willingness or ability to work and study in the U.S. "I do think there's a real risk when we single out China," said Charles Foster, a Houston immigration lawyer who serves on multiple boards related to U.S.-China relations. "People get the idea that the Chinese are the enemy." The University of Houston, University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems are among the schools reviewing their policies to ensure compliance with Abbott's order to protect them from intellectual property theft by hostile foreign nations. Parts of the directive and its accompanying press release targeted the Peoples Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party more narrowly. HIGHER ED: Texas universities ask international students to return from holiday travel before Trump inauguration Texas A&M administration building on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in College Station. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer Our No. 1 priority is to protect Texans, including from espionage threats from the Chinese Communist Party and its proxies, Abbott said in his November news release. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that the Chinese government has actively targeted local and state officials as part of their strategy to undermine the national security of the United States. Hardening our state government is critical to protect Texans from hostile foreign actors who may attempt to undermine the safety and security of Texas and the nation. With this Executive Order, Texas will safeguard our critical infrastructure and information from threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Public university systems and other state agencies will have until August to comply, or 60 days after the 89th Legislature adjourns its regular session. The University of Houston System is working to understand the full implications of the governors order and ensure compliance while safeguarding institutional resources, said Shawn Lindsey, senior associate vice chancellor and associate vice president of strategic communications. At this stage, we cannot provide specific examples of how the order will impact UH and the UH System. Abbott's order will result in multiple policy changes, such as requiring stronger background checks for certain employee and contracting jobs. The directive also prohibits state employees from accepting gifts from foreign adversary countries or traveling there for work, although it is unclear whether it is permitted if it isn't sponsored by that government or its subsidiaries. Personal travel will be allowed, with conditions. Employees will have to notify the university when they are traveling to adversary countries including China, and to submit a post-travel brief of their activities, according to the order. Faculty and employees are also banned from participating in "foreign-talent recruitment," a term that refers to foreign state-sponsored attempts to recruit researchers from their posts abroad. Those researchers are often American and primarily employed by an American university - but they later retain simultaneous work or partnerships with foreign institutions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad University of Texas (UT) Austin campus at sunset DSCZ, Contributor / Getty Images Abbotts office did not return a request for comment. UH, UT and A&M system officials did not respond to questions about how many employees or what type of research might be affected. UT institutions are committed to fully complying with Gov. Abbott's executive order to safeguard Texans from security breaches and other risks associated with the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party," said Paul Corliss, a UT System spokesperson. "As stewards of public trust, we are vigilant in protecting the integrity of our operations, partnerships, and research endeavors. Texas A&M System officials had already been restricting travel to China, screening and monitoring trips for the past two years, spokesman Laylan Copelin said. In 2022, Texas A&M University and its governing system said they had already mitigated or eliminated 200 instances of activity with evidence of foreign influence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The Office of General Counsel is working on draft guidance for the other issues raised in the order," Copelin said. Foster, the attorney, said he views a political element to Abbott's order as the countries' dealings on trade and geopolitics have become more contentious in recent years. U.S. national security leaders have raised concerns about Beijings military-civil fusion strategy, or the Peoples Liberation Armys efforts to become the most technologically advanced military in the world. They say that Peoples Republic of China approaches the strategy sometimes through theft of other countries secrets and property, and those claims reached Houston when the U.S. ordered the closure of the Consulate General of China in 2020. While China's actions have earned some sort of reaction from the U.S., Foster said, he worries that Abbott's order is an overreaction that will have a ripple effect on students and faculty. He fears one of those might come through anti-Asian discrimination, which spiked during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Chinese students and faculty might also take their talents to other countries, despite the U.S.' reliance on them for tuition dollars and research, Foster said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE, expressed similar concerns about the order. In a blog, senior scholar of global expression Sarah McLaughlin called Abbott's directive dangerously hard to parse, leading her to believe that universities will overcomply. Foster agreed that colleges will proceed with caution, because the state controls a large chunk of their funding. "All universities right now are scared to death with any kind of exchange programs, anything with the word 'China,'" Foster said. Almost 1,000 students with Chinese residency enrolled at UH in fall 2024, with 29% of them in graduate programs, according to university data. Lumine Garcia, who belongs to the UH chapter of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, said many people are fearful of what's to come. Garcia, a Chinese Studies major, is Hispanic and the only American citizen in the organization. She spoke on the other members' behalf because of their hesitancy to speak publicly on issues such as their resident status and bans on Tik-Tok and WeChat on campus. "The policies being enacted are going to hurt, them and they don't entirely understand why," said Garcia, who serves as the chapter's director of marketing and member relations. "It hurts me to tell them that the circumstances are going to get worse from here." The U.S. Department of State classifies the CSSA as a group the Chinese Communist Party created in the late 1970s to monitor Chinese students and suppress open inquiry. Garcia said the claim of Chinese government interference is a misconception, as the group's work exists to create ties to local Chinese communities. Many Chinese students at UH have enjoyed American culture and are afraid the orders will eventually cause them to stop their own personal research and studies, she said. "They're afraid of how much more fragile their student visa is going to be, as they're from countries of interest," Garcia said. "They're very restricted on what they can and can't do here." UH officials said they already have "robust processes" in place to safeguard intellectual property, including restricted party screenings and thorough reviews on agreements and collaborations. Abbott's order in November came as one of several related to the Chinese government. Another directed state universities to sell investments in China, though it wasn't immediately clear how much money several of the universities had tied to the country. Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday said that Congress was gearing up to organise a public rally under the slogan 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' on January 21 to commemorate 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi becoming the party president. "Since we could not do it as a mark of respect for Dr (Manmohan) Singh. We postponed it (the public rally) and that's happening on January 21," Kharge told ANI. He said that the program to commemorate 100 years of Gandhi's presidency was postponed due to the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and was being organised on January 21. Kharge added that the public rally was being carried out to send a message to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the centre. Taking a dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Karnataka Minister said that no "misinterpretation" or "deviation" from Babasaheb Ambedkar's constitution will be tolerated. "The previous program of Gandhi Ji's presidency that marked 100 years was postponed due to the demise of our former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. We had to postpone the public rally 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' which was to send a strong message to the central government that we will not tolerate any deviation from Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar's constitution or any misinterpretation by the BJP, especially Amit Shah. You heard what he said in the Parliament about Babasaheb Ambedkar," Kharge, who is the rural development minister of Karnataka, said. Earlier, Kharge in his meeting with the Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday made key submissions and requests for guidelines relaxations and approvals under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The submissions 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, Chouhan held a discussion with Karnataka Agriculture Minister Chaluvaryaswamy regarding the development of the state's agricultural sector here on Saturday. Chouhan told ANI that the State had asked for more Central funds for mechanisation schemes in the agricultural sector. (ANI) Colonel Roman Kachur has been selected as the new head of The Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Details: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the head of the academy was selected from among five candidates in the state application Army+ . Quote from Zelenskyy: "Colonel Roman Kachur received the most votes. He has extensive frontline experience, having commanded the 55th Separate Artillery Brigade. I spoke with Colonel Kachur, and he has a clear vision of what needs to change in military education and specifically at the National Ground Forces Academy." Support UP or become our patron! Amid the devastating wildfires that have ravaged much of the Los Angeles area, many people have already faced the increasingly frequent challenges created by home insurance companies' pulling out of the state. What's happening? As detailed by the San Francisco Chronicle last month, homeowners who have taken necessary steps to reduce their level of risk following directives from the insurance industry and the state are still losing coverage. Ed Wong, a homeowner in Sonoma County, detailed his experience to the Chronicle, explaining that his insurer, Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange, gave him a list of five upgrades for gas, plumbing, and security systems, three of which were mandatory. Not only did Wong complete all five improvements, but he also took another step to reduce the risk of his home being caught in a wildfire. Wong spent over $5,800 on the upgrades, including over $2,100 on the wildfire mitigation he chose to do on his own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his efforts, PURE informed him that his policy would not be renewed in 2025. PURE said in a filing with the California Department of Insurance that was approved in July that it tightened its wildfire risk standards. To make things even more frustrating, Wong said he was never informed of the company's new standards when he was told of the nonrenewal. "If they knew they were going to drop me, they shouldn't have had me jump through all those hoops. That's what I'm most disappointed at," Wong told the Chronicle. Why is this important? Unfortunately, the situation Wong is facing is becoming far too common. In addition to areas with wildfire risks, insurance companies are increasingly dropping policies in places prone to other natural disasters, such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, which are becoming more frequent and intense as the planet's temperatures continue to rise. (Hurricanes are only becoming more severe.) For example, Farmers Insurance recently decided not to renew nearly 1,300 policies in Oklahoma because of wildfire risks. Similarly, big-name insurance companies are increasingly pulling their coverage in Florida amid increased risks of hurricanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeowners who face these sudden changes are often left scrambling to find new, often more expensive, coverage options. What's being done about this? Michael Soller, a spokesperson for the Department of Insurance, told the Chronicle in a statement that homeowners in situations similar to Wong's may be able to get their insurer to reverse its decision. "If the policyholder mitigated the issues raised by the company prior to the nonrenewal, the Department of Insurance expects the carrier to reverse the nonrenewal," Soller said. Soller added that state regulations require insurance companies' renewal criteria "to be specific, have objective factors, and have a substantial relationship to an insured's loss exposure." Homeowners can call the department's consumer hotline or submit a complaint online to see if they can get their insurance company to reverse the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's also crucial to invest in risk mitigation early. Making your home more resistant to natural disasters, such as creating a fire buffer zone or removing flammable vegetation, can help you retain or obtain insurance coverage despite living in a high-risk area. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. After some mild winters, a local club is celebrating the heavy snowfall bringing back their hobby. The Wales Sno-drifters Snowmobile Club hosted a weenie roast Saturday afternoon and invited cold-weather enthusiasts to enjoy hot dogs and snowmobile rides in Wattsburg. Prepare for more snow and extreme cold in the region Drivers from as far as New York and Ohio drove their snowmobiles to the event to celebrate a snowy winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of people stayed warm by the bonfire and one club member says the event brings some camaraderie back to the sport. Continuous cold weather creates perfect atmosphere for local ice fishing enthusiasts Earlier today, it was a lot of rain. We were kind of wondering whether Mother Nature was going to bless us with snow out here, but out in Wattsburg, it stayed snowing all day, and it worked out really well, said Chuck Wetmore, Wales Sno-Drifters Club board member. Wetmore added that club membership is climbing, but they are always looking for new members to join. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Its time again for KELOLAND to brace for frigid temperatures. With an expected temperature drop on the way this weekend, the Presentations Sisters are providing the items needed to stay warm. The Presentation Sisters have been organizing Warm a Neighbor for nine years. Until the end of January, theyre looking for new gloves, mittens, hats, scarves or socks for clients at Caminando Juntos. It makes such a huge difference because literally a lot of people come to South Dakota and dont have a coat at all or even a warm sweatshirt, Presentation Sisters Gift and Stewardship Officer Jen Rothenbuehler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Presentation Sisters have set up drop-off locations for the items throughout Sioux Falls. Coffea Roasterie and Espresso Bar is one of them. I think one of the cool things about being a small business in Sioux Falls is that its just very community-based, so for people looking for a way to help out, I think its a really easy way for people to do that, Coffea co-owner Darin Kaihoi said. Rothenbuehler says its a good way to help people that are getting used to a completely different environment. Summerset woman sent to federal prison for child exploitation Its a nice way to be able to offer something for them to acclimate to our colder weather in South Dakota and just welcome them to the community, Rothenbuehler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its a great way to show people that we want them in our community, that were excited about them being here, Kaihoi said. All to help newcomers brave the South Dakota cold. Just to see their reactions that theres these items available to keep them warm in the winter, its very rewarding to see their thanks and their gratitude, Rothenbuehler said. Rothenbuehler says that coat donations are welcome as well. If you would like to donate an item, you can also drop them off at all of the Hy-Vee, Nybergs Ace and Nybergs Dakota Workwear locations in Sioux Falls. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Now thats a Hail Mary. A heroic firefighter bolted into a burning Staten Island abode to retrieve a baby from the smoke-filled basement, then dramatically passed the child to another flame-eater through a window, officials said. Capt. Anthony Harper of Engine 163 was the first firefighter to respond to multiple reports of trapped individuals in a blaze at 267 Ada Drive in Graniteville around 3:45 p.m. Friday, FDNY Deputy Chief John Russell later told reporters at the scene. Capt. Anthony Harper of Engine 163 (left) heroically rescued the baby from the burning home, FDNY Deputy Chief John Russell (middle) later told reporters at the scene. Steve White for NY Post Harper didnt hesitate when a civilian informed him there was still a baby inside, Russell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harper went down to the basement there was a very heavy smoke condition he found the baby on the bottom bunk of a bunk bed that was towards the back of the house. He saw that there was a window right there, and in an attempt to get the baby to the cleanest air possible as quickly as possible, instead of going through the apartment that he had just come through, he began to pass the baby just out into the fresh air, Russell explained. Thankfully, Ryan Smith of Engine 166, happened to be standing outside of the same window, and grabbed the baby from Harper, Russell said. Two adults and three children, including the rescued baby, were taken to the hospital, the department said. Citizen Fire marshals are still investigating the cause of the flames. Steve White for New York Post After being treated by EMS at the scene, the baby was taken to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze, where it was listed in critical condition, according to the FDNY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two adults and two other children who had self-evacuated were also taken to the hospital, the department said. Firefighters brought the two-alarm blaze under control in less than 40 minutes, according to Russell. Fire marshals are still investigating the cause of the flames. Half-empty egg sections and signs limiting egg purchases have sprung up across grocery stores in Centre County and the nation as avian influenza, or bird flu, continues to have a widespread impact on both the supply and price of eggs across the country. A sign at Aldi in College Township limited shoppers to two dozen eggs on Thursday. In the Giant on North Atherton Street, cartons of a dozen eggs were sold out Tuesday although other quantities remained available. And at Weis Markets near Bellefonte, a notice was posted Friday to apologize for experiencing sporadic out of stocks on all specialty eggs. Nationally, on average, egg prices have increased more than 50% since June, back when a dozen eggs cost $2.72. The soaring prices today are mainly a result of the egg shortage caused by avian influenza, which killed 17.2 million egg-laying hens in November and December. (That amounts to about 5% of the countrys inventory.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania has largely been spared so far by avian influenza, as no commercial flocks just a suspected wild flock have been diagnosed with the disease since last February. But shortages elsewhere have still caused widespread supply-chain issues that have impacted local grocers and restaurants alike. Weis Markets near Bellefonte posted signs in its egg section Friday to let customers know about the high prices and apologize for being sporadically out of stock of specialty eggs. When will prices come down? Gregory Martin, a Penn State Extension educator in poultry, may not have a crystal ball. But he does boast both an MBA and a doctorate in Poultry Science. And, in this case, he believes the answer for falling prices might lie in the past. In 2022, a similar wave of avian influenza hit the U.S. Egg prices crossed the $4/dozen threshold in December 2022, rose to a high of $4.82 the next month and decreased slightly in February 2023 to $4.21. Prices continued to plunge afterward. Until last month, that proved to be the only three-month stretch in the last decade when eggs cost more than $4, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time around? Prices again crossed the $4/dozen threshold in December and have continued to climb this month. Im going to say with fairly good confidence were going to see the same thing, said Martin, whos based out of Lancaster, in Pennsylvanias highest-egg-producing county. Were going to see a spike in the price of eggs and, as hens come back into production, well start to see a decrease in the price of eggs as we head into summer. According to Martin, it takes about 16-20 weeks to replace an egg-laying hen, while replacing a chicken raised for its meat takes less than half that time which is why shortages affect egg prices significantly more. The peaks and valleys of avian influenza also generally coincide with the timing of humans flu season, reaching its peak in the winter months and greatly dissipating by summer. Cartons and cases of eggs, like the ones seen here and used by restaurants, have soared in price. The average national cost of a dozen eggs crossed the $4 threshold last month and continues to increase. Local impact on restaurants David Welsch understands that locals are feeling the pinch in grocery stores. But as the co-owner of The Naked Egg Cafe, one of Centre Countys top breakfast/brunch spots, hes feeling it too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His cafe, which boasts about two dozen different egg dishes, goes through roughly 1,800 eggs every week. Weve seen swings of $20 or more a case (of 180 eggs), week by week, month by month, he said. And part of that is just normal fluctuation, but obviously a bigger part of that especially recently with eggs has been due to the unforeseen circumstances with production. Because The Naked Egg goes through so many eggs, it buys from a bulk-food supplier and tends to stick with the highest-quality products they offer. Welsch lamented how theyve had to raise their prices since opening in 2013 one egg a la carte costs $1.89 today compared to about 90 cents back then but eggs have more than doubled in price over the last 12 years. Welsch intimated his cafe can withstand a temporary cost increase without passing it on to his customers. But, if costs continue to rise for a longer period of time, that might have to change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Paret, who recently took over the two Original Waffle Shop locations around State College, agreed with that sentiment. Were just riding the wave, Paret said. We dont want to pass those costs on to our customers; we want to offer a stable price for our customers and value. But, in this world, youve got to keep an eye on prices and do everything in a strategic way. Effect on local farmers? About eight miles east of Welschs cafe, at Bear Meadows Farm near Boalsburg, owner Jeff Biddle can empathize. Hes a self-proclaimed small-time guy, a small-scale farmer who specializes in raw milk, eggs and cheese. He has about 150 free-range, egg-laying hens that produce about 1,000 eggs every week. And avian influenza is often in the back of his mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its always something youre concerned with, he said. About two years ago, during the last wave of avian influenza, Biddle said a specialist visited to educate him about the warning signs how infected hens might experience a blue/purple discoloration around their beak or legs from oxygen deprivation, how they might lack coordination, or how their eggs might be soft-shelled or misshapen. With concern about avian influenza spreading to dairy cattle, Biddle said the state has also been testing his milk from time to time to ensure its safe. Martin, the Penn State expert, encouraged consumers to at least pasteurize their own raw milk. But he also said people shouldnt be too worried about contracting the disease themselves. Although Martin has seen entire bird flocks healthy one day and dead 48 hours later, hes never caught avian influenza himself, despite coming in direct contact with infected animals. Some 66 human cases of avian influenza have been reported in the U.S. since last year, most of which came after exposure to infected dairy cows. But no human cases have ever been reported in Pennsylvania. And only one person in the U.S. has ever died from the disease, and they were over 65 years old with underlying health conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the bird flu is something that concerns Biddle, its not something that seems to heavily impact his farm as long as it remains disease-free. Like Welsch and Paret, he said hes just looking to make an honest living. And if his expenses remain flat, so will the cost of his eggs, even if prices rise everywhere else. At $4/dozen, his eggs right now are cheaper than at supermarkets. Just because theres a shortage, its not costing me more money to produce them, he said. I havent lost hundreds, or thousands, of birds. And its one of those things: If egg prices rise to $6 a dozen, Ill still be at $4. And if egg prices go to $2 a dozen, well, Ill still be at $4. For more information on avian influenza and where to get help, Penn State has a page for farmers and the general public at extension.psu.edu/avian-influenza. Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan praised the Mumbai Police for their swift action in arresting the accused in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case. He also dismissed claims of a "collapsing" law and order situation in the state. Khan stated that it was unfair to suggest that the law and order situation in Mumbai and Maharashtra was deteriorating, adding that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was working for the development of all communities. He also assured minorities that there was no need for concern or fear and encouraged them to approach the Minority Commission if they faced any issues. "I congratulate Mumbai Police for arresting the accused...I came to know that the accused is Bangladeshi. Police and the government are investigating it. Those who are saying that the law and order situation here is not good, it is not right. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is working for the development of all. We all should support him. I want to assure all the minorities that there is nothing to fear, Maharashtra is completely safe. If they face any problem, they can come and complain to the Minority Commission and we will ensure their safety," Khan told ANI. Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil on Sunday questioned the central government regarding the alleged influx of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi nationals into Maharashtra. He expressed concern over the challenges posed to ordinary citizens by this issue. "It is a very serious matter that such allegations are being made that Rohingyas and Bangladeshis have come to Maharashtra in large numbers. It is being said that the accused who committed such a big crime in Saif's house is a Bangladeshi. Therefore, questions will be raised on the central government how do people reach Maharashtra after crossing 5-6 states? What does the BSF do, what does our army do and what does the intelligence department of the central government do? The common people have to bear the brunt of this," Patil told ANI. Focusing on the law and order situation in Maharashtra, he further said that no one was safe in the state, including celebrities and sarpanches. "From celebrities to sarpanches, no one is safe in Maharashtra and such a situation of law and order never existed in Maharashtra. Today the situation is such that due to political pressure, the police administration, and revenue administration are not able to do their work," Patil said. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday refuted the claims made by the opposition following the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan. He said that the accused had migrated from Bangladesh and wasn't aware that it was the residence of a film star. Pawar, who is also the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, said that the accused had entered the residence of Saif Ali Khan with the intention to commit robbery. The Mumbai Police on Sunday morning confirmed that the person arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan is an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh. The accused, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. As per the police statement, various investigation teams were formed to investigate the crime, and a case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). (ANI) Tucked away on a residential street in Southwest Broward County lies a holy structure of architectural grandeur that looks as if it were uprooted straight from India and transplanted to South Florida. The Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida is a Hindu temple where thousands of devotees gather annually to practice spiritual rituals and share rich cultural experiences. Designed by 12 Southeast Indian architects from Mahabalipuram, India a famous town known for its 7th- and 8th-century Hindu monuments and located in the rural community of Southwest Ranches, the ornate temple offers a portal to South Indian religious rituals and centuries-old cultural traditions. Hinduism is a religion, philosophy and culture that may be unfamiliar to many South Floridians, but is an everyday practice for the growing number of Hindus in South Florida. Shiva Vishnu, founded in 1993, is one of the more traditional temples in South Florida and caters to a South Indian style of Hinduism that sets the temple a part from others, founders say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are completely traditional, We call it Agama Shaastra from India. We follow everything, all the festivals, everything, said Ranga Parasuraman, a lifelong member and board trustee for the temple, referring to the ancient texts that act as Hindu manuals for worship. Even before setting foot inside the 6000-square-foot temple, the ornate entrance towers (or Raja Gopurams) stand tall above the structure along with two pyramidal towers (or Vimana Gopurams) over each of the main shrines. The elaborate shrines of Shiva and Vishnu two of the main deities in Hinduism were built based on 10th- and 12th-century Indian architecture and sit symmetrically across from one another at the entrance of the temple. An ornate tower that rises over the inner sanctum, known as a Vimana, at the Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida. The traditional South Indian Hindu Temple attracts visitors from far and wide for its religious festivals each year. It can be rare to find traditional temples housing both gods Shiva, known as the Destroyer, and Vishnu, known as the Preserver under the same roof, but the founders decided to combine the main deities to promote unity. We wanted the community to be together and happy, said Parasuraman, who joined the temple in 1994 and drives from Pinecrest in Miami-Dade County multiple days a week to partake in its activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our community has Shiva devotees and Vishnu devotees, both. So to please everybody, we thought well have every deity. Stepping into the temple can be an overwhelming sensory experience. On a recent Saturday, devotees were seen practicing a daily puja, or worship ritual, that involves offering flowers, water and food to the divine deities, which are represented by ornate statues throughout the temple. The temple smells of incense while bells can be heard ringing as well as intermittent chanting of prayers. People line up to receive tilak, or sacred ash, from Hindu priests who also come from India on their foreheads and drink small ladles of holy water. A detail of a statue of Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of the Hindu deity, Vishnu, inside a community center on the site of the Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida. One side of the temple is dedicated to Shiva, the god of destruction often depicted as a ferocious figure with a trident in hand, and his worshipers. The other side is dedicated to Vishnu, the god of preservation, and his followers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Shiva Vishnu was founded, the South Florida Hindu community as diverse as it is often gathered in a home located on the same Southwest Ranches property. The structure is now being transformed into a hall to host cultural events that take place outside the temple. Around the same time, the South Florida Hindu Temple was founded, another Hindu temple just miles down the road. That temple, according to members, is of North Indian descent, much larger than Shiva Vishnu, and hosts Hindus with practices from all parts of India. Both temples, though different in practice, were built based on donations from the Hindu community. They offer the growing Hindu community a place to worship, practice yoga, make music, learn Sanskrit, share meals and celebrate dozens of religious festivals each year. Venkateswara, a Hindu deity, described as a form of the god Vishnu, is placed inside the Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida. Everyone is welcome Perhaps its the sheer beauty of the Southeast Indian temple that sparks the curiosity of drivers on Dykes Road in Southwest Ranches, luring them in to experience authentic Hindu customs and rituals. Or maybe its the aroma of vegetarian food and chai tea served as prasadam, or the meal shared by devotees after worship. But, whatever the reason, Shiva Vishnu is a place that attracts many visitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We really dont discriminate against anybody. Everybody is welcome, said Parasuraman. Being a member is not required to visit the temple. And more often than not, non-members make up the majority of the crowd on special occasions, according to Dr. Ram Narasimhan, newly elected chairman of the board of the temple. There are about 200 dedicated members, but the temple sees far more visitors each year. I would guess non-members outnumber members on most occasions. On New Years Day, we get 1000-1500 people, wrote Narasimhan in an email to the Miami Herald. Southwest Ranches, Florida, January 11, 2025 - Entrance to the Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida. 5661 SW 160th Ave, Southwest Ranches, FL 33331 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of those visitors are local college students fulfilling assignments from their religious-studies classes. Thats the case for Florida International University professor Carlos Grenier and his introduction-to-religion students. Theyre required to visit one local religious site of their choosing as long as it differs from the religion that they grew up with to observe the rituals and traditions. Many students who are interested in Hinduism choose Shiva Vishnu. The place is welcoming, just in terms of having an open door and being open often, there are people .... who can guide you around and show you things. Theres often food and theres a community feeling. Grenier said the temple works well as a place where students can experience a ritual firsthand, bringing what theyve read about in textbooks to life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They feel this sense of cultural richness there. Thats very tangible to them, said Grenier, whose research focuses mainly on Islam. Theres a particular atmosphere that sort of works together in a Hindu temple to kind of create this sort of sacred feeling that they get. ... They get a little bit of an almost like, tactile and an olfactory sense of what Hindu ritual is, which you cant convey any of that as a teacher. Devotees sit inside Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida on the day the Temple was consecrated in 2001. The traditional South Indian Hindu temple is located in Southwest Ranches in Broward County. More than a religion Often touted as the oldest religion in the world, Hinduism is a term that describes not only the theology, but philosophies and diverse schools of thought. There is no one founder, no unified belief system. Its a religion thats defined not by one overarching scripture but thousands of ancient texts and writings that are rich in their complexity, said Dr. Aleksandra Restifo, assistant professor of religious studies at FIU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinduism could be considered all kinds of things. Some Hindu people would say its a style of life. Others will say its a conglomerate of religious traditions, Restifo said. Parasuraman, the Shiva Vishnu board member, described Hinduism as like a philosophy, noting that there is an immense amount of symbolism and reasoning behind every ritual that Hindus practice. Take removing ones shoes, for example. We dont wear shoes inside, because you walk all over. You dont bring the dirty things inside, even in the house, we dont walk with shoes. You go to any Indians house for festivals or anything, all the shoes will be like a mountain, Parasuraman said. A man helps a boy remove his shoes before entering the Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida, a traditional South Indian Hindu Temple. Its also a religion thats often misunderstood by those who follow Western religions, especially those who grew up practicing Abrahamic faiths who trace their lineage back to one singular prophet, Abraham, and believe in one God and savior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some neighbors in the surrounding residential area of Shiva Vishnu have complained to the city about the noise coming from the temple, causing permitting issues for the temple. The temple annually .hosts dozens of festivals, including a prominent one for Shiva coming up on February 25 and called Maha Shivarathhri, with festivities happening until wee hours in the morning. One common misconception about Hinduism, according to Hindu devotees who spoke with the Miami Herald, is that Hindus worship idols instead of worshiping one God. But, many Hindus, according to Restifo, would not describe the religion as a polytheistic tradition, but as one with one God, an all-encompassing creator, with different manifestations. That God has many different representations, and these different representations not only serve different, specific purposes and functions, but theyre also there for people to easier relate to them, said Restifo. for people to express their devotion for them and to speak to them in a more intimate way. For example, the goddess of Lakshmi is in charge of wealth and good fortune, while Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is believed to have the power to remove obstacles and bring good luck and wisdom to ones life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All these deities, they have a symbolic meaning, Restifo said. Its not that theyre praying specifically to an elephant-headed deity. But everything about Ganesha is just kind of symbolic. The elephant head of Ganesha, for example, represents wisdom and insight. The goddess of Lakshmi is depicted with four hands, which are meant to represent the four main goals in life and the four Vedas (Hindu scripture). It is easier to relate to something more tangible, that you can imagine, and you can see and touch, Restifo said. A deity statue representing the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna is displayed near the entrance to the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Southwest Ranches. The Hindu temple was built in the late 1990s by authentic Indian architects. This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and donors in South Floridas Jewish and Muslim communities in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work. The University of Scranton is now the Pennsylvania headquarters of National History Day, a prestigious competition for middle and high school students. That means Scranton is the permanent host, bringing the attention and spending of 1,000 people to Scranton each spring, as well as a smaller, regional gathering. It is coordinated by history professor Sean Brennan, Ph.D. One of my favorite expressions in Latin is sic parvis magna which means greatness from small beginnings, Brennan said. National History Day was not offered in the schools he attended. So he hadnt heard of it before Misericordia University in Dallas asked for volunteers to judge a regional National History Day contest there a decade ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes become a big believer in the contest. Contests like this, and events like this, are the future of the historical profession, he said. * University of Scranton professor Sean Brennan at a previous National History Day event. (Sean Brennan ) * University of Scranton (University of Scranton) * Sean Brennan, Ph.D., history professor at the University of Scranton (Sean Brennan) * University of Scranton (University of Scranton) * University of Scranton Sean Brennan Ph.D. (University of Scranton) Show Caption 1 of 5 University of Scranton professor Sean Brennan at a previous National History Day event. (Sean Brennan ) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expand Students in sixth grade through high school independently choose a topic to research and create an entry such as a website, documentary, display, research paper or historical reenactment. Scranton is part of a region that includes Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Pike, Wayne, Wyoming, Monroe and Sullivan counties and Luzerne County, minus the Hazleton Area School District. The upcoming contest will be the sixth regional contest held at the university. Currently, Luzerne County sends more students than Lackawanna County. The university has also hosted the state gathering for two years, when the state program was still under the direction of the Army Heritage Center in Carlisle. When the Army Heritage Center dropped its role as the state affiliate, the national program had to find new Pennsylvania leadership. With Brennan and the university, it also found a willing permanent host. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a big deal, said Kim Fortney, deputy director of National History Day, based in College Park, Maryland. Thats where the national finals are held. We rely heavily, if not critically, on our local affiliates, Fortney said. Brennan is a well-respected historian, she said. Brennan is recruiting volunteer judges, who do not need to work in education or the field of history. Students can register to compete through Feb. 14. He can be reached at sean.brennan@scranton.edu. Around 75 to 100 students will compete in the regional contest March 1, accompanied by teachers, judges and others. The state contest, on April 12 and 13, will bring 250 or more students, with several hundred adults. Blocks of hotel rooms are being offered at eight hotels in Scranton, Moosic and Dickson City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Brennan doesnt personally know if any students have enrolled in the university as a result of the contest, he said it is good advertising. Its like having another open house, he said. This years nationwide theme is Rights and Responsibilities in History. The idea is to cultivate in students a love and interest in history, Brennan said. Not that they will also become professional historians like me, or history professors, but if kids dont get interested in history at that age, for the most part, theyre not going to get interested in it as adults. And for people who write works of history like me, who teach about history at a collegiate level, if we dont get kids interested in history, then its going to be the death of our field. People arent going to sign up for our classes, people arent going to buy the books we write. Nationally, the number of students majoring in history has been dropping for decades. At the university, the drop has been small, Brennan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But more importantly, Im a firm believer, as someone who teaches at a liberal arts university, that knowledge about the past, understanding the history of both your country and world, is crucial to understanding the present and its essential for informed citizenry, he said. And l think it is the duty of historians and history professors and teachers to try to get as many people interested in history as possible, and more important, to show why it is relevant. Brennan has taught at the University since 2009. His specialty is 20th century Europe, especially Russia, Germany and Austria, with focuses on military, religious and diplomatic history. His fifth book, The Essential Speeches of the Cold War: A Primary Source Collection, was published in September by Routledge, a British academic publisher. He also teaches mini classes with a pop culture twist for the Schemel Forum, the universitys enrichment seminars for the public. He and his wife, Stephanie Longo, a professor of corporate communications at Penn State Scranton, are about to move to Dunmore from Clarks Summit. For information about National History Day, visit nhd.org/en. KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Hokulea crew members drape lei on the bow of the canoe after a welcome ceremony for their arrival in Pearl Harbor on Saturday. 1 /4 KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Hokulea crew members drape lei on the bow of the canoe after a welcome ceremony for their arrival in Pearl Harbor on Saturday. KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Hokulea and her crew pull into Rainbow Bay Marina in Pearl Harbor on Saturday as they resume their statewide tour leading up to the canoes 50th anniversary in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 /4 KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Hokulea and her crew pull into Rainbow Bay Marina in Pearl Harbor on Saturday as they resume their statewide tour leading up to the canoes 50th anniversary in March. KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam commander Capt. Sam White helps pull in the Hokulea as it docks at Rainbow Bay Marina at Pearl Harbor Saturday. 3 /4 KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam commander Capt. Sam White helps pull in the Hokulea as it docks at Rainbow Bay Marina at Pearl Harbor Saturday. KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Navy Region Hawaii commander Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett drinks kava offered to him during a welcome ceremony for the Hokulea and its crew after their arrival in Pearl Harbor on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 /4 KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Navy Region Hawaii commander Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett drinks kava offered to him during a welcome ceremony for the Hokulea and its crew after their arrival in Pearl Harbor on Saturday. KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Hokulea crew members drape lei on the bow of the canoe after a welcome ceremony for their arrival in Pearl Harbor on Saturday. KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Hokulea and her crew pull into Rainbow Bay Marina in Pearl Harbor on Saturday as they resume their statewide tour leading up to the canoes 50th anniversary in March. KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam commander Capt. Sam White helps pull in the Hokulea as it docks at Rainbow Bay Marina at Pearl Harbor Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KEVIN KNODELL / KKNODELL @STARADVERTISER.COM Navy Region Hawaii commander Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett drinks kava offered to him during a welcome ceremony for the Hokulea and its crew after their arrival in Pearl Harbor on Saturday. The Hokule a voyaging canoe, refreshed after four weeks in dry dock, sailed into Pearl Harbor Saturday morning as it resumed its Pae Aina statewide tour and prepares for its 50th birthday celebration in March. Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett, commander of Navy Region Hawaii, joined the crew aboard the Polynesian Voyaging Society vessel as it entered the harbor and was towed to Rainbow Bay Marina, where they were greeted warmly by other military officials and community members. As they came ashore, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam commander Capt. Sam White, decked out in his Navy dress whites, grabbed the mooring line and helped pull the canoe to the dock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was only the second time Hokule a had sailed into the military base, an area traditionally known to Native Hawaiians as Wai Momi (Pearl Water ) and Puu Loa (Long Hill ). In the last five decades, (Hokule a ) sailed over 200, 000 nautical miles across the Pacific and completed over 13 major voyages, Barnett said in remarks during a welcoming ceremony. But she was fueled. She was fueled by self discipline, she was fueled by preparation, courage, risk-taking. But the most important fuel is the fuel of aloha, which is what she has. The Voyaging Society built Hokule a in 1975 to sail to Tahiti to test the viability of theories that Hawaii was first settled by Polynesians from the South Pacific who arrived through purposely planned trips and navigation, as opposed to passive drifting on currents or sailing from the Americas, which was commonly argued at the time. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Today its more widely believed Polynesians navigated from Asia across the Pacific, with DNA analysis backing up those theories. Hokule a and its crew sailed using entirely traditional means that would have been available to the early Polynesians. That meant no magnetic compasses or other modern instruments ; they had to rely on reading the position of the sun and stars in the sky and variations in sea currents to determine the time and the direction they were heading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As soon as this canoe hit the water, then it became really scary, really quickly, because no one had the skill, recalled master navigator Bruce Blankenfeld, who has captained the traditional vessel on several voyages. No one was around that understood how to control this canoe, how to sail it, how to just be in command and control of the canoe. But over five decades, experienced veterans and newcomers have helmed the canoe. Though initially built only for that first Tahiti voyage, Hokule a has continued to test its limits, having sailed the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans and crossed the Panama Canal using the same techniques as the original voyagers. In 2023, the Hokule a set off on its Moananuiakea Voyage, a planned 43, 000-nautical-mile, four-year-long circumnavigation of the Pacific with its sister canoe, Hikianalia. After arriving in Alaska, they traveled down the western coast of North America, but the plan was upended after the tragic 2023 Maui wildfires and concerns about the El Nino climate phenomenon that, along with existing climate change, posed potential dangers that year. Hokule a and its crew cut the voyage short in California and returned to Hawaii to focus on supporting local communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The level of hurt thats happening in our home is something I cant comprehend. All I know is that we have to come home because of it, Nainoa Thompson, Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO, said in a news release at the time. Lahaina is a voyaging powerhouse I believe the family is going to need the canoe and the canoe is going to need the family. Hokule a began its statewide tour across Hawaii in August and has been making port calls across the islands, with the crew giving tours of the canoe and going out into communities and schools. Blankenfeld said the canoe was built for the people of Hawaiiit belongs to all of us, it represents all of us. Over the holiday season it went into dry dock on Sand Island with crew members refurbishing and repainting the canoe before continuing its journeys. While docked at Pearl Harbor, the crew will again be giving ship tours while also doing school visits to teach students about the canoe and its history, as well as the ways of the ocean. Your bold commitment to our oceans and to our environment inspires future generations, which is why next week is so important, said Barnett, referring to the scheduled activities. Were grateful for the wisdom, but were also grateful for the knowledge that youve shared and will continue to share over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After its 50th birthday celebration March 8 at the 16th Annual Kualoa /Hakipu u Canoe Festival at Kualoa Regional Park, Hokule a will leave Hawaii to resume the Moananuiakea Voyage, sailing south through Polynesia down to New Zealand before making its way to Asia.Pae Aina Statewide SailWhat : Public dockside tours of the traditional voyaging canoe Hokule aWhere : 57 Arizona Memorial Drive, Pearl HarborWhen : Today, 1-4 p.m.; Monday, 2-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 3-6 p.m.; and Thursday, 3-5 p.m. Future Oahu stops include Ko Olina (Jan. 29-Feb. 5 ); Pokai (Feb. 6-8 ); and Maunalua, Hawaii Kai (Feb. 9-14 ) For updates, check and @hokuleacrew on Facebook and Instagram. Gal Gadot, Mayim Bialik, Gwyneth Paltrow, Patricia Heaton and Michael Rappaport were among those in Hollywood to react the first Israeli hostage releases on Sunday. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were the first three hostages released from Gaza on Sunday morning. They arrived in Israel, the military announced, hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doron, Romi and Emily are home, Gadot wrote on social media. Three families reunited. Still holding onto hope for the 94 hostages who remain. Bialik also joined in the celebration, adding on Instagram. We wont give up until they are all home. Also on Instagram, Heaton shared her exuberance at the return of the three female hostages. Home. Waiting on the other dear ones, she said in a reel. Rappaport re-shared several reports of the hostage return on his social media, and then said in an Instagram story: How about fuck Gaza. Fuck Gaza. Fuck Gaza. Fuck Gaza, and the 77 years of wasted time. Fuck Gaza for letting themselves be overran by terrorists. Fuck Gaza for not saying anything or pointing out where the hostages is, fuck Gaza. Fuck Gaza and fuck Gaza. How about that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gwyneth Paltrow shared news of the hostages return and wrote on social media, let the healing begin. Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jenn Fessler wrote on Instagram, welcome home, and Sharon Osbourne shared a news clip of the hostages family reunification. The historic arrangement, which began earlier this week, is designed to pause fighting in the Gaza Strip and allow the phased release of Israeli hostages held in the region. The talks leading up to the ceasefire took place in Qatar. Under the agreement, Israeli hostages held by Hamas are set to be freed in phases, while hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel are set to be released. The deal also allows Palestinians displaced by the Gaza conflict to return, with much-needed humanitarian and medical aid allowed into the territory torn apart by 15 months of relentless war. 22 short films in From Ground Zero, Palestines submission for the best international feature Oscar, is an anthology feature that showcases 22 shorts by filmmakers documenting life in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement on the ceasefire, which went into effect on Sunday, is designed to end the Israel-Gaza war and Israels attacks on Gaza triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023 mass killing and hostage-taking of Israelis by Hamas militants. Protests and debates surrounding the conflict have shaken up film festivals throughout the world. Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett and Susan Sarandon, Nicola Coughlan and Reservation Dogs actor Dallas Goldtooth were among those calling for a permanent ceasefire as the Gaza conflict unfolded. Gadot, Bialik, Debra Messing, David Mamet, Gene Simmons, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and Scooter Braun were among Hollywood players to voice their support for Israel during the Gaza conflict, with their advocacy often taking place online or as part of open signed letters. Rapaport, a key supporter of Israel during the Gaza conflict, was among the first Hollywood names to react when the ceasefire was officially unveiled. Urging the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, he posted on X: ALL OF THEM @bringhomenow. His post included a photo collage of Israeli hostages, some of whom are expected to be freed as part of the ceasefire deal. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. House Judiciary Committee meeting Rep. Laurie Bratten, R-Sheridan, listens during a House Judiciary Committee meeting at the Capitol on Friday in Cheyenne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 (2025) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The Horton Fire northeast of Payson was nearly 94% contained on Saturday, more than a month after the wildfire was ignited, according to officials with the Tonto National Forest. The wildfire grew to 8,346 acres, according to InciWeb, prompting the pre-evacuation of nearby communities until last week. Firefighter crews started to downsize over the weekend as the fire was nearly extinguished, prompting Tonto National Forest officials to issue "the final written update on the Horton Fire, unless significant activity were to occur," according to a news release on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Here's a look at the remaining efforts of firefighters who hoped to end the Horton Fire. Wildfire size and resources dwindle as containment nears As the fire initially grew in size, more than 400 firefighters were at the scene to battle the blaze, equipped with dozens of pieces of heavy equipment. On Saturday, only 107 personnel remained at the scene, along with five fire engines, a bulldozer and water tender, officials said in the news release. Crews to remain until fire fully extinguished Crews continued to battle the fire on Saturday, and efforts would continue until the blaze was fully "contained, controlled and called out," added Tonto National Forest officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some crews continued to use heavy equipment along Forest Service Road 76, according to the news release. Crews from the Burned Area Emergency Response team initially reported that 99% of the burned area sustained minimal damage, with soil and root systems largely remaining intact. Closure of nearby forest remains; pre-evacuation status over There was still a closure to the immediate area surrounding the wildfire until Feb. 28, unless ended earlier by forest officials. All nearby communities were taken off pre-evacuation status on Jan. 10, according to Tonto National Forest officials. Wildfire smoke forecast for nearby Payson, State Route 260 Remnants of smoke were still expected, as vegetation within the interior of the fire continued to burn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued its last forecast about the fire on Jan. 10, after the fire was more than half contained. Giving assistance: What Arizona organizations are doing to aid California wildfire efforts and how to help Reach the reporter at reynaldo.covarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Wildfire near Payson nearly extinguished after monthlong burn Reacting to the Saif Ali Khan attack case, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva on Sunday lashed out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and former Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal and said that the BJP has been saying from the first day that the Bangladeshi Rohingyas are a threat to the security of Delhi as well as the entire country. He further stated that Kejriwal must now be held accountable for why he works to save Bangladeshis. "We have been saying from the first day that Bangladeshi Rohingyas are a threat to the security of Delhi and the country...Arvind Kejriwal should tell why he works to save Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. You should now answer why Arvind Kejriwal works to nurture criminals who are a threat to the country's security," said Sachdeva. The Mumbai Police on Sunday morning confirmed that the person arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan is an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh. The accused, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. As per the police statement, various investigation teams were formed to investigate the crime, and a case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Further, according to the police, the accused was about to flee to his native village when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. It was revealed that the accused is a native of the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh. The attack was reported by Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on January 16, during which Saif Ali Khan was attacked and sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. During a press conference earlier today, the Mumbai Police stated that there was preliminary evidence suggesting the accused is a Bangladeshi national. "He does not have valid Indian documents. Some items seized indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national," said Dixit Gedam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone 9. This development comes after Khan was stabbed multiple times in his Bandra apartment in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, where he received treatment for serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is recovering 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. While the actor is now "out of danger," medical staff are closely monitoring his condition. (ANI) PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Hundreds of people gathered at Terry Schrunk Plaza in downtown Portland early Saturday afternoon in a rally against soon-to-be-President Donald Trumps policies like immigration, healthcare and reproductive rights. Some attendees at The Peoples March dressed in clothing and makeup that evoked The Handmaids Tale while others carried signs that spoke for them Keep your filthy hands off our bodily autonomy, Love trumps hate, Our democracy is not for sale, Elect a clown, expect a circus, and Yes, please, Canada annex us! the rally was peaceful but much smaller than a similar event when Trump first took office in 2017. Driver arrested for DUII after pedestrian hit in Northeast Portland crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today we are marching for human rights and anti-fascism, Portland Peoples March co-organizer Ernie Johnston told KOIN 6 News. Were really just hoping to build a community of support to let people know theyre not alone and to stand against injustice. Johnston believes events like this do make a difference. A lot of change that has happened in history has happened because of marches and rallies like these all over the world. Hundreds of people gathered at Terry Schrunk Plaza downtown for the Portland People's March, January 18, 2025 (KOIN) Hundreds of people gathered at Terry Schrunk Plaza downtown for the Portland People's March, January 18, 2025 (KOIN) Hundreds of people gathered at Terry Schrunk Plaza downtown for the Portland People's March, January 18, 2025 (KOIN) Hundreds of people gathered at Terry Schrunk Plaza downtown for the Portland People's March, January 18, 2025 (KOIN) River Montijo with Portland Raging Grannies attended the Portland People's March, January 18, 2025 (KOIN) Ainsley Adams did social media and communications for The Portland People's March, January 18, 2025 (KOIN) Though billed as The Peoples March, it was really more of a rally, Johnston said, because mainly were just here for each other. It also gives an opportunity for people with booths here the ACLU, Planned Parenthood showed up, Every Town for Gun Safety so it gives us an opportunity for people to have a way forward after this. Ainsley Adams, who worked on social media and communications for the event, said she contacted national organizers in Washington, D.C. to let them know Portland needed to be part of this countrywide effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We put this together in 24 days. Volunteers have been working really hard on this since and were really happy with the turnout, Adams said. The Portland rally and others around the US is to show Trump and the Trump Administration the peoples power. One of the many attendees was River Montijo with the Portland Raging Grannies, which she described as a social justice group. We find Trumps opinions to be against every one of ours, Montijo said. Were here to say he does not represent the majority of people. This rally, with a very brief march on sidewalks, was peaceful. Including this one, five protest events are planned from now through Trumps inauguration Monday. Portland police said theyll monitor them closely with increased staffing and be ready to respond to any disruptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KOIN 6 News will have more details on this and other events later in the 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 KOIN.com. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) This weekend two local firearm groups have partnered for a New York State pistol permit course to get folks trained on firearm safety. The Rochester African American Firearms Association and the Firing Pin began hosting a community class at Kodak Center on Saturday. Organizers told us their main goal is to train as many people for as cheap as possible. The class is split over the course of two days, including a practical test, requiring 18 hours total. Organizers said their main goal was to train as many people for as cheap as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think about firearms training, its super expensive. Our base class is 275. As you get toward New York City, it gets up to like $800, Tyler Mirra, the general manager of the Firing Pin, admitted. And thats before you even purchase a firearm. So, theres a whole bunch of financial barriers. That is why were hosting the class, to try to help people with those financial barriers. March on Rochester strolls through Neighborhood of the Arts to raise awareness over reproductive rights He added that hundreds of people came out to get their training. You can keep up with the Firing Pin here, and the Rochester African American Firearms Association here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Editors note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers. HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) A husband has been flown to UK Hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds and a wife is dead after an alleged domestic dispute in Harlan County on Sunday. According to the Kentucky State Police Department (KSP), troopers responded around 11 a.m. on Sunday to reports that two people had been shot in the area of Highway 421 in the Cranks community of Harlan County. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police said a preliminary investigation showed that Johnny Simpson, 43, called KSP Post 10 and said he had allegedly been shot multiple times in the body and face by his wife, Samantha Simpson, 43. When troopers arrived at the scene, KSP said in a news release that Johnny was found with multiple gunshot wounds and his wife was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Both Johnny and Samantha were taken to Appalachian Regional Health in Harlan, authorities said. The Harlan County Coroners Office arrived at the hospital afterward and declared Samantha dead. Johnny was later flown to UK Hospital in Lexington. Troopers said the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community. An investigation remains ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A west Wichita hotel where two people were shot in the last year, including one in the last week, was forced to close it doors Friday and evict the people who had been staying there, according to city of Wichita spokesperson Megan Lovely. Lovely did not answer any specifics, including how many people were affected and the exact reasoning for the closure, but recent police and health inspections show may highlight some of the concerns. Lovely said for several months the Wichita Police Department, Wichita Fire Department, the community, and the State Fire Marshal have raised concerns regarding serious, identified safety issues about the Economy Hotel Plus+ Wichita, at 5805 W. Kellogg. She said a comprehensive assessment of the site was conducted and the findings from this week indicate that this location poses an immediate danger to anyone present there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owners of the hotel also own another Wichita hotel. Additionally, the owners have a hotel in Roswell, Georgia, where a 45-year-old woman was killed in June 2022 that led to a man being charged for murder and a July 2015 fatal shooting of a 30-year-old man over a suspected drug deal that led to two men being charged, according to Appen Media Group and online records that link the owners of the Wichita hotel to that hotel. The owners could not be reached at the phone number associated with the hotel. At the now-shuttered hotel, a woman was critically injured after being shot shortly before 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to a police report. And on Jan. 17, 2024, a woman in her 20s was found shot in the leg in the hotel lobby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lovely said they considered the Arctic weather descending on Kansas this weekend before closing the hotel. Ultimately, after many conversations, it was determined that the best action to protect and preserve the safety of those staying in the hotel was to evacuate the facility immediately, she said. To assist those impacted, we are working to provide safe shelter options and resources to support individuals and families during this time. TALLINN, Estonia (AP) The yellow name tag that Ales Bialiatski wears on his prison garb sets him apart from other inmates in Penal Colony No. 9 in eastern Belarus. It marks Bialiatski as a political prisoner to be singled out for harsh treatment. Because he's been labeled an extremist by authorities, he's routinely denied medications, food parcels from home and contact with relatives, and is subjected to forced labor and stints in punishment cells, according to former inmates. Authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko often claimed in his three decades in power that Belarus has no political prisoners, but activists say it currently holds about 1,300 of them. Many endure harsh conditions like Bialiatski, 62, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 for his human rights activism and is believed to be in worsening health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belarus will hold a presidential election on Jan. 26 with no real opposition candidates. That all but assures a seventh term for Lukashenko, who was dubbed Europes last dictator early in his tenure. The vote is shining a spotlight anew on Belarus' human rights record after balloting in 2020 that was denounced at home and abroad as fraudulent. It triggered mass anti-government protests that led to a harsh crackdown on dissent and thousands of arrests. A catastrophe in the center of Europe Bialatskis fate underscores the catastrophe in the center of Europe that Lukashenkos regime has plunged Belarus into, said opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran in the 2020 election but was forced into exile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her husband, activist Siarhei Tsikhanouski, also is imprisoned and hasnt been heard from for nearly 700 days. If the authorities are openly abusing the Nobel laureate and demonstratively turning his life into hell, then it is not difficult to imagine the torment that thousands of other Belarusian political prisoners are experiencing, Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press. In recent months, Lukashenko has pardoned some political opponents, but critics say it's a revolving door, with his government simultaneously arresting others in a continuing crackdown. Nearly 65,000 people have been arrested since 2020, and many of them alleged they were beaten or tortured in custody, which the government denied. Activists say at least seven have died behind bars. Bialiatski was arrested in 2021 amid raids by the country's KGB. In March 2023, he was convicted on charges of smuggling and financing actions that grossly violated public order, and sentenced to 10 years. Authorities labeled him as especially dangerous because of alleged extremist tendencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fears for Nobel winner's health He was transferred to the harsh Penal Colony No. 9 in 2023, and Bialiatskis wife, Natalia Pinchuk, hasn't heard from him since August, she told AP in a December interview. A food parcel she had sent to him was returned to her in November an ominous sign of his bleak conditions. She gets only crumbs of information from other inmates: His health has deteriorated from months in solitary confinement, his chronic conditions are flaring up, and he needs special medical care, she said. His most recent letter is written in large script, which points to problems with his eyesight. I also know that he has lost a lot of weight and needs medication, Pinchuk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in Belarus and the West link Bialiatski harsh treatment to his activities with his human rights group, Viasna. During the post-election protests, Viasna helped thousands of people targeted by law enforcement and documented its widespread violations. The government responded by shutting down Viasnas offices and arresting six prominent members. Four of them -- Valiantsin Stefanovic, Uladzimir Labkovich, Marfa Rabkova, and Andrei Chapiuk -- are serving sentences ranging from five years and nine months to nearly 15 years. When the repressions worsened and it became very dangerous, I asked Ales to consider leaving Belarus," his wife said. "But by that time, Viasna rights defenders had already been arrested, and he said he cannot leave them behind. While in detention, Bialiatski was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with two other human rights groups Russia's Memorial and Ukraines Center for Civil Liberties. It was seen as the Nobel committees rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin after Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But conditions only got worse for Bialiatski. Penal Colony No. 9, near the eastern city of Horki, is where repeat offenders are sent, former inmates say, and it is known for beatings, food deprivation and forced labor. Hungry prisoners are easier to manage Ruslan Akostka, released from the penal colony in July, told AP that inmates were ordered not to speak to Bialiatski, or else they'd end up in an isolation cell. He recalled seeing a gaunt Bialiatski spending hours assembling wooden pallets and army ammunition boxes in what he described as slave labor. For lunch a few spoonfuls of potato. Bialiatski is very thin, and like everyone, he constantly walks around hungry, Akostka said. It all looks like a concentration camp. After all, hungry prisoners are easier to manage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leanid Sudalenka, a Viasna activist who fled Belarus in 2024 after serving three years in a different colony, described No. 9 as the place where authorities seek to break political prisoners. Bialiatski may simply not survive until his release, he said. The Nobel laureate will be 70 when his sentence ends. Authorities are creating conditions for political prisoners that are akin to torture, Sudalenka said, adding that he has seen inmates lose first their sight, then their teeth, then collapse from exhaustion and mistreatment. Bialiatski has faced arrest over 20 times since becoming involved in the pro-independence movement in the 1980s while Belarus was still part of the Soviet Union. He founded Viasna in 1996, and it has become the country's most prominent rights organization, winning international acclaim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spent three years in jail on what he called a politically motivated tax evasion conviction in 2011. Released in 2014 following Western pressure, he returned to his activism. Bialiatski was behind bars for the Nobel ceremony in Oslo, but Pinchuk spoke in his place, describing Belarus as a country where the cold wind from the East collided with the warm (of) the European renaissance. Pleas for release are ignored Human rights activists urging his release include Oleg Orlov, a co-founder of Memorial in Russia who was freed in August with other Kremlin critics in the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking in Vilnius in October, Orlov said it was unfair that Bialiatski and other Belarusian figures were excluded from the exchange. Since June 2024, Belarus has freed 227 political prisoners, according to Viasna, most of whom were jailed after the 2020 protests. But Bialiatski and other key opposition figures, like Siarhei Tsikhanouski and Viktar Babaryka, remain behind bars. According to Viasna's Sudalenka, Western leaders seeking Bialiatski's release have hit "a brick wall," with authorities in Minsk demanding the lifting of sanctions imposed on the country. Belarusian officials see political prisoners as a commodity, and Bialiatski as a particularly valuable asset, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.N.s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said in July that the basis for Bialiatski's imprisonment "was his exercise of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. According to Viasna activist Pavel Sapelka, Bialiatskis story speaks to the failure of the U.N. and other world bodies to get autocrats to respect basic human rights. It not only demonstrates the worsening of the situation in Belarus, but also acutely exposes the inability of the international community to protect those standing up for freedom, Sapelka said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in mitigating natural disasters across the country, and comparing it to the ability of the National Democratic Alliance to mitigate 'manmade disasters.' "When a disaster is sent by God, the NDRF comes to help and when a disaster is manmade, the NDA comes to help," Shah said during the 20th Foundation Day of NDRF in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Minister Shah, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan also inaugurated the campuses of three important centres today, including the Southern Campus of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), the 10th Battalion of the NDRF, and the Regional Response Centre (RRC) in Supaul (9th Battalion). This campus has been partially operational since May 2023, and in a short span of time, more than 44 training programs have been organized, with over 2,130 stakeholders trained in various aspects of disaster management. The Union Home Minister further highlighted that between 2014 to 2019, Andhra Pradesh has suffered due to 'manmade disaster,' but the pair of CM Naidu and PM Modi will help speed up development. He added, "In the 5 years between 2014 and 2019, Andhra Pradesh, a state full of possibilities, suffered because of a manmade disaster. I want to assure you that you don't have to worry about those 5 wasted years. The pair of PM Modi and CM Naidu will speed up the development by three times." Since the formation of the 10th Battalion of the NDRF has set an extraordinary example of dedication, efficiency, and professionalism in the field of disaster management. It 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), Prime Minister Modi outlined a 10-point agenda for disaster risk reduction, which continues to guide India's disaster management policy. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India is now adopting a zero-casualty approach to disaster management, rather than a relief-centered approach. This approach aims to achieve the goal of Zero Casualty during disasters. Both NIDM and NDRF are playing a crucial role in making India disaster-resistant and strengthening the disaster risk reduction system in the country, according to the statement. HM Shah also laid 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. (ANI) President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House is Monday. This year, his inauguration falls on the same day as the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Here's what to know: When is Inauguration Day 2025? The inauguration is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20. It will take place in the Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C. Inauguration Day has officially been Jan. 20 or Jan. 21 if Jan. 20 is on a Sunday since 1937, according to the National Archives. What happens at the Inauguration? The inauguration is the official swearing in of the president and vice president. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) plans each ceremony. While events may vary by year, the following always take place, per the JCCIC: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Procession to the Capitol Swearing in of vice president and president Inaugural address from the president Honorary departure Signing ceremony Inaugural luncheon Pass in review Is Inauguration Day a federal holiday? Inauguration Day is included in the list of 2025 federal holidays, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. However, it's only a federal holiday for federal employees in Washington, D.C., and certain federal offices. More: People's March Milwaukee: More than 100 people join rally ahead of Trump's inauguration When is MLK Day? MLK Day is observed on the third Monday of January annually. This year, it falls on Jan. 20. What is MLK Day? MLK Day celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill on Nov. 2, 1983, to establish the federal holiday, 15 years after it was introduced following King's assassination. It took another 17 years to be recognized in all 50 states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service. Are federal and local government offices open on MLK Day? Federal government offices will be closed since MLK Day and Inauguration Days are federal holidays, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Wisconsin state government and Milwaukee city offices will also be closed in observance of MLK Day. More: New King mural in Bronzeville mural series intends to show 'powerful mind and gentle heart' Will mail be delivered on MLK Day? Post offices will be closed on MLK Day, according to the U.S. Postal Service. Mail won't be delivered. Are shipping services, like UPS and FedEx, available on MLK Day? According to the UPS website, pickup and delivery services will not be available on MLK Day and store locations may also be closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available and locations will be open, according to the company's website. Will banks be open on MLK Day? Banks follow the federal holiday schedule so they'll be closed, USA TODAY reported. But, ATMs and digital banking features will still be in service. Will local stores and businesses be open on MLK Day? Most businesses and stores throughout Wisconsin will likely be open or have modified hours on MLK Day. You should contact the business to check its hours. Will Milwaukee Public Schools be open on MLK Day? Milwaukee Public Schools will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, according to its districtwide calendar. Are Milwaukee Public Libraries open on MLK Day? Milwaukee Public Libraries will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, according to the library's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mariyam Muhammad contributed to this report. More: Here's a look at Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in and around Milwaukee in 2025 This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Is Inauguration Day always on January 20, MLK Day? Federal holiday? CHICAGO The incoming Trump administration is reconsidering whether to launch mass deportation raids in Chicago next week, according to a report from The Washington Post. According to The Washington Post, President-elect Donald Trumps handpicked border czar Tom Homan said in an interview on Saturday that the incoming administration is reconsidering whether to launch the raids in Chicago. Homan, who previously served as the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told The Washington Post the new administration hasnt made a decision yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal previously reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will send between 100 and 200 officers for the mass deportation operation beginning on Tuesday, the day after Trumps inauguration, citing four people familiar with the planning. Mass deportation raids could start in Chicago as soon as Tuesday: report According to The Washington Post, Homan said he did not know why Chicago became a focus of attention and said the incoming administrations enforcement goals are much broader than one city, saying, ICE will start arresting public safety threats and national security threats on day one. Well be arresting people across the country, uninhibited by any prior administration guidelines. Why Chicago was mentioned specifically, I dont know. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have said the citys law forbids CPD from coordinating with ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR) An inmate died in the Oklahoma County Jail Saturday evening, his death is under investigation. According to the Oklahoma County Detention Center, 37-year-old Vincent Riggie was found dead around 7 p.m. | READ LOCAL > Oklahoma County Detention Center reports first inmate death of 2025 > This is the second inmate death for 2025 at the Oklahoma County Jail. Officials said he was found during sight checks and they called for lifesaving measures, NARCAN was administered but he did not survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that he was originally booked on November 4, 2024, for Aggravated Trafficking of Illegal Drugs and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was being held on a $50,000 bond. The investigation is in its preliminary stage. His death is under investigation. Standard protocol requires all deaths to be investigated as homicides until a final determination is made by the Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office. His family has been notified according to ODOC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NAIVASHA, Kenya (AP) For someone who fishes for a living, nothing says a bad day like spending over 18 hours on a lake and taking home nothing. Recently, a group of fishermen were said to be stranded on Kenya's popular Lake Naivasha for that long and blamed the water hyacinth that has taken over large parts of it. They did not realize that the hyacinth would later entrap them, said fellow fisherman Simon Macharia. The men even lost their nets, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The water hyacinth is native to South America and was reportedly introduced to Kenya in the 1980s by tourists who brought it as an ornamental plant, said Gordon Ocholla, an environmental scientist at Mount Kenya University. Water hyacinth was first sighted on Lake Naivasha about 10 years ago. Now it has become a large, glossy mat that can cover swathes of the lake. To fishermen, the invasive plant is a threat to livelihoods. Usually, the presence of water hyacinth is linked to pollution. It is known to thrive in the presence of contaminants and grows quickly, and is considered the most invasive aquatic plant species in the world, Ocholla said. It can prevent the penetration of sunlight and impact airflow, affecting the quality of aquatic life. This has caused a drastic drop in the population of fish in Lake Naivasha and some other affected areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources estimated in a 2023 study that the invasion of water hyacinth in Kenyan lakes including Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria has led to annual losses of between $150 million and $350 million in Kenya's fishing, transport and tourism sectors. The fishermen at Lake Naivasha know that well. Previously we would catch up to 90 kilograms (198 pounds) of fish per day, but nowadays we get between 10 kilograms and 15 kilograms, Macharia said. This means daily earnings have dropped from $210 to $35. Fishermen say they have tried to tackle the invasion of water hyacinth but with little success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It grows back faster than we can remove it, Macharia said. There are several ways to deal with the plant, including physically removing it, Ocholla said. Another method is introducing organisms that feed on it. Or chemicals can be sprayed to kill the plant, but this is not favorable as it would harm other aquatic life. Several attempts have been made to convert the plant into a useful commodity. The government had built a biogas processor near the lake where we were supposed to take the hyacinth, but it has never been operational, Macharia said. He did not know why. Recently the fishermen, through a Kenyan start-up, began using a method that converts water hyacinth into biodegradable packaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HyaPak started in 2022 as a project at Egerton University in Kenya. It seeks to create environmentally friendly packaging. On one hand there is a problem of water hyacinth, and a problem of plastic waste pollution on the other. What we are trying to do is using one problem, the hyacinth, to solve the plastic waste pollution, HyaPak founder Joseph Nguthiru said. He said he created the project following a disastrous field excursion that left him and his classmates stuck on Lake Naivasha. HyaPak has entered a partnership with the fishermen, who harvest the water hyacinth and sun-dry it for a negotiable fee. Then it is transported to the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute in Nairobi, where HyaPak is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There, it is mixed with what Nguthiru called proprietary additives and converted into biodegradable paper material. HyaPak is targeting the agriculture sector, creating biodegradable bags for seedlings. The bags decompose with time, releasing nutrients that Nguthiru said are beneficial to the plants. HyaPak works with 50 fishermen at Lake Naivasha, including Macharia. The company said it processes up to 150 kilograms of water hyacinth per week, converting it to 4,500 biodegradable packages. Experts said scaling up such work will be a challenge. Such solutions and others that have been applied by similar start-ups may be promising and actually work, but if they cannot be scaled to a higher level that matches the invasiveness of the water hyacinth, then the problem will still persist, Ocholla said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Israel has announced that a ceasefire in Gaza has taken effect after Hamas provided a list of three hostages to be released on Sunday. Source: The Times of Israel Details: After a delay in handing over the list, Hamas provided the names of three female hostages who are scheduled to be released during the day, enabling Israel to declare a ceasefire. The ceasefire, initially scheduled for 08:30, was delayed due to the transfer of the list and was instead set to take effect at 11:15 local time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the delay, Israeli forces continued to strike targets in Gaza for two hours prior to the official announcement. Previously: The Cabinet of Israel approved a deal with Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. Background: On 16 January, an official agreement was signed in Doha, Qatar, between Israel and Hamas to release hostages held in Gaza and to introduce a ceasefire. On 17 January, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that Israeli and Hamas negotiators had signed the agreement. Support UP or become our patron! Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday inspected the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, and said everyone is working with full commitment to implement the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The vision implemented by the Prime Minister for Mahakumbh is being followed by everyone. During the time of Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti, the main baths were completed...I tried to see what was going in Kumbh by roaming around. There is devotion and faith and all the ghats are pure and filled with devotees," CM Yogi said at the event. He further added that the picture of India that is being presented today gives a message of 'unity' and to be free from the division of caste. "This picture of India gives us a message to be free from the division of caste...it gives us a message of unity. People are chanting 'Har Har Gange' and taking holy dips. Prayagraj's message of unity will clear the path for building the Akhand Bharat," the Chief Minister added. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also took a dip at the Sangam in the ongoing mela. After taking a dip, he offered prayers at the Sangam and took darshan of the reclining Lord Hanuman at his temple. Taking to X, Sharma said, "I had the unique privilege of taking a holy dip of faith at the sacred Triveni Sangam in the grand confluence of faith, devotion and unity 'Mahakumbh-2025' in Prayagraj." "Thereafter, after having the divine darshan of reclining Hanuman Ji Maharaj and worshipping him with full rites, prayers were offered for the happiness, prosperity, auspiciousness and healthy life of all the people of the state," the post added. As of January 18, more than 77.2 million pilgrims have taken a dip at the Sangam Triveni. The footfall of the pilgrims is expected to increase in the upcoming days as four key Shahi Snans are yet to come. Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI) Israel continued its attacks on the Gaza Strip on Sunday, as a ceasefire due to come into effect in the morning was delayed over a dispute over the identity of the first hostages to be released under the deal. The Israeli military continued "to operate and strike terrorist targets in Gaza," it posted on X on Sunday morning, shortly after announcing the delay. A ceasefire was initially set to go into effect at 8:30 am (0630 GMT) to facilitate an initial six-week pause in fighting, as well as the release of Israeli hostages in exchange of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Israel says Palestinian extremist group Hamas has failed to provide the names of the three hostages set to be released today, as stipulated by the agreement, announcing that attacks on Gaza would continue until the militants adhere to the deal. Regardless, people in Gaza took to the streets at 8:30 am to celebrate, according to images broadcast by Al Jazeera. The long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza came into effect Sunday morning, after a delay of nearly three hours from the expected time. BBC News reports that Gazans are beginning to return to their homes, after Hamas fulfilled the condition of ceasefire, namely releasing the names of the first three hostages to be freed. More from Deadline The ceasefire was expected to take effect at 6.30am GMT, but was delayed at the last minute after the expected list of hostages did not arrive. Hamas explained this was down to technical field reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel continued to strike Gaza during those three hours of delay. The Hamas-run civil defence agency told the BBC that 19 people were killed in that time. The three hostages to be released by Hamas have been named as: Doron Steinbrecher, Emily Damari and Romi Gonen. This ceasefire represents the biggest hope for an end to the conflict, triggered on October 7 2023 by Hamas attack on Israel, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 Israeli citizens taken hostage. It is estimated that, since that time, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed. Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the deal mediated by the US and Qatar, which requires Israel to release Palestinian prisoners being held in its jails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has faced opposition to the deal from within his own cabinet. National security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and two other senior government figures resigned in protest, leaving the embattled prime minister with a very slim majority in power. Ben Gvir wrote in his letter of resignation that the ceasefire agreement represented a victory for terrorism. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Israels national security minister quit the Cabinet on Sunday over the ceasefire with Hamas, labelling the deal a catastrophe. Itamar Ben-Gvir had threatened to leave on Thursday after details of the agreement with the terror group were announced. The deal will see almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners released during phase one of the ceasefire, in return for 33 of the 97 Israeli hostages held in Gaza. While his departure does not mean the collapse of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus Right-wing coalition, the move leaves the premier with just 62 seats in the 120-seat parliament, in which he must maintain the majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Ben-Gvir criticised the conditions of the reckless deal, which he said includes the release of thousands of terrorists, 737 from Israeli prisons, mostly incarcerated on terror charges, and 1,167 detained during Israels ground operations in Gaza. If the war against Hamas resumes with full force toward achieving its decisive goals and objectives that remain unmet, we will return to the government, he said after his resignation. Mr Ben-Gvir, himself charged eight times for offences that include racism and supporting a terrorist organisation, has long stirred anger across the region by his defiant visits to the holy Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, one of Islams most sacred sites. He has now called on Betzalel Smotrich, the Right-wing finance minister, to follow him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, while Mr Smotrich has also criticised the deal, on Sunday, he warned that the overthrow of the government would inevitably lead to a halt to the war and open the door to the countrys more centrist and Left-wing parties. He said: The Left would provide Netanyahu with a safety net for a few months, only in exchange for a commitment to continue with the remaining stages of the deal and end the war without destroying Hamas and overthrowing its rule in Gaza, referring to Yair Lapid, the Opposition leader, and Benny Gantz, the National Unity party leader. On Thursday, amid the threats from Mr Ben-Gvir, Mr Lapid, who has called for Israels longest-serving PM to step down in the wake of the war, said old rivalries would be swept aside for the sake of the ceasefire deal. I say to Benjamin Netanyahu, dont be afraid or intimidated, you will get every safety net you need to make the hostage deal. This is more important than any disagreement weve ever had, the Yesh Atid leader said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Gantz, Israels former defence chief, also gave his backing on Tuesday, saying the return of the hostages must come before anything else, voicing support for Mr Netanyahu to push ahead with the deal in spite of resistance from the coalition. Reaching a plan to return our abductees is a supreme value and a strategic necessity failing to return them and abandoning them is a national catastrophe. The state camp will give full political backing to the plan for their return, he said. On Sunday, Mr Smotrich said the risks associated with not ensuring the hostages return, would be far greater for Jews around the world than going ahead with a deal which has a clause giving Israel the right to resume fighting. Oct 7 was the most deadly single day for Jews since the Holocaust with at least 1,100 mostly civilians killed and over 250 more taken hostage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the great risks of releasing terrorists, returning Gazans to the northern Gaza Strip, etc, the greatest strategic damage in this deal lies in the fact that the message it resonates with is that kidnapping Israelis brings the State of Israel to its knees. This is a danger to every Jew around the world. The only way to repair this damage and turn the deal into a tactical loss in battle rather than a strategic defeat in war is to return to fighting until Hamas is destroyed, he added. Bezalel Smotrich criticises the deal - Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg Last week, the Tivka Forum of Hostages Families also criticised the deal. This deal leaves dozens of hostages behind in Gaza. It also sets the stage for the next massacre and future kidnappings of Israelis, they said in a statement. Mr Netanyahu has long felt the fragility of the coalition in which Mr Ben-Gvir has frequently caused friction at home and abroad with Israels allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, Mr Ben-Gvir criticised Joe Biden when the US president threatened to withhold military aid if Israel invaded Rafah, writing on X, formerly Twitter, that Hamas loves Biden. The series of flare-ups led Mr Netanyahu to bring back an old political rival, Gideon Saar, in September. The two fell out four years ago and former Likud member Mr Saar never since found the success of his days alongside Mr Netanyahu heading a small conservative party. The agreement saw Mr Saar become a minister without portfolio, an opportunity to revive his political career amid hopes to one day be the next PM, while expanding Netanyahus majority coalition to 68 seats in the 120-seat parliament. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The beginning of a newly brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip set for 8:30 am (0630 GMT) has been delayed with Hamas still to provide the names of hostages to be released, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Sunday. Following months of stalemate in the 15-month-long Gaza war, a three-stage ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian extremist group Hamas was brokered earlier this week. In an initial six-week phase set to begin on Sunday, 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza are set to be released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, while the Israeli army gradually begins to withdraw from parts of the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Hamas has so far not released the names of the three hostages set to be released first under the agreement, Hagari said on Sunday morning. "Hamas is not fulfilling its obligations," he said, adding that the Israeli military would continue its attacks in Gaza until the militants adhered to the agreement. The beginning of a newly brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip set for 8:30 am (0630 GMT) has been delayed with Hamas still to provide the names of the first hostages to be released, the Israeli military said on Sunday morning. "Hamas is not fulfilling its obligations," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said, adding that the Israeli military would continue to strike Gaza until the militants adhered to the agreement. Following months of stalemate in the 15-month Gaza war, a three-stage ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian extremist group Hamas was brokered earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an initial six-week pause to fighting, 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza are set to be released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, while the Israeli army is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. The first three hostages were initially due to be released at 4 pm in exchange for some 90 Palestinian prisoners, but contention over who they are now means this plan could be in jeopardy. According to Israeli reports, Hamas cited "technical reasons" for the delay in providing the names. Under the agreement, the group has to publish the names of hostages at least 24 hours before a planned release. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel will "not tolerate violations of the agreement." Without the list of names, Israel would not continue to implement the agreement ratified by its government early on Saturday, he warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal was announced on Wednesday, capping months-long efforts by 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 Gaza war 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. Israel responded with massive bombardment of Gaza, laying much of the sealed-off territory to ruins, and also launched a ground incursion with the aim to fully eradicate Hamas. More than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to Palestinian estimates. The first phase of the ceasefire agreement also provides for a rapid increase in aid deliveries for more than 2 million Gazans, 90% of whom are affected by hunger, according to UN figures. The release of three Israeli hostages on Sunday night was announced aboard all flights worldwide from the Israeli flag carrier El Al. "I am pleased to report to you that at this moment the release of Romi, Doron and Emily and their return to Israel has begun," an El Al control centre representative said, according to the company. "El Al and all the Israeli people are waiting for the return home of all our brothers and sisters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video footage from various flights shows passengers cheering and clapping enthusiastically in response to the announcements. Armed Hamas members had previously handed over hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher in Gaza. The three women had been held in captivity since being abducted from Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. People celebrate outside a hospital, where Freed Israeli hostages arrive in Ramat Gan after their release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. The first three hostages released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal have reached Israeli territory, the Israeli military said on Sunday, hours after the agreement took effect. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa People celebrate outside a hospital, where Freed Israeli hostages arrive in Ramat Gan after their release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. The first three hostages released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal have reached Israeli territory, the Israeli military said on Sunday, hours after the agreement took effect. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Two far-right Israeli ministers publicly opposed a Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on Sunday in another sign of widening cracks in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. Hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and two other ministers from his nationalist-religious party resigned from Netanyahu's cabinet over the deal, their party said on Sunday. The Otzma Yehudit party is no longer part of the ruling coalition but has said it will not try to bring down Netanyahu's government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stopped short of resigning but said that if Israel agreed to a full end to the war before achieving its aims in Gaza - which include the complete destruction of Hamas - he and his party, Religious Zionism, would also leave the coalition. Smotrich added that he had received a commitment that Israel would not agree to ending the war before "achieving all of its goals". "There is no other way, in order to achieve the goals of the war in full: the destruction of Hamas and the return of all our hostages," he said on his Facebook page. Under the multi-phase ceasefire deal, 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza will first be released before negotiations begin to agree the release of the remaining 65 and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the families believe the second stage will not be implemented and that their own relatives risk being abandoned. They have staged a series of protests against the current deal. Israel is also due to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees as part of the ceasefire deal. (Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Gareth Jones) Emily Damari, one of the three Israeli hostages released from captivity in Gaza, lost two fingers during her abduction by Hamas, Israeli media reported on Sunday, citing her family. Damari was released along with two other women on Sunday after 471 days in captivity. Images from a video call between the 28-year-old woman and her relatives also showed her bandaged hand. Another photo of Damari and her mother published by the government also showed her apparently injured hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damari has both Israeli and British citizenship. She was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. In the images from the video call with relatives, she was seen beaming as she was reunited with her mother Mandy. Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has resigned in protest against the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported on Sunday. Ben-Gvir's far-right, ultra-nationalist Otzma Yehudit party, which holds six seats in the 120-seat Knesset, will leave the governing coalition, according to the reports. Ben-Gvir had long voiced resistance against a ceasefire deal with Hamas, threatening to exit the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing religious government will continue to hold a razor-thin majority in parliament despite the exit of Otzma Yehudi with 62 seats. The premier would lose his majority, however, if Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has also vociferously opposed a ceasefire, were to follow suit. His Religious Zionism party holds seven seats in the Knesset. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has announced that he would be willing to provide Netanyahu with a "safety net" in parliament for a hostage deal in such a case. Following months of stalemate in the 15-month Gaza war, a three-stage ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian extremist group Hamas was brokered earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first phase of the deal had been expected to go into effect at 8:30 am (0630 GMT) but there has been a delay due to Hamas failing to provide the names of the three hostages set to be released first, the Israeli military said on Sunday morning. During an initial six-week pause to fighting, 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza are set to be released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, while the Israeli army is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. The accused was identified as Jaheer Ali. Rajib Saikia, CPRO of Assam police said that, in continuation of 'Operation Praghat' STF Assam another successful operation against fundamentalist, Global Terrorist Organisation (GTO), STF arrested most wanted Jehadi Extremist namely Jaheer Ali of village Khudigaon pt ll under Bilasipara police station in Dhubri. "It is pertinent to mention that during the course of the investigation STF Assam Police Station Case No 21/2024, already arrested 12 numbers of clandestine activities including Bangladeshi nationals," he informed. According to the CPRO these individuals are operating under the direction of Md Farhan Israk a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani, the chief of Ansarullah Bangla Team. "One Bangladeshi national Md Sad Radi alias Shab Seikh a resident of Rajsahi was also sent to India to spread their nefarious ideology amongst like-minded Indian nationals across India," he said. STF also recovered huge arms, ammunition, explosives and other materials and various incriminating documents, mobile phones were recovered from their possession," Rajib Saikia said. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military not to begin the ceasefire in Gaza, scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. (0630 GMT), until Hamas issued the names of the hostages to be released, his office said on Sunday. "The prime minister instructed the IDF that the ceasefire, which is supposed to go into effect at 8:30 a.m., will not begin until Israel has the list of released abductees that Hamas has pledged to provide," his office said in a statement. (Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by William Mallard) Jan. 19JAMESTOWN The Jamestown Fire Department and Jamestown Rural Fire Department are on the scene of a reported fire at the University of Jamestown. A person reported at 1:37 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, that the cafeteria may be on fire, reporting a lot of smoke and possibly flames, said Scott Cebula, dispatch supervisor, of the Stutsman County Communications Center. Jamestown Fire Department requested the assistance of the Jamestown Rural Fire Department, he said. Dustin Jensen, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the university, confirmed the fire was in the kitchen and dining area of the Badal Nafus Center. Check back for more information on this developing story. The rooms are filled with elderly residents, their hands wrinkled and backs bent. They shuffle slowly down the corridors, some using walkers. Workers help them bathe, eat, walk and take their medication. But this isnt a nursing home its Japans largest womens prison. The population here reflects the aging society outside, and the pervasive problem of loneliness that guards say is so acute for some elderly prisoners that theyd prefer to stay incarcerated. There are even people who say they will pay 20,000 or 30,000 yen ($130-190) a month (if they can) live here forever, said Takayoshi Shiranaga, an officer at Tochigi Womens Prison located north of Tokyo, during an extremely rare visit granted to CNN in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the prisons light pink walls and strangely serene halls, CNN met Akiyo, an 81-year-old inmate with short gray hair and hands dotted with age spots. She was serving time for shoplifting food. There are very good people in this prison, said Akiyo, who CNN is identifying by a pseudonym for privacy. Perhaps this life is the most stable for me. The women in Tochigi live behind bars and must work in the prisons factories, but that suits some just fine. Inside they get regular meals, free healthcare and eldercare along with the companionship they lack on the outside. One inmate, Yoko, 51, has been imprisoned on drug charges five times over the last 25 years. Each time she returns, the prison population seems to get older, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Some people) do bad things on purpose and get caught so that they can come to prison again, if they run out of money, said Yoko, who CNN is identifying by a pseudonym for privacy reasons. Struggling in isolation Akiyo knows the burden of isolation and poverty too well. This is her second stint in prison, after being previously jailed in her 60s for stealing food. If I had been financially stable and had a comfortable lifestyle, I definitely wouldnt have done it, she said. When she committed her second theft, Akiyo was living off a very small pension that was only paid every two months. With less than $40 left and two weeks until her next payment, I made a poor decision and shoplifted, thinking it would be a minor issue, she said. Her prior conviction meant that she was imprisoned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With little family support, Akiyo had stopped caring about the future, or what would happen to her. Her 43-year-old son, who lived with her before she was imprisoned, often told her: I wish youd just go away. The walls and fences of Tochigi Women's Prison, located north of Tokyo. - CNN I felt like I didnt care what happened anymore, she said. I thought, Theres no point in me living, and I just want to die. Theft is by far the most common crime committed by elderly inmates, especially among women. In 2022, more than 80% of elderly female inmates nationwide were in jail for stealing, according to government figures. Some do it for survival 20% of people aged over 65 in Japan live in poverty, according to the OECD, compared to an average of 14.2% across the organizations 38 member countries. Others do it because they have so little left on the outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are people who come here because its cold, or because theyre hungry, said Shiranaga, the prison guard. Those who fall ill can get free medical treatment while they are in prison, but once they leave, they have to pay for it themselves, so some people want to stay here as long as possible. Can Japan fill the gap? CNN only passed through one security gate at Tochigi, where one in five inmates is elderly, and the prison has adjusted its services to account for their age. Across Japan, the number of prisoners aged 65 or older nearly quadrupled from 2003 to 2022 and its changed the nature of incarceration. Now we have to change their diapers, help them bathe, eat, Shiranaga said. At this point, it feels more like a nursing home than a prison full of convicted criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the problem for former inmates is a lack of support once they re-enter society, said Megumi, a prison guard at Tochigi, who CNN is identifying by her first name only for privacy. Even after they are released and return to normal life, they dont have anybody to look after them, she said. There are also people who have been abandoned by their families after repeatedly committing crimes, they have no place to belong. Authorities have acknowledged the issue, with the welfare ministry saying in 2021 that elderly inmates who received support after leaving prison were far less likely to re-offend than those who didnt. The ministry has since ramped up its early intervention efforts and community support centers to better support vulnerable elderly, it said. The Ministry of Justice has also launched programs for female inmates that provide guidance on independent living, substance addiction recovery, and how to navigate family relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government is now considering proposals to make housing benefits accessible to more elders, with 10 municipalities across Japan already testing initiatives to support elderly people with no close relatives. But its not clear whether that will be enough, in a country with one of the worlds longest lifespans and lowest birthrates. The elderly population is ballooning so fast that Japan will require 2.72 million care workers by 2040, according to the government which is now scrambling to encourage more people to enter the industry, and to import foreign workers to fill the gaps. Thats evident in Tochigi, where officers actively ask (inmates) with nursing qualifications to provide nursing care for other elderly prisoners, Megumi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoko, the 51-year-old inmate, is one such caregiver, having gotten her qualifications during her last sentence. Now, when there arent enough prison staff caring for the elderly, she helps other inmates bathe, change their clothes and move around, she said. All the while, prisons continue filling up with white-haired inmates. Akiyo finished her sentence in October. Speaking to CNN a month before her release, she said she was full of shame and afraid to face her son. She planned to apologize and ask his forgiveness, but said, Im afraid of how he might perceive me. Being alone is a very difficult thing, and I feel ashamed that I ended up in this situation, she added. I really feel that if I had a stronger will, I could have led a different life, but Im too old to do anything about it now. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (WPHL) A New Jersey teacher is facing charges after police said she is accused of sexually abusing one of her students and having a child with him. Laura Caron, 34, of Cape May Court House, was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. According to the Cape May County Prosecutors Office, Caron allegedly sexually assaulted her former student between 2016 and 2020 while the victim was living in her home and reportedly had his child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents allege that Caron, a fifth-grade teacher at Middle Township Elementary #2, gave birth to the victims baby in 2019 when he was 13 years old. Authorities say the investigation began after the victims father made a Facebook post in December 2024 claiming that Carons 5-year-old child looked like him and his son. College students accused of online catch a predator plot appear in court Investigators say Caron taught both the victim and his brother, and as the family became close with her, the boys and their sister would stay at her home one to two nights a week. Court documents say the children started living with Caron permanently from 2016 to 2020. According to the criminal complaint, Caron was a resource parent to the children, a term that has replaced foster parent in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, the victim told police about the sexual relationship with his former teacher during an interview and confirmed that he was the father of her child. The victim told police that he continued to have contact with the teacher until his father made the social media post last month. The victims sister told investigators that she would share a room with her siblings in Carons home, but the next morning, she would often find her brother in Carons bed, according to the criminal complaint. The welfare of our children is of the utmost importance, and we are fully dedicated to pursuing justice in cases like this, Middle Township Police Chief Tracey Super said in a statement. Parents and guardians place immense trust in educators, and when that trust is violated, it impacts everyone. I want to personally assure the parents of Middle Township that we are taking every step possible to ensure the safety of our children, Super added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Middle Township School District will offer counseling and support services to students, staff, and families who may be affected by this news. Caron was being held at the Cape May County Correctional Center, and her bail has been revoked, according to court documents. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OREGON, Ill. (WTVO) Jonathon Gounaris, the man who allegedly shot three deputies, will be appearing in court again for the first time in 2025, according to Ogle County Court Documents. Gounaris will be going before a judge for a status hearing on Jan. 23rd, at 3:30 p.m., in the Ogle County Courthouse. Status hearings are used to discuss progress in the case and if it will be resolved without trial, according to LegalClarity. The Ogle County States Attorney Mike Rock announced authorities use of force against Jonathon Gounaris was justified on September 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois State Polices Major Crime Investigation Unit conducted the investigation and States Attorney J. Hanley issued a memorandum concluding that the officers acted reasonably and lawfully. Three Ogle County deputies were injured in June after suspect, Jonathon Gounaris, allegedly opened fire on them during a standoff situation at the Lost Lake community just outside of Dixon. According to Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle, on June 12, at 8:39 a.m., police were called to the 400 block of Wild Rice Lane. VanVickle said a 911 call was made by a family member, claiming Gounaris had threatened them and himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple agencies, including the Ogle County Sheriff and first responders from Dixon, Oregon, Mount Morris, and Polo, were called to the scene. The SWAT team and hostage negotiators were called at 9:18 a.m., and repeatedly tried to make contact with the suspect, VanVickle said. At 11:51 a.m., authorities made entry into the home and, immediately upon entering the house, our deputies received fire. Police returned fire, incapacitating the suspect. Police said Gounaris was armed with multiple firearms, a fixed-blade knife, pepper spray and ballistic armor. Two of the three deputies injured in the shooting were transported to KSB Hospital, according to Nancy Varga, Chief of Staff. The other deputy was flown to OSF St. Anthonys Hospital in Rockford and underwent surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was also taken to the hospital where he underwent surgery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. JOPLIN, Mo. An area organization is getting kids excited about math and science and preparing them to help the next time the worst happens. Members of Joplins Civil Air Patrol chapter say its giving back that keeps them motivated and they hope youll join them. I was working with a flight simulator, said Cadet Master Sergeant Reco Russell, Civil Air Patrol. Today, Cadet Master Sergeant Reco Russell is practicing landing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes been a member of Civil Air Patrol for about two years but it was never part of his plan. Funnily enough, I actually accidentally discovered it while looking for the Air Force Academy, or information pertaining to it, said Russell. But now he cant imagine life outside of the program. Its something that fit my interests, you know, like aerospace, and space in general, said Russell. Joplin Squadron Deputy Commander Chris Mix says thats something the Civil Air Patrol can help with. We are tasked with three missions cadet programs, aerospace education, and emergency services, said 1st Lt. Chris Mix, Civil Air Patrol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aerospace education covers things like the flight training Cadet Master Sergeant Russell is taking. Civil Air Patrol trains for search and rescue at Joplin Regional Airport Cadet programs cover leadership a big draw for Cadet Airman Zachary Cronenwett. Civil Air Patrol gives you the ability, and you get to learn how to respect others, which is very vital when youre trying to get a job with an employer, said Cadet Airman Zachary Cronenwett, Civil Air Patrol. Its all those things and more these kids are also training to protect you when the worst happens. We are all trained to help respond and help our community, our state, our nation, said Mix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lieutenant Mix says in some cases that may mean search and rescue operations, in others supporting first responders. There are some limitations to what we want to put the cadets into. Safety is our priority, whether its our pilots, whether its our senior members, our cadets, said Mix. Cadet Airman Cronenwett says safety cant be taken for granted. You learn about our emergency services program, and you serve the community while doing it, said Cronenwett. Lieutenant Mix says if youre interested in joining its as simple as attending a meeting held each Tuesday at the old terminal building at the Joplin airport or visiting their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry show up when it matters, regardless of the cameras or criticism they may face as a result, according to their friend Jose Andres. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex who live in Montecito, Calif., about 90 miles north of the L.A. area have quietly aided with wildfire relief efforts as blazes tear across Southern California, donating essential supplies, connecting with affected families and serving meals with World Central Kitchen (WCK). Andres is just glad that they show up like so many others, he told PEOPLE during the Cayman Cookout at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, listen, I consider them friends, the WCK founder and restaurateur, 55, says of the pair, who have longstanding ties to his organization. I know they are in the spotlight not in America, but in Britain and what I can tell you from what I know is that they don't have to, but they decide to do it. Related: Meghan Markle Lends a Hand to Teen Girls Affected by Eaton Fire with Donations: 'Having Her Support Is Unreal' Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Prince Harry (left) and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo (middle) assist victims of the L.A. wildfires Prince Harry (left) and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo (middle) assist victims of the L.A. wildfires On Jan. 10, Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, visited the WCK location in Pasadena to help distribute food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire, aid that The Bazaar and Zaytinya owner called amazing. Probably, you feel like it's better that nobody does anything, because nobody criticizes you for showing up but the amazing thing is that they show up, Andres says. The hugs I saw [them] give to the people that recognize them and even the people that don't recognize them, it's people that just want somebody to listen to them, and give them a hug." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adds the chef: I'm just glad that they show up like so many others. Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Meghan Markle helps victims of the L.A. wildfires on Jan. 10, 2025 Meghan Markle helps victims of the L.A. wildfires on Jan. 10, 2025 Like another one of his famous friends who assisted WCK in its fire relief efforts in the L.A. area, Jennifer Garner, Meghan and Harry were there to help, not for media attention, Andres explains. The joy they bring to the people, the joy they bring to the first responders, or the people that lost everything and to see those celebrities giving hugs and crying with the people when some of those celebrities lost their homes they could be home, but they are there, he tells PEOPLE. And I think anybody that does anything, celebrity or not, only they will always forever get my applause and my recognition. Related: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Speak Out on Los Angeles Fires, Encourage Relief Efforts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the individuals assisting WCK and other relief efforts, he continues, may be celebrities, but in those moments they are one more person willing to do absolutely anything for anybody. So, for everybody that was able to show up even for an hour, for me, they're amazing people, because they don't have to because some of them, they are suffering the consequences, maybe, of the fire," he says. "But there they are and they don't do it where there are cameras, they're doing it where there is nobody. Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images Jose Andres Jose Andres And that, he adds, makes it very special. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Speaking about the aid Meghan and Harry anonymously provided to the victims of the wildfires, as well as first responders and others affected, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo told local news outlet FOX 11 that the couple "really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They want to be as helpful as they can be we visited with some of the affected families in some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena, Gordo continued. They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. Theyre just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors. Anadolu via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2024 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the wildfires, Meghan, who was born and raised in L.A., also postponed the release of her new Netflix series With Love, Meghan, a decision that was widely met with support. In response to those who criticized or questioned her motives, however, an industry insider revealed that the choice was an easy one, driven by her genuine concern for her hometown and those impacted by the fires. "Delaying the release of With Love, Meghan was likely an easy decision for her. I dont think she could imagine putting out a show centered on joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people in," the insider said. "I think its sad that critics are saying shes only doing this to avoid the fires overshadowing her show. Were all human, and were dealing with a catastrophe." Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires. Read the original article on People Thousands of Donald Trump supporters stormed the U.S. 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 Trumps return to the White House. At least 20 defendants charged with or convicted of joining the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol have asked federal judges for permission to attend President-elect Trumps second inauguration Monday in Washington, D.C., according to an Associated Press review of court records. The majority can go. Several others cannot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most cases, Justice Department prosecutors have argued that Capitol riot defendants shouldnt be able to return to the scene of their crimes while theyre 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. At least 11 defendants have received the courts permission to attend the inauguration, a day when Trump may issue mass pardons to Capitol rioters. Judges have denied requests made by at least eight others. One request was pending on Saturday. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 misdemeanors after a trial in October and is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 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, Valdivia wrote. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui approved Lees request, noting that she isnt accused of engaging in violence and has complied with her release conditions. The magistrate said Lee is coming to celebrate, not demonstrate this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, 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 retraumatized by the Moores presence, but Bates said it was unlikely that any officers at the inauguration would recognize 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 attorney 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. Trump repeatedly has referred to Jan. 6 defendants as hostages and patriots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list of Jan. 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. Prosecutors didnt 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. Lavrenz said her daughter is serving as the deputy director of Mondays swearing-in ceremony after working on Trumps campaign last year. Among those barred from attending the inauguration are Jared Miller, a Virginia man charged with assaulting police. Millers attorney, 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, Brennwald wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 U.S. Rep. 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 wouldnt 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 honors the peaceful transfer of power, is an immense privilege, Lamberth wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges also rejected the travel requests made by a North Carolina man who participated in the first act of violence against Capitol police on Jan. 6, a Mississippi man charged with assaulting officers with a flagpole and a Maine man accused of attacking police with bear spray. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, the Junior League of Greater New Bern hosted its prom boutique, letting hundreds of high school girls in and around Craven County pick out a prom dress and accessories at absolutely no charge. This is a way to recycle practically brand-new dresses and help high school students not spend hundreds on a dress for a one-night event. Sometimes, you know, families face financial burdens and its just not feasible to go out and spend $200 or $300 on a dress, when that money can be better allocated for something else, Prom Boutique Chair for the Junior League of Greater New Bern Alexandra DiBella said. This gives girls an opportunity to go out, find a practically brand-new dress and still experience that high school prom that every girl deserves to experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click the above video for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Minister of State for Home Affairs Sanjay Bandi, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh and Andhra Home Minister Anitha Vangalapudi were also present. Taking to X, Varma stated that the inauguration of the 10th NDRF Battalion campus and NIDM South Campus is a significant milestone in strengthening disaster preparedness and enhancing safety and resilience in the region. https://x.com/BjpVarma/status/1880906769826009200 "The NDRF team has set an exemplary standard of bravery, especially during the floods in Vijayawada last year, where their efforts saved countless lives," he wrote. "On this Raising Day, we salute the courage and dedication of our NDRF personnel and pay tribute to the brave hearts who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," the minister added. Earlier in the day, Amit Shah praised the efforts of the NDRF in mitigating natural disasters across the country, and compared it to the ability of the National Democratic Alliance to mitigate 'manmade disasters.' "When a disaster is sent by God, the NDRF comes to help and when a disaster is manmade, the NDA comes to help," Shah said during the 20th Foundation Day of NDRF in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Minister Shah, along with CM Naidu and his deupty Kalyan also inaugurated the campuses of three important centres today, including the Southern Campus of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), the 10th Battalion of the NDRF, and the Regional Response Centre (RRC) in Supaul (9th Battalion). HM Shah also laid 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. (ANI) Earlier this week, Vice President Kamala Harris did not extend a formal invitation for a formal sit down and tour of the Naval Observatory to incoming Vice President JD Vance. Its part of traditional transitional activities that have occurred between outgoing and incoming administrations. And while Harris nor her office have made a comment as to why she has not, Harris has been around long enough in politics to know that looks exactly like what we all think it looks like: petty AF Why Kamala Is Not Having It And honestly she should be. Before you start arguing norms, it is 1000% not normal or acceptable to call your opponent the trash that needs to be taken out on Election Day. Thats what JD Vance fixed his mouth to do on the stump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Say you disagree with them. Say youll spend your life fighting against the policies in which they believe. But that you are literal, actual, trash? Nope that is not something you toss at someone in a civil political debate about the direction of our nation. Lets be clear fam, Vance felt comfortable doing that because none of the powerful who would have sway with him or his supporters were going to call him to account for disrespecting a Black woman in that way. And it was just one of many insults hurled Harris way that she absorbed and held her head high (a move so relatable to Black women) while she ran a sprint of a historic Presidential campaign to save this country from itself. So Harris refusal to go along to get along like she (and we) didnt just see what she just saw is why so many Black women are over it everywhere. Why Michelle Obama Is Not Playing With Yall Forever our First Lady Michelle Obama is not with the sh*ts either.She put a considerable amount of time on the campaign trail as a popular surrogate for Harris, and I know she is also still not over (nor should she ever be) the racism directed toward her and her husband by the Trump and the GOP, while in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She refused to go to former President Jimmy Carters funeral because that per seating arrangements would put her spitting distance (without being able to spit) of Trump. And when asked if she was attending the Trumps Inauguration again. Her office said no and when asked for an explanation, they said no which is a complete sentence. After 8 years of service to the country not including campaigning faithfully for Democrats, and warning the American people, she no longer owes anyone us anything. And they arent the only public facing Black women to do so. Yall Need to Stop Playing with Jasmine Crockett Congresswomen Jasmine Crockett (TX) and Ayanna Pressley(MA) have also made publicly clear they will not be attending instead focusing on being in their district serving their constituents on the Martin Luther King Jr Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a Black woman, and as someone who has worked in politics for a while, Im frankly here for all of this. There are so many indignities Black women face in leadership, especially in political leadership. Ive experienced it and Ive seen it. And its sick, because WE do the damn thing every election cycle saving Democrats in close elections, We flip whole Southern states the white folks could not figure out like in the 2017 Alabama US Senate Election or Georgia in the 2020 Presidential Election WE organized 44,000+ of us to get on a virtual national call and raise over $1.2 million in a matter of hours for a Presidential candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WE phone bank, text bank, fundraiser, we lead political party efforts, and souls to the polls, even work as poll workers enduring misogynoir at the hands of entitled voters because we know the importance of holding onto a democracy (however imperfect) for our communities. And despite folks saying listen to Black women all we still get instead of the policies we need, is how inspiring we are for our good work and devotion. Meanwhile we get called trash and a whole manner of other stuff without any of yall coming to our defense. Well, were done. Were never gonna stop caring for our communities and loved ones and finding ways to preserve folks from the harms definitely coming our way. But were done putting ourselves on Main fighting the power, while yall sit back. Its your turn. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) A Kentucky Senator made his TikTok debut on Saturday, telling the social media apps 170 million U.S. users not to give up ahead of a government ban. In Sen. Rand Pauls TikTok premiere on Saturday, he said he joined just days ahead of the ban taking effect because he doesnt like being told what to do or say. Couple arrested in Knox County after video of dog being beaten circulates on social media Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts may think theres an exemption to the First AmendmentI dont, Sen. Paul said. I join TikTok today as a form of civil disobedience. To the 170 million Americans who use TikTok: dont give up, dont give inresist. On Friday, Sen. Paul voiced his disagreement with the decision to ban the app, citing a lack of evidence showing TikTok shared information with the Chinese government. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnel backed the ban in an amicus brief, saying the First Amendment didnt apply to the Chinese Communist Party. On Friday, TikTok announced in a statement that the social media platform would go dark on Jan. 19 unless President Joe Biden steps in to prevent it. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Associated Press, President Biden said he wont enforce a ban on the social media app, leaving its fate in the hands of President-Elect Donald Trump. As of 6:40 p.m. on Saturday, Sen. Pauls TikTok video had over 38,900 shares and over 385,900 likes. Madylin Goins contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Kenyan police officers arrived Saturday in Haiti as part of a multinational force to curb gang violence in the Caribbean nation. The force was greeted in Port-au-Prince by Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime and other officials. (AP Video by Pierre Luxama) UPDATE: Tuesday, Jan. 21. HAMILTON, Ohio (WDTN) Animal Friends Humane Society has shared the stolen kitten has been found. I am so happy this sweet guy has been found! Thank you to everyone who has followed and shared this! Happy endings are the best! said Animal Friends Humane Society in a Facebook comment. HAMILTON, Ohio (WDTN) Animal Friends Humane Society in Butler County is asking for the publics help in finding a stolen black and white kitten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cat may still be wearing a blue collar with an AFHS silver tag and with a yellow microchip tag. On Friday, Jan. 18, the shelter posted on Facebook that a kitten, who had recently had surgery and was healing, was stolen from the shelter the night prior. The kitten has a unique head tilt from its medical treatment. The suspect who took the kitten has given the shelter conflicting stories on its whereabouts. Having claimed both: 1) To have let the kitten go in a Walmart parking lot, possibly in Middletown. 2) To have given the kitten away. Middletown Police and Animal Control have both searched the suspects home and the parking lot, but they havent found it. Photo courtesy of WLWT Photo courtesy of WLWT The suspect was informed the kitten was approved and in the process of adoption before stealing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shelter is pleading for anyone who might know about the kittens location to come forward, fearing for its safety and well-being, and call Animal Control Officer Hearlihy at 513-320-5240. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach joined a four-state lawsuit against the federal government to challenge constitutionality of the U.S. Census Bureau's process for counting people in the United States in terms of allocating the 435 seats in the U.S. House and distributing Electoral College votes. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Attorneys general from Kansas and three other states filed a lawsuit alleging the method of counting population for allocation of U.S. House seats unfairly benefitted states with concentrations of people in the country without permission. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach was joined by attorneys general from West Virginia, Ohio and Louisiana in filing suit against the soon-to-depart administration of President Joe Biden. According to the lawsuit, the U.S. Census Bureaus rule on population counts unlawfully required inclusion of people in the country illegally or holding temporary visas when apportioning seats in the U.S. House and the Electoral College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The objective of the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Louisiana was to stop the Census Bureau from continuing the policy when reapportioning the 435 congressional districts in 2030 and distributing Electoral College votes in the 2032 presidential election. Because the federal government has been counting illegal aliens in the Census, Kobach said, California has many more congressional seats and electoral votes than it should. This lawsuit will restore the Founding Fathers original vision of the United States. The lawsuit could meet opposition, given the U.S. Constitution empowered Congress with final authority over the Census. Traditionally, the federal governments once-a-decade count sought to document the whole number of persons in each state. In 2022, Pew Research estimated 56% of the nations 11.7 million people without legal residence lived in California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobach said Ohio and West Virginia lost a congressional seat in wake of the 2020 Census to states with higher numbers of people in the country illegally. In a statement, the Kansas attorney general said it was possible Kansas and Louisiana could lose congressional seats and electoral votes in the 2030 Census if the unlawful residence rule was retained. We shouldnt lose representation in Congress due to the presence of illegal aliens harbored by other states, said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. Counting illegal aliens in the Census to determine congressional seats and electoral votes is unlawful. We have sued to stop it. Overall, the 2020 reshuffling of congressional districts took one seat from Ohio, West Virginia, California, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York. At the same time, the states of Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Montana and Oregon each gained one seat, while Texas gained two seats. The lawsuit said the four plaintiff states were or could be robbed of political power that was transferred to states with higher numbers of people with temporary visas or living in the country without proper documents. This system violated the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in regards to equal representation, the suit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal residency rule also conflicted with Article II of the constitution through redistribution of electoral college votes among states, the suit said. The court filing asserted the phrase persons in each state was understood during the nations founding years and during the post-Civil War reconstruction era to be restricted to United States citizens and permanent resident aliens who had been lawfully admitted into the country. For example, the lawsuit said, it had been understood foreign diplomats temporarily residing in the United States werent to be counted. It is a national embarrassment that the most powerful country in the world does not know how many citizens it has and has not known for decades, Kobach said. The four-state legal effort was an incarnation of President Donald Trumps effort in 2020 to exclude from the population count all people without documents allowing legal permanent residence in the United States. Trumps issuance of a memorandum outlining the population-counting strategy triggered a legal scuffle with the American Civil Liberties Union, Common Cause and other organizations. These groups argued the presidents memo violated administrative law because it hadnt gone through the rulemaking process. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler season is in full gear, and the Krewe of Gemini will host their upcoming general membership meeting. 2025 Shreveport Mardi Gras dates, Let the good times roll Ever wonder just how you join a Mardi Gras krewe and what it all entails? No worries. The Krewe of Gemini invites its members and guests to its general membership meeting and annual bead reception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Krewe of Gemini Den, 2101 East Texas St, Bossier City, LA, at 5:30 p.m. Everything Mardi Gras This year will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers to discuss the cultural importance, tourism, and local and statewide economic impact: Former State Senator Mike Walsworth (representing Lt. Governor Billy Nungessers office) Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler President and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier Stacy Brown The annual bead reception will allow participants to gather and collect exclusive polystone beads from the King, Queen, and Captain to commemorate the 2025 Mardi Gras season. The royal court will also show off their Louisiana culinary skills by preparing and serving classic dishes, including gumbo and red beans and rice, for all attendees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Headlines List of Upcoming Krewe of Gemini Events: Saturday, February 15, 2025: Gemini XXXVI Grand Bal, Shreveport Convention Center, 6:30 p.m. Open to the public; ticket required Friday, February 28, 2025: Krewe of Gemini Float Loading Party, Krewe of Gemini Den, 2101 E Texas St, Bossier City, 5:30 p.m. Open to the public Saturday, March 1, 2025: Gemini XXXVI Grand Parade, Dreamcatcher, Shreveport, LA, 3:30 p.m. Open to the public Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. A Los Angeles Fire Department captain, along with his brother and son, are being hailed as heroes for saving an entire block of homes in his neighborhood from the Eaton Fire. Capt. Dan Lievense was on duty fighting the Hurst Fire near Sylmar when flames from the Eaton Fire began burning toward his Altadena home. After he was relieved from duty that day, Lievense called his brother, who is also an LAFD firefighter, for help and along with Lievenses son, the three of them stayed in the neighborhood to ensure the fire did not spread to more homes. Los Angeles Fire Department captain Dan Lievense worked alongside his brother and son to help save 14 homes in his Altadena neighborhood from the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Los Angeles Fire Department captain Dan Lievense and his brother used an ax to cut out a portion of a burning roof at a nearby poolhouse to stop the flames from spreading. (Lievense Family) Los Angeles Fire Department captain Dan Lievense worked alongside his brother and son to help save 14 homes in his Altadena neighborhood from the Eaton Fire. (Lievense Family) Nearby Altadena homes that burned in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Nearby Altadena homes that burned in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Homes across the street from Dan Lievenses house did not survive the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Lievense secured hundreds of yards worth of hose line from a nearby L.A. County fire station and hooked it up to a fire hydrant on his street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For over 48 hours, the three of them stayed awake to battle the fire, determined to save as many homes as they could. Its great what I could save, but Im always questioning myself thinking, Could I have done more? Lievense tells KTLAs Sara Welch. I do feel proud of what we were able to save and all the neighbors are very thankful. We were able to pretty much keep [the flames] in the backyards and saved about 14 houses on this block. Lievense said he couldnt have achieved the feat without the help of his brother and son. Im glad I had my brother and my son here that we were able to come up with a plan, he said. It was reassuring to know the amount of protection you can do with just three people and a fire hydrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lievense said his oldest son plans on following in his footsteps, pursuing a career as a firefighter as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The breeze was tinged with smoke from the fires that burned through Pacific Palisades as dozens of workers finished up the brick facade of a sprawling home in the tony Brentwood Park neighborhood. The talk was in Spanish, an unremarkable fact given the language has been the lingua franca on most construction sites in Southern California for decades. But that fact could be at the center of a leviathan clash of interests: the need to rebuild thousands of homes that were incinerated on a scale the city had never seen before, and the promises of an incoming president to deport a good percentage of the workers who would be needed to get that colossal undertaking done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone is scared," said Melvin Merino, 36, a painter at the home. Workers "are reluctant to talk about their immigration status out of fear it may be shared with immigration officials." Even in a city that is supportive of the immigrant population, his fears could make him and others cautious to take jobs in high profile areas such as the fire zone. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to execute the largest mass deportation program of unauthorized immigrants in U.S. history and "seal" the borders from immigrants. Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, promises to bring back worksite enforcement. Immigrants rights groups are bracing for widespread roundups and expulsions, holding legal workshops up and down the state in a bid to aid residents who might be stopped by federal authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threat is rattling the construction industry, which already has a labor shortage. The wildfires that leveled an estimated 12,000 structures in Pacific Palisades and Altadena will only intensify demand. As homeowners turn to contractors for the slow process of rebuilding, an immigration policy that deports undocumented workers or forces them underground may hinder the recovery. "It's really a perfect storm," said Jennie Murray, president of the National Immigration Forum, a group that advocates for bipartisan immigration policies. An estimated 41% of construction workers in California are immigrants, according to the National Assn. of Home Builders. But experts say that number is far higher in residential construction much of which is nonunionized and not as heavily regulated as large capital projects. The pay is lower and many workers don't have the legal status to be in the United States. Trump officials have said the administration will prioritize criminals and those posing a threat to public safety, but their plans have yet to take clear shape. Many employers fear the administration will cast a wider net, and that could ravage industries such as hospitality, manufacturing, construction and agricultural, all heavily dependent on immigrant labor. Yesenia Acosta leans in to get advice from an attorney during a public meeting to provide information about constitutional rights for immigrants by a consortium of legal counsel, attorneys, organizations, and community experts at the Robert F. Kennedy High School Auditorium in Delano, Calif. (Tomas Ovalle / For The Times) This month, immigration enforcement actions by Customs and Border Patrol in Bakersfield spread anxiety among agricultural workers after dozens of people were detained in a multiday operation. Accounts of Border Patrol stopping people spread on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growers reported a drop in workers showing up to their jobs, and advocacy groups saw a surge of frightened families show up at legal workshops on how to protect themselves against deportation. In Southern California, a similar situation could hurt not only the rebuilding efforts but also preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics. "There simply aren't enough roofers and drywallers and all these other skilled trades in this country," said Nik Theodore, a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago who studies disaster recovery in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy. "Then you put the backdrop of the campaign promises of the incoming Trump administration around immigration enforcement and deportations, we're facing a quite serious situation." The U.S. construction industry has about 276,000 jobs that are unfilled. To address the tight labor market, the National Assn. of Home Builders has advocated for a guest worker program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Figures vary but some estimates put the percentage of unauthorized workers in construction in the U.S. between 13% and 23%. Last year, California Lutheran University's Center for Economics and Social Issues analyzed data from 2019 and found the figure was 28.7% in California and that those workers added $23 billion of value to the industry that year. "There's definitely labor shortages around the corner," said Frank Hawk, executive secretary-treasurer of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, which represents 90,000 union members in 12 Western states. Even before the wildfires, there were concerns about the region's ability to deliver skilled workers for the Olympics, he said. And he said that workers without legal status will be concerned about traveling far, where they might be vulnerable to immigration officials. Others may go underground or just leave the country altogether. Builders worry that will further constrain the market, putting pressure on costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cal Lutheran study found that the median hourly wage of undocumented workers in California in all sectors was $13 half the $26 that U.S.-born workers made. Authorized immigrants earned $19 an hour. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has outlined plans to boost assistance to millions of citizens who may face deportation, suggested this week that Los Angeles should use immigrant Mexican workers. "When reconstruction process begins, of course it will require a lot of labor, and theres no better construction workers than Mexicans," she said during a news conference where she pushed back on right-wing portrayals of migrants as criminals. A drone image shows the aftermath of the Palisades fire above Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu between Rambla Pacifico Street and Carbon Canyon Road on Jan. 15. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) One of the nation's worst disasters, the Southern California fires have been compared to Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast, where a workforce of Latino immigrants poured in to rebuild the region. In Paradise, Calif., where fires swept through the heavily wooded Northern California town and killed 85 people six years ago, the rebuilding process still draws about 5,000 workers daily many Latino immigrants to erect walls, lay foundations and put in piping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of immigrants will flock to disaster zones in hopes of finding jobs, said Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network. After Katrina, he said, "every five minutes employers were stopping at a day laborer corner and actually they were paying good." "But that's where the injustices come," he said. Unauthorized immigrants are especially vulnerable to unsafe conditions and other abuses. Many post-Katrina workers complained about not getting paid what they earned. Merino, the painter, fears contractors won't hire unauthorized immigrants to avoid dealing with federal authorities. Others think those with established contract work will probably keep getting hired, while newer immigrants may have trouble getting jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If mass deportations were carried out, research shows the fallout could ripple through the entire building industry, leading to net job losses among U.S.-born construction workers. If you dont have people framing the house, installing the drywall, you cannot have the American electricians and plumbers come in and do their work, said Dayin Zhang, an assistant professor in real estate and urban economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Zhang co-wrote a recent study examining a U.S. immigration enforcement program that began in 2008 and resulted in the deportation of more than 300,000 people. The study found a large and persistent reduction in the construction workforce and residential homebuilding in counties after deportations occurred. Home prices also increased as the effects of a reduced housing supply dominated those of lesser demand from deported immigrants. Widespread deportations are likely to have larger effects in Los Angeles because of the higher numbers of construction workers living in the area illegally, Zhang said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anything, I would think that would be a much bigger distortion to the labor supply in the construction sector in the L.A. area, he said. In Malibu, Alberto Garcia, 38, an immigrant from Honduras, was volunteering Friday at the Malibu Community Labor Exchange. "We're very worried about deportations," he said. Garcia hopes to secure a construction job in Malibu but fears any hiccup in his asylum case could hurt him. "I was really trying to do everything by the book," he said, flustered. "All we can do is put our trust in God." Another volunteer, Alejandro Perez, 45, who migrated from Mexico, applied for asylum but is uncertain about his status. He and other workers say they have no other option but to step out of their house each morning and find work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The need for food, bills and rent money obligate you to look for work," he said. He specializes in roofing, drywall installation and painting, but worries contractors may not hire him because of his status. Others are likely to stay home, said Oscar Malodrago, director of the Malibu Community Labor Exchange. Hector Reyes owns a construction business that caters to clients on the Westside, including Pacific Palisades, Bel-Air and Westwood. He is typical of many immigrants who work in the trade. Reyes gained skills on the job, eventually learned English, obtained a green card and became licensed. He built a decades long career in the trade that allowed him to raise a family, three children and a middle-class life. Reyes has a small crew including his sons, but the threats feel familiar, reminiscent of the 1980s when immigration raids were common on worksites. "People were hiding in boxes, in attics." "I know people that dont live here legally, but they are very decent people, they work their butts off," he said. Theodore said that, deportations or not, the city will depend on immigrants. "I don't think it's an exaggeration to say Los Angeles is gonna be rebuilt by immigrant workers," he said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has named former police commissioner Steve Soboroff chief recovery officer as the city looks toward rebuilding in the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire. The announcement, which came Friday, means Soboroff a real estate developer and longtime civic leader who advised late former mayor Richard Riordan will work directly with the mayor and associated city departments to build out a comprehensive strategy for rebuilding and expediting the safe return of residents, workers, businesses, schools, nonprofits, libraries and parks in fire-ravaged areas, according to the mayors office, per reporting by the Los Angeles Times. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im appointing Steve Soboroff a longtime builder and leader here in L.A. as the Chief Recovery Officer for the first phase of our recovery, Bass said in a statement to X. Our absolute number one priority is to help Angelenos return to their communities as we rebuild what has been lost. The move comes a day after California lawmakers introduced new legislative efforts to speed up Los Angeles Countys recovery process as thousands remain permanently or temporarily displaced from their homes. In his various roles, Soboroff, who raised his family in the Pacific Palisades community, assisted in the development of Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center), as well as westside neighborhood Playa Vista, a multibillion-dollar residential, office and retail community. In 2001, he unsuccessfully ran for mayor, losing out to Democrat James Hahn. Bass said in announcing the appointment, per CBS News, Steve Soboroffs name is attached to hope. He will recommend a comprehensive city strategy for rebuilding and for expediting. Expediting is a very important word here. We want to expedite the return of residents, businesses, schools, nonprofits and parks. He knows our communities. He knows how to activate City Hall. Hes been in City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the countys media updates on the Palisades Fire, which erupted 11 days ago, 628 structures have been damaged and 3,857 have been destroyed, not including those believed to be destroyed and pending confirmation. Combined with the Eaton Fire not under Bass jurisdiction in Altadena and Pasadena, there have been 27 confirmed deaths. The Palisades Fire has burned over 23,000 acres and leveled Santa Monica Mountains communities including in Malibu, with containment at 43%. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Mumbai court on Sunday granted the police five-day custody of Shariful Islam Shehzad, the accused arrested in connection with the stabbing attack on actor Saif Ali Khan during a burglary attempt at the actor's residence late on January 15. The lawyer of the accused, Sandeep Shekhane, spoke to media here today and said, "A police custody for five days has been granted. The court has asked the police to submit a report within five days. The police have no proof that he is a Bangladeshi. They said that he came here six months ago, it is a wrong statement. He has been living here for more than seven years. His family is in Mumbai. This is a clear-cut violation of 43A. No proper investigation has been done." The accused Shehzad was sent to five-day police custody by Bandra Holiday Court on Sunday. The lawyer earlier in the day also denied claims made by police regarding the accused being a Bangladeshi national and claimed that he has been staying in Mumbai for the last seven years. "First of all, Saif Ali Khan has never made any statement or does not have any grievance with anyone that would create a threat for him from any state, Bangladesh or any other country. He does not have any international cases. They changed the angle of the case just because he (the accused) is Bangladeshi. Earlier, he was in Bangladesh but he has been living here for many years now. Police said he has been living here for 6 months, but that is not true. The family is in Mumbai," said the advocate. Another advocate Dinesh Prajapati, representing the accused, said the grounds given by the police for seeking his police custody are "not sufficient". "The police demanded police custody and the grounds given by the police for the police custody are not sufficient. We have given in his (accused) defence that nothing has been recovered from him. They (Police) have not produced any document proving that he is a Bangladeshi national. The court has granted his five-day police custody," Prajapati told ANI. The reaction comes after Mumbai Deputy of Commissioner Police Zone 9 Dixit Gedam said that the accused is a Bangladeshi and had come to Mumbai five to six months ago. "Prima facie the accused is a Bangladeshi and after entering India illegally he changed his name. He was using Vijay Das as his current name. He came to Mumbai 5-6 months ago. He stayed in Mumbai for a few days and then in the vicinity of Mumbai. The accused used to work in a housekeeping agency," said the official on Sunday. The accused, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, allegedly entered the Bandra residence of actor Saif Ali Khan with the intent to commit theft. As per the police statement, various investigation teams were formed to investigate the crime, and a case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). The accused was about to flee to his native village when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. It was revealed that the accused is a native of the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh, according to the police. The case was reported by Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on January 16, during which Saif Ali Khan was attacked and sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. Meanwhile, as per the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is recovering 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. While the actor is now "out of danger," medical staff are closely monitoring his condition. (ANI) As the devastating wildfires began to sweep across Los Angeles on Jan. 7, frightened residents were not turning to Netflix. Local TV news broadcasts were the video go-to for residents seeking immediate information on the crisis that engulfed the region. Anchors and correspondents have spent hours in the field and on the air providing lifesaving details about evacuations and damage, along with a generous helping of emotional comfort. "The performance of local stations has been phenomenal," said Jonathan Wald, a veteran TV news producer who has worked for NBC News and CNN. "In the face of incredible tragedy, they are knowledgeable and keep their heads as they cover what's happening in their neighborhoods." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditional TV viewing has been in steady decline during the streaming era, now accounting for just half of all video consumption, according to recent Nielsen data. But even with diminished ratings and profits, TV stations have added hours of news coverage to their lineups and streaming platforms. The trend prepared Los Angeles outlets for a catastrophe that required a sustained flow of up-to-date information. The availability of local TV news on digital platforms provided horrific yet compelling images of destruction to a global audience well beyond Los Angeles. Wald called the wildfires "the white Bronco chase of natural disasters," referring to the police pursuit of O.J. Simpson that transfixed a nation of viewers in 1994. Stations saw viewership double and triple for their news programming during the first week of wildfire coverage, according to Nielsen data, with more than 1 million watching in prime time on Jan. 7. Hundreds of millions of minutes have been streamed across the station's digital platforms. Some journalism purists look down their noses at local TV news, which was once defined by stunts, gimmicks, and breezy "happy talk" in the studio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in an era when mainstream media have been under attack for perceived bias, viewers still mostly trust local TV news. The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism issued a report last year showing that local TV news was trusted by 62% of Americans surveyed, well ahead of any network, cable or digital source. Long-tenured local TV reporters and anchors develop roots in the area. Their personal stakes were laid bare as the inferno that swept across the region threatened their own families and friends. "One of the things that makes local news powerful is that the people reporting are experiencing the story themselves," said Andrew Heyward, a former CBS News president who currently consults for local TV stations. "And viewers feel like they know them." Elex Michaelson, a veteran anchor at Fox's KTTV, said years of covering stories and emceeing community events helps journalists build connections with the audience. It gives them credibility when they provide information and comfort in a crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's not always easy while covering a disaster in your backyard. Michaelson struggled to stay composed when he learned that Agoura Hills, his childhood neighborhood, was being evacuated. "That's when I started to tear up," Michaelson said in an interview. "When their evacuation orders went out and my sister's house was a part of it, I thought of her grabbing their new baby and leaving, not knowing if the house was going to be there when they got back." For days, Jasmine Viel of CBS station KCAL and her husband, Marc Cota-Robles, an Orange County native who reports for Disney-owned KABC, were out on 12- to 14-hour shifts while her mother watched their children in Pasadena. They stared at each other in disbelief in the brief moments they crossed paths at home during the first week of the disaster. Read more: For TV reporters covering fires in L.A., the tragedy gets personal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We couldn't even talk about it, because we didn't even know what was going to happen next," Viel told The Times. Every local TV reporter covering the wildfires has a story to tell about stepping out of their journalistic role to help residents. Viel found a distraught Pasadena woman who saw flames approaching a coop that housed pet chickens and ducks behind her home on Altadena Drive. Viel's camera operator John Schreiber, whose wife grew up on a farm, handled the birds as they were removed and rescued. KTTV's Gigi Graciette, a Hollywood native who has covered numerous wildfires, makes a point of resetting her live shot every 25 minutes and telling viewers the number of the block she's on so they can determine whether they will be affected. "There is nothing more frustrating than to hear on the news that something is happening in your neighborhood, but you don't know what street it's on," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National cable and broadcast networks have their own reporting teams on the ground covering the wildfires. But many of the images those outlets use come from local stations. CNN took live shots from KABC, KCAL and Spectrum News Los Angeles. NewsNation, the cable network owned by Nexstar Media Group, utilized the parent company's KTLA for hours of live coverage. Broadcast networks ABC, CBS and NBC have also relied on their locally owned stations for network coverage of the fire on TV and their streaming news channels. Providing sustained live coverage online is essential in the age of video on demand. TV station streams of news programming are widely available for free on such platforms as Amazon's Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV and Roku. "People don't want to wait," said Frank Cicha, executive vice president for Fox Television Stations. "Local television was famous for, 'We'll be back later with what you want to see,' and they were able to get away with it." Not anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox Television Stations' streaming platform, LiveNow, provides video from its 29 outlets across the country. KTTV's fire coverage ran continuously on LiveNow for days, driving a 65% increase in traffic, according to Emily Stone, vice president of digital content for Fox. "It gave people a chance to watch local, live up-to-the-minute coverage of a story happening in a huge U.S. city that everybody cares about," Stone said. Reaching viewers outside Los Angeles has helped in fundraising efforts for those displaced by the wildfire and prompted other acts of generosity. After KCAL's Jeff Nguyen interviewed a man whose home was destroyed, the owner of an empty residence in Laguna Beach offered it as temporary shelter. Graciette told the story of an 81-year-old Navy veteran in Altadena who lost his electric wheelchair in the blaze. Multiple offers came from viewers to replace it. A woman watching in England told Graciette she was inspired to make a donation to a veterans group. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Peter Henderson and Chad Terhune LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Karen Myles, 66, walked out of her Altadena, California home in the middle of the night in her pajamas, confronted by a forest of red and orange flaming trees and live wires from tumbled electric poles sparking in the street. Her son, who had woken her from a deep sleep, navigated their path to safety. The fire destroyed her neighborhood this month, and she is not going back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not going to rebuild. Oh no. Hell no. That fire took everything out of me. Im going to fly away somewhere, somewhere nice. Maybe Colorado, the retiree said outside a disaster recovery center. She lived in the house for more than 40 years and will miss friends, she said, but the fire left me no choice. Across Los Angeles on the coast, Pacific Palisades residents Sonia and James Cummings lost a house they bought in 1987 and renovated a decade ago. It was with the intention of staying there until we were no longer above ground, said James Cummings, 77. Now they see a wasteland. I worked two years nonstop building our ideal home, Sonia added. We were at the point where everything was perfect. I dont want to do that again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victims of one of the most destructive fires in California history are struggling to decide whether to rebuild, facing a bewildering array of challenges, including soaring construction costs, years of effort, and the question of whether the tight-knit communities, especially middle-class Altadena, will rise again. 10,000 BURNED STRUCTURES One issue for many is the toxic ash and other pollutants that blanket destroyed neighborhoods, stretching block after block. The fires have killed about two dozen people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures. "Think of ash like fine, dangerous dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause major problems everywhere it lands. It's not just dirt," an advisory from the L.A. County Public Health Department warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works, said he is setting up a program free to homeowners to clear out the hazardous waste. "We will dispose of material properly and we will deliver a lot to you ready to build (on)," he told residents recently, adding that the county would also allow private contractors. State and local officials are promising to cut red tape to speed reconstruction. Many considering rebuilding do not expect it to be that easy, or fast. Altadena resident Shawna Dawson-Beer, 50, renovated her venerable house into what she called a forever home. She did not recognize her street when she returned after the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to come home, and our homes are gone, she said. God only knows when the cleanup is going to be done. God only knows if the cleanup is going to be done right. And then you are going to be around construction and then, lucky you, during this whole time you have no community. Its gone. Weve all been uprooted and scattered to the wind. Her husband, Marcus Beer, 54, notes they had good insurance on the destroyed house. If we go back, are we uninsurable? Because we werent in a burn area, but oh boy, howdy, are we now, he said. Realizing they are in a burn zone also makes the idea of rebuilding more stressful. Jewelry designer Charlotte Dewaele, 48, is lucky in one way: her house survived because her husband stayed behind to defend it as fire approached. It is a rental, but it had their lives in it, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now what, she wonders. Will the landlord keep the house? Does she want to move back in, surrounded by devastation? Will years of construction keep asbestos, lead and other toxic chemicals in the air? You are in the middle of this wasteland, she said. Am I going to make my kid wear a mask outside for the next four years? Many homeowners fear that they will not collect enough insurance money to cover what they expect to be skyrocketing building costs. Pacific Palisades real estate broker Adam Jaret, 49, suspects that could be an opening for big developers and investors to change the place in a building process that he believes will take a decade. Still, abandoning a community is hard. Dawson-Beer and her husband were on the verge of signing a one-year lease on a house about 100 miles (160 km) away, to give them time to think, but she could not do it. "The idea of leaving everything I know gave me a panic attack," she said. (Reporting by Peter Henderson and Chad Terhune; Editing by Rod Nickel) It was just after 1 am when Los Angeles charter school superintendent Ian Mcfeat started getting text messages and phone calls at a relatives house where he was sheltering from the fires. His neighbors said his house was burning down in the wildfires along with his entire Altadena neighborhood of Los Angeles. Aveson School of Leaders, which McFeat runs and where his kids attended school just three blocks from his house, was also burning. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Unable to sleep, Mcfeat drove away from his in-laws house that hed been evacuated to and made the drive back to Altadena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He drove through the fire lines and into his neighborhood to see if he could salvage anything, save anyone, or put out the fires that had raged on the east side for more than 48 hours straight, and decimated the Palisades in the west. He was greeted with a scene out of a horror movie. Fueled by a violent windstorm and piles of brush left from a particularly wet winter last year, the firestorm was like a tornado shooting flames, blasting through his neighborhood. It was like driving through a bomb scene, said Mcfeat. There were homes exploding. I probably shouldnt have been there. Despite the devastating losses, Mcfeat cant imagine not rebuilding his home and school right where they were in Altadena. But the road to recovery will be a long and painful one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No doubt about it. We are going to rebuild, said Mcfeat. Aveson has started a GoFundMe. At this point, a new site for the school has not been identified. The district hasnt been able to help them yet. I dont know what were going to do, said Mcfeat. The wildfires that burned Los Angeles this month are the costliest and most destructive in the citys history, displacing more than 150,000 residents and killing at least 25 people. Two massive blazes fed by windstorms, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, simultaneously scorched the city from the sea to the mountains, filling the air with vast plumes of ash and smoke. As the wind and flames began to retreat last week, and firefighters gained control of the fires, schools began to reopen. And the kids began to return to class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles Unified School District, which is by far the largest district of about 80 in Los Angeles County, resumed instruction Monday after being totally closed since last Thursday. Seven schools remain shut because theyre located in evacuation zones. Another three wont reopen because their buildings were badly burned or destroyed in the fires. Related LA Schools Struggle To Reopen As Fires Still Rage Dozens of much smaller districts in Los Angeles County also reopened this week, with the exceptions of two districts, Pasadena Unified, which encompasses Altadena, and La Canada Unified, which neighbors Altadena to the west. The Eaton fire has destroyed at least five schools but was mostly contained by Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kids from two of the LAUSD schools that burned in the Palisades, Marquez Charter Elementary School and Palisades Charter Elementary School, were placed, with intact school rosters, in close-ish LAUSD school buildings that already had other schools in them. The students who attended the burned schools were given their own entrances, classrooms and courtyards for kids to play. When parents dropped them off at class this week, there were a lot of tearful reunions. Families from Palisades Charter were somber, but excited to return to normalcy with their new space located inside of Brentwood Science Magnet School. Joseph Koshki, a parent from the Palisades whose son attends third grade at Palisades Charter, walked holding hands with his son to their new classroom at Brentwood Science, which had been stacked with balloons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he saw his school burned on the news he was crying for days, Koshki said of his child. But when he heard that he was going to his new school with his old friends, he was so happy. Nina Belden, a parent of a Palisades Charter student who had made an emergency evacuation from her house in the Palisades with her family, said it was important for the students at her daughters school to stay together and receive in-person instruction. We were worried they were going to do something like remote learning, said Beldon. Marquez Charter, which also burned in the Palisades fire, has a long history in the community, having opened in 1955 when the Palisades still had a frontier feel, before the neighborhood became a favorite of Hollywood stars and media execs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Victoria Flores, who works as a paraeducator at Marquez, the school is part of her family. Flores went to Marquez when she was in elementary school, and her mother works in the cafeteria. It was my home away from home. We are devastated by what happened, Flores said. But Flores said she and the rest of the staff were glad to be relocated together at a LAUSD school called Nora Sterry, about ten miles from the burned Marquez campus. We are a really close family, said Flores. Thats helped us a lot. Upstairs at Nora Sterry, Clare Gardners class had about eight of twenty students show up on the first day of relocation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her third-grade class was playing with clay and Mrs. Gardner, who is a twenty-seven-year veteran of Marquez, held back her tears as she helped students arrive into class. We always call it the Marquez family, Gardner said as the children greeted each other. One boy in Mrs. Gardners class said he was happy to be around his friends and teacher but sad about his classroom fish and books, which were lost in the fire. Later in the morning, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho went to visit parents at Nora Sterry. After nearly a week off school, Carvalho says attendance is still below normal. I think where that attendance is lacking is in schools that were directly affected by the fires, Carvalho said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also hurting attendance, Carvalho said, is the fact that many families are enduring temporary relocations, while others lack stable housing entirely. LAUSD staff attendance is back to normal, he said, while student attendance is about 88% down from an average of about 90%, representing about 10,000 fewer students than normal. As conditions of the families begin to normalize and stabilize, those [attendance] numbers will rise, said Carvalho. For other schools in other areas of Los Angeles, recovery may be longer in the making. Bonnie Brinecomb, principal of Odyssey Charter School South in Altadena, which burned to the ground in the Eaton Fire, estimates that the homes of 40% of the students enrolled in the school also burned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families and school staffers are scrambling to ensure displaced families have food, shelter and clothing, Brinecomb said. Some students are turning up for daycare at a nearby Boys and Girls Club that offered to take them in. Brinecomb said Odyssey has partnered with McFeats school Aveson to search for new facilities. But the double loss of students homes and the schools campuses is a gutpunch. Its just heartbreak. Pure shock, she said. You dont even process how bad of a situation just happened. Like Aveson, Odyssey has launched an online fundraiser and Brinecomb says the school will rebuild. How long that will take, though, remains an open question. From the perspective of displaced children and families, the faster things return to normal, the better, said Dr. Frank Manis, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Southern California. The experience of trauma can intensify if routines are disrupted for longer periods, and the intensity of the disruption matters as well, said Manis. Kids who lost their homes to fires may have a harder time bouncing back than those who only lost their schools, he said. Its sort of on that spectrum of wartime PTSD, but not as bad, said Manis. So what it could lead to is nightmares, difficulty sleeping, and emotional or behavior problems that can last for quite a while. Children fighting post-traumatic stress from the fires may become withdrawn, or act out in class, said Manis. But mostly, he said, the research from past natural disasters shows that even children badly impacted by the fires may begin to feel normal within a few months. Kids are pretty resilient, said Manis. But trauma can disappear for a while, and then it can resurface later. When everyones forgotten how bad it was, it can resurface. Twenty days into her new post as Ukraine's new military rights commissioner, Olha Reshetylova said that she had already received 3,876 appeals. In what she described as a preliminary assessment in a Facebook post about her first days on the job, Reshetylova said that lack of treatment and referrals to military medical commissions and problems moving between military units are the two leading causes for the appeals she received. More than 3,500 of the appeals have been relevant to her post and concern protecting the rights of soldiers. A portion of these concerning advice or clarification, which she referred to lawyers working "almost around the clock." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The rest of the appeals are substantive. Although each of them has its own individual problems, in general, of course, you can already see trends and separate blocks of problematic issues," Reshetylova wrote. While acknowledging that requests for medical treatment can be abused and that commanders face a "catastrophic" personnel shortage, she noted cases where commanders had denied referrals for treatment of injuries, urgent and planned operations, acute PTSD or panic attacks, and symptoms of severe concussions. In one appeal that she cited, a serviceman with HIV voluntarily mobilized at the start of the war, but has since developed bleeding ulcers and faces worsening health effects. The soldier received a referral for surgery but was threatened with a desertion complaint if he left. While Reshetylova said she is personally calling commanders in some cases to address the issues, "attention to the health of a serviceman should become a priority for both military doctors, unit commanders, and the entire system as a whole," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is not difficult to understand that in such a state the effectiveness of performing combat missions is low, and the mortality rate among servicemen due to diseases will grow. In addition, in the case of untreated mental disorder, a serviceman can pose a danger either to himself or to his comrades," Reshetylova wrote. Regarding military unit transfers, servicemembers were promised in November a more efficient way for transfering between units using the Army+ app. However, she wrote, "very often commanders do not carry out the transfer order or specifically transfer servicemen against their will to other positions, which complicates the execution of the order." "Now were also solving these issues manually, where we have time. But its obvious that we need to look for a systemic solution," Reshetylova wrote. The third largest category of appeals comprised of questions from relatives of prisoners of war missing soldiers, according to Reshetylova. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced in April that it would create the new military ombudsman position to ensure soldiers had a way to report violations of their rights. The ombudsman "will be responsible for considering appeals and complaints of service members, providing primary legal assistance, conducting inspections, and investigating violations of the rights of service members and their families," the Defense Ministry said at the time. Reshetylova previously co-founded and headed the Media Initiative for Human Rights, which has investigated war crimes related to the Russian war in Ukraine since 2016 and advocates for changes in government policies and social practices related to protecting human rights. Read also: Ukraine denies transferring Air Force personnel to infantry amid troop shortages Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Since breaking her hip in Europe last month, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been deluged with messages, flowers and calls of concern from heads of state, colleagues in both parties and even royalty, most notably Luxembourgs Grand Duke Henri, who was hosting her when she fell and has been solicitous through her recovery. Yet its who she has not heard from thats most remarkable, and that has infuriated Pelosis friends and family: Joe and Jill Biden. Fueling that anger is Jill Bidens continued, and now public, nursing of a grudge toward Pelosi for pushing the president to withdraw from last years campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I was Lady McBiden, Id put on my big girl pants, play the long game and think about my husbands legacy, Alexandra Pelosi, the former speakers daughter, told me Saturday. There arent that many people left in America who have something nice to say about Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi is one of them. The younger Pelosi made clear she was speaking only for herself. The deafening silence from the White House in response to a request for comment marks the culmination of the bitter feud between the president and onetime speaker, two of the ages most prominent Democrats and the bookends of the partys Obama-era high and Trump restoration low. Since Pelosi helped engineer the parliamentary coup on Biden last summer, the president has refused to speak to her in any significant way, effectively ending his relationship with his pre-Baby Boom contemporary, the woman he once called my Catholic sister. Biden has in recent weeks claimed he could have defeated Trump. More startling, the president has acknowledged hes not sure he could have served a full second term, the vow he made as he insisted upon seeking reelection in the year hed turn 82. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet when the history of this period is written, I have no doubt that Pelosis intervention will be seen as vital for her party. Had she, and other leading Democrats, not insisted Biden drop out of the race, Republicans would have harnessed his abysmal debate performance to claim even more congressional seats, doing even greater damage to Bidens legacy. Ive yet to find anybody in either party, except Bidens last defenders, who believe otherwise. Pelosi has tried multiple times, Im told, to have a conversation with Biden. But she and intermediaries whove also attempted a rapprochement have repeatedly been met with the same response from the presidents top advisers: The answer is no. Shes been told theyre not over it, dont make more overtures because hes blaming her, said a person who has spoken to Pelosi about the conversations between the former speaker and Bidens aides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pelosi told people last week shes struck that the Bidens would leave on such a low note, asking rhetorically why theyd convey such bitterness. A Biden spokesperson declined to speak on the record but did not deny the silence. Steve Ricchetti, the Biden aide Pelosi knows best, did not respond to a text message. Biden did briefly chat with Pelosi, her husband, Paul, and daughter Christine at a White House holiday party last month. But that encounter only served to remind them of the rupture. The Pelosi family had not planned on entering the partys receiving line. When they walked to the front, though, they were warmly greeted by the president, vice president and first gentleman. But Jill Biden was missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any possibility that the first ladys absence that night was coincidental was, in the mind of the Pelosi family, erased last week when Jill Biden used a Washington Post interview to go public with her anger toward the former speaker. We were friends for 50 years, said the first lady. It was disappointing. Whats disappointing to her intimates is that Biden seems to blame Pelosi alone for an intercession that most Democratic leaders, then and now, believe was imperative. And thats after all Pelosi did as speaker to deliver the votes for Bidens most significant accomplishments, first as vice president and then as president. When I asked a longtime Biden adviser this week why he was so consumed with anger toward Pelosi and not, say, Barack Obama, the adviser said the president took it personally with Pelosi because they had a kinship whereas he had long recognized his Obama relationship was but a political arrangement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also common for family members of officeholders to take grudges more personally and hold them longer. But the political converged with the personal after Pelosi slipped in Luxembourg. Desperate to get her the best possible care in the initial hours after the accident, the Pelosis grappled with whether she should go to a U.S. military hospital, which she did, or immediately fly back home for care. And part of that trepidation, Im told, owed to uncertainty about whether Biden would quickly get her a plane because we have this wall at the White House, as as one person familiar with the situation put it. (Another source said any concerns abated when White House staff heard the news and were swiftly responsive.) There is also something else, which has never been reported, that also angers Pelosi friends and family about Bidens treatment: how she privately went about urging the president to withdraw. On July 10 of last year, less than two weeks after the now-infamous debate, Pelosi slipped into the White House residence early in the morning. Initially speaking to Biden alone, Pelosi expressed her concerns about polls that showed his standing was plummeting and the president pushed back, insisting he could still win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the point, Pelosi allies say, is that her initial efforts to persuade Biden were done with dignity not a dagger. There were no threats, one person familiar with the conversation told me. She just told him the truth he was losing in every poll, and people had lost confidence. This is not to understate Pelosis role in driving Biden from the race. She was the most critical player in last summers backstage political drama. Its entirely possible the president would have weathered the crisis were it not for Pelosis Morning Joe interview, which took place immediately before her meeting with Biden in the White House residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appearing the week Congress returned from July 4, a moment many Democratic lawmakers were drifting back to Biden and the president was emphatic about staying in , the former speaker repeatedly insisted his decision remained an open question. That pivotal moment effectively ensured it was and less than two weeks later Biden dropped out. The chill between the two since has saddened their longtime friends and muted even some of the most forthcoming figures in politics, at least for public consumption, which I was reminded of last week in a series of terse conversations. Ive been around long enough to know that when the hour turns things can change, said former Sen. Christopher Dodd, holding out hope the breach can be repaired. Dodd who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Biden this month and once bestowed the Profile in Courage award on Pelosi, who was close friends with his late sister declined to say much more. But he has told people hed like to help reunite his former colleagues once Biden is out of office. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) one of Pelosis most dedicated legislative allies and the person Biden credits for taking his son, Hunter, under her wing in New Haven when he was at Yale law school was as restrained as Dodd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Time has a way of working things out, DeLauro told me, conceding that Pelosi and Biden are both very strong personalities. Those who know Biden well, though, wonder if he can ever truly reconcile with Pelosi. I dont think hell ever get over that, said Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.). Biden and Pelosi became friends when the future speaker was a volunteer fundraiser, raising five children, and the future president was a 30-something senator with big aspirations but so few resources he borrowed her car when he'd visit San Francisco. Though their families were never personally close that part about Jill Bidens lament puzzled Pelosis family the two Democrats had a similar silent generation sensibility about politics, faith and public comportment. Both were politically liberal but personally conservative, Cold War Catholics who were raised in the church and still regular Mass communicants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are also thoroughgoing institutionalists, committed to working within the system and uncomfortable with the politics, and tactics, of younger progressives and appalled by just about every inch of the once and future president. Each is more gifted with retail than wholesale politics and each knows the value of grace notes and humanity. Thats why Pelosi so appreciated Bidens kindness when her husband was nearly murdered in 2022, calling her immediately after hearing the news of the late-night attack in the Pelosi home. He was so prayerful, kind and thoughtful in his comments about Paul, she wrote in The Art of Power, the book she published last year. Everything hes not been since Pelosis accident. By Maxwell Akalaare Adombila and Christian Akorlie ACCRA (Reuters) -A Ghanaian small-scale miners' association on Sunday said soldiers killed nine unarmed people at an AngloGold Ashanti mine on Saturday night, while the army said seven illegal miners had been killed in a firefight. Kofi Adams, local chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, told Reuters that nine people had been killed and fourteen severely injured in the incident at the Obuasi gold mining site in the West African country's Ashanti Region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the people had not been armed. Earlier, Ghana's armed forces said that about 60 illegal miners carrying locally manufactured rifles and other weapons breached the mine's security fence at around 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) on Saturday and fired on a military patrol deployed there, leading to a shootout. "This is unprecedented (and) it's difficult to understand why this happened," Adams said, noting that in the past, trespassers on the site had been scared off with warning shots. Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, the presidency said in a statement on Sunday, calling it "tragic". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has asked AngloGold Ashanti to cover the medical expenses of the injured and the cost of burials, the presidency's statement said. AngloGold Ashanti could not immediately be reached for comment. The Johannesburg-listed miner owns the Iduapriem and Obuasi mines in southern Ghana. The two mines produced more than 490,000 ounces of gold last year. (Writing by Portia Crowe in Dakar;Editing by Gareth Jones and Nia Williams) NEW YORK (AP) As Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency for a second time, he faces a news establishment on its heels but not flat on its back. Last year's presidential campaign suggested that many traditional outlets are not depended upon, or trusted, nearly as much as they used to be. Some face leadership transitions and financial problems. Incoming power brokers, and their supporters, seek and receive information on friendly turf. Yet as with most times of transition, opportunities abound for new voices to emerge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg wanted to publicize Trump-friendly policy changes this month at the social media giant, the choice of outlets was telling. One was Fox & Friends, the cable news program that was an agenda-setter during the president-elect's first term and poised to be again. Another was an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan. The New York Times? The Washington Post? CBS News? CNN? Those legacy outlets had to follow other leaders. No old rules apply, said Robin Sproul, longtime former Washington bureau chief for ABC News. Not just because of the anti-press approach of this (incoming) administration, but also because these business models are on fire. There have been leadership changes at several legacy news outlets Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several prominent outlets have seen recent leadership changes. In November, The New York Times appointed Dick Stevenson as its new Washington bureau chief; in December, CNN elevated David Chalian to lead its bureau. Both men have deep experience covering the capital. The Wall Street Journal's political and government has undergone a dramatic restructuring, and this month it announced Damian Paletta would be its Washington coverage chief. The Washington Post, whose coverage of the first Trump term led to a surge in readership, has been in a free fall this past year. Publisher Will Lewis has sought to right the ship, but the hometown newspaper has bled money and subscribers, many angry that the Post backed off a presidential endorsement at the last minute. Recently, the Post has seen more than a half-dozen defections of its journalists to other outlets, including managing editor Matea Gold, who joined the Times. MSNBC's president, Rashida Jones, announced this week she was leaving as that network undergoes a restructuring in corporate management. Politico said that its influential Playbook newsletter is getting a new author. C-SPAN has a new CEO in ex-CNN executive Sam Feist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's an unusual amount of flux, even given that the arrival of a new president is often a time for change at news outlets that cover Washington. The most disruptive change, though, is news outlets coming to terms with their new place in the world. With mistrust in traditional media so high, consumers have many different ways to seek out news, including newsletters, podcasts and partisan sites, said Jim VandeHei, a former political reporter at the Post who co-founded Politico and is now co-founder and CEO of Axios. Axios' lane is nonpartisan it doesn't do editorials and it seeks readers who value brevity and a clinical, non-emotional approach to covering Washington, he said. You can't just live on the fact that I work for the media or I work for the Washington Post, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outlets with points of view he mentioned Bari Weiss' company, The Free Press, and the conservative media empire Ben Shapiro built after starting The Daily Wire in 2015 are important pieces of the puzzle now, too. Time for some humility? The mainstream media needs to be humble enough to realize that you're no longer the most important player in the information landscape, Vandenhei said. There are a lot of players. You can be a significant player. You're not going to be the dominant player. You're no longer going to shape the narrative. Shortly after the election, Michael Tomasky, editor of The New Republic, argued that conservative-oriented media like Fox News, Newsmax, Sinclair Broadcasting, podcasts like Rogan's and Elon Musk's X now set the country's news agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the year in which it was obvious that right-wing media has more power than mainstream, Tomasky wrote. It's not just that it's bigger. It's that it speaks with one voice, and that voice says Democrats and liberals are treasonous elitists who hate you, and Republicans and conservatives love God and country and (are) your last line of defense against your son coming home from school your daughter. Trump may occasionally grumble about Fox News, but it's clearly the place he and his team most frequently choose to deliver their message. as they disparage legacy news. There was a time that the triumvirate of ABC, CBS and NBC had great news power, but that has diminished with viewership. Exhibit A: President Biden didn't choose a broadcast anchor like David Muir or Lester Holt for his exit interview; he went to MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell. CNN has struggled mightily to find a mix that appeals to television viewers, and has recorded historic low audience levels while new CEO Mark Thompson tries to pivot toward a more digital future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The old model of a panel of people arguing with each other is not appealing to people anymore, said Sproul, who led ABC's Washington bureau from 1993 to 2015. You had that at your own dinner table at Thanksgiving. You don't need that on your TV. One outlet that has been staffing up instead of retrenching on the eve of Trump's inauguration is The Atlantic. Among the online site and magazine's new hires recently were political writers Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer from the Post. Our mission right now is to do accountability reporting and it's our role to apply ourselves as aggressively as possible to whatever is going to happen when Trump takes office, said Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of the Atlantic. The Atlantic is positioning itself as a home for reporting, not Trump resistance. I tell my journalists all the time that if Trump does something that shows his judgment is good or is effective, I want you to report that, he said. At a fraught time for news organizations, he and his colleagues plan to put their heads down and work, and consumers will sort out where it all stands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think we're in a moment where the burden really does fall on the individual, VandeHei said. There is an embarrassment of riches of free, easily accessible content right now. But you have to know where to find it. ___ David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social To the editor: I live in Pasadena but thankfully wasn't in an evacuation zone. However, since last week I've been getting requests to rent or even buy my house, from both friends and strangers. People are desperate for housing. ("Fire victims compete to find new homes as real estate market rages in Pacific Palisades, Altadena," Jan. 11) Meanwhile, houses stand vacant on my street. One newly constructed house on my block was purchased by someone who lives in another country and hasn't set foot there. Another is a house a neighbor inherited and is holding on to for financial reasons without living in it or renting it out. He stops by once a month to cut back the weeds. Several more in the area are owned by Caltrans, part of a purchase from when the 710 Freeway was supposed to go through here. They have sat vacant for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe we need to build more affordable housing, but what about all the existing housing that's unused? What policy can we put into place to discourage owners of second homes from letting their properties sit vacant? How can we move the state along to get those 710 Freeway houses inhabited? Rebecca Tuynman, Pasadena .. To the editor: Los Angeles should take the unfinished Oceanwide Plaza skyscrapers in downtown L.A. off the market. Partner with the county to finish the project and create a community land trust. Pitkin County, Colo., set a successful precedent. In the 1980s, lack of affordable housing for lift operators, teachers and first responders threatened the Aspen resorts. Pitkin County began building, and now more than 3,200 people live in these affordable homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Completing Oceanwide Plaza should take less time than building thousands of individual homes and apartments. It's a rare opportunity to create an inclusive, mixed-income district with permanently affordable condos and apartments. Market-rate penthouses and larger units can offset project costs. Not everyone displaced by fire will want to live downtown. But L.A. needs more housing, and many will find the views and location near transit quite desirable. An area-wide shuffle would free up units in other neighborhoods. Ginger Wireman, Richland, Wash. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Newly donated LGBTQ+ books are displayed in the library at Nystrom Elementary School on May 17, 2022 in Richmond, California. (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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around the same time, state lawmakers in Trenton were readying legislation to set a book challenge policy for the entire state, preventing book bans based solely on the subject of a book or the authors background or views, while also protecting public and school librarians from legal or civil liabilities from people upset by the reading materials they offer. When Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed that measure into law last month, Grant breathed a little easier. We just hear so many stories of our librarians feeling threatened and targeted, said Grant, who works at Parkway Elementary School and serves as president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians. This has been a wrong, an injustice that needs to be made right. Amid a national rise in book bans in school libraries and new laws in some red states that threaten criminal penalties against librarians, a growing number of blue states are taking the opposite approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State leaders are demonstrating that censorship has no place in their state and that the freedom to read is a principle that is supported and protected. Kasey Meehan, director of the Freedom to Read program at PEN America New Jersey joined at least five other states California, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington that have passed legislation within the past two years that aims to preserve access to reading materials that deal with racial and sexual themes, including those about the LGBTQ+ community. Conservative groups have led the effort to ban materials to shield children from what they deem as harmful content. In the 2023-24 school year, there were 10,000 instances of book bans across the U.S. nearly three times as many as the year before, according to a recent report by PEN America, a nonprofit that advocates for literary freedom. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some states are now safeguarding librarians and the books they offer. State leaders are demonstrating that censorship has no place in their state and that the freedom to read is a principle that is supported and protected, said Kasey Meehan, director of the Freedom to Read program at PEN America, which has been tracking book bans since 2021. The drive to ban certain books is not waning, however. While a handful of states fight censorship in school libraries, some communities within those states are attempting to retake local control and continuing to remove materials that conservative local officials regard as lurid and harmful to children. Lives are in the balance The New Jersey measure not only sets minimum standards for localities when they adopt a policy on how books are curated or can be challenged but also prevents school districts from removing material based on the origin, background, or views of the library material or those contributing to its creation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law also gives librarians immunity from civil and criminal liability for good faith actions. New Jersey state Sen. Andrew Zwicker, a Democrat who introduced the legislation, said until recently he thought that book bans were a disturbing trend, but one limited to other states. But early last year, he went to a brunch event and met a school librarian who told him she faced a torrent of verbal and online abuse for refusing to remove a handful of books with LGBTQ+ themes from her librarys shelves. Thats when I realized that I was so horribly mistaken, that these attacks on librarians and on the freedom to read were happening everywhere, Zwicker told Stateline. I went up to her and asked, What can I do? He said hes already heard from lawmakers in Rhode Island who are considering introducing a similar measure this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A child who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community can read a memoir like Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and feel seen for the first time in their lives, he said. I do not think its an overstatement to say that lives are in the balance here, that these books are that important to people, and that librarians are trusted gatekeepers to ensure that whats on the shelf of a library has been curated and is appropriate, Zwicker said. These new state laws, several of which are titled the Freedom to Read Act, passed almost entirely along party lines, with unanimous Democratic support. In New Jersey, Republican state Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who has worked in schools for the past 18 years, including as an English teacher, vehemently opposed the measure. She did not respond to an interview request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt puritanical parents saying, Oh, I dont want my child to learn how babies are made, she said during a September committee hearing. Thats ridiculous, and we all know it. She added, What I do want is for us to be able to have an honest conversation about some of what is in these texts that is extraordinarily inappropriate for that grade level. Enforcement and penalties Legislation differs by state, including in enforcement and how to penalize noncompliant localities. In Illinois, for example, school districts risk losing thousands of dollars in state grant funding if they violate the states new law discouraging book bans. But as the Chicago Tribune reported last month, that financial penalty was not enough to persuade many school districts throughout the state to comply, with administrators saying they are concerned about giving up local control on school decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several school districts in other states have similarly rebelled. North of Minneapolis, St. Francis Area Schools board last month decided it would consult with conservative group BookLooks to determine which books it will buy for its school libraries. BookLooks uses a 0-through-5 rating system that flags books for violent and sexual content. Under its rating system, books that have long had a place in school libraries such as the Holocaust memoir Night by Elie Wiesel or I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou would require parental consent to read. Asked about the school district potentially violating state law, school board member Amy Kelly, who led the drive to use BookLooks, declined to be interviewed. Karsten Anderson, superintendent of St. Francis Area Schools, also declined an interview request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Maryland, Carroll County schools led the state in banning books in recent years, removing in the 2023-2024 school year at least 59 titles that were sexually explicit, according to a tally by PEN America. Schools should not allow children to see kink and porn, wrote Hart, of Moms for Liberty. She got involved in the effort more than three years ago, saying she wanted to protect her five children and parents rights to make educational decisions. She pointed to one book to make her point: Lets Talk About It: The Teens Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human, a nonfiction book in graphic novel form by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan that seeks to educate teenagers about anatomy and consensual and safe sex. The book explores other issues of gender and sexuality, as well. Hart likened the books illustrations showing different ways of having sex to erotica. Parents who provide their children with alcohol or drugs, or to give them a tattoo would rightly be charged with crimes, she wrote Stateline in an email. Schools that provide children with sexually explicit content are negligent at best. The future of book bans Around 8,000 of the more than 10,000 instances of banned books during the 2023-24 school year were in Florida and Iowa schools, according to PEN America. Lawmakers in those states enacted legislation in 2023 that created processes for school districts to remove books that have sexual content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa now requires that reading materials offered in schools be age-appropriate, while the Florida law ensures that books challenged for depicting or describing sexual conduct be removed from shelves while the challenge is processed by the district. Some of those banned books included classics, such as Roots by Alex Haley and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. Over the past year, lawmakers in Idaho, Tennessee and Utah passed measures that ban certain reading materials that deal with sex or are otherwise deemed inappropriate, according to a December report from EveryLibrary, an Illinois-based organization that advocates against book bans. Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed similar legislation in June. Laws that allow for book bans have been the subject of several lawsuits in recent years, as plaintiffs argue those measures violate constitutional protections of free expression. Late last month, a federal judge struck down parts of a 2023 Arkansas law that threatened prison time for librarians who distribute harmful material to minors. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, a Republican, announced the state would appeal the decision. EveryLibrary is tracking 26 bills in five states that lawmakers will consider this year that would target books with sexual and racial themes. The organized effort to remove books because of LGBTQ+ or racial themes will continue, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Associations Office for Intellectual Freedom. The association, which tracks book bans as part of its mission to support libraries and information science, found that most of the top banned books around the country had LGBTQ+ protagonists. Librarians have always been all about providing individuals with access to the information they need, whether its for education, for enrichment, for understanding, she said in an interview. Censorship is diametrically opposed to that mission. This story was originally produced by Stateline which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Shortly after Donald Trumps inauguration eight years ago, half a million people headed onto the streets of Washington DC to protest the new president. Now, as Mr Trump prepares for his return to office, an attempt to repeat the event and stir up mass resistance to the Republican fell flat. One unimpressed attendee described it as disappointingly tiny, while another said turnout was unfortunate. For an event that billed itself as the Peoples March, not a lot of people ended up marching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters lined the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday to listen to speakers who branded Mr Trump a Nazi, condemned the evils of colonisation, and declared that anti-Semitism had been weaponised. The location, which faces onto the Washington Monument and beyond that, the rotunda of the US Capitol where the president-elect will be inaugurated on Monday, was unquestionably busier than usual. But compared to the Womens March of 2017, which is estimated to have drawn three times more people than the audience for Mr Trumps first inauguration, it was positively serene. Its disappointingly tiny the energy is very different this time, a woman handing out a communist newspaper to the dwindling crowds told The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she spoke, one of a succession of speakers who had been charged with geeing up the audience called Mr Trump a fascist and announced: We will not be silent. She got a limp cheer from those still hanging about by the frozen waters of the reflecting pool. About halfway into the speeches, an abortion rights sign that had been folded in half and thrown into a bin could be seen. Next to it, in a second bin, was a Peoples March sign. An abortion rights sign was thrown into a bin - Benedict Smith Even a Ben & Jerrys tent the liberal ice cream company sponsored the event where treats were being handed out seemed to be struggling to boost numbers. Renato Terramore, a street theatre performer dressed in a blue dressing gown and keffiyeh, said the crowd seemed to be about 10 times smaller than the 2017 march. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was amazing. It was so packed. You could not move I stood in one place for a couple of hours, people were jammed against me, he said. This ones smaller than that one. Mr Terramore, wearing a papier-mache hat in the shape of a dead fish and a pair of John Lennon-style glasses, said he was in favour of deporting Mr Trump to Germany because they have a lot of neo-Nazis. His familys from Germany originally. Deport him back there - he wants to deport immigrants, get rid of him number one, he said. Renato Terramore held a sign saying Deport Trump back to Germany - Benedict Smith Mr Terramore was not the only attendee who had a radical plan to stop the Republican taking the oath of office just days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glynis McCorkle, a vet who said she was there to support the cause of peace and love, called the 78-year-old president a bigot and said he should be castrated. I am really, really worried that Donald Trump has been elected president, she said as she left the protest early, awkwardly navigating amongst the others also heading for an exit with a pair of eight-foot wings strapped to her back. Vet Glynis McCorkle, who wore a pair of wings strapped to her back, said she was worried about Mr Trumps election win - Benedict Smith Gary Lin, a former computer programmer waving the Stars and Stripes alongside a rainbow flag, said the event was not as big or proud as the one eight years ago, and suggested that Mr Trumps re-election had not caused the same shock to the system. In 2016 against Hillary Clinton, the Republican won the electoral college but lost the popular vote. Against Kamala Harris he swept both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Lin said the low turnout was unfortunate but that it did not mean that hardly anybody is concerned, adding: I think its just that theyre going to do their resisting and protesting online, at home. Organisers had hoped to draw around 50,000 people to the protest on Saturday and have not yet released their estimates of how many appeared. Police expected the number to be closer to 25,000. Whatever the real figure, it will likely have been boosted by several baffled Trump supporters wandering into the crowd, having arrived in town for the inauguration on Monday. Merchants laden with anti-Trump merchandise some of it recycled from Mr Trumps first term in office also wove amongst the audience, dragging a trolley of their wares behind them. Merchants were selling a range of anti-Trump merchandise - Benedict Smith Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the start of the demonstration, they were charging $15 for a T-shirt. By the end, you could pick one up for a third of the price. Get your f your Trump right here, one man yelled, displaying a board full of badges bearing the slogan. F your Trump, five dollars! In just a matter of hours, Mr Trump will take the oath of office for a second time and will move back into the White House. By that point, his protesters will have moved on, the Peoples March will be a dim memory, and the merchants will be selling Trump inauguration T-shirts instead. 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. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will engage with Bharatiya Janata Party booth-level workers in the national capital through the Namo application as part of the party's campaigning in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections. The event will kick off with the slogan "Mera Booth Sabse Majboot" (My Booth is the Strongest). With voting in Delhi scheduled for February 5, Prime Minister Modi will address the Mera Booth Sabse Majboot program ahead of the elections. On January 22 at 1 pm, Prime Minister Modi will share key strategies for success with the party's booth workers in this campaign. He will directly communicate with booth workers, motivating them to ensure a victory for the party in Delhi. Ahead of the polls, political parties have intensified their campaigns. BJP has also ramped up its efforts to form the government, with leaders now actively participating in the campaigning. Earlier 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. BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda launched the party's Delhi Assembly election manifesto on Friday. Among the major promises, the BJP announced a series of welfare initiatives for women, starting with the provision of six nutritional kits and Rs 21,000 in financial assistance under the Matritva Suraksha Yojana to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant women. Under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, the BJP has proposed monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for women in Delhi, aimed at empowering them economically. To support low-income families, the BJP promised to provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from such households. The party also committed to offering one free cylinder each on the occasions of Holi and Deepawali. The manifesto also highlighted the party's focus on healthcare, with a promise to implement the central government's Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Delhi, providing free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. The state government would add another Rs 5 lakh cover for low-income households, ensuring comprehensive medical care, among other key promises. Nadda called the manifesto a 'foundation for a developed Delhi,' expressing confidence in winning the upcoming assembly election. BJP national president said that the 'Sankalp Patra' was made after receiving mass feedback after holding thousands of meetings and getting ideas from constituents. The Delhi Assembly elections are going to be held in a single phase on February 5, with counting to be done on February 8. A three-way contest is on the cards in Delhi between the ruling AAP, BJP and Congress. Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got eight seats. (ANI) Republican senator and Donald Trump ally Lindsey Graham blasted CBS Face the Nations Margaret Brennan after she questioned him on the incoming Trump administrations threats against journalists. Brennan had been interrogating Graham on whether he endorsed Kash Patel to become the next FBI director despite several questions raised by US lawyers and national security veterans who have worked with him. When the CBS host asked Graham whether he would be asking Patel about his threats against journalists, the prominent senator accused the host of being unfair in her reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You shouldnt worry about Kash Patel, he said. You should worry about reporting the news fairly, which you dont do when it comes to everything Trump. Trumps pick of Patel to lead the FBI has drawn scrutiny from several lawmakers across Washington D.C. who believe he will weaponize the agency and mishandle sensitive information. an agitated Lindsey Graham berates Margaret Brennan, "You shouldn't worry about Kash Patel. You should worry about reporting the news fairly, which you don't do when it comes to everything Trump." pic.twitter.com/O5mIVQfsOK Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 19, 2025 Brennan pointed to an example from the memoir of former U.S. attorney general Bill Barr, who described Patel as someone with very little experience. He was wrong there, and hes wrong now, Graham said in response. And I take my advice on Kash Patel from Trey Gowdy, my dear friend from South Carolina who worked with Kash. Kash was a public defender. He was a prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham went on to refer to Patels supposed role in working on the so-called Russia hoax alongside former Republican congressman Trey Gowdy. When questioned on whether Patel was likely to go after his political opponents as FBI director, Graham said the upcoming hearing before the Senate will prove that Patel is a very qualified man of the law. Youll have to answer questions about whats in the book, but Im ready to vote for him, because I know him too, he said. Graham later attempted to shift the discussion away from Patel to the ICCs arrest warrant for Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a far cry from the question about Kash Patel. You took me all the way to Israel from Kash Patel, Brennan snapped back. Are you committing to vote for him no matter what? I am ready to vote for Kash Patel, because you will never ask me the role he played in exposing the darkest moment of the FBI since J. Edgar Hoover, he said, referring to the former FBI director whom critics accused of overreach. Thats why I trust him, Graham added. With a six-week cease-fire now in effect in Gaza, longtime ally Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is urging President-elect Donald Trump to go after Iran with force. The target: Tehran's nuclear program. The country is now a "de facto nuclear threshold state," and Graham doesn't believe diplomacy will stop Iran from eventually crossing the threshold. "There's a one in trillion chance you'll degrade the Iranian nuclear program through diplomacy," Graham told Margaret Brennan on Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation." "There's a 90% chance you'll degrade it through military action by Israel, supported by the United States. So the next topic I will be engaging in with President Trump is to take this moment in time to decimate the Iran nuclear program because they're so exposed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's incursions into Gaza to fight Hamas and into Lebanon to cut down Hezbollah, as well as its October 2024 strike on Iranian military targets, mean Iran is noticeably weaker than it once was. After pulling the U.S. out of a nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, Trump in his first term employed a maximum pressure strategy of sanctions designed to throttle the country's ability to develop the weapons. That campaign is now on its way back. But experts worry it might be too late to prevent Iran from producing a nuclear weapon. Graham has long encouraged punitive action against Iran, especially as Israel's war against Hamas, a key Iranian proxy, raged in Gaza. "This is a religious Nazi regime," Graham told Brennan. "They want to destroy the Jewish state. They want to purify Islam and drive us out of the Mideast. It would be like negotiating with Hitler. I am hoping there will be an effort by Israel to decimate the Iran nuclear program supported by the United States, and, if we don't do that, it will be a historical mistake." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham on Sunday joined a chorus of Republicans in the national security space praising Trump for his role in helping to create a breakthrough in cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. "Let me just say this: These people would not be coming out if Donald Trump had not demanded they be out," Graham said. Editors note: If you know of an event that you want to be included in this article, click here to email the details BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Heres a roundup of events happening across the Big Country in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Whether youre looking to participate in a march, enjoy a community celebration, or give back through a cleanup event, theres something for everyone to help honor Dr. Kings legacy. Check out these local events in Abilene, Cisco, and Early to join in the observance of this important day. LIST: Big Country closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Abilene Big Country MLK Prayer Breakfast Starts at 7:00 a.m. The third annual Big Country MLK Prayer Breakfast will be held at Hardin-Simmons Universitys Johnson Building. The event will feature Matthew Lubin, Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, and is open to all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MLK Day Clean-Up! 9:00 a.m. to noon Join Let Us Breathe for a community cleanup day this Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The cleanup will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon at 708 North 6th Street. Donuts, water, and coffee will be provided. Abilenes Martin Luther King Jr. March Starts at 1:30 p.m. Youre invited to join the annual MLK Jr. March this Monday. Participants will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of The Woodson Center for Excellence, located at 342 Cockerell Drive. The march will proceed to East Highway 80, crossing the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Banquet Starts at 6:00 p.m. The Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet at the Abilene Convention Center. This years theme is Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. The guest speaker will be Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, CEO of Carmell Corporation. The event will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $40, or $400 for a table of ten. No tickets will be sold at the door. Cisco Alchemys Alcove Gathering: Celebrating MLK Day Thursday through Monday The Alchemys Alcove invites you to their monthly gathering to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a key figure in the American civil rights movement. The event will take place Thursday through Monday at 401 County Road 176, Cisco. Daytrippers are encouraged to attend. Early 13th Annual MLK Celebration Starts at 9:00 a.m. Join Revitalizing Our Community for the 13th Annual MLK Community Celebration in Early, Texas. The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Bennie Houston Center, where attendees will be shuttled to the MLK Plaza. The march will start at 9:30 a.m. from the plaza and return to the Bennie Houston Center (BHC). At 10:00 a.m., a program will take place in the BHC gym, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s vision of community, strength, and unity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. A pilot project to verify the origin of Ukrainian agricultural products will be launched in the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda. Source: press service of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Details: Vitalii Koval, Head of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, along with his British and Lithuanian colleagues, signed an amended Memorandum on the launch of the Grain Verification Scheme (GVS) to combat the illegal export of Ukrainian grain from occupied territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The pilot implementation of this initiative will take place in Lithuania in the port of Klaipeda, which will become a key hub for verifying the origin of Ukrainian agricultural products," said Vitalii Koval. According to the agreement, GVS will help identify stolen grain and stop its illegal transportation. The UK will provide an innovative database and advanced technologies for determining the place of cultivation. Background: Support UP or become our patron! I never set foot in a school supported with an appropriation from state government until graduate school. My parents chose to send me to a Catholic elementary school and a Catholic Diocesan high school. Never a word was uttered about how our parish school should be supported by taxpayer dollars. My parents simply understood that it was their choice to send me to a private school and, therefore, pay for it. They also knew their taxes were supporting the public school two blocks away, and although that was not my parents choice for my education, they respected and supported the states responsibility to support the public schools. Notice use of the word choice. I use it to exemplify parents who struggled to make ends meet, but knew it was their choice to either send me and my sister to a public school free of charge, as Thomas Jefferson envisioned it, or pay for private schooling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choice has been turned on its head by Gov. Brad Little, who flip-flopped. Once opposed to state aid to private schools, hes now in favor. That should not be a shock to anyone observing the increasingly right-wing Republican majority in the state Legislature. Little practices that age-old political tradition of politicians who put their finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing and then join the gathering herd. Little is counting heads of Republicans in the Legislature and noticing a supreme swing to the right now that some incumbent conservative Republicans were defeated by extremists in last Mays primary. Add Attorney General Raul Labrador, who sues anyone in sight violating his own radical dictates, to the mix of extremists taking over the GOP, and Little simply caved to the new Republican Party in Idaho. The Gem State, by the way, seems in step with the times, as state aid to private schools seem to be percolating among the far right in several states. With this new expenditure, however, the parsimonious Idaho Legislature threatens to do serious harm to public education. Idaho already falls short of appropriating the funding necessary to help those most in need. (Medicaid comes to mind given that the Legislature refused to act, but a referendum passed with 60% of Idahoans in favor of expanding it.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How can the state of Idaho adequately fund public education and yet afford to give $50 million to private schools? Wed be fools to assume the siphoning of $50 million from the state budget will remain the same over future years. Just like the camel who got his nose under the tent, private schools will be back for more. The growing number of legislators who bring their religious views to the state budget will faithfully oblige. Other budget priorities like funding for public education will come up short. As Idaho opens its coffers for private schools, students who rely on our public schools for educational quality will become second-class citizens now competing with church schools for funding. Then theres the question of who truly needs tuition assistance for a private school education. Some affluent parents send their children to private schools, and they do not need help paying tuition. In the meantime, families of public school students who expect quality in their schools will suffer from the lack of funding down the road. Many of the families who rely on Idahos public schools live in rural Idaho, where there is little or no access to private school education. The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy presents a convincing case of how voucher programs divert public dollars to private education and reduce public funding for already financially strapped rural public education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the $50 million for private schools multiplies over the next few years, and the legislative sponsors are long gone from state government, parents in rural areas will wonder why public schools closed, while private schools in the Great State of Ada prosper. Rural legislators who thought choice was such a good idea will get primaried by opponents who will point to their public schools in need of state funding that has gone to private schools in Boise and other cities. Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield echoed Little, claiming funding to private schools cannot take funds away from public schools. But the best evidence from other states shows a much different outcome. Another conservative state in the West, Arizona, is acknowledged as the leader of the private school choice movement, approving a plan in 2022 that extended state aid to these schools. Public officials claim that among the reasons for school closures is declining enrollment caused by students moving to private schooling. And ProPublica reported this year on research from the Grand Canyon Institute that the Arizona program blew a $322 million hole in its state budget. Paula Kellerer, the CEO of Idaho Business for Education, also weighed in on the skyrocketing costs of Arizonas program in the Idaho Statesman last Sunday with projections that should scare the wits out of Idaho legislators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowas experience may be the best lesson of how state aid to private schools creates a budgetary nightmare of cost overruns. Lawmakers simply underestimated the number of families attracted by the subsidies. According to FutureEd, they predicted about 6,000 private school students for the 2023-24 school year would use public funding only to learn that the number jumped to 11,100. The Idaho Legislature is loaded to the gills with conservative legislators who arrive every year with one goal in mind: tax relief which hardly produces a noticeable result in the family budget, but when the totality of the tax relief is calculated for its effect on the state budget, it extracts millions from budget priorities, including education. There goes the reassurance that public schools will not be harmed. Little, Critchfield and legislators who think this is such a good idea expect us to live in their dream world while their no harm to public schools claim has been proved groundless by research in other states that have gone down this rabbit hole. Idaho is growing by leaps and bounds. Idahos employers need and expect a quality public school system. Potential employers who consider bringing jobs to Idaho ask about the quality of public school education, as I learned when president of Boise State. The Chamber of Commerce occasionally asked me to explain and promote Idaho higher education to employers thinking about locating to Idaho, but those employers also asked about the quality of our public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Jefferson proclaimed the value of public education in educating the American citizenry. What Jefferson could not possibly predict was a new frame of mind that crept into the culture Wheres mine? Gone are the days of my parents, who understood the difference between funding public schools and parents shouldering the financing of private, usually religious, schools. Its now the private schools who benefit from the growing number of extremists elected to state legislatures, who wish to ignore the doctrine of separation of church and state. If there was ever a moment for taxpayers to join supporters of public education across Idaho, that time is now. This fiscally irresponsible plan, now urged by Little and Critchfield, will have dramatic ramifications on our states resources and the future of our public schools. Idahos reputation for educational quality will not be defined by the quality of education at private schools; it is the quality of its public schools that will continue to matter. Bob Kustra served as president of Boise State University from 2003 to 2018. He is host of Readers Corner on Boise State Public Radio and is a regular columnist for the Idaho Statesman. He served two terms as Illinois lieutenant governor and 10 years as a state legislator. Firefighting foam with PFAS was routinely used by many Maine fire departments prior to 2022, yet little work has occurred to assess potential environmental impacts. (Brendan Bullock) This article is the second in a series, A Fire Hose of Forever Chemicals, which can be seen in entirety here. In a wooded Ogunquit neighborhood, a narrow side road leads to the Seacoast Training Complex where a tower-like structure perches, soot-stained and stark in an expanse of grass. Firefighters from southern Maine and New Hampshire come to this site to build essential skills, and they leave behind a wake of chemical foam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF, called A triple-F) was among the mix of foams applied at this site. Its use in firefighter training was banned three years ago because it contains toxic and persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. At regional centers like this one, departments might experiment with a new foam or train with foam they no longer need, recalled Russell Osgood, Ogunquits fire chief. Firefighters would learn techniques for applying foam and often they would leave a blanket of it covering the fire site, he said: That was a common thing so you wouldnt have any rekindle following live fire training. Given the propertys history of AFFF use and the many health risks associated with PFAS, Osgood was concerned about potential water contamination at nearby residences. We have a responsibility as a town if people are being affected by what we do, he said. The risk extends far beyond his small community. Who manages this? Who is going to follow up? Osgood asked. Youre going to find [PFAS from AFFF] in more places than you could think. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine has roughly a dozen current and former regional training sites for firefighting, as well as former military training areas, dozens of airports, and potentially hundreds of sites where local fire departments conducted trainings or discharged AFFF. I suspect there are tons of little pockets of this all over, Osgood added. Some of those pockets of PFAS contamination could be endangering household wells while others threaten drinking water at fire stations, aggravating health risks for firefighters who have, in national studies, PFAS blood serum levels somewhat higher than the general public. No state funding is currently dedicated to foam-related PFAS investigations so the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has not systematically sampled fire training sites or other locations with high historic use of AFFF. Ogunquit approached the agency for help testing wells near the Seacoast Training Complex, and the DEP is directing the project, but the town is paying for it, Osgood explained, which to date has cost the town roughly $50,000. Initial testing done in 2022 of 14 neighboring wells found low to moderate PFAS levels. Results are not yet back from recent water retesting and new soils testing. Training with foam helps prepare firefighters to apply it in live-fire incidents. (Holly S. Anderson) Osgood recommended that Ogunquit investigate the training facility soon after becoming the towns fire chief because he knew first-hand about the risks of PFAS from AFFF in drinking wells. In prior work at the Portsmouth Fire Department in New Hampshire, he was stationed at the former Pease Air Force Base when news broke in 2014 that wells there were contaminated following decades of historic AFFF use. City firefighters had been drinking, showering in and cooking with contaminated water for years, alongside their occupational exposure applying AFFF foam and what he calls the toxic soup of chemicals (including PFAS) generated by structure fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As firefighters have grown more aware of PFAS and the many other chemical hazards they face, theyve begun adopting practices on and off the job to reduce health threats, explained Osgood, who serves as vice president of education for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. We talk about modifiable risk factors a lot, he said, reminding firefighters you can control your personal risk factors by eating right, exercising and getting regular wellness checks. Testing the wells theyre drinking from has got to be the first step. We can find that and fix it. There has to be money for investigations. Russell Osgood, Ogunquit fire chief But clean water is a basic precondition to maintaining health, Osgood said, and test[ing] the wells theyre drinking [from] has got to be the first step. We can find that and fix it. There has to be money for investigations. Recommendation to test water never reached fire departments In a survey of Maine fire departments conducted last summer, only 11% of those on wells had tested the water for PFAS. Four out of five of the departments that had not tested indicated that it was because it has not been discussed/suggested. A smaller number dont know how to get the test done. One fire chief commented, Will test now. Never thought to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years earlier, a PFAS Task Force established by Gov. Janet Mills recommended in its final report that private drinking water should be tested for PFAS in areas where groundwater is likely to have been impacted by PFAS at unsafe levels, such as: 1) manufacturing locations that utilized PFAS; 2) unlined landfills; 3) areas where Class B AFFF has been discharged or stored; and 4) residuals [wastewater sludge] land spreading sites. Maine subsequently invested tens of millions of dollars to test sites permitted for sludge, a process still underway, and to sample landfill leachate. To date, the state has tested well water at only a handful of sites related to firefighting and judging from survey responses never informed fire departments that the task force recommended water testing or indicated how they could undertake water testing on their own. A foam concentrate connector. (Brendan Bullock) In the recent survey, 20 Maine fire departments requested screening kits (see sidebar) to test for PFAS in well water and surface pumping water sources. Those who undertook water-sampling, a random and geographically diverse group of both volunteer and career departments, agreed to share testing results with Maine Morning Star. The DEP assesses water samples for 28 PFAS compounds, but its interim drinking water standard covers just six. Commercial water tests, which report on up to 55 compounds, still only capture a sliver of the PFAS that might be present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysis for 55 PFAS compounds in each of 31 water samples (some of the 20 departments tested multiple sites) revealed five distinct PFAS, most at relatively low levels. Among the samples tested, three came back with no detectable PFAS. Only two of the five compounds found fall under Maines drinking water standards: PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid). These two legacy PFAS were phased out of U.S. production in the early 2000s but remain prevalent in the environment. Among the departments that conducted water sampling, most reported that they had rarely or never used AFFF historically, and there was minimal evidence of PFOS, an ingredient in early AFFF formulations, in the samples tested. Only one well reported a level of PFOS over the federal drinking water guideline of 4 parts per trillion or ppt. Two of the other compounds reported include PFBA (perfluorobutanoic acid) and PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid), which persist in humans for days or weeks rather than years. About water-screening test kits PFAS water tests from laboratories certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can cost upward of $275 per sample. For a fire department needing to test water at multiple stations and pumping sources, expenses could escalate quickly. More affordable screening tests can indicate where high PFAS concentrations may be endangering drinking water. Costing less than a third of what certified tests do, screening kits are easier to administer and mail back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The water-screening kits used in this project came from a materials science lab using analytical methods similar to those used by the EPA (although not certified). A split-sample analysis done in Maine comparing data from these sampling kits with PFAS reports from three certified labs found the kits delivered comparable findings. More information on water-testing options for fire departments and homeowners appears on this projects resource page. The struggle to identify contamination sources Sampling water for PFAS is complicated by the sheer number of compounds in this vast chemical class. Scientists have identified nearly 15,000 PFAS to date, yet fewer than 100 of them have received much study. Given the use of PFAS in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, and the proprietary nature of many manufacturing processes, tracing the sources of PFAS found in samples can be challenging. The compound that appeared most frequently in fire department water samples, N-Ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanol or NEtFOSE, is not included on state-certified water tests so little data exists on its presence in Maine and little is known about toxicological effects. It surfaced in two-thirds of the water samples at low levels (averaging 2 ppt), roughly an order of magnitude higher than background levels found in rainwater collected during 2020-2022 federal sampling at a site in Freeport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A volatile compound associated with waterproofing treatments on paper and textiles, NEtFOSE is a precursor, one of many PFAS that can break down over time into more more enduring compounds. It can potentially transform into PFOS, a possible carcinogen that can remain in human bodies for years and in ecosystems for centuries. If NEtFOSE were used in treatments on firefighters protective jackets and pants, known as turnout gear, It could have come off of the fabric during the washing process, and then could have ended up in the water, observed Bryan Ormond, a textile researcher at North Carolina State University who analyzes PFAS treatments and non-fluorinated substitutes. Scientists find it challenging to track what specific PFAS compounds might have been used, given that different manufacturers of the different layers of the turnout gear have used different versions of repellent treatments, Ormond added, and each of the companies has likely changed up the finishes on their products over time. AFFF is probably not the major source [since NEtFOSE] is not a common PFAS to find in AFFF formulations or at AFFF-contaminated sites, noted Heidi Pickard, a postdoctoral researcher in environmental chemistry at Harvard University who studies PFAS precursors. If NEtFOSE derives from other sources, it may or may not originate in the fire stations. Fire training areas can be a source of PFAS water contamination, depending on the frequency of AFFF use and the sites hydrology. (Jessica Buckingham) PFAS moving through sub-surface waters Risks to drinking water increase markedly in settings where AFFF use occurred repeatedly and where the areas hydrogeology the soils, bedrock material and location of aquifers and surface waters is conducive to the migration of PFAS. One such location lies in Carmel, a small community west of Bangor where a fire retention pond behind the fire station and town office has high levels of PFAS. Near that engineered pond, constructed as a pumping source for fire trucks, the municipal fire department historically held trainings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To determine the extent of contamination, Carmels town manager asked the DEP in 2023 to follow up on a preliminary water sample done at the town office. The states test found levels over 1,000 ppt for the sum of six PFAS compounds, two of which now have federal maximum contaminant levels of 4 ppt each. Six nearby residences registered levels over Maines interim drinking water standard of 20 ppt, and received whole-house filtration systems. The DEP covered initial testing and filtration using the states Uncontrolled Sites Fund, which provides limited liability exemptions for public treatment facilities and public water works but not for fire departments. Carmel has been made aware of DEP-incurred costs and been made aware that DEP may seek reimbursement, noted David Madore, the agencys spokesperson. The DEP is reviewing its program budgets in advance of the legislative session to determine if it will be necessary to request additional funding for PFAS programming, he added. To date, the DEP has invested roughly $30,000 testing water and installing filtration systems in Carmel, said Andrew Hart, the towns manager, with $18,000 annually projected to maintain those systems. The agency has been more than willing to work with the Town of Carmel, he added, but in addition to the mounting costs for water sampling and filtration, the town is paying for legal consultations and an environmental assessment. That work is not yet complete so the full scope of contamination remains uncertain. Carmels experience demonstrates another PFAS risk related to the fire service that has received little attention. Fire tanker trucks hold up to 3,000 gallons while smaller Class A pumper trucks might transport and release up to 1,000 gallons of water. If those trucks draw from local sources with high PFAS levels, theres a lot of opportunity to move a lot of contaminated water to another spot, Osgood said. A structure fire can require several thousand gallons of water, he added, while extinguishing a sustained blaze could take hundreds of thousands of gallons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To assess that risk of inadvertent PFAS spreading, Maine Morning Stars survey asked fire departments where they fill their pump trucks. Eighty-seven percent of them draw from local surface waters. Among those, a third pull from a farm pond, 7% from a transfer station, and 6% from a fire training site all settings that could potentially have elevated PFAS. Looking beneath the surface Design and construction errors at fire stations can also lead to local water contamination, as Rhode Island learned in a community where a single 20-year-old station tainted the drinking water of more than 40 households, necessitating the extension of municipal water at a cost of $1.7 million. In that instance, trench drains from the truck bay were improperly connected to an underground injection control system (UIC, a shallow gravel drainage area intended solely for stormwater runoff) so AFFF from trucks and equipment ran almost directly into soils and then an aquifer. In Maines recent fire department survey, 5% of respondents reported having trench drains connected to UIC systems. Another 15% have trench drains that empty into septic tanks and leach fields, a less direct route but still a potential pathway for PFAS in AFFF to enter groundwater. Theres no UIC that wont be a problem for PFAS. Ultimately, its an underground injection of water, observed Nicholas Noons, an environmental engineer at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Even with oil/water separators and other technology to clean the water, he added, the trucks have to drain and that water has to go somewhere. We view every fire station as a source of PFAS, Noons said. We have yet to find one that hasnt affected water. Rhode Island has investigated half a dozen stations to date and has identified about 40 more (out of 160 total) that are of high concern due to potential impact on nearby drinking-water wells. To cover the costs of investigating and installing filtration, Rhode Island is dedicating some of the federal funding it has received through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Laws Emerging Contaminant Grants for Small and Disadvantaged Communities. To stretch the grant money, Noons said, the state is considering installing point-of-use filters (such as under-sink units) rather than whole-house filtration to ensure that more residents get at least that minimal level of drinking water protection. Everyone knows the fire stations are an issue. The challenge is that without a responsible party, the environmental assessment and filtration costs can fall to municipalities. Nicholas Noons, environmental engineer at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Maine is receiving $45 million (for 2022-2026) from the Emerging Contaminant Grants program, which can support filtration of both public drinking water supplies and private wells. Roughly half of Maine households are on private wells, but the entire sum has been allocated for public water systems, according to a spokesperson for the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention. In a Maine Morning Star survey, 87% of fire departments reported that they fill trucks from local surface waters. Some of them draw from settings such as transfer stations, fire training sites and farm ponds that could have elevated PFAS levels. (Contributed photo) Opening a can of worms Funding remediation of AFFF sites is a universal challenge, according to Noons. At New England meetings of water professionals, he said, everyone knows the fire stations are an issue. The challenge is that without a responsible party, the environmental assessment and filtration costs can fall to municipalities. Towns like Carmel and Ogunquit are learning this the hard way. Nearly five years ago, the governors PFAS Task Force recognized the need for state support so that fire departments and municipalities are not financially burdened for environmental clean-up incidental to Class B AFFF. It essentially called for the sort of safety net that the state eventually established for farmers affected by PFAS-laden sludge. Farmers who test for PFAS and find contamination encounter a coordinated agency response that helps ensure they receive technical, financial and health-related support, backed by a $70 million PFAS Advisory Fund. Its clear from our experience in Maine with farmers that having that safety net is critically important, observed Tricia Rouleau, farm network director for the nonprofit Maine Farmland Trust. It can quell the financial fears and liability concerns that might deter people from testing for PFAS, she said: Otherwise, youre opening a can of worms with no way to deal with it. People are scared of liability when it comes to AFFF, said State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently added two PFAS compounds to its Superfund list of hazardous materials, while also issuing guidance to staff that it does not consider entities like fire departments and public water utilities responsible parties under that legislation. No such liability exemption applies at the state level, however, so when the Maine DEP steps in to investigate and remediate AFFF-contaminated sites, it can seek to recover those costs from municipalities. Where the responsibility rests In Maines farming community, theres less concern now about liability, Rouleau said, because it became clear that the responsibility goes much higher than that, resting with chemical corporations that manufactured and promoted products that their own scientists knew were problematic. It all starts with the chemical industry having free rein to pump this into our environment unchecked, in Osgoods view: If PFAS had gone under the scrutiny that a drug has to, they never would have been launched into the environment. Instead, these persistent chemicals went unregulated for decades, and all but six compounds remain so. Id like to think the chemical industry didnt intentionally, knowingly put it out there, he added, but the evidence talks differently. Its kind of criminal. For decades, fire departments have used a regional training facility in Ogunquit, leaving behind chemical foam some of which contained PFAS. Prior to a ban on its use in training, foam with PFAS may have been used in routine firefighter trainings at hundreds of sites across Maine. (Courtesy of Town of Ogunquit) In March 2023, the Office of the Maine Attorney General filed a lawsuit against chemical manufacturers of AFFF seeking compensation for damages to the states communities and natural resources from PFAS-laden foam. The suit names 3M and DuPont (and companies spun off in a corporate reorganization), along with foam manufacturers. While the Attorney Generals Office does not comment on pending litigation, state lawsuits involving AFFF typically become part of federal multidistrict litigation, which consolidates similar cases for greater efficiency. More than 10,000 cases related to AFFF are amassed in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina, and as has happened in recent PFAS cases where water utilities were the plaintiffs the corporate defendants may settle rather than going to trial. In settlements, states often take a discount on what they truly need, said John Gardella, a trial attorney and shareholder at CMBG3 Law in Boston who writes about PFAS litigation in The National Law Review. States face a kind of a Catch-22, he added, because in order to recover funds they need to thoroughly document the true scope of the damages, but that rigorous investigation can be an added financial drain. As Maines investigation of sludge sites begins to wind down, research on AFFF sites may start ramping upwith three bill titles related to AFFF already submitted by state Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick. All the pieces are there There are lessons from the agricultural sector that could help. At this point, we know so much more, and we can learn a lot from what farmers experienced and carry [that] over to firefighters, Rouleau said, such as having resources available immediately for water filtration and health monitoring. Maine needs to have staff in place to help people [in affected fire departments and communities] navigate the response and figure out next steps, Rouleau noted, explaining that support mechanisms must be flexible and long-term, since each situation is unique and changes over time. Whats critical to keep in mind, Rouleau added, is that for farmers and firefighters alike, the accumulated occupational exposure to PFAS means theyre the ones who are going to bear the brunt of this issue. The collaborative work that went into shaping guidelines for the PFAS Advisory Fund, which provides support to affected farmers, should make the path forward easier for communities affected by AFFF, suggested Kate Dufour, director of advocacy and communications at the Maine Municipal Association. Theres a real opportunity to build on what we have and make it better if it needs to be better. With plans underway for an Office of Community Affairs designed to help municipalities with major challenges, all the pieces are there to have a collaborative approach that engages multiple agencies, Dufour said. She hopes that some of the bills under consideration this winter will ignite a constructive discussion about how to support communities facing potential PFAS contamination from past use of firefighting foam. The upcoming legislation session, she added, offers an opportunity for everyone to say how we are going to work together to get this done. Maine Morning Star is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization. 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. Heres what to know: When did the ceasefire begin? An announcement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said the ceasefire began at 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT). Have the hostages been released? The first three Israeli hostages released from Gaza have been handed over in a test of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. What happens next? Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners. 8:00 PM EST Palestinian prisoners are released A Red Cross convoy arrives to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar) 7:26 PM EST The next release of hostages and prisoners comes on Saturday Overall, 33 hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees should be freed over the ceasefires 42-day first phase. 7:10 PM EST Over 600 humanitarian aid trucks head into Gaza United Nations humanitarian officials say that more than 630 trucks of humanitarian aid have entered the besieged Gaza Strip, following the implementation of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on social media platform X, Tom Fletcher, the United Nations under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said that at least 300 of the trucks are bringing humanitarian assistance into the north. There is no time to lose, Fletcher wrote. After 15 months of relentless war, the humanitarian needs are staggering. The Gaza ceasefire deal calls for the entry into Gaza of 600 trucks carrying humanitarian relief daily. Over the course of the deals first stage, 33 Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza will also be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Aid workers have been scrambling to address Gazas dire humanitarian needs after 15 months of devastating war and tough Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries and the movement of convoys within Gaza. Lawlessness and looting by armed gangs have also been a major obstacle to aid distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before this latest Israel-Hamas war began, Gaza was under a crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade that allowed the entry of some 500 trucks a day carrying commercial supplies and humanitarian aid. 7:00 PM EST Palestinians celebrate the release of prisoners Palestinians thronged the buses carrying the prisoners or climbed on top, chanting and cheering, as they headed slowly through the growing crowd to Beitunia town. Some people waved flags, including that of Hamas. Horns sounded and people whistled. The release occurred over seven hours after the first hostages were released. 6:45 PM EST 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees released by Israel Large white buses carrying the detainees exited the gates of Israels Ofer prison, just outside the West Bank city of Ramallah, as celebratory fireworks erupted overhead. Crowds of Palestinians thronged the buses, chanting and cheering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a list provided by the Palestinian Authoritys Commission for Prisoners Affairs, all of those released are women or minors. Israel detained all of the people on the list for what it said were offenses related to Israels security, from throwing stones to more serious accusations such as attempted murder. 6:20 PM EST Hamas says dispute over prisoner list is delaying release Hamas office of prisoner affairs has issued a statement saying the delay in Israels release of Palestinian prisoners was the result of a last-minute conflict over the names on the list. Seven hours after three Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Sunday, Palestinian crowds gathered outside Israels Ofer prison near the West Bank city of Ramallah were still waiting for the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hamas statement said: During the process of checking the names of the prisoners being released from Ofer prison, there was found to be one female prisoner missing. Hamas said that its officials were in communication with mediators and the Red Cross in hopes of pressuring Israel to adhere to the agreed-upon list of prisoners. It said that the issue was being resolved and it expected the buses of the released prisoners to soon depart. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the delay. 5:40 PM EST Trump says ceasefire deal would have never happened if he werent elected President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) At a victory rally in Washington, Trump took credit for the first hostages being released from Gaza, rebuffing Biden, who has also taken credit for the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We achieved more without being president than they achieved in four years with being president, Trump said, dwelling on the moment. 3:13 PM EST Trumps administration reiterates support for Israel Trumps incoming national security adviser says the U.S. has assured Israel that if Hamas runs afoul of a Gaza ceasefire deal, We will be with them. Michael Waltz said on CNNs State of the Union that the trust and confidence is why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu felt comfortable pushing this through his government. He said the Trump administration will support Israel as it is going to do what it has to do to ensure Hamas never rules the Palestinian territory again. 3:09 PM EST Families of hostages rally in Washington Families of the hostages gathered Sunday afternoon at the foot of the Washington Monument, flanked by banners thanking President-elect Donald Trump that said: You can bring them all home. The event seemed to give credit to Trump while acknowledging the persistence of the Biden administration in reaching the ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noa Argamani, a rescued hostage, described her experience as hell and said her heart was in captivity as her partner, Avinstan Or, remained a hostage. I want to thank you, President Trump, to make this deal happen, and President Biden to never give up on us. she said. Its absolutely critical that we put an end to this terrible tragedy. 2:17 PM EST First photos show hostages reuniting with their mothers Romi Gonen, right, and her mother Merav hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Romi was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP) The Israeli military released the first photos of the hostages reuniting with their mothers at a reception center in southern Israel, before they were flown by helicopter to the hospital. In the photos, the women embrace their mothers. Merav Leshem Gonen cradled her daughter Romi, beaming. Emily Damari embraced her mother, and in a video call with her brother, showed off a hand where she lost two fingers on Oct. 7. Doron Steinbrecher and her mother Simona embraced in a fierce hug. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hostages and their mothers have arrived at a hospital in central Israel, where they will reunite with the rest of their family and receive medical treatment. They are expected to stay in the hospital for a number of days. All of the hostages were able to walk under their own power, despite concerns about their conditions. Outside of the hospital, hundreds of people danced and cheered to welcome the hostages back to Israel. 2:03 PM EST Israels ambassador to US credits Trump and degrading of Hamas for ceasefire deal Israels ambassador to the United States credited President-elect Donald Trumps administration, along with his countrys degrading of Hamas, for the ceasefire deal that took effect Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ambassador Michael Herzog said Hamas realized they were on their own in their fight and Trump came into the picture and said he wants a deal, pushing them toward it. On Fox News Sunday, he noted the unprecedented cooperation between President Joe Bidens team and Trumps envoys. Going forward, he says he sees a role for the U.S. and other regional actors to apply and create alternatives to Hamas and stabilize the situation. 1:01 PM EST Starmer says the release of a British-Israeli woman is a wonderful news British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the release of a British-Israeli woman along with two other hostages Sunday as wonderful and long-overdue news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also cautioned that the world must not forget about those still in captivity by Hamas militants. Emily Damari, 28, who has dual British and Israeli nationality, was one of the three female hostages freed Sunday. Her mother, Mandy, released a statement of thanks for supporters who never stopped saying her name. After 471 days Emily is finally home, her mother said. Starmer said despite the news, Sunday also represents another day of suffering for those who havent made it home yet. While this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas, he said. We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 12:52 PM EST Father of an Israeli-American hostage grateful to Trump for work on ceasefire The father of an Israel-American held by Hamas says hes grateful for the incoming Trump administration for its work on getting the ceasefire deal over the finish line. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, says the outgoing Biden administration did extraordinary work on the framework of the deal. However, it took a tweet, the subsequent statements from President-elect Trump to get this home, the father said Sunday on ABCs This Week. And what we ask of President Trump and his team is to keep their finger on this. President Joe Bidens top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, said Sunday that Sagui Dekel-Chen is one of the two Israeli-American hostages would will be released in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement over the coming weeks. 12:40 PM EST Romanian prime minister welcomes the release of an Israeli-Romanian hostage Romanias Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu welcomed the release of the first three hostages from Gaza on Sunday, who included Israeli-Romanian Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Their courage to endure captivity in such difficult conditions is an inspiration to us all, he said in a post on Facebook. We need the full implementation of the agreement to continue so that all hostages are safely released and we stand in solidarity with the families still awaiting the return of their loved ones. 12:30 PM EST Bidens Mideast adviser expects 800 trucks of aid into Gaza on Sunday President Joe Bidens top Middle East adviser says we have a full ceasefire in effect and expects 800 trucks of humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza on Sunday. Brett McGurk helped hammer out a deal in Doha, Qatar, along with President-elect Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and other mediators from Qatar and Egypt. FILE - Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy for the global coalition against IS, speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq, June 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, File) He noted on CBS Face the Nation that two Israeli-American hostages will come out in the first phase of the deal over the coming weeks. Weve been working seamlessly with the incoming team. I think this is a testament to President Biden and to President Trump allowing us to work together, he said. 12:20 PM EST Relatives of hostages overcome with joy Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo) They jumped and clapped, and cried out and wept. Israels military has released footage of relatives watching the three released hostages meeting military representatives after being released. The military said the three women had reached the initial reception point in Israel to be reunited with their mothers. They would have an initial medical assessment and go to a hospital. This is an exciting day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, and told the freed women that an entire nation embraces you. 1:46 AM EST Who are the Israelis released on the first day of the ceasefire? Three hostages held by Hamas were released Sunday after 471 days in captivity as part of a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group. Their names are: Romi Gonen, 24 Emily Damari, 28 Doron Steinbrecher, 31 A gradual release of dozens of captives over the next several weeks has been agreed on. The truce and release of hostages sparked hope and trepidation among Israelis. Many fear that the three-phase deal could collapse before all the hostages return, or that they will arrive in poor health. Others worry that the number of captives who have died is more than predicted. Some 250 people were kidnapped during Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered 15 months of war. Around 100 hostages still remain in Gaza, after the rest were released, rescued, or their bodies were recovered. Hours before Sundays ceasefire, which many hope is the first step to end the war, Israel announced that it had retrieved the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier who was killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war and whose remains have been held by the militants since then. 11:35 AM EST AP drone footage shows a devastated landscape in southern Gaza A drone photo shows humanitarian aid trucks enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) Drone footage by The Associated Press in the opening hours of the ceasefire in Gaza shows a gray and devastated landscape in the southern city of Khan Younis. The footage of what had been densely populated neighborhoods shows roofs caved in, shattered buildings and massive support beams holding up nothing at all. The images also show Palestinians moving on foot on some of the citys streets as people begin to assess the damage without the threat of Israeli fire. The United Nations has said much of Gazas infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. 11:20 AM EST Palestinians in the West Bank gather for the expected release of 90 prisoners from Israel Families and friends of some of the Palestinians prisoners set to be released from Israel in exchange for hostages in Gaza gathered in Ramallah as cars honked and people waved the Palestinian flag. About 90 Palestinian prisoners from the West Bank and Jerusalem will be released Sunday after Hamas freed the three Israeli hostages. The Palestinians include 69 women. Fadia Barghouti was arrested from Ramallah in April and spent three months in prison without being given a reason, she said. Tonight she hopes to see friends she had been detained with. Im happy, because of the ceasefire people can live peacefully, she said. She said the war in Gaza is evidence that no one in the Middle East can live peacefully until Palestinians have their rights. 11:06 AM EST Biden says the guns in Gaza have gone silent President Joe Biden speaks to the media about today's hostage release at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, S.C., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. Three Israeli hostages released from Gaza have been handed over to Israeli forces there in the first test of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) U.S. President Joe Biden says the guns in Gaza have gone silent under a ceasefire deal he outlined in May. Biden spoke during a visit to a church in North Charleston, South Carolina. Speaking of the hostages that were being released under the ceasefire, Biden said he had just received a call saying the three were being released. Although he stressed that it was early and it wasnt immediately clear whether they were out of Gaza, Biden said: They appear to be in good health. 10:58 AM EST Trumps national security adviser praises Gaza ceasefire President-elect Donald Trumps choice for national security adviser says the Gaza ceasefire deal should be celebrated. We will see three women coming out alive, Michael Waltz, Trumps pick to be his national security, told CBS of the first hostages set to be released. Had we not entered this, these people would have died. Waltz said the hostages held by Hamas have been captive longer than U.S. hostages held during the Iranian crisis in 1979, but now were going to have a Reagan moment. That recalled those hostage being freed after 444 days when Ronald Reagan took office in 1981. Were going to have President Trump being sworn-in as hostages are coming out alive, Waltz said. 10:55 AM EST 3 released hostages are with Israeli forces in Gaza Three Israeli hostages released from Gaza have been handed over to Israeli forces there in the first test of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The three hostages are Romi Gonen, 24, kidnapped from the Nova music festival, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners. A gradual release of 33 captives over the next six weeks has been agreed on. In exchange, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and Palestinians from Gaza who have been detained. 10:51 AM EST Head of Rafah municipality says the city is a disaster zone Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar) The head of the Rafah municipality in Gaza has told journalists that it has become a disaster city, with massive destruction there. Ahmed al-Sufi said Israels military has destroyed a large part of the infrastructure including water, electricity and road networks, in addition to thousands of homes and public facilities. Rafah faces a humanitarian tragedy, he said, as Palestinians across the territory are beginning to discover the scope of the destruction in the first hours of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. 10:40 AM EST Palestinian prisoners set for release include 69 women and youngest is 15 The 90 Palestinian prisoners set to be released Sunday in exchange for three hostages held by Hamas include 69 women, according to a list provided to The Associated Press. The youngest is Mahmoud Aliowat, 15. The prisoners to be released include Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a leftist faction with an armed group that has carried out attacks on Israelis. New York-based Human Rights Watch said her repeated arrests are part of Israels wider crackdown on non-violent political opposition. Dalal Khaseeb, 53, the sister of former Hamas second-in-command Saleh Arouri, is also on the list, which was provided by Hamas. Arouri was killed in an Israeli strike in a southern Beirut suburb in January 2024. Also listed for release is Abla Abdelrasoul, 68, the wife of detained PFLP leader Ahmad Saadat who killed an Israeli Cabinet minister in 2001 and has been serving a 30-year sentence. 10:35 AM EST Celebrations erupt across Gaza and Israel Even before the ceasefire took effect, celebrations erupted across the territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes. Israel earlier announced the names of the first three hostages to be freed in exchange for the planned release of 90 Palestinian prisoners. The truce, which started at 11:15 a.m. local time, is the first step toward ultimately ending the conflict and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack. An Israeli official confirmed that Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were set to be released later Sunday. Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, while the others were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Damari is an Israeli-British dual citizen. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said the families had approved the publication of the names. 10:32 AM EST Israel says the first three hostages to be freed from Gaza are with the Red Cross Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) The first three hostages set to be released from Gaza were transferred to the Red Cross and were on their way toward Israeli forces, the Israeli military announced Sunday, hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold. Israeli media, carrying live footage from Qatar-based Al Jazeera, showed the hostages walking between vehicles as their convoy moved through Gaza City, surrounded by a huge crowd, with many people holding up phones and filming. The vehicles were accompanied by armed men who wore green Hamas headbands and struggled to guard the cars from an unruly crowd that swelled into the thousands. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered to watch the news on large screens erupted in cheers. For months, many had gathered in the square to demand a ceasefire deal. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Leaders of local law enforcement agencies are clear on one thing when it comes to investigating crimes a persons immigration status should not be a factor. Donald Trumps second term as president begins Monday, and with it has come renewed threats by his administration of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and sanctions to states and cities that do not abide by federal laws pertaining to immigration. New London Police Chief Brian Wright and Norwich Police Chief Patrick Daley, questioned about the expected level of cooperation between local and federal officials, both said it is not the duty of local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our community should feel comfortable knowing that when we respond to calls for service our purpose there is not immigration status, Wright said. Daley said there is a level of trust between the community and law enforcement that ensures that all residents, regardless of their background, feel safe reporting crimes and seeking help when needed. Connecticut has been referred to by some organizations as a sanctuary state based on passage in 2013 of the Connecticut Trust Act. There is no set definition for a sanctuary state, but then U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, in 2017, issued a letter defining sanctuary jurisdictions as those that willfully refuse to comply with federal immigration laws. Connecticut was initially identified as a sanctuary jurisdiction and still is by some organizations but the federal sanctions threatened under the first Trump administration never materialized. Connecticuts Trust Act prohibits law enforcement in the state from arresting or detaining an individual based solely on immigration status unless certain conditions are met. Federal agents, for instance, must have a warrant or the individual must have committed a Class A or Class B felony, such as murder or first-degree sexual assault, or is on the terrorist watch list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New London additionally passed an immigrant-friendly resolution in 2018 that reiterates some of the language in the Trust Act, such as rules prohibiting local police from detaining an individual for federal immigration enforcement agents. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has been attending forums throughout the state related to immigration, including one in New London on Wednesday, seeking to reassure residents and promising to fight for protections of immigrants. Tong has publicly said he intends to fight Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship, by which someone can become a citizen by either being born in the U.S. or having one parent who is a U.S. citizen. Weve been down this road before, said Michael Lawlor, a former state representative who served under Gov. Dannel P. Malloy as the undersecretary of criminal justice policy and planning during Trumps first term in office when the Trust Act was signed. We dont want there to be a perception that local and state police are agents of ICE, Lawlor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawlor is now the acting associate dean and associate professor of criminal justice at the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven. Cooperation with federal officials, Lawlor said, has a chilling effect in communities where police want people, regardless of immigration status, to report crimes. Cities and towns become less safe, Lawlor said, when people are in fear of being reported to federal authorities. One of the reasons Connecticut has among the lowest crime rates in the country is because weve been able to foster trust between local police and immigrant communities. Severing that relationship, Lawlor said, will lead to more crimes going unreported. Lawlor said federal agents cannot force the state to assist in carrying out deportations. Lawlor said former Attorney General Sessions, after initially issuing a threatening letter to the state, looked at state law and determined it was not in violation of federal law. Gov. Ned Lamont was issued a letter in December by a conservative group called America First Legal threatening legal action over the Trust Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal Law imposes serious consequences for obstructing the execution of federal immigration law," the letter reads. "We have identified your jurisdiction as a sanctuary jurisdiction that is violating federal law. America First Legal's president is Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff for policy. (The Connecticut Trust Act) only says that while were not going to help you, we're not going to get in your way, Lawlor said. Lawlor said the state is protected by the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which says the federal government cannot force a state to administer federal laws, or honor things like requests to detain an individual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement does regularly share information with federal officials when someone is charged with a crime. Fingerprints of someone who is arrested are regularly sent to a FBI database. Law enforcement officials said that is done to ensure someone is not wanted in Connecticut or any other state. The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement agency has access to those databases and could, conceivably, send a request to a state or local law enforcement agency to hold a person, Lawlor said. State Sen. Stephen Harding of Brookfield, a lawyer who represents the 30th Senate District, said while the Trust Act was designed to protect law-abiding immigrants, it has instead tied the hands of law enforcement. What frustrates me about the Trust Act is you're really only helping the undocumented individual, Harding said. I think the majority of people in this state, regardless of political affiliation, think that if you're here committing crimes we shouldn't be getting in the way of deporting those individuals. Harding said he thinks the Trust Act essentially makes Connecticut a sanctuary state by forcing local and state law enforcement, in many cases, to deny a request from federal ICE agents to detain an individual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You could have an individual arrested for a violent crime, who is undocumented, but they can't detain the individual. It's insane. This is no longer about helping the undocumented immigrant or family who has otherwise abide by the law and integrated themselves into society. We're talking about undocumented individual arrested for a violent crime. Harding said if that individual is arrested for a crime and posts bond, law enforcement or the court system, by virtue of the Trust Act, is obligated to release them. One of the places where some would expect ICE agents to take an interest is the local courts. State Judicial Branch spokeswoman Rhonda Hebert said a defendants immigration status is irrelevant when they are arraigned on a criminal charge. They are, however, advised of the possibility of deportation for conviction of certain crimes. The court's only duty is to advise a defendant of the possibility, and the Judicial Department is governed by terms of the Trust Act, which outlines applicable circumstances that federal immigration officials would be informed. The Trust Act does provide protections for our immigrant communities and families in Connecticut, but the time is now to strengthen our state laws so that our residents have expanded civil rights and liberties protections and legal recourse in case their rights are violated, Chelsea-Infinity Gonzalez, Public Policy and Advocacy Director, ACLU of Connecticut said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalez said The ACLU of Connecticut is part of a coalition of the states immigrant advocacy groups and has been hosting rallies, solidarity events, and Town Halls to garner support. Families, neighbors, communities, businesses, faith groups, service providers, clergy, and others need to know their rights and feel empowered in a time where some would pit people against one another, she said. Harding said Senate Republicans intend to present a proposal to limit the language in the Trust Act. g.smith@theday.com New London As the rain fell onto Parade Plaza on Saturday afternoon, the 200 or so attendees of a Peoples Rally, sang, danced and chanted to show their continued support for rights they said are threatened by a second Donald Trump presidency. Speakers, including local and state leaders, along with supporters of immigrant, reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, urged the crowd of sign-waving participants to gird themselves for a protracted battle and draw strength through fellowship. The way to push back against tyranny is meet new people; thats one of the ways well get through the next four years, said the Rev. Carolyn Patierno, pastor at the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregational Church, one of several event sponsors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Michael Passero noted the New London rally took place as thousands of like-minded attendees convened in Washington, D.C. for the Peoples March supporting the same issues that brought the crowd to New London. This is not a time to be discouraged, Passero said. Weve been here before, weve been successful before and we will be successful again in standing up for the values this city represents. We have data and facts on our side versus the political rhetoric that divides us. Passero and other speakers specifically referenced Trumps proposal to institute mass deportations of immigrants soon after his Monday inauguration. The undocumented, the people without papers, have been with us for years and decades; they are a part of us, he said. And were going to protect you. They dont deserve to be persecuted. We need to fix a broken immigration system and not focus on the victims of that system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said she and Gov. Ned Lamont will ensure state agencies, including those overseeing public health, education and public safety, will step up to ensure Connecticut laws protecting womens reproductive, immigrant and labor rights remain in place. She warned the biggest threat facing Connecticut is to the federal funding spigot through which state-earmarked education, school lunch and Medicaid monies flow. Attorney General William Tong took several swipes at the incoming president, including the decision to hold Trumps inauguration ceremony on Monday indoors. Its too cold for the president to take his oath of office outside, he said. Well, were not cold. Were fired up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tong also vocalized his disdain for so-called tech bros, including Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon leader Jeff Bezos, who he likened to appeasers for supporting Trump. They may be ready to bow down and others are ready to lie down, he said before vowing to stand up any Trump that might threaten existing state protections. Shiela Hayes, first vice-president of the Norwich NAACP Branch, was one of dozens of rally attendees from outside the city, a contingent that included Colchester, Mystic, East Lyme and Madison residents. Hayes said its crucial for Connecticut lawmakers to band together with their counterparts in other states to ensure any federal directives threatening established rights are confronted quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to be strategic, Hayes said. (Trump) has made bold predictions on how he wants to move against immigration, education, health care and other protections. We need to figure out quickly how to keep them protected. Other speakers included Kris Wraight, president of the New London-based OutCT LGBTQ+ rights advocacy group; Angela Florex, the principal paralegal for the Immigration Advocacy and Support Center on nearby Eugene ONeill Drive; and Liz Gustafson, Connecticut director of the Reproductive Equity Now group. Were just two days out from Trump and his reality-tv appointed cabinet, Gustafson said, urging the state to create a firewall of opposition. And their plans can be summed up by regression. We need every single person in this fight. j.penney@theday.com All six burn victims transported to Phoenix from the New Years Eve Hawaii firework explosion remain in a medically induced coma and are facing months of recovery, officials from the Arizona Burn Center Valleywise Health said Friday at a press conference. The six are in their 20s and 30s and were injured in a New Year's Eve firework explosion in Honolulu that that left four people dead, including a 3-year-old boy. The tragedy occurred in a Honolulu residential neighborhood, where locals were hosting a firework show. Authorities estimated fireworks recovered at the scene cost tens of thousands of dollars, and the tragedy has spurred Hawaiian lawmakers to crack down on illegal fireworks in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six victims in critical condition were transported by the U.S. military to Sky Harbor Airport on Jan. 4. By the following night, all six had been through their first surgeries. Since then, theyve each gone through surgeries every two or three days, according to Dr. Kevin Foster, Director of the Arizona Burn Center. Even though all six patients are still intubated and in a medically induced coma, they are all on course to recovery and are exactly where we want them to be, Dr. Foster said. None of the patients are "even close to a point" where they can be awakened yet, Dr. Foster also said. When they do wake up, theyll find themselves in a new world, thousands of miles away from home, having to learn how to live with life altering traumatic injuries. This is something the Arizona Burn Center is prepared for, offering not only some of the best specialized burn care in the country but also working closely with psychologists, under a standard protocol, to rehabilitate burn victims with the least amount of trauma possible, Dr. Foster said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We mobilized our entire burn center, the night the patients arrived there were probably 10 or 12 care providers, nurses, physicians, therapists, support staff, for every patient that came in here, Dr. Foster said. There were also significant injuries from flying particles and debris, something that was initially not known to the doctors at Arizona Burn Center. This resulted in traumatic and infectious complications that were a little unusual according to Dr. Foster but not something that caught them off guard. Some of the trauma from flying debris caused explosive injuries as well as burns. It was likened to injuries sustained from soldiers on a battlefield, with particles moving at very high speeds, striking patients, Dr. Foster said. Dr. Foster stressed that the patients still have a long ways to go." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In general, patients spend one to two days in the hospital for every 1% of their body thats burned. All these patients were 50% or greater, so were anticipating that they will each spend two, or three, or four months, possibly even more, and then even additional time for rehabilitation and even additional time beyond that for reconstructive surgeries. Dr. Foster said. Rex Albright, CEO of the Arizona Burn Foundation, also spoke at the press conference. The Arizona Burn Foundation are accommodating the patients' families who are staying on the mainland to be with their loved ones. The non-profit is working with the families of all six patients, offering transportation and lodging assistance, which includes at least one family who is determined to stay in Arizona long lerm, at least six months, according to Albright. All of this is funded by donor money. Albright also said that the Arizona Burn Foundation is working with the families on how to prepare and communicate with their loved ones after such a traumatic experience. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: "All on course:' Hawaii burn victims still being treated in phoenix Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that the reason behind the mysterious deaths reported in Rajouri's district will be ascertained very soon. A mysterious disease has been wreaking havoc in Rajouri district, claiming 16 lives and affecting 38 people since early December 2024. On deaths reported in Budhal village due to a 'mysterious illness', Sinha told reporters here "The health department of J&K and other departments also conducted an investigation into it but the correct facts could not be ascertained. "Yesterday Union Home Minister Amit Shah constituted a committee of experts and the team has arrived...The police have also formed an SIT...," he mentioned. "I believe that the reason (behind the deaths) will be ascertained very soon." 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. The Indian Army has been deployed to the area to provide essential supplies, including food, water, and shelter, to the residents. Locals are grateful for the army's support, with one resident, Md Bashir, saying, "The army has been deployed here and is providing us with rations, tents, and essential supplies. They're giving us food, water, and support for 4-5 days. We're grateful for their help during this difficult time." The Jammu and Kashmir government has also taken steps to address the situation, with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary visiting the affected area and announcing ex-gratia compensation for the victims' families. The police are investigating the cause of the deaths. Speaking to reporters, he said, "This is very unfortunate, not just for Budhal but for the entire J-K and country, youths and young children have died...CM himself was monitoring this incident...govt has given ex-gratia (to the victims' families)...the administration is inspecting the ration that is being given to them. Police are investigating to find out how these deaths happened.." Dilmir Choudhary, ADC Kotranka on Saturday said, "Since December, we have been active. Health teams are going home. Surveillance is going on. We are coming here daily to monitor. The doctor's team was available the day before the incident. They are still available....people don't have to be afraid of this disease." The cause of the illness remains unidentified, despite extensive efforts by medical experts and organizations such as PGIMER Chandigarh, the National Institute of Virology, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The medical teams present in the district are also monitoring the situation of the illness. The Medical experts have asked residents not to panic. (ANI) PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) Heres a look at some of the events scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, the fifth day of the 2025 session of the South Dakota Legislature. House Health and Human Services in room 412 at 7:45 a.m. CT considers stricter regulation of kratom. Joint Committee on Appropriations in room 362 at 8 a.m. CT hears budget requests from the state Department of Social Services and the state Department of Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Agriculture and Natural Resources in room 414 at 7:45 a.m. CT considers requiring labeling of human food with cell-cultured protein. Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources in room 423 at 10 a.m. CT considers a resolution giving legislative approval for a future use permit for the Western Dakota Regional Water System. House Transportation in room 413 at 10 a.m. CT considers allowing specialty share the road license plates. Senate and House floor sessions at 2 p.m. CT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. From being a preacher in an Atlanta Baptist church to one of the most quoted Civil Rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr.s journey was heavily covered by The Tennessean. Although many associate Tennessee with King's assassination, he frequently visted the state throughout his life in efforts to organize and influence younger generations on the importance of civil liberties for all. Martin Luther King Jr.'s name first appeared in The Tennessean on Feb. 17, 1956, in relation to a talk he was scheduled to give at Fisk University for its annual religious emphasis week. King's name first appeared in the publication on Feb. 17, 1956, in relation to a talk he was scheduled to give at Fisk University for its annual religious emphasis week. He later returned in 1960 and 1964 to urge students to continue their nonviolent protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several months after his first Fisk apperance, The Tennessean ran a photo of King being released from a Montgomery, Alabama, jail following his arrest in relation to boycotting racially segregated buses. The Tennessean on Feb. 25, 1956, ran a photo of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy after they were arraigned in Montgomery, Alabama, over the bus boycott there. King later appeared in the paper for one of his most famous marches, the 1965 march on Selma. On March 7, several hundred marchers attempted to peacefully protest while crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge but were stopped by Alabama State Troopers. Selma hospitals treated about 35 negroes, most of them victims of the tear gas, The Tennessean reported. On March 8, 1965, The Tennessean ran coverage of the march on Selma, Alabama, led by Martin Luther King Jr. where protesters were attacked by Alabama State Troopers. The Tennessean also covered the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on Aug. 28, 1963, which featured the famous I Have a Dream" speech. On Aug. 29, 1963, The Tennessean ran coverage of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his career in service, The Tennessean covered Kings frequent visits to Memphis in support of workers' rights. The Poor Peoples Campaign focused on highlighting economic equality and social justice. After two Memphis sanitation workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walker, were crushed by a malfunctioning truck, many protested the city. King joined in support of labor rights. On April 4, 1968, King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. The Tennessean ran several stories about the reaction in Memphis and the National Guard sealing off North Nashville, a historically Black neighborhood. On April 5, 1968, The Tennessean ran coverage of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis. Eighteen years after his death, Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday. This year it falls on Monday, Jan. 20. To this day, it is the only federal holiday commemorating an African American. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy in Tennessee PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) Heres a first look at meetings of our South Dakota state governments boards and commissions, as well as the 2025 legislative session, that are open to the public during the new week starting Monday, January 20, 2025. Click on the name (highlighted in blue) for meeting details. Please note that any could be postponed because of adverse weather or other reasons. Monday, January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr., Day national holiday. No public meetings are scheduled. State government business offices are closed. Tuesday, January 21 Legislature, day 5, 7:45 a.m. CT, Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public Utilities Commission, 8:30 a.m. CT, discovery motion hearing regarding Leola Data Center application, 523 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre. Tourism Board, 9 a.m. CT, 920 W. Sioux Avenue, Pierre. Public Utilities Commission, 9:30 a.m. CT, evidentiary hearing regarding permit application for Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South, 523 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre. Nursing Board, HPAP committee, noon CT, teleconference and 4109 S. Carnegie Circle, Sioux Falls. Finance Board, 2 p.m. CT, teleconference and Bear Butte conference room, second floor, Capitol. America 250th South Dakota Commission, 3:30 p.m. CT, teleconference and 900 Governors Drive, Pierre. Wednesday, January 22 Legislature, day 6, 7:45 a.m. CT, Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massage Therapy Board, 9 a.m. CT, teleconference. 911 Coordination Board, 2 p.m. CT, teleconference. Thursday, January 23 Legislature, day 7, 7:45 a.m. CT, Capitol. Friday, January 24 Legislature, day 8, 7:45 a.m. CT, Capitol. Soybean Council, 9 a.m. CT, teleconference. Technical Professions Board, 9:30 a.m. CT / 8:30 a.m. MT, teleconference and 2330 N. Maple Avenue, suite 1, Rapid City. Monday, January 27 Legislature, day 9, 7:45 a.m. CT, Capitol. Freedom Scholarship Board, 11 a.m. CT, 500 S. Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls. Indigent Legal Services Commission, 2 p.m. CT, teleconference. Optometry Examiners Board, 6 p.m. CT, teleconference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KELOLAND Capitol Bureau Reporter Bob Mercer in Pierre assembled this information on Saturday, January 18, 2025. State law requires state government boards and commissions to post public meeting notices 72 hours in advance, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and official state holidays. The Legislature isnt subject to that public notice law. *Please check boardsandcommissions.sd.gov and sdlegislature.gov for any meetings of state boards and commissions and legislative meetings that were posted after this weekly listing was assembled. Livecasts of some meetings are available at sd.net. Many meetings are available by teleconference. Check agendas and sd.net for audio availability. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This map from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management shows where President Biden's executive orders restrict new offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters. (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling President Biden put in place on his way out of office doesnt apply to federal waters off the Louisiana coast, but state Attorney General Liz Murrill is challenging the action she calls blatantly illegal. Through executive orders on Jan. 6, Biden extended a prohibition for new wells on 625 acres of ocean bottom, stretching over the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and Alaskas northern Bering Sea. His action built upon a ban incoming President Donald Trump put in place off the coasts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina five years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murrill filed a lawsuit Friday with the U.S. District Court for Western District of Louisiana in Lake Charles. It seeks to block Bidens ban from taking effect immediately through an injunction while she seeks to have it permanently discarded in federal court. Attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Georgia and Mississippi have joined as plaintiffs so far. 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, Murril said in a statement. The ban is blatantly illegal! If upheld, it would dramatically harm our economy and livelihood. When issuing his orders, Biden cited the powers provided to the president under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Murrill disputes that in her lawsuit, arguing only Congress has the authority to regulate property through offshore energy leasing and isnt allowed to transfer that power to another branch of government without specific guidance. Lawmakers did not give Biden the sweeping authority that no other President has claimed to have, the attorney generals office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Biden, defendants in Murrills lawsuit include outgoing Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and the leadership of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Questions remain over the ability of Trump to reverse Bidens orders after he takes office Monday. It would likely fall to Congress to override the ban. Energy industry analysts have said Bidens ban is not likely to have an immediate impact on offshore oil and gas exploration, which accounts for 15% of U.S. fossil fuel production. Exploration in the western and central Gulf of Mexico, which includes waters off the Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama coasts, isnt affected under Bidens orders. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A study of Italian media showed that journalists are not doing enough to inform citizens about the climate crisis. Despite increased coverage of climate-related extreme weather events, "attention on the causes decreased from 22.4% in 2022 to 15% in 2023," The Fix reported. In early 2024, more than half of newspaper articles did not explicitly mention the crisis in coverage of such topics, and only 2% of TV reports covered climate issues. Environmental organization Greenpeace Italy and media research institute Osservatorio di Pavia looked at TV programs, newscasts, and newspapers. The outlet said increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events caused by the rising global temperature were treated as isolated occurrences. Reporters don't "consider these events together and name causes and responsibilities," said environmental journalist Anna Toniolo. This "miseducation of citizens" comes from "an overproduction of news," or clickbait, and a lack of analysis. Generally, scientists have learned that human-caused pollution from the burning of dirty fuels such as coal and natural gas is driving the warming of Earth and causing human health, wildlife, and environmental problems. In Italy, heavy rainfall and floods have wreaked havoc. High temperatures and drought have also created issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a very serious problem: As journalists, we have a big responsibility to make the public understand where the scientific debate stands, and the scientific debate today says that the vast majority of climate scientists agree that we are experiencing a climate crisis," Toniolo told The Fix. "Instead, on Italian talk shows you often see two guests, one who says that the climate crisis exists and one who denies it: this is a distortion of reality because the scientific community is not split down the middle on this issue." She said experts, including climatologists, scientists, and representatives from environmental groups, do not get enough airtime or column inches. Instead, politicians, company executives, and business leaders are tapped for interviews. Media also rely on funding from polluting corporations, including those in the oil and gas industry and vehicle manufacturers. In 2022, The Fix reported, there were 795 advertisements in major Italian newspapers by polluting companies. In 2023, that number jumped to 1,229. "Other than advertisements, polluting companies also feature as partners or sponsors of events, awards or training opportunities, and they usually choose to invest in the so-called 'green marketing strategies,' a way to present themselves as sustainable brands and that Toniolo defined as 'a classic example of greenwashing,'" The Fix stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenwashing is the act of misleading consumers or lying about environmentally friendly practices. The solution, Anna Parretta of environmental organization Legambiente said, is to lean into the science and produce rigorously vetted information about how decarbonizing the economy and conserving the environment can head off threats to people, businesses, and nature for the benefit of Calabria, Italy, and the world. "[There is] still a lack of news and thoughts on how to limit and mitigate the causes [and] adapt to the effects of the climate crisis that administrations at all levels and citizens should implement," she said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. LANGKAWI, Malaysia (Reuters) - Malaysia's has appointed diplomat Othman Hashim as the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN's special envoy on the crisis in army-ruled Myanmar, its foreign minister said on Sunday. Othman is the former secretary general of Malaysia's foreign ministry and was selected by Malaysia, the new chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to try to implement ASEAN's peace plan in Myanmar, where a civil war is intensifying. (Reporting by Danial Azhar; Writing by Martin Petty) NEW YORK A 20-year-old man was slashed with a box cutter during a fight with an older man on a subway train entering Penn Station, MTA officials said Saturday. The attack came just a day after Gov. Kathy Hochul vowed to put police on every overnight subway train in the system. The two men were on the No. 2 train entering the Midtown transit hub about 8 p.m. on Friday when the two men got into an argument with each other, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disagreement quickly became heated and the 20-year-old man punched his 45-year-old rival in the face, according to an MTA spokesman. The older man quickly retaliated and whipped out a box cutter, slashing his victim in the shoulder and hand as the train entered the station and the fight continued on the platform. MTA police quickly arrested both men. Criminal charges were pending Saturday. Cops temporarily shut down train service as they took the two men into custody and rendered medical aid. They shut down the whole thing, an MTA cleaner told the Daily News on Friday night. One guy stabbed the other one and the police arrested him. There was blood all over. It was a lot to clean up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The box cutter was recovered on the floor of the subway car. The bloody fight occurred a day after Hochul announced she was going to put two police officers on every overnight subway train starting Monday. The plan, which Hochul first announced in her State of the State address this week, is meant to bolster the visibility of law enforcement officers on city mass transit for the next six months. People want to see police officers on the trains and in the stations, she told reporters Thursday. Starting Monday, the first phase of the plan will roll out overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., when 100 officers will be deployed to patrol the trains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional phases will be rolled out over the coming weeks with the expectation that the full operation will be complete by the end of the month, said an NYPD spokesman. This is a massive undertaking that involves specialized training as well as logistics and resource management. We appreciate the governors support in keeping New Yorkers safe. The surge comes on top of 1,000 National Guard soldiers deployed to the system by Hochul last year, plus at least 250 state police. Unlike state and local police, the National Guard has no authority to make arrests in the subway system. Ten people were murdered in the New York City subway system last year including the recent, random and gruesome death of a homeless New Jersey woman sleeping on a Brooklyn train who was set on fire up from five murders in 2023. FOND DU LAC, Wisconsin A man accused of setting fire to a strip mall in Wisconsin where a congressmans office is located told authorities he was motivated by the federal ban on the popular TikTok video-sharing platform. Republican Rep. Glenn Grothman had voted last April for a bill that mandated TikToks China-based parent company sell its U.S. operation by Sunday. The fire in Fond du Lac was reported around 1 a.m. The building was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported, police said. The fire began outside the building and caused minor damage before it was quickly extinguished by firefighters and police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 19-year-old Menasha man, whose name has not been released, was in custody and will be charged with arson, police said. They said he was arrested after he was seen near the mall watching the fire. Grothman said he was aware of the fire but had no immediate comment about it. TikTok restored access to American users Sunday, though its future remains uncertain. A freeze warning sign is photographed ahead of the winter storm Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Houstonians are gearing up for another round of cold weather, and many have begun preparing their homes for the sub-freezing temperatures expected to impact the area late Wednesday into early Thursday. With freezing weather comes a revived debate about whether homeowners should leave their faucets dripping to ensure their pipes don't freeze. The answer isn't always clear, so here what you need to know about dripping faucets in the winter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What the City of Houston says about dripping faucets Officials with Houston's public works department in January reiterated their request that residents avoid dripping their faucets overnight, as it creates lower pressure in the water system. Tonight, there is an increased risk of pipes bursting due to the cooler temperatures, meaning an increased risk of water leaks as a result. To prevent those leaks, Public Works advises the following who are home to instead: Open cabinet doors for sinks up against outside walls Shut off water to washing machines in unheated garages Protect pipes that have had issues with freezing in the past Advertisement Article continues below this ad If you are not at home, Public Works asks that residents drain their outside water faucets and keep their heat settings low. Should a pipe burst, leak or become frozen, Houston Public Work advises residents to turn off their water main connection. Residents with issues turning off their water main can call 311 and someone from Houston Water will walk them through the process. Water leaks should also be reported to 311, a spokesperson for the department said. What do plumbers say about letting faucets drip during freezing weather? During a January news conference, Chato Woodard with the Plumbers Local Union #68 said he encourages residents to leave their faucets dripping in the coming days as temperatures drop. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Everyone kind of argues about it, running water not running water," he said. "But I'm a big proponent of letting that water drip." Woodard expressed the importance of letting water drip at night, when homeowners typically go a long period of time without using faucets, unlike during the day when they are used to wash hands or dishes. Just a small drip is enough, he said. "If it's stagnant, it can freeze," Woodard said. Bihar Police has registered a case against unknown persons for allegedly making a ransom call to Rashtriya Janata Dal Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav. The MP has alleged that he has recieved a call from an unknown person demanding Rs 20 crore from him. In the complaint lodged by the MP, it was alleged that the person claimed to be a "gangster from America," and demanded Rs 20 crore. "A call was made on my assistant's mobile and they requested to speak to Sanjay Yadav. Then my assistant gave me the phone and the person said in a harsh tone than he was a gangster and that their people are also in jail. He said he was speaking from America and demanded Rs 20 crore or be ready to face consequences. The complaint also alleged that the caller threatened to kidnap and kill the MP too if the amount was not paid. "I know all the routes of your travel, I have information about all the members of your family and I also know how many children you have. If you want everyone's safety, give me Rs 20 crore, otherwise I will kidnap you and get you killed," read MP Yadav's complaint recounting the call. "When I told him that I am a Rajya Sabha member, the person again threatened me in a harsh tone and said that he was aware that I was a Rajya Sabha member. The caller said that irrespective of whether I was a minister or the Prime Minister, they can shoot anyone. After that he disconnected the call," the MP's complaint read. The Patna Secretariat police station has registered a case under 308 (3) and 308 (4) sections of BNS. Investigation into the matter is currently ongoing. (ANI) A man has been arrested after police posted about someone breaking into local school buildings. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Noah Wolfe has been charged with two counts of breaking and entering, two counts of vandalism of government property, two counts of possession of criminal tools and one count of safe cracking, according to the Brookville Police Department. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police believe Wolfe broke into the Brookville Board of Education building on Jan. 8th and Brookville High School Jan. 18. Wolfe has been booked into the Montgomery County jail, police say. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A Dalton man was arrested after domestic violence led to gunfire at an apartment complex on Saturday night. Dalton police arrested Mark Lee Sims, 29, with assistance from the Georgia State Patrols SWAT team after a standoff that lasted nearly two hours. Police received a call at around 7:20 p.m. to an apartment at 2250 Park Canyon Drive about reports of gunfire. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police say they initially received information that Sims was in a domestic violence incident, a fight with a woman at the apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say Sims threatened the woman with a gun and fired at least one shot before she was able to escape. She called 911 from a neighbors apartment. When Dalton police officers arrived, Sims refused to come out of the apartment. Because he was armed and barricaded in the apartment, the department called for assistance from the SWAT team. After about 40 minutes of negotiating with him, the SWAT team entered the apartment and arrested him. Sims is charged with aggravated assault. Other charges may be added. The incident is still under investigation. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Jan. 18An Albuquerque man is accused of the statutory rape of a teenage girl who police say was brought to the city from California to be sex trafficked. William Cates, 50, is charged with criminal sexual penetration and patronizing prostitution in the case. He has been booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center. It is unclear if he has an attorney assigned to his case. Albuquerque police say the 14-year-old told them she had sex with Cates, one of more than a dozen "Johns," after officers arrested alleged sex traffickers Roderick Norseweather, 25, and Tajahnae Johnson, 21 the pair accused of bringing two teens to the city for sex work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The human trafficking charges filed against Norseweather and Johnson have since been dismissed in state court, according to records, because the case has been transferred to federal authorities. Online court records show federal charges have been filed against Johnson, who told an FBI agent that Norseweather had a goal for them to make $5,000 doing sex work and, when they only made $3,000, he traveled to Albuquerque from California "to fix the way the girls were working." At least $200 of the money the teens made, according to Albuquerque police, came from Cates. The teen told detectives she was waiting for a bus to take her to do sex work along Central when a man later identified as Cates offered her a ride, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. She told police the man "was looking for a little bit more," so she invited him to her hotel room and gave him prices for sex acts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the teen told them she spoke with Cates "about his tattoo and how he resembled her father" as he drove them to the Econo Lodge East motel on Central, near Tramway. The two had sex at the motel and Cates paid her $200. Police identified Cates as the man through surveillance video of the pair arriving at the motel in a truck that was registered to him, the complaint states. The teen was given a sexual assault exam and a warrant was written for Cates' DNA to be tested against evidence from the rape kit. Prosecutors filed a motion to keep Cates behind bars until trial, saying "he engaged in a sexual episode with a 14-year-old female child." "The defendant is 50 years old. He has the (life) experience to know that committing the act was wrongful," according to the motion. Jan. 18A man died Friday afternoon in Aroostook County after apparently igniting propane gas, causing an explosion, officials said. State Fire Marshal's Office investigators responded to the explosion on Aroostook Road in Molunkus around 3 p.m. Friday, according to a news release from Maine State Police spokesperson Shannon Moss. Kerry Holmes, 66, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe Holmes was using a propane torch to thaw a frozen water tank on a commercial truck when the torch flame went out. Holmes attempted to use a second torch, which officials say likely ignited the propane gas that had collected in and around the tank and caused the explosion. The fire marshal's office is investigating the incident, Moss said. Copy the Story Link A man died in a crash after police say he lost control of his car and struck a tree in Hyde Park on Saturday. Cincinnati police said the 35-year-old man was driving a Volvo SUV north on Delta Avenue, toward Erie Avenue, before 4:38 p.m. He then lost control of his car, traveled off the roadway on the north side of the Erie Avenue intersection and struck a tree, police said in a news release. The driver was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he later died. Officials have not yet released his identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excessive speed and impairment are not believed to be factors in the crash, the release said. Police spokesperson Lt. Jonathan Cunningham told The Enquirer the cause of the crash is still under investigation. Any witnesses to the crash are asked to contact the Cincinnati Police Departments Traffic Unit at 513-352-2514. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati police: One man dead after Saturday crash in Hyde Park AMES, Iowa The Ames Police Department is investigating a possible homicide after a man was found with a gunshot wound and later died Saturday evening. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Ames police and medical officers responded to an apartment located at South 5th Street in Ames. 3 armed robberies reported in 30 minutes, DMPD investigates Officers arrived on scene and found one man suffering from a gunshot wound. The man was transported to Mary Greeley Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public. As the investigation continues an increased police presence can be expected in this area. The Ames Police Department ask anyone with information to call 515-239-5133 or call the anonymous top line 515-239-5533. Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa can also be contacted at 515-223-1400. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) Two victims were stabbed in front of a food delivery store on Manhattans Lower East Side Saturday. At least one of the victims has died, police say. Police received a 911 call for a male shot at 75 Norfolk Street. Officers instead found two men had been stabbed near 130 Delancey Street, authorities said. More Crime News A 19-year-old victim was stabbed in the back, and an unidentified male victim was stabbed in the abdomen. Both victims were rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where the unidentified male was pronounced dead, authorities said. Police say the 19-year-old victim is expected to recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two people were taken into police custody and are currently being questioned, authorities said. No arrests have been made, police said. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOOD) A man was killed in a Sunday morning house fire in Grand Rapids, police say. Around 6:30 a.m., crews with the Grand Rapids Fire Department were sent to a home on Griggs Street SE near Eastern Avenue for a house fire. The Grand Rapids Police Department said a man was found dead inside the home. His name has not been released. He was believed to be the only person inside the home at the time of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire remains under investigation. GRPD said that the fire does not seem suspicious. The fire remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said that he will be visiting Maha Kumbh and want to be part of the "great" event. After offering prayers on Sunday at Kapileshwar Swamy Temple in Belagavi, Shivakumar said that authorities of the UP government have invited him and he will visit Prayagraj. "The authorities of Uttar Pradesh, the Minister of Finance and Tourism met me in Bengaluru and they invited me on behalf of the government. I am visiting and want to be a part of the great event. Which is a historic event going on in the country for more than thousands of years. So I'm very happy that all of them (people) are having a holy dip and see that all good things will happen to the country," Shivakumar said. Earlier in the day, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspected the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and said everyone is working with full commitment to implement the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The vision implemented by the Prime Minister for Mahakumbh is being followed by everyone. During the time of Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti, the main baths were completed...I tried to see what was going in Kumbh by roaming around. There is devotion and faith and all the ghats are pure and filled with devotees," CM Yogi said. He added that the picture of India that is being presented today gives a message of 'unity' and to be free from the division of caste. "This picture of India gives us a message to be free from the division of caste...it gives us a message of unity. People are chanting 'Har Har Gange' and taking holy dips. Prayagraj's message of unity will clear the path for building the Akhand Bharat," the Chief Minister added. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also took a dip at the Sangam. After taking a dip, he offered prayers at the Sangam and took darshan of the reclining Lord Hanuman at his temple on Sunday. Taking to X, Sharma said, "I had the unique privilege of taking a holy dip of faith at the sacred Triveni Sangam in the grand confluence of faith, devotion and unity 'Mahakumbh-2025' in Prayagraj." "Thereafter, after having the divine darshan of reclining Hanuman Ji Maharaj and worshipping him with full rites, prayers were offered for the happiness, prosperity, auspiciousness and healthy life of all the people of the state," the post added. As of January 18, more than 77.2 million pilgrims have taken a dip at the Sangam Triveni. Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI) A man was killed at a homeless encampment in Atlanta in an incident that allegedly involved a city department vehicle, according to authorities and news reports. The Atlanta Police Department said in a press release that officers responded to a call of an injured man at around 12 p.m. local time on Thursday, Jan. 16 on the 300 block of Old Wheat St. NE. When they arrived at the scene, they found a man in need of medical attention. The man was transported to the hospital, where he was eventually pronounced deceased, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Atlanta shared with PEOPLE a statement from Cathryn Vassell, CEO for Partners for HOME, who confirmed the incident happened at a homeless encampment in the area. Related: Man Killed by Subway Train in Philadelphia During Altercation, Suspect Charged She said that while the organization was unable to provide specific details about the incident, the encampment was in the process of being closed and outreach had begun several months prior to connect unhoused individuals who lived there with housing assistance and access to wraparound services. Closing encampments is a dynamic and collaborative process that prioritizes 90 days+ of extensive outreach leading up to the closure to connect unsheltered individuals with housing, resources and support services before any site is cleared, Vassell added in the statement. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The CEO said that they began outreach to those at the encampment starting in April 2024, and individuals began transitioning to shelter in June 2024. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement shared with PEOPLE: "I am saddened by this terrible incident and extend my thoughts and prayers to the family of the deceased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I care deeply about each and every life in this city, he continued. We will review each of our processes and procedures and take every precaution to ensure this never happens again and while we continue our important work to house our unsheltered population and bring our neighbors inside." Related: Man Killed in Front of Tourists at Mexico Resort by Gunmen Who Fled on Jet Skis, as Video Shows Scared Vacationers Witnesses told WXIA-TV that the incident involved a bulldozer from Atlanta's Department of Public Works (DPW). The department told WXIA-TV in a statement: "Our department routinely clears encampments that pose health and public safety concerns, always following days of outreach to connect unsheltered individuals with housing and support services. DPW is fully cooperating with the Atlanta Police Departments ongoing investigation and will provide updates as more information becomes available." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A news release from the Housing Justice League obtained by the news outlet identified the man who died as Cornelius Taylor. The organization said in a separate post on X that a vigil was scheduled for Taylor, who was accidentally and tragically killed yesterday in a street sweep. "Our thoughts are with the family and we share in the mourning, the Housing Justice League said, per WXIA-TV. This incident highlights the fact that we need to move towards a housing-first approach to the unhoused crisis the city is facing. Read the original article on People Its going! Its going! someone shouts. We hurry up a short flight of steps to an illuminated aquarium tank hidden behind a blackout curtain. There we witness the start of what my host, Dr Jamie Craggs, calls the magic, and it is a strikingly beautiful sight. On the floor of the tank a small coral tree, around six inches high, is beginning to spawn.The polyps on its branches each a living animal are releasing what Craggs aptly describes as an explosion of tiny, pinkish, luminous balls, little bigger than pinheads. Thousands of them float slowly and serenely to the surface against a deep blue background. It is a rare privilege to see a coral spawn: the process happens just once a year, and generally lasts less than 30 minutes. I watch, mesmerised, but Craggs has work to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each ball, or bundle, contains as many as a dozen eggs, and thousands of spermatozoa. He begins swiftly collecting the bundles with a pipette tube, then rushes them down the steps to a tiny laboratory before they burst. There two biologists will attempt for the first time in Europe to cryogenically freeze the sperm so the corals can potentially be reproduced a hundred or a thousand years hence should todays coral reefs be destroyed as seems likely by climate change. Meanwhile, Craggs and his assistants will attempt to fertilise the eggs with the sperm of other coral species in order to develop hybrids better able to withstand the steadily warming oceans. In short, it comes down to this: if there is any hope of saving the worlds beleaguered coral reefs it emanates to a surprisingly large extent from the pioneering work being carried out here in the unlikely confines of a tiny basement aquarium in the Horniman Museum in deepest south London. Founded by a Victorian tea trader 124 years ago, the little museum in Forest Hill is a 50-minute ride from Trafalgar Square on the 176 bus and about as far from a coral reef and turquoise sea as it is possible to be. Corals are such important animals. But theyre in desperate need of help Craggs is the aquariums hugely enthusiastic principal curator. Born 48 years ago in Brightlingsea on the Essex coast, he spent much of his youth in, on or beside the North Sea crabbing, rock-pooling, swimming, sailing and windsurfing. He acquired his first fish tank at the age of 10. During his teens he graduated from keeping frogs to goldfish to tropical freshwater fish to marine animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He studied ecology and marine biology at Plymouth University, spent three months researching coral reefs in the Philippines, and another 18 as an underwater cameraman filming reefs off Borneo. From the London Aquarium, where he was the head aquarist, he moved to the Horniman in 2008, and has since devoted his professional life to a quest to save the worlds endangered corals. Corals are such important animals in our ecosystem, he says. Theyre incredibly diverse habitats. One square metre of coral reef contains as many different types of animals as a whole hectare of Amazon rainforest. But, he adds, as a result of climate change were losing those corals. Theyre in desperate need of help. Half are already in trouble, including Australias Great Barrier Reef. As many as 90 per cent will be afflicted if the world heats up by another 1.5 degrees the best-case scenario foreseen by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. An increase of two degrees would mean practically none surviving in anything like their present form. Dr Jamie Craggs pioneering research into coral reproduction is giving hope for the future of these extraordinary animals - Sophia Spring In 2012 Craggs launched Project Coral in what is essentially a long, largely windowless corridor on three levels that is hidden away behind the aquarium that the Hornimans visiting public sees. Its walls are lined of corals, mostly hidden behind blackout curtains, and a tangle of pipes and electric cables. It is so narrow that he and his three assistants have to perform what they call the Horniman shuffle to get past each other. Its not a cutting edge facility, thats for sure, Craggs laughs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He nonetheless enjoyed a swift and seismic breakthrough. That first November he spotted a tweet from a Fijian diving company offering customers the chance to watch corals spawning at sea two days later. From that exact date he managed to work out the lunar cycles, day lengths and water temperatures in the months leading up to the spawning, then crudely replicated them in the Hornimans aquarium. The following year he and his team became the first researchers in the world to induce a captive coral to spawn not by accident, but purposefully and at a time of their own choosing. It happened at 11.30 one September night. It was amazing, absolutely phenomenal, Craggs remembers. There was a lot of whooping and cheering, and at that moment I realised its exact potential. He gradually polished and refined the technique. He put probes on coral reefs, studied Nasa charts and amassed data on sunrises, sunsets, lunar cycles and nutritional inputs from different parts of the world. He fed that information into computers and produced a programme for each of the aquariums 50-odd species of coral, garnered from around the world, that would exactly replicate their natural environments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Above each tank adjustable LED lights now simulate the rising, setting and arc of the sun each day. Half ping-pong balls stuck over other lights do the same for the moon. The water is ordinary London tap-water, but with the impurities filtered out and salt added to produce exactly the right levels of salinity. We dont have the luxury of the beautiful tropical ocean right on our doorstep so we start from base tap-water, says Craggs. By manipulating those conditions, by pushing lunar and solar cycles forward or back Craggs and his team have since managed to manoeuvre all the aquariums corals on to the same time. The corals all now spawn within a week of each other, and at a precise time of the teams own choosing. Coral embryonic cells divide after in-vitro fertilisation at the Horniman Museum - Dr Jamie Cragg In addition to that, Craggs has tricked the corals into spawning at the start of the working day by making them think its sunset, which makes life far easier for researchers. He points to a red digital clock on a wall. It shows what he calls coral time. To them its 6.53 at night. For us its 10.53 in the morning, he says. His teams next goal was to induce the corals to spawn not once, but twice a year in order to double the scope for research. lt has succeeded with some corals, but this remains a work in progress. The problem is that corals are like pandas, says Craggs. We have literally a one-hour window to collect the eggs and sperm and do the research. We then have to wait a whole year to get access to those eggs and sperm again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This phase-shifting was a truly groundbreaking new technique, and one that the Horniman has since shared with at least 20 other aquaria and institutions around the world, from Australia, the Pacific Islands and the Maldives to the Middle East and Caribbean. The museum has also made it available to any interested party on the internet. Weve pioneered a technique in this tiny little facility which is now globally recognised, says Craggs. It gets used around the world so Im very proud of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What this planned and predictable spawning in aquaria does is allow scientists and researchers to acquire, study and experiment with coral eggs and sperm in a way they seldom, if ever, could before. And different institutions are using that priceless tool in different ways. Some like The Florida Aquarium in Tampa are using it to restore and rebuild reefs damaged not just by climate change, but by fishing, pollution and other human activities. They select the hardiest and most resilient individual corals from a single species, sometimes from different geographical zones, and induce them to spawn in captivity. They then fertilise them through a coralline version of IVF, and let the ensuing polyps grow to a certain size and strength in artificial conditions before replanting them on struggling reefs. This helps future-proof that restoration strategy because youre helping bring new genetic diversity to the population youre planting out, says Craggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keri ONeil, the Florida Aquariums director and senior scientist, told me that Craggs groundbreaking work in coral reproductive biology has truly revolutionised how we approach conservation and research. His innovative techniques for predictably inducing coral spawning in human care have paved the way for unprecedented advances in coral restoration. Michael Webster, an environmental studies professor at New York University, added that successfully breeding corals in captivity was a critical first step towards producing corals capable of surviving stressful conditions. But the Horniman and some other institutions are going a step further. They are experimenting to see whether they can cross different species to produce a hybrid coral better able to withstand the warming seas. Craggs has recently discovered, for example, that he can cross-fertilise one species of coral from Australia with another from Fiji. He is at pains to stress that these genetically modified hybrid corals will not be planted in the oceans lest they supplant or destroy existing species. The work is a safeguard to find out whats possible, he says. Were increasing the available toolbox for use in the worst-case scenario. For some coral reefs biobanking them is their only chance of survival But neither developing hardier versions of existing species, nor creating more resilient hybrids, is likely to save the worlds corals if humanity fails to tackle climate change, so Craggs and his team are also working on a doomsday solution with shades of Jurassic Park: the cryo-preservation, or deep-freezing, of coral sperm to give future generations the chance to recreate coral long after it has gone extinct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two other scientists working at the Horniman on the day 1 visit. They are Tullis Matson, the ebullient founder and chairman of a company called Natures Safe, and Debbie Rolmanis, his chief operating officer. To date their company has frozen the sperm or tissue of 256 species of animal ranging from the southern white rhinoceros and Asian elephant to the extremely rare and critically endangered mountain chicken frog, which is found only on the Caribbean islands of Montserrat and Dominica. That material is stored at a temperature of minus 196 degrees in a top security biobank in Whitchurch, Shropshire. Matson likens it to a nuclear bunker with its concrete roof, steel doors and CCTV cameras. On this particular day Craggs rushes the bundles from the spawning coral a species called Acropora kenti down to the tiny lab where the two biologists are waiting in white coats. There Craggs gently shakes the tube containing the bundles until they burst, releasing their eggs and sperm. Matson and Rolmanis then siphon off the sperm as it sinks beneath the eggs, and swiftly freeze it using liquid nitrogen. Scientists in the US have managed to cryo-preserve coral sperm before, but this is the first attempt to do so in Europe. Its unbelievably exciting, Matson exclaims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days later Craggs calls him with good news. Of the Acropora kenti sperm only eight per cent were still able to fertilise eggs after being frozen and unfrozen, but of the sperm of another species Acropora millepora 45 per cent could do so. A 14-day old Acropora kenti polyp photographed under fluorescent lighting using a Canon R6 full spectrum camera - Dr Jamie Craggs Matson is thrilled. This is truly groundbreaking, he tells me on the telephone. Its incredible, it really is... We have dealt with sperm cryo-preservation for 30 years, but this has to be one of the highlights without a shadow of a doubt. Its not just the fact that weve managed to freeze coral sperm and thaw it out and get embryos. Its the implications of this for the future of coral. Were just at the start of something extra-special in cryo-preservation of coral. The next challenge is to freeze coral eggs, so the frozen sperm will have something to fertilise, and for that Matson must wait for next years spawning season unless Craggs can dupe his corals into spawning earlier. But what is a year when youre looking a century or millennia into the future, to a time when humanity has hopefully learnt to live with nature and not destroy it? If you can freeze eggs and freeze sperm you can hold the genetics of that coral down pretty much indefinitely until its needed in 10, 20 or 1,000 years. If we can crack this it will be as good as the day its frozen, says Matson. We are the ultimate fall-back if all else fails, adds Rolmanis. For some coral reefs biobanking them is their only chance of survival because theyre being so depleted in the wild. Back in south London, Craggs talks modestly about his teams achievements. He stresses that he works in collaboration with counterparts in many other countries, and relies heavily on grants and partnerships. But scientists and researchers now fly in from all parts of the globe to visit the Horniman aquarium and study Craggs work, and he regularly flies off to far-flung conferences to talk about the remarkable breakthroughs he has achieved since 2012 in his improbable base. I look back on what weve achieved in that time and its absolutely extraordinary, he concedes shortly before flying off to a conference on reef futures in Mexico. We have so many visitors from all over the world, and they say, I literally cannot believe what youre able to do in a tiny corridor. To support Project Coral, go to horniman.ac.uk/project/project-coral/ 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. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A man on a motorcycle was killed after being hit by a car Sunday, according to the Greensboro Police Department. A press release states that at 3:47 p.m. Saturday, the GPD responded to a vehicle crash with injuries in the 600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Noah Raymond Way, 19, of Greensboro, was operating a 2024 Yamaha R7 motorcycle, traveling north on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Greensboro woman driving a Honda Accord turned left out of the parking lot of Churchs Chicken on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to travel south. The motorcycle crashed into the Honda, which caused the motorcycle to run off the road to the right and crash into a telephone pole. Way was ejected from the motorcycle and died at the scene due to his injuries. An initial investigation determined that the motorcycles speed was a factor in the crash. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive was closed for several hours after the crash. The Greensboro Police Departments Crash Reconstruction Unit is conducting an ongoing investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000. Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to P3tips.com to submit a web tip. All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. An inmate has died in the Oklahoma County jail, according to a jail spokesman. Vincent Riggie, 37, was found to be unresponsive during sight checks at around 7:10 p.m. Saturday night, officials said. An officer called medical personnel and started lifesaving measures. Naloxone, an anti-overdose medication, also known by the brand name Narcan, was administered. EMSA and Oklahoma City fire personnel arrived and continued the lifesaving efforts, but Riggie did not survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riggie was booked into the jail on Nov. 4 on complaints of aggravated trafficking of illegal drugs and possession of a controlled substance. He was being held on a $50,000 bond. Riggies family has been notified, and the investigation is in its early stages. Riggie is the second inmate to die at the jail this year. Vincent George Burke, 42, of Oklahoma City, died after being transported to a hospital by ambulance, the jail said in a news release. Burke had been in the jail less than 24 hours and was still in the holding area, said Mark Opgrande, the jail's communications director. The jail had seven inmate deaths in 2024, the last on Dec. 10. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Man dies in Oklahoma County jail despite revival efforts by responders A man has been banned from several health and fitness centers and sentenced to 27 months in jail after he stole gym members locker pins and used them to hack into their bank accounts, authorities said. Declan Murphy of Bromley, England, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and 11 counts of fraud by false representation on Friday, Jan. 17, according to an official statement from the City of London Police. Authorities also said that Murphy, 35, has received a Criminal Behavior Order, which bans him from entering certain gyms nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of London Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for additional comment on Sunday, Jan. 19. City of London Police are warning people to not use the same PIN on their security devices and locks, after a prolific gym thief was sentenced. Declan Murphy, 35, has been jailed for 27 months after pleading guilty to theft and fraud offences. Read here: https://t.co/eUBfDAbvDs pic.twitter.com/koK01AXVFM City of London Police (@CityPolice) January 17, 2025 According to authorities, Murphy stopped at a London area gym on Sept. 13, 2024, between 8:10 and 9:25 a.m. local time, when he observed a fellow gym member enter a four-digit pin into his locker. Murphy then used the pin to open the mans locker, and he also correctly guessed that the four digits were the mans phone and bank card pin, per police. Related: Woman Loses $10K After Scammers Pose as Her Bank. Now She Reveals How She Mistakenly Gave Them Full Access Murphy subsequently stole the mans bank cards and drenched the victims phone, rendering it unusable, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim later returned to his locker to find his cards stolen, and he was unable to immediately contact his bank or credit card companies, or monitor his card transactions via his banking apps, due to the damage inflicted on his phone. Police said the tactic gave Murphy a greater window of opportunity to commit his crimes. Getty Credit cards in wallet (stock image) Credit cards in wallet (stock image) Murphy then withdrew 500 in cash (about $609) from a nearby ATM. He also attempted to buy 5,400 (about $6,575) worth of merchandise from an Apple Store that same day, but the transaction was declined, police said. According to authorities, Murphy committed two similar crimes earlier in June as well. During the September occurrence, he had been out on bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy, police added, was using membership cards under false names to gain access to multiple gym chains. Related: Andy Cohen Cautions Against Fraud Scams After 'Serious' Incident He Faced: 'I Don't Want This to Happen to Anyone' The Guardian reported that the sentencing judge on the case, Edward Connell, described Murphys crimes as pre-planned and well-practiced. Kevin Ines, Detective Chief Inspector and head of the Criminal Investigation Department and Victim Crime Unit at the City of London Police, has since urged gym goers to take note of this case and to be cautious with their personal pins. Getty Women at gym (stock image) Women at gym (stock image) 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. People who visit gyms expect their belongings to be safe in their lockers and dont tend to expect anyone to be looking over their shoulder and stealing their PIN. Unfortunately, we know this is a method is used by prolific criminals like Murphy, he said in the official release from the London Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our message is clear: Do not have the same PIN code for your locker as your phone or bank card PINs, Ines added. Read the original article on People ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) A man was charged with first-degree murder after police said he stabbed another man to death in St. Pete on Saturday night. At 8:26 p.m., St. Petersburg police responded to a home in the 2000 block of Queensboro Avenue South to find a man stabbed outside. Clearwater businessman found liable for $120 million in damages at special needs trust company The victim, 56-year-old George Hudson, was taken to a nearby hospital with a stab wound. However, police said Hudson later died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives discovered that Huson had gotten into an argument with 49-year-old Jonathan Conyers earlier that evening, which led to the stabbing incident. Conyers was arrested around 2:50 a.m. on Sunday and was taken to the Pinellas County Jail on a first-degree murder charge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Although many small businesses in Pasadena are struggling in the wake of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, some owners are rebuilding while also helping their communities. Burrito Express in Pasadena has been operating since 1978. The small restaurant remains standing today, narrowly escaping the Eaton Fire. When Covid hit, we thought that was the worst, but no, this is just beyond anything that we have ever seen or experienced in my lifetime, said owner Deya Orozco. Deya Orozco thanks a customer as her restaurant, Burrito Express in Pasadena, reopened for business on Jan. 18, 2025. (KTLA) Deya Orozco thanks a customer as her restaurant, Burrito Express in Pasadena, reopened for business on Jan. 18, 2025. (KTLA) Burrito Express in Pasadena is working to recover after the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) After returning to her restaurant, Orozco immediately reopened and began feeding her community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are so thankful that were here and able to do this, to survive, to continue to work, Orozco said. I have guys who need work and Im so blessed to be able to help them also. Just down the street from Burrito Express is Deluxe 1717, a restaurant focused on providing free food for the community while using the space as a donation site. Deluxe 1717 in Pasadena offered free food to first repsonders and evacueess affected by the L.A. wildfires. The restaurant is also operating as a makeshift donation center. (KTLA) Deluxe 1717s owner, Onil Chibas, speaks to KTLA on Jan. 18, 2025. (KTLA) Deluxe 1717 in Pasadena offered free food to first repsonders and evacueess affected by the L.A. wildfires. The restaurant is also operating as a makeshift donation center. (KTLA) Deluxe 1717 in Pasadena offered free food to first repsonders and evacueess affected by the L.A. wildfires. The restaurant is also operating as a makeshift donation center. (KTLA) Longtime customers who were impacted by the Eaton Fire are grateful for a safe space to enjoy a free hot meal on Jan. 18, 2025. (KTLA) I think the hardest part is seeing so many of our friends and customers and coworkers that have been affected by it, said owner Onil Chibas. Many of Deluxe 1717s customers lost everything in the wildfires. As they work to rebuild their lives, theyre grateful to have a safe place to eat a hot meal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My home is one of the homes that burned to the ground so I have nothing left, said Jill Vig, a longtime customer and Eaton Fire victim. You can tell Im a little emotional, but this means everything. It means everything, As communities work to recover and rebuild, a great deal of Pasadena businesses are suffering from the fires economic impact. Before this catastrophic event, we had everybody in town for the Rose Parade, hotels were full, restaurants were busy, said Lisa Dederian, a Pasadena city spokesperson. Now with all this devastation, we need our restaurants to get up and running. Dederian said communities ravaged by the fires are desperate to receive support from locals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our businesses are up and running, she said. Please come to Pasadena and frequent our businesses. Please help them. This is their livelihood. Help them to survive. Help get their employees back to work so they can recover. If people can donate and people could give, we would love that, Orozco said. We would love to keep feeding more people as long as we can because this will be ongoing for a long time. Small business owners struggling to recover after Eaton Fire We dont know what [the futures] going to be, but we are going to expand our hours because I feel like the community is going to need that, Chibas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Martin Luther King III, the son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., admitted that his father would be disappointed but not surprised by the current state of the world. While appearing on Sundays episode of Meet the Press, host Kristen Welker asked King what he thinks his father would say about our divided and fractured nation in 2025. Noting that he can only speculate about what his late fathers thoughts would be, King told Welker, In the last 10 years, weve seen a lot of chaos. Some of it constructive, some of it destructive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think dad would always err on the side of how do we create constructive engagement and how do we build the beloved community? he continued. He would be quite disappointed, quite frankly. Probably wouldnt be surprised, but he certainly would be disappointed. Because he always infused energy that was positive, bringing out the best of who we as Americans are. Unfortunately, in great tragedy we see the best of who Americans are, King added before referencing the tragic ongoing wildfires that have devastated the Greater Los Angeles area. Elsewhere in the interview, King shared his thoughts on what hes expecting from President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration speech ahead of tomorrows ceremony, which falls on the same day as Martin Luther King Jr. day. [Trump] has said that he wants to create some semblance of unity. Now what that means is, you gotta be in dialogue with everybody. You cant just say, Well this is what some want me to do so Im gonna do it. Doesnt mean that you will do it, but you at least have to be in dialogue. And you need to set that tone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you said you wanted to be a uniter, then those who didnt support you you need to reach out to them or allow them to reach out to you. Dont keep the door closed and say, No, were not ever going to do that. Because thats only going to be counterproductive. King went on to say the United States is not reflective of what its name represents amid the current political climate. If you really want to bring the nation together so that it is the manifestation of what we call ourselves the United States of America were not reflective of the United States of America right this moment, in my judgment. Watch Martin Luther King IIIs Meet the Press interview below. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is celebrated each year in January to honor and remember the Civil Rights leader. His work has inspired millions, even decades after his death. While the Civil Rights Movement started decades ago, many of its young leaders have helped to grow and shape the movement and the country to include people of all races. But not all of the original leaders were able to see the growth and change in America because of their work and the work that is still being done by those fighting for equality and justice. One of the most notable is King. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to writing letters from a Birmingham jail, King's work inspired many during his lifetime and for decades since his untimely death, which happened right here in Tennessee. According to an article from Stanford University, a tape was played at King's funeral of him speaking about how he wanted to be remembered. Id like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others." Where, when did Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. die? King was shot at 6:05 p.m. on April 4, 1968, on the second-floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. He had arrived in Memphis the day before to march with striking Memphis sanitation workers the following Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Memphis where he was declared dead. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Tennessee: Whats open, closed? Will kids have school? Who killed Martin Luther King Jr.? James Earl Ray, a 40-year-old who had been in and out of prison, confessed to killing King and was sentenced to 99 years in jail for it. Ray would later recant his confession and continue to try and prove his innocence until his death at Columbia Nashville Memorial Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 23, 1998. There has been much debate over the years about Ray's involvement in King's death and speculation on whether he actually acted alone. Towards the end of his life, Dexter King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s son, even supported Ray's claim of innocence. In 1997 members of Kings family publicly supported Rays appeal for a new trial, but Tennessee authorities refused to reopen the case, according to biography.com and Stanford. Where is the Lorraine Motel? The Lorraine Motel is located in Memphis just blocks away from Tommy Lee Park and the Mississippi River. The motel is now home to the National Civil Rights Museum, whose mission is to "to share the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement and explore how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom globally." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lorraine Motel facade is still intact, along with King's room from the day he was shot and killed. Along with the dedication to King, the museum has permanent and rotating exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement. How old was Martin Luther King Jr. when he died? King was 39 years old when he was killed. Where, when was Martin Luther King Jr. born? King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. When did Martin Luther King Jr. Day become a holiday? Days after King's assassination, legislation was drafted to have Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but it would be another 15 years before King was recognized with a day and even longer for all of the United States to recognize it, according to Smithsonian.com. On Nov. 2, 1983, then President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law. Since that time, the third Monday in January has been a federal holiday to commemorate the civil rights leader. It wouldn't be until 2000 that all of the states recognized the holiday. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Who killed MLK? What to know ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Established in 2006, the 1st Battalion plays a crucial role in disaster response across the northeastern states of Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Over the past two decades, the NDRF has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters, a statement from the release stated. The 1st Battalion has been instrumental in numerous successful rescue and relief operations which include swift and effective response to the devastating 2019 & 2022 Assam and Tripura floods and a crucial role in the 2021 & 2025 Coal Mine accidents in Meghalaya and Assam, showcasing exemplary professionalism and courage. With a track record of saving over 1,23,887 lives, the 1st Battalion NDRF has consistently upheld the highest standards of professionalism and dedication. The unit's continuous focus on training and capacity building ensures its personnel are well-equipped to handle a wide range of disaster scenarios. Beyond rescue and relief operations, the 1st Battalion actively engages in community outreach programs, conducting public awareness campaigns and disaster management training for local communities. These efforts aim to enhance community resilience and preparedness for future disasters. HPS Kandari, Commandant, 1st Battalion, NDRF, commended the bravery, dedication and resilience of the rescue workers, acknowledging their selfless service to the nation. He emphasized the importance of strengthening disaster management capabilities to ensure a safer and more resilient India. (ANI) Nearly 100 years ago, the Campaign to Protect Rural England was set up to limit urban sprawl. Thanks to it we have not only the green belt, but the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Our countryside is indisputably greener for its advocacy. And more tranquil thanks to its work in the 1990s around man-made noise and light pollution. On the eve next year of its centenary, its dogged campaigning is arguably more needed than ever. The announcement of Labours intention to build 1.5 million homes over its first five years means our time mirrors that of the 1920s, when rapid housebuilding threatened to bulldoze our green and pleasant land. This time, however, the words Campaign and Protect have been dropped. Its now known as CPRE, the Countryside Charity, a change that happened in 2020 and marks a subtle shift in perception about what matters, and to whom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The name change came before the charitys president, Mary-Ann Ochota, commenced her post last summer. But she understands its intention. Hostility stalks conversation about the countryside. Debate rages around the green belt. Slurs such as Nimby are chucked like grenades. My three-year-old daughter knows calling people names isnt a nice thing to do, says Ochota. We have to remember the reason local communities feel worried. You shout louder when you feel youre not being heard. She rejects a them and us mentality, one that the old name arguably stoked, preferring a debate about the countryside and its future that is more expansive and inclusive. Thats what we need to be able to achieve the aims that we want, she says emphatically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a frosty January day and were standing in the white-tipped green belt outside Hemel Hempstead. Its not the first time Ive wandered about the countryside with Ochota, although in the past wed have been discussing ancient landscapes because of her role as a broadcaster specialising in archaeology. Ochota has been appointed as president of CPRE at a challenging time, as debate rages around the need to build on the green belt - Rii Schroer This time, our discussion is more political, with rooftop solar, redefining affordable housing and redeveloping brownfield sites among the hot-potato topics. Surprisingly, she thinks the Government is doing a good job of tackling the need to build on the green belt. Its an important time for CPRE to be clear-sighted in its own objectives. And for it to be perceived as moderate. Labour may have set out the direction of travel but the details can still be influenced. The risk is that as a movement we are dismissed as blockers and that a conversation with CPRE would be about all the reasons to say no to something. If theres one thing I can do as the president, its to convince others that were worth talking to, because we have the passion and the expertise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The daughter of an Indian mother and a Polish father, Ochota grew up in Cheshire, for a time receiving free school meals. That she went on to Cambridge and now lives in a detached house hasnt made her forget that there are inequalities within our society. She doesnt shy away from talking about social justice be that tackling rural homelessness and poverty or improving access to green space for urban populations. She has been appointed at a challenging time. There are undeniably complex issues that require interconnected approaches. Ochota is ready with answers. Once you build on a green field, you cant undo it This simple truth remains at the heart of CPRE. The green belt covers about 12 per cent of land in England, around 15 of our biggest cities. Sheffield is a fantastic example of what a city looks like with a functioning green belt, says Ochota. You can get a bus out to the peaks and be in a national park. CPRE would like development to be focused on brownfield sites and at the moment, that is not the case. Currently, what developers often do is put in a planning application speculatively that is not part of the Local Plan. And they just hope it might get through if they can demonstrate on appeal that the local authority does not have a five-year supply of land to be built on. What you end up with is piecemeal nibbling of the green belt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where we stand in Piccotts End, part of Hemel Hempsteads green belt, is an example of just that. Planning approval for 400 homes between a nature reserve and a chalk stream is being decided next month. It isnt part of the Local Plan. Why are we not redeveloping the town centres when theyre half-derelict? asks Ochota. Ochota is positive about Labours plans, saying they empower councils to ensure developments meet local needs - Andy Buchanan / PA She is so far positive about Labours plans, believing that the National Planning Policy Framework will embolden local authorities against the legally deep pockets of big developers, as well as give them the framework to build in a way that adheres to Local Plans. By doing so it can be ensured that developments have the roads, schools and GP surgeries they require. She hopes the policy will tackle land banking, which has led to developers sitting on planning permission for 1.2 million homes across the country. A local authority cant force those developers to actually build, complete the houses and put them on the market. That is still within the developers gift and they have no incentive to finish building if its going to impact their profits. Her hope is that the Government can strengthen the powers of local authorities to say to developers: You dont get more planning permission until you finish building those ones over there. Historically, local authorities were competent housebuilders. That wisdom no longer exists. Ochota would welcome a shift towards community-led initiatives that could wrest power from large housing developers. Key to all this is another truth about the green belt: I think we have to remember that the green belt is a planning designation. Its a tool, its not a religion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, there will be times when it needs building on, once all brownfield options have been exhausted. The reason that lots of local communities are really worried about the future of the green spaces around them is because they dont trust that the system is fair or transparent or working properly. We need more homes but we need the right kind of homes and we need them to be built in the right places. Rooftop solar has to be a priority On any train journey, you will spot fields of solar panels. You probably see fewer on the top of houses or large warehouses. And theres a reason for that. At the moment, theres no reason why a warehouse distribution centre would put solar panels on its roof unless its for their own use. It is a missed opportunity, says Ochota. And its taking farmland out of use. Land should be doing other things, such as providing food security or even housing. Ochota has called for rooftop solar to be prioritised, arguing new homes should have solar panels by default - Getty Images People would understand why there might be a need for a solar farm if all the rooftops are already covered, she adds. But we need to make sure we mitigate the harm as much as possible and we have a strategic land-use plan so we can explain and justify the decision-making process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan 17, a Private Members Bill called the Sunshine Bill will have its second reading. If successful, it would mandate that all new homes have rooftop solar if its technically feasible. Solar panels on every new home. Why does that need a Private Members Bill? It should be a no-brainer, insists Ochota. The need for inshore wind farms This is an issue that CPRE has changed its position on over time. After the journalist George Monbiot highlighted the inconsistency in 2008 of CPRE opposing onshore wind farms but not opencast coal mines, the charity reconsidered its position. However, it does not mean wind at any cost. We have to transition to clean energy and we need to do it urgently, the sooner the better, but we need to be really clear on what the best outcome for any given development is, says Ochota. The best outcome is one that takes into account the cost and impact on the landscape and the wildlife and local communities. The best is not always going to be the cheapest and easiest. And we need to drive for the best. We cannot let the developer determine what the best is. Ochota says the transition to clean energy needs to happen urgently - Rii Schroer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She points to the large profits made by the National Grid, as indicating that our energy infrastructure is broken. We cannot rely on them to tell us what the best looks like. Because for them the best is the cheapest. Climate change is the biggest threat Flooding, frosts, droughts it is the countryside and farmers that experience the full force of our changing climate. It is also an issue that spans so many competing needs that we look to the countryside to answer: the need for solar, for more homes, but also for wildlife and soil regeneration. Climate change is the greatest threat to the countryside. End of, says Ochota. We think of our country as green and pleasant. But its not. Its green and knackered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She rejects rhetoric that pits nature against economic growth. You cannot have economic prosperity when nature is on its knees. We have to take it in the whole. Supporting farmers is key to this: We need a strong farming sector, managing the land in a way that not only delivers healthy, affordable food for local people but also delivers all those other services that we need and protects nature. Farmers and inheritance tax Ochota takes a deep breath before tackling this muddy problem. We need to support our farmers, she states. The furore over inheritance tax, she thinks, was partly that it came as a shock to the farming community because there had been commitments previously that inheritance tax wouldnt be altered. Despite the strong feelings that Rachel Reevess Budget change continues to stir up, Ochota stands by the intention behind it in that it was trying to tackle investors who buy agricultural land as a loophole for avoiding inheritance tax. It was wild to see Jeremy Clarkson sitting on the front of a John Deere as the spokesperson for farmers when hes exactly the character that this amendment was designed to prevent. Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper in season three of Clarksons Farm - Amazon MGM Studios The larger picture for the countryside, says Ochota, is that: Around the country there are lots of other investors who hold land and what you end up with are farmers who are tenants on that land who have limited control on how to manage it and how to invest in it for a future that works for their family and local community. The need for affordable rural homes We need more homes. But not just in urban areas. We have 300,000 people in the countryside waiting for social housing. And at current build rates, under the last government theyd be waiting for 89 years before they got a home. Thats outrageous and it strips the heart out of rural communities, says Ochota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rural homelessness is often hidden, unlike more visible urban homelessness. It is a modern thing to think about the countryside as a playground of the elite and wealthy. Weve forgotten that the people growing our veg are living in close-knit communities earning 25k a year, Ochota explains. If we cant support people to live in communities where they have roots, families and jobs, then were failing them. The average rural wage is around 26,000 a year, while the average rural house price in England is around 317,000. Ochota labels it an unmatchable gulf. Her answer is both to empower communities and small to medium-sized builders and to get the Government to redefine what affordable is. At the moment, its 80 per cent of market value. And 80 per cent of massively unaffordable is still massively unaffordable. It needs to be linked to local wages. Reduction in rural public services Just as there arent homes, there isnt infrastructure in the countryside either. More affordable homes would naturally strengthen communities with the teachers and care assistants that they need. But what of accessibility? Everyone in the countryside should be able to travel actively just in the way you would in London or Sheffield. You should be able to safely get on your bike and cycle to work, or walk to your next village safely, without having to either trespass and climb over barbed wire fences because theres no footpath, or walk down the edge of a road where people are driving at 60 miles per hour. Near Piccotts End we negotiate private property signs either side of the footpath. Were walking on a footpath thats 1.5m wide, the statutory minimum, with barbed wire on each side. Is that how to feel like you belong in a landscape and that youre welcome? Or do you feel like youre on borrowed land and you need to keep moving? This sense of access is more important in the green belt than you might first think. You might visit a national park once a year but the green belt delivers countryside next door. Her approach as president, and thus that of CPRE, seeks to strengthen rural communities by considering how the countryside can be open to all. That she will be potentially labelled as part of the wokerati, Ochota is at peace with. If we put social justice at the heart of how we tackle these issues, we end up with solutions that deliver for everyone. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Derrick Todd, the Massachusetts doctor who is accused of sexually assaulting more than 200 patients in a class-action lawsuit, has been indicted on two counts of rape. The former rheumatologist who is accused of conducting unnecessary pelvic, breast and rectal exams for the purpose of sexually assaulting patients was indicted by a Middlesex County grand jury, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Framingham Chief of Police Lester Baker confirmed in a press release on Thursday, Jan. 16. "The indictments, the press release states, are for two counts of rape alleging the sexual assault of two women who were his patients at the time of the assaults. Although the alleged assaults Todd has been accused of span more than a decade, these two incidents allegedly occurred in December 2022 and June 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his arraignment on Friday, Jan. 17, Todd pleaded not guilty, according to the Associated Press. A spokesperson for the Middlesex District Attorneys Office said that the former rheumatologist, who was held on $10,000 bail, was ordered to surrender his passport and all medical licenses and not apply for new ones, the AP reported. He was also ordered not to have any contact with the victims or practice medicine. Other investigations into Todds conduct are ongoing, and the criminal case against Todd is likely to continue growing, William Thompson an attorney with Lubin & Meyer, the Boston law firm that represents more than 180 of Todds accusers told the AP. Its just the beginning of the criminal case against Dr. Todd, but it does help validate the civil claims that Lubin & Meyer is pursuing on behalf of so many of his former patients, Thompson told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fundamentally, he continued, its about a doctor abusing his position. And taking advantage of patients who put their trust in him for his own personal sexual gratification. Getty Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston Todd's attorney, Ingrid Martin, did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. While speaking with reporters outside of the courthouse on Friday, Jan. 17, Martin said that Todd is innocent, and we look forward to receiving the evidence and to challenging it in court, per NBC 10 Boston. Todds alleged abuse dates back to 2010, and his accusers range from teenagers to women in their 60s, according to NBC 10 and the AP. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The initial lawsuit filed against Todd in October 2023 at which time more than 120 women had joined alleges that Todd "breached his duty of care when he performed inappropriate bodily examinations, practiced gynecological medicine in an unauthorized manner, and sexually assaulted patients under the auspices of providing medical care." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of their statements are rather incriminating regarding Dr. Todds conduct, Andrew Meyer, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, told PEOPLE exclusively at the time. They have all repeated and alleged the same inappropriate conduct and excessive examinations. Meyer also claimed that because Todd was a rheumatologist a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the joints, muscles and bones his exams should not have involved breast examinations and should not involve vaginal examinations. At the time the lawsuit was filed, the Boston hospital where Todd spent much of his medical career, Brigham and Women's Hospital, explained in a statement to PEOPLE that during his time there, he became the subject of investigation by both the hospital and the Board of Registration in Medicine. The hospital initially suspended Todd, who held the position of Chief of Clinical Rheumatology at Brigham's Faulkner Hospital. "We deeply regret the harm Dr. Todds actions has caused our patients and their families, Charles Morris, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, Brigham and Womens Hospital, told PEOPLE in a statement. We take our duty to care for our patients and keep them safe extremely seriously. We have, and always will, act decisively on any allegations of misconduct, as we did in this case. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Read the original article on People Mayor Adams said Saturday he wont be able to assist the feds with President-elect Donald Trumps massive deportation plan because of NYCs status as a sanctuary city. The law is the law, declared Adams, when asked by The Post whether the NYPD and the rest of his administration will cooperate with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its multi-day ground operations that sources said will begin next week in Chicago and then expand to other cities serving as safe havens for illegal migrants like NYC, San Diego and Denver. Mayor Eric Adams speaks to media on Jan. 18, 2025. J.C. Rice I answered that over and over again. Im not going to keep doing the same question over and over again about the cooperation of city agencies, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams refused to clarify what law he was referring to, but his office said he was talking about sanctuary city laws he inherited that prohibit the NYPD, Department of Corrections and Department of Probation from cooperating with ICE unless cases involve suspected terrorists or other serious public safety risks. Migrants seen at Floyd Bennett Field on Jan. 12, 2024. Paul Martinka NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch echoed Adam remarks earlier this week when she told The Post the department is always going to follow the law. And right now, the law in New York City, basically, is that the Police Department will not assist in civil immigration enforcement, she said. We will obviously continue to work with our federal partners on criminal matters, but a persons immigration status is not something that we track, and we cannot and will not, by law, participate in civil immigration, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But one 20-year NYPD veteran said its insane the city wont help federal immigration authorities round up rogue migrants. I absolutely loathe not helping another law enforcement agency, said the longtime cop. I think its really unfair. Its baffling that government officials want to protect immigrants in New York City who are committing crimes against everyday New Yorkers. Why wouldnt you want these guys to leave? Its baffling to me. Adams has repeatedly called for the sanctuary rules to be loosened, so migrants suspected of serious crimes could be turned over to ICE as they once were under sanctuary city policies implemented as early as 1989 under ex-mayors Ed Koch and Michael Bloomberg. Migrants stand on line at the Roosevelt Hotel. Seth Gottfried Regulations added in 2014 and 2018 during Bill de Blasios time as mayor made it far more difficult for the city to assist ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICEs deportation plan Operation Safeguard is expected to start Tuesday and last until the following Monday. It will target migrants wanted for drug trafficking and violent crimes especially anyone with criminal cases in their home countries, sources said. Up to 200 ICE officers will be deployed to carry out immigration raids in Chicago, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday. It was unclear Saturday how many extra ICE officers will be coming to the Big Apple and when theyll arrive. Trumps incoming border czar Tom Homan has vowed that the mass deportations will begin on Day 1 on the new administration and focus on illegal immigrants who pose threats to the country. Meanwhile, NYC resources to care for asylum seekers and other illegal border crossers have been strained to the tune of nearly $7 billion since April 2022, Adams said Saturday. Additional reporting by Joe Marino. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Gov. Dan McKee is no longer attending President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday due to expected snowfall. Because of the severe winter forecast of snow and frigid weather in Rhode Island, the governor will be staying in Rhode Island to help in our EMA response and will not attending the inauguration in D.C., a spokesperson for McKee said. Trumps inauguration will be indoors because of cold weather forecasted. The last time one happened inside was President Ronald Reagans in 1985. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: 1985 was the last time an inauguration was indoors. Ronald and Nancy Reagan felt they had no choice Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey also wont be at the ceremony. Healeys office previously told 12 News she wouldnt be attending the inauguration. Members of Rhode Islands congressional delegation are expected to be in attendance. A spokesperson for Rep. Gabe Amo confirmed he will be there. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said Saturday that he will also be in attendance. NEXT: Warming shelters to open ahead of expected cold temperatures Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Another round of winter weather is headed to Mississippi next week and will likely impact travel conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting sub-freezing temperatures and measurable snowfall that could extend from central Mississippi down to the Gulf Coast. Officials with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) said crews are prepared to respond to winter weather and extreme cold events. MDOT has prepared equipment by installing salt spreaders on trucks and making sure all response vehicles are running properly. Crews have stockpiled salt, sand and asphalt slag piles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, January 19, MDOT will begin operations to treat roadways ahead of the winter storm expected to move into the area early Tuesday. Salt brine will be sprayed on interstates, highways, bridges and overpasses. Will spring come early? NOAA releases weather predictions for Mississippi We urge the public to monitor forecasts and avoid driving in severe winter weather events unless absolutely necessary, said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. MDOT is prepared to respond during this winter storm to keep roads safe and passable. Safe Driving Tips: Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road. Remain cautious in areas with overhanging trees and other shady areas where moisture can accumulate and refreeze. Slow down. Watch out for black ice, which can be difficult to see, especially at night. Allow more space between the vehicles around you. Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes. Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone. Stay alert. Maintain Your Vehicle Have your vehicle battery and charging system checked for optimum performance. Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in your vehicles cooling system. Get your brakes checked to make sure they are functioning properly. Make sure the heater, defroster and windshield wipers are good to go for the winter. Fill your gas tank. When the tank is full, there is less air space for moisture to accumulate and freeze. Winter Weather Kit Windshield scraper Flashlight with extra batteries Jumper cables Bottled water and snacks Extra blankets Warm clothing, jacket, gloves Click here to keep up with the Storm Team 12 forecast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Weather Forecast Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. The Qatari Foreign Ministry called on Sunday for Israel and Hamas to respect the Gaza ceasefire deal, while highlighting the challenges and efforts involved in sustaining it. In an interview with the Doha-based Al Jazeera broadcaster, ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari emphasized "the need for unwavering dedication and coordination to ensure the agreement's success and stability amid political and logistical obstacles." "Mediators worked relentlessly to address delays that arose earlier in the day," he said. "The agreement, which includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners, demands careful adherence to strict timelines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Ansari further stressed the importance of focusing on practical progress rather than political rhetoric. He said that Qatar remains committed to fully implementing the agreement, adding that failure of the agreement is not an option and that all parties should adhere to it. Freed Israeli hostage Emily Damari (R) poses for a selfie with her mother Mandy near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel after her release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. The first three hostages released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal have reached Israeli territory, the Israeli military said on Sunday, hours after the agreement took effect. -/GPO/dpa Fighters from the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, control the crowd as The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) convoy arrives at the site of the handover of the Israeli hostages in Saraya Square after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Trucks loaded with food and humanitarian aid enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing, on Salah al-Din Road east of Khan Yunis during the ceasefire and hostage swap deal between Hamas and Israel. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa A Palestinian militant stands guard as trucks loaded with food and humanitarian aid enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing, on Salah al-Din Road east of Khan Yunis during the ceasefire and hostage swap deal between Hamas and Israel. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 19A new medical imaging center has opened in North Kalispell aiming to provide another alternative for patients seeking imaging services to the Flathead Valley. "There's a need for low-cost medical imaging that provides options, choice and better access to services in the area," said Dr. Nick Satovick, the medical director of the newly opened facility. The Montana Imaging Center, located just next to the water tower on U.S. 93, offers both magnetic resonance imaging, also called an MRI, and computerized tomography scans, also known as CT using Canon brand machines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kalispell location is modeled after the Montana Imaging Center in Missoula owned by Dr. Tim McCue. While the two centers are separate entities, both share the same model and franchise name. The goal when McCue opened the Missoula center over two years ago was to provide quality medical imaging and interpretation for a fraction of the cost a hospital would offer. Montana Imaging Center's prices are a third of the prices elsewhere in the valley, according to the Kalispell center's manager and financial director Tate Kreitinger. Both radiologists, Satovick and McCue, along with Kreitinger, teamed up to expand the center to Kalispell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Seeing Tim's model work in Missoula and how well he was received by the community, the providers and the patients in Missoula really gave us the confidence to do something similar or the same here," Satovick said. A month after opening, Satovick and his team can take orders from providers across the valley, from physical therapists to physicians to veterinarians to naturopaths. Satovick, who has worked as a radiologist in the valley for years, knows there are many patients who leave the valley for cost efficient and reliable medical imaging. To provide it locally with people who have been working in health care for years is a great feeling, he said. The center is also able to offer interpretations and consultations on the images, a key part of the imaging process. Working with providers across the valley, medical imaging identifies areas of issue so doctors can establish a plan of action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Satovic and Kreitinger boasted about the team at Montana Imaging Center. Technologists Brandye Pitz and Lea Moss have been involved in imaging in the valley for years. They were both part of Flathead Valley Community College's first radiologic technology course. "An important part to us is that both locations are owned and operated by local Montanans," said Kreitinger. Being an independent entity, according to Kreitinger, allows the center to utilize more options and flexibility. The center currently accepts all forms of insurance but does not accept Medicare and Medicaid in order to keep costs low. The imaging center occupies half the space in the 12,000-square-foot building at 3201 U.S. 93 N. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about services, prices and scheduling, visit montanaimagingcenter.com. Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com. A Canon Aquilion Prime SP CT system at Montana Imaging Center in Kalispell on Wednesday, Jan. 15. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider Montana Imaging Center, 3201 U.S. Highway 93 North in Kalispell on Wednesday, Jan. 15. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider A Canon Vantage Fortian MRI system at Montana Imaging Center in Kalispell on Wednesday, Jan. 15. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider At just 13 years old, Madhvi Chittoor stands up for what she believes in: everyone's right to clean air, water, and soil. The young advocate from Arvada, Colorado, works to protect her community from pollution and create a healthier future for all, according to High Country News. Her path to environmental protection started at age 5 when she watched a documentary about plastic waste harming birds and sea life on a Pacific Island. That moment led her to organize river cleanups and help pass laws in Colorado banning single-use plastic bags and styrofoam containers. Now, Madhvi tackles a more significant challenge: protecting Aurora, Colorado's air and water quality. She recently spoke out against a proposed 166-well drilling project near the Aurora Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to residents. Her work brings attention to how industrial development affects community health, especially in areas where many families already experience economic challenges. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Working alongside her mother, Lalitha, who left her tech career to support her daughter's mission, Madhvi demonstrates how young people can create meaningful impact. She serves as the United Nations' youngest child adviser, helping define children's legal right to a healthy environment. She reviews environmental reports, writes to government officials, and speaks at public hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her efforts have already brought positive results. Thanks partly to her advocacy, Colorado now requires companies to analyze how their operations affect air quality, noise levels, water, wildlife, and nearby residents. When regulators recently approved the Aurora project, Madhvi didn't give up. She continues pushing for stronger protections at each well site. "My rights as a child for clean air, clean water, clean soil, clean food and great health are at jeopardy," Madhvi says. "Pollution knows no borders." Her dedication shows how one person's voice can help build a better future for everyone. Madhvi plans to keep fighting for environmental protections while pursuing her other interests, including medicine and violin performance. Whether speaking to government officials or organizing community cleanups, she proves that age doesn't limit anyone's ability to create positive change. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon has a new kid governor who is on a mission to battle climate change. Rosie Lanenga is a 5th grader at Riverdale School in south Portland. She was sworn in on Thursday at the State Capitol in Salem after being elected by other fifth graders across the state. Rosies three-point climate change plan include acting at home, meetings in class and sharing knowledge about climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lanenga succeeds the 2024 kid governor, Zoya Shah, whose platform was mental health awareness. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar met MLA Uma Thomas, who sustained injury after falling from a VIP gallery at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi on December 29. Kerala governor inquired about the MLA's health and wished her a speedy recovery "She (Uma Thomas) is fine. The doctors are doing all the things and they are very happy about her progress. I pray to God for her speedy recovery," Arlekar said. MLA Uma Thomas is currently undergoing treatment at Renai Medicity in Kochi. The Congress MLA fell from the VIP Gallery of JN Stadium in Kochi while attending the Mridanga Naadam, Bharatanatyam Programme. Uma Thomas was immediately rushed to Renai Medicity. She sustained a head injury during the fall. The fall of the MLA has raised serious questions about the safety protocols during public events, especially when VIPs are present, highlighting the need for stricter security measures at such gatherings. Earlier, Congress leader, Depthy Mary Varghese, blamed the security failure for the incident, saying, "This is a security failure from the side of the police and Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). It's a real security lapse from the side of the authorities and also from the side of the police authorities. Even the minister is participating in this program. So while it's a VIP program, there should be a security check from the side of the police." Kerala Minister P Rajeev said that experts from different departments would come and consult with the doctors to decide on the next course of action. Speaking to ANI Rajeev said, "She is under treatment in the ICU. I have discussed this with the CM and the health minister and they will send the medical team. Experts from different departments will come and thereafter they will consult with the doctors here and decide what should be done."(ANI) Meghan Markles former U.K. employees, who called her a demon boss prone to psycho moments, said they feel vindicated by a Vanity Fair report alleging some of Markles American staffers needed therapy after working for her. The former employees spoke to the Daily Beast in September after Meghans team orchestrated a feature in Us Weekly claiming she was a great boss, on the heels of an article in The Hollywood Reporter described her as a demon in high heels. Responding to the Vanity Fair report, one former employee told the Daily Beast: I am surprised that people spoke out, but I am not surprised by the content of their allegations. It seems like nothing has changed. There is not really much more to say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another added, I feel desperately sorry for the people affected, because I have been there, but I also feel vindicated. The source said that people claiming Markle is the worlds greatest boss should be ashamed of themselves. They added, Its obviously very tempting to work for her when you are being wooed and love-bombed, but people should be in no doubt; she is a nightmare. I would think the atmosphere will be particularly hellish now everything is going to s--t. She doesnt do disappointment well. The Us Weekly article included contributions from her head of PR (who is, cynics noted, paid to make Meghan look good) and other staffers. One said Meghan loved her employees like a parent, another told how she gave them bundles of freshly cut flowers and home-laid eggs. A third source claimed Meghan made her staff feel like they were seeds being watered. In response to the claims, an irate former courtier told the Daily Beast in September: There definitely were bad, very bad, even psycho moments. I witnessed people being chewed up in person and over the phone and made to feel like s--t. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another source, a member of the so-called Sussex Survivors Club, told the Daily Beast in September: I always thought she was a classic narcissist and getting her staff to tell a magazine how amazing she is only confirms that in my mind. She is lovely when it is all going her way but a demon when the worm turns. When I reported Meghan wasnt always very nice to staff, I was called a liar and a racist. Now its a Vanity Fair cover story. Funny old world https://t.co/589uc7KBkX Camilla Tominey (@CamillaTominey) January 18, 2025 Vanity Fairs account of Markles management skills included similar claims, with one ex-employee alleging that Meghans relationships with staff tend to be warm and effusive until something goes wrong, at which stage Meghan will become cold and withholding. The source told Vanity Fair that working for Markle was really, really, really awful. Very painful. Because shes constantly playing checkersIm not even going to say chessbut 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. Jason Knauf, who was Markles press secretary when she was a royal, wrote in a 2018 note to Prince Williams private secretary: I am very concerned that the duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The treatment of X was totally unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: The duchess seems intent on having someone in her sights. She is bullying Y and seeking to undermine her confidence. We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards Y. Meghan dismissed the bullying allegations as an attempt to smear her name. Her office has not commented on the new Vanity Fair piece, and did not reply to a Daily Beast request for a comment. All eyes are on the Trump family as American businessman and former president Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. Trump, 78, who claimed a sweeping victory in the presidential election, will be sworn in as the country's top leader on Monday at noon ET at the west front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Along with Trump's return to the White House comes the same for first lady-to-be, Melania Trump, who said she's ready to move back in on Day 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the president's wife as the family steps back into the White House. Melania Trump attends Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden, in New York, U.S., October 27, 2024. Where is Melania from? Melania, 54, then Melanija Knavs, was born in Slovenia, which was then part of Yugoslavia. She began modelling at the age of 16 and moved to New York when she was 26. When did Donald and Melania get married? Trump and Melania tied the knot in January 2005. The couple will be celebrating 20 years of marriage on Jan. 22, 2025, just two days after Trump is sworn into office. Melania is Trump's third wife. He was previously married to Ivana Trump, with whom he has three children, and Marla Maples, with whom he has one daughter. On Jan. 22, 2005, billionaire Donald Trump married Slovenian model Melania Knauss in Palm Beach, Florida. Shown are Mr. and Mrs. Donald Trump. How many children does Melania have? Melania and Trump have one son, Barron Trump. Barron, 18, is a freshman at New York University's Stern School of Business, with a mass following of his own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'A more youthful Trump:' Barron Trump and why people are obsessed with him Donald Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania Trump, and son Barron Trump, enters his Election Night Watch Party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on November 5, 2024. Will Melania move to the White House? While Melania moved to the White House almost five months after Trump assumed office during his first term, this time she's planning to arrive on Day 1. In a recent television interview, the once and future first lady said she will move into the White House when her husbands term begins on Jan. 20, despite speculation that she would spend a majority of the next four years either in New York City or Palm Beach, Florida, where the familys Mar-a-Lago estate is located. I will be in the White House, she said during the appearance on "Fox & Friends." And, you know, 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. But my first priority is, you know, to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife. And once we are in on Jan. 20, you serve the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Standing on my own two feet': Melania Trump on her return to the White House US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the 2020 "Salute to America" event in honor of Independence Day on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, July 4, 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Melania': A memoir In October last year, Melania dropped a memoir which "offers an unprecedented look into her time as a First Lady," according to its description. The book, packed with photos of the onetime fashion model, is a plainspoken dash through Melanias life, wrote USA TODAY's Dan Morrison, from her Cold War childhood in Yugoslavia where her father was a prosperous businessman who drove a Citroen Maserati SM to her arrival in New York at age 26, to her life with Trump and in the White House. Melania also used the book to affirm her stance as pro-choice. Framing the abortion issue as one of personal freedom, Melania, in her memoir, writes, A womans fundamental right to individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy. Melania: Seven takeaways from future-first lady's memoir Melania will be the subject of a new documentary Melania will be the subject of a new documentary that has been licensed by Amazon Prime Video for streaming and a movie theater release later this year. Melania Trump is listed as an executive producer of the project, which means she is likely to get a cut of the $40 million Amazon paid in licensing fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documentary, which began filming last month, will provide an "unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look at First Lady Melania Trump," an Amazon spokesperson earlier said. 'Unprecedented:' New documentary to provide behind-the-scenes look at Melania Trump Contributing: Michael Collins, Dan Morrison, USA TODAY and Kristina Webb, USA TODAY NETWORK Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Melania Trump? What to know about president's wife, first lady Eight members of the Merced City Fire Department have been deployed to assist in the firefighting effort of wildfires raging in southern California. On Jan. 8, the department sent two fire engines, a California Office of Emergency Services engine, a City of Merced fire engine type 3 engine and a Battalion Chief serving as a strike team leader, said Merced Interim Fire Chief Casey Wilson. An additional person was deployed out of a Central Valley area regional team as part of a rescue task force to assist with the fighting of the wildfires on Jan. 11, and to assist with the searching of burned buildings. Initially the Merced City type 3 engine was assigned to the Hurst Fire, Wilson said. Once they got that under control they were actually re-assigned to the Palisades Fire. Our OES type 6 engine that was deployed initially on the eighth, was assigned to the Eaton Fire and they are still assigned to that incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rescue Task Force member has also been assigned to the Palisades Fire. The local firefighters are assisting as part of the California Fire Assistance Agreement, Wilson said. The agreement, through the California Office of Emergency Services, means the city will staff those engines and deploy whenever possible to assist. The Merced City Fire Department has deployed eight firefighters and several fire apparatus to assist in fighting the wildfires burning throughout Los Angeles County in southern California, according to Merced fire officials. Image courtesy of Merced City Fire Department. Thats really how most agencies throughout the State of California are able to support these incidents, Wilson said. The city will be reiumbursed for the cost of sending equipment and staff to the fire and for filling positions while the firefighters are away. They could be actively fighting fire, they could be in a contingency area in case the fire expands to this area, said Wilson. They could be shuttling water, they could be mopping up hotspots around structures, they could be doing structure defense, quite a few different things they could be doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the response when dealing with high winds as is the case with the current incidents, is less about actively trying to extinguish the fire, said Wilson, and more about the safety of lives, protecting critical infrastructure and saving property. Wilson said firefighters receive some training specific to wildland fires as they go through the academy. Additionally, city firefighters receive some annual training related to wildland firefighting as there are certain requirements that firefighters must meet in order to be eligible to deploy to wildfire incidents. Usually around May or so, before the typical start of fire season fire season is now kind of year-round we will go through and test all of our skills deploying fire shelters, hand line construction, hose lays and different things like that to ensure all of our skills are up to date, Wilson said. City firefighters also work to complete training burns, sometimes partnering with neighboring agencies in the process of the training and practicing skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is highly beneficial for us, the city firefighters, to go out and deploy on these incidents because it allows us to learn skills that we wouldnt typically otherwise experience in the City of Merced, said Wilson. When it comes to wildland fires, there is generally a Cal Fire or a federal incident management team that runs the incident and further broken down into various branches and then divisions with tactical assignments within those divisions. Wilson said the fire department has remained in contact with the firefighters sentto the Southern California incidents as well as checking in with their family members during their deployment. Weve been checking on them, theyre all doing well, he said. Weve been checking on their families to make sure that all their families are doing well and our guys are really good about taking care of each other so when another member deploys theyll check with the family to see if they need anything at home or if all is going well or if something comes up well jump in and help them out. The Merced City Fire Department has deployed eight firefighters and several fire apparatus to assist in fighting the wildfires burning throughout Los Angeles County in southern California, according to Merced fire officials. Image courtesy of Merced City Fire Department. The Merced City firefightersare expected to return home about Jan. 23 or 24, Wilson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires began burning in Los Angeles County on Jan. 7. The latest Cal Fire reports indicate the Palisades Fire has burned an estimated 23,713 acres and is 19% contained while the the Eaton Fire has burned an estimated 14,117 acres and is reported to be 45% contained, as of Wednesday afternoon. The Hurst Fire which was also reported on Jan. 7, 2025 in Los Angeles County has burned an estimated 799 acres and is 97% contained, according to Cal Fire. Fire officials said the cause of the three fires remains under investigation. The California Highway Patrol has sent a Special Response Teams (SRT) to assist local law enforcement and protect communities impacted by the wildfires burning in Southern California. The SRT officers are trained in natural disaster response and will work with the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Sheriffs Office, California National Guard and other agencies in southern California to ensure public safety in the areas impacted by the fires. One sergeant from the Merced area CHP office who is part of a Cal Fire response team, also has been deployed to southern California to help local and state agencies. NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) At around 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, New London Police Department Vice and Narcotics Investigators said they arrested 22-year-old Jovanny Spangler, from Meriden. Spangler was arrested in the area of 27 Water St. on an active felony warrant for Escape in the first degree, according to police. Connecticut lawmaker pushes for statewide ban on sale of small bottles of liquor Officers say Spangler was in possession of a silver .22 caliber revolver at the time of arrest. (New London Police Department) New London Police said Amtrak Police assisted by helping ensure commuters were safe and by delaying the arriving train during the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A $100,000 cash-surety bond was assigned to Spangler for the onsite arrest, according to police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has emphasized the critical role of the United States and NATO in ensuring Ukraine's independence amid Russia's invasion. Speaking at the North Rhine-Westphalia CDU's New Year's reception in Dusseldorf, Merkel said that the transatlantic partnership is more essential now than ever, underscoring its importance as Donald Trump prepared to take office as U.S. president. "The attack by Russian President Vladimir Putin has shattered the principle of territorial integrity that underpinned Europes post-war order," Merkel said, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. She argued that only through a united NATO effort, with strong U.S. leadership, can Putin's ambitions be thwarted and Ukraine's sovereignty preserved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merkel described Trump as a "unique president" who focuses on defending U.S. interests but views international cooperation as a zero-sum game. Unlike multilateral approaches that seek mutual benefit, Trump operates on the belief that every negotiation produces a winner and a loser, she said. While acknowledging that Trumps outlook cannot be changed, Merkel urged Europe to consolidate its own interests and remain a steadfast partner to the U.S. "Europe is our life insurance," she said, highlighting the continents strategic value in global alliances. Merkel also took aim at the challenges facing Germanys current government and expressed her support for Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, to take the chancellorship after the upcoming federal election on Feb. 23. Germany has become Ukraines second-largest military donor after the U.S., though Chancellor Olaf Scholz has faced criticism for his cautious stance on key issues, including his refusal to supply Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. Read also: German FM slams her government over hesitancy on Ukraine aid Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Claudia Sheinbaum is pulling out all the stops to support the roughly 5 million undocumented Mexicans living in the US. Her administration has launched a panic app for those detained, lined up more than 2,600 lawyers and nearly 2,200 consulate workers, and her foreign minister has met with officials in every border state. Most Read from Bloomberg The rush of moves are meant to secure aid for migrants who are facing US President-elect Donald Trumps promise to carry out the largest deportation operation in the nations history. The Mexican presidents efforts have taken off in the days and weeks since Trump threatened to impose economically debilitating tariffs on his southern neighbor the flow of migrants being a bargaining chip, in addition to illegal drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will always defend Mexicans who are in the US, Sheinbaum said Friday during a press conference. In any dialogue that begins with the arrival of President Trump, one of the priorities will be the defense of our nationals in the US and the numbers that show how Mexicans are important for the US economy. Its a strong statement of support for migrants, and four months into Sheinbaums administration thats a message shes making clear to her constituents. Not to mention, the central bank counted $65 billion in remittances in the 12 months ending in November 2024, meaning that the money migrants send home is one of the countrys most important sources of income. At the same time, Sheinbaum is following her predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors lead in cooperating with the US to maintain smooth relations. Regular deportation flights from the US to Mexico have continued and shes preparing to receive more under Trump. That cooperation is one of her key pathways to avoiding tariffs that would cut Mexicos gross domestic product by around 1%, according to Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at Grupo Financiero Base. Tariffs of 25% would be equivalent to exiting the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. It would also imply a 7% drop in Mexicos exports, Siller said. Mexico has no choice but to cooperate with Trumps request to decrease migration of undocumented people and drug trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico Foreign Affairs Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente has become the face of the effort, making several trips to the US since early December to meet with local and state politicians and immigration officials in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. His ministry filled vacancies at the countrys 53 consulates in the US, with 2,187 workers and a team of 2,610 lawyers and 469 law firms ready to provide legal advice to migrants should deportations begin. De la Fuente has even visited detention centers. We are prepared to defend our migrants, regardless of their immigration status and regardless of where they are located, de la Fuente said Monday from the Mexican border state of Sonora. His ministry also added in a statement that its priority in case of deportations is to respect the integrity and human rights of Mexicans. Deportee Support There are 11 million undocumented people living in the US, and deporting all of them would be a logistical and economic nightmare. Thats part of why Yael Schacher, director for the Americas and Europe at Refugees International, doesnt think Trump will actually deport all the undocumented Mexican migrants living in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think theres going to be some very targeted efforts, she said. If they really start going after that many people, there would be pushback in the US for the economic impact of losing all those workers. Regardless of what happens, Sheinbaums administration says its prepared to assist Mexican migrants from either side of the border. In addition to fully staffing consulates and lining up legal help, the Foreign Ministry said its simplifying the process for Mexicans in the US to request key documents such as birth certificates they may need to regularize their legal status. The Foreign Ministry and the new Agency of Digital Transformation and Telecommunications also created a panic app called Boton de Contacto, or Contact Button, to provide assistance to Mexicans facing imminent detention in the US. The app will operate 24/7 and will put users in contact with their nearest consulate or ministry staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government is also preparing to aid its citizens in cases of abuses during deportations, as well as provide them with health and education services, and if necessary, job opportunities, once theyre back in Mexico. Its readied roughly two dozen shelters in border cities. Sheinbaums administration will also give Mexican deportees a card with 2,000 pesos (around $98) to cover their expenses when they move to their places of origin in the country, Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez said during a Monday press conference. She added that Mexico is working with the countrys business coordinating council, known as CCE, to offer them job opportunities. Those who decide to return, or are forced to return, will be welcomed with open arms and will be immediately incorporated into our labor force, de la Fuente said last week. Unknown Magnitude Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico has already been accepting its deported nationals from the US. In 2024, it received 190,491 of them, according to data from the Interior Ministrys migration policy unit. Thats a decrease of 11% compared with the 214,838 deportees it received the previous year. Should Trump follow through with massive deportations, Sheinbaum has said she is ready to receive Mexican nationals but that the nation will not serve as a safe third country for migrants of other nationalities. Thats something that would be particularly challenging with countries such as Cuba and Venezuela, with which the US does not have diplomatic relations. Schacher is worried about the potential long-term detention of that subset of migrants. I wouldnt be surprised if the Trump administration uses some military bases in the US and possibly even in places like Guantanamo to keep people there for a long time. Maybe the US will pressure Central American countries like Guatemala or El Salvador to take Venezuelans and Cubans, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico will ask the Trump administration to maintain the CBP One app which the Biden administration rolled out in 2023 so that migrants can schedule appointments to seek entry to the US from southern Mexico or Central America, Sheinbaum said Monday during a press conference. Despite all the planning and informal interactions with Trumps team, de la Fuente has said Mexico has been given few details about the magnitude of the deportations. We dont know whats going to happen and its worrying, because I have my family here, said Kevin, 29, an undocumented migrant who has worked as a landscaper in San Antonio, Texas, for two years. If they deport me, he said, Im coming back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Maya Averbuch. (Updates with comments from interior minister and Sheinbaum from 15th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Israel has freed 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The release came early Monday, more than seven hours after three Israeli hostages released from Hamas captivity in Gaza returned to Israel. A large bus carrying dozens of Palestinian detainees exited the gates of Israels Ofer prison, just outside the West Bank city of Ramallah. Israels military, which occupies the West Bank, warned Palestinians against public celebration, but crowds thronged the buses after they left the prison, some people climbing on top or waving flags, including those of Hamas. There were fireworks and whistles, and shouts of God is great. Those released were hoisted onto others shoulders or embraced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a list provided by the Palestinian Authoritys Commission for Prisoners Affairs, all of those released are women or teens, the youngest 15. Israel detained them for what it said were offenses related to Israels security, from throwing stones to more serious accusations like attempted murder. The Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel killed some 1,200 people and left some 250 others captive. Nearly 100 hostages remain in Gaza. Israel responded with an 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. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the latest: Freed Palestinian medical student says her joy is limited BEITUNIA, West Bank Baraa Al-Fuqha, 22, hugged her family as she stepped off the white Red Cross bus and into the sea of cheering Palestinians welcoming the 90 Palestinians freed by Israel early Monday. A medical student at Al-Quds University in East Jerusalem before her arrest, she had spent around six months in Damon Prison. She said she was held under administrative detention a policy of indefinite imprisonment without formal charge or trial that Israel almost exclusively uses against Palestinians. Israel says that the cases of Palestinians released as part of the exchange with Hamas for Israeli hostages all relate to state security charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Fuqha said her conditions in Israeli prison were terrible, her access to food and water limited. It was like, when we tried to hold our heads high, the guards would do their best to hold us down, she said. But now, reunited with her family, al-Fuqha displayed a sense of relief and defiance. Thank God, I am here with my family, Im satisfied, she said. But my joy is limited, because so many among us Palestinians are being tortured and abused. Our people in Gaza are suffering. God willing, we will work to free them, too. That reflected a wider feeling in the crowd, with many saying this release offered a small, if fleeting, moment of joy, tempered by the 15 months of death and destruction in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UN says more than 630 trucks with humanitarian aid have entered the Gaza Strip JERUSALEM United Nations humanitarian officials say that more than 630 trucks of humanitarian aid have entered the besieged Gaza Strip, in implementation of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. In a post on social media platform X, Tom Fletcher, the United Nations under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs said that over 630 trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, with at least 300 of them bringing humanitarian assistance into the north. There is no time to lose, Fletcher wrote. After 15 months of relentless war, the humanitarian needs are staggering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gaza ceasefire deal, which began Sunday with an initial phase lasting six weeks, calls for the entry into Gaza of 600 trucks carrying humanitarian relief daily. Over the course of the deals first stage, 33 Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza will also be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Aid workers have been scrambling to address Gazas dire humanitarian needs after 15 months of devastating war and tough Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries and the movement of convoys within Gaza. Lawlessness and looting by armed gangs has also been a major obstacle to aid distribution. Before this latest Israel-Hamas war began, Gaza was under a crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade that allowed the entry of some 500 trucks a day carrying commercial supplies and humanitarian aid. Hamas says delay in release of Palestinian prisoners the result of a conflict over list of names Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JERUSALEM Hamas office of prisoner affairs has issued a statement saying the delay in Israels release of Palestinian prisoners was the result of a last-minute conflict over the names on the list. Seven hours after three Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Sunday, Palestinian crowds gathered outside Israels Ofer prison near the West Bank city of Ramallah were still waiting for the release of 90 Palestinians. The Hamas statement said: During the process of checking the names of the prisoners being released from Ofer prison, there was found to be one female prisoner missing. Hamas said that its officials were in communication with mediators and the Red Cross in hopes of pressuring Israel to adhere to the agreed-upon list of prisoners. It said that the issue was being resolved and it expected the buses of the released prisoners to soon depart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the delay. Israeli military fires projectiles and moves journalists awaiting release of Palestinian prisoners The Israeli military has been firing projectiles and moving journalists waiting to cover the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire that began Sunday. Thats according to AP video, which showed smoke trailing from objects landing nearby. The release of the 90 prisoners will take place in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Nearly seven hours have passed since the first three hostages were released from Gaza shortly after the ceasefire began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is now approaching 1 a.m. local time. Israels military has warned Palestinians against public celebration. Trump's national security adviser says US will back Israel if Hamas runs afoul of ceasefire deal WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trumps incoming national security adviser says the U.S. has assured Israel that if Hamas runs afoul of a Gaza ceasefire deal, we will be with them. Michael Waltz said on CNNs State of the Union that trust and confidence is why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu felt comfortable pushing this through his government. He says the Trump administration will support Israel as it is going to do what it has to do to ensure Hamas never rules the Palestinian territory again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First photos show hostages reuniting with their mothers JERUSALEM The Israeli military released the first photos of the hostages reuniting with their mothers at a reception center in southern Israel, before they were flown by helicopter to the hospital. In the photos, the women embrace their mothers. Merav Leshem Gonen cradled her daughter Romi, beaming. Emily Damari embraced her mother, and in a video call with her brother, showed off a hand where she lost two fingers on Oct. 7. Doron Steinbrecher and her mother Simona embraced in a fierce hug. The hostages and their mothers have arrived at a hospital in central Israel, where they will reunite with the rest of their family and receive medical treatment. They are expected to stay in the hospital for a number of days. All of the hostages were able to walk under their own power, despite concerns about their conditions. Outside of the hospital, hundreds of people danced and cheered to welcome the hostages back to Israel. Israel's ambassador to US credits Trump and degrading of Hamas for ceasefire deal WASHINGTON Israels ambassador to the United States credited President-elect Donald Trumps administration, along with his countrys degrading of Hamas, for the ceasefire deal that took effect Sunday. Ambassador Michael Herzog said Hamas realized they were on their own in their fight and Trump came into the picture and said he wants a deal, pushing them toward it. On Fox News Sunday, he noted the unprecedented cooperation between President Joe Bidens team and Trumps envoys. Going forward, he says he sees a role for the U.S. and other regional actors to apply and create alternatives to Hamas and stabilize the situation. Starmer says release of a British-Israeli woman is a wonderful news LONDON British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the release of a British-Israeli woman along with two other hostages Sunday as wonderful and long-overdue news." He also cautioned that the world must not forget about those still in captivity by Hamas militants. Emily Damari, 28, who has dual British and Israeli nationality, was one of the three female hostages freed Sunday. Her mother, Mandy, released a statement of thanks for supporters who never stopped saying her name. After 471 days Emily is finally home, her mother said. Starmer said despite the news, Sunday also represents another day of suffering for those who havent made it home yet. While this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas, he said. We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Father of an Israeli-American hostage grateful to Trump for work on ceasefire The father of an Israel-American held by Hamas says hes grateful for the incoming Trump administration for its work on getting the ceasefire deal over the finish line. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, says the outgoing Biden administration did extraordinary work on the framework of the deal. However, it took a tweet, the subsequent statements from President-elect Trump to get this home, the father said Sunday on ABCs This Week. And what we ask of President Trump and his team is to keep their finger on this. President Joe Bidens top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, said Sunday that Sagui Dekel-Chen is one of the two Israeli-American hostages would will be released in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement over the coming weeks. Biden's Mideast adviser expects 800 trucks of aid into Gaza on Sunday WASHINGTON President Joe Bidens top Middle East adviser says we have a full ceasefire in effect and expects 800 trucks of humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza on Sunday. Brett McGurk helped hammer out a deal in Doha, Qatar, along with President-elect Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and other mediators from Qatar and Egypt. He noted on CBS Face the Nation that two Israeli-American hostages will come out in the first phase of the deal over the coming weeks. Weve been working seamlessly with the incoming team. I think this is a testament to President Biden and to President Trump allowing us to work together, he said. Relatives of hostages overcome with joy TEL AVIV, Israel They jumped and clapped, and cried out and wept. Israels military has released footage of relatives watching the three released hostages meeting military representatives after being released. The military said the three women had reached the initial reception point in Israel to be reunited with their mothers. They would have an initial medical assessment and go to a hospital. This is an exciting day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, and told the freed women that an entire nation embraces you. AP drone footage shows a devastated landscape in southern Gaza Drone footage by The Associated Press in the opening hours of the ceasefire in Gaza shows a gray and devastated landscape in the southern city of Khan Younis. The footage of what had been densely populated neighborhoods shows roofs caved in, shattered buildings and massive support beams holding up nothing at all. The images also show Palestinians moving on foot on some of the citys streets as people begin to assess the damage without the threat of Israeli fire. The United Nations has said much of Gazas infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Biden says the guns in Gaza have gone silent WASHINGTON U.S. President Joe Biden says the guns in Gaza have gone silent under a ceasefire deal he outlined in May. Biden spoke during a visit to a church in North Charleston, South Carolina. Speaking of the hostages that were being released under the ceasefire, Biden said he had just received a call saying the three were being released. Although he stressed that it was early and it wasnt immediately clear whether they were out of Gaza, Biden said: They appear to be in good health. Biden said it now falls on the Trump administration to help implement the deal. I was pleased to have our team speak as one voice in the final days. It was both necessary and effective and unprecedented, Biden said. Success is going to require persistence and continuing support for our friends in the region, and the belief in diplomacy backed by deterrence, the president said. Palestinians in the West Bank gather for the expected release of 90 prisoners from Israel RAMALLAH, West Bank Families and friends of some of the Palestinians prisoners set to be released from Israel in exchange for hostages in Gaza gathered in Ramallah as cars honked and people waved the Palestinian flag. About 90 Palestinian prisoners from the West Bank and Jerusalem will be released Sunday after Hamas freed the three Israeli hostages. The Palestinians include 69 women. Fadia Barghouti was arrested from Ramallah in April and spent three months in prison without being given a reason, she said. Tonight she hopes to see friends she had been detained with. Im happy, because of the ceasefire people can live peacefully, she said. She said the war in Gaza is evidence that no one in the Middle East can live peacefully until Palestinians have their rights. 3 released hostages are with Israeli forces in Gaza TEL AVIV, Israel Three Israeli hostages released from Gaza have been handed over to Israeli forces there in the first test of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The three hostages are Romi Gonen, 24, kidnapped from the Nova music festival, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners. A gradual release of 33 captives over the next six weeks has been agreed on. In exchange, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and Palestinians from Gaza who have been detained. Palestinian prisoners set for release include 69 women and youngest is 15 BEIRUT The 90 Palestinian prisoners set to be released Sunday in exchange for three hostages held by Hamas include 69 women, according to a list provided to The Associated Press. The youngest is Mahmoud Aliowat, 15. The prisoners to be released include Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a leftist faction with an armed group that has carried out attacks on Israelis. New York-based Human Rights Watch said her repeated arrests are part of Israels wider crackdown on non-violent political opposition. Dalal Khaseeb, 53, the sister of former Hamas second-in-command Saleh Arouri, is also on the list, which was provided by Hamas. Arouri was killed in an Israeli strike in a southern Beirut suburb in January 2024. Also listed for release is Abla Abdelrasoul, 68, the wife of detained PFLP leader Ahmad Saadat who killed an Israeli Cabinet minister in 2001 and has been serving a 30-year sentence. Head of Rafah municipality says the city is a disaster zone CAIRO The head of the Rafah municipality in Gaza has told journalists that it has become a disaster city, with massive destruction there. Ahmed al-Sufi said Israels military has destroyed a large part of the infrastructure including water, electricity and road networks, in addition to thousands of homes and public facilities. Rafah faces a humanitarian tragedy, he said, as Palestinians across the territory are beginning to discover the scope of the destruction in the first hours of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Macron says France will work on full implementation of the ceasefire PARIS President Emmanuel Macron says France intends to work with other nations to ensure the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire. A statement Sunday from his office said Macron is delighted that the Israeli Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement and that he warmly thanked the Egyptian, Qatari and American mediators who contributed to it. His office said Macron spoke Saturday by phone with the families of two French-Israeli hostages still in captivity, Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi. The statement said their families have been living for 15 months in an anguish that the entire French nation shares. ... Ohad and Ofer are now both on the first list of hostages to be released. Macron has said that the two are on the list of 33 hostages to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire deal. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed concerns about the hostages health. I dont know in what condition they will return. We dont know how many are alive or dead and, among the living, in what psychological state well find them in. But the hostages will be progressively released. Its a good thing, he told French broadcaster BFMTV. Trump's national security adviser praises Gaza ceasefire WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trumps choice for national security adviser says the Gaza ceasefire deal should be celebrated. We will see three women coming out alive, Michael Waltz, Trumps pick to be his national security, told CBS of the first hostages set to be released. Had we not entered this, these people would have died. Waltz said the hostages held by Hamas have been captive longer than U.S. hostages held during the Iranian crisis in 1979, but now were going to have a Reagan moment. That recalled those hostage being freed after 444 days when Ronald Reagan took office in 1981. Were going to have President Trump being sworn-in as hostages are coming out alive, Waltz said. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he wont commit to providing aid without conditions to the flame-engulfed region of Los Angeles County. Johnson and other Republicans have been considering leveraging Californias need for aid and relief to advance political agendas as the fires rage on. On Sundays episode of Meet the Press, host Kristen Welker asked Johnson if he could commit to not binding California disaster relief to conditions, such as increasing the debt limit. No, I wont commit that because we have a serious problem in California, Johnson said. Listen, there are natural disasters. Im from Louisiana, were prone to that. We understand how these things work. But then theres also human error, and when the state and local officials make foolish policy decisions that make the disaster exponentially worse, we need to factor that in, and I think thats a common sense notion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has called for expedited aid with no strings attached multiple times. Congress should do the right thing provide expedited disaster aid to Californians in need. No conditions. No strings attached. pic.twitter.com/Pgh7IwsP1c Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 17, 2025 Newsom and Johnson engaged in a public back-and-forth online earlier this week after Newsom appeared on a podcast again calling for unconditional relief. Instead of making highly produced clap back videos with social media influencers, you should get to work helping Californians, Johnson said. Youre the leader of a state in crisis, and you should finally start acting like it. Newsom responded, Mr. Speaker, when Louisianans need help after hurricanes, its Californians many of whom have been impacted by these fires who foot the bill to help your constituents. And they do it without playing partisan games. Millions of your supporters are out here, and they need your help, empathy, care and whatever compassion you are willing to express. Do the right thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Southern California fires have killed at least 27 people and destroyed at least 13,600 structures, according to NBC News on Friday. Newsom said in a previous Meet The Press episode that the disaster, which is still ongoing, could be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. Related... Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party national president J P Nadda inaugurated the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Sunday, and highlighted the 'self-reliant' model adopted by the institute in research and various fields. Minister Nadda also virtually inaugurated various projects by CIPET, spanning from Ahmedabad to Madurai. "These projects include the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Calibration Laboratory in Ahmedabad, the Centre for Skilling and Technical Support along with the Plastic Waste Management Centre in Bhagalpur, and the well-equipped Boys Hostel building in Madurai," read the X post by the minister's account. He highlighted how the projects will boost the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' as thought out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by driving "cutting-edge research, sustainable development, and skill-building across crucial sectors." https://x.com/JPNadda/status/1880967928889086126 Speaking during the event, Minister Nadda said, "It has always been the goal of Prime Minister Modi to come up with technical hubs of innovation and innovation as well as speed, scale and skill in a balanced manner. So, when skill comes, the speed comes and when it comes to speed, the scale also increases automatically. So they are inter-related and I am confident that the way CIPET has undertaken its journey is a new one." He further praised the efforts of the faculty in recognising any challenges and finding solutions to those challenges, affirming the government's commitment to provide facilities to them for solving any problems. "I want to tell the faculty with strength that you will make a big contribution and you will lead it. This is mine too. There is no unequivocal opinion about that either. There will be new challenges and new solutions. We will provide you with the facility to facilitate. So that you can identify those challenges first and address those and then solution to those challenges," Minister Nadda said. The basic object of CIPET is to train people in various disciplines of plastics such as mould making, mould design, testing and characterization of plastics, plastic processing etc., for the plastic industry. Earlier today, Minister Nadda also addressed the healthcare summit at Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), on the theme of "Advancing Healthcare for India at 2047". 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." (ANI) Ministers must enforce a ban on foreign state ownership of newspapers to force the sale of The Telegraph by an Abu Dhabi fund, the former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has said. He accused the Government of foot-dragging over the process out of concern for relations with the United Arab Emirates, which has been overseeing what has been dubbed the auction from hell. RedBird IMI, a fund bankrolled by Abu Dhabi royalty, was blocked from taking control of The Telegraph by legislation introduced last year, triggering a diplomatic row. It promised to sell the company on, but has failed to find a buyer willing or able to meet its price expectations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a written parliamentary question, Sir Iain demanded an explanation of when the Government intends to commence the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which prevents the ownership, influence or control of newspapers and news magazines by foreign states. The law was passed by the Sunak government and sank RedBird IMIs hopes of completing its takeover. However, it still requires secondary legislation that will set out limited exceptions for publicly traded companies and this has been heavily delayed since a consultation ended just after the general election. Sir Iain said: The UAE bought The Telegraph and shouldnt be allowed to own it. The Government is completely foot-dragging the reality is, they dont want to upset the UAE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, must respond to Sir Iain on Monday about when the act will take force. It comes after Sir Keir Starmer travelled to Abu Dhabi in December to seek investment in major UK projects such as the Sizewell C nuclear reactor. Rachel Reeves is expected to lobby for UAE cash again at the World Economic Forum this week in Switzerland. Downing Street has refused to say whether Sir Keir Starmer discussed the sale of The Telegraph on his recent trip to the UAE - Kirsty Wigglesworth/Pool AP The ban on foreign state ownership gives Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, powers to trigger an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority. If it finds that RedBird IMIs bid is state funded a point on which there has been no dispute Ms Nandy would be able to order The Telegraphs independent directors to sell the company at a market price to any acceptable buyer. Sir Iains intervention in Parliament follows public demands for action across the political spectrum, including from the Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and James Frith, a Labour member of the Culture Select Committee, which holds Ms Nandy to account. RedBird IMI and its investment banking advisers, who include the former chancellor George Osborne, have been focused on recouping the entirety of the more than 500m they spent attempting to acquire The Telegraph. Part of a complex debt transaction with the Barclay family, the cash was used to repay overdue loans from Lloyds Banking Group secured against the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dovid Efune, a New York-based publishing entrepreneur, in October emerged from an auction as the only bidder willing to meet the price. In the months since, he has sought financing from a succession of potential backers who have balked at the price or high-profile nature of the process. The latest of these, the Wall Street billionaire Leon Black, pulled out last week. Leon Black had been lined up to bankroll a takeover of The Telegraph, but has decided not to invest - Lucy Nicholson/Reuters It is now 20 months since the ownership of The Telegraph was first thrown into doubt by the Barclay familys financial troubles. David Castelblanco, a partner at the private equity firm RedBird, which is in partnership with Abu Dhabi, last week risked accusations of interference by urging Telegraph directors to cut 100 non-editorial jobs and telling executives to forget the sale. A spokesman for RedBird IMI said: There was a broad discussion, but RedBird IMI has no role in running The Telegraph, which is wholly and solely the responsibility of the independent directors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our focus remains on securing a sale that provides certainty for the newspaper and its staff. The Department for Culture, which closed a consultation on the secondary legislation in July, said: We have not made any final decisions yet on the level of exception for State Owned Investors from the new foreign state newspapers regime. We are still considering the consultation responses and will make an announcement in due course. 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 morning of March 31, 2023, for Megan Kingsbury began with a funny text exchange with her younger sister, 26-year-old Madeline "Maddi" Kingsbury, who lived in Winona, Minnesota. But that would be the last communication, Megan Kingsbury says, she would ever have with her sister. Later that evening, Megan Kingsbury says her mother, Krista Naber, reached out to see if she had spoken to her sister recently because Naber had not heard from Maddi Kingbsury in hours. Megan Kingsbury says she wasn't worried at first, but then Maddi Kingsbury did not respond to her new messages or phone calls either. "regardless of how busy she was or what she had going on, she always got back to us," Megan Kingsbury told "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant. Her interview is featured in an encore of "The Disappearance of Maddi Kingsbury," now streaming on Paramount+. Maddi Kingsbury Megan Kingsbury and her family quickly became concerned about Maddi Kingsbury, a mother of two who worked as a clinical research coordinator for the Mayo Clinic. Since most of the immediate family lived hours away from Maddi Kingsbury, they reached out to her friends who lived closer. Megan Kingsbury says she contacted Adam Fravel, who lived with Maddi Kingsbury and was the father to her kids. She says Fravel told her he was also concerned because he had not heard from her either. Fravel told Megan Kingsbury he was at his parents' home with the kids nearly an hour away. Megan Kingsbury asked Maddi Kingsbury's close friend, Katie Kolka, who also lived in Winona, if she could check on her sister. Kolka told Megan Kingsbury when she got to Maddi Kingsbury's home, it was dark and no one was there. But, she says, Maddi Kingsbury's vehicle was parked in the driveway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next morning, on April 1, Megan Kingsbury and the family filed a missing persons report with the local police department. As the investigation took off, Megan Kingsbury had an idea for how she could help find her sister. "So I took to social media, TikTok mainly I had seen tons of videos of people calling for help for, for something in some way and you can get a lot of traction with that," she told Van Sant. One of Megan Kingsbury's first posts showing her freshly out of the shower, wrapped in a towel and appearing panicked asked her followers a simple request, "TikTok, I need you to do your thing. This is my sister Madeline Kingsbury. She's missinghelp us find her." That post would eventually get over a half million views on the app. "And I got flooded with messages from people every day," she said. For 68 days, Megan Kingsbury documented her sister's disappearance on TikTok. / Credit: CBS News Megan Kingsbury says responses came far and wide, including from other countries. She told Van Sant that when she asked her followers to call the tipline if they had any information about her sister to share, so many people called that " they had to bring in extra help just to go through all the tips that came in." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the searches, nearly 2,000 people volunteered to help look for Maddi Kingsbury, allowing authorities time to search new locations. While Megan Kingsbury was spreading the word about Maddi Kingsbury's disappearance, investigators were reading text messages, reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing family and friends and monitoring tips. One tip, according to a search warrant, came in 10 days after Maddi Kingsbury vanished. A neighbor of Fravel's parents told investigators their trail camera captured Fravel riding the family's utility terrain vehicle with a shovel on its bed on the neighbor's property. When investigators seized the vehicle, cadaver dogs alerted to a scent on the shovel. Cadaver dogs, according to the search warrant, are trained to ignore live human and animal scents, and only indicate human remains. Fravel's family told "48 Hours" that there is an innocent explanation for the dogs. They say Fravel's dad used that shovel to move a dead raccoon the previous weekend. Maddi Kingsbury and Adam Fravel / Credit: Fravel family During the search, Fravel released a statement through his attorney that read in part, "I have cooperated with law enforcement at every turn I did not have anything to do with Maddi's disappearance. I want the mother of my 5-year-old and 2-year-old to be found and brought home safely." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 7, 68 days after Maddi Kingsbury was last seen and heard from, a deputy found human remains in a culvert along a dirt road less than five miles from Fravel's parents' home and nearly an hour from Maddi Kingsbury's home in Winona. Maddi Kingsbury's family was notified by the medical examiner that they were certain the remains were of her. "I was on the floor and like screamed, cryingwhat do you say when somebody tells you something like that? There's nothing that you can say," Megan Kingsbury told "48 Hours." The next day, authorities notified the public that the remains were a match. But there was another development. Fravel was arrested and charged with Maddi Kingsbury's murder. According to the autopsy report, the official cause of death was homicidal violence. In a few emotional posts on TikTok, Megan Kingsbury shared the devastating news with her followers. "the whole situation is just so sick," she said in one of the posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe Adam 150% that he is innocent, that he didn't do this," his sister, Theresa Sis Mejia, told "48 Hours." Fravel continues to deny any involvement with Maddi's death. On Nov. 7, 2024, Adam Fravel was found guilty of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Despite the tragedy, Megan Kingsbury says she is using her TikTok platform to share her process of grieving in hopes it will help others. "I think it's important to share your grief journey ... I've gotten a lot of messages from people who've gone through something similar, and it's helped them kind of face their own grief and, I guess, feel freer to share it with other people," she said. The clock is ticking for TikTok and its 170 million American users Israel-Hamas ceasefire just hours away from taking effect What is Trump planning to change on Day 1 of his second term? ST. LOUIS Monday is Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday to remember his fight for racial and social justice. On Saturday, the Missouri History Museum hosted residents to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Events included speeches from local activists, workshops for children and teens, and community partner projects. Lots of opportunities to not only think about Martin Luther Kings legacy of how we can support others, serve others, how working to make the world a better place for one group can actually make the world a better place for everybody. [Its] really thinking about what that looks like in our own lives, and encouraging kids and families to think about that too, said spokesperson Emily Koeltcow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Missouri History Museum is also hosting events on Monday, including a chance for visitors to design clothes and create paper tiles for a community mosaic. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Volunteers paint columns in a hallway during the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Washington, D.C., in 2019. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty) Since 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed Martin Luther King Jr. Day into law, many Americans have observed the federal holiday to commemorate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, Baptist minister and theologian. MLK Day volunteers typically perform community service that continues Kings fight to end racial discrimination and economic injustice to build the beloved community, as he often said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King does not fully explain the phrases meaning in his published writings, speeches and sermons. Scholars Rufus Burrow Jr. and Lewis V. Baldwin, however, argue that the beloved community is Kings principal ethical goal, guiding the struggle against what he called the three evils of American society: racism, economic exploitation and militarism. As a Baptist minister and theologian myself, I believe it is important to understand the origins of the concept of the beloved community, how King understood it and how he worked to make it a reality. Older origins Although King popularized the beloved community, the phrase has roots in the thought of 19th-century American religious philosopher Josiah Royce. In 1913, toward the end of his long career, Royce published The Problem of Christianity. The book compiles lectures on the Christian religion, including the idea of the church and its mission, and coined the term beloved community. Based on his readings of the biblical gospels, as well as the writings of the apostle Paul, Royce argued that the beloved community was one where individuals are transformed by Gods love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In turn, members express that love as loyalty toward each other for example, the devoted love a member of the church would have toward the church as a whole. While Royce often identified the beloved community with the church, he extends the concept beyond the walls of Christianity. In any type of community, Royce argued, from clans to nations, there are individuals who express love and devotion not only to their own community, but who foster a sense of the community that includes all humankind. According to Royce, the ideal or beloved community is a universal community one to which all human beings belong or will eventually belong at the end of time. Beloved diversity Twentieth-century pastor, philosopher, mystic, theologian and civil rights leader Howard Thurman retrieved Royces idea of the beloved community and applied it to his life and work, most notably in his 1971 book The Search for Common Ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thurman first used the term in an unpublished and undated article: Desegregation, Integration, and the Beloved Community. Here, he argued that the beloved community cannot be achieved by sheer will or commanded by force. Rather, it begins with transformation in each persons human spirit. The seeds of the beloved community extend outward into society as each person assumes the responsibility of bringing it to pass. Thurman envisioned the beloved community as one that exemplifies harmony harmony enriched by members diversity. It is a community wherein people from all racial, national, religious and ethnic backgrounds are respected, and where their human dignity is affirmed. Thurman was convinced that beloved community was achievable because of the dedication he saw from activists during the struggle for racial integration. During his lifetime, Thurman sought to build this beloved community through his activism for racial justice. For example, he co-founded the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, an interracial and interfaith community in San Francisco, which he co-pastored from 1943 to 1953. Thurmans writings and activism deeply influenced King. Burrow argued that it is not entirely clear when and where King first learned the concept of beloved community. Yet King emphasized its importance in much of his writing and political action. Love and action In simplest terms, King defined the beloved community as a community transformed by love. Like Royce, he drew his understanding of love from the Bibles New Testament. In the original Greek, the Gospels use the word agape, which suggests Gods self-giving, unconditional love for humanity and, by extension, human beings self-giving, unconditional love for each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Baldwin, however, Kings understanding of the beloved community is better understood against the backdrop of the Black church tradition. Raised in the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta, King learned lessons on the meaning of love from his parents, Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. Ebenezers pastor, who was also a leader in the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Alberta Christine Williams King. One of the distinctions in Kings thought is that he believed the beloved community could be achieved through nonviolent direct action, such as sit-ins, marches and boycotts. In part, he was inspired by Thurman, who had embraced the nonviolence at the heart of Mahatma Gandhis resistance against the British in India. For King, nonviolence was the only viable means for achieving the United States of Americas redemption from the sin of racial segregation and white supremacy. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta, lead a five-day march to the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery in 1965. (Photo by Bettmann via Getty Images For King, therefore, the beloved community was not merely a utopian vision of the future. He envisioned it as an obtainable ethical goal that all human beings must work collectively toward achieving. Only a refusal to hate or kill can put an end to the chain of violence in the world and lead us toward a community where men can live together without fear, King wrote in 1966. Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives. Searching for the beloved community today Kings idea of the beloved community has not only influenced people affiliated with the Christian tradition but also people from other faiths and none. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, scholars Elizabeth A. Johnson, bell hooks and Joy James have reflected upon the meaning of the beloved community amid ongoing challenges such as global climate change, sexism, racism and other forms of structural violence. People around the world continue to draw insight and inspiration from Kings thought, especially from his insistence that love is the most durable power to change the world for the better. Questions remain about whether his beloved community can be realized, or how. But I believe it is important to understand Kings ethical concept and its continuing influence on movements that seek an end to injustice. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Update, 4:45 p.m.: The Emergency Shelter of NKY announced on its Facebook page that its Campbell County Cold Shelter is changing locations "due to increased need and ongoing cold weather." The shelter is moving to the RCC, located at 524 Columbia St., Newport, and will operate nightly on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. It is available to adults 18 years or older of any gender. The new space now offers bunk beds and hot showers. Coffee, light meals and snacks will be provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those seeking shelter can call 859-979-0026 to receive program information. Original coverage: An arctic blast that is expected to drop wind chills to double digits below zero has prompted a cold weather advisory for Greater Cincinnati, set to last from overnight Sunday through Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service in Wilmington said it's expecting "bitterly cold" wind chills as low as 11 degrees below zero over the next few days, particularly Monday morning for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, according to an area forecast. What to do: Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in Cincinnati Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather service originally placed the Cincinnati area under a cold weather watch, but it was upgraded to an advisory Sunday. The subzero wind chills can cause frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged exposure, the weather service says. Forecasters recommend dressing in layers, including a hat, face mask and gloves and keeping pets indoors as much as possible. More: Extremely cold temperatures may freeze up progress on Big Mac bridge repairs [5:42 AM] Snow is expected today, with 1-3 inches in southern Ohio and northeast Kentucky. Snow showers will then develop across the area in the afternoon, with a chance of snow squalls developing. This may lead to hazardous travel conditions. pic.twitter.com/YdDDUTlQmp NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) January 19, 2025 Daytime warming centers will be open throughout Cincinnati from 6:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. That includes city-run recreation centers in Over-the-Rhine, Bond Hill, College Hill, North Avondale and more. You can find a complete list of those locations here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky operates a 24-hour warming center at 436 W. 13th St. in Covington. You can call ahead for availability information at 859-291-4555. Here's what you need to know to stay safe and warm in the coming days: How cold will it actually be? For the most part, lows will be in the single digits and highs will be in the teens. But it's the wind you have to worry about. Wind chill is what the air temperature feels like on exposed human skin. The lower the temperature and faster the wind, the colder it will feel. For instance, when it's 3 degrees Sunday night, expected 25 mph wind gusts will make it feel around 9 degrees below zero. When it's 6 degrees Monday night, even a slight wind will make it feel like it's 1 degree below zero. Will I actually get frostbite if I go outside? If you have adequate winter clothing or you are able to stay indoors, you'll likely be pretty safe from cold-related injuries. But yes, frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia are possible when temperatures drop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For this extreme cold watch, most people would have to be outside in zero-degree temperatures during at least 15 mph winds to get frostbite within 30 minutes, according to the weather service. Some people are more at risk for cold related injures and should take extra precautions. That includes the elderly, newborns, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness. Every person is different though, so if you are concerned about cold-weather-related symptoms, see a doctor. More: How to prepare your house (especially your pipes) when temperatures drop How cold is too cold for dogs? It depends. When to bring them inside, signs of frostbite Any suggestions for staying warm? Layers, layers, layers! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's basically what the weather service recommends if you have to go outside. That includes two to three layers on your upper and lower body; gloves, warm hats, face masks and boots. If your power goes out because of ice or heavy winds, the weather service recommends closing blinds, curtains and room doors throughout your house to keep heat from escaping; remember to eat and drink, but avoid caffeine and alcohol; use towels or rags to fill cracks under doors; wear layers of loose-fitting and warm clothing. If you plan on driving, it's helpful to have a winter survival kit in your vehicle. That includes items like jumper cables, flashlights, radio, cat litter or sand for tire traction, hand and foot warmers, medical supplies and specialized medication, blankets, ice scraper, charged cell phone and other items. Detailed 7-day weather forecast for Cincinnati Sunday afternoon: A chance of snow showers, mainly before 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 26. Northwest wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 3. Wind chill values as low as -11. Northwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day): Sunny, with a high near 14. Wind chill values as low as -12. West wind around 10 mph. Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 6. Wind chill values as low as -1. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 15. West wind 5 to 11 mph. Tuesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around -4. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 20. Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 32. Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. Source: The National Weather Service in Wilmington. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati weather: Subzero wind chills in store for MLK Jr. Day, week Late one Friday night, a young man trudged into his kitchen while his wife and infant daughter slept. He heated a cup of coffee and paced the floor. When he placed the cup on his table, his hands trembled. Only 27, this man was a pastor on the rise. He had been asked to lead the local Black community in a boycott of the citys racially segregated buses. But what was expected to be a symbolic boycott lasting only a few days turned into a 13-month battle that thrust him into the national spotlight. He started receiving death threats from anonymous callers to his Montgomery, Alabama, home as many as 40 a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After receiving yet another threatening call that evening, the pastors resolve crumbled. He slipped into the kitchen that January night in 1956 because he was trying to figure out how he could step aside without appearing to be a coward. Desperate, he prayed aloud to God. Ive come to the point where I cant face it alone, he said. Those who study the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. know what happened next. King said he was startled that night to hear a voice, urging him to stand up for justice and truth. It was the first time that hed experienced such a vivid encounter with the Divine. After that, he said, I was ready to face anything. Ten months later, Kings faith was affirmed when the US Supreme Court declared that racially segregated buses were unconstitutional. Montgomerys buses were desegregated soon after, earning him a huge victory. This story has long inspired Americans, especially progressives. But almost 70 years later, many people on the political left are struggling with their own moment of despair. On Monday the country will commemorate King s national holiday, but this celebration of his life will be unlike any other. It falls on the same day President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in for a second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MLKs legacy will meet the MAGA movement, on split screens across America. The contrast in their visions will likely be stark Kings Beloved Community vs. Trumps American Carnage, the signature line from his first inaugural address in 2017. Not long ago, few progressives imagined this day would come. They assumed the MAGA movement had been discredited by the shocking images that emerged from the January 6 insurrection, and that Trump was politically weakened by the barrage of criminal charges against him. Since Trumps victory in November, though, many of them have veered from anger to disillusionment. Trump will be the first convicted felon to become president. But Kings example provides a way forward for progressives, say those who knew and study the civil rights leader. Even if you dont believe in a deity and have never been to the mountaintop, King offers lessons in tactics and rhetoric to those who dont subscribe to a MAGA vision of America. Martin Luther King Jr. poses for a mug shot at a police station in Montgomery, Alabama, following his arrest on February 21, 1956, for directing a city-wide boycott of segregated buses. - Don Cravens/The Chronicle Collection/Getty Images The first step involves accepting your anger, says Jemar Tisby, a historian and bestselling author who has studied King and social justice movements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamenting is part of justice, says Tisby, author of The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race and Resistance. I dont think it is healthy as human beings to skip over the grief we feel over our nation and our democracy and jump straight into action. The first step is to feel your feelings. And the next steps? Some left-leaning Americans may not want to hear them, because in their fight for social justice and electoral victories, progressives have stepped into traps that King deftly avoided. Kings legacy offers four uncomfortable lessons for them. Lesson 1: King rejected narratives of good vs. evil This lesson starts with a familiar human emotion: the snub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This months transfer of power in Washington has been filled with snubs. Outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris has apparently decided not to invite her successor, JD Vance, for the traditional, pre-inaugural tour of the vice presidents residence. It comes after a brutal election campaign in which both Vance and Trump attacked her racial identity. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama also have declined to attend Trumps inaugural luncheon. (In 2021, Trump didnt attend Bidens inauguration after he falsely claimed the election was stolen.) Weve entered the era of MAD politics Mutually Assured Disdain. These political snubs, though, are part of a larger pattern: progressives demonizing Trump and his followers, and recoiling at any contact with them. Trump tells his supporters that the left views them with contempt, and progressives dont do enough to challenge that caricature. Leading Democrats have called Trump followers deplorable and weird. Some progressives have cut off contact with friends or family who support Trump. Many on the left have relentlessly vilified Trump for almost a decade, and it didnt appear to move the needle among voters in 2024. Former President Barack Obama talks with President-elect Donald Trump at the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9. - Ben Curtis/AP No less an authority than former President Clinton warned Democrats last year about the risks of demeaning people on the right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I urge you to meet people where they are, Clinton said during a speech at the Democratic National Convention. I urge you not to demean them, but not to pretend you dont disagree with them if you do. Treat them with respect just the way youd like them to treat you. King didnt need that kind of advice from Clinton. He lived it. Although he endured 13 years of unrelenting scrutiny, it is hard to find mention of King acting in a vindictive or petty way to his critics even in his private life. That doesnt mean King, who grew up in the Jim Crow South, never felt anger. He once said that as a young man, I was determined to hate every white person. He grew out of that, though, and later insisted, Let no man drag pull you so low as to hate him. But King rejected reducing social justice movements to good versus evil because of his faith and commitment to non-violence. He said, within the best of us, there is some evil, and within the worst of us, there is some good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was also a strategic calculus behind Kings treatment of his opponents. You cant win support from a group of people you publicly demean. When you refuse to live down to your opponents expectations, you create openings to poach their followers. Recent elections have shown that plenty of voters on both sides are poachable. Between 7 and 9 million Americans voted for Obama in 2012 and then Trump in 2016. That number is significant for john a. powell, a social-justice advocate and author of Belonging Without Othering: How We Save Ourselves and the World. It means a significant number of Trump voters expressed egalitarian views on race at points in their lives, says powell, who spells his name in lowercase letters. Its common for progressives to describe Trumps followers as irredeemable racists. One Columbia University law student wrote last November that in his academic community, conservative or Republican is shorthand for stupid, racist, or evil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But describing all MAGA followers that way is part of a broader common error, powell says. We see ourselves and our own groups in nuanced terms but tend to deny that complexity to other groups, he writes. King didnt make that mistake, powell says. King was what powell calls a consummate bridger, someone who was willing to engage with White supremacists, segregationists, Black nationalists anyone who criticized or despised him. He often listened without overtly trying to change the persons mind, because he knew that if people felt you listened to them and respected them, you had a better chance to persuade them down the line. Martin Luther King Jr., President Lyndon Johnson, Whitney Young and James Farmer, from left, discuss civil rights in the Oval Office of the White House on January 18, 1964. - GHI/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The MAGA movement and the response to it runs away from bridging, powell says. It runs into demonizing the other and seeing the other as two-dimensional figures because they dont agree with you on some issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diane Nash, a civil rights activist who knew King, was a central figure of many of that movements most significant victories. She was a leader in both the sit-in movement and the Freedom Rides, a campaign to desegregate interstate bus travel. She says the nonviolent training she received taught her to not see her political opponents as the enemy. The goal is to solve problems and reconcile, Nash says. Not speaking to people or hating them is nonproductive. Lesson 2: King didnt just make the civil rights movement about racial grievances King did something else that sounds counterintuitive today. He rejected making the civil rights movement a racial justice movement, says powell, who is also the director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC-Berkeley in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other progressive groups have been burdened by that label. The Black Lives Matter movement gained enormous attention with its stand against police brutality. The group says its work centers on those who have been marginalized in Black liberation movements. But the groups name doesnt help, says Taylor Branch, author of Parting the Waters, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of King. The title advertises its limitations. Thats pretty elementary, Branch says. But why do they matter to everybody? When a social movement is reduced to Black people seeking justice, its easier to provoke a backlash. That isnt fair, but it exists because of another enduring dynamic throughout American history: When Black people gain something, many White people think they automatically lose something in return. They see political struggle as winner-takes-all. King was aware of that dynamic. He resisted any attempt to reduce the civil rights movement to Black racial grievance. The last campaign he organized, the Poor Peoples Campaign, was an audacious plan to employ an interracial army of poor white, Black and brown people to occupy Washington. He opposed the Vietnam War and often argued that systemic racism also hurt White people and threatened democracy. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump greets supporters during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on November 5, 2024 -- the day American voters chose to return him to the White House. - Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images If you build a movement on grievance youre playing on Trumps turf, Branch says. He can out-grievance everyone. Were he alive today, King would have rejected any movement built on anti-Americanism rhetoric, says Arch Puddington, who worked with Bayard Rustin, a civil rights activist who mentored King. Dr. King loved America despite its many shortcomings and made it a personal rule to avoid the condemnation of White people and respect its democratic system, says Puddington, a senior scholar emeritus at Freedom House, a nonprofit group that promotes democracy and human rights. Bayard Rustin often said that he (King) wasnt interested in psychoanalyzing whites, but rather saw his job as building alliances across racial lines. Lesson 3: Hashtag activism is not enough King was known as a great public speaker, but one of his most significant achievements was his Letter from Birmingham Jail. The letter is revered not just for its eloquence but for the extraordinary circumstances surrounding its creation. King wrote the letter while spending several days in solitary confinement in a dark, filthy, jail cell with no mattress in Birmingham, Alabama. He wrote it on bits of balled-up newspapers and toilet tissue that he slipped to his lawyer. Heres a question to ponder: What if King had not written the letter in jail? What if he had tweeted it while sitting in his comfortable office with a bag of Cheetos? Or posted it on Instagram along with some dramatic gospel music? Would it still have the same impact? Its doubtful. Kings decision to risk his life by voluntarily entering a jail cell gave moral weight to his words. This is a fundamental lesson from Kings life that progressive activists often forget: The revolution will not be digitized. Those who studied and marched with King say you must also put your body where your beliefs are. Scholars of King dont argue that online activism isnt important; they say its just not a substitute for in-person activism. At a time when the internet leads more people to spend time alone, its easy to forget that lesson. Tisbsy, the civil rights scholar, notes that the American left hasnt staged any large-scale demonstrations in the streets since the George Floyd protests in 2020. So much of our direct action has been confined to hashtag activism, Tisby says. In the same ways civil rights activists did in the 50s and 60s, we have to consider getting arrested, doing sit-ins, kneel-ins, boycotting and making it known as our last resort if we want things to change. And that means people fighting for change close to home, says Tisby, who is also the author of a book for young readers, How to Fight Racism. Activist Ieshia Evans stands her ground while offering her hands for arrest during a protest against police brutality outside the Baton Rouge Police Department in Louisiana on July 9, 2016. Evans, a 28-year-old Pennsylvania nurse and mother of one, had traveled to Baton Rouge to protest. - Jonathan Bachman/Reuters Lets not jump right into Washington, he says. Lets look around to our cities, towns and communities for ways that we can take action. In recent years, the limitations of hashtag activism have become more apparent. In a Jacobin magazine essay, Amber ALee Frost says its difficult to point to tangible lasting victories by such popular movements as #OccupyWallStreet, #MeToo and BLM. She says online activism campaigns die far too quickly on undemocratic platforms that are corporate-controlled and fleetingly faddish. A desperate activist tweets, Frost writes. An aspiring activist uses Facebook. A fledgling organizer emails. An established organizer has phone numbers. A successful organizer is offered addresses. Campaigning together in person is also important because of the way human beings are wired. Watch newsreel footage of the young civil rights activists who participated in sit-ins or Freedom Ride protests and youll see them endure the most horrific physical and emotional abuse. But notice how they were together. People draw energy and hope from being with another. Nash, who was once arrested when she was six months pregnant, said that group bond she shared with fellow activists made all the difference. I could not have done what I did without the people I was working with, Nash says. Its foolhardy to think as an individual youre going to go against the system. You have to do things as a group. Lesson 4: Dont judge a movements success by whos in office People on the left might look at Trump being sworn in on Monday and think their efforts have failed. But Nash offers another lesson in dealing with despair. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s was filled with failures. Civil rights activists were assassinated, beaten, betrayed by friends, tortured in jail and disowned by their families. Supporters of then-President Donald Trump, left and center, argue with anti-Trump protesters on May 4, 2017, in New York City. - Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images Nash says there were many times she thought of giving up, but there was too much at stake. Nash is now 86, but her voice carries steel when she talks about the challenges ahead. People have died in large numbers fighting wars to preserve democracy, she says. We should not be so foolish as to think we can preserve it without making sacrifices, but its worth it. If Nashs words arent inspiration enough, King said theres another solution to despair. He believed every social justice movement has cosmic companionship that God, or some other force in the universe, is on the side of justice. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word, King said during his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1964. That is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. Tisby says he turned to that speech after Novembers presidential election to jolt himself out of his blues. If we make success or failure of our justice work about the externals a law gets passed, the policy gets changed, who we want gets in office what happens when we lose? Tisby tells CNN. How do you keep going? There has to be something deeper than that. A young King found a way to keep going after his dark night of the soul in 1956. Trumps followers also found a way to keep going after their movement seemed to be derailed in 2021. So which vision of America will win out in the years ahead MAGAs or MLKs Beloved Community? Whatever happens on Monday wont give us that answer. But the left might take encouragement from one final piece of knowledge. King prevailed against many of the challenges progressives face today, but with even less support and while facing more violence and hatred, his biographer Branch says. If King could maintain optimism in his era, Branch says, So can we. John Blake is a CNN senior writer and author of the award-winning memoir, More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) Keeping up with an annual tradition of more than 20 years, hundreds of WVU students and community members gathered for the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast on Saturday, hosted by the WVU Center for Black Culture on Saturday at the Mountainlair. The breakfast, held ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is meant to be a place where all can come together and honor key members of the community through scholarships, as well as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award that was granted this year to Gregory Epps. Epps is a senior advisor and program manager for the WVU Health Sciences Center where he works to make sure theres an environment for students to succeed while creating a sense of community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You set the stage by having this unity breakfast and about the part of it that relates to Dr. King, but its really the people that are here and what they do when they get here, Epps said. The words that I say are, I think important, but its really how people react to them and how theyre able to interact with each other and so Im just really, really, really pleased with how all of this has gone and for any impact that Ive had or any part that Ive played, said Epps. How the Morgantown Winter Farmers Market is helping the community Interim Director of the Center for Black Culture Javier McCoy explained the event further. The message is unity, the message is that we are in this together, and if you look around the room, it is faculty, its staff, its students, its community members, McCoy said. Its just an awesome opportunity for people to reconnect, reengage and leave here refreshed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can learn more about the Dr. Martian Luther King Jr. Scholarship here. (WBOY image) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two teenagers have been arrested in the death of a missing South Carolina girl, in a case described as gruesome and monstrous, the Columbia Police Department announced at a news conference Saturday. Firefighters found the body of KaNiyah Baker, 13, inside an unoccupied home in northeast Columbia shortly before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday after responding to a small structure fire in the 100 block of Cardamon Court.. Bakers death was a horrible homicide, Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford said. She died from blunt force trauma after being bludgeoned, stabbed and burned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brutal. Heinous. Vicious. Gruesome. Monstrous. Disturbing. These are the words I use to describe this murder investigation, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said. Two suspects in Bakers death were arrested overnight. The first is a 16-year-old girl whose last known address was in Columbia, Holbrook said. The girl has a history of disorderly conduct, malicious injury, throwing bodily fluids and was wanted by the Department of Juvenile Justice for cutting off her ankle monitor. She was last enrolled at a local high school earlier this month but was listed as having recently dropped out. She was reported missing by her mother on Jan. 12 and is a frequent runaway, according to police. The second is a 15-year-old girl from Columbia who had also been enrolled in a local high school as of December and was also a frequent runaway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson said the two suspects were charged with murder. When police found Bakers body, they could tell she had suffered traumatic injuries to her face and body, and had been severely burned, Holbrook said. It was these injuries that made her body difficult to identify, Rutherford said. Even the pictures that they sent of her just did not seem to match up due to severe trauma to her head, face and body, Rutherford said. Visual identification was not possible; law enforcement had to use DNA from clothing and dental records. Baker had been reported missing Jan. 12, and was last seen Monday on Auburnleaf Drive in Hopkins, about 15 miles from where her body was found, according to information released Thursday by the Richland County Sheriffs Department. Originally from Sumter, she was in foster care in Columbia and had a history of running away, officials said. Police are unsure whether other arrests will be made. Weve been up for days working this case and trying to find answers for this family, Rutherford said. No parent should have to bury a child. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Employees of a popular restaurant on South First Street in Abilene were evacuated this morning after a fire broke out in the kitchen. At about 10:30 a.m. on January 18, first responders received a call reporting a fire in the kitchen at Szechuan Chinese Restaurant, located at 3425 South 1st Street. When crews arrived, flames were visible coming through the roof near the vent, and the Abilene Fire Department issued a second alarm for additional assistance. The fire was contained to a section of the roof above the kitchen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandra Mesa, who has worked at the restaurant for 26 years, said the fire was caused by grease and spread rapidly. She is heartbroken over seeing the place she considers home, alongside her work family, engulfed in flames. Szechuan Chinese Restaurant shared on social media that all members of their Szechuan family made it out safely. The AFD determined the cause to be an overheated oil pot that spread through the ventilation system, resulting in roughly $100,000 in damages. Although the restaurant is temporarily closed, the team is determined to reopen as soon as possible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. IMD Scientist Dr Naresh Kumar said, "Due to two western disturbances, rain and snowfall are expected in the western Himalayas, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the coming five days. There is a possibility of rain in Punjab, Haryana, Western UP, Delhi NCR, North Rajasthan on the 22nd and 23rd. Dense and very dense fog will also prevail in Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It will prevail till coming two to three days." He further said that the temperature is normal in Delhi and cold wave is not expected in Delhi NCR or North-West India. "Dense fog will prevail in Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan where dense fog is expected in the coming two to three days." "Visibility may be between 50 to 200 mts in the early morning for a few hours and for that, we have given yellow alert in these regions, " he added. A thick blanket of fog enveloped Delhi on Sunday morning, causing chaos in the city's rail network. As many as 41 trains originating from various stations in the national capital are running behind schedule due to the foggy conditions, according to the Indian Railways. Some of the trains affected include Kir-Asr Express (15707), Lichchvi Express (14005), Gorkhdham Express (12555), Purushottam Express (12801) and Mahabodhi Express (12397). The Railways has advised passengers to check the latest train schedules before embarking on their journey. India Meteorological Department has predicted the lowest temperature in the national capital for today at 10 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, air quality in the national capital was recorded as 'very poor'. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's Air Quality Index was logged at 340 at 8 am this morning. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory,' 101 and 200 'moderate,' 201 and 300 'poor,' 301 and 400 'very poor,' and 401 and 500 'severe.' (ANI) DES MOINES, Iowa The Des Moines Police Department Crimes Against Property Section has arrested two people as part of an ongoing package theft investigation. According to authorities, between December 9, 2024, and January 13, 2025, several burglaries and package thefts were reported from apartment complexes in the Sherman Hill and downtown neighborhoods. Authorities interviewed victims and witnesses, reviewed video surveillance footage, and eventually identified two suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrest made in pair of burglaries targeting American Legions in Iowa 49-year-old Olga Delgado-Pineda and 28-year-old Alexis Francisco Miranda. Both are charged with four counts of second-degree burglary. Court documents indicate the defendants entered the property of 1601 High Street at 7:05 p.m. on December 27, 2024. The pair also entered 1601 High Street at 4:56 a.m. on January 9, 2025. Video surveillance shows the pair going through the mail room, selecting, and leaving with packages that were not theirs. The documents state the defendant used illegal Amazon codes to gain access. 3 armed robberies reported in 30 minutes, DMPD investigates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DMPD Crimes Against Property Section detectives encourage residents to remain vigilant when expecting package deliveries. The DMPD shared several tips to help keep your packages safe. Monitor your front porch with a security camera or video doorbell. Provide special instructions, like a special location or hidden place. Use package delivery boxes or Amazon pickup locations. Sign up for alerts to know when your package is delivered. Require a signature. If you believe your package was stolen, contact the retailer and shipping company first. Once you have ensured the package was delivered properly, you can contact police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. (NewsNation) The ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of the first three hostages is bittersweet for one mother who lost her 23-year-old American son, Hersh Goldberg, to the war. The ceasefire deal in Gaza is in effect as of Sunday morning, after almost falling apart in the final hours with Hamas holding out on releasing the list of hostage names. Ultimately, Hamas announced the names of three living female hostages who were successfully freed to Israeli officials Sunday afternoon local time. The deal was too late for Rachel Goldberg-Polin and her family, but she remains hopeful for the other grieving families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I woke up this morning, and I felt tremendous relief, Goldberg-Polin said on NewsNations Morning in America with Hena Doba on Sunday. I am a mother who is going to be processing the loss of her only son for the rest of my life, but I am so relieved for these families. Ceasefire deal timeline: What officials say will happen next She described her son, who was executed by Hamas five months ago, as a happy-go-lucky, positive, wide-eyed lover of listening, small ego, curious, beautiful young man. She compared him to a flower thats about to open up, as she hopes his memory will serve as a blessing and as motivation to do and be better. This undated photo provided by Rachel Goldberg shows her son Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The 23-year-old from Jerusalem was last seen when Hamas militants loaded him into the back of a pickup truck with other hostages abducted from a music festival in the western Negev Desert on Oct. 7. (Courtesy of Rachel Goldberg via AP) First hostages released Three women Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari were handed over to the Red Cross on the first day of the ceasefire. They are now in Israel and will soon be medically evaluated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-phase ceasefire began with this prisoner exchange, with Israel releasing 1,700 Palestinian prisoners in return in the first phase. Thirty-three hostages held captive by Hamas are expected to be released in the first six weeks as well. No Americans were released on the first day of the ceasefire, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer told NewsNation, but they are expected to be freed within the first six weeks. Phase two will include the return of the remaining living Israel hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza. The third phase is expected to address the handing over of the remaining bodies of dead hostages and the start of Gazas reconstruction, according to President Joe Biden. Families of hostages grateful but cautious about ceasefire deal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The youngest hostage was kidnapped when he was nine months old, celebrating his second birthday the day before the ceasefires start. And 64 people will remain in captivity. We cannot be celebrating until every single one is home, and until this deal is complete, Goldberg-Polin said. The war began 471 days ago on Oct. 7, 2023. In that time, people of different backgrounds faced a life-changing event. Now the remaining hostages comprise 23 different nationalities. They are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. And I started to wear the number because so many people would ask me during interviews, just on the street randomly, how many days has it been and I decided very early on that this is going to be my identity until every single one of these hostages comes home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 46,000 Palestinians have died in the war, according to officials. In a post to X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the hostage release. Romi, Doron and Emily an entire nation embraces you, with congratulations on your homecoming. This moment was achieved thanks to the sacrifice and fighting of our heroic fighters the heroes of Israel. I promise: We will bring everyone home! Netanyahu wrote, translated from Hebrew. Two Americans to be released from Gaza in first phase of ceasefire deal Is the ceasefire deal enough? Jon Polin, left, and Rachel Goldberg, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, speak on stage during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Its been five months since Goldberg-Polin lost her son. Is the deal enough? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, if this deal gets every single person home, it is enough, she said. If this deal even saves one life according to Jewish tradition and actually to Islamic tradition, one life is one universe. So, if we can save one universe, three universes, 33 universes, thats wonderful, but we have an obligation, a moral, ethical obligation to save 98 universes. Goldberg-Polin said she wants to see Trump stand by his promises. Ceasefire in Gaza begins, Hamas releases hostage names to Israel This deal could have happened back in the summer, and Hersh and three of the people who he was executed with would have been released. But I dont think anymore that its healthy nor helpful to dwell on that, Goldberg-Polin said. That was not the destiny for our six families of the beautiful six who were tortured, starved and murdered in that lightless, airless tunnel that wasnt meant to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is looking ahead and not behind. I truly believe there is light ahead, and we all need to be looking toward the light. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Here's the latest news from Middle Tennessee State University. Lauren Mirocha trying out the massage chair. Students design Relaxation Station space to unwind Middle Tennessee State University students will begin the spring semester Tuesday with an on-campus space to unwind, relax and recharge thanks to a group of interior architecture seniors who created a Relaxation Station within repurposed space within the Health, Wellness and Recreation Center. The space includes two massage chairs available to reserve, desks and chairs for studying, an activity table, positive message boards, a hot and cold water dispenser for students whod like to make tea or coffee, and a selfie mirror. Online appointments are open to reserve 30-minute time slots for the massage chairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paula Harnack, interior architecture lecturer, led her students in this hands-on project after Rick Chapman, director of the Student Health Center, approached her to see if she and her class could help. Chapman was inspired by the on-campus Counseling Services Zen Den, which has been highly popular and stays booked. We believe students need places to recreate, socialize, eat, study and relax, Chapman said. The space was designed for students to unplug from their busy schedules. Khalilah Doss, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, emphasized the importance of this addition in supporting students mental health. MTSU students were able to tour the new space during an open house right before fall semester ended. There are different pockets on our campus that you can go for specific things. I think, though, we overlook the impact of just resting, relaxing, taking a breath and taking a moment, Doss said, noting that if you say you want students to reengage and reenergize and recharge, that is what we need to invest these resources in. Rick Chapman, the director of the Student Health Center, hosting MTSUs Relaxation Station at Health Services opening ceremony in the Recreation Center. The space is intended to allow students to relax and escape the stress of finals as part of MTSU Health Services effort to extend its care beyond counseling and check-ups. Students can reserve a massage chair for 30-minute blocks through the same online portal used to make appointments at the clinic. Interior architecture students designed and converted the space over the course of the fall semester into a refuge they think students will find comforting. Harnack divided her senior class into groups and designated different design elements of the space, such as lighting, flooring and furniture. Her class then created a spreadsheet to determine where theyd source their items from, how much it would cost to purchase them as well as any installation and delivery costs, and the time it would take for everything to be delivered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maris Fullerton, a senior interior architecture major from Lewisburg, said they implemented biophilia concepts in the center, which is designing something to connect one with nature, to make the space more calming, so the students used a blue and green color palette for the center. Whenever we designed this space, we just really knew we wanted something memorable, she said. We also wanted to make the space really accessible for everybody. We have quite a large range of students here on campus, so we really wanted it to be a place everybody could use. $350K grant to MTSU, Columbia State to develop robotics, automation technicians Columbia State Community College adjunct faculty member Daniel Garrett, left, and Middle Tennessee State University Engineering Technology associate professor Jorge Vargas check out relatively new Flex Space robotics equipment in an MTSU lab earlier this year on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Columbia State and MTSU are utilizing a three-year, nearly $350,000 National Science Foundation grant to aid in certifying future technicians and engineers in robotics and automation systems in the Midstate. A National Science Foundation grant collaboration between Middle Tennessee State University and Columbia State Community College that will assist the Midstate region in certifying future technicians and engineers in robotics and automation systems. The nearly $350,000 NSF grant is a three-year research and development award that continues until May 31, 2027. It was awarded to Columbia State, but MTSUs Jorge Vargas, Engineering Technology associate professor, is principal investigator for the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant came a year before MTSUs engineering programs including mechatronics engineering, robotics and others move into the new, $74.8 million, 90,000-square-foot Applied Engineering Building, scheduled to open by the fall 2025 semester with greater space and state-of-the-art equipment to better train current students and attract more prospective ones. The goal of this grant project, which was started in 2022 by Vargas, is to get certifications to technicians and engineers so they can be competitive in the work field, he said. Were extremely excited to work on this robotics certification project, Vargas said. Its a matter of developing different modules for this certification mapping. There are different topics or subjects for students to do in the field after they get certified. The goal is to establish a one-year robotics certificate at Columbia State. Vargas was joined in the effort by Daniel Garrett, a Columbia State adjunct faculty member and former MTSU Engineering Technology graduate student who is now at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Fla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MTSU faculty will bring their extensive knowledge in robotics and automation through the partnership with Columbia State. Vargas and Mehran Mostajir, dean of the Department of Business and Technology at Columbia State, hope their students earn an associate degree and transfer to MTSU to pursue their bachelors. Vargas said MTSUs portion of the grant, around $100,000, will be used to prepare modules and help me build the curriculum, with plans for the first group of students to enter the program this spring and graduate by the end of the year. Vargas said the MTSU-Columbia State collaboration will benefit automakers such as General Motors and automation companies like UPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon and others because their future employees can get certified without going out of state and promoting it to people in the field. MTSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from MTSU News and Media Relations. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Students design Relaxation Station,' grant to develop technicians A major energy project just got the green light to help millions of British homes run on clean, wind-powered electricity, Environment+Energy Leader reported. Eastern Green Link 1 secured $2.5 billion to build a 196-kilometer cable to move wind energy from Scotland to northern England. The cable will mostly run through the North Sea, connecting wind farms to power stations that serve about two million homes. Only about 20 kilometers of cable will be on land, linking the Torness substation in Scotland with the Hawthorn Pit substation in England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is good news for people's wallets, as power companies have to pay wind farms to stop making extra electricity when it's windy. This new cable will save more than $1 billion yearly by letting that energy flow to homes instead. Those savings will show up as lower energy bills for families. Local communities near the project will also get $10 million in funding for social programs. Plus, the switch to homegrown wind power could create 400,000 jobs by 2050, with 150,000 of those in Scotland and northern England. This cable is part of a larger push to build cleaner energy systems faster. It's the second of 26 priority projects that will help the United Kingdom reach its goal of getting 50 gigawatts of wind power up and running by 2030. "Today's announcement brings us closer to achieving Great Britain's 2030 clean power ambitions," said Beatrice Filkin, who leads major projects at the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets. "By harnessing homegrown wind power, we can shield consumers from volatile gas prices while delivering abundant, affordable energy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This project marks a big step toward powering British homes with local, clean energy that costs less and helps clear the air. 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. Mick Mulvaney, former acting White House Chief of Staff during Trumps first administration, said President-elect Trump should receive credit for Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Look, obviously, both administrations, the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming administration, were involved in this. They had to be because of the transition period between the election, he said during a Saturday appearance on NewNations Morning in America acknowledging both President Biden and Trump. However, he said the former presidents influence was undeniable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump team will take credit. Theres no question about that, he said on air. But its hard to deny that the election of Donald Trump certainly didnt have a dramatic impact in the dynamics of those discussions. The incoming president hasnt shied away from confirming his hand in the recent negotiation success. 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, he said in a Wednesday Truth Social post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the win resembled the future success of his administration. We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States, Trump stated in the post. During Bidens official ceasefire remarks at the White House on Wednesday, a reporter asked whether or not he or Trump would get credit for the deal. Is that a joke, the president responded visibly annoyed. Id also note, this deal was developed and negotiated under my administration, but its terms will be implemented, for the most part, by the next administration. For these past few days, weve been speaking as one team, Biden told reporters moments before during his address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Biden and Trumps envoys for the Middle East traveled to the region to negotiate a deal. As a result of discussions, officials are expecting hostages to be released relatively soon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Jan. 19Glacier Park International Airport could soon land an aviation museum. Officials with the Flathead Valley transit hub are working with the Museum of Mountain Flying to plot a course toward a museum and classroom space on the airport's campus. Flathead Municipal Airport Authority Commissioner Giuseppe Caltabiano said the museum will be built toward the far north end of the airport's property, located near the southbound lanes of U.S. 2. The project comes with a $4 million fundraising goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the moment, it's two major hangars mostly wood, steel and glass. So ideally, driving on the highway, you can see the airplanes through the glass from the road ... and in the middle there will be a big hall, which will have classrooms, a cafeteria and offices," Caltabiano said. Pointing to a workforce need in the region, Caltabiano said the forthcoming museum and classroom space will host an airframe and powerplant mechanic program. He said organizers have discussed developing curricula for airplane mechanics and avionic engineering with Flathead Valley Community College. "They've done the nursing program very successfully, which is obviously a strong vocational curriculum ... Flying schools are easy, there are already quite a few in the area, but the mechanics, they're hard to find. So, that's the mission," Caltabiano said. The Museum of Mountain Flying, which also has a location near the Missoula International Airport, will showcase a collection of antique aircraft, according to airport officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft that will be on display includes the famed "Miss Montana" a restored C-47 military transport that was flown to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day a 1940s World War II bomber and a Douglas A-26 Invader used in the 1989 Steven Spielberg movie "Always," which was filmed in Libby. Museum of Mountain Flying President Eric Komberec touched on what people can expect to learn about when they visit their museum, including the history of smokejumpers and firefighting, starting with Johnson Flying Service out of Missoula. Founder Bob Johnson was tasked with helping the U.S. Forest Service with aerial firefighting resources. "So that's kind of the history of this country in aviation and pioneering, and then obviously there's a lot of new modern history, like the A.L.E.R.T. program, which was the second Life Flight helicopter in the United States," Komberec said. Komberec's father Dick was a founder of the museum in 1993, along with Stan Cohen and Steve Smith. They built a museum near the Missoula International Airport in 2002. The museum is home to some novel aircraft in aviation history, including a Stinson Voyager 150, a 1929 Travelair 6000, a 1931 DeHavilland Gipsy DH Moth and a Grumman Avenger TBM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Komberec said they've outgrown their space at the Missoula International Airport and have been searching for three years to find a second location. He's from Kalispell and knows the area boasts its own large and passionate aviation community, so he began looking at Glacier Park International Airport. After talks with airport Director Rob Ratkowski, the group was able to sign a lease for land on the far north end of the airport's property. "We're excited to welcome the Museum of Mountain Flying to the Glacier Park International Airport," Ratkowski said in a statement. "The museum's combination of aviation history and hands-on educational programs perfectly fits our goal to make [Glacier Park International Airport] the region's focal point for all things aviation. The location, combined with community enthusiasm, ensures this will tremendously benefit the Flathead Valley." In 2020, the Flathead Municipal Airport Authority board passed a resolution to offer a reduced land use rate for educational facilities, allowing the Museum of Mountain Flying to secure the property at a significantly reduced rate, officials said. Mead and Hunt, the architect firm that designed the recent expansion and renovation of the airport's terminal, will design the museum and education building. Caltabiano said they expect to release design plans for the building in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outdoor area is expected to feature an observation tower modeled after a historic lookout tower, providing visitors with panoramic views of the airport. Caltabiano said they want the museum to appeal to families, so it will include a playground with a merry-go-round, climbing structures, slides and monkey bars. Komberec said they've been overwhelmed by the support from local businesses and residents. In addition to the $130,000 raised, businesses and professionals are already stepping forward to offer services free of charge to help get the museum up and running. Officials said Mead & Hunt offered pro bono design and rendering services to help bring the museum's architectural vision to life. "It's clear that there's a strong desire to see this project succeed, and we welcome anyone who wants to contribute," Komberec said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents interested in volunteering their time or contributing financially to the museum can contact Eric Komberec at n24320@icloud.com. For more information about the Museum of Mountain Flying, please visit www.museumofmountainflying.com. Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4433 or by emailing tinman@dailyinterlake.com. Elon Musks new government department has been thrown into turmoil amid reports his partner is considering quitting. Vivek Ramaswamy could ditch plans to work with the department of government efficiency (Doge) in order to focus on his bid to become Ohio governor, a source close to the matter told Politico. Mr Ramaswamy told members of the transition team about his plans to run for governor following the election, according to the outlet, and he is said to be planning to formally announce his candidacy by the end of January 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move could upend Doge, which plans to cut government spending by up to $2 trillion by July 4, 2026, as Mr Ramaswamys time would probably be occupied with his gubernatorial race. Some in Donald Trumps orbit have suggested Mr Ramswamys exit could provide a clear path for Mr Musk to carry out his own work uninterrupted. Elon basically runs the show, an informal adviser to the president-elect told Politico. Time is their biggest enemy. Well see. Mr Ramaswamys decision was allegedly brought forward this week after Mike DeWine, the Ohio governor, passed over him to replace JD Vance in the Senate, instead opting for lieutenant governor Jon Husted. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, right, at the US Capitol to discuss budget cuts in December 2024 - Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images The billionaire entrepreneur-turned-politician is said to have attended a Doge meeting on Sunday at the SpaceX headquarters in Washington, for which Mr Musk was not present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is now reportedly an open question of whether the former Republican presidential candidate will move into Doges new office space next door to the White House after Mr Trump is sworn into office on Monday. Mr Trump announced the launch of Doge during the election campaign, with its stated mission to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures and restructure federal agencies. Mr Musk will look at the big picture while Mr Ramaswamy focuses on deregulation and the rest of its employees work on implementation, a source told Politico. Little known about funding Doge has already developed something of a shadowy reputation, with little known about how the non-governmental organisation will be funded or how its billionaire bosses will avoid conflicts of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Washington Post the department has stepped up hiring in recent weeks, with close to 100 staff set to be in place by Monday. Among them are Steve Davis, the Boring Company president, who wielded the hatchet at X after Musk bought it, and Emil Michael, a former Uber executive. According to Politico, Mr Trump is expected to introduce multiple executive orders related to the departments role in the first few weeks after returning to office, including one that deals with government contracts. Mr Musk has dialled back his expectations, admitting the department may fall short of its $2 trillion spending cut goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think well try for $2 trillion. I think thats like the best-case outcome, he told the Consumer Electronics Show: But I do think that you kind of have to have some overage. I think if we try for $2 trillion, weve got a good shot at getting $1 [trillion]. 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. OPINION: Donna Brazile, who worked with Coretta Scott King to make MLK Day a federal holiday, makes sense of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s legacy as President Biden leaves the White House and President Trump takes office yet again. Editors note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the authors own. Read more opinions on theGrio. On his last full day in office, President Joe Biden spoke at a South Carolina Black church about his vision for a just society one day before the federal holiday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I first got involved in public life because of the Civil Rights Movement, Biden said at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston. I had two political heroes growing up, Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy, the former U.S. attorney general and senator, who, like Dr. King, was tragically assassinated in 1968. Biden, who was 25 when Dr. King was killed, said last April on the 56th anniversary of Dr. Kings death: His unfinished mission inspired me to leave a prestigious law firm to become a public defender and begin a career in public service. After leaving the church, Biden toured the nearby International African American Museum, at the site where some 200,000 captured Africans were sold into slavery. In another gesture of racial reconciliation, the president issued a posthumous pardon Sunday for Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey, who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923, imprisoned for two years and then deported to Jamaica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. King was assassinated when he was just 39. I was 8, and I vividly remember crying uncontrollably when I heard the terrible news. I couldnt understand how God could let such a great and saintly man be murdered. Black America was plunged into a state of mourning, as if a close and dearly beloved relative suddenly died. I later read all the books, sermons and other writings Dr. King produced. And I was honored to play a significant role in the campaign to make Dr. Kings birthday a federal holiday, working with his widow, Coretta Scott King, and many others to win congressional passage for needed legislation that was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. Dr. King awakened the conscience of white America to the ugly racism that had oppressed Black people since colonial days. He changed American history for the better by leading nonviolent protests and advocacy efforts to win the enactment of landmark civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the 1968 Fair Housing Act. March 1965: American civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King (1929 1968) and his wife Coretta Scott King lead a black voting rights march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital in Montgomery; among those pictured are, front row, politician and civil rights activist John Lewis (1940 2020), Reverend Ralph Abernathy (1926 1990), Ruth Harris Bunche (1906 1988), Nobel Prize-winning political scientist and diplomat Ralph Bunche (1904 1971), activist Hosea Williams (1926 2000 right carrying child). (Photo by William Lovelace/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) The Voting Rights Act enabled my grandparents, parents and other Black people in the South to vote for the first time, prompting candidates for elected office to pay attention to the needs of Black folks and leading to the election of Black federal, state and local officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I still remember being required to use colored drinking fountains and restrooms as a girl, as if being Black was a communicable disease that necessitated us being separated from whites. Dr. King refused to accept the notion of Black inferiority. He gained national fame when he led a year-long boycott by Black people of city buses in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 and 1956 to protest a policy requiring Black passengers to sit in the back of buses and give up their seats to whites when the front was full. Rosa Parks, a courageous Black seamstress, was arrested and fined for refusing to go along with the policy. Her arrest led the U.S. Supreme Court to outlaw segregation on public buses. The struggle for racial justice has continued since Dr. King was murdered, advanced by people of goodwill of all races. Biden has been among them, establishing a strong record to carry on Dr. Kings work as a U.S. senator, vice president and president. Like Dr. King, Biden has worked to extend the blessings of liberty, opportunity, and equality to all Americans. As a 2020 presidential candidate, Biden selected Sen. Kamala Harris of California as his running mate, enabling her to become the first Black and first female U.S. vice president. When Biden ended his reelection bid last year, he endorsed Harris to take his place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden appointed 63 Black federal judges more than any president including Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. In addition, Biden appointed many Black people to high-level positions in his administration. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hold hands during a ceremony to celebrate the WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces in the East Room of the White House on May 9. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) The Biden economic program reduced Black unemployment to 4.7% the lowest level on record and cut the poverty rate among Black children in half with an expanded child tax credit. Federal investments under Biden helped double the rate of Black business ownership and increased Black homeownership. Biden invested more than $16 billion to support historically Black colleges and universities, opening the doors to the American Dream for many Black young people. And like all Americans, Black people benefited from legislation Biden signed to enable the nation to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, expand federal investment in infrastructure, expand manufacturing, combat climate change, reduce health care costs and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the day Donald Trump is being inaugurated as president, the holiday is getting less attention than it deserves this year. Thats regrettable. Dr. King was an inspiring and important leader a change agent who moved America away from the low road of racism and toward the high road of reconciliation and equality. He never held elected office, but, like Moses, he led his oppressed people to freedom. Rejecting violence and hate despite centuries of slavery and discrimination that Black Americans have endured, Dr. King preached a gospel of hope hope for peace, love, justice and unity among Americans of every race. We should resurrect the righteous goals Dr. King pursued as we inaugurate a new president. I believe that if Dr. King were alive today, at age 96, he would call on all Americans committed to democracy to wish our incoming president, the new Congress, and all federal officials, public servants and citizens success in pursuing peace, prosperity and freedom for the people of the United States and around the globe looking to enjoy those same ideals and blessings. Doing this is the best way for us to honor Kings memory and continue his noble mission. Donna Brazile Headshot thegrio.com Donna Brazile is an ABC News Contributor, veteran political strategist, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, and the King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University. She previously served as interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and of the DNCs Voting Rights Institute. She managed the Gore campaign in 2000 and has lectured at more than 225 colleges and universities on race, diversity, women, leadership and restoring civility in politics. Brazile is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House. @DonnaBrazile. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. More must-reads: National Guard members fear landing in the center of a political tussle between red state governors and blue state attorneys general over Donald Trumps expected crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The large-scale deportation effort could begin as soon as Monday with Republican governors vowing to deploy the Guard if Trump asks and officials in Democratic states readying quick legal pushback. Some of the 435,000 troops worry theyll get pulled into a legally murky mission rooting out people in communities where they have day jobs such as sheriffs, cops or firefighters. Our North Star is how lawful is it? said Rob Bonta, Californias attorney general, in an interview about the incoming president deploying the Guard. If they are operating lawfully, there's nothing for us to do, and the president is allowed to do that. If he's acting unlawfully, as he did many times under Trump 1.0, we sued him over 120 times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said he would bring in the military to help with mass deportations, but he has not specified whether he means state-based National Guard members or active duty troops. I dont want to be seen as a Gestapo, said one former senior military official who is in close contact with current Guard members and was granted anonymity to speak about a legally precarious situation. It's important that everybody understands who they are and what they're doing. But the confusion within the Guard hasnt stopped Republican governors from pledging quick support to Trumps immigration plans. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said earlier this month he would use the National Guard to assist with deportations if asked by the incoming U.S. administration. Other officials in red states, who pushed for more deportations even before the election, have expressed their willingness to deploy the Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Reeves will do everything in his power to support President Trumps plans to close our southern border, Cory Custer, deputy chief of staff to Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, said in a statement. Nothing is off the table. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the National Guard could be deployed for immigration enforcement depending on the demand signal from the White House. Im very confident that we would have very, very positive results from both the National Guard and the state Guard, DeSantis said at a recent press conference. DeSantis has outlined plans to authorize the National Guard to work alongside a new immigration czar and directly deport people. But certain legal guardrails exist. Red states can activate the National Guard to help with immigration enforcement possibly to assist federal agents but blue states with control of their own Guard could simply refuse to go along. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has a range of options. He could leave the National Guard under state control but give troops federal funding to tackle the deportation mission, although that would allow individual governors to retain authority over their troops. Trump also could call the Guard up to active-duty status, which would give him greater ability to control troops in blue states and order them across state lines. President Trump will enlist every federal power and coordinate with state authorities to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers, and human traffickers in American history while simultaneously lowering costs for families, Karoline Leavitt, a Trump transition team spokesperson, said in a statement. The National Guard Bureau and the Defense Department did not respond to requests for comment. Democratic attorneys general are already trying to determine how to respond, especially if red states send National Guard troops into blue ones. That's not how our system is designed, said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. It would be a very sad day to see one state, in effect, undermining the sovereignty of another state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonta, Californias top law enforcement officer, said that California officials are examining where in the federal court system Sacramento and other states might be able to push back on Trumps orders. If things go really sideways, there could potentially be a real constitutional moment of how far governors can be pushed, said Naureen Shah, deputy director of government affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union, which has been advising Democratic governors on legal strategies to fight militarization of the National Guard. Theres not much a blue state like California, Illinois, or New York can do to stop the president from federalizing their National Guard such as when Democratic President Lyndon Johnson mobilized the Alabama National Guard to protect civil rights marchers in 1965. But if the Trump administration tries to take that step, federal law would likely require the troops be confined to a logistical role providing trucks, airplanes and facilities to hold undocumented immigrants instead of more hands-on actions in support of law enforcement. National Guard troops increasingly have found themselves pulled into politically fraught issues, from deploying to the Mexican border to monitoring safety on the New York subway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military forces try to be apolitical, said a former senior Guard official who is in touch with current National Guard troops. The official expressed concern about overuse of the Guard for roles that it hasnt traditionally been involved in, such as dealing with disasters and civil unrest. When you take one person out of a three person business for an extended period of time, you can't really easily replace that, said the person, who was granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive situation. Trump also could invoke the Insurrection Act, an early 19th-century law that allows the president to use the military to enforce domestic laws. Its designed to let the federal government unilaterally intervene in states and would give Trump the ability to navigate around parts of the federal law that prevent troops from being used for law enforcement jobs. The president-elect threatened to take this step during his first term in response to the George Floyd protests. It has been used to enforce desegregation orders in the Eisenhower years and to control the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shah, from the ACLU, said civilian law enforcement and the military have traditionally stayed separate. She expects former and current military officials to speak out if Trump takes that route. People would find it highly offensive that the military would be kind of the personal army of the president that he could deploy against, first, immigrants and then protestors and the so-called enemy within, she said. It's a slippery slope." A 24-year-old man was charred to death in a fire that broke out in a car in the Ghazipur area of East Delhi on the intervening night of January 18-19, police said on Sunday. The deceased identified as Anil was found dead in the burning car outside a banquet hall in Ghazipur, where his girlfriend's marriage was being solemnized. Police said that the incident was reported through three PCR calls made at 11:03 PM, 11:07 PM, and 11:13 PM, prompting an immediate response from the authorities. Sub-Inspector Pradeep, along with Head Constable Jitender, reached the scene where they found the car completely engulfed in flames. The crime and forensic teams were called to investigate, and after conducting their inspection, the body was sent to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital. Medical personnel confirmed Anil's death, stating him as "brought dead." Police while providing a background to the incident said that Anil was reportedly in a relationship with a girl, but her father had refused to approve of their marriage. On the night of the incident, the girl's marriage had been solemnized at Baba Banquet Hall, where Anil allegedly arrived, possibly intending to confront the situation. Police said it was then that the incident took place. While the public managed to break the car's glass and attempt to pull Anil out, by then, he had already been severely burned. "Both families, that of the girl and Anil, are related. In addition to the initial reports, two PCR calls were made by Anil's brothers, alleging a conspiracy to kill him, while three separate PCR calls were made by the father of the girl, reporting a quarrel between the two families," said police. The police are currently investigating the matter, with an inquiry underway under section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. Further actions will be taken based on the ongoing investigation. Further details on the matter are awaited. (ANI) On 19 January, Ukraines National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) imposed personal sanctions on Russian-Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin, including the freezing of his assets. Source: a presidential decree issued by Volodymyr Zelenskyy Details: Grigorishin, who once held significant assets in Ukraine, notably through the Energy Standard Group, had ownership stakes in several key companies. In 2019, he owned Zaporozhtransformator, the regional power distribution company Vinnytsiaoblenergo, and minority shares in regional power distribution companies in cities including Ternopil, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Chernihiv and Sumy, frequently in partnership with Ukrainian-born Israeli billionaire businessman Ihor Kolomoyskyi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zaporozhtransformator was nationalised in 2022. As of 2024, Grigorishin retains his stakes in the regional power distribution companies in Vinnytsia, Chernihiv, Ternopil, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava and Sumy. In 2021, Forbes Ukraine estimated Grigorishins net worth at US$275 million, with one of his most valuable assets being a collection of paintings that Lloyds valued at US$300 million a decade ago. The sanctions freeze all of Grigorishins assets, paving the way for their nationalisation. Additional measures include a ban on all trade transactions, preventing the transfer of capital abroad, the suspension of economic and financial obligations, the complete cessation of resource transit, flights and transportation across Ukrainian territory, a full or partial ban on transactions involving securities issued by the sanctioned individual, and a ban on the acquisition of land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Ukrenergo sued Grigorishins Luhansk Energy Association LLC for a UAH 100 million (approx. US$2,3 million) debt for services provided in occupied Luhansk Oblast between 24 February and June 2012. Support UP or become our patron! Utility workers from the Navajo Nation headed to Los Angeles on Thursday to help rebuild the electrical grid damaged by historic southern California wildfires. The Navajo Tribe Utility Authority announced 11 team members specializing in electric line work were sent from Fort Defiance, Arizona, to the Los Angeles area. The Navajo crews would support the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to restore the local power grid, support that came as part of a mutual agreement between the agencies to aid each other in times of disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, LADWP helped us considerably by helping extend electricity to Navajo families... They helped us and now we are helping them," wrote Walter Haase, general manager of NTUA. Electric line crews from the Navajo Tribe Utility Authority prepare to commute to Los Angeles on Jan. 18, 2024 to support efforts to rebuild the electrical grid damaged by wildfires. The crew members were the utility company's first to be sent on a "major and massive mutual aid project outside the Navajo Nation," read the news release. Haase said NTAU was the only tribal utility company to send crews to Los Angeles. "We are very proud of that and will be honored to represent the Navajo Nation," wrote Haase. The news release expressed gratitude to LADWP for previously sending electric line workers to bring electricity to 170 Navajo homes, in addition to nearly 100 electric wiring and meter installations at other homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 20 Navajo Scouts from the Navajo Nation went to Los Angeles to battle the wildfires last week. The Palisades and Eaton fires have claimed the lives of 27 Californians, scorching roughly 40,000 acres of southern California hillsides and destroying numerous neighborhoods. The Eaton Fire, at 14,117 acres in size, is burning in eastern Los Angeles and was closest to being extinguished as firefighters reached 73% containment. To the west, near the coast, the Palisades Fire has burned 23,713 acres and is roughly 43% contained. Reach the reporter, reynaldo.covarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo Nation electric utility crew aids California wildfire recovery By Jonathan Spicer, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Maya Gebeily ISTANBUL/DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Negotiators are zeroing in on a potential deal to resolve one of the most explosive questions looming over Syria's future: the fate of Kurdish forces that the U.S. considers key allies against Islamic State but neighbouring Turkey regards as a national security threat. Diplomatic and military negotiators from the United States, Turkey, Syria and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are showing more flexibility and patience than their public statements suggest, a dozen sources told Reuters, including five directly involved in the intensive web of discussions in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could set the stage for an accord in the coming months that would see some Kurdish fighters leave Syria's restive northeast and others brought under the authority of the new defense ministry, six of the sources said. However, many thorny issues need to be resolved, they said. These include how to integrate the SDF alliance's well-armed and trained fighters into Syria's security framework and administer territory under their control, which includes key oil and wheat fields. In an interview with Saudi Arabia's Asharq News channel on Tuesday, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said the alliance's "basic demand" is for decentralised administration - a potential challenge to Syria's new leadership, which wants to bring all of the country back under the government's authority after ousting Bashar al-Assad last month. Abdi indicated that the SDF has no intention of dissolving, saying it was open to linking with the defense ministry and operating according to its rules, but as "a military bloc". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria's new defense minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, rejected that approach in an interview with Reuters on Sunday, saying the suggestion that the SDF remain one bloc "is not right." The former rebels now in power in Damascus have said they want all armed groups to integrate into Syria's official forces, under a unified command. The SDF, when asked for comment, referred Reuters to its commander's interview. How much autonomy Kurdish factions retain likely hinges on whether incoming U.S. president Donald Trump continues Washington's longtime support of its Kurdish allies, according to diplomats and officials on all sides. Trump has not spoken publicly about his intentions, including his plans for some 2,000 U.S. troops stationed in Syria. A Trump representative did not comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any deal also depends on whether Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan holds off on a threatened military offensive against the People's Protection Units (YPG), the Kurdish militia that spearheads the SDF alliance. Ankara views them as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is deemed a terrorist group by both Turkey and the U.S. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said this month that Syria's new authorities "should be given an opportunity to ... end the occupation and terror the YPG created", but he did not say how long Ankara would wait for it to disarm before launching an incursion. A Turkish Foreign Ministry source said disarming armed groups and the departure of "foreign terrorist fighters" were essential for Syria's stability and territorial integrity, so the sooner this happens the better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are voicing this expectation of ours in the strongest terms during our contacts with both the United States and the new administration in Damascus," the source said. INTENSIVE TALKS U.S. and Turkish officials have been holding "very intensive" discussions since rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate, launched a lightning offensive from their northwestern stronghold that deposed Assad on Dec. 8, a senior U.S. diplomat told Reuters. The two countries share a "common view of where things should end up", including a belief that all foreign fighters should exit Syrian territory, the diplomat said, noting Turkish negotiators "have a very high sense of urgency" to settle things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the diplomat, who like some other sources requested anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, said the talks were "hugely complex" and would take time. Parallel talks are taking place between the U.S. and both the SDF and HTS, Turkey and HTS, and the SDF and HTS, officials from all sides say. Part of a stateless ethnic group straddling Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Armenia and Syria, Kurds had been among the few winners of the Syrian conflict, gaining control over Arab-majority areas as the U.S. partnered with them in the campaign against Islamic State. They now hold nearly a quarter of the country. But Assad's fall has left Syrian Kurdish factions on the back foot, with Turkey-backed armed groups gaining ground in the northeast and the country's new rulers in Damascus friendly with Ankara. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey, which provided direct support to some rebel groups against Assad, has emerged as one of the most influential power brokers in Syria since his fall. Like the U.S., it has designated HTS a terrorist group because of its al Qaeda past, but Ankara is believed to have significant sway over the group. Officials on all sides worry that failure to reach a ceasefire and longer-term political accord in the northeast could destabilise Syria as it seeks to recover from a 13-year civil war that killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions and drew in countries including Russia, Iran and Israel. Dozens of people in northern Syria have been reported killed since December in clashes between the Kurdish-led SDF and Turkey's allies, and in cross-border Turkish airstrikes. Failure to resolve the fate of Kurdish factions in Syria could also undermine nascent efforts to end the PKK's insurgency in Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations has warned of "dramatic consequences" for Syria and the region if a political solution is not found in the northeast. POTENTIAL TRADE-OFFS U.S. support for the SDF has been a source of tension with its NATO ally, Turkey. Washington views the SDF as a key partner in countering Islamic State, which Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned will try to use this period to re-establish capabilities in Syria. The SDF is still guarding tens of thousands of detainees linked to the group. Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey has the power to "crush" all terrorists in Syria, including Islamic State and Kurdish militants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey wants the management of camps and prisons where Islamic State detainees are being held transferred to Syria's new rulers and has offered to help them. It has also demanded that the SDF expel all foreign fighters and senior PKK members from its territory and disarm the remaining members in a way it can verify. Abdi, the SDF commander, has shown flexibility regarding some Turkish demands, telling Reuters last month that its foreign fighters, including PKK members, would leave Syria if Turkey agrees to a ceasefire. The PKK said in a statement to Reuters on Thursday that it would agree to leave if the SDF maintains control of the northeast or a significant role in joint leadership. Such assurances are unlikely to satisfy Ankara at a time when the SDF is "trying to stay alive and autonomous" in Syria, Omer Onhon, Turkey's last ambassador to Damascus, told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Ankara on Wednesday, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said the extensive U.S.-backed SDF presence was no longer justified, and the new administration would not allow Syrian land to be a source of threats to Turkey. Standing next to him, his Turkish counterpart, Fidan, said it was time to put anti-terror pledges into practice. Abdi told Asharq News that he has met with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the two sides agreed to set up a joint military committee to decide how the SDF would integrate with the defense ministry. He described the meeting with Sharaa, who heads HTS, as positive. Abu Qasra, the defense minister, accused SDF leaders on Sunday of "procrastinating" on the issue, saying "consolidation of all areas under the new administration ... is a right of the Syrian state." The new leadership believes that allowing SDF fighters to continue operating as a bloc would "risk destabilisation, including a coup", a ministry official told Reuters. Abdi argued that a decentralised administration would not threaten Syria's unity, saying the SDF is not demanding the kind of federalism introduced in Iraq, where Kurds have their own regional government. Some Syrian officials and diplomats say the SDF will likely need to relinquish control of significant territory and oil revenues, gained during the war, as part of any political settlement. In return, Kurdish factions could be granted protections for their language and culture within a decentralised political structure, said Bassam al-Kuwatli, president of the small Syrian Liberal Party, which supports minority rights but is not involved in the talks. A senior Syrian Kurdish source acknowledged that some such trade-offs would likely be needed but did not elaborate. Abdi told Asharq News that the SDF was open to handing over responsibility for oil resources to the new administration, provided the wealth was distributed fairly to all provinces. Washington has called for a "managed transition" of the SDF's role. The U.S. diplomat said Assad's ouster opens the door for Washington to eventually consider withdrawing its troops from Syria, though much depends on whether trusted forces like its Kurdish allies remain engaged in efforts to counter any Islamic State resurgence. Trump's return to the White House on Monday has raised hopes in Turkey of a favourable deal, given the rapport he established with Erdogan during his first term. Trump has spoken approvingly about Erdogan's role in Syria, calling him a "very smart guy", and said Turkey would "hold the key" to what happens there. "The Americans won't abandon (the SDF)," said Onhon, Turkey's former ambassador. "But the arrival of someone as unpredictable as Trump must worry them in a way too." (Reporting by Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul, Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara and Maya Gebeily in Damascus; Addional reporting by Timour Azhari in Damascus, Suleiman Al-Khalidi in Amman, Tom Perry in Beirut, Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad and Orhan Qereman in Qamishli, Syria; Editing by Alexandra Zavis) Note: This post is an Op-Ed and shares the author's personal views. We must discuss Nelly's response to the backlash of performing at a Donald Trump inauguration event. Michael Tran / AFP via Getty Images If you've been more consumed with the US TikTok ban, the internet discovered rappers Nelly and Snoop Dogg joined the list of celebrities performing at Trump's inauguration events, shocking many people for good reason. Person wearing a black t-shirt, cap, sunglasses, and large chains performs on stage with a microphone Person in stage outfit performing energetically, wearing a jacket and pants with a logo, holding a microphone amidst dynamic stage effects Jim Bennett / Getty Images, Christopher Polk / Billboard via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, Snoop was critical of Trump, saying, "We ain't voting for your punk ass. Go get you a new hairdo, bitch ass [the n-word]," and even said that anyone who performed at his inauguration was a sell-out. Sure, he changed his tune in 2021 when Trump pardoned Michael Harris, the co-founder of Snoop's first label, Death Row, telling the Sunday Times, "I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump." Still, people didn't expect him to be performing for the controversial president-elect. Chris Coduto / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelly might need the money and the visibility, but Snoop doesnt. Either way, Ill never see either of them the same. Kenny BooYah! (@KwikWarren) January 18, 2025 Twitter: @KwikWarren Im beyond disgusted at Snoop and Nelly. I expect that clown tap dancing shit from Rick Ross and Soulja boy. But snoop and Nelly?! Saying fuck you to the black community by publicly supporting a man that makes it clear he dont like us nor care about us is insane. NIP WOULD NEVER pic.twitter.com/6umKMtYXNt Khaleelah (@khaleelahsworld) January 18, 2025 Twitter: @khaleelahsworld At first, I thought maybe Snoop and Nelly would just say they're doing it for the money and keep it pushing, but when Nelly went on a complete defense of his involvement and rattled off a hodgepodge of excuses, I knew a discussion was in order. In response to the backlash, Nelly went on Willie D Live to justify why he should be absolved of any criticism or guilt at Trump's inauguration, and his reasons were puzzling, to say the least. "We tend to sometimes make a quick, I would say, response to something that on the surface may seem it's effed up because we don't agree on something else," he said. "I'm not political. I'm not out here trying to tell anyone who they should vote for. This is not a campaign trail." " Prince Williams / WireImage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, "I respect the office. This isn't politics. The politics, for me it's over. He won. He's the president. He's the commander-in-chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world." Let me clarify that despite what the "Country Grammar" rapper said, it's still politics. The politics is not over. The president and his entire administration are indeed politicians. I don't make the rules. @WillieDLive / youtube.com Nelly then explained that he was born on a military base and comes from a long line of soldiers, likening himself to armed forces sworn to protect the United States, saying, "If these people can give their life for the office, Nelly can perform." Prince Williams / FilmMagic Sure, he clarified why he's doing it performing on a stage for Trump's inauguration is equal to going to war. However, his challenge toward criticisms against the president-elect and the Republican party was even more troubling. When Willie D asked Nelly if he was a Trump supporter, he said, "I support the office of the president of the United States regardless of who's in office. I respect the office." This response was only minutes after he openly criticized President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who, in fact, currently held "the office." In his defense against accusations that Trump is allegedly racist, Nelly made a surprising distinction. "Are we talking about the president, or are we talking about the candidate?" he asked. "Are you talking about candidate Trump or President Trump? That's two different people to me." Scott Olson / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not defending anything that President Trump, candidate Trump, realtor Trump did...no. You got the right to be pissed if it affected you; you got the right to be angry if it affected you," he continued. "But as of today, he's the President of the United States. And I'm performing for the office that I was taught to respect out of people that gave their lives for this country that was in the military." Nelly also made it a point to criticize President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Democratic party for acts he implied could be labeled as "racist" and that there were double standards when holding their party accountable versus Republicans the same, old tired narrative of who signed the 1994 Crime Bill. For one, the 1994 Crime Bill was signed by Bill Clinton. Sure, he was a Democratic president, but he's not Biden or Harris. But, if you remember Schoolhouse Rock!, yes, it was introduced, debated upon, and voted on by the House of Representatives and Senate, who then presented it to the president to sign or veto. Yes, Biden was a senator at the time. Consolidated News Pictures / Getty Images I will say this with my whole chest: BEING A BLACK PERSON IN AMERICA IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH CRIME. Using talking points like "Kamala was a prosecutor" or "somebody signed a crime bill" is not a reason for me to feel automatically threatened as a Black individual. I won't ignore that I've been pulled over at least 20 times but never received a ticket. I've had police guns pointed at me, been accused of stealing my own car twice, and had to show proof multiple times I lived in my Orange County home. Yes, our American systems are flawed. But, I will not assume I'm automatically the enemy of law and order because racist ideologies want to assign that role to people who look like me. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive I won't make a declarative statement about any candidate or president's intentions. But I can't ignore that people are pretty upset by Nelly's involvement, and I hope their criticism is provided with the same benefit of the doubt and defense that Nelly and the other rappers performing gave everyone hosting these inauguration events. Him not doing this for money makes it worse lol but its also a lie. Ishmael (@ishcontent) January 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twitter: @ishcontent Watching Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, Nelly, and Snoop dogg all perform at Trumps inaugural event adds an extreme amount of validation to what Malcolm X said about some black celebrities being puppets. This man was a prophet pic.twitter.com/UTsBlapdFF The Waco Kid (@_TheSonOfMars_) January 18, 2025 Twitter: @_TheSonOfMars_ I'll step down from my pulpit, but I'm so interested to see how Nelly's defense against the backlash and his performance will age in the next four years. Watch the full interview here: What do you think of Nelly's response? Let's discuss it in the comments. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President-elect Trump for his role in negotiating a ceasefire between the nation and the militant group Hamas. 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, Netanyahu said in a Saturday statement. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president took credit for the success of the deal, lauding his election win as a strong influence. Trump will inherit negotiations from the Biden administration on Monday, as both men have battled for credit for the deal. The ceasefire and hostage deal will go into effect Sunday. Netanyahu described the agreement as a provisional short term deal as negotiations for a second stage remain underway. 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, the Israeli leader stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I also greatly appreciate President Trumps decision to lift the remaining restrictions on providing vital weapons and munitions to the State of Israel, he continued. Israel has been criticized for violent airstrikes in Gaza, which have left tens of thousands dead. However, Netanyahu said the countrys actions were warranted and have solidified their international defense standing. 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, he said. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) After 15 months of collective grief and anxiety, three Israeli hostages left Hamas captivity and returned to Israel, and dozens of Palestinian prisoners walked free from Israeli jail, leaving both Israelis and Palestinians torn between celebration and trepidation as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold Sunday. The skies above Gaza and Israel were silent for the first time in over a year, and Palestinians began returning to what was left of the homes they fled across the war-ravaged enclave, started to check on relatives left behind and, in many cases, to bury their dead. After months of tight Israeli restrictions, more than 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid rolled into the devastated territory. The ceasefire that went into effect Sunday morning stirred modest hopes for ending the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in Israel, the joy of seeing freed hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher reunited with their families was tempered by major questions over the fate of the nearly 100 others abducted in Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack, still in captivity in Gaza. Damari, Gonen and Steinbrecher were the first among 33 Israeli hostages who are meant to be released in the coming six weeks in a deal that includes a pause in fighting, the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and increased fuel and aid deliveries for Gaza. What happens after the deal's first phase of 42 days is uncertain. The agreement's subsequent stages call for more releases of hostages and prisoners and a permanent end to the war. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was pressured by the outgoing Biden administration and incoming Trump administration to secure a deal before the president-elect's inauguration Monday in Washington, has said he received assurances from Trump that Israel could continue fighting Hamas if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, many Israelis stayed glued to TV screens all afternoon to glimpse the women being released through the windows of the Red Cross ambulance. Footage showed them thronged by thousands of jostling Palestinians, including Hamas gunmen wearing green headbands, as militants handed them over to the Red Cross on a packed street in Gaza City. An entire nation embraces you, Netanyahu said. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right lawmaker who resigned on Sunday from Netanyahu's governing coalition over the ceasefire, said the nation was happy and excited for their release. In videos released by the Israeli government, the women were seen weeping and hugging their family members. Damari raised her bandaged hand in triumph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military said she lost two fingers in the Hamas-led militant attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of some 250 others. Applause erupted among the thousands who gathered to watch the poignant scenes on large screens at Hostages Square, the Tel Aviv plaza where families and supporters of hostages have been protesting weekly to demand a ceasefire deal. It took another seven hours for such scenes to unfold in the occupied West Bank, where the mood was initially subdued as the Israeli military warned that public celebrations for the released prisoners would be punished. But scuffles with Israeli security forces and hours of waiting did little to deter the crowds that flooded the streets around 1 a.m., as large white buses carrying 90 Palestinian detainees all women or teens exited the gates of Ofer prison, near the West Bank city of Ramallah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers revved their engines in celebration. Fireworks erupted. Several men climbed on top of the bus and hoisted three Hamas flags. God is greater! the crowds shouted. Many of those released expressed elation tinged with grief for the devastation wrought by the war in Gaza. A double feeling is how the most prominent detainee freed, Khalida Jarrar, 62, described it. Jarrar is a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a secular leftist faction that was involved in attacks against Israel in the 1970s but later scaled back militant activities. Since her arrest in late 2023, she was held under indefinitely renewable administrative detention a widely criticized practice that Israel uses against Palestinians. Theres this double feeling were living in, on the one hand, this feeling of freedom, that we thank everyone for, and on the other hand, this pain, of losing so many Palestinian martyrs, she told The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of those being released had been detained for what Israel called offenses related to its security, from throwing stones and promoting violence on social media to more serious accusations such as attempted murder. The next release of hostages and prisoners is due Saturday. In just over two weeks, talks are to begin on the far more challenging second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Joy mixed with pain In Gaza, there was palpable relief at the prospect of six weeks without fighting and Israeli bombardment that so far has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the fatalities but does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The skies above the besieged territory were free of Israeli warplanes for the first day since a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023 that freed over 100 hostages, offering Palestinians a chance to take stock of the devastation. This ceasefire was a joy mixed with pain, said Rami Nofal, a displaced man from Gaza City, explaining that his son was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Triumphant Hamas militants appeared at some celebrations, as crowds chanted slogans in support of them. The Hamas-run police reemerged from months of hiding. Some families set off for home on foot, their belongings loaded on donkey carts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the southern city of Rafah, residents returned to find massive destruction that they described as a dystopia. Some found human remains in the rubble. Its like what you see in a Hollywood horror movie, Mohamed Abu Taha said as he inspected the ruins of his familys home. Israelis divided over deal In Israel, the scenes of Hamas gunmen celebrating openly in the streets of Gaza underscored divisions over the ceasefire deal. Asher Pizem, 35, from the city of Sderot, said the deal had merely postponed Israel's next confrontation with Hamas. He also criticized Israel for allowing aid into Gaza, saying it would contribute to the militant groups revival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will take the time and attack again, he said, looking out over Gazas smoldering ruins from a small hill in southern Israel with other Israelis gathered to watch as the agreement went into effect. Warplanes roared, helicopters thudded and drones buzzed in the final moments before the ceasefire. An immense toll The toll of the war has been staggering, and new details about its scale and impact will emerge. Israeli forces were pulling back from some areas of Gaza, in line with the ceasefire agreement, residents of northern Gaza reported. Some 90% of Gazas population has been displaced. Rebuilding if the ceasefire leads to the war's end will take several years at least. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There should be a surge of humanitarian aid, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before. This is a moment of tremendous hope, U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said. Fragile, yet vital. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo, Shurafa from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Lidman from Narariya, Israel. Associated Press reporters Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Mohammad Jahjouh in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) A strong legacy of sisterhood representing 117 years of service to mankind. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated celebrated their Founders Day Saturday. Gamma Sigma Omega chapter presented an inspiring and memorable program at Savannah Technical Colleges Eckburg Auditorium. WSAVs Tina Tyus-Shaw was moved to tears while being honored with the Mozella Gaither Collier Community Volunteer Service Award. The award highlights the work Tyus-Shaw has done to promote breast health and her communications program for young people. Tina is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the oldest Black Greek Letter sorority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. As Donald Trump takes the oath of office Monday for the second time, the world is watching with a mix of fascination, curiosity, elation or dread and a sense that this time around, those outside the United States perhaps have a better idea of what to expect from his presidency. Even before Inauguration Day, the 2 months of transition since Trump defeated his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, had already yielded head-spinning developments on the global scene. Some of Americas closest traditional allies were jolted by the president-elect's rhetoric evoking an expansionist 19th century ethos, delivered via modern-day social media blast. Populist figures, already emboldened by a tidal wave of anti-establishment electoral sentiment, have found a congenial reception in Trumps orbit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And autocratic governments are anticipating a far more transactional relationship with Washington, unburdened by diplomatic discourse about human rights or the rule of law. Trump may be the most mercurial American president in decades, but embedded in that is a certain element of predictability: that nearly any long-standing international norm may well fall by the wayside. The keenly felt fragility of a post-World War II rules-based order is its own kind of road map, some veteran observers suggest. Many foreign leaders are no longer scrambling to figure out what to do, said Daniel Fried, who spent nearly four decades as a U.S. Foreign Service officer. Read more: News Analysis: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin: A much-scrutinized relationship is back in the spotlight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They know they have to plan for all contingencies, said Fried, now with the Atlantic Council think tank. They have a better sense this time, though it still rattles them. Trumps heavy footfall in the final days before assuming office almost certainly brought about the finalization of a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement in the devastating war in the Gaza Strip. The deal drafted by the Biden administration took effect the day before Trump's swearing-in. Though Trump has backed off on a boast that he would halt the fighting in Ukraine in 24 hours, there is a sense among all involved parties that Trumps presidency will alter the trajectory of the nearly three-year-old full-scale Russian invasion of its sovereign neighbor. Then there's China. The upheaval triggered by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the immensely popular short-video app TikTok must sever ties with its Chinese parent company or face a U.S. ban will likely surface some insights into future dealings by Washington and Beijing over accelerating technological, trade and military rivalries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China could be a big surprise under Trump, said Michael Cox, an emeritus professor of international relations at the London School of Economics. One factor to watch closely, he said, were the huge business interests in China of the worlds wealthiest man, Elon Musk, a prominent but relatively new figure in Trumps orbit. Read more: Analysis: Europe, too, feels Musk's political impact. How far will it go? Musk, the SpaceX and Tesla billionaire, also has Trumps seeming imprimatur as he shocks close partners like Germany and the United Kingdom with verbal broadsides against their elected leaders and highly amplified backing for domestic far-right forces. With Germanys election just over a month away, Trump has raised no objection as Musk has used his social media platform, X, to tout the far-right party Alternative for Germany as a national savior. Chancellor Olaf Scholz again Friday branded Musks electioneering completely unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Britain, in an upending of the decades-old special relationship, Musk has urged the release of a notorious jailed anti-Muslim extremist, Tommy Robinson, and loudly declared that Prime Minister Keir Starmer belongs in jail. All met by silence from Trump. "It all sends a very disturbing message to Europe to people friendly to the United States," said Cox, who is also with the British think tank Chatham House. Underscoring the populist-friendly tone of the new administration, expected inaugural attendees include Italys far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British firebrand politician Nigel Farage. Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, who had endorsed Trump as a "man of peace," was invited but could not attend, Hungarian media reported. Read more: News Analysis: Bukele claims he cleaned up El Salvador. But at what cost? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Trump, Musk and their team have done in Europe, they have already signaled their approach to Latin America and where they will place their favors. Trump was courting Latin American leaders accused of human rights abuses and antipathy to democratic norms even before he won election. Argentinian President Javier Milei, who styles himself after Trump and vowed to take a "chain saw" (which he often wielded at rallies) to his country's government and institutions, is invited to the inauguration. So is El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who calls himself the world's coolest dictator and engineered a second term in office despite a constitutional prohibition. Bukele also adopted bitcoin as a national currency, is profiting in crypto circles and said to be admired by Musk. Allies of Trump have sought to undermine democratic leftist governments in Latin America, such as Guatemala and Colombia, and will likely reverse President Biden's last-minute diplomatic concessions to Cuba that included taking it off the U.S. list of sponsors of international terrorism, a designation that advocates considered unfair and that damaged the struggling Cuban economy. Mexico and Panama will be especially vexed by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their presidents, Claudia Sheinbaum and Jose Raul Mulino, respectively, are seeking a way to placate some of his demands, such as slowing illegal immigration that originates or passes through their countries, while standing up to ideas that they see as a threat to national sovereignty. Read more: Mexico cracks down on drugs and migrants. Will it be enough to stop Trump tariffs? Read more: Will Trump send troops to Mexico? His pick for ambassador worries officials there Trump has entertained declaring Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a designation that could be used to attack them militarily inside Mexican territory. He has also said he wants to take back control of the Panama Canal, a vital waterway that the U.S. once controlled as an American colony on foreign soil but was turned over to Panama in a treaty signed by then-President Carter in 1977. Trump declined to rule out using the military to seize the canal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's nominee for secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), has stopped short of echoing some of Trump's most unorthodox views but largely supported an "America first" agenda, saying every policy decision must face three questions: "Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Or does it make America more prosperous?" Read more: News Analysis: Trump's transition moves raise fears of a politicized military In the Middle East, dramatic events surrounding the cease-fire breakthrough between Israel and the militant group Hamas were drawing split-screen comparisons with the 1981 inauguration of Ronald Reagan, when U.S. hostages held in Iran were freed moments after the new leader took the oath of office. The presidency of Reagans predecessor Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 was heavily shadowed by the long effort to free them. Even before the first three hostages were released Sunday, Trump was quick to trumpet his own role in securing the accord. Announced Wednesday and finally ratified by Israels Cabinet early Saturday, the pact calls for a phased handing over of remaining captives, living and dead, seized by the Hamas fighters who surged into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels bombardment of Gaza over the following 15 months has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, leaving the territory in ruins and displacing about nine-tenths of its more than 2 million people. This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies, the president-elect wrote in a social media post as the breakthrough was being formalized. Biden, for his part, acknowledged the unprecedented cooperation between Trumps team and his own diplomats in the final push toward an accord, but could not contain himself when a reporter asked him last week if the president-elect was right to take full credit. Is that a joke? he asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Greenland says no thanks to Trump purchase idea again Many people in Greenland thought Trump was joking during his first presidency when he spoke of acquiring the vast island territory that is part of Denmark. But he has resurfaced the idea, refusing to rule out using military force to seize control "for the purposes of National Security." Europe quickly pointed out that Trump would be attacking European borders and a NATO ally. "We have been cooperating for the last 80 years [with the U.S.] and ... have a lot to offer to cooperate with," Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede said, "but we want also to be clear: We don't want to be Americans." Fried, at the Atlantic Council, cautioned that "it was not good for the United States to have other states hedging their bets." You never know, he said, when the U.S. will need its allies. I personally would take him both literally and seriously, said Belgium-based analyst Guntram Wolff, playing off the popular political trope from Trumps first presidential campaign, when observers parsed the difference between how his supporters and adversaries interpreted his more provocative utterances. But he acknowledged that the world will simply have to wait and see what four more years of Trump will bring. He has an agenda; he makes strong points, said Wolff, a senior fellow at Bruegel, a Brussels think tank. And hes been elected. 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. WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Nicholas Nick Perrino, Jr., 76, of Warren, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at St Joseph Hospital with his loving daughter and son-in-law by his side. He was born December 4, 1948, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Nicholas Perrino and the late Agnes Mary Felluca Perrino. Find obituaries from your high school Nick was a veteran of the United States Amy, having served as an SP4 during the Vietnam War from 1967-70. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon his return, he started his career at General Motors Lordstown as a district committeeman for Local 1112, from which he retired after 30-plus admirable years. Nick loved watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, Judge Judy and was a man that knew how to have a good time. Ask any of his buddies from GM or his fellow veterans and thered never be a shortage of stories. The loves of his life were his family. He cared for his wife, sister and mother in their final days and couldnt wait until hed get to see them all again. He was the proudest Papa you would have ever met to his grandchildren, Gianna and Nico. Nico was privileged enough to get his name from his Papa. His smile would light up a room when he saw them and their bond was like they were old souls who had known each other before. In his last years, he met his best friend Gary Gunny Riggins; their friendship was something that was ever so special and it carried him until his body no longer could. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole B. (Matt) Horvat, Sr., of Cortland, Ohio and his grandchildren, Gianna ORourke and Nico Horvat, who love him ever so dearly and will miss him and the memories more than words can express. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Dolores Smith Perrino; sister, Sandra Louise Sapp and brother, John Jackie Perrino. He is now reunited with his mother; beloved wife and sister in Heaven. His daughter will be awaiting the time that she will get to see her father again, until then, she knows he fought a courageous battle and will look down on her and his grandchildren in protection. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the funeral home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the service, there will be a celebration at the VFW 1090 in Warren, Ohio, just the way Nick would want it. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home. A television tribute will air Monday, January 20 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) The death toll from a gasoline tanker explosion in north-central Nigeria has risen to 86, the countrys emergency response agency said on Sunday. The blast happened in the early hours of Saturday near the Suleja area of Niger state after individuals attempted to transfer gasoline from a crashed oil tanker into another truck using a generator. The fuel transfer sparked the explosion, resulting in the deaths of those transferring the gasoline and bystanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an update, Hussaini Isah of the National Emergency Management Agency told the Associated Press that an additional 55 people were injured and are receiving treatment at three different hospitals in the Suleja area. There were people that were burnt to ashes. How can we get that figure? The official said, indicating that the death toll might be higher than 86. We wont know the exact figure without forensics. The blast claimed so many victims because a crowd had gathered at the scene, including people taking pictures, bystanders, and others attempting to scoop gasoline, Isah said. Gasoline prices in Africas most populous country has soared after the administration of President Bola Tinubu removed subsides on the product more than a year ago in an attempt to channel the resources to more developmental purposes. However, the policy has caused untoward hardship. Scooping gasoline from a fallen tanker is common in Nigeria as some people see that as an opportunity to get free product that they could either use or resell for a profit. Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party MP Sunil Tatkare defended his party's chief after several opposition leaders in Maharashtra criticised Deputy Chief Minister for the collapse of law and order in the state regarding Saif Ali Khan's attack. Speaking about the attack on the actor, Tatkare said that the Chief Minister has experience in managing law and order, showing confidence in the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. "Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, all these incidents come under their jurisdiction. I will always say and have said earlier today, the CM The CM has the Home Department and he is doing his best, so I don't want to say anything more about that," he told ANI. Earlier, DyCM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar refuted that the law and order in the state has collapsed after Saif's attack, saying that the alleged attacker was not aware it was the actor's house. "Some opposition leaders have stated that law & order collapsed in Mumbai after the incident of attack on actor Saif Ali Khan. But the reality is that the accused came from Bangladesh. First, he came to Kolkata & then came to Mumbai. He was not aware that it was the house of some film star. He just entered the house with the intention of robbery." On Friday, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule condemned the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, saying that the attack is "extremely worrying." She also stated that crimes in Maharashtra are increasing. "Crime in Maharashtra is increasing... Let the police investigate whether the attacks on the celebrities and the murder (of Baba Siddique) two months prior have any links," she told reporters. ' Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also attacked the BJP-led state government over the incident and asked when artists like Saif Ali Khan are attacked then to what extent the common public is safe? Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel raised questions on the law and order situation of Maharashtra in the wake of the attack. "No one is safe in a city like Mumbai anymore... If someone can go to the 11th floor of a residential building of a big actor and attack him at night, it shows that Mumbai is no longer safe for anyone," Baghel told reporters. The Saif Ali Khan's stabbing incident occurred on January 16, during which the actor was attacked at his Bandra residence. The 'Hum Tum' actor sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. Mumbai police have caught the accused identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, who they claim is a native of the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh. The accused was about to flee to his native village when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane, according to officials. (ANI) What do you get for the man who has everything? If you are a Ukrainian politician keen to curry favour with an incoming US president suspected of harbouring less than charitable thoughts about your country, the answer as it has always has been is something that money cannot buy. Which is why Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the Ukrainian parliaments foreign affairs committee, has nominated Donald Trump for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Since Mr Trumps election victory in November, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines leader, has dispatched a coterie of his most trusted allies, among them Mr Merezhko, to Washington to court the president-elects circle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Merezhko may have gone further than his colleagues, he acknowledges over a cup of coffee in a Kyiv cafe, admitting that he has faced accusations in some quarters for laying it on a little too thick. But he insists the nomination is not, or at least not entirely, about flattery. When you do something so visible, there is inevitably criticism, he said. Some say that this is just about buttering up Trump, about flattering him and, of course, there is a psychological element in nominating him. I am appealing to his desire to be a great politician. But there are plenty of other reasons, too. In the back of many Ukrainian politicians minds is not just the admiration the president-elect has previously expressed about Vladimir Putin, but also the lingering suspicion that Mr Trump likes neither their country or its leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his first term as president, his relationship with Mr Zelensky was little short of disastrous. Donald Trump shakes hands with Volodymyr Zelensky at their Paris meeting last December - PA-EFE/Shutterstock Mr Trump seemed to share Putins belief that Ukraine was not a proper country, and appeared convinced that it was the Ukrainian government rather than the Kremlin which sought to manipulate the 2016 US presidential election. To make matters worse, an attempt to coerce Mr Zelensky into ordering an investigation into the Ukrainian business activities of Joe Bidens son, Hunter, by withholding US military aid led to Mr Trumps first impeachment in December 2019. Given the stakes of the war with Russia, Mr Merezhko says he and his colleagues are doing everything they can to give the incoming president a more favourable impression of the Zelensky administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He doesnt have many good associations with Ukraine and I want him to have good associations with us, Mr Merezhko said. A Nobel nomination may just prove to be an astute piece of diplomacy. Mr Trump has publicly coveted one on several occasions, saying that he deserved one for a lot of things, for work he did to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula and to persuade Bashar al-Assad, Syrias then dictator, to hand over some of his chemical weapons. I save a big war, I save a couple of them, he said in 2020. Elbridge Colby is Mr Trumps pick as undersecretary for policy at the Pentagon. - Dan Callister Never one to deny that the way to his heart was often through his ego, Mr Trump has praised previous politicians who allegedly nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in the past, including Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister of Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, never confirmed whether he submitted a nomination or not. Mr Merezhko said he had nominated Mr Trump for the award on the basis of the work he had done restoring diplomatic relations between Israel and four Arab states under the Abraham Accords. He added that he had carefully worded his nomination to encourage Mr Trump to bring peace to Ukraine based on international law rather than the appeasement of Russian aggression through territorial concessions. Mr Merezhko says he has worked to win over members of Mr Trumps circle who might be tempted to advocate for just that for more than a year, reaching out first to the Heritage Foundation, a Right-wing think tank that has drawn up much of the incoming presidents policy agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later forged ties with Republican congressmen from the MAGA wing of the party, after concluding that Ukraine had spent too much time cultivating relations with Reaganites rather than Trump allies on Capitol Hill. He has also made contact with Elbridge Colby, Mr Trumps pick as undersecretary for policy at the Pentagon. Mr Colby, a highly influential figure who wrote Mr Trumps national defence strategy in 2019, has long argued that the United States needs to stop arming Ukraine and arm Taiwan instead, leading to fears that he will push for an abandonment of Kyiv. While on the campaign trail, Mr Trump claimed that he would end the Ukraine war within 24 hours although Gen Keith Kellogg, his incoming Russia-Ukraine envoy, has since said that he hoped to have a solution to the war within 100 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other advisers have privately said they did not expect a meaningful breakthrough for at least six months. 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 man who shot two coworkers, killing one of them before turning the gun on himself Friday at a North Hills restaurant, has died, Raleigh police said early Sunday morning. Executive chef George Colom, 34, walked into his workplace, Coquette Brasserie at 4351 The Circle at North Hills, just before it opened for lunch Friday and fatally shot 26-year-old Jonathan Mark Schaffer, police said. A bystander, Jonathan Aguilar Vega, 24, was also shot. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a hospital and released, police said. Colom suffered critical injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he died Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not released a motive for the shooting, but said Colom and Schaffer knew each other and it was not a random incident. On Sunday, police said additional information will be released at the appropriate time. Coloms father, George Colom Sr., released a statement to media following his sons death. My family is saddened by the loss of Mr. Schaffer and we grieve for his family. We also share the pain with Mr. Aguilar. We are focused on our own son right now and want our privacy respected during this time, he said. We just want to bury our son in peace. No further questions or comments will be addressed. Schaffers LinkedIn profile says he has been a manager with Urban Food Group since February 2024. He was a graduate of the Wake Technical Community College culinary program and had worked as an executive chef, cook and server in several Wake County restaurants, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aguilar told WRAL in an on-camera interview at the scene Friday that he and other employees were in a staff meeting when Colom started shooting around 10:57 a.m. He does not know a motive for the shooting, Aguilar said. Several schools were put into lockdown and businesses closed for the day as police flooded the area. Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson called the shooting a troubling event at a news conference Friday. Mayor Janet Cowell, who was attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., told ABC11, The News & Observers newsgathering partner the shooting was tragic. Im talking to other mayors, and unfortunately, these incidents seem to be happening right across the country, she said in a live interview. Raleigh is not alone in these issues, but again, we will do everything we can to keep Raleigh a safe community, to predict and prevent these kinds of situations. George Colom, executive chef at North Hills restaurant Coquette Brasserie, has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Raleigh hospital, police said. Who was the shooter George Colom? Colom served as executive chef for Coquette, according to a previous version of the website for Urban Food Group, the company that owns the restaurant. Coloms name was on the website as late as Friday morning, but had been removed by Friday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urban Food Group owns Coquette and several other restaurants, including Vivace, also at North Hills. In October, Colom posted on Instagram about starting his new job. He had several previous convictions involving firearms, court records show. In April 2011, he was sentenced in federal court in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after being convicted of possessing a stolen firearm. Colom was not allowed to possess firearms because of previous convictions for receiving stolen property and stealing an automobile in New Mexico, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Kenneth J. Gonzales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his LinkedIn page, Colom moved to Chapel Hill in 2017. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty in Orange County to a charge of leaving the scene of a car accident that caused property damage, court records show. He was fined $193, according to his sentencing order. Colom lived in Onslow County before moving to New Mexico, according to public records. His last address was in Carrboro, but neighbors at the apartment complex told The News & Observer he was not the current resident. Although they had seen a man around the apartment, they did not know him. His job immediately before Coquette was as sous chef at Hawthorne & Wood in Chapel Hill from March 2020 to July 2024, and he had a lengthy history in the Triangle area food industry, according to his LinkedIn page.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had planned last year to become head chef at Proximo, a new Spanish tapas restaurant on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, according to The Daily Tar Heel. In September, chef Chad Bourgeois was said to be heading the restaurant. Brandon Sharp, chef and owner of Hawthorne & Wood, Bluebird and Proximo, all of which are in Chapel Hill, released a statement Saturday in response to questions about Coloms employment. We are deeply saddened to hear of the shooting that took place in our community Friday morning. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are not able to provide further comment at this time, Sharp said in the statement. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Coquette restaurant family, an organizer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police asked anyone with information to call the department at 919-996-335 or to submit a tip to the Crimestoppers website at www.raleighcrimestoppers.org. Staff writers Brooke Cain, Kyle Ingram and Jessaca Giglio contributed to this report. EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. A Eureka Springs animal sanctuary is welcoming a bunch of animals into its new habitat. The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) says it is bringing in all 33 big cats from Big Cat Rescue, an animal sanctuary based in Tampa, Florida that featured in the popular Netflix series Tiger King. The sanctuary recently sold its Tampa sanctuary property, prompting the relocation of its animals such as tigers, lions, bobcats, cougars and more. The relocated big cats will be settled in a new area within Turpentine Creek called Freedom Field. TCWR says will provide the new animals with a spacious, natural habitat that lets them roam free and express their wild behaviors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas wild cat sanctuary takes in two-year-old serval This collaboration represents a new chapter for big cat advocacy, said Tanya Smith, President of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Were honored to partner with Big Cat Rescue to provide these animals with a second chance at life. Freedom Field embodies our mission to create a sanctuary where rescued wildlife can thrive. Big Cat Rescue says it will continue to fund the care for the 33 big cats that have been transferred to Turpentine Creek, and Howard Baskin of Big Cat Rescue praised the transition of their big cats to the wildlife refuge. We visited them and saw them jumping around in this big open space. Baskin said, That was great to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Jan. 18ALBUQUERQUE A new species and genus of a toothy prehistoric fish has been discovered in Socorro County. A paper, published in "Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan" in December argues that an unusually large fish skull discovered several years ago is actually a new variety of the "demon-toothed fish," an early ray-finned fish that lived during the Paleozoic period several hundred million years ago. "I haven't seen this in over eight years," said Susan Harris Thursday, turning a fossilized fish skull she discovered in Socorro County over in her hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About the size of a croissant, a rocky reddish surface shows hints of the skull within a tooth here, a jawbone there. The fossil will be featured in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science's upcoming Ancient Life exhibit, which is due to open Feb. 15. The fossil is encased in layers of iron-rich calcium carbonate. Over time, like a grain of sand in an oyster becoming a pearl, layer upon layer builds up around a fossil or other nucleus, forming a concretion. The iron, which hardens the material, can make it difficult to mechanically clean the rock off of the fossil to better view the anatomy. Enter the CT scan. The fossil was lent to the University of Michigan for scanning, a non-invasive method of looking at fossils adopted relatively recently in paleontology. From there, a 3D model of the fossil was created, revealing its unique anatomy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I saw the CT scan ... wow," said Spencer Lucas, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science's director of paleontology and a co-author of the paper. "If you look at the fossil, you don't see a lot of anatomy right on the surface." The 3D models will be a part of the exhibit along with the fossil. Susan Harris, a self-taught fossil collector, found the specimen about eight years ago.The new genus and species will bear her name: Daemodontiscus harrisae. She tries to take a fossil-hunting trip every week. It was a hot July day when Harris came across an outcrop of black shale in northern Socorro County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was evidence of prehistoric life, but no bones. Harris found several coprolites, or fossilized feces, and some plants. Just before she left, she noticed a hard mass, or concretion, with what looked like randomly scattered teeth. It turned out to be a fish skull of a previously undiscovered genus and species. When the skull's owner was still swimming, New Mexico was part of a supercontinent and located much closer to the equator. What is now desert was, at the time, a tropical coastal lake. "I was in this hot, dry desert ... of course, I knew that I was in sediments that had been an ancient lake," Harris said. "But picking up a fish skull, that really makes it concrete. Wow, there really was a lake here, and then to imagine that this thing was once alive and swimming through a lake that existed above these shale sediments." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris had a feeling it was something special right away. The fish would have been about three feet long, with dozens of stiletto-sharp teeth on its jawbone and pointing horizontally on the palate. Daemodontiscus, or demon-toothed fish, earned its name from its famous fangs. But the teeth, along with some other features, made Harris' find unusual. In comparison, most early ray-finned fish would have been around 10 inches. At that size, the fish could have been a top predator in this coastal lake, Lucas said. To this day, Harris says it's one of the best finds she's ever made. Lucas stressed Harris will have a "big presence" in the upcoming exhibit. In addition to the fish skull, several of Harris' other finds will be part of the Ancient Life Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Susan is really one of the most accomplished fossil collectors associated with the museum," Lucas said. "She's been a volunteer for us for about 30 years, and she's made a lot of discoveries. This may be the most remarkable one, but we have a lot of important fossils she found, and some of the fossils in the hall, not just this fish, were ones she found." Volunteers like Harris play an important role at the museum, said executive director Anthony Fiorillo. "I have this guy [Lucas] who looks at 250 million years of Earth history," Fiorillo said. "One guy. If I had to rely on him for everything that was going in the hall, we would have a pretty empty hall. It's this kind of relationship that is a great example of the beauty of paleontology. ... It's the curiosity. That's the job of our museum, to inspire and nurture the public's curiosity about the stuff that's out there and this is just a great example of it." The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for an upcoming facility by the Nuclear Regional Matience Department (NRMD) at Naval Submarine Base in Kings Bay, Georgia. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The facility will serve as a centralized, state-of-the-art hub for NRMD, enabling critical maintenance and repair operations for Trident-equipped submarines. Currently, NRMD operations are dispersed across Kings Bay in temporary trailers, CONEX boxes, and facilities shared with the TRIDENT Refit Facility at Kings Bay. This project will consolidate these functions into a single, purpose-built structure, enhancing communication and collaboration between engineers and mechanics on the waterfront. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a tremendous amount of effort to get us to this point, and from our perspective, it has been a collaborative and satisfying experience, said Brian Logan, deputy director of the Naval Regional Maintenance Department at Kings Bay. The final design turned out to be spectacularand today it is satisfying to take pauseand reflect on what all has been accomplished and what is coming." This $136 million project is estimated to be completed by December 2028. The NRMD plays a vital role in the operations and readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleets ballistic missile submarine force. The NRMD provides intermediate-level repair and maintenance of propulsion plant systems and components, ensuring submarines remain mission-ready. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Mayor Eric Adams legal team is trying to get his public corruption case tossed by claiming a former top federal prosecutor is violating courtroom ethics laws by publicly smearing Hizzoner for political gain. Ex-U.S. Attorney Damian Williams who resigned last month ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration effectively announced his intent to challenge Mayor Adams in the political arena by authoring an op-ed that appeared Thursday in City & State, portraying Gotham in deep crisis and being led with a broken ethical compass, wrote Adams lawyer Alex Spiro in a letter Manhattan federal Judge Dale E. Ho. Spiro also noted Williams created a website last month to promote himself, which include links to media articles that disparage Adams. Mayor Eric Adams legal team is trying to get his corruption case wiped out as they claim ex-U.S. Attorney Damian Williams is violating courtroom ethics laws by publicly smearing Adams for political gain. J.C. Rice The letter which was first seen by The Post Saturday alleges Williams is violating federal courtroom ethics laws by engaging in extrajudicial commentary that would interfere with a fair trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also alleges Williams is violating New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which similarly restrict publicity in ongoing criminal trials by lawyers whove participated in a case, even if they no longer are involved. Mr. Williams brought a meritless case against a political rival to bolster his own immediate candidacy for office, potentially including Mayor of New York City, Spiro contented in his four-page letter. Not only is this conduct highly unethical, but it confirms this U.S. Attorneys offices strategy of prejudicing the jury pool and should be considered by the court when ruling on a motion by Adams attorneys to dismiss the case. Williams resigned last month prior to President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. AP A letter written by Mayor Adams lawyer Alex Spiro which was obtained by The Post Saturday alleges Williams is violating federal courtroom ethics laws by engaging in extrajudicial commentary that would interfere with a fair trial. Matthew McDermott The letter was written to Judge Dale E. Ho. AFJ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Williams ethical obligations did not disappear when he resigned as U.S. Attorney, added Spiro. The letter demands not only that the case be dismissed but that the U.S. Department of Justice open a probe into whether Adams prosecution was brought for improper purposes by Williams. Williams has never publicly said he is eyeing a political run. He did not immediately return messages Saturday, and the U.S. Attorneys Office declined to comment. Adams in September became the first sitting mayor in NYCs history to be charged with federal crimes, indicted for allegedly taking bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. He pled not guilty, vowed to remain in office, and is scheduled to stand trial in April. A 17-year-old Forest Hills High School student who waved a loaded gun on Instagram in a threatening manner was arrested and charged with a felony, officials confirmed. A video obtained by The Post shows the teen handling a firearm, an ammo clip and bullets, then gyrating and waving a gun while speaking along to the words in a rap song, Bow, bow. Somebody gotta go down. Classmates who saw the video posted on Jan. 7 told their parents, who then notified the school. Moshe Khaimov was seen on video waving a gun while speaking along to the words in a rap song, Bow, bow. Somebody gotta go down. Obtained by The New York Post The NYPDs 112th Precinct boasted on Facebook about the arrest of an individual found in possession of an illegal firearm and imitation gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYPD would not name the suspect, but the Queens District Attorneys Office identified Moshe Khaimov as the adolescent offender, a term for youths aged 16 and 17 accused of a violent felony, and whose cases are made public. Khaimov is charged with criminal possession of a loaded weapon, an armed felony offense, a criminal complaint states. Police found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition, along with another five rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a magazine with the capacity to hold 15 rounds. Facebook NYPD 112th Precinct He is also charged with possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and a fake gun which substantially duplicates an actual pistol or revolver. Police found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition during a search of Khaimovs bedroom, along with another five rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a magazine with the capacity to hold 15 rounds, the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khaimovs lawyer at Queens Defenders did not return The Posts call for comment. Classmates who saw the video posted on Jan. 7 told their parents, who then notified the school. Obtained by The New York Post The NYPD brought metal detectors to Forest Hills the day after Khaimovs arrest to search all students. The high school normally does not use scanners. In an email to Principal Paul Wilbur, Forest Hills teacher Adam Bergstein described Khaimov as a clear and present danger who has struck and threatened students and staff, and brought other weapons to school. Bergstein faulted the city Department of Education for a system of lax discipline. Schools are in a constant state of danger because the DOE refuses to hold students accountable for their behavior until its sometimes too late, Bergstein told The Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They rely on restorative justice circles instead of punishing a child when they are dangerous and clearly pose a risk to everyone in a school. DOE officials would not say whether Khaimov was suspended, but in an email to Bergstein and other staff members, the principal wrote: We are currently working to ensure that our disciplinary response is in line with the gravity of the situation. Police Commissioner Jessica Tischs 17 years in public service went out the window about a month and a half into her new gig as the boss of the NYPD. It was the day after police say a maniac recidivist fatally stabbed 14-year-old Caleb Rijos as he walked to school in the Bronx, and Tisch was on the phone with the boys mom, consoling her as a commissioner and a mother. It was one of the most painful experiences of my life, Tisch, 43, who has a son around the same age as Caleb, told The Post Friday in an interview in her 14th-floor office at One Police Plaza. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch at her desk inside One Police Plaza. Michael Nagle Its a tragedy for his family. Its a tragedy for the city, she said of the Jan. 10 horror. The man who stabbed him should not have been out on our streets. That family is shattered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tisch was already having recidivist of the day conversations with her top chiefs during daily meetings to try to figure out how to get repeat offenders off the street, she said. Walter Mejia, 29, who allegedly stabbed Caleb, was previously arrested at least five times, for arson, burglary, possession of a knife, possession of a loaded 9mm gun, criminal mischief and harassment as recently as November. Calebs murder brought the problem home for her and strengthened her resolve. Police Commissioner Tisch with Mayor Adams and her sons at her swearing in in November. Michael Nagle Somethings got to give in this criminal justice system, Tisch said. Felonies are trending downward, which is wonderful, but we have a problem with surging recidivism. The same people are committing the same crimes in the same neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tisch plans to travel to Albany to talk to legislators about changing some of the criminal justice reform laws that have created a revolving-door system in Gotham, she told The Post. Walter Mejia, 29, who allegedly stabbed Caleb, walks down a Bronx street with gloves on. NYPDnews/X Commissioner Tisch with Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny at a press conference. AP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were seeing too many cases die on the vine because of a discovery error or discovery problem that is completely irrelevant to the outcome of the case, she said. Discovery laws impose a burden on prosecutors to turn over voluminous amounts of evidence to the defense in just 20-35 days. The NYPD is also working closely with district attorneys who are declining prosecutions for both felony and misdemeanor arrests and letting suspects right back out onto the street, Tisch said. Tears run down a womans face at a memorial balloon release for Caleb on Jan. 17. James Keivom Its pretty demoralizing for our cops to be out there arresting people for crimes, whether they be felonies or misdemeanors, only to have the prosecutors office decline to prosecute, she said. We cant allow violent criminals out to walk the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tischs first order of business to try to fix the problem is getting more cops on the street to protect New Yorkers, she said. The NYPD has been having trouble filling Academy classes recently in part because other nearby departments pay about the same or better with easier hours and less commuting for young officers, who are frequently starting families. Caleb Rijos, 14, was stabbed to death while walking to school in the Bronx. Family photo obtained by NYP As an answer to that, the NYPD is considering lowering its college-credit requirement that candidates have to meet before becoming cops, she said. That could help the department reach its goal of 1,000 officers in its next class in the spring, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retirements have also been soaring, but the commish attributed that trend to a large number of cops starting on the job 20 years ago who are now ready to collect their pensions. Ex-Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey and former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban during an Academy graduation ceremony at Madison Square Garden on May 6, 2024. Michael Nagle Shes already getting more boots on the street by moving hundred cops out of One PP and other offices, she said. We transferred several hundred officers out of desk jobs and back to patrol where they are needed most, she said. Some of those moves also came after The Post revealed allegations last month of a sex-for-overtime scandal that led to the resignation of Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, the departments top uniformed cop. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch being sworn by Mayor Adams at One Police Plaza in November. Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tisch immediately transferred top detectives out of the Internal Affairs Bureau, which is responsible for rooting out police misconduct, and the chief of departments Office. She intends to make sure there are no opportunities for abuse and recently released new rules for tracking overtime and vehicle usage. This is not my first rodeo dealing with overtime issues, said Tisch, who previously led the Sanitation Department. Rijos was stabbed multiple times in the chest near 300 East 138th Street in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx on Jan. 10. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Right now, the NYPD is working on the logistical nightmare of getting two cops on every subway train as part of a planned deployment with Gov. Kathy Hochul slated to begin with the first 100 officers Monday, Tisch said. Additional phases will be rolled out over the coming weeks with the expectation that the full operation will be complete by the end of the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tisch, a member of the wealthy family that co-owns the New York Giants, told The Post she took the job as NYPD commissioner because she deeply believes in the nobility of the police. The cops are out there every day putting themselves in harms way to keep everyone safe, she said. Thats the height of nobility. HONOLULU (KHON2) The Board of Water Supply is inviting students on Oahu to participate in the 47th annual Water Conservation Week Poster Contest and the 17th annual Poetry Contest. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The contest aims to provide a platform for students to display their creative skills while also emphasizing the importance of conserving water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends of the Library of Hawaii to host annual music and book sale The 2025 contest theme is Worth of Wai, which highlights the value of water in our lives and its connection to Native Hawaiian cultural practices. Students in kindergarten through sixth grade can participate in the poster contest, while students in seventh through 12th grade can participate in the poetry contest. Winning submissions will be featured in the 2026 BWS calendar, which is distributed across the island to promote water conservation awareness. They will also receive cash prizes totaling $3,300, sponsored by Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, Friends of Halawa Xeriscape, Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union and Sodexo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every year, we are inspired by the creativity and passion shown by our keiki and youth in their posters and poetry, said Ernie Lau, manager and chief engineer of the Board of Water Supply. The theme, Worth of Wai, reflects the profound respect for water embedded in Native Hawaiian culture and reminds us of our shared responsibility to cherish and protect this essential resource. A panel of judges will grade the entries based on creativity, originality and their ability to convey the theme of conserving drinking water. Submissions are due on Feb. 28. For more information and complete contest rules, visit the BWS website or contact the BWS Communications Office at (808) 748-5041 or contactus@hbws.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 KHON2. The World Economic Forum will be held in Davos from January 20 to 24. The CM will travel to Delhi along with the delegation heading to Davos. From Delhi, they are scheduled to fly to Zurich at 1:30 AM tonight, as per a release by Information and Public Relations (I and PR). On January 20, the CM will participate in several meetings in Zurich. He will meet various industrialists in Zurich and later attend the "Meet and Greet" program with Telugu industrialists at the Hyatt Hotel. Subsequently, he will travel by road from Zurich to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit. The primary objective of the WEF summit is to promote Brand Andhra Pradesh and secure investments for the state. Government officials, including Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand and CMO officials, extended their best wishes to the Chief Minister, saying, "CM Sir, All the Best!" They expressed hope that the Davos visit would be fruitful and lead to significant investments for the state. The Chief Minister thanked the officials for their wishes. The Andhra CM will be participating in the summit to attract significant investments to Andhra Pradesh. A press release on January 18 stated that by engaging with global business leaders at this prestigious summit, he aims to secure investments for the state. Since assuming office, CM Chandrababu Naidu has been actively striving to bring investments to Andhra Pradesh. Reputed organisations like Google have already signed agreements to invest in the state. Leveraging his vast experience, strong connections with industry leaders, and past successes, the CM has successfully brought substantial investments in just seven months, a statement from the release stated. (ANI) (KRON) The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is investigating a shooting that happened just before 10:30 p.m. Friday in the 700 block of Willow Street. Berkeley PD investigating triple stabbing that left 1 dead Oakland PD said officers arrived at the scene to find evidence of a shooting, but did not locate any victims. Police said its communications division was notified a short time later that a gunshot wound victim had showed up at an area hospital. It was determined that the individual sustained their injuries during the incident on Willow Street, said police. The victim is listed in stable condition, according to Berkeley PD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OPD confirmed this is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call the Oakland Police Department Felony Assault Unit at (510) 238-3426. If anyone has videos or photos that could assist with the investigation, theyre asked to send them to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Every neighborhood should have a Carl Bentson. Bentson, who lived in St. Pauls West End, was the neighbor who made sure everyones yards got mowed and sidewalks got shoveled. He weeded. He picked up trash. He kept an eye out for speeders and abandoned cars. Bentson was the West Ends guardian angel, said Tim Rumsey, a longtime friend and physician who worked in the neighborhood. Once, I followed a trail of his from snowblowing that was two miles long, right up St. Clair Avenue, he said. He just kept going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bentson died Dec. 18 at his home on St. Clair Avenue of complications related to esophageal cancer. He was 62. Thanks to Bentson, friend and neighbor Kurt Wescott said he didnt have to get out of bed to learn if it had snowed overnight. At 5 oclock in the morning, I would hear a snowblower coming down my sidewalk, Wescott said. Or if it was a light snow, he would use a lawnmower to blow the snow away. It was a wonderful treat to wake up with no snow on my sidewalk. He was such a good guy. Every neighborhood would be 100 percent better with a Carl Bentson in it. Bentson cared for his neighbors, and those neighbors cared for him, said Mike Hazard, a friend and filmmaker who featured Bentson in his 2007 documentary, Mr. Positive (available at youtube.com/@michaelhazard). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I liken the vision that he offered to the spokes of a bicycle, Hazard said. He was both at the center of the wheel and also on the rim. The community was supporting him from all directions, and yet he also was radiating a model of being a good citizen. Its the way the world should be. DON BOXMEYER 2007 COLUMN: The world according to Carl Hazard, who has documented the lives of Robert Bly, Tiger Jack Rosenbloom, U.S. Sen. Eugene McCarthy and many others, said meeting Bentson changed his life. To this day, I cannot pass a piece of trash without picking it up and thinking of Carl, he said. Ive made more than 200 films, but if I got to save only one, I think Mr. Positive would be it. It appeals to all ages, all backgrounds, to people all over the world. Carl, he had that radiance. Whenever I have felt down, I could feel Carls positive presence saying, You can do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A friend of Hazards once screened Mr. Positive for her sixth-grade students in Fargo, N.D., he said, and the 30-minute documentary had a profound impact on them. After watching the film, these incorrigible elementary students decided it would be great if everyone found someone in their neighborhood, whether it was Grandma or the next-door neighbor or whatever, any age, they would just help out, he said. Foster child Bentson was born in Winnebago, Minn., with a rare genetic condition called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome that can cause dwarfism and physical and mental handicaps. He was given up by his parents and spent his early years at the Cambridge, Minn., State Hospital. When the hospital switched to community placement, Bentson, then 4, was placed with Vashti Risdall, one of Ramsey Countys premier foster mothers. Risdall fostered 162 children during her tenure; Bentson lived with her for 23 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Risdall died in 2003 at age 100, but she was interviewed at length in Mr. Positive talking about Bentson, who, even after he had moved out on his own, would push his snowblower two miles to her house to clear her walks. Bentson attended Bridge View School, St. Paul Public Schools special-education school. After he graduated in 1985, he started working as a janitor at the school. He worked there for 39 years, retiring in May. They knew he would be a good employee because he was a good student, Rumsey said. He loved to clean. Pioneer Press columnist Don Boxmeyer wrote about Bentson in 1999. The headline read: The Guardian Angel / Carl Bentsons exceptional mind and manners have won him the admiration of St. Pauls West End. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carls forte is washing, mopping and picking up, Boxmeyer wrote. He is such an enthusiastic picker-up of refuse and trash that he often goes off the school grounds after it, and must be reminded that there is no requirement that he clean up the railroad tracks or the nearby private yards. During his first fall on the job, Bentson was sent outside to rake the schools yard, Rumsey said. It was a job that should have taken 15 minutes, and he was out there for two hours, he said. His supervisor finally looked out, and there was Carl. He was shaking the little saplings to get all the leaves off the trees. In 1990, Bentson purchased his home on St. Clair Avenue. He cherished his independence. I cook everything and barbecue out front while I watch the traffic go by, he told Boxmeyer in 1999. Last night I cooked lamb chops. I do fish, chicken, hamburger and hot dishes. Once in a while, Ill bake a cake. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bentson had savant syndrome and an extraordinary photographic memory, especially when it came to cars, Rumsey said. He was a genius, Rumsey said. His area of interest was cars. I mean, he literally knew everything about every car that ever existed. He had all these car manuals and memorized the stuff about the engines and the colors and the different models. It was just unbelievable. As cars would go by, he would say, Theres a such-and-such, and Theres a such-and-such. He knew them all. Hed go to the car show at the (Minnesota) State Fairgrounds, and he would tell the people there about their cars, stuff they didnt know. Bentson never got a drivers license. He tooled around town on a customized three-wheel bicycle festooned with flags, mirrors, reflectors, a canopy, a windshield off a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and dozens of lights. He pedaled an estimated 9,000 miles a year, traveling to Red Wing, Stillwater, Taylors Falls, Forest Lake, Lindstrom, the State Fairgrounds and other sites. Winter Carnival fan Friends and neighbors hope to honor Bentson and his trademark trike during this years Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade, which was one of his favorite events in St. Paul, Wescott said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He always rode in a sidecar on a friends motorcycle and tossed candy to the crowd, he said. Plans call for a friend to tow Bentsons three-wheeled bicycle behind his motorcycle during the Jan. 25 parade with a sign acknowledging Bentsons Dec. 18 death, he said. Friends also are planning to celebrate Bentsons life this spring with an event at the Czech-Slovak Protective Society Hall, said Karen Koeppe, a longtime friend and neighbor. Koeppe became one of Bentsons best friends after she moved to the West End. The two often went grocery shopping and to medical appointments together, she said. We just started doing things together, she said. I was alone, he was alone. I found out he did his grocery shopping with his bike, so I invited him to go grocery shopping with me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Risdall got too old to watch out for Bentson, she asked Koeppe, now 81, to step in. It went way beyond taking care of, she said. He was very important in my life. He was family. The two vacationed together through the years, including trips to Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and the North Shore, she said. He was such a wonderful friend to people, she said. I was lucky to have him. Bentson never uttered a negative word about anyone or anything, said Rumsey, former director of United Family Practice Health Center. He was so genuine and innocent, and so kind and hardworking, he said. I never heard him complain once about anything. His cancer? Certainly not. His lot in life? No complaints. Ever. He was just a positive man. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rumsey suggested that Hazard feature Bentson in a documentary; Rumseys daughter, Emily, co-directed and edited the 30-minute film. The film was produced by Hazard at his Center for International Education and premiered in 2007 at the West Seventh Community Center. Watching the documentary inspires viewers of all ages and backgrounds to imagine how they can do things to make their neighborhoods better and their neighbors happy, according to the documentarys notes posted on YouTube. Carl took the time to smell the roses and to thank people, Hazard said. He made me feel like I want to be a better citizen and care about my neighbors. He taught me that its not what we have; its what we do with what we are, with who we are. He is a lesson for us all. Carl Bentson memorial Plans are in the works for a celebration of Carl Bentsons life this spring at the Czech-Slovak Protective Society Hall in St. Paul. Email carlbentsonmemorial@gmail.com to receive updates. The Pioneer Press also will publish details when available. BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) More than 80 people were killed in the countrys northeast over the weekend following the government's failed attempts to hold peace talks with the National Liberation Army, a Colombian official said. Twenty others were injured in the violence that has forced thousands to flee as Colombia's army scrambled to evacuate people on Sunday, according to William Villamizar, governor of North Santander, where many of the killings took place. Among the victims are community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven people who sought to sign a peace deal, according to a report that a government ombudsman agency released late Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the attacks happened in several towns located in the Catatumbo region near the border with Venezuela, with at least three people who were part of the peace talks being kidnapped. Thousands of people are fleeing the area, with some hiding in the nearby lush mountains or seeking help at government shelters. We were caught in the crossfire," said Juan Gutierrez, who fled with his family to a temporary shelter in Tibu after they were forced to leave behind their animals and belongings. We had no time to grab our things. ... I hope the government remembers us. ... We are helpless here. Colombias army rescued dozens of people on Sunday, including a family and their pet dog, whose owner held a pack of cold water against the animals chest to keep it cool as they evacuated by helicopter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez traveled to the northeast town of Cucuta on Sunday where he held several security meetings and urged armed groups to demobilize. The priority is to save lives and guarantee the security of communities, he said. We have deployed our troops throughout the entire region. Officials also prepared to send 10 tons of food and hygiene kits for approximately 5,000 people in the communities of Ocana and Tibu, the majority of them having fled the violence. Catatumbo needs help, Villamizar said in a public address on Saturday. Boys, girls, young people, teenagers, entire families are showing up with nothing, riding trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, whatever they can, on foot, to avoid being victims of this confrontation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack comes after Colombia suspended peace talks with the National Liberation Army, or ELN, on Friday, the second time it has done so in less than a year. Colombias government has demanded that the ELN cease all attacks and allow authorities to enter the region and provide humanitarian aid. Displacement is killing us here in the region, said Jose Trinidad, a municipal official for the town of Convencion, located in the North Santander region. We're afraid the crisis will worsen. Trinidad called on insurgent groups to sit down and hammer out a new agreement so us civilians don't have to suffer the consequences that we're suffering right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ELN has been clashing in Catatumbo with former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, a guerrilla group that disbanded after signing a peace deal in 2016 with Colombia's government. The two are fighting over control of a strategic border region that has coca leaf plantations. In a statement Saturday, the ELN said it had warned former FARC members that if they continued attacking the population ... there was no other way out than armed confrontation. The ELN has accused ex-FARC rebels of several killings in the area, including the Jan. 15 slaying of a couple and their 9-month-old baby. Army commander Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaria said Saturday that authorities were reinforcing a humanitarian corridor between Tibu and Cucuta for the safe passage of those forced to flee their homes. He said special urban troops also were deployed to municipal capitals where there are risks and a lot of fear. The ELN has tried to negotiate a peace deal with the administration of President Gustavo Petro five times, with talks failing after bouts of violence. ELN demands include that it be recognized as a political rebel organization, which critics have said is risky. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Emergency crews responded to Louisiana State Police headquarters Sunday morning for a phone call bomb threat. A spokesperson for LSP said multiple law enforcement agencies assisted with the response and conducted a thorough sweep of the compound before clearing it. Authorities including the Baton Rouge Police Department could be seen around the area. The incident is under investigation and a search for the subject who made the call is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Further details about the investigation were not immediately available. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. QUESTA, N.M. (KRQE) Two cities in northern New Mexico separated by a short distance, could soon be connected by an eleven-mile-long trail. The Questa district ranger is collaborating with the community to give the area high-quality outdoor activities that last. Weve had communities and partners leading this process and were at the table with them, said Amy Simms, Questa District Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service. An 11-mile trail designed to connect Eagle Rock Lake in Questa and the western boundary of Red River has been in the works since 2017, but officials said theyre finally taking plans to the next level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Albuquerque bikeway and trail facilities plan Weve got an initial design. We think we have a good alignment for the trail. Weve been doing some of the resource surveys for that alignment on the trail, and were ready to share that with the public and get input through this environmental review stage, said Simms. Simms said this input will show Carson National Forest officials if theyve missed anything, have unresolved issues, and if other alternatives need to be considered. Well do our resource surveys to make sure that we know that were not impacting things like cultural sites or different species, said Simms. Then, Simms said, comes the implementation phase. Where theyll look at how to construct the trail and work towards sustainability, such as making sure the trail is not too steep, and that the ten proposed bridges will stand the test of time and floods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First historic cabin rental in New Mexico creating buzz Once they receive enough funds, theyll break ground. Were really excited about that, to provide this really great access to the national forest to connect the two communities, said Simms. He said theres already infrastructure in the Highway 38 corridor along the Red River. Weve got campgrounds, weve got existing trails, weve got places where people like to go fishing, weve got places where people like to go rock climbing, said Simms. The new design could provide more places to park and more recreational opportunities in the Carson National Forest, such as hiking, horseback riding, and biking. What this trail will do is help connect all of those opportunities and help just provide for more sustainable recreation experiences along the corridor, said Simms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved in February 2026, the implementation is estimated to start the following month. The forest service will be hosting an open house in the village of Questa on Wednesday for public feedback. You can submit a comment here until February 13. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) First responders handled two crashes on Interstate 24 in Clarksville on Sunday morning, temporarily shutting down part of the road. According to Clarksville Fire Rescue, a crash involving two tractor-trailers was reported around 7 a.m. Sunday in the westbound lanes of I-24 near mile marker 7. Fire officials removed an occupant from the vehicle, though no major injuries were reported. AAA shares safety tips for drivers facing frigid temperatures, icy roads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the crash was caused by inclement weather. Another crash occurred just before 9 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-24 near mile marker 2.2. At this time, the number of vehicles involved is unknown. All eastbound lanes of traffic were closed during the investigation. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the road reopened just after 10 a.m. News 2 has reached out to officials for additional information. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (WBOY) With it being the winter season, you might feel tempted to turn up the heat, but local fire personnel say to be careful with space heaters. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission says that space heaters are associated with 21,800 residential fires each year and that those fires account for around 300 deaths. They say to never keep a space heater on when youre sleeping and to remember to replace the batteries on those smoke alarms, which is supposed to be done every six months. How the Morgantown Winter Farmers Market is helping the community Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joey Baxa, Shift Captain at the Buckhannon Fire Department, told 12 News, Make sure that if youre using some sort of electric space heater that youre not using extension cord, youre plugging it into the proper power outlet. Baxa also wanted to remind people to keep the area around space heaters clear. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jan. 18Los Alamos County has been trying to teach people about the ills of feeding deer and other wildlife over the past year. But some officials are looking for a solution with more teeth. For several weeks, the Los Alamos County Council has been weighing an ordinance to prohibit wildlife feeding. A revised bill, discussed Tuesday, includes clarifications feeding has to be intentional fallen fruit doesn't qualify as a violation and that bird feeding would remain legal. County councilors voted unanimously to conduct additional analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council rejected a similar measure in 2023 following pushback, deciding instead to educate residents about wildlife feeding. In December, a post on the county's Facebook page discouraged residents from mule deer feedings in the winter, which adversely affect mule deer health, "lead to disease transmission, predation, and other negative effects," and attract predators like mountain lions to human-occupied areas. But the education program hasn't been as effective as hoped, officials said at a December meeting. There were still almost 100 vehicle collisions involving animals in 2024, based on data from Los Alamos Police Department. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Officer Tyler Carter in December presented several maps of 12 identified "feeding locations." The sites, Carter said, draw wildlife including predators. That results in more collisions in the area, more predator kills and, several times in 2024, the euthanasia of predators. Carter explained a mountain lion feeding on a carcass outside Little Forest Playschool resulted in the shutdown of parents' pickup of children at the center and the euthanasia of the predator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[The mountain lion] had been returning for the past week to feed while staff and students were still present during daylight hours," Carter said in December. "This is one of the many incidents that I witnessed caused by the growing problem of feeding wildlife and attracting use in this community." Like in 2023, the proposed ordinance has garnered a mixed response from community members. Some view the ordinance as necessary to reduce nuisance wildlife, while others are unconvinced prohibiting wildlife feeding would have the intended effect. One speaker Tuesday called feeding mule deer in the area "selfish." "Obviously, the educational effort on this subject has not worked as well as hoped for," Garth Reader said Tuesday. "Nuisance wildlife, particularly deer, are an ever growing problem." Other residents have been critical. One speaker expressed concerns Tuesday that volunteers putting out sugar water for pollinators Los Alamos is a member of the Xerces Bee City USA program could be lumped in with people feeding deer, squirrels and raccoons. Former President Donald Trump goes on stage to talk about his presidential campaign and the importance of turning out the vote in Michigan at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before the polls open on Nov. 5, 2024. (Anna Liz Nichols/Michigan Advance) While weve been distracted by the shambles that is American presidential politics, theres been a change happening in our own backyards that may have a more lasting effect than who is sworn into the Oval Office on Monday. That change is the partisanship leaching into local elections from the open-air market of national party politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The politicization of school boards began by 2020, when some parents became activists against pandemic-era remote classes and mask mandates. The summer protests over the death of George Floyd deepened divisions, especially in rural America, and there was an epidemic of challenges to books in school libraries. School board meetings in Kansas, as elsewhere in the country, have become the arena for newly elected, hyper-partisan members fueled by misinformation and narrow agendas, I wrote in 2022. These barefaced culture warriors claim vaccines are hoaxes, masks are ineffective, and a secret leftist plot to make white kids feel bad about themselves by teaching unpleasant facts about American history. Many studies have determined the COVID vaccines are scientifically sound, safe and effective and that masks work. Sorry, RFK Jr., and good luck with your new job as secretary of health. American history? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats still a battleground in many school districts. Take the Derby school board. Derby is a nice town with miles of walking and biking paths. Its the biggest suburb of Wichita, and it has a high school with 2,185 students, making it the fourth largest in Kansas. In December, the conservative majority on the board voted 4-3 to ditch a proposed social studies curriculum because of an unfair bias against Donald Trump. The curriculum had been recommended by teachers at Derby High School, who spent a year reviewing six social studies programs and ultimately favoring one by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, an American educational publisher with headquarters in Boston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported by KMUWs Suzanne Perez, some members of the board said they rejected the $400,000 contract with HMH because of statements about anti-racism and diversity on the publishers website. At least one also felt the material did not accurately reflect Trumps first term in office. My biggest concern involved what I would define as bias of omission, Perez quoted board member Cathy Boote as saying. A retired elementary school teacher who was elected in 2023, Boote took issue with the material on Trumps 2017 Muslim ban, when all immigration and air travel from seven predominately Islamic countries was stopped by executive order. Safety was the top priority, Boote was quoted as saying, but they leave it sit there, with no explanation, to make you think he was xenophobic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, yes. That could be one explanation, backed up not only by Trumps actions but also his words at just about every rally since first coming down that golden escalator. His campaigns, in 2016 and 2024, were built on a foundation that portrayed migrants and minorities as animals bent on destroying decent American towns. But that is my take, not HMHs material, which apparently does not call Trump xenophobic. For this column, I requested a comment and a copy of the HMH program from Leah Riviere, the publishers communications director. I received no immediate response to my email request. But Boote and her fellow school board conservatives werent just disturbed by the history material. They also objected to statements on the publishers website that included an opposition to racism and a commitment to diversity and social justice. For a previous story, Riviere told KMUW that the statement on the HMH website wasnt meant to be political. The intent was to express support for Black teachers and students and other members of the publishers community, including its employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HMH does not advocate for any ideology, political organization or agenda, she said. Boote, a Republican who contributed several hundred dollars to Trumps campaign, according to the Federal Election Commission, clashed with the Derby school officials in 2022. Then, she questioned why the high schools civics club posted online material that mostly had, at least in her perception, a liberal bias. My concern is the indoctrination is so deep that its widely accepted, with no regard to law or policy, the Derby Informer quoted Boote as saying during public comments at a school board meeting. Boote said school employees should follow policy and state law to avoid using their paid time or educational resources to advocate for a particular candidate or political viewpoint. She also said students should be afforded an opportunity to experience rich diverse thought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such blustering rings hollow and hypocritical. No high school teacher I know would engage in indoctrination of students to a political belief. It seems more likely to me that any liberal bias represented on the Civics Club Facebook page was caused by the students seeking out speakers they wanted to hear from, and not the club sponsor spoon-feeding students propaganda. Clubs are extracurricular in nature, largely run by students, and hearing from a candidate who brings in a few signs with her is far from an organizational endorsement. But we probably wont know for sure what happened, because the school board apparently went into closed session to discuss the matter. The Derby civics Facebook page appears to no longer exist. On Thursday, I checked the Derby high activities page and found no listing for the Civics Club. Then I called the school office and was told by a staff member that we dont have one at the moment. The staffer said she didnt know why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I doubt if Boote would have objected if the Civics Club speakers had swayed conservative. Or if the social sciences teachers had recommended a curriculum that included material that commended Trump for his actions during his first term in office. It is a special kind of hypocrisy to bring a school district to task for having an alleged liberal agenda and then reject a curriculum that has been recommended by teachers who are experts in the field because it fails to conform to your political worldview. However HMHs material presented Trump, it would have been largely irrelevant to the program at Derby; as explained by Kendal Warkentine, co-chair of the Derby social studies department, the administrations of recent presidents arent covered in class. Warkentine was quoted by KMUW by saying the HMH material was well-written and engaging and among the best hed seen. On Jan. 13, Warkentine, other Derby teachers, and some patrons asked the board to defer to educators on course materials. Kansas is among the states in which curricula is adopted by local school districts instead of being handed down by the state. The Kansas State Department of Education instead sets curricular standards that must be met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the conservative majority on the board refused to be swayed. After board member Mark Boline spent about 10 minutes refuting some of the comments Boote had made the month before about the HMH material, Boote said she felt personally attacked by Boline. The message sent by the Derby School Board in rejecting the recommended program and refusing to budge on their decision is this: We dont trust our teachers. This lack of trust of experts has become a dangerous refrain in populist politics. From education to vaccines to government efficiency, it threatens to disrupt the operation of government and jeopardize the health and well-being of its citizens in the process. The death of expertise is not just a rejection of existing knowledge, writes Tom Nichols in his 2017 book. It is fundamentally a rejection of science and dispassionate rationality, which are the foundations of modern civilization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nichols, a foreign affairs and international security expert, says that among a broad section of the American public, expertise is equated with elites and an attempt to stifle dialogue. Americans now believe that having equal rights in a political system also means that each persons opinion about anything must be accepted as equal to anyone elses, Nichols observes. The relationship between experts and citizens, like nearly everything in a democracy, is built on trust. When that trust collapses, experts and laypeople become warring factions. We have arrived at an America in which facts dont really matter. The truth for many of us is what we feel, not what we know. If we feel vaccines are bad, as Nichols points out, then they must be. If a fact is contrary to our political worldview, then it must be wrong. We no longer live in a world of shared fact, but in a superstitious land ruled by emotion. That includes an irrational adherence to religion and a blind devotion to king (or what passes for a king) and country. Its as if the advances in science and critical thinking of the last few generations have been swept aside. Our politics, in many ways, harken back to the shambles, the open-air meat market in medieval towns that was about as likely to dish up sickness from contaminated or rotting food as it was sustenance. The fault is not the Internet, although commercialization has practically extinguished the boon it could have been to news and education; it is not the fault of the politicians who manipulate us into acting against our own best interests, even though they may do so with self-serving intent; and it is certainly not the fault of the elites or the liberals, the migrants or the homeless, the socially disenfranchised or the otherwise different, although many modern-day demagogues would have us believe the only thing standing between us and our former supposed greatness are these others. All have been wrongly blamed for societys ills, at one time or another. No, the fault is in human nature. Since the time of the Enlightenment we have waged a war of knowledge against ignorance, but through laziness or hypocrisy or common inattention we are periodically dragged back down into the mud beneath the shambles. How long we stay down here is up to us, but we must stand together to have a chance of standing at all. The actions of the Derby School Board may be a glimpse of things to come. As more school districts surrender to partisan politics, there is a real danger that rural America may be faced with formerly nonpartisan boards that become, in effect, single-party machines aimed at stamping out dissent and squelching critical thought. Derby has already reached the point where expert opinion is disregarded, teachers are disempowered, and publishers are economically punished for espousing such radical ideas as diversity and equality. The conservative majority has abandoned ideas of cooperation and service in favor of power and political self-interest. What Boote and her conservative colleagues on the Derby school board have done is to create a climate of fear among teachers. Why risk the teaching of sensitive but needed material about current events when your board is on an indoctrination witch hunt? When these school administrators police only those ideas they disagree with, thats not just hypocrisy, but censorship. The say they favor a variety of viewpoints, but their actions allow only the material that matches their political agenda. Who, then, is doing the indoctrinating? It is a question of activism for me, but not for thee. Is this the kind of school board we want in Kansas? It certainly isnt the kind of board Derby students deserve. Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Following a tip-off from the Commissioner's Task Force, the South-East Zone team, Hyderabad along with Chaderghat Police apprehended one person in possession of contraband Dry Ganja in Hyderabad under the limits of Chaderghat Police Station on Saturday evening, DCP, South-East Zone, Hyderabad said. The peddler has been identified as Raju Jat alias Raju (aged 35 years) working as an Ice cream vendor and resident of Ramagundam. 62 Kg of dry Ganja valued at Rs 15,50,000 and a mobile phone was seized from him. Two other accused are still at large. Hyderabad police revealed that, for the last five years he had been supplying Ganja to his customers. Police said that he purchased Ganja from one Subhash resident of Chitrakonda in Odisha and supplied the same to his known customer Purushotham resident of Rajura (V), Chandrapur in Maharashtra. Deputy Commissioner of Police, South-East Zone, Hyderabad, Patil Kantilal Subhash said, "A few days back Purushotham placed an order of 62 kgs Ganja with him. On January 11, 2025, he went to Chitrakonda, Odisha, Malkangiri and purchased 62 Kgs of Ganja from Subash and came to Ramagundam on the same day. Yesterday on Saturday he came to Hyderabad by private bus. and he was standing at Post office lane, near Naigonda crossroads. Chaderghat, Hyderabad to go to Kachiguda Railway station in an auto. From there he wanted to go to Chandrapur by train. Meanwhile, Police caught him along with contraband." Police said that previously he was involved in similar cases and lodged in jail. Police further said that other accused persons namely Subhash from Odisha and Purushotham from Chandrapur, Maharashtra were yet to be apprehended. (ANI) OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma City Council approved the MAPS 4 Master Plan, meaning over 100 neighborhood and community parks will get some improvements. I just get excited about doing them all and having people enjoy what we do, said David Todd, MAPS 4 Program manager. LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma City Zoo welcomes rescued bobcat Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council gave their stamp of approval on the MAPS 4 Neighborhood and Community Parks Master Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passes unanimously, said Mayor David Holt. Detailed in these 500 pages is 1.5 years of work, talking about the nearly $70 million plans to improve OKC Parks. Parks-Master-Plan-compressedDownload This master plan is to analyze what was there and what they need to be brought up to a level and then estimate how much that would be, said Todd. Most of the 107 parks are in neighborhoods. Recommended improvements include as many as: 56 new or upgraded playgrounds 66 new or upgraded multiuse courts 14 splashpad improvements 67 new or upgraded park signs 43 new or improved shelters/pavilions 183 proposed solar lights Some parks will even get pickleball courts. LOCAL NEWS: Thunderbirds coming to Tinker Air Force Base Just whatever they dont have and they need to be brought up to a point, said Todd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, $22 million is being set aside for improvements to Booker T. Washington, Minnis, Northeast, Earlywine, and Lake Stanley Draper parks. The city said the hope by investing in the parks, people will go outside and connect with nature, helping their overall health and wellbeing. Seeing people use on the product that you worked on for so long is really the reward, said Todd. The goal is to start putting the plan into action this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A Sulphur, Oklahoma, native recently looked out the windows of his apartment in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, and a "ball of fire" in the hills caught his attention as he took in the sweeping view. Ross Chitwood, 40, said he didn't initially think the blaze that began Jan. 7 would rapidly reach Community United Methodist Church in Pacific Palisades and the upstairs apartment there that he shared with his husband, Zach Kemper. Kemper, a California native, knew better, and urged Chitwood to send children and teachers at the church's preschool home while he quickly grabbed a bag of the couple's clothing and rounded up their pets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He said 'I know we have to leave now,'" Chitwood said of his spouse. Community United Methodist Church in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California, is shown. "Some people waited, and I feel grateful for that view because we could see what was happening. I feel like a lot of people couldn't see what was happening." Chitwood and Kemper are now contemplating their next move in the aftermath of the fire that began on Jan. 7, destroying hundreds of Palisades homes and several houses of worship, including Community United Methodist, where Chitwood serves as director of worship and community. USA TODAY reported that more than 1,200 commercial and residential structures have been destroyed in the Pacific Palisades coastal area between Santa Monica and Malibu, according to Cal Fires estimates. Another 200 homes, businesses and other structures also have been damaged by the wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chitwood said not only did he live and work at Community United Methodist Church with his husband, but he and Zach were among the first gay couples to be married there in June after the United Methodist Church General Conference effectively ended the denomination's ban on gay marriage. Community United Methodist Church is shown after fire ravaged the house of worship in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California. "It felt like home," Chitwood said of the church and the Palisades community he has grown to love. He said his faith and his community of family and friends are helping him and Kemper as they regroup in the week of the devastating blaze. As an Oklahoma native, he said he is all too familiar with natural disasters and pointed out that a tornado hit his hometown in 2024. The fires that have been raging in several areas of California are different, though, Chitwood said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The winds woke me up that morning," he said. "I'm from Oklahoma and I know about the winds sweeping down the plains, but this was something else. A tornado has a path and a width, but this (fire) has no path and no width it is total annihilation of an entire town." Community United Methodist Church, a historic house of worship in the Pacific Palisades, was destroyed by fire. Chitwood earned a bachelor's degree from Julliard and a master's degree from Rice University. Along with his position at the church, he is a voice instructor/lecturer in the School of Theater, Film and Television at the University of California at Los Angeles, and he also works at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA)-Los Angeles. He said he and Kemper have been staying at an Airbnb through the Airbnb Foundation, and a friend has offered them a place to stay for several weeks. Bryce Chitwood, of Sulphur, Ross' brother, said he hoped to provide help for his older brother during this difficult time by setting up a GoFundMe for immediate living expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ross Chitwood said his parents, Fred and Pam Chitwood, of Sulphur, flew out to California after the church was destroyed to be with the couple. He said the GoFundMe donations from friends far and wide, along with compassionate strangers, also have encouraged him and touched his heart. "I've looked at it, and I'm overwhelmed when I see the names on it of people from Oklahoma and people who are friends from 20 or 30, years ago, but I have not spoken to or seen," he said. "I've seen people from UCLA and AMDA on there and my students' names on there. It's overwhelming." Sulphur native Ross Chitwood and his husband, Zach, are shown at their June 2024 wedding at Community United Methodist Church in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'We can stick together' Finding housing is a top priority for Chitwood, but he said he's sure they will find something. "We have people that we know who have our backs and will help us figure out what the next step is, so I'm confident," he said. "I'm not worried, but just don't really know where we need to land yet." What he does know is that he wants to stay close to his church community and Palisades community-at-large. He said many people don't realize that the Palisades is a small community, and many of the people who live there are working-class people with homes that have been in their families for generations. And Community United Methodist Church is in the center of the Palisades community, he said. The interior of Community United Methodist Church is shown in this photo taken before the house of worship was destroyed by the Palisades fire. The historic church was founded in 1922 and was one of the area's first structures. Chitwood said the church essentially started the community because it was the location of United Methodist Chautauqua gatherings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry director said he's hoping to encourage the community to band together, and that's what seems to be happening, although he knows a few people have already relocated to places like Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach. "The Palisades is a very small town, and I want to make sure we can stick together, because together is all we have," Chitwood said. "It's amazing how people are coming together." Ross Chitwood's apartment at Community United Methodist Church is shown. How to help To make a donation to help Ross Chitwood and his husband, Zach, with immediate expenses, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/ross-and-zach-face-total-loss-after-palisades-fire?cdn-cache=0. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make a donation directly to Community United Methodist Church of the Pacific Palisades to help people who lost their homes cover immediate expenses and for the churchs eventual reconstruction, go to http://www.palisadesmethodist.org/giving. To make a donation to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, for its disaster relief for all the California fires, go to https://umcmission.org/advance-project/901670/. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma native describes losing home, church in Palisades fire In 2002, Ryan James Wedding was a clean-cut white boy headed for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. With his chiseled, 240-pound, six-foot-three frame, piercing blue eyes, and beguiling smile, the Canadian National Snowboard Team member cut the figure of a champion Olympian destined for Wheaties box fame. Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to wealthy and accomplished parents, Weddings childhood was likewise charmed. His father, Rene, was a sought-after engineer proficient in several languages; his mother, Karen, was a nurse. Wedding, along with his two sisters, grew up speaking French and English. The natural-born athlete had always leaned into adventure sportsmotocross, dirt biking, rugby. But it was snowboarding in which Wedding excelled. His grandparents owned Thunder Bays Mount Baldy ski resort, and it was here that Wedding learned to shred, embarking on a career path as a competitive snowboarder, a sport that landed him a spot on Canadas 1995 Olympic team and earned Wedding the formidable nickname, The Giant. The giant is no more, and Wedding, now 43 years old, has long since careened down a precarious slope riddled with corruption, murder, and cocaine trafficking. Related: Hollywood Opens Its Wallet: Inside the $70 Million Wildfire Relief Push Per the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wedding is currently on the lam believed to be hiding out in Mexico, an accused murderer with ties to myriad transnational criminal organizations, his mustachioed mugshot among the rogues gallery of fugitives that make up the FBIs Most Wanted List. Weddings FBI Most Wanted Poster features two photos of Wedding, a man the feds assert is capable of barbaric bloodshed linked to an attendant avalanche of drug crimes. In one, the sparkle in Weddings eyes is long dulled, his hair a long, stringy mess, his beard untidy and straggly. Weddings moniker of late, one bestowed upon him by compatriots in the notoriously brutal Sinaloa Cartel: Public Enemy. In the second, he looks more like the athlete he once was, his hulking, chiseled frame covered in a t-shirt and sweater, hair cut high-and-tight, as he leans over a cell phone at an outdoor table in the photo that was taken by law enforcement, sources say, in Mexico City. The FBI warns that he should be considered armed and dangerous. How Wedding became what Martin Estrada, the U.S. Attorney for Californias Central District, called an Olympic-athlete-turned-drug lord comprises a blood-soaked trail that spans decades and stretches across several continents. Wedding, per a Los Angeles review of court records, is connected to some of the most dangerous criminals in the world: dirty ex-Russian KGB agents, Iranian encryption experts, Hezbollah-connected narco-terrorists, and the infamously violent Sinaloa Cartel. According to prosecutors, for 13 years, Wedding ran a $1 billion drug empire along with a motley coterie of criminal compatriots. Among them: Nahim Jorge Bonilla, a music executive whose preferred nickname was The One and whom investigators believe was negotiating drug deals as the owner of the Miami Beach hotspot Mandrake; an Indian trucking magnate; a Toronto hitman; Russian mobsters; and Weddings childhood buddy Andrew Clark, the Olympians second-in-command known by his alias The Dictator. Once an Olympian snowboarder, Ryan Weddings dramatic transformation reflects his descent into the criminal underworld as a fugitive drug trafficker wanted by the FBI.Courtesy of Federal Bureau of Investigation But Wedding, called El Jefe by his criminal underlings, was undeniably the boss. According to Estrada, Wedding moved 60 tons of cocaine a year from the humid climes of South and Central America to the iciest reaches of Canada as the principal administrator, organizer, and leader of the criminal enterprise. But Los Angeles was Weddings hub, the proverbial ground zero for his operations sophisticated transportation network that stockpiled drugs in warehouses across the city before they were smuggled into Canada by long-haul truckers. His operation got even more sophisticated in 2002, the same year he was cut from his countrys Olympic team. It was around this time that, per Matthew Allen, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations L.A. field division, Wedding pivoted from navigating slopes to contouring a life of incessant crimes. The former nice guy athlete was now mired in an underworld that was unremitting, callous and greed driven. For one, if anyone got in Weddings way, prosecutors say, he eliminated them using contract killers that Clark, court records show, kept on speed dial. One such victim was Mohammed Zafar, 39, a resident of Brampton, located about an hour outside Toronto, whose May 18, 2024, murder was ordered in retaliation for a drug debt. Months earlier, in December 2023, Wedding and Clark, according to a federal indictment, paid for the execution-style murders of a truck driver whose haul went missing, only the killer shot up the wrong targets, a married Indian couple in their 50s Jagtar and Harbhajan Sidnu, who were visiting their daughter in Caledon, Ontario. The couple had rented a house once belonging to the drug courier, who was also Indian, who fled L.A. with a large shipment of drugs that never made it to their destination. In what officials called a case of mistaken identity, the assassin erroneously assumed he had found his target and opened fire. During said execution, the hired hitman also shot the couples daughter, Jaspreet Kaur Sidhu, 13 times. She miraculously survived, recalling her harrowing experience with CBC News: "I heard my mother's last screams. After that, there was complete silence. Only the noises of gunshots. Related: Winter Travel Guide And those are just some of the victims. Prosecutors have connected two additional assassinations to Wedding and Clarks network, which occurred while Wedding was a wanted man in Canada. Investigators have been on Weddings tail since 2015 when the disgraced Olympiads name was listed in court documents filed in Montreal as part of a drug case spearheaded by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Wedding was charged with two counts of conspiracy to import cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and one count of trafficking cocaine. Wedding fled Canada and, in turn, the U.S. Department of Justice authorities dubbed the case to bring the narcotics trafficker to justice Operation Giant Slalom, a nod to the Olympic race in which Wedding competed in Salt Lake City. The DEA seizes hundreds of kilos of cocaine during a coordinated effort to dismantle a billion-dollar drug trafficking network connected to Operation Giant Slalom.Courtesy of the Drug Enforcement Administration In October, the feds struck hard at Weddings network, rounding up his most powerful lieutenants in a series of raids in the United States, Colombia, and Mexico. Heavily armed FBI Agents swarmed Bonillas $5 million Miami mansion, once owned by DJ Khaled, demanding the music mogul-cum-restaurateur surrender an implicating loudspeaker. In the Pacific-bordering state of Jalisco, Clark was tackled in a dramatic maneuver coordinated by Mexicos Navy Seals. In total, authorities seized roughly a ton of cocaine, firearms, and dozens of rounds of ammunition, more than $255,000 in cold hard cash, and over $3.2 million in cryptocurrency. But Wedding has mastered the art of evading law enforcement. With the help of the Sinaloa cartel, the ruthless ringleader remains at large with a $50,000 bounty on his head and a slew of aliases at his disposal, living in the lap of luxury at the expense of those whose lives he destroyed. Authorities dismantle the $1 billion cocaine empire led by former Olympian Ryan Wedding, with multiple arrests across the U.S., Mexico, and Colombia during Operation Giant Slalom.Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice __ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weddings dizzying spree of crime began in June 2008 when he flew to LAX with an Iranian money launderer named Hassan Sharari and Michael Krapchan, a reputed Russian mobster with plans to buy 24 kilos of cocaine from former KGB agent Yuri Trofinov. But nothing on that trip for the ex-Olympian would go as planned. In a recorded phone call, Trofimov assured Krapchan, the owner of a Vancouver radio station and Vice President of the Vancouver Russian Jews Association, that the cocaine was 100% Colombian and available for pickup in Los Angeles. Krapchan was afraid of Trofimov, and for good reason: Trofimov was a former member of the KGB, the now-defunct phalanx of secret police whose tactics were so terrifying most Russians refused to utter the acronym aloud. Rather, its agents were referred to by the euphemism high-class professionals. Krapchans attorney would later describe Trofimov in a court filing as a big player in the drug trade, a Godfather in a ring of former KGB agents and Russian policemen involved in transnational drug dealing and money laundering activities. Related: OPINION | The Erosion of Empathy: How Fake News and Conspiracies Divide Us Krapchan owed Trofimov money that was connected to a real estate deal gone wrong. If the debt wasnt paid, the high-class professional warned that he would take care of [Krapchan] the Russian way. The cocaine deal would provide Krapchan a way out. Trofimov would sell him 24 kilos of that Colombian coke, which, in turn, Krapchan could upsell and wipe out his remaining debt. Krapchan accepted the deal, noting that he would be traveling to L.A. with a Canadian athlete (Wedding) and an Iranian (Sharari). When Wedding and Sharari touched down at LAX on June 10, 2008, Trofinov was waiting at the airport. He immediately demanded to see the money. But Wedding said they didnt have it. Obviously, I didnt put it in my fucking suitcase, he told Trofinov. The terms had changed, he explained. He and Sharai would buy one kilo, he said, have a look at it, and grab the rest of them later. Authorities seize hundreds of kilos of cocaine in a major operation targeting an international drug trafficking ring, showcasing their haul at the LAPD Air Support Division.Courtesy of the Los Angeles Police Department Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trofinov erupted into a fiery rage. No one knew it then, but Yuri was wired up, working undercover for the FBI. The feds were positioned nearby with a plan to swoop in and grab the trio right there. Only Wedding's paper to pay for the drugs had been sent to L.A. using the ancient Iranian money transferring system known as hawala, which kept transactions such as this one from the prying eyes of banking authorities and regulatory agencies so that there was no arrestable transaction. They needed a day or two to access the cash. The men went their separate ways. Wedding checked into a room at the Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills. Three days later, Wedding traveled to San Diego where, entering a room with his cohorts, he was surveilled by federal agents. Krapchan emerged with a bag of cash and drove to a separate location to meet Trofinov with $17,000 in tow. He got the drugs and shared the good news in a call to Wedding. With that, the FBI moved in. Krapchan was arrested at the drug buy, while Wedding and Sharari were arrested at the dumpy San Diego hotel as federal agents got a warrant to search their hotel rooms searched. Stashed in a dresser in Weddings room was $100,000. A federal indictment was issued on federal trafficking charges, which carried a ten-year prison sentence. Krapchan pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 months. The Iranian flipped, testifying against Wedding who was found guilty at trial. Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympian, is wanted by the FBI for leading a transnational drug trafficking operation tied to murder and narcotics crimes, with a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.Courtesy of the Federal Bureau of Investigation When it came time for his sentencing in May 2010, Wedding turned on the charm for the judge who would determine his fate, apologizing for the stupid and irresponsible decisions that led to him coming down to San Diego to buy drugs. Worse, he added, I allowed myself to be lured by the idea of easy money, and the sad thing is I really didn't need money that bad. As an athlete, I was always taught that there are no second chances, and, well, I'm here asking for exactly that. The judge was moved, so much so that she told Wedding he had swayed her into imposing a lighter sentence than the one she had in mind. Wedding was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison. With time served after his arrest, he was released months later in 2011. The assistant United States Attorney in San Diego, Orlando Gutierrez, who prosecuted the case, didnt put up a fight. After all, he told the judge, the Olympian was not a kingpin but another hapless person who was trying to break into the drug trade, and it didnt work out. Wedding might have been considered an amateur back then, but upon his release, he put the connections he made while locked up to immediate use. It was this second chance, notes Estrada, that created the framework for Wedding to build his prolific and ruthless organization. Related: Head of Childrens Hospital in Israel Awaits Fate of Bibas Brothers as Phase One of Hostage Deal Nears Sunday Start One is responsible for at least four murders. The FBI urges anyone with information about Weddings whereabouts to contact the Bureau's Los Angeles field office. His compatriots remain in federal holding cells as prosecutors continue to pursue their case largely in secret, with most of the filings in the case kept under court-ordered seal away from public view. Jan. 18Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame renovation could start within a month, OMHOF Executive Director Tony Corbell said. Muskogee City Council on Monday approved a bid of $3,547,338 from AC Owen Construction to remodel the 1903 Frisco Depot, which houses the museum and music venue. Oklahoma Department of Commerce announced plans in July to fund $2.4 million toward renovation of the depot. The renovation is to include interactive displays and exhibits, a video theater and a performance venue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interim City Manager Roger Kolman said the Department of Commerce will end up paying $2.9 million. Additional state funding will come from a public-private partnership handled by Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, Kolman said. The city will pay $496,529 out of its 2019 sales tax fund, Kolman said. AC Owen remodeled the exercise area and entrance of Muskogee Swim and Fitness in 2024. Corbell said the OMHOF bid "came in right at estimate." "And they said they'll come in under the amount of days they have been given," Corbell said. "They are coming in right on budget and are going to finish the thing faster than they thought. That's exciting for me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the bid spread sheet, AC Owen construction bid $3.5 million for a duration of 210 days. The other bidder, HOEY Construction bid $5.3 million for a duration of 365 days. Corbell said architects told him renovation could start as soon as contracts are signed, which could be in the next couple of weeks. He said he hopes renovation could be completed within a year. "Early on they said it was going to take a year to 13 months," Corbell said. Architect Hank Spieker of Narrate Architecure/Interiors/Planning said in July renovation of Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame should be completed by mid-2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corbell said OMHOF moved 90% of its items out of the museum. Part of the exhibits, including donations from inductees, are in a smaller temporary museum at Muskogee Civic Center. Thursday night concerts are in the Civic Center's upstairs rooms. "We had our first concert last night," Corbell said Friday. "The room's all set up, the stage looks nice." DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Two people were sent to the hospital after a shooting early Sunday morning. Police were called to the 500 block of East Siebenthaler Avenue on reports of a shooting. This happened around 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 19. The Dayton Police Department says through an investigation, two gunshot victims were found at a separate location, identified as a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old male. Both were sent to the hospital for their injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Possible shots fired leads to arrest at UD Saturday night The 19-year-old victim is said to have non-life-threatening injuries. We are working to learn the status of the 16-year-old. Detectives with the Violent Offender Unit are investigating. 2 NEWS is working to learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. The ex-aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy began its final journey to the scrapyard. The decommissioned vessel was the last conventionally powered flattop built by the US Navy. The Kennedy namesake will continue with the future Ford-class nuclear-powered supercarrier. The decommissioned aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy embarked on its final journey to be dismantled earlier this week. The Kennedy was moored at the Navy's Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia for nearly two decades before being sold to scrap dealers for just a cent. The Kennedy namesake will live on in the future Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. PCU Kennedy, the second-in-class ship, is scheduled to be commissioned in 2025, three years behind schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navy's last conventionally powered carrier The decommissioned aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy was towed to the Navy Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility. Anne Marie Gorden/U.S.Coast Guard via Getty Images Commissioned in September 1968, the Kennedy was the fourth and final vessel in the Kitty Hawk class, initially designated as an attack aircraft carrier. Comprised of the first-in-class Kitty Hawk, USS Constellation, USS America, and the Kennedy, the vessels were the last group of carriers to be powered by fossil fuels, which were replaced by the Navy's Nimitz-class nuclear-powered flattops. The name honored the president slain five years before, who had served as a naval officer during World War II. After his motor torpedo boat was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer, he famously helped save his men from the water and relayed their stranded location to nearby allies by writing on a coconut husk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only ship of its class Onlookers watched as the USS John F. Kennedy docks in the Hudson River. Mario Tama/Getty Images After undergoing heavy modifications to adapt to a broader range of missions, the Kennedy became a class of its own, changing its classification to CV-67. Nicknamed "Big John," the Kennedy completed 18 deployments over nearly four decades in service, including operations in the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Ligurian, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas. In 2005, the Navy decided the cost of the maintenance overhaul for the aging carrier outweighed the benefits, opting to retire the ship instead. The aircraft carrier was taken out of service in August 2007 and towed to Philadelphia, moored alongside other inactive Navy vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deployed to the Mediterranean USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier approached the Japan-Egypt Friendship Bridge during transit of the Suez Canal Bill Vonseggern/US Navy/Getty Images The Kennedy was notably involved in the Arab-Israeli conflict in the 1970s and deployed to the Middle East as part of the US response to the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The vessel was also sent to waters off the coast of Lebanon after a suicide bomber struck the US Marine Corps Multi-National Forces Barracks at the Beirut International Airport, killing 241 Marines. Aircraft aboard CV-67 launched the first major strikes on Iraq on the night of January 17, 1991, lighting up the night sky as the 80 sorties flying over Baghdad were pummeled with heavy fire from below. "Imagine the Disney World light show, then magnify it 100 times," one pilot said. "That's what it looked like from the sky last night it was incredible!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9/11 terror attacks Sailors gathered on deck below the main tower of the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier as it passed the Statue of Liberty. STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kennedy and its battle group were also briefly deployed to the mid-Atlantic coastline to support the Nimitz-class carrier USS George Washington, establishing air security following the terror attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001. "While John F. Kennedy Battle Group's services were needed for only a brief time, every member of the Battle Group was proud of their role in Operation Noble Eagle, providing security along the eastern seaboard of the United States," an observer with the Kennedy's battle group wrote, per the Navy. The Kennedy also played an early role in the war in Afghanistan, launching the first air strikes off the coast of Pakistan that commenced Operation Enduring Freedom. One of the greatest military pranks Aircrew members are lifted from the flight deck of USS John F. Kennedy. Jim Hampshire/US Navy/Getty Images Not only will the Kennedy go down in history for its involvement in key conflicts in US history, but it was also the setting of one of the greatest military pranks of all time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Navy tradition dating back to the 1960s, crews aboard Navy aircraft carriers would prank the sailors aboard the relieving ship by releasing greased pigs on its flight deck. When the Kennedy was set to relieve the Kitty Hawk-class supercarrier USS America in 1986, aviators aboard the America dropped off an unusual payload on the new arrivals: three greased pigs dyed with red, white, and blue food coloring. It's #NationalPigDay! Dating back to the early 60s, a prank played by carriers in the Mediterranean was to surprise their relieving carrier by releasing greased pigs on the flight deck. This 1986 video is of a helicopter from USS America dropping off pigs on USS John F. Kennedy. pic.twitter.com/LL6UHnfk0V U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) March 1, 2022 Final journey The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy sails at sunrise off the coast of Boston. David Goldman/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images In 2021, the Navy sold two old aircraft carriers the Kennedy and the Kitty Hawk to scrap dealers for just one cent each. Though towing and breaking down the ship for scrap is a costly process, the profit from selling scrap steel, iron, and non-ferrous metal ores will benefit the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 17 years at the Navy's decommissioned ship facility, Big John embarked on its final voyage to International Shipbreaking Limited's scrap metal yard in Brownsville, Texas. Departing from the Philadelphia naval facility, the ship is set to sail into Delaware Bay and into the North Atlantic Ocean before transiting south, around the Florida peninsula, and then across the Gulf of Mexico. The next JFK A rendering shows the future aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy, the second ship in the Gerald R. Ford class. US Navy photo illustration courtesy of Newport News Shipbuilding/Released Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kennedy namesake will live on in the future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier. Expected to be delivered to the Navy in the summer of 2025, the second-in-class PCU John F. Kennedy touts a hefty $11 billion price tag albeit $2 billion shy of the $13 billion first-in-class USS Gerald R. Ford. Measuring 1,092 feet in length only a few feet shy of the height of the Eiffel Tower the future Kennedy will be able to accommodate more than 75 aircraft. Powered by two nuclear reactors, the Navy said its newest warship will incorporate nearly two dozen technological upgrades to make it more efficient, including improvements in propulsion, power generation, ordnance handling, and aircraft launch systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ''USS John F. Kennedy will carry the legacy of its namesake and the power of our nation,'' then-acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said in a 2019 statement. ''The advanced technology and warfighting capabilities this aircraft carrier brings to our global challenges will strengthen our allies and partners, extend our reach against potential adversaries, and further the global mission of our integrated naval force.'' Carrying on the Kennedy legacy Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, delivered remarks at a naming ceremony for the next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin O'Brien/US Navy At just 9 years old, Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the 35th president, was chosen as the sponsor for the first carrier named after her father. Fifty-two years later, Caroline Kennedy was once again selected to be the sponsor of the future CVN-79, christening the ship in December 2019 in a ceremony attended by over 20,000 people at Newport News shipyard. "Having a chance to get to know the people who served on the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) really gave me insight into who he was and what kind of leader he was in a way that I wouldn't have had any other way," Caroline Kennedy said. "And I know that's going to be just as true now with a whole new generation." New construction approach The aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy touched water for the first time during the dry dock flooding at Newport News shipyard. Ashley Cowan/HII Navy Capt. Todd Marzano, then the commanding officer of the Kennedy, told Business Insider said the Kennedy's construction was streamlined by improvements from the inefficiencies and delays that plagued the Ford. "We are definitely benefiting from being the second aircraft carrier in the class," Marzano said in 2019. "We're leveraging their lessons learned, which has helped not only from the construction side but from our sailor training." Using a modular process, workers built smaller sections of the ship to form a superlift, a structural unit fitted with piping, electrical equipment, cable, ventilation, and joiner work, before bringing it to the assembly area on the dry dock. The second-in-class carrier was launched into the James River three months ahead of schedule in October 2019 then set to be delivered to the Navy in 2022. Plagued by delays Thousands of guests attended the christening ceremony of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy. Ben Scott/HII Despite being leagues ahead of schedule compared to its predecessor, the Kennedy was not immune to shipbuilding delays of its own. The carrier's delivery date kept being pushed back, due in part to supply chain issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and delays in the ship's capability upgrades. At first, PCU Kennedy wasn't designed to launch fifth-generation stealth fighters, prompting Congress in 2020 to step in and pause the delivery of the $13 billion flattop until it was retrofitted to support the aircraft, which cost over $100 million. Testing its catapult The aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy launched into the James River. Ashley Cowan/HII In February 2024, the future supercarrier tested its new electromagnetic aircraft launching system by catapulting 80,000-pound wheeled carts into the James River to ensure it could handle actual loaded aircraft. An improvement on the Nimitz class' steam-powered catapult, the EMALS has a higher launch capacity, sending aircraft barreling down the 300-foot track at over 150 miles per hour. The modernized catapult and arresting gear are also optimized for more accurate end-speed control, reducing stress on the aircraft. Joining the Pacific Fleet Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F. Kennedy, spoke to sailors on the flight deck of the future USS John F. Kennedy. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory J. Daut The Navy said the second-in-class carrier is now expected to be delivered in July 2025 to perform more work and prepare it for its first deployment in the Indo-Pacific. The Navy said that assigning the Kennedy to the Pacific fleet would cut down the amount of time the carrier needed at the shipyard to identify any issues with the ship's systems, equipment, or performance. Deploying the Kennedy to the Indo-Pacific is also intended to strengthen the US' naval presence in the region amid heightened tensions with China. "Our adversaries are modernizing at speeds akin to the Germans and Japanese during the Interwar period both in the physical and technological sense," US Fleet Forces Commander Adm. Daryl Caudle said in June 2024. "Winning this competition means achieving an overmatch of our adversaries," he added. "That necessitates having a fleet of technologically advanced warships with the readiness and lethal capabilities to answer our nation's call at a moment's notice." Read the original article on Business Insider GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) One person was injured Sunday morning in a shooting in Greenville County. According to Greenville County Sheriffs Office deputies were called to a reported shooting on Alderwood Court in Taylors at around 4:57 a.m. At the scene they found a man with at least one gunshot wound. His condition is unknown at this time. The shooting remains under investigation. We will update this story as more information becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. The Home Secretarys Commons statement on January 16 exposed her own, the Prime Ministers and the Governments failure to deal with the scale of the grooming scandal. Refusing to hold a full national inquiry under the 2005 Inquiries Act is in itself a scandal. The world has been shocked by the extent of the grooming gangs abuse of young people and children, and the national interest demands a full national inquiry. The Government is ducking this for fear of losing votes in affected locations. I have worked for many years to strengthen the protection of children. In 1977, I was the legal adviser on the Private Members Bill of the late Cyril Townsend MP, which became the Protection of Children Act 1978, and recently I worked with Miriam Cates in ensuring imprisonment for big-tech bosses failing to safeguard children through the Online Safety Act 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2014, I successfully called on the home secretary, Theresa May, to invoke a national statutory inquiry under the 2005 Inquiries Act into the Rotherham scandal, rather than the mere panel inquiry originally proposed. Under the 2005 Act, powers were given to the appointed chairmen of such inquiries to direct procedure, including avoiding unnecessary costs, and also power to require witnesses to attend and produce necessary documents. Under that Act, specific rules of procedure may even be made by the Lord Chancellor when, as in the present case, they become necessary. This could be invoked to achieve a more limited time frame, which itself would reduce costs. As a Staffordshire MP, I successfully called for the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust statutory inquiry to be invoked under the 2005 Inquiries Act. This, as with the Protection of Children Act 1978, initially faced massive opposition by the Labour governments at the time. I persuaded David Cameron as leader of the opposition to back my call, and the statutory inquiry under Sir Robert Francis received public acclaim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current scandal is now believed to extend to as many as 50 towns, while the Government is announcing only five local inquiries. This would merely scratch the surface of this endemic national problem. In the light of the Governments failure to announce the necessary action on January 16, I strongly urge the relevant Select Committees to join up with the Home Affairs Committee, which is leading on this, and to maximise expertise to produce a joint report and hold the Government to account. Such a joint inquiry could include the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and the Justice Committee. In combination, and with the procedural powers of the Lord Chancellor, this would greatly assist in dealing with all the concerns within a comprehensive, statutory inquiry under the 2005 Act. In turn, this would satisfy the grave national concern as indicated in the current polling, and would provide a framework meeting the challenge of the national disaster which is now so clearly apparent. We should hold a national inquiry, rather than the piecemeal local inquiries that cannot perform the task comprehensively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, clear and unambiguous legislation is needed, with mandatory life sentences and deportation, overriding in the national interest inappropriate human rights and equalities legislation, thereby putting the victims first. Those who have covered up should be charged with misconduct in public office. Sir William Cash served as a Tory MP for 40 years, first for Stafford and then for Stone Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. President Joe Bidens legacy as an architect of the international order may be his most consequential one. While his domestic policy vision began with ambition, his efforts largely failed to change the policy landscape fundamentally, and much of his agenda either did not make it into law or is likely to be reversed. At the same time, Biden leaves the global arena significantly different than he found it and in ways that are likely to endure. The decisions he made regarding war, peace and diplomacy will not only shape his successors policy options but will have long-lasting effects on the United States global stature and its relationships with its allies and adversaries. Unfortunately, Bidens foreign policy legacy is largely a dark one. Biden promised to end the chaos of Trumps America First outlook, but his own presidency was often marked by incompetent execution, a hearty appetite for war, neglect of diplomacy and disregard for the basic principles of human rights and justice. This was somewhat counterintuitive: Biden governed to the left of expectations on the economy, showing an increased interest in fairness and constraining corporate power compared to the Obama era. But in some respects, his foreign policy record demonstrates a lurch to the right for the Democratic Party. The disconnect between his domestic economic policies and his administrations activity abroad illustrates how stewardship of American empire operates on its own distinct axis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a brief overview of Bidens engagement with some of the most pressing geopolitical issues of our time and how they reflect a set of values that no progressive should feel good about. Afghans deserved better Bidens withdrawal from Afghanistan after two decades of war was arguably his greatest foreign policy achievement. He deserves credit for ending a pointless and brutal war that should never have drifted into a nation-building project in the first place and for sticking by his guns even as legacy media raked him over the coals for it. Yet it is striking that Bidens most dramatic departure from the beltway consensus on foreign policy and his most clearly anti-war decision as president was the execution of an agreement brokered by his predecessor, Donald Trump. Biden and Trump should share credit for helping put an end to a forever war. Crucially, though, Bidens most commendable foreign policy decision was plagued with problems. While the withdrawal was always going to be chaotic, the Biden administration failed to take commonsense steps to protect the many vulnerable Afghans who collaborated with the U.S. at great personal risk. And instead of doing the right thing and assisting Afghans after decades of occupation, the Biden administration subsequently punished a destitute, war-ravaged country with harsh sanctions. Biden could have saved the Iran deal. He didnt. Biden campaigned on a promise to rejoin the Iran nuclear deal that President Barack Obama had signed and from which Trump had withdrawn. Biden could have rejoined the Iran nuclear deal by executive order as soon as he entered office, as many arms control advocates and 150 House Democratic lawmakers wanted him to. Instead, Biden upheld Trumps maximum-pressure strategy and wasted time trying to negotiate a new, more aggressive deal to satisfy the far more onerous demands of Israel and Saudi Arabia, each of which considers Iran to be their archnemesis in the region. In the summer of 2021, hard-liners were elected in Iran, which set the stage for what became dead-end negotiations, with both Iran and the U.S. unable to establish sufficient trust to settle on a new deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden abandoned a successful approach and went back to conventional Democratic centrist thinking, which had made zero gains on the Iran front, Trita Parsi, the executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, explained in an interview. The upshot is that Iran is edging toward nuclear weapons capability. Biden needlessly fumbled an opportunity to re-establish a measure of stability in the Middle East and reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation. Biden shouldve been open to talking to Russia After Russia invaded Ukraine, Bidens policy of assistance to Ukraine was successful in helping Ukraine protect most of its territory, which was a virtuous accomplishment. But its long been clear that Ukraine would be unable to expel Russia entirely from its territory, which is the goal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed for throughout most of the war. As early as December 2022, then-Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley predicted that kicking Russia entirely out of Ukraine was improbable and floated the idea of a political solution. That was prescient. Russia still holds about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, has an insurmountable resource advantage over Ukraine, and has been making territorial gains for years. But Bidens position was to remain deferential to Zelenskyys goals, and consequently he did not pursue high-level negotiations with Russia. It was unwise to let the absence of communication continue after the initial negotiations broke down in the spring of 2022, said Stephen Wertheim, a senior fellow with at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in an interview. That would mean that a taboo around negotiations would develop as it did. Would keeping high-level negotiations going alongside the war have ended it? Not necessarily. But the point of talking is to probe for openings, to establish what each party is most concerned about and which issues theyre willing to compromise on, and to advance the arduous process of developing a framework for a potential peace deal to minimize the number of lives lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden never explored that possibility, and now Ukraine might end up worse off for it. Trump has signaled that hes interested in finding a diplomatic solution to the war, but given his past positions on reducing aid for Ukraine and his lack of interest in the United States commitments to NATO, theres a significant chance that any deal he pushes for would not be the strongest Ukraine could have secured. Bidens support for the brutalization of Gaza was indefensible After Hamas war crimes against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Biden pledged unconditional support for Israels retaliatory military operation in Gaza. Even as Israel conducted an operation that premier human rights observers and and genocide scholars around the world have deemed a genocide, the Biden administration refused to use the United States extraordinary leverage over Israel to pressure it to stop its indiscriminate siege on the people of Gaza. Instead, Biden armed Israel aggressively and provided it with diplomatic cover at the United Nations. Despite Bidens talk of working tirelessly around the clock to secure a ceasefire, it was only after Trumps reported pressure on Israel that it agreed to a ceasefire deal on terms that had been on the table since the summer. The cost of the war in Gaza in terms of civilian lives lost and an entire society razed to the ground is as unfathomable as it is unconscionable. It has also shattered any remaining credibility the U.S. had in the global arena that it stands for a rules-based order or that it cares about international law. Democrats are now more associated with war than Republicans The disconnect between the way the Democratic establishment talks about justice at home and justice abroad is jarring. Trumps 2024 election win sparked a debate within the Democratic Party about whats to be done about its failures to deliver the goods for ordinary working-class Americans. But there is far less debate about the partys shunning of common sense diplomacy, its eagerness to blindly prop up endless war in support of allies, and its disregard for human rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is far from anti-war, but Bidens presidency allowed Trump to claim the lane. The Democrats need to rethink what it means to stand for peace and stability in the international arena. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Standing up for what you believe inespecially when its hardis something we should all admire. As the mother of decorated Air Force veteran and former National Security Agency translator, Reality Winner, I am proud to say it is a quality that my daughter embodies. Reality is a good person who has, and would never, put anyones safety at risk. Any time she sees someone in danger, she feels compelled to act. Thats what led her to join the Air Force, where she served with distinction, and its what compelled her to bravely leak to the U.S. press that Russia had interfered in our 2016 presidential election. Thats likely the reason you may remember her name, and why she is the subject of two major Hollywood productionsReality starring Sydney Sweeney; Winner starring Emilia Jones, Connie Britton and Zach Galifinakisas well as a documentary directed and produced by Sonia Kennebeck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 25-year-old veteran who spent most of her time outside of work at CrossFit or rescuing stray dogs, my daughter was an unlikely criminal. And unlike others convicted of similar offences, she was prosecuted under the Espionage Act, in a very rare and highly politicized move which led to her receiving the harshest sentence of anyone whose leaked classified documents in U.S. history: five years in prison. It is very rare that leakers are prosecuted, especially to the extent Reality has been; when they are, as many have suggested, it is politically motivated. Its hard to argue otherwise in Realitys case. Her actions put no ones life at risk nor did they create leverage for any foreign enemy to the United States. The Justice Department was determined to make an example of her. To put it plainly, in Realitys case, the punishment didnt fit the crime, writes Billie Winner-Davis. / Sean Rayford / Getty Images Clemency and pardons are well precedented for convicted leakers, meanwhile. Lewis Scooter Libby, former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, was fully pardoned for his role in leaking CIA officer Valerie Plames identity. Samuel L. Morison, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, was pardoned by President Bill Clinton for charges related to espionage and unauthorized disclosure of classified information. And Chelsea Manning, the former United States Army soldier who was also charged under the Espionage Act after disclosing nearly 750,000 sensitive documents, had her 35-year prison sentence commuted by President Barack Obama shortly before he left office. (Reality, meanwhile, leaked one five-page document to a single media outlet.) Reality has served her time and learned from her mistakes. She has said time and time again that if she had known of different ways to serve her community, she would have chosen a different path. Thats why she has dedicated her platform to encouraging young people to participate in democracy without following in her footsteps. But the burden of having a felony on her record has kept her from moving forward. She is unable to pursue her career, make enough money to move out on her own, or to participate in the democracy she cares so deeply about in the most meaningful wayby voting. Reality simply wants to put this chapter behind her so she can get her life back, but the f on her record wont allow her to build the life she desires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As you know President Biden, this is all any parent wants for their child. Not only do we share wanting the best for our children, I believe we also share a vision for America: One where democracy works as it is intended, where people can speak freely without being pulled into a political chess game, where punishments for crimes are decided fairly and those who deserve freedom are able to access it no matter who is in power. President Biden, you are my daughters last best chance of being granted the freedom and the future shes worked so hard for and rightly deserves. Please pardon her before its too late. A message reading "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now" is displayed from the TikTok app on a cell phone screen on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. Andy Bao/AP Locked out TikTok users could be able to use the app once more again soon after going dark Sunday because President-elect Donald Trump said he would allow its China-based parent company more time to find an approved buyer before the app is banned permanently in the U.S., according to an Associated Press report. In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said that he would issue an order to "extend the period of time before the law's prohibitions take effect," and "confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order," the AP report states. Trump continued in his post about his interest in seeing "the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture." Still, it wasn't clear if he was referring to the government or an American company. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up," Trump wrote. "Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions. On Friday, the Supreme Court made a decision in an ongoing battle about the popular apps implications on free speech and national security, as TikTok is owned by a China-based parent company, ByteDance. In a unanimous decision, the court upheld a law forcing TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app by Jan. 19 2025. If TikTok doesnt sell, the app will face a nationwide ban. TikTok claimed that law violated First Amendment rights, but the court rejected that claim. The vast majority of Texas reps voted yes for the TikTok ban in March of last year, with the exception of the late Sheila Jackson Lee from Harris County, Joaqin Castro and Greg Casarcasar. Representatives Roger Williams and Kay Granger did not vote. The federal law banning the app was passed with bipartisan support, but President Joe Biden has indicated that he would not enforce the law. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The app couldn't be accessed by most users in the U.S. Saturday, according to a Washington Post article. The app was also removed from Google and Apple digital stores, the outlet reported. Other apps owned by ByteDance were also removed, including CapCut, a free video-editing tool, according to a Wired article. TikTok said it was restoring its services to users in the U.S. after Trump's announcement, according to an AP article. Houston Chronicle reporter Tanya Babbar contributed to this report According to the Police, a group of friends were drinking alcohol inside a car when the bullet was fired 'accidentally'. Krishna, 35, who sustained injury in the incident, was immediately taken to the hospital. Police informed that the group of friends had arrived from Jind, Haryana to attend a wedding at a farmhouse in the Mehrauli area. Most of the boys had revolvers and pistols, some were licensed and some were illegal. According to Delhi Police, all the friends are in the finance business. Upon receiving the information about the incident, police started its investigation in the matter. As many as seven people have been detained so far, the police said. Several weaponry, including pistol revolvers, long-barrel pistols, were also recovered by the police. Further investigation is underway in the case and more details are awaited. (ANI) Unlike the many people who are upset that Donald Trump is being inaugurated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I see it as a good thing. First, it calls even more attention to the day and its significance. Second, it is a chance to speculate about what King might say and do if he were alive in the Trump era. Counterfactual, what if history is a trend in the literary world. Trumps inauguration on the holiday may prompt us to think about what America and the world might have looked like with King alive and well. Conversely, how did America and the world devolve without him? King was the kind of leader who comes along once in a lifetime, one with unmatched eloquence and passion. His gift for oratory could energize all kinds of people, including workers, presidents and other heads of state. He possessed visionary insight on the complex racial, social and economic ills as well as their solutions and consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump arrives in Washington for inaugural celebrations to mark his return to power He worked tirelessly to build a grassroots civil rights and social justice movement and serve as its guiding force. And his charismatic presence influenced people to act on the issues and problems he was working to solve. How might that play out in the Trump era? To begin with, King abhorred all violence. He most likely would have been deeply pained by the mass gun killings that have become somewhat commonplace in American cities. He would almost certainly have butted heads with the National Rifle Assn. and its ardent backer Trump while lobbying Congress to pass comprehensive gun control legislation. When it comes to international politics, King surely would have condemned Russias war in Ukraine. One can also envision him speaking out against Hamas kidnapping and slaughter of Israelis as well as Israels killing of Palestinian civilians. He would have called these wars ineffectual, repressive and wasteful, a drain on resources that should go to programs that aid the poor and minorities. On this point, he and Trump, who repeatedly claims he has kept America out of wasteful wars, would likely be in some agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump made many 'Day 1' promises. Will he make good on them? Its impossible to imagine King not fighting tooth and nail against the rash of voter suppression laws and the GOPs ploys to dilute Black and minority voting strength, including the assault on the Voting Rights Act. Hed bump heads with Trump on that. But Trump would also have a comeback: Hed cite the sharp increase in Black and Hispanic votes for him in the recent presidential election. King would almost certainly try to prevent the countrys Republican-led rightward sprint, drawing negative attention from Trump and his MAGA coalition. But even he would not have been able to stop the many powerful forces with vested interest in halting or reversing the countrys momentum toward expanded civil rights, labor protections and economic fairness. The resurgence of overtly racist sentiments, acts and conflicts under Trump would obviously trouble King, who famously hoped for a day when Americans are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King would have had to find new ways to challenge the continuing ills of poverty and wealth inequality, which ballooned in the decades after his death. Even given his superb organizing and planning skills, this growth likely would have been a losing battle. Had he lived, Kings unshakable commitment to the cause of human rights and economic equality surely would not have diminished. Wherever there was a campaign, march, rally, lobbying effort or event that his presence could boost, its a safe bet that hed have much to say and do. In the Trump era, there would be plenty to keep him busy. Earl Ofari Hutchinsons latest book is Day 1 The Trump Reign. His commentaries can be found at thehutchinsonreport.net . If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) A man was arrested on Friday after he was accused of raping a 13-year-old girl after stopping her on the way to school and luring her into his car. According to WESH, deputies said 41-year-old Luis Manuel Frias Jr. approached the girl while she was walking near Brookegreen Avenue and W. Oak Ridge Road. Deputies told reporters that Frias offered her a ride to school but, when she hopped in, took her to a Tangelo Park neighborhood instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man then took the girls phone before sexually battering her, according to deputies. The victim reported the incident to deputies who said it was thanks to her bravery that they could make the arrest. The Orange County Sheriffs Office has charged him with sexual battery and kidnapping. They have voiced their concerns that more incidents of attempted luring may have taken place. If anyone has information on similar incidents they should contact Crimeline at 800-423-8477 or OCSO directly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The 83rd Oregon legislature gets to work January 21 and theres a lot on the table for the lawmakers to consider, from dealing with the states homeless and housing issues to the effects of climate change to mental health. Since Democrats control both chambers of the state legislature, Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama of East Portland and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman representing parts of Beaverton, Tigard and Metzger joined Eye on Northwest Politics with their outlooks on the upcoming session, which goes until June. At Mondays State of the State address, Gov. Kotek made it clear that housing is her top priority, supporting House Bill 2138 which would expand where housing can be built. Sen. Jama, a former chair of the Senate Housing Committee, stressed the implications of this and related bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal this coming session is actually doubling down on that scenario. About making sure that we have the resources to build more housing, but also support people when they are struggling, and make sure that they have shelters that they can sleep at night whether its cold or hot or inbetween. he said. So making sure folks have a place to sleep at night is important, but I think ultimately moving from that to having them in permanent housing. Moving them to permanent housing is really the key. So thats really the process that were continuously doing. Transportation will also be high of the list of things that the legislature will be dealing with, according to Rep. Bowman. Weve got potholes, weve got congestion, weve got people who are paying more for the wear and tear on their vehicles because of poor road surface conditions. Weve got a lot of parts of the state who dont have sidewalks or crosswalks, he said. These are all problems throughout our system that the transportation package is designed to address. We need to right size the agency so that we have the resources to maintain the assets that we have, so that everybody feels safe using our transportation system in the state. Additionally, adequate school funding as well as mental health services will be addressed, especially with the passing of HB 4002, which recriminalized drug possession in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were seeing really promising signs, but we need to expand access, Rep. Bowman noted. There are still a lot of people in the state who dont have access to behavioral health and mental health supports. So that will be a focus of the legislature is expanding access to all the people who need it so that they can get their lives on the right track. According to Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, the state will also move towards more clean energy investments. Jama emphasized the need to double down on this as well, given the recent wildfires. So the goal, really, is how do we make sure that we have resources to support the firefighters, he said. And so ensuring that there has to be mechanism to support the firefighters, but also ensuring that climate change is dealt with effectively. Rep. Bowman noted the advent of clean energy policies will not only be a great opportunity to mitigate climate change effects, but also for job creation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billions of dollars are going to be made in clean energy and a lot of jobs are going to be created in these industries, solar, wind, tidal energy, he said. Oregon has long been a leading state on environmental policy and theres a huge opportunity for us to continue to be a leader on those issues and create those jobs in Oregon. Even though 10 Oregon senators walked out in 2023 bringing the legislative process to a halt for more than a month both Jama and Bowman say this time around, there is a genuine interest in working together. 90% of the bills that we pass is actually bipartisan support, said Sen. Jama. But the more important thing is that we, as Democrats, are ready to work. But more importantly, we also want to collaborate and partner with our Republican colleagues. We did pick up seats in the Senate and in the House, but our approach and our priorities are not changed by that, Rep. Bowman stated. Were going to work with everybody who is willing to collaborate to solve the biggest problems that the state is facing, because thats what were charged with by the voters who elected us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full interview in the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Republicans roasted Attorney General Merrick Garland on social media after a video of him doing a victory lap while leaving the Department of Justice became viral. In the clip, which was posted on Friday via X, a celebratory Garland walked and thanked cheering department staffers while the outgoing AG exited out of the building. But, in response, prominent critics of Garland blasted the attorney general and his record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) ripped Garland in a fiery X post. Conservatives grilled Garland on social media following his departure video. C-SPAN Merrick Garland has left @TheJusticeDept for the FINAL TIME, Donalds said. His DOJ attacked political opponents. His DOJ was unprecedentedly weaponized. This disgraceful era of brazen political lawfare is FINALLY OVER. After being appointed attorney general in 2021, Garland, a longtime federal appeals court judge, found himself continuously in hot water during his four-year tenure. Merrick Garland has left @TheJusticeDept for the FINAL TIME. His DOJ attacked concerned parents. His DOJ attacked religious Catholics. His DOJ attacked political opponents. His DOJ was unprecedentedly weaponized. This disgraceful era of brazen political lawfare is FINALLY OVER. pic.twitter.com/AQgZ6lfWEE Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) January 18, 2025 Republicans frequently criticized Garland for weaponizing the DOJ for political purposes after he launched an investigation into President-elect Donald Trumps handling of classified documents in 2022 a case that was eventually dismissed by a Florida judge two years later in July 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general even admitted he personally approved a raid on Trumps Mar-a-Lago for the controversial probe. Critics also roasted Garland for his treatment of Catholics with Republicans saying the DOJ was targeting people of faith Garland was also interrogated at a congressional hearing over Catholics being allegedly targeted by the FBI. EPA President Biden even reportedly said he should never have picked Garland as attorney general with the former appeals court being too aggressive in prosecuting the commander in chiefs son Hunter, according to Bob Woodwards book War. Prominent conservatives on X went after Garland following his exit from the DOJ with Republican communications adviser Matt Whitlock ripping the lame-duck attorney general as one of the greatest disappointments in recent political history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garland went from Chief on the DC Circuit to lawless political hack for the dark money groups that controlled the Biden White House, Whitlock said. One of the greatest disappointments in recent political history. Garland went from Chief on the DC Circuit to lawless political hack for the dark money groups that controlled the Biden White House. The guy sent the FBI after parents for speaking out at school board meetings. https://t.co/hf3jDTdIMm Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) January 18, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guy sent the FBI after parents for speaking out at school board meetings. Fellow Republican Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla) also welcomed Garlands exit. Merrick Garland presided over the wicked weaponization of the federal government against the American people, Hern said. Merrick Garland presided over the wicked weaponization of the federal government against the American people. He has caused irreparable damage to the institution. Good riddance. https://t.co/ffsUowfJ2R Congressman Kevin Hern (@repkevinhern) January 18, 2025 He has caused irreparable damage to the institution. Good riddance. Trump-picked Pam Bondi is set to take over for Garland as attorney general following Senate confirmation. DAMASCUS, Syria In a shaky video recorded in 2015, a woman cloaked in black and kneeling on a public street begs to see her children for the last time. Instead, a man identified as Shadi al-Waisi, Syrias new justice minister, motions to a gunman, who shoots her in the back of the head. A second video shows al-Waisi reading out a death sentence for another woman, who, like the first, was convicted of corruption and prostitution. She is shot and drops to the ground. The videos were recorded a decade ago, when al-Waisi was a judge for Jabhat al-Nusra, an Al Qaeda affiliate in Syrias northern Idlib province. But they have re-emerged and are spreading widely on social media after he was appointed to his high-profile role in Syrias new government, raising difficult questions about the countrys new leaders as they try to distance themselves from their extremist roots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The videos were widely circulated at the time, but it wasnt until earlier this month that Verify Sy, a respected Syrian news outlet, confirmed that al-Waisi was the man dispensing the sentences. Using specialized technical tools, Verify Sy said it matched al-Waisis features and voice to that of the man in the video. It also interviewed a number of people who witnessed the executions and an official of the current government who confirmed that the man in the video was al-Waisi, but who went on to say that the executions were carried out during a stage that Syria had now moved beyond. NBC News has reached out to al-Waisis office for comment about the videos, which contrast sharply with the moderate image espoused by Ahmad al-Sharaa, who appointed al-Waisi as justice minister. Sharaa became Syrias de facto leader after spearheading the rebel advance that toppled President Bashar al-Assads brutal regime last month. Sharaa, who was formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, was a top general for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syrias most powerful rebel army, which grew out of Jabhat al-Nusra and is still considered a terror group by the United States 13 years after it was first designated as one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Sharaa transitions into the role of statesman, he is calling on the U.S. and other countries to drop sanctions imposed against Syria during the deposed Assad regime, and has vowed to usher in an inclusive government that represents the countrys many religious and ethnic groups, a task that requires convincing many inside and outside of Syria that HTSs early links to ISIS and Al Qaeda are not indicative of how his government will rule. A Syrian woman celebrates the fall of the Assad regime in Damascus this month. Its a task complicated by the resurfacing of its leaders past actions, like al-Waisis execution videos, which have prompted alarm and outrage among some including Hind Kabawat, a member of Syrias large Orthodox Christian community. In an interview with NBC News last week, she said it was wrong to put al-Waisi into such a high-level position and the new regime should think about replacing him as soon as possible. Kabawat, a professor of conflict resolution at Virginias George Mason University who travels regularly to Syria, said there were many qualified judges in Syria, and at a time when the country could not afford any mistakes, and there should be zero tolerance against corruption and zero tolerance against violence of any kind. Sandy Aly, a 27-year-old server in Damascus, also said somebody else should be installed into the role. I am of the opinion that if someone has a way of behaving, they are not going to change it. Even after 100 years, he will be the same, Aly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her colleague Fatima Omar, 24, echoed that opinion. We dont support that they put him there, she said. But others like Mustafa Obaid, 43, a high school teacher from Aleppo, defended al-Waisi. He said that as a judge, al-Waisi was upholding the law in Idlib, which was based at the time on a strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. Mohammed Mardoud, 41, also pointed to the fact that Jabhat al-Nusra was just a small Islamic group controlling Idlib province. The construction worker from the city of al-Rastan in Syrias central Homs province said that in the absence of a functioning state and laws, people turned to Islamic Sharia to settle their issues. Now that they had taken power over the whole of Syria, he said, Sharaa, al-Waisi and their fellow government ministers need to rethink their approach because Syria is home to many religions and a rich cultural diversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zubair Abbasi, a British academic and the associate editor of the Yearbook of Middle Eastern and Islamic Law, cautioned against framing Sharia as a state-enforced legal code, describing it instead as a moral and ethical framework. While rulers or their officials may justify their political actions by invoking Sharia, such claims do not bestow divine sanctity upon their decisions or policies, he said, adding that while some Muslim jurists have discussed death as a punishment for adultery, they have also placed significant emphasis on mercy, repentance and divine forgiveness, prioritizing these values over the strict enforcement of the death penalty. When HTS was founded in 2017, it strictly interpreted Sharia teaching, in line with Al Qaeda and ISIS, but since then it has decidedly changed, according to Paul Salem, the vice president for international engagement at the Washington-based Middle East Institute think tank. The group has since become more of a nationalist movement, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as the videos show, its hard-line past remains a concern including for the U.S. and other Western governments that are weighing whether to lift sanctions imposed during the Assad regime, a move that would be critical in reviving Syrias struggling economy and for the overall success of the new government. Outside Syria, it remains unclear what the U.S. stand on all this is going to be, according to Joshua Landis, the director of the Center of Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma. Sharaa would have to balance the internal politics of HTS with the wider goals for Syria. Hes got a terrible job ahead of him, Landis said. Politics has been so destroyed in Syria for so long that Syrians dont really know each other, they dont know how to speak to each other. However, he added that Sharaa was keeping hope alive for every sector of Syrian society and he seems to be very good at speaking in all directions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside Syria, Obaid, the teacher, was prepared to back Sharaa and his choice of al-Waisi for justice minister, despite the videos. I think he is a respectable person and deserves his position, Obaid said. Dont forget that this is a transitional government and wont last long. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) On Saturday, the Pups of Panama City hit the streets for the first-ever downtown Pup Crawl. Businesses offered drinks, pup cups, treats, photo ops, a costume contest, and pop-up vendors for dogs and humans to enjoy. Bookish Boutiques, Main Street Antiques, House of Henry, Late Bloomer Flower Shoppe, Jute & Palm, Sage Downtown PC, History Brewing Class Company, and more participated in the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hickey Trust donates to FSU Panama City Early Childhood Autism Program Each business offered something different for the pups. Weve had at least 50, 75 dogs come through there. And its so fun to see people interacting with their animals and just having a great time. And of course, Lolas beside herself to have so many dogs to visit with today. We did a kissing booth where you can take a picture kissing your pup and homemade doggie treats. And then were collecting for a local rescue. Every month we give to a different animal rescue, Main Street Antiques owner Liane Harding said. Most of the businesses are dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friend any weekend to enjoy downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a closer look at Saturdays events, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. COLEMAN, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Retired Army Sergeant Will Hoyum is starting a new chapter in Coleman thanks to a life-changing gift from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Hoyum shared with KTAB/KRBC that about three years ago, he received the news that he had been selected to receive a new ADA-compliant smart home designed to help him live more comfortably and enjoy quality time with his family. Initially hesitant to apply, Hoyum felt that receiving a home was a very generous gift. Veterans Voices: The stories of our Big Country Veterans I was pretty surprised when I first heard about it. So, I put in for it, and I have always kind of been stubborn about doing it because its a huge gift. This is a massive thing to receive from somebody, but its frustrating to not have accessibility, explained Hoyum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His journey began in 2009 when he enlisted in the Army, drawn by the physical challenge. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a vehicle recovery truck commander. In 2012, his life took a dramatic turn when his convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device, leaving him critically injured and paralyzed from the chest down. Since then, he has faced numerous challenges, including navigating businesses and places that are not ADA-compliant and even encountering obstacles inside his own home. Theres a lot of difficulties with not being able to do a full spin inside your house at certain points. If youre going down a hallway, youve got to back out of the hallway or find turnaround points, added Hoyum. Veterans in Abilene participate in archery matches for therapy Although Hoyum was born in Texas, grew up in Illinois, and now lives in Arizona, he knew once he was selected to receive a brand-new ADA-compliant home that he wanted to return to Texas. He chose Coleman as the town to start his new life. The homes new technology, including a touch-activated kitchen faucet and pull-out cabinets, will make daily tasks like cooking easier. All of this was made possible thanks to donations from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I always love Texas just because I was born here. My folks live in Illinois, so I spent a lot of my life up there. I lived in a town with a population of 500, and its just a better way of life. It seems like it to me. Ive always loved that when I was a kid, there were a lot more fields and empty roads, Hoyum shared. Having a home thats super easy to navigate and be able to do every chore thats asked for in the house is nice. I can contribute a lot more, since getting injured, around the house, so thats a huge perk of this place being accessible, shared Hoyum. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established after the 9/11 attacks in memory of a New York City firefighter who lost his life that day. Since then, the foundation has been providing homes to injured veterans, first responders, and their families, including 90 families in Texas. As part of the ceremony, Hoyum was presented with an American flag made from steel recovered from the World Trade Center, symbolizing the sacrifice he made for our country. I never thought Id live to see it: Veterans honored at WTRCs Hospice of the Big Country thank you dinner Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoyum was surprised with a first look at his new home on January 19th during a ceremony attended by Coleman Mayor Tommy Sloan, first responders, and other civic leaders. The event concluded with the Hoyum family raising an American flag in their front yard, marking the first step in transforming their new house into a home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Due to snowfall anticipated on Sunday evening going into Monday, parking bans and closings are in place throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. The northern region of the state is expected to get the most snow. READ MORE: Weather Alert: Tracking Rain, Snow, and an Arctic Blast A citywide parking ban in Providence will go into effect from 10 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has also implemented a snow parking pilot program to let overnight parking permit holders that dont have an location off of a street to park. People who live in Wards 8, 10 and 13 and have the permit can park adjacent to Bucklin Park, Columbia Park, Conlan Memorial Park and Dexter Park during a parking ban, according to the city. After the parking ban is lifted, people parking in those areas have eight hours to move their vehicle. Additional information about the parking options in the city can be found online. Pinpoint Weather 12 Links Detailed 7-Day Forecast | Weather Now | Radar | Hour-by-Hour | Ocean, Bay & Beach | Pinpoint Traffic | Flight Tracker | Active Weather Alerts | Closings & Delays | Power Outages | Get the Weather App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEXT: Warming shelters to open ahead of expected cold temperatures Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program Committee will host its 58th annual celebration of Kings life and work. The program at Southern Missionary Baptist Church, 2801 State Street, begins at noon Monday. It will feature Pastor Juan Conway, a Kinloch, Missouri native, who is the congregations newly installed pastor. Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Publicity chairman, Chris McIntosh, describes Conway as a man with a passion for community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is the founder and CEO of the Quad City Community Development Center. located at 1634 7th street in Madison, McIntosh said. He has lived in the Belleville-Swansea area for 25 years. He is married, the father of eight children and grandfather to six, Conway says he admires King for taking the gospel outside of the church and living its words. As a pastor, he says he believes in paying his blessings forward. The theme of the days celebration will be Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom Justice and Democracy I want to encourage and remind everybody that no matter what we are facing right now, no matter the adversity we have right now, the mission is still possible, Conway said. We must remember all that we have already accomplished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This celebration is a great opportunity for us to be reminded of the many missions that were deemed impossible are visible and most assuredly have been proven possible now. And, we must protect freedom, justice and Democracy. Conway pointed to slavery, Jim Crow laws, the right to vote for both Black citizens and women, and segregation as examples of things once thought to have been impossible to overcome. We are living in things that 100 or 200 years ago people said were impossible, he said. It took the kind of unity preached by Dr. King to create that change, said Conway. I most admire Dr. Kings ability to stay focused. Threats to his life, severe beatings and stabbings, the water hoses that were turned on him, the dogs that were turned on him, didnt deter him, Conway said. I know those were painful experiences, but he took the brutality that confronted him on his mission to do Gods works for all people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. King made such an impact on this world and departed this world before I was even born, and I am still reaping the benefits of his work. On his birthday, we must celebrate, we must commemorate. We, the people, must keep the dream alive. Other MLK Day events will be held across the metro-east. Heres a list: Sunday 46th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration hosted by the Alton branch of the NAACP 3 p.m. Sunday. Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2621 Amelia St., Alton. Reginald Riddle-Young of the East St. Louis Monitor will be the keynote speaker. Monday Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast Service hosted by the OFallon NAACP #3041 8 a.m. Monday. New Life In Christ Church, 689 Scott-Troy Road, OFallon. Tickets cost $25. Timothy Lewis, director of Black Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will be the guest speaker. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Program 10 a.m. Monday. Mount Joy Missionary Baptist Church, 327 Olive St., Edwardsville. Crystal Officer, CEO of Beverly Farm Foundation in Godfrey will be the keynote speaker. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced various allocations of funds on Sunday, for a government college, hospital and a shopping complex, while addressing a public gathering in the Kangra district of the state. According to a statement by the CMO, Rs 5 crore was allocated for Arya Government Degree College in Nurpur; Rs 3 crore to operationalise the Mother and Child Hospital; Rs 2 crore for a shopping complex at Wazir Ram Singh Pathania Stadium; Rs 2 crore for road maintenance in Nurpur; Rs 2 crore for the Jasur- Katahal road. The CM also assured the swift initiation of the Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School project in Nurpur and promised to address the town's parking issues. According to the statement, the CM also gave a stern warning to the drug mafia, stating that the current government will take strict action against those jeopardizing the future of the youth. He highlighted that the police have launched extensive campaigns against drug traffickers in recent months, confiscating assets worth Rs. 11 crore from them. The state government has implemented the PIT-NDPS Act, enabling the detention of habitual offenders in drug trafficking to safeguard the public interest. Referring to the financial challenges inherited from the previous government, he revealed that the BJP government left a debt of Rs 75,000 crore along with pending liabilities of Rs 10,000 crore for employees. Despite this, the current government is striving to deliver quality services to the people through systemic reforms. He criticised the BJP for failing to mobilize resources and for opposing the reforms that the people of the state support wholeheartedly. The Chief Minister emphasized efforts to improve education and healthcare. He pointed out the lack of modern equipment for timely diagnosis in health institutions during the BJP regime. The current government is equipping major hospitals and medical colleges with advanced technology to provide specialist services locally. To further enhance healthcare delivery, the government will separate the cadres of the Directorate of Health Services and Medical Colleges. To further enhance healthcare delivery, he announced that the government will separate the cadres of the Directorate of Health Services and Medical Colleges. "During the 2023 natural disaster, the state government provided a special relief package of Rs. 4,500 crore and he instructed the officers to increase the compensation for fully damaged houses to Rs.7 lakh," the Himachal CM said. The Chief Minister disclosed that the current government has taken loans amounting to Rs.28,000 crore over the past two years, of which Rs.18,000 crore was spent on repaying old debts and interest. Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, Vice-Chairman State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, MLA Malendra Rajan, Vice-Chairman Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation Vishal Chambial, Congress leader Karn Pathania, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. (ANI) "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." When Donald Trump takes the 35-word oath of office on Monday, January 20, itll mark the 60th inauguration in American history. Itll also be the most expensive. Trumps inaugural committee has hauled in over $170 million, according to a New York Times report , and the organization is closing in on $200 million. Trump set the previous inaugural fundraising record in 2017 when his committee raised $107 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The costs for inaugurations have been trending up, just not in this sort of stratosphere, says Louis Picone, a presidential historian and professor at William Paterson University. Trump is definitely moving the bar much, much higher. Pool - Getty Images Among the 0.1 percent, Trumps inauguration is poised to be as well-attended as the Giving Pledge confabs. The New York Times reported that demand amongst Trump supporters is so robust that million-dollar donors are unlikely to receive V.I.P. tickets. However, Americans tuning in are likely to recognize some boldface names on Inauguration Day. NBC News reported that Mar-a-Lago denizens Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg will attend the festivities, as will Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos. Zuckerberg is co-hosting a reception for Trump on Monday before the inaugural balls. If VIPs are rebuffed by the Trump-Vance inaugural committee, they can turn to hotels to get their lush fix. Axios reported that multiple heavy hitters have booked the Watergate Hotels $73,500 Head of State Package, which includes a daily chauffeur in an armored Maybach and roundtrip Blade tickets between New York and D.C. The Park Hyatt is hawking a $100,000 package, which offers guests a private chefs table dinner, personalized presidential robes, and vintage Champagne, among other perks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But billionaires without rooms are unlikely to stay at their favorite hotel: the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. Its nearly sold out. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI - Getty Images For $1 million gifts to the Trump-Vance inaugural committee, donors can attend a Vice Presidents dinner on Saturday and a candlelight dinner on Sunday, which Trump is expected to attend. The Guardian reported that the same access cost donors $500,000 during Trumps first inauguration. While the 2025 fundraising total dwarfs past presidents efforts, recent inaugural committees did raise tens of millions of dollars. In 2021, Joe Biden raised almost $62 million, besting the $53 million sum for Barack Obamas 2009 inauguration. That year, Obama limited the amount donors could give to $50,000 and refused dollars from corporations, citing a desire to keep out special interests. In 2013, Obama reversed course, allowing corporations to donate. Chip Somodevilla - Getty Images Although private donors pay for most of inauguration day, taxpayers also contribute. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies pays for municipal services related to the swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol and a subsequent luncheon, and the federal government pays for security. But the parade, dinners, and balls are financed by the president-elects supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Americans attend the inauguration without opening up their wallets. Congresspeople receive tickets to distribute to constituents. But billionaires dont want to watch Trump from the Washington Monumentthe inaugural equivalent of nosebleeds. Craig Holman, a government affairs lobbyist for progressive non-profit Public Citizen, said the upcoming inaugural is expected to draw more donors signing seven-figure checks than Trumps 2017 swearing-in. Corporations and very wealthy special interests are publicly declaring that theyre pledging a million dollars to five million dollars to Trumps inauguration, he said, noting gifts from cryptocurrency, technology, and Wall Street executives. That phenomenon is not wholly unique to Trump. USA Today reported that 40% of the 2013 Obama inaugural fund came from special interests. Donors to the Trump-Vance inaugural committee include Apple's Tim Cook, Ubers Dara Khosrowshahi, and OpenAI's Sam Altman, who all personally cut million-dollar checks. In 2017, Bob Parsons, the founder of GoDaddy, was one of the only tech executives to give $1 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no rules surrounding the day other than the oath of office, which is ordered by the Constitution, and private donors have funded inaugural festivities since the founding of the country. The inaugural address, the parades, the pageantry are not mandated, but simply have developed historically over time, says presidential historian Allan Lichtman. The inauguration address, like so many other things, was established as a tradition by George Washington. Much like Trumps campaign, this inauguration promises to be unconventional. He is only the second president in U.S. history to be inaugurated in non-consecutive terms. Plus, Trumps parade is expected to feature a garbage trucka reference to Bidens apparent comparison of Trump supporters to garbage. (Biden has claimed that he was labeling a controversial comedian at a Trump rally, not Trumps base.) Bettmann - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the prop stunt isnt entirely unprecedented. During the 1840 election, an editorialist wrote that then-candidate William Henry Harrison was too old to be president, believing that he would be better served drinking hard cider in his log cabin. Harrison capitalized on the insult throughout his campaign and the eventual ninth president walked down Pennsylvania Avenue on inauguration day followed by log cabins on wheels. That was an insult against William Henry Harrison, says Picone, and he turned that around into a campaign tactic. But those supporters pushing wood houses couldnt celebrate for long. Harrison lasted one month in office before catching a cold and succumbing to pneumonia. He is the shortest tenured president in history. You Might Also Like Jan. 18Hundreds of people marched from Portland's Monument Square to City Hall, calling for equal rights Saturday as a part of the People's March, just days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Formerly the Women's March, People's Marches took place all over the U.S. on Saturday, including a rally in Washington, D.C. People's March organizer Dania Bowie, development and communications coordinator at the Maine Women's Lobby, said the goal of the event was to demonstrate that "community connection is anti-fascist." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is in collective action that we make bigger differences in our own backyards," Bowie said in an interview. The Ideal Maine Social Aid and Sanctuary Band played as protesters gathered in Monument Square with homemade signs and pink hats. Marchers Melissa Grabler, of South Portland, and her friend Brooke Gordon, of Westbrook, said they wanted to support the Portland march since they couldn't make it down to the demonstration in Washington, D.C. Grabler said she was marching "for women's rights, for trans rights, for immigrants, for people that feel that their voices aren't being heard, and that the incoming administration has not made a priority." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once demonstrators made it to the steps of City Hall, a slate of speakers called for reproductive rights, racial and gender equity, LGBTQ+ and disability rights and an end to violence in Gaza, among other issues. City Councilor April Fournier opened the speeches with a call to action. "We are the many, we are not the few," Fournier said. "We are Black, brown, Indigenous, queer, Asian, multi-racial, multi-generational humans. Look at the people power here today." Fournier was followed by speakers from local activism organizations such as the Maine Women's Lobby, MaineTransNet, Jewish Voices for Peace Maine, The Coalition for Palestine and the immigrant support organization In Her Presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We cannot wait for the government to save us ... we are the ones who will save us," said Bre Danvers-Kidman, executive director of the transgender network MaineTransNet. First Parish Church opened its doors on Congress Street for those needing to take a break from the protest and get warm. Congregants marching at Saturday's demonstration said the People's March aligns with their mission of community action. "This work is part of our values (as a church), it's a part of why we're here, is to try to support a community that takes care of the people, and fights things that are destroying that," said Kathy Vezina, a member of the church's governing board. In particular, speakers and demonstrators put a spotlight on solidarity with Palestinians as Hamas and Israel enter into a ceasefire agreement after 15 months of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Almatri of the Maine Coalition for Palestine closed out the speaking portion of the event and led the crowd in a dabke, a type of line dance performed in Palestine, in front of City Hall. "Yes, there is a ceasefire agreement, and we are praying it sticks," Almatri told the crowd. "Regardless, the governments responsible for perpetuating this violence, the United States and Israel, need accountability." The People's March is set to hold another demonstration to "defeat Trump's extreme-right billionaire agenda" in Monument Square on Inauguration Day. Copy the Story Link PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A Peoria man, struck by a car on Martin Luther King Drive earlier this week, died Saturday morning. Quentin M. Shinkle, 38, of Peoria was hit by a car at about 12:24 a.m., Jan. 13, and despite the hospitals efforts, he died at 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, said Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood on the offices Facebook page. On Jan. 13, Peoria police officers were called to the 2100 block of West Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., Drive, on a report of a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian, said Semone Roth, a police spokeswoman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they arrived, officers found Shinkle lying in the street with no identification on him and began life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived. They transported him to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center, where he died on Sunday, Roth said. Harwood says the incident is still under investigation by the Peoria Police Department. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines and the United States carried out joint maritime exercises for a fifth time in the South China Sea, Manila's armed forces said on Sunday, in a move that would likely irk China. The Philippine military said in a statement it held a "maritime cooperative activity" with the U.S. on Friday and Saturday, its first for the year and fifth overall since launching the joint activities in 2023. Security engagements between the two allies have soared under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has pivoted closer to Washington, allowing the expansion of military bases that American forces can access, including facilities that face Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The joint maritime activity included the United States' Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, two guided missile destroyers, two helicopters and two F-18 Hornet aircraft. The Philippine side deployed its Antonio Luna frigate, Andres Bonifacio patrol ship, two FA-50 fighter jets, and search and rescue assets of the air force. The activities "reinforced bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability", the Philippine armed forces said. Their joint activity came at a time when the Philippines had called out China over the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels inside its maritime zone, including the 165-m (541 ft)-long ship that it describes as "the monster" for its size. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond for a request for comment on a weekend. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Michael Perry) On March 4, 1925, nearly 100 years ago, President Calvin Coolidge was inaugurated for a second time. He served a partial term beginning in 1923 after the death of President Warren G. Harding. Coolidge's inauguration was the first to be broadcast live on the radio, with 22.8 million listeners. On January 20, Donald Trump will be inaugurated for his second non-consecutive term as president in a tradition as old as the United States itself. Nearly 100 years ago, President Calvin Coolidge took the same oath of office outside the Capitol. His inauguration was the first to be broadcast live on the radio, and he did not host any inaugural balls as part of his efforts to curb excessive government spending. In honor of the coming inauguration, here's a look back at what the celebrations looked like a century ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Calvin Coolidge, first lady Grace Coolidge, Vice President Charles Dawes, and second lady Caro Dawes posed together at the White House before leaving for the inauguration. From left to right: Grace Coolidge, Calvin Coolidge, Caro Dawes, and Charles Dawes. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Calvin Coolidge served a partial term beginning in 1923 after the death of President Warren G. Harding and was reelected in 1924. Charles Dawes was chosen as Coolidge's vice presidential nominee at the 1924 Republican National Convention. Onlookers lined the streets of Washington, DC, to catch a glimpse of the president. Calvin Coolidge and Grace Coolidge rode to the inauguration in a car. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Calvin Coolidge and Grace Coolidge rode to the inauguration in a convertible automobile accompanied by a mounted honor guard and cavalry escort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference ahead of the inauguration, Calvin Coolidge said he intended for the event to be "moderate in its proportions and moderate in its expenditures." He saved the joint Congressional Inaugural Committee $16,000 by reducing the size of the parade and the amount of security, stands, and decorations, according to the Smithsonian Institution Archives. Vendors sold souvenir buttons to commemorate the event. Vendors sold Calvin Coolidge buttons on Inauguration Day. New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News via Getty Images The buttons featured the faces of Calvin Coolidge and Charles Dawes. Today, the mementos are rare collectibles. Crowds gathered outside the Capitol to watch the inauguration. Crowds at the inauguration of Calvin Coolidge. Library of Congress/Interim Archives/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 30,000 people attended the 1925 inauguration, UPI reported. Chief Justice and former President William Howard Taft administered the oath of office the first time a former president swore in another president. The inauguration of Calvin Coolidge. Topical Press Agency/Getty Images Grace Coolidge did not hold the Bible for her husband's swearing-in ceremony. In 1964, Lady Bird Johnson became the first incoming first lady to hold the Bible for her husband, Lyndon B. Johnson. In his inaugural address, Calvin Coolidge spoke about the need to cut taxes and reduce wasteful government spending. Calvin Coolidge delivered his inaugural address. PhotoQuest/Getty Images "The men and women of this country who toil are the ones who bear the cost of the government," he said. "Every dollar that we carelessly waste means that their life will be so much the more meager. Every dollar that we prudently save means that their life will be so much the more abundant." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coolidge's inauguration was the first to be broadcast live on the radio. Around 22.8 million listeners tuned in. Crowds listened to Calvin Coolidge's inaugural address over the radio in New York City's Union Square. New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News via Getty Images The ceremony was broadcast across the country over AT&T telephone wires. Photos of the event were also sent to newsrooms via wire photography transmissions. From Washington, DC, it took seven minutes for photos to reach New York City and an hour to reach Los Angeles, according to the Smithsonian Institution Archives. Calvin Coolidge did not throw or attend any inaugural balls, though some private charity balls were held in his honor. An inaugural charity ball held for Calvin Coolidge's inauguration. HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States Navy Band Orchestra performed at a charity inaugural ball held in honor of Calvin Coolidge at the Mayflower Hotel, even though the president himself wasn't in attendance. Read the original article on Business Insider Masked Hamas fighters carrying rifles returned to the streets of Gaza after a ceasefire came into effect on Sunday, declaring victory as they drove through rubble-strewn streets. The terror group will retain security control of the strip in the first phase of the ceasefire, which came into effect three hours late at around 11.15 local time. Hamas fighters vowed to renew our pledge to [the Gazan people] to be the trustees of their rights and defenders of them, until the complete liberation of the land and the holy sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some fighters appear to have celebrated the ceasefire too early. A van that had hosted jubilant Hamas militants was later pictured blown up after they emerged before the ceasefire began, according to video footage. Other footage posted online showed Hamas fighters and civilians chanting: Watch out Jews, remember Khaybar [a historic battle between Muslims and Jews], the army of Mohammed is returning. Hamas fighters gather in al-Saraya, Gaza - Ayman Alhesi/Getty The scenes are likely to raise questions about the future of Gaza and whether or not Hamas can be disarmed. After the first phase of hostage releases, negotiations are set to begin on creating new security and political infrastructure in Gaza, which could incorporate parts of Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Biden, US president, on Sunday said he was not concerned that Hamas would regroup, when asked by reporters in the White House. However, Antony Blinken, US secretary of state, said last week that Hamas had already recruited replacements for all militants killed by Israel during the war. Al Jazeera The Hamas-controlled Gaza ministry of health claims around 46,000 Gazans have been killed in the longest war since Hamas took power in 2007. The figures are disputed by Israel, which says many of those killed were terrorists. The first three hostages released on Sunday were the first to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners as part of phase one of the ceasefire, which will see 33 given back to Israel across a six-week period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are thought to be around 94 hostages remaining, which are due to be exchanged for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. It is unclear how many of the hostages are dead. People gather around a bus carrying freed Palestinian prisoners - Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of these, there are 737 Palestinians in Israeli jails, most of them imprisoned on terror charges, and 1,167 others detained in Israeli ground operations in Gaza since the start of the war. Phase two of the ceasefire, if it holds, will see a permanent end to the war and the exchange of the remaining living hostages. Israeli forces will also withdraw from Gaza. However, Israel believes it will have Washingtons backing to restart the war if negotiations to extend the ceasefire fail. Mike Waltz, Donald Trumps incoming national security adviser, told CBS News on Sunday the US would back Israel in doing what it has to do if Hamas backs out of the deal or moves the goalposts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civilians were seen surrounding Hamas fighters as they congregated on the streets during the hostage exchange. The groups popularity inside Gaza, however, is falling, according to the limited polls and surveys available. The public display of jubilation from Hamas came after 15 long months of war, sparked by the Oct 7 terror attacks, which saw huge swathes of the strip reduced to rubble. Israels retaliatory strikes against Hamas in Gaza pushed around two thirds of residents into makeshift shelters and refugee camps. While people celebrated, they also mourned the loss of loved ones - Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters One civilian, emerging from their displacement camp, said: They dont care about the impact this kind of strategy has on us, just to show the world that they are holding the cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the ceasefire came into effect, thousands of residents left displacement camps to see what if anything was left of their homes. Residents traversed the once-busy roads, now dirt tracks, carrying what was left of their belongings, either by foot or some on horse-drawn carts. In Jabalia, northern Gaza, Palestinians walked along narrow pathways surrounded by some of the most apocalyptic scenes of destruction in the Strip. We have waited for this for 15 months, said Noor al Khatib. We could hardly sleep last night, she said, as her family prepared to return to their home in the north, having been displaced to an area near Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a bitter celebration for many, who while returning home, are still mourning the loss of loved ones. We won and are victorious, but are sad for the lives we lost, said Mahmoud al Masri. Akram Habeeb, a British-educated university professor, said he left his Gaza home for Egypt weeks after the Oct 7 attacks. Now, he is hoping to return. He lost 32 members of his family and his home and all its contents, including his 5,000 books, have been destroyed. In the view of what is seen today, Gaza needs at least 10 years to be built again, he said. My house can be rebuilt in two years. We expect the Israelis wont allow construction materials to enter Gaza yet though so it will take time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cost of rebuilding the Strip would be immense, he said, with most residents unable to fund it themselves. Celebrations continued even when a delay in releasing the names of hostages led Israel to announce the ceasefire was not yet in place - Mohammed Salem/Mohammed Salem Phase three of the ceasefire would see the implementation of a major reconstruction plan for Gaza. Hamza Howidy escaped Gaza shortly before the war began. He had been imprisoned twice by Hamas for protesting against their oppressive and corrupt rule, and said he was severely tortured during both sentences. Now, living in exile in Europe, he is too scared to return to Gaza due to fear of being arrested again by Hamas, and is sceptical that the terror group will give up its control of the Palestinian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think [Donald] Trump will push for regime change, but governing Gaza is more important to Hamas even than using the hostages as leverage. Its everything to Hamas so Im sceptical theyre going to give that up. A shrinking proportion of Gazans are hoping for Hamas to stay in power after the war, according to a Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research poll published in September. However, overall support for Hamas remains the highest compared to all Palestinian factions. A statement from the Palestinian Authority on Friday said the government, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, was ready to assume full responsibility in Gaza after the war. Amjad Iraqi, from Chatham House, said the Palestinian Authority must be part of the post-war process. It is an urgent priority to support parallel talks between Hamas and Fatah in Cairo over forming a technocratic governing committee for Gaza and reorganising the Palestinian political leadership, he said. According to US network NBC, talks are under way to temporarily relocate some of the two million displaced Gazans abroad to countries such as Indonesia, while rebuilding takes place. However, most Gazans are not likely to agree to such a move, viewing it as a way for Israel to permanently force them out of their homes. 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. CHICAGO Investigators and family of a man shot to death in Gage Park are pleading with the community for any information that could lead to his killer. It is believed the victim was an unintended target, who lost his life just two days before Thanksgiving. The shooting happened in the 3100 block of West 59th Street just before 5:30 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 26. According to Chicago police, the victim, identified as Miguel Martinez-Cisneros, lost control of his SUV and hit a building after he was shot in the head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez-Cisneros was driving to work with his 24-year-old son next to him when everything happened. His son, who was so proud to be working with his dad, told WGN News he believes he saved his life. Docs: Woman killed in North Lawndale accused ex-boyfriend of abuse before deadly shooting While Martinez-Cisneros was driving southbound on Troy, a narrow one-way street, investigators said a white sedan pulled up and tried to pass him on the right. Around the same time, someone in the area opened fire, and the bullet went through the rear window, hitting the 57-year-old. As the victim crossed the intersection and veered into the front of a nearby tax business, anyone potentially involved in the murder, took off from the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not shooting at him. Theyre probably firing at somebody else, but the round, like we hear too many times, who does it hit? Him, and hes dead, said George McDade, chairman of Cook County Crime Stoppers. On Saturday, McDade, other volunteers, and Chicago Police Department detectives handed out flyers in the area to help encourage people who may have any information that could help solve the case, to come forward. I find many times people go I dont want to get anybody in trouble. I heard that today. Youre not going to get anybody in trouble if they didnt do it, said McDade. The flyers, now hanging on doors, homes, and tucked into the windshield wipers on vehicles, are a painful reminder for the victims family, that his killer has still not been identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a family that, nobody deserves this, but they didnt do anything. They didnt do anything other than drive to work, said McDade. So now were asking the community, please make that phone call. We need that information. Crime Stoppers of Cook County receives about 500-600 tips each month, including close to 60 involving homicides. No bit of information is too small and McDade said it could be the missing piece that helps solve the puzzle and kickstarts the process of getting justice for a family. You just dont expect it: 81-year-old Lombard man charged in wifes murder Thats what Crime Stoppers gives them, that bridge, that avenue. Give us the information, well give it to detectives, said McDade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez-Cisneros family called him a dedicated husband, father, friend, and coworker. He dedicated 35 years of his life to the job he was so passionate about and was eventually able to share that with his son. His family said Martinez-Cisneros was hardworking, dependable, and responsible, and was ready to help anyone who needed it. They hope his story of giving to others encourages someone to do the same by giving any information that could help lead to the arrest of the person who took his life. Somebody heard something, somebody knows something about it. Make that phone call, McDade said. Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $10,000 cash reward (good for 60 days) for information that leads to the indictment or arrest of the person or people responsible for Martinez-Cisneros murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Anyone with information can call the tip line anonymously at 1-800-535-STOP, submit a tip online at p3tips.com, or email TIPS@cookcountycrimestoppers.org. All names will be kept anonymous and callers are given a code number, which would be needed to collect a reward, if that tip leads to solving the case. You can also submit a tip by calling CPDs hotline at 833-408-0069 or by texting CPDTip to 738477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Honolulu police arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder after a 21-year-old woman and another man, 39, were stabbed early this morning in Waikiki. The suspect and the woman had an argument at about 4 a.m. that escalated to a physical altercation between the female victim and the male victim, according to a Honolulu Police Department summary of the incident. During the fight, the suspect injured both victims with a dangerous instrument, police said. The male victim suffered life threatening injuries, and the female victim suffered substantial injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said paramedics responded at about 4 :10 a.m., to Kalakaua Avenue and Keoniana Street and treated a male with stab wounds to his upper chest, a woman who was stabbed in the back, and another man with injuries to his hands. Paramedics performed life-saving treatment to the man with stab wounds to his chest and took him in critical condition to a hospital, according to an EMS summary of the incident. The other man and the woman were transported in serious condition. Officers arrested the suspect for suspicion of second-degree attempted murder and he remained in custody today. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. 21 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy led the Telangana Rising delegation on Sunday, closing its Singapore leg of its two-nation tour with several one-on-one exclusive meetings with major business houses and members of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), said Telangana CMO in a release. Along with IT & Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu Garu and officials, the team met and had detailed discussions on various policies, possibilities and potential of investing in Hyderabad and Telangana, the release said. Among others, the team met Pradeepto Biswas, Founder and CEO of Indian Ocean Group; Lim Him Chaun, Country Head, DBS; and Amit Sharma, Group Head - Telecom, DBS; Gautam Banerjee, Sr. MD and Chairman, Blackstone Singapore; Peng Wei Tan, Sr. MD, Real Estate, Blackstone Singapore; and Omar Shahzad, CEO, Meinhardt Group, the release added. Singapore, Inc., is truly captivated by the matchless ambition, exceptional scope, and large-scale comprehensiveness of the TelanganaRising 2050 vision and has shown exceptionally positive commitment to becoming a big-time partner in our development and growth. The team is now headed for the World Economic Forum, Davos, the release mentioned. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister took a boat ride on the Singapore River and said that we should learn to adapt the best practices to create a world-class Hyderabad. "Took a boat ride trip on the Singapore River and got great insight into the best practices adopted by the city-state, its historical efforts on river rejuvenation, the breakthroughs in water management, efforts and success in restoration and preservation of heritage buildings, while developing amazing new iconic buildings, offices, residences, and urban infrastructure. We must learn yet adapt best practices to create a world-class #Hyderabad, and we will," CM Reddy posted on X. (ANI) DES MOINES, Iowa The Des Moines Police Department announced on Sunday morning that two are arrested and facing felony charges after a 35 minute, three stop robbery spree. According to the department, 36-year-old Clayton Joseph Sanders and 23-year-old Neveah Jeaniya Burks have been arrested and charged each with three counts of robbery in the 1st degree, a class B felony conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, class C felony persons ineligible to carry dangerous weapons, an aggravated misdemeanor. Man dies from gunshot wound, Ames police investigate The cash that was stolen had a GPS tracking device that gave officers updates on where the suspects could be, as described the Walgreens workers. Police said that minutes after the last robbery, officers had located the suspects vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers had learned that it was two suspects, and that property had been stolen in the Oakridge Neighborhood. During the investigation, search warrants were granted which led to the recovery of property believed to be taken during the robberies. A handgun was also recovered by Des Moines police. Police say the investigation is ongoing and more information will be shared when it is made available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Call me antisocial, but I deleted my X account last year. I've made exactly one Facebook post in each of the past two years. I've been in local journalism long enough and at the right time to watch social media support, usurp, and ultimately dismantle my profession around me. I've watched with disgust (and that's precisely the right word) as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk padded their pockets by monetizing content exploiting our society's most base desires, all along knowing the harm their platforms have caused. Social media is like strong medicine, it turns out. There's always been good to be found, but the side-effects become intolerable over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe that's why I was struck Thursday night by a brief section of outgoing President Joe Biden's farewell address. Biden offered a warning about the rise of a "tech-industrial complex" as social media billionaires cozy up to our nation's highest seats of political might. "The free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact-checking," Biden said. "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." Biden went on to say, "its going to be up to the president, the presidency, the Congress, the courts, the free press, and the American people to confront these powerful forces" while also touching on artificial intelligence's potential for both benefit and harm to democracy. It's clear that the tech billionaires see President-elect Donald Trump's second term as an opportunity to exploit. Trump's inauguration donor and attendee list reads like a who's who of Silicon Valley Musk, Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sunda Pichai, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, Apple CEO Tim Cook and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not exactly the "people over profits" crowd, so count me among those skeptical about big tech's willingness to police itself. That's where Trump, Congress and the courts will walk the razor's edge of protecting free speech in an era when this most basic American right can be weaponized by bad actors both foreign and domestic and disseminated for maximum harm. A free press remains vital to helping the American people understand this evolving nexus of big tech and our nation's politics. "Crumbling" as it may be, it's the alternative to these powerful platforms monopolizing the flow of information about their own attempts to influence and wield our nation's considerable might. Thankfully, examining these issues isn't the sole purview of those in Washington, D.C. Local lawmakers, local citizens and, yes, local journalists are leading these discussions across the country. Last week, Indiana Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, introduced a bill that would require parental consent before Hoosiers younger than 16 can access social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar senior politics reporter Hayleigh Colombo wrote of the bill: Such policies are gaining traction nationwide as concerns grow about the impacts of social media on minors. For example, Florida residents under age 14 are now banned from accessing social media platforms. And Tennessee also now requires social media companies to verify parental consent for minor users. The Tennessee law resulted in a lawsuit filed by Facebook and Instagram's parent company Meta, alleging free speech violations. While acknowledging that motivated youth have ample ways to get around the bill's provisions, Bohaceck said the safety of children gives the state a "compelling enough reason to be able to put these restrictions in place." ACLU executive director Christopher Daley testified against the bill, stating it would open up Indiana to litigation and infringe on younger Hoosiers' First Amendment rights, Colombo reported. I don't pretend to be smart enough to know if or where a line can be drawn concerning Americans' open access to and expression of information. But as the father of three children who will grow up in an era when "is this real or an attempt to mislead me" will be the question of their time, I'm grateful for the leadership of Bohaceck and Daley in wrestling with the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm also grateful that Biden is only half right in his assessment of the free press that's here to bring these discussions to light in the communities we serve. Diminished as the national press corps' headcount may be, Hoosiers don't have to look far for a counterpoint to "disappearing editors." Not when IndyStar has added 14 journalists since this time last year. Not when Mirror Indy launched in December 2023 with nearly 20 journalists as part of Free Press Indiana's efforts to expand journalism across the state. Not when our peers in numerous other newsrooms in Indy and across the state stand ready to tell Indiana's stories. Journalists are hypercompetitive. You can expect us to fight for scoops, to compete to hire and retain talented reporters, photographers and editors who are dedicated to telling Indiana's stories. We're not always going to move in unison, but more journalists is a good thing for Indianapolis. Why? Because to a person we stand resolute to rise to the challenge Biden set forth. To confront these powerful forces with you, for you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you, as always, for reading IndyStar. Eric Larsen is IndyStar executive editor. Reach him at ericlarsen@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Does America have the will to police the X, Meta and Google power grab? An 18-year-old Davenport man was in custody Saturday after police say they found videos of sexual abuse of a minor and nude images of a minor on his phones, according to court records. In the first case, Lucas Miller faces 19 charges, including nine felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor promote film; a felony charge of purchase/possess depiction of a minor in a sex act first offense; and nine aggravated misdemeanor charges of first-degree harassment; court records show. Lucas Miller (Scott County Jail) The first incident On Sept. 17, 2024, Davenport Police received a report about the sharing of a video of a minor being sexually abused, according to arrest affidavits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In affidavits, police say Miller admitted to law enforcement to having the video on his cell phone, but he denied sharing it. Police say in affidavits that Miller was made aware of a video with the victim on Facebook Messenger on Sept. 16, 2024. He requested the video be shared with him, and he did share the video from his Facebook account to 8 separate accounts on Sept. 16, 2024, from about 7:49 -11:37 a.m., affidavits show. He repeatedly identified the minor in the video in the messages and said several times he was going to expose the minor. In a Facebook message thread, according to affidavits, Miller admitted to knowing the video was child pornography. Miller also sent the video via text to a number that he believed belonged to the victim. A record of these communications was recovered from a cell phone seized from Miller on Sept. 17, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim denied sending the video to Miller, affidavits show, and denied giving him consent to share the video. The victim was 17 at the time the video was being shared, police say in affidavits. The second case In the second case, Miller faces four felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor cause to engage in act; a felony charge of sexual exploitation of a minor promote film; two felony charges of purchase/possess depiction of a minor in a sex act first offense; and two serious misdemeanor charges of dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors, according to court records. On Jan. 8, 2025, Davenport Police detectives received information regarding the possession of child pornography on Millers cell phone, according to arrest affidavits. The information received was that the phone was currently in the custody of the Davenport Police Department, which had two of Millers phones at the time for another investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The phones, which were seized on Sept. 17, and Oct. 17, had videos of Miller engaged in sex acts with a minor and nude images of minors, according to arrest affidavits. Miller, who was being held on a total $100,000 cash-only bond Saturday in Scott County Jail, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 28 in Scott County Court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. A TikTok explorer who posted footage of the inside of a house where a daughter killed and entombed her parents is at the centre of a police investigation. Ben, who did not want to give his surname, has 1.2 million followers of his videos of abandoned buildings around the world. However, the British content creator is now at the centre of a police investigation after he posted a video of the inside of a house where a couple had been murdered by their daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage posted on TikTok and Instagram under @places_forgotten shows the interior of the home where the bodies of John and Lois McCullough were hidden for four years. Lois and John McCulloughs bodies were found entombed in the house. Their daughter was jailed for murder Virginia McCullough lived alongside the bodies of her elderly parents John before she was sentenced to a minimum of 36 years in prison in 2024. Ben claims the private property in Great Baddow, Essex, had not been cleaned forensically since the arrest of McCullough in 2023. She was handed a minimum sentence of 36 years at Chelmsford Crown Court last October after admitting hiding her mothers body in a wardrobe and building a makeshift tomb for her father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben claims a back door to the abandoned property was left open and that there was no harm done by the filming. He said: I was respectful and I didnt take anything. Some people may see my footage as insensitive but if you go online and see crime scene photographs and documentaries, they can be much worse. I document abandoned and forgotten places with a sad or macabre past. I was aware of the arrest in 2023. I thought it was crazy like something out of Bates Motel. Most people when they commit a murder they dispose of the body so to live with two for four years is crazy. Bens TikTok account has 1.2 million followers as he documents his abandoned building adventures across the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claimed that he does not remove anything from the properties but documents the state which they have been left in. Police at the murder house in Great Baddow. TikTok-er Ben later shot a video of the interior for his fascinated followers to watch - Essex Police/SWNS Ben said: The house hadnt been touched since Virginias arrest which is amazing to think about. I could see orange squash on the side, noodles in the sink, packets of crisps. It was like time had stopped since shed been arrested and taken to prison. The grizzly scene of Johns tomb downstairs was largely untouched as were the bedrooms upstairs. Virginia had spray-painted the bath and sink in the bathroom black. It was done really crudely as if there was no care in it. The house has sat there like that for a year and a half. No one is coming back to that house and neither is Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben claimed he has not been contacted by the police yet despite Essex Police confirming an investigation was under way. He added: I was sent the news coverage by a couple of people on my Instagram page. When it said the footage was being investigated, I thought, Well, its not a crime scene as shes been investigated and sent to prison. I havent heard anything at all from the police yet. If I had gone into the house and it was completely empty and stripped, there would be nothing for me to photograph. But why hasnt the house been stripped after so long and after the investigation has been wrapped up? Why is it still like that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Essex Police spokesman said: We are aware of footage, taken from within a private property, circulating on social media. While our inquiries into this footage and how it was obtained are ongoing, we ask people not to share it any further out of respect for the grieving family at the heart of this matter. 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. DENVER (KDVR) The Thornton Police Department is investigating an armed robbery and shooting that occurred at an apartment complex early Saturday morning, according to a post on X. At around 2:40 a.m., police were called to a burglary in progress and gunfire at an apartment complex in the 2500 block of E. 104th Avenue. When officers arrived on scene they found a 25-year-old man with a gunshot wound. The man was identified as the brother of the resident in the apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is the coldest temperature Colorado has ever reached? He was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. His current condition is unknown. Investigators said the resident of the burglarized apartment, received a notification from a home security camera that movement was detected outside of his unit. The suspect covered the lens of the camera shortly after and continued the burglary. The resident contacted his brother who lives in a separate unit in the same complex and had him check out the situation. The brother came into contact with the suspect who shot him and fled the scene with valuables from the apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069. To remain anonymous, contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bellevue Police are investigating an early morning drive-by shooting that hit a home in the Factoria neighborhood in Bellevue. Around 2:15 a.m., Bellevue Police got a weapons complaint call from a home on Southeast 42nd Street in Bellevue. The victims told police that they woke up after hearing gunshots near their home. During the investigation, police found two bullets inside the victims home. Police do not have any information on suspects or car descriptions and are continuing to investigate. Police say there is no threat to the public. Bellevue Police do not believe this is a targeted incident. If you have any information about the shooting, the police ask that call at 425-577-5656. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police in D.C. said officers are investigating after a man was shot near Howard University on Friday. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC News Now that just after 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W St. in Northwest for a shooting. Officers said that while they were on the scene, a man walked into a hospital with a gunshot wound. DC police investigating deadly shooting in Congress Heights Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police later learned that he was shot in the 2200 block of 2nd St. This is near Howard Universitys campus. Investigators released surveillance photos of the suspect car, pictured below. Police are searching for the suspect involved in the shooting of a man near Howard University on Friday. (Courtesy: The Metropolitan Police Department) Police encourage anyone with information to call 202-727-9099 or text MPDs tip line 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. DENVER (KDVR) The Denver Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened in the Central Business District on Saturday afternoon. The shooting happened in the 1000 block of 15th Street and the police department first posted about the incident on X around 2:30 p.m. The area is located about a block away from the Colorado Convention Center. According to police, one person was taken to a hospital. Police did not specify the status of their injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation is underway. No further information was immediately 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 FOX31 Denver. A metro Atlanta police department is thanking its departments state-of-the-art technology for helping to retrieve a stolen vehicle. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Recently, Riverdale police were contacted by a citizen whose car was stolen from their home. The office began investigating and tried to track the car. Riverdale officials said with the departments investment in state-of-the-art tools and technologies, the officer returned the stolen vehicle to its owner less than one hour after the 911 call was received. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said it will not tolerate criminals victimizing its residents. This case underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance public safety and streamline investigations, the department said. We will continue to combat property crime 24 hours a day. Seven days a week. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Rain and snowfall are expected in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming five days due to two western disturbances, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday. Bandipora was turned into a white wonderland as the region received a fresh spell of snowfall today. Fresh snowfall was received in the higher reaches of District Bandipora, including the border areas of Gurez, Dawar, and Tulail regions. District Administration of Bandipora said that snowfall and snow winds were reported at Razdan Top however 85 km long Bandipora road is currently open. IMD Scientist Dr Naresh Kumar said, "Due to two western disturbances, rain and snowfall are expected in the western Himalayas, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the coming five days. There is a possibility of rain in Punjab, Haryana, Western UP, Delhi NCR, North Rajasthan on the 22nd and 23rd. Dense and very dense fog will also prevail in Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It will prevail till coming two to three days." As Jammu and Kashmir experience 'Chillai Kalan,' a 40-day period of harsh winter, the Bhalessa area of Doda has transformed into a winter paradise following a fresh spell of snowfall. Inclement weather conditions continued in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and several other parts of the territory, as winter's chill intensified. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature in Srinagar City was recorded at 4.1 degrees Celsius at 11:30 am. The temperature recorded in Gulmarg is -1.6 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam is 0.6 degrees Celsius, Banihal is 6.6 degrees Celsius, Kupwara is 2.4 degrees Celsius, Katra is 14.6 degrees Celsius and Jammu City is 16.6 degrees Celsius. However, the regional Met Department haven't issued any kind of warnings for all districts of the capital city. Chillai Kalan is a 40-day period of extreme cold in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Kashmir Valley. Also known as Chilla-i-Kalan, meaning "forty days of intense cold," this period is marked by sub-zero temperatures, frozen water bodies, and landscapes covered in frost and snow. The region typically experiences significant snowfall, disrupting daily life. During this time, temperatures often drop to extremely low levels, leading to the freezing of water bodies, including parts of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. (ANI) NEVADA, Mo. Investigators are asking for your help identifying an armed robbery suspect. Around 10 Friday night, officers say this person entered the Cash-N-Dash convenience store at 1502 West Austin in Nevada. The person is described as wearing black pants, a black Nike Carolina Panthers hoodie, a black face covering, black gloves, and black Adidas shoes. Officers say the suspect is described as average height and slender build. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The robber displayed a handgun and fled the area on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nevada Police Department at 417-448-2710. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the departments tips hotline at 417-667-8477. FOUR STATES CRIME Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Sunday criticized President-elect Donald Trump's reported plan to sharply intensify immigration enforcement actions across the U.S. in the days after his inauguration. In an Italian television interview, the pontiff said it would be a "disgrace" if Trump went forward with the plan, in unusually forceful language for the leader of the global Catholic Church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It would make the migrants, who have nothing, pay the unpaid bill," said the pope. "It doesn't work. You don't resolve problems this way." The pope's remarks were made during a video link from his Vatican residence with the "Che Tempo Che Fa" program on Italy's Channel 9. Francis, leader of the 1.4 billion member church, is usually careful about weighing in on political issues. The pope has made welcoming migrants a key theme of his nearly 12-year papacy, and he has previously criticized Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric. During the 2016 election, he said Trump was "not Christian" in his view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incoming Trump administration officials said on Saturday that the president-elect was reconsidering plans for immigration raids in Chicago next week, following reports about the plans. Earlier on Sunday, Chicago's Catholic archbishop, Cardinal Blase Cupich, also criticized the planned raids. "This would be an affront to the dignity of all people and communities," the cardinal said in a statement. (Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Aurora Ellis) A Northwest Side man facing a felony charge in connection with the shooting death of his pregnant girlfriend was released from custody Saturday but ordered to turn in any guns to Chicago police, according to court records. Robert Pasco, 42, was charged Friday night with one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon and one misdemeanor count of possessing a firearm without a valid firearm owners identification card. He was described in a police report as the romantic partner of Edith Castrejon, 35, who was found shot to death early Thursday morning in a domestic-related incident in the Portage Park neighborhood. A murder charge wasnt filed in the case, although a police spokesperson said Saturday that the investigation remains ongoing. Police said, however, that they are no longer speaking to the person of interest. Pascos arrest report says the Cook County states attorneys office approved the felony gun charge but declined to file murder charges in Castrejons death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portage Park man charged in connection to pregnant partners shooting death The night of the shooting, Pasco was asleep in his bed with Castrejon and his three other small children were asleep in the same room, prosecutors said. He slept with a gun under his pillow, and during the night his girlfriend reached over and grabbed it, causing Pasco to wake up and shoot her in the upper chest, court records say. Before police arrived, prosecutors said, Pasco put the 9mm ghost gun in a closet. Pasco is a convicted felon with multiple prior convictions for weapons offenses, according to court records. Ghost guns are unregistered firearms created from 3D printers. Police found Castrejon lying in a pool of blood in the bedroom of an apartment on the 5800 block of West Newport Avenue, according to a police report. She was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and pronounced dead, according to the Cook County medical examiners office, which ruled her death a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the hospital, doctors removed her unborn child, who was thought to have a roughly 1-in-4 chance of survival. According to the police report, Pasco and Castrejon were in a relationship and the child belonged to him. Prosecutors argued during a hearing Saturday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building that Pasco poses a real and present threat to the communitys safety. Judge William Fahy denied the states petition for detention and released Pasco from custody, but he ordered him to report to probation and surrender any firearms. His next court date is scheduled for Thursday. A GoFundMe created to help support Castrejons family describes her as a hard-working, fighting woman, and said she leaves a huge void behind. Caroline Kubzansky contributed to this report. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) University of Dayton Public Safety officers were dispatched to a possible shots fired call on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Caldwell Apartments. Late Saturday night at approximately 11:35 p.m. officers found a female student and a male non-student outside the apartments. They arrested the male for possession of a weapon while intoxicated. Officers said no one was injured and there is no threat to campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UD Public Safety officers are asking anyone with information on this incident to call the Department of Public Safety at 937-229-2121. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. A pregnant woman who was on the run after deputies say she killed her 1-year-old son has been captured. Gloria Wright, 23, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals in Rochester, New York on Saturday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] We have a small child that has lost its life in the hands of its mother and we would like to get this mother in custody because she is currently carrying another child right now, so we would like to get her in custody for her safety and for the safety of that child, Rockdale County Sheriffs investigator Grote Levett told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Mark Winne before the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rockdale County deputies were called to a home on Hamlet Walk on Jan. 8 where they found the child not breathing. The child was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. TRENDING STORIES: Wright was interviewed that day, but, until now, thats the last time investigators were able to pinpoint her whereabouts. It wasnt until later that the childs death was ruled a homicide. Its unclear when Wright will be extradited to Rockdale County. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) President Joe Biden used his clemency power on the last full day of his presidency, to pardon five individuals and commute the sentences of two others. One of those pardons went to Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Don Scott. In a statement put out by the White House, President Biden talked about America being a country built on the promise of second chances and said he has used his clemency powers to make that promise a reality. According to the White House, Scott was convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994, for which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Scott said he served nearly eight years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his incarceration, Scott began serving as an attorney and was elected to the Virginia legislature in 2019, serving Virginias 88th district, which covers most of the City of Portsmouth. In 2024, he made history as the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Portsmouths Don Scott now Virginias first Black Speaker of House Bidens statement noted that Scott is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy and in 2021 he donated his kidney to his next-door neighbor, highlighting his dedication to public service and his tireless commitment to improving the lives of those around him. In a statement released by Scott following the Presidential Pardon, Scott said, After serving nearly eight years in federal prison for my actions, I came out determined to reshape my future. I was driven by faith, family, and the belief that a persons worst mistake doesnt define the entirety of their story. Today, I am deeply humbled to share that I have received a Presidential Pardon from President Joe Biden for a mistake I made in 1994one that changed the course of my life and taught me the true power of redemption. Read my full statement below pic.twitter.com/wK8KluC60b Don Scott (@DonScott757) January 19, 2025 He continued on, thanking Senators Kaine and Warner, Congressman Bobby Scott, and his friend Ken Johnson for supporting him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also thanked his wife, daughter and mother. Scott said, To those who may feel their mistakes define them, I want you to know that its possible to rebuild and thrive. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement after Bidens pardon of Don Scott: Don Scott is an inspiration and living example that redemption is possible. Following his release from prison, he rebuilt his lifepassing the Virginia bar exam, developing a reputation as an effective civil and criminal litigator, serving in the General Assembly, and then being unanimously elected as the first African American Speaker of the House of Delegates in Virginias history. I was glad to advocate for this pardon, and extend my deepest thanks to my colleagues that joined in that effort, and of course to President Biden. I would also like to thank President Biden for pardoning Richmonder and longtime acquaintance Kemba Smith Pradia, who turned her trauma into advocacy on issues relating to criminal justice, domestic violence, and equity. Sen. Tim Kaine Congressman Bobby Scott, who personally advocated for Don Scott to the White House, issued the following statement: Don Scotts path to redemption is a truly remarkable story. Don will be the first to admit that he made a life-changing mistake as a young man, and since his incarceration, he has exemplified integrity, responsibility, and fidelity to the law. After reentering society, he joined a workforce development company rising to the position of vice president, he sat for the bar and opened his own law practice, and got involved in his community. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2019, elected Minority Leader in 2022, and unanimously elected Speaker in 2023 the first African American to hold the position in our Commonwealths history. He never took his second chance for granted. His story demonstrates what the goal of our justice system should be rehabilitation and restorative justice. I am pleased that President Biden recognizes this and has given Speaker Scott a well-deserved pardon. Congressman Bobby Scott Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) President Joe Biden will spend his last full day in office in South Carolina, the state that helped solidify his bid for the White House in 2020. President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will attend a Sunday morning service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston where he is expected to address the congregation and speak on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of his farewell appearance. The Bidens will also travel into downtown Charleston to tour the International African American Museum at Gadsdens Wharf. In this place, more than 200,000 enslaved Africans were brought into the country from 1670 to 1808. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman James Clyburn told the Associated Press this week that Bidens visit was his way of saying thank you to the Palmetto State for supporting his presidency. Biden saw a rocky campaign for president during the early 2020 primaries until he reached South Carolina, where with Rep. Clyburns help, saw his first major victory. Joe Biden is showing once again who he is by coming back to the state that really launched him to the presidency, Rep. Clyburn told The Associated Press. The Charleston Police Department warned residents that road closures and traffic delays were anticipated from Sunday morning through the afternoon due to the presidential visit. The United States Coast Guard also said water near the museum would be restricted for vessels most of the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After touring the museum, Biden and the first lady will head back to Washington D.C. where they will spend their final night in the White House before attending a send-off ceremony following Mondays inaugural ceremony. The presidents most recent visit to Charleston came last January when he addressed the congregation at Mother Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston, where nine people were shot and killed in a June 2015 white supremacist attack. The attack brought former President Obama and at the time, Vice President Biden to Charleston for the victims funerals. The Bidens have also been known to vacation on Kiawah Island over the years. The president visited Kiawah while serving as Vice President in 2009, 2013, and 2015. He and the First Lady vacationed there again in August 2022. Follow along below for the latest updates on President Bidens visit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) President Joe Biden will spend his last full day in office in South Carolina, the state that helped solidify his bid for the White House in 2020. President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will attend a Sunday morning service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston where he is expected to address the congregation and speak on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of his farewell appearance. The Bidens will also travel into downtown Charleston to tour the International African American Museum at Gadsdens Wharf. In this place, more than 200,000 enslaved Africans were brought into the country from 1670 to 1808. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman James Clyburn told the Associated Press this week that Bidens visit was his way of saying thank you to the Palmetto State for supporting his presidency. Biden saw a rocky campaign for president during the early 2020 primaries until he reached South Carolina, where with Rep. Clyburns help, saw his first major victory. Joe Biden is showing once again who he is by coming back to the state that really launched him to the presidency, Rep. Clyburn told The Associated Press. The Charleston Police Department warned residents that road closures and traffic delays were anticipated from Sunday morning through the afternoon due to the presidential visit. The United States Coast Guard also said water near the museum would be restricted for vessels most of the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After touring the museum, Biden and the first lady will head back to Washington D.C. where they will spend their final night in the White House before attending a send-off ceremony following Mondays inaugural ceremony. The presidents most recent visit to Charleston came last January when he addressed the congregation at Mother Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston, where nine people were shot and killed in a June 2015 white supremacist attack. The attack brought former President Obama and at the time, Vice President Biden to Charleston for the victims funerals. The Bidens have also been known to vacation on Kiawah Island over the years. The president visited Kiawah while serving as Vice President in 2009, 2013, and 2015. He and the First Lady vacationed there again in August 2022. Follow along below for the latest updates on President Bidens visit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A court in Seoul issued a detention warrant on Sunday for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, allowing authorities to hold him for an extended period over his controversial martial law declaration in December 2024, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency. Notably, South Korean investigators had arrested Yoon on January 15 over accusations of prompting an uprising against the government. The Seoul Western District Court approved the warrant, citing concerns over potential evidence tampering. Yoon faces charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his authority by declaring martial law on December 3. The warrant permits investigators to detain Yoon for up to 20 days, including the time he has already spent in custody since his arrest at his Seoul residence. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) plans to transfer Yoon to the prosecution after 10 days. The prosecution is then expected to investigate him further and indict him before the 20 days are up. CIO officials said that they will carry out a probe into the president "in accordance with the law and procedures." However, Yoon's 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, Yonhap reported. Earlier on December 14, last year, Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly over his attempt to impose martial law in the country. The members of the unicameral National Assembly had voted 204 to 85 to impeach South Korea's President. After his impeachment, Yoon was suspended from office. (ANI) On a recent Tuesday morning, in a dim underground parking garage in west Los Angeles, President Joe Biden sat idly in his car, seemingly paralyzed by events. Biden had flown across the country to stand within a cluster of dramatic canyon walls and announce the creation of two national monuments in California. The designations would set a land conservation record, the finishing touches on a climate agenda Biden believed would eventually be viewed among historys most expansive. Only the climate wasnt cooperating. A major windstorm was gathering strength, raising safety concerns and ultimately scuttling the mission-accomplished moment into which he had chosen to invest so much staff planning and presidential travel time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was one of many instances over his final weeks in office a period Biden and his staff hoped to use to burnish his political legacy that drove home the limitations of even a presidents power to control the agenda. The heightened air of futility punctuated a four-year term that, for everything accomplished legislatively, is ending where it began with Donald Trump in the White House. Bidens team struggled in the final days and weeks of his term, as it did for four years, to drive a message that might capture the countrys attention and bolster a battered legacy. Sometimes forces outside Bidens purview like the wind and drought in Southern California or sudden spasms of violence at home and abroad were the problem. But his own actions compounded his troubles. Pardoning his son Hunter, after vowing not to do so for months, was one of the few actions he took in the final weeks that broke through the news cycle. Biden and his aides have made a mantra of insisting that history will look more kindly on the president. But even close allies, who once hoped Biden would be the next FDR, have set their sights considerably lower, embracing comparisons with Jimmy Carter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of a triumphant ending to a half-century political career, Biden is leaving Washington like Willy Loman, relegated to the background, his party in the wilderness, his country rejecting Bidens central promise that he would break the fever of Trumpism. While Biden was marooned in Los Angeles, Trump, as he so often does, stole the spotlight, conducting a stemwinder of a press conference from his Mar-a-Lago estate in which he threatened to seize Greenland and suggested rebranding the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. It was the type of contrast that galled Biden and his longtime aides. Biden was taking specific, albeit wonky policy action on two properties in California and would have gotten little attention, even if weather hadnt gotten in the way; while Trump was inspiring hours of cable news panel discussions and think pieces with speculative promises and Putinesque threats about seizing property that America doesnt own. "It has been a challenge," said former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, a close Biden ally, who acknowledged that Biden's struggle to break through has been a constant frustration "for him, for his family, for his staff. Of course it is." Run out of gas Since ending his bid for a second term last summer, Biden pushed his senior aides to ensure his final months were just as consequential as any other period over the last four years. Despite leading the nation out of a brutal pandemic, reviving the economy and passing three landmark pieces of legislation, the president's approval rating is as low as it's ever been. Democrats who blame Biden for enabling Trump's rise, and even many who believe him to have been an effective, underappreciated president, are eager to see him off into the sunset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as the White House raced to finish off a series of priorities, capped by an eleventh-hour cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, Biden struggled to shake the perception that he had personally shrunk from view. "There are certain presidencies that end with an acceleration of events and activities," said Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian and senior research scholar at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs. "This presidency, on the other hand, just seems to have run out of gas." Biden has steered conspicuously clear of the debates raging within the Democratic Party over how best to rebuild, declining to weigh in on the intensifying race for DNC chair and offering few prescriptions for the mounting challenges he has worried that Democrats will face in the coming Trump era. After Trump blew up a funding deal late last year just days before the government was due to shut down, Biden, who was in Delaware with his family to mark the anniversary of his first wife and daughters death, initially chose not to get directly involved. Instead, he dispatched aides to manage negotiations and communicate with Democratic leaders, a decision that allies insisted was strategic yet left lawmakers with little sense of how the president felt about the deal he would ultimately have to approve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps most frustrating for Democrats who had supported Biden's reelection run, believing the existential stakes eclipsed their lingering reservations about his age and fitness, was the president's sudden reluctance to go toe-to-toe with Trump. After losing what he often termed a "battle for the soul of America," Biden made clear he would welcome Trump to the White House out of a belief in the need to ensure a smooth transition opting not even to reference him by name in a Jan. 6 op-ed in the Washington Post urging Americans not to rewrite the Capitol riot that Trump played a central role in encouraging. "Pretty disappointing," said Ezra Levin, the co-founder of the progressive organization Indivisible, which had worked to boost enthusiasm for Bidens aborted reelection run. "He campaigned and many Democrats campaigned on this guy being an existential threat. I believed it and many of the folks we were organizing believed it." Tending to Bidens policy bucket list For many staffers, Trumps imminent arrival in the West Wing was almost too depressing to think about. But inside the building, chief of staff Jeff Zients tried to focus those who hadnt left to find other jobs on their collective accomplishments and the idea that more could be achieved in the final weeks. A number of Bidens policy announcements sought to ensure, to the extent possible, their work would endure. There were billion-dollar disbursements of transportation funding, new defense aid for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia. This week, Biden signed the proclamations hed intended to enact in the California desert creating new national monuments and reversed Trumps Cuba policy, angering Florida Democrats. And the White House announced a sweeping new executive order on cybersecurity, a first tranche of commutations for long-serving drug offenders and a non-binding and ultimately meaningless declaration that the Equal Rights Amendment, which could overrule state restrictions on reproductive rights, should be part of the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But none of those actions generated much news coverage in a power-obsessed city already gaming out the administration to come. Bidens East Room celebration of 235 judicial appointments was overshadowed by the deadly New Years Day terror attack in New Orleans, which he commented on upon taking the stage. The death and state funeral for President Jimmy Carter, at which Biden offered a eulogy for a predecessor whose single term and humbling political end drew comparisons to his own, cast an evermore elegiac shadow over these cold January days. The Carter comparisons Surprisingly, many in Bidens circle welcomed those comparisons, even though historians have shown more respect for Carters post-presidency than for the four years he sat in the Oval Office. This is also a president who took the long view and is proud to have taken the long view on issues, said Anita Dunn, a longtime Biden adviser who left the White House last summer. And if that is his legacy and hallmark, I think hell be comfortable with that. "There are always going to be times, in solitude or late at night, when you're going to second-guess yourself," Jones said of the pivot points of Biden's presidency, including his decision to run for reelection and following a disastrous debate performance drop out just months from Election Day. "But I think he is at peace with, No. 1, his decisions. And No. 2,, what he has done and what he has accomplished the last four years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens foreign policy capstone, Wednesday's long-awaited cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, came with its own complications. His depleted White House staff was forced to respond in haste. Biden emerged to offer brief remarks that afternoon, upstaging a major primetime address planned to give that night and scoffing at a question about whether he or Trump, whose Middle East envoy Bidens team chose to involve in the final round of talks, deserved credit for the deal. Ironically, while many of Bidens final moves were intended to Trump-proof his policy accomplishments, his biggest win in that period came with an assist from the president-elect, who put pressure on the sides to reach a deal before he took office. Although he was tending to more of his personal interests in the weeks after the election pardoning his son, Hunter, in November, scheduling a visit with the pope in January as well as the California trip in order to be on hand for the birth of his first great-grandchild Biden was wary of the perception he was checking out. Stymied, again As Biden flew back from California aboard Air Force One, he spoke with his senior team of aides back at the White House, many of them huddled around chief of staff Zients long wooden table. They had another decision to make: whether the president could still travel to Rome the next day for a meeting with Pope Francis, and subsequent sit-downs with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Southern California was engulfed in a series of deadly and destructive fires that will likely rank among the costliest natural disasters in American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trip to Rome, two senior White House officials conceded, had been a personal priority for the 82-year-old president, a devout Catholic who felt both a kinship with this particular pope and a desire, on some level, for absolution to leave office after five decades in politics with a clear head, especially after a disappointing election cycle. But Bidens desire for valediction at the Vatican was countered by a sense of obligation. Yes, the president could sign disaster declarations from Air Force One or overseas. Yes, he was a lame duck who might ignore public criticism at some level. But he still felt that presidents, whatever their status, shouldnt leave the country during a natural disaster, a senior adviser said. His concern, the senior adviser said, was about finding other ways to honor commitments to Meloni, Zelenskyy and Pope Francis, to whom hed been planning to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nations highest civilian honor, and one that has never been given to a pope. Aides arranged private phone calls with the Italian and Ukrainian leaders and had to scramble to plan a private weekend ceremony at the White House, inviting the Vaticans U.S. representative on short notice to meet with Biden and receive the medal. An institutionalist to his core, Biden has also carried out the more quotidian aspects of the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After grumbling across the executive branch, Biden scheduled more time for departure photos with current and former administration aides. On several nights in December, he stood before the fireplace in the Diplomatic Room on the ground floor, shaking hundreds of hands and smiling again and again as the host of his last round of White House Christmas parties. On Monday, after delivering a speech recapping his foreign policy achievements at the State Department, Bidens motorcade drove him to Falls Church in the evening so he could take the stage briefly he was only in the building for five minutes to thank staffers who had gathered for a final party. Biden, as he had been for weeks, was focused on what he would say at his farewell address, which was just two nights away. An initial plan to deliver the speech from New York City was scrapped, although the final version, from the Oval Office, still began and ended with references to the Statue of Liberty. The decision to speak in primetime left the president at the mercy of TV networks, requiring the speech be concise. In the days prior, he pushed his closest aides to consider what mattered most. The fine-tuning continued into the final hours. A talkers call to preview the speech and relay talking points to outside supporters was delayed three times on Tuesday before being pushed to Wednesday afternoon, as aides continued to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speech, delivered haltingly, included grave warnings about a growing American oligarchy, the perils of climate change and artificial intelligence. Biden, a senior aide said, wanted to lay down a marker about the countrys future. But Bidens return to the theme of democracy that hed hoped would define a successful bid for a second term made clear that, nearly four years after he triumphantly declared atop the Capitols west steps that democracy has prevailed, he is leaving the office with American democracy in a state that he and other Democrats view as precarious. The best he could do in this, his final remarks to the country, was pass the torch. Now, its your turn to stand watch. And his recitation of substantial policy achievements included a hopeful qualifier the explicit suggestion that history would judge his presidency more favorably than the country has in real time. It will take time to feel the full impact of all weve done together, but the seeds are planted, he said, after ticking through infrastructure improvements, new investments in American manufacturing and a green industrial policy and the expansion of health care and lowering of drug costs. Theyll grow and theyll bloom for decades to come. Afterward, the news networks that took the speech live went right back to scheduled programming. But inside the White House, a large group of aides gathered in the first floor foyer and Cross Hall. Staffers joined family members whod been in the Oval as Biden spoke, united in the belief that attention must be paid here and now. They cheered and held up phones to capture the moment as Biden smiled and offered his thanks from the landing of the main staircase, a hulking portrait of President Abraham Lincoln hanging over his shoulder, before heading upstairs. As we prepare ourselves for Donald Trump's second inauguration on Monday, this presidential historian is surprised to learn how many people blithely dismiss it as mere frivolity, filler for the media, easily bypassed folly. The urge to skip it is notably bipartisan: his detractors relish in depriving him of the spotlight; some supporters might prefer to avert their gaze from the bed theyve made while others may feel that theyve already shown up in sufficient measure. And the highlights will be inescapable for at least 24 hours. Isnt that enough? Absolutely not. Whether it's two hours or two hundred years later, I assure you, its not the same. There's no substitute for witnessing history unfold in real-time. I say this with the conviction of someone who has devoted her life to reconstructing it. You can scarcely fathom the fervor with which I parse every syllable, every moment of silence, and every leaden declarationand I do so with the knowledge that it will never fully represent what happened. Alex Wong - Getty Images The pundits youre counting on to recap the most important parts will never suffice. When they appear on live television or in print, theyre adhering to the standards of their outlet. Each network, whether Fox or CNN, follows its own North Star, shaping the narrative through a distinct lens. The analysts and commentators, all lined up in front of their cameras, are constrained by the need to align with their platforms perspectiveand, of course, to earn their keep. Their reactions to the 47th president of the United States delivering his inaugural address are invariably filtered, leaving you to fill in the gaps. And finally, if the speech transcends a mundane miss or echoes American Carnage, you might find yourself compelled to engage with it fully, without the immediacy, excitement, and unpredictability that come with live response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if you think Donald Trumps second inauguration is Americas death knell, I cant understand why youd choose to look away. In 2016, the seeds of resistance were sown abundantly, but in 2025, theres no sign of new shoots rising from the soil. Its rather difficult to gauge the landscape with your eyes squeezed shut and fingers firmly in your ears. And if you voted for Trump, wouldnt you want to watch him unveil your mystery prize? Presidents frequently shelve campaign promises after crossing the threshold of the Oval Office, but Trump has already altered some of his plans. If you arent a part of his inner circle, you may be in for more surprises. Perhaps youre still shellshocked from 2017, when Trump delivered his "American Carnage" inaugural address, a 16-minute dystopian fever. Trumps grim vision of Americaagree with it or nothas become a prominent part of American history. A catchphrase is a catch phrase, and that dark opus now stands alongside the soaring rhetoric echoing through history alongside Lincoln's "malice toward none, charity for all, FDR's "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, and JFKs Ask not what your country can do for you, but you can do for your country. CBS Photo Archive - Getty Images And that leads to the other reason Ill watch: my concerns about the dangers associated with a president of advanced age didnt end with Joe Biden. Its not the most exciting issue, but it is undeniably conspicuous. At 78 and 220 days (surpassing Bidens 78 years and 61 days at his inauguration), Trump will be the oldest president ever inaugurated. On the campaign trail, Trump often delivered performances that appeared to leave audiences perplexed. George Rinhart - Getty Images The true strength of America has never resided solely in the words of its leaders, but in the resilience and idealism of its people. Even if we are presented with a muddled speech, fantastical claims, and whimsical musings, the responsibility to engage thoughtfully with the message remains ours. In the end, the true architects of history aren't behind the podiumthey're in the crowd. You Might Also Like A bombshell expose reveals Prince Harry's strained relationship with the royal family following his memoir "Spare." According to a close source, the Duke of Sussex had "genuine hope" for reconciliation but has not yet been contacted by his relatives. Despite meeting King Charles in February 2024 after his cancer diagnosis, Prince Harry has since been unable to reconnect with his father. Prince Harry Longed For Family Response After His Controversial 'Spare' Memoir MEGA According to Vanity Fair's revealing February cover story, Harry hoped his family would contact him after releasing his controversial memoir, "Spare." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prince, who published the book in January 2023, allegedly confided in a guest at an event later that year that none of his royal relatives had reached out since its release. The source expressed sympathy for Harry, noting that his hope for reconciliation felt "genuine." "That's sort of what made me so sad. His hope seemed very genuine," the source shared. "And I was just kind of like, 'Oh, no.'" According to the report, Harry may not have fully "absorbed the gravity" of his memoir's revelations, particularly the damaging accusations against his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among these claims was an account of Prince William allegedly calling Meghan Markle "difficult," "rude," and "abrasive," and a physical altercation where William supposedly shoved Harry into a dog bowl. While reflecting on the situation, the source added, "The power of the written word and the power of the narrative. I don't know if that's something he understood while he was doing it." The Duke And His Father Have Yet To Connect Since His Trip To The UK Over The King's Cancer Diagnosis MEGA Just over a year after the release of "Spare," Harry briefly met with King Charles in February 2024 following the announcement of the monarch's cancer diagnosis. The father and son's conversation lasted about 45 minutes, marking their first meaningful interaction in 15 months. Their last in-person meeting was at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2024, Harry returned to the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games but did not meet with King Charles. Although Harry had hoped to reconnect, the meeting reportedly couldn't happen due to the King's packed schedule. At the time, Harry's spokesperson addressed public speculation, stating, "In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty's full program." They added, "The Duke, of course, is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon." Last year, People Magazine also revealed that Harry has been unable to reach his father since the February UK visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He gets 'unavailable right now,'" a friend of the duke told the outlet. "His calls go unanswered. He has tried to reach out about the King's health, but those calls go unanswered too." Prince Harry And Prince William Had A Cold Reunion At Their Uncle's Funeral MEGA In August 2024, Harry and William were seen together for the first time in two years while attending the funeral of their uncle, Robert Fellowes. Despite their ongoing feud, both brothers came together to honor their late uncle, Princess Diana's brother-in-law, who passed away in July at the age of 82. The last time the brothers were in the same room was during King Charles' coronation over a year earlier, though reports indicated they did not interact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses at the funeral also noted that Harry and William did not appear to speak to each other. This claim was re-echoed by Reverend Dan Tansey, the Vicar of the church where the funeral was held. Reverend Tansey told the Daily Mail that William and Harry walked "a few people apart" as they left the event and couldn't recall them talking to each other at a reception afterward. Prince Harry Reportedly Struggles To Adapt To Life Beyond Royalty MEGA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vanity Fair article also highlights a growing divide between Harry and the world around him, describing him as "marooned beyond his nuclear family." Despite their public image, the piece suggests that Harry struggles to form meaningful friendships in the U.S., with sources close to the couple revealing that Meghan has acknowledged her husband's difficulties in building lasting relationships since their move to California. An insider explained that Harry's royal upbringing left him ill-equipped for life outside the monarchy, saying, "Harry doesn't know what real life really is." His privileged background reportedly made it challenging for him to adapt to the realities of everyday life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the article suggests that Meghan has taken on a caretaker role in their relationship, "making his life so easy," while Harry focuses on supporting her ambitions. A former colleague of the couple remarked, "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." The Sussexes Were Called 'Local Villains' By Montecito Residents MEGA The expose also revealed a growing backlash against Harry and Meghan, as former colleagues and neighbors openly voiced their frustrations about the couple. Wealthy residents of Montecito, where the couple lives in a $29 million mansion, have expressed their displeasure over the disruption of their once-tranquil neighborhood, which has transformed into a noisy hub for tourists and fast cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After purchasing their luxury home from an oligarch, the couple has become known as "local villains" in this upscale California enclave. One frustrated neighbor remarked, "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." In the months before the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003, a Dearborn cleric emerged as one of the leading public voices in support of the push to topple the government of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. "Death, death to Saddam!" chanted Imam Husham Al-Husainy through a megaphone at a pro-war rally broadcast by C-SPAN in Washington, D.C., in October 2002, countering a nearby anti-war rally as the crowd echoed his remarks. "Saddam must go." In ensuing months, Al-Husainy became a fixture in the Iraqi American community in Dearborn that was being courted by the Pentagon and other U.S. government agencies to help convince the public that invading Iraq would promote democracy. A native of Iraq, Al-Husainy held similar events in metro Detroit, meeting in Dearborn with opposition leader Ibrahim al-Jaafari, who later became interim prime minster of Iraq. Al-Husainy traveled to London for an international conference of Iraqi opposition groups and was in northern Iraq in February 2003 meeting with people who opposed Hussein's rule. A Shia Muslim cleric, Al-Husainy leads the Karbalaa Islamic Educational Center, a Dearborn mosque on Warren Avenue that was a spiritual home for many Iraqi refugees who had fled Hussein's rule after a failed Shia uprising in 1991. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to build a bridge of communication, between Christian and Muslim, West and East, American and Arab," Al-Husainy told the Free Press in April 2003, a couple of weeks after the U.S. invaded Iraq. Al-Husainy, 70, will once again be in the national spotlight, as he prepares to speak at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on Monday, one of four faith leaders to deliver a benediction after Trump's address. Another local cleric, pastor Lorenzo Sewell, who hosted Trump at his Detroit church in June, is also set to give a benediction, as well as a rabbi and Catholic priest, both from New York. It's believed this will be the first time in history a Muslim leader will speak at a presidential inauguration. There have been Islamic clerics who spoke at events later in the week after the inauguration, such as an interfaith service at Washington National Cathedral, but not at the inauguration ceremony itself. The selection of Al-Husainy to speak at Trump's inauguration illustrates the complexities of politics and religion as Republicans seek to solidify their growing support among Arab Americans and Muslims in Michigan, a swing state. After demonstrating in support of war in Iraq, Al-Husainy later became more critical of U.S. foreign policy as it switched to focusing more on the threat from Iran. He now says that he supports Trump because he sees him as more for peace than President Joe Biden has been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Detroit pastor hosting Trump defends visit amid criticism of conservative events in city More: Trump, Harris vie for Arab American, Muslim votes in Michigan as Yemenis gain spotlight "I support peace, no war," Al-Husainy said on a Republican press call in October 2024, along with Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi and Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, who both endorsed Trump and appeared with him on stage at rallies. "This is a strongest country in the world, and it deserves to have a strong leader where he can bring peace in this world." Al-Husainy blasted Biden for not stopping the "killing, bloodshed" in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen. Since Trump was elected, there have been ceasefires reached in Lebanon and Gaza, which some Arab American leaders credit Trump for. Imam Husham Al-Husainy speaks in a park in Dearborn, Michigan, on January 5, 2013, at the annual Arbaeen rally he has organized since 2004. Al-Husainy leads the Karbala Islamic Educational Center in Dearborn. The crowd walked from the center to Hemlock Park in a religious procession held by Shia Muslims. Trump's selection of Al-Husainy has sparked outrage from some pro-Israel and conservative groups and media sites, which accuse him of being sympathetic to Iran and Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia group the U.S. has labeled as a terrorist organization. Al-Husainy was once allied with conservative and pro-Israel groups in supporting the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, but is now on opposing sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It would send a terrible message and place a black mark on President Trumps new term to give an antisemite and Hezbollah apologist a prominent platform at the Trump inauguration," the Zionist Organization America said in a statement Wednesday. Leaving Iraq for freedom in U.S. Al-Husainy said he left Iraq about 46 years ago when Hussein came to power. He opened the Karbalaa Islamic Educational Center in 1995 in a building that was once a popular Dearborn nightclub called Club Gay Haven. Starting in 2004, Al-Husainy has organized and led the annual Arbaeen procession through the streets of Dearborn, a tradition of Shia Muslims that recalls the death in battle of a grandson of Islam's prophet killed in battle against a tyrant in Karbala, Iraq, which his mosque is named after. The Arbaeen event now draws thousands annually, including Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, who marches alongside others. Wearing a white turban and traditional robes, Al-Husainy became popular decades ago with Muslim American youth for his English-language lectures, speaking at mosques, interfaith events and protests. He talks in an excited manner at times, his pitch rising as he describes Islamic traditions and how they can apply to life in America. His mosque is often decorated with paintings of prominent Shia clerics and descendants of Prophet Mohammed. The Free Press has interviewed and met him numerous times over the past 25 years. He did not return voicemails left for him this past week. Asked by the Free Press in April 2003 if he may return to Iraq after Hussein is removed, he said: "We'll see. Half of my life was in Iraq. Half my life in America. I'll go wherever I can serve better." Imam Husham Al-Husainy photographed at Karbalaa Islamic Education Center on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, in Dearborn, MI. In addition to rallies against Iraqi ruler Hussein, Al-Husainy has also led or taken part in several pro-Palestinian and anti-ISIS protests over the decades, speaking out against Israel and Saudi Arabia. In July 2002, he was once ticketed for participating in a pro-Palestinian rally, which was condemned by other Arab American leaders. Former Dearborn District Judge Bill Runco threw out the ticket and Al-Husainy thanked him, saying it was an example of Muslim-Christian partnership. Endorsed Trump for peace While initially supportive of President George W. Bush at the beginning of the war, he later became critical of him and didn't attend Bush's rally in Dearborn with Iraqi Americans in April 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Husainy told the Free Press he supported John Kerry in 2004 and Trump in 2016, but in 2020, raised concerns about the Trump administration's military strike in Iraq that killed Iran's top military general, Qassem Soleimani, designated as a terrorist by the U.S. On Oct. 21, 2024, he came out publicly in support of Trump on a GOP press call that was organized "to highlight Kamala Harris's failures to bring peace and stability in the Middle East in advance of her campaign event today with former Congresswoman Liz Cheney," said Victoria LaCivita, a communications director with the Trump campaign in Michigan. Cheney spoke later that same day in Royal Oak at a rally for Harris. A daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, a key leader in the U.S. invasion of Iraq, she was often slammed by Trump for being pro-war. Meeting with Arab Americans in Dearborn on Nov. 1, Trump repeatedly attacked Cheney, contrasting her with his message of peace. Liz Cheney is a disaster," Trump said in Dearborn, surrounded by Arab American supporters. "All she wants to do is blow people up. She's a war hawk. " Trump said when he is president, "youre gonna have peace in the Middle East." Imam Husham Al-Husainy leads visitors and worshipers gathered at the Karbalaa Islamic Educational Center in prayer on Friday, Mar. 15, 2013 in Dearborn, Mich. The attendees participated in daily prayer and also celebrated 10 years since the end of the Iraq war. Al-Husainy said that many Arab Americans have fled dictatorships, like he did when he left Iraq after Hussein took power in 1979. "So if we don't now get involved, more puppets and more dictators will be there," he said. "We have seen so much assassination, whether in Lebanon, whether in Palestine, whether in Iraq, whether in Yemen. So do you need to see more assassination? No, we need to see more democracy. We need to see more elections. We don't want to see more puppets over there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Husainy has also been outspoken on social issues, saying he opposes same-sex marriage, marijuana and transgender identity, finding common cause with some conservative Republicans. He said he supports Trump "because I found him closer to the Bible and Torah and the Quran." Al-Husainy expressed concern about the legalization of marijuana by voters in 2018, saying religious people failed to show up to defeat the ballot proposal that legalized the drug. "I urge the community, please to vote, get involved," Al-Husainy said on the GOP call. "They did not (in 2018) and here we go: marijuana is all over, we're losing some of our youth. And if they don't get involved in this election, some of the children, the boys will turn to girls and the girls will turn to boys. So when you ... vote, you have to go for three reasons: Vote to satisfy your conscience and to obey God and to bring peace in this world." Leading the faithful During the Iraq war, Al-Husainy gained national attention, appearing on national TV news stations such as Fox News, C-SPAN and CNN. Twenty years ago this month, CNN anchor Aaron Brown broadcast live from the mosque he leads, the Karbalaa center, when Iraqi immigrants were voting in Iraq's elections. In September 2009, he and other Arab American leaders met with CIA Director George Tenet at the Bint Jbeil Cultural Center in Dearborn as part of the intelligence agency's outreach efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he also kept up with his religious duties, usually delivering the weekly Friday sermons at his mosque. He often draws comparisons between Judaism, Christianity and Islam, linking together their prophets and messengers. C.I.A. Director Leon Panetta greets people, including Imam Husham Al-Husainy CQkpm, before he speaks during iftar, the evening meal that breaks Ramadan, at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center in Dearborn, Mich., on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And every year, he's leading the way at the Arbaeen processions, whether it's held in the freezing cold during the winter or the heat of summer. The holiday is held 10 days earlier each year. In January 2009, he and thousands of others trudged through snow-covered sidewalks from the Karbalaa center to Hemlock park. The two-mile procession featured colorful flags in honor of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Islam's prophet, and recitations of religious poetry. "We are here as lovers of Imam Hussain, lovers of freedom, of justice, of democracy," Al-Husainy told the Free Press during the procession. "Imam Hussain is still alive with us, even though he was martyred 1,400 years ago. His spirit is still alive." Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Imam Husham Al-Husainy of Dearborn to speak at Trump inauguration The doctors and nurses didnt believe Tomisa Starr was having trouble breathing. Two years ago, Starr, 61, of Sacramento, California, was in the hospital for a spike in her blood pressure. She has multiple chronic health problems, including heart failure, and uses an oxygen tank at home. But her request for supplemental oxygen while hospitalized was denied, Starr said, because readings from a pulse oximeter on her finger falsely indicated that she was getting plenty of air on her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starr, who is Black, said she told the care team about research showing that the devices, which measure oxygen levels in the blood, may not work as well on people with darker skin and potentially make those patients seem healthier than they really are. Their response, Starr said, was shocking. The provider demanded to know, Who told you that? she said. Here I am in the hospital, and I have to defend myself, like Im in court. Tomisa Starr says doctors have dismissed her concerns about faulty pulse oximeter readings for years. The skepticism Starr said she faced from doctors about potentially false pulse oximeter readings in Black Americans is not unique. I give talks on this all the time to physicians who should know the research, and theyre always blown away, said Dr. Hugh Cassiere, a critical care physician at South Shore University Hospital in New York. This device has built-in racial disparities that have been ignored for years. Cassiere also heads a committee of independent experts assembled by the FDA to look into the pulse oximetry issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potential problems with the measurement devices have been known for decades. The FDA began to develop guidance for manufacturers to address the issues in 2013, but little has been done since. It wasnt until the pandemic that the real dangers to Black patients became clear. In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration warned about flawed pulse oximeter readings on darker skin. Last week, the FDA issued draft guidance for manufacturers to drastically expand the skin tone varieties when testing their devices and show they work equally for all skin pigments. Historically, companies havent been required to include a significant number of dark-skinned people in studies of pulse oximeters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quite frankly, how weve measured it hasnt been consistent or done in a very valid or systematic way, the head of the FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Dr. Michelle Tarver, told NBC News in an interview before the draft guidance was issued. Cassiere expressed support for the new recommendations. This is light years ahead of the 2013 guidance, he said. The Food and Drug Administration doesnt approve or authorize all pulse oximeters on the market. Devices marketed for general wellness among hikers, cyclists or other athletes who might want to estimate their blood oxygenation, for example, arent regulated and should never be used to diagnose or monitor health problems, the FDA said. Pulse oximeters specifically intended for medical use do fall under FDA purview. Its these device manufacturers that the agency is targeting with its draft guidance. How pulse oximeters work The gold standard and most accurate way of testing whether a person has normal oxygen levels is to stick a needle into a persons wrist and draw blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An arterial blood draw, as its called, is invasive and painful. But it also gives doctors an essential clue as to how well a patients lungs are functioning, providing insight into which patients should be hospitalized and receive supplemental oxygen or other treatment. A study participant at the University of California, San Francisco wears multiple pulse oximeters to help researchers learn how devices work on different skin tones. Pulse oximeters came along in the 1980s as an easy and painless alternative. The device shines a light through the fingertip, seeking out oxygen-rich blood. The more light thats absorbed, the better, in theory. But that light is also absorbed by melanin, or pigment, in the skin. As a result, Black and brown people are more likely to get pulse oximeter readings that show their blood oxygen saturation is higher than it really is. That is, they could be struggling for air despite normal pulse oximeter results. The potential for racial disparities in pulse oximetry was first revealed in a study published 34 years ago. "That should have gotten the FDA's attention," Cassiere said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was largely disregarded. I went to medical school at Howard University, which is a historically Black college, and this never, ever came up never in training, never in practice, said Dr. Noha Aboelata, founder and chief operating officer of Roots Community Health in Oakland, California. I never knew anything about it until the first year of the pandemic. The light bulb moment It was Dr. Thomas Valley and his colleagues at the University of Michigan who reignited rumblings about the discrepancy in 2020 as they were inundated with Covid patients. The vast majority of the sickest patients were Black. We started to notice that the numbers on the screen for pulse oximeters werent matching what we were seeing in arterial blood, Valley said. We would go from room to room to room and see that these numbers didnt look quite right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team figured it was an anomaly caused by Covid a brand-new virus the world hadnt seen before. It wasnt until several months later that a light bulb went off, Valley said. This isnt a Covid problem. This is a color of ones skin problem. His team published its findings about racial biases in pulse oximeter readings in December 2020. It was this study, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, that Starr used to alert her doctors. While theres no direct link between faulty pulse oximeter readings and Covid deaths, additional research has found that people of color were more likely to die of Covid than white people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The apparent disparities go beyond treatment for Covid. The faulty pulse oximeter readings for patients of color could preclude Black patients from being candidates for advanced therapy such as heart pumps or heart transplants, said Sarah Adie, associate director of innovation at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center. She is a co-author of a study published in 2024 that found unreliable pulse oximeter readings might limit the way Black patients with heart failure qualify for those potentially lifesaving procedures. Valley published additional research finding that a majority of pulse oximeter studies showed a bias against people with darker skin tones. Is skin pigmentation the ultimate problem with pulse oximeters? Maybe, maybe not. The question that everybody wants to know right now is: Which devices work equally well, regardless of skin pigment? said Dr. Michael Lipnick, an anesthesiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. His team is analyzing results from more than 50 pulse oximeters in an attempt to answer that question. Dr. Michael Lipnick is testing a study participant's oxygen levels with an arterial blood draw at the University of California, San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under careful watch, UCSF researchers attach a variety of pulse oximeters to study participants fingers, then lower their oxygen levels to a point where the devices should signal a problem. They expected that some devices cheaper devices, perhaps would perform poorly overall. Thats not necessarily the case. Some devices perform equally well regardless of skin pigment, whereas others dont, Lipnick said. We dont understand why. Measures of how well a person is circulating oxygen-rich blood through the body, called perfusion, could also play a role. Thats not a condition specific to skin color. It could very well be years before the team understands the differences in pulse oximeter readings and why some perform poorly on people of color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delays in answers or action do not sit well with doctors who treat mostly Black patients. We thought that there would be some kind of drastic action, said Aboelata of Oaklands Roots Community Health. Given how diverse of a country we have, how could we possibly have a medical device that only works well on white skin? The Roots clinic has sued 13 companies that make or sell pulse oximeters. So far, Medtronic has agreed to warn California hospitals that its devices may give higher readings for patients with darker skin. Four other companies, Veridian Healthcare, Compass Health Brands, Gurin Products and Zewa, have agreed to add warning labels for consumers in California. But patients like Starr still rely on pulse oximeters, knowing they could provide faulty results. She has no other option, she said. Theyre all I have. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Donald Trump and Elon Musk are looming large over this year's World Economic Forum. Protests in Davos began on Sunday, with some demonstrators blocking traffic. The president of the Young Socialists called out Musk's meddling in European politics. Protests against the World Economic Forum in Davos began on Sunday, with demonstrators showing up to make their voices heard on issues like economic inequality and the climate crisis. There are two other concerns on their minds this year, too: President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Dozens of protesters from the Young Socialists Switzerland, an offshoot of the country's Social Democratic Party, gathered on Sunday outside the Hotel Davoserhof, just off the main promenade in Davos. Other demonstrators blocked traffic further down the mountain, preventing some meeting attendees from reaching their destination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 3,000 world leaders also descended on the snow-blanketed town of Davos on Sunday ahead of the conference, where they will discuss issues ranging from clean energy to artificial intelligence. Mirjam Hostetmann, president of the Young Socialists, said economic inequality, climate change, and global conflicts were top of mind for demonstrators. However, with Trump set to be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, his shadow, along with Musk's, also loomed large. "For us, Trump is a danger to democracy," Hostetmann told Business Insider. "His colleague Elon Musk is now disturbing the democracy in Europe. It's a symbol of how dangerous the power of the rich is for us all." An umbrella at protests ahead of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Sunday. Hugh Langley/Business Insider Trump, who is expected to be a big topic of conversation over the week, will address the forum remotely, the WEF announced. The timing of his inauguration has also left CEOs with a dilemma: Attend Trump's big day or attend the first day of Davos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, who has criticized the WEF, will lead Trump's so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which seeks to drastically cut government spending. In recent weeks, Musk has also championed right-wing politics in Europe. "Trump is, of course, a big worry we have," said Charlotte Gunther, another member of the Young Socialists. She said she was there because climate change and global conflicts are her biggest concerns. "The biggest issue is that you can't put profit over the environment," she told BI. "I will listen to the speeches, make some noise, and try to show those people that we're here." One climate protester dressed as Trump was getting a lot of attention from passers-by. "We have a real issue, and he has the power to make a change," he told BI, referring to the next US president. A protester at Davos dressed as Donald Trump. Spriha Srivastava/Business Insider Hostetmann said the Young Socialists expected other groups to join them in the coming hours and days, including anti-capitalism activists from Strike WEF. A march is scheduled for later in the week, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's funny because I will be invited to the forum," Hostetmann said. "But my place is here, not there." Got more insight to share? You can reach the reporter Hugh Langley via the encrypted messaging app Signal (+1-628-228-1836) or email ( hlangley@businessinsider.com ). Read the original article on Business Insider WELLSBORO, Pa. (WETM) A Wellsboro man is facing multiple charges after police say he was caught trying to steal $2,000 worth of power tools from someones garage. Michael Marshall, 51, was arrested on Jan. 3 following a burglary investigation. The Pennsylvania State Police reported that troopers were called to a residence on Charleston Road for a burglary in progress, and Marshall ran away from the area when they arrived. Troopers found him after briefly searching the area. Sayre woman allegedly yelled threats, slurs at police during DWI arrest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Marshall broke into a garage through a window and door to steal power tools and a few related items. Marshall allegedly tried to steal a jigsaw, a hammer drill, two angle grinders, an impact grinder, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, a tool bag, a saw blade, and spray paint. The total estimated value of those items is $2,025. Marshall was charged with burglary (first-degree felony), theft by unlawful taking (third-degree felony), criminal trespass (second-degree felony), receiving stolen property (third-degree felony), loitering and prowling at nighttime (third-degree misdemeanor), and flight to avoid apprehension (third-degree felony). Marshall is currently being held at the Tioga County Prison on $30,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 28. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. (KRON) The Berkeley Police Department is investigating a triple stabbing on Saturday afternoon that left one person dead, and two others injured. Drunk driver arrested after brandishing weapon at victim: PD Berkeley PD said officers responded to the 1300 block of Russell Street for a report of a stolen vehicle. While officers were heading to the location, Berkeley PD said it received more calls to its communication center from witnesses saying that several people were lying on the ground and bleeding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrived at the scene, they located two men and one woman suffering from stab wounds. All three victims were taken to a nearby hospital where the woman later succumbed to her injuries. Both male victims are listed in stable condition, said Berkeley PD. Police said this is an active and ongoing homicide investigation. BPD has reopened the 1300 block of Russell Street on Sunday. According to the department, authorities reassure the public that there are currently no outstanding threats to our community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Beirut [Lebanon], January 19 (ANI/WAM): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel to entirely withdraw from Lebanese territory by the deadline of January 27. This came as he visited the Lebanese border town of Naqoura, home to the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which was recently vacated by Israeli forces. During his visit to Lebanon, he met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun as well as Lebanese Prime Minister-Designate Nawaf Salam, after which he 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." (ANI/WAM) Jan. 18When lawmakers return to Santa Fe for this year's 60-day legislative session, unfinished business from the summer will be hanging over their heads. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham didn't hold back after lawmakers gave her public safety proposals the cold shoulder during a special session she convened in July, adjourning sine die five hours after gaveling in without giving any of her proposed bills so much as a hearing. Lawmakers argued the measures, which included ones dealing with the highly sensitive topics of mental competency in criminal cases and involuntary commitment to mental health treatment, were changing "hour to hour" and could lead to unintended consequences if rushed. Lujan Grisham, a Democrat serving her second and final term as governor, called it one of the most disappointing days of her career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For the Legislature to ignore these stark realities is nothing less than a dereliction of duty," Lujan Grisham said in a statement at the time, adding most Republicans would have passed her proposals, had Democrats not stood in the way. Democrats fired back, accusing Lujan Grisham of twisting the facts in a rare display of dissent with their party's standard-bearer. But as lawmakers prepare for the session that starts Tuesday, they claim the strife with the governor is water under the bridge. Both sides say they're committed to working together for the betterment of New Mexicans. 'In the heat of politics' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's really important that we don't lose sight of everything the Legislature has accomplished with Gov. Lujan Grisham over the last six years," Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, said in a statement. "There will always be disagreements, and we certainly had some tough ones over the summer, but there's too much at stake to let that stop us from working together with the executive to deliver for the people of New Mexico," Stewart said. House Speaker Javier Martinez, also an Albuquerque Democrat, echoed the sentiment. "In the heat of the moment, in the heat of politics, really, folks say stuff all the time," he said. "From my perspective, I don't take anything personally. Politics is a tough sport. You've got to have a thick skin. But more importantly, we are there to work on behalf of the people of New Mexico." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For her part, Lujan Grisham said she isn't feeling an undercurrent of hostility, noting the lines of communication are open, and interactions are taking place. "We all agree that there were a lot of sort of missteps before, in the calling [of the special session] and right after," she said. "Those missteps, on both sides, are not creating a perception that we can't work together for any of us in this session. That should not translate to that my job is ever easy or that they think that I'm going to be a pushover. We're going to come to, I think, the best balance that we've ever had. Let's see if I'm right." Lujan Grisham said she doesn't have "a slew of Democrats" in her office pleading to carry her bills, but she said a Democrat will carry all "except probably" a proposal dealing with the pretrial detention of defendants accused of violent crimes. "That one's a heavy lift," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bills to address crime and behavioral health in New Mexico are poised to take center stage from the get-go. Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth said recently lawmakers plan to expedite a package of public safety and behavioral health bills and get them up to the governor's desk in the first 30 days. The package of public safety bills will start in the House, and the Senate will consider the behavioral health package first. "We've communicated this expedited approach with the governor and have her buy-in," Wirth, D-Santa Fe, said in a statement. "This plan will provide us ample opportunity to debate and discuss these critical priorities while giving us time to address all the other important legislation introduced in the 60-day session." Wirth said "there is no question" New Mexico has a health and public safety crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We committed last summer to find the right solutions, and our interim committees have worked hard to craft effective public safety legislation that will truly make a difference," he said. Needs and wants Lujan Grisham said the proposed public safety bills are in her "priority clutch" for the session. "It's really time that we recognize we're at a crisis in our state where violent crime and repeat crime is going down around the country, the opposite things are happening in New Mexico," she said. "That is a sign that many of the systems we rely on to keep us safe are failing, and there's not enough accountability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lujan Grisham said she wants to fight human trafficking and push for higher penalties for convicted felons in possession of a firearm. "Repeat dangerous bad actors do not belong in our communities," she said. Lujan Grisham plans to pursue a few other gun-related proposals, including an assault weapons ban and changes to the so-called red-flag gun law that allows for the temporary seizure of firearms from someone who might be at risk of harming themselves or others. Family members and others can petition a judge to issue the seizure order. "We're going to expand how it works," she said, adding law enforcement is on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As currently written, the law does not list law enforcement in the definition of a "reporting party," creating confusion and some resistance over whether police can petition for temporary seizure of firearms. Miranda Viscoli, co-president of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, said the idea is to make it easier get guns out of "unsafe hands before a tragedy happens." "The way it's written now, the AG's Office said law enforcement can do it, but we have judges that are disagreeing with that opinion," she said. Another change sought in the proposed bill would eliminate a provision giving individuals 48 hours to relinquish their firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's a very dangerous situation for 48 hours, Viscoli said. The governor also said she "needs" bills dealing with mental health competency and commitment to ensure repeat offenders get mandatory treatment. "If we're dismissing every case because people aren't well enough to stand trial ... there has to be something else," Lujan Grisham said. "So if you're not committed to a program or you're not an inpatient dealing with a mental health issue, with a drug addiction, you just cycle right back in." Judges have tools to mandate treatment, but compliance is poor, leading to warrant issuance and incarceration, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People need accountability," she said. "If you don't have it, you have chaos." Martinez said Democrats' priorities include ensuring New Mexicans struggling with addiction or behavioral health problems have access to services "while at the same time equipping our prosecutors, our judges, our criminal justice system with the tools to ensure that those who commit crimes can be held accountable and those who need that help, need that support, can receive that support." Lawmakers are floating proposals to expand behavioral health services with a $1 billion trust fund that would spin off investment revenue, plus $200 million right away for behavioral health infrastructure. One of the state's biggest gaps has been its workforce, creating concerns about its ability to handle an onslaught of mandated treatment. Santa Fe police Chief Paul Joye and Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza both expressed hopes for policies and funding to address "repeat offenders" as well as behavioral health issues. "We're trying to build up the [Alternative Response Unit] program with [the fire department], and we're trying to get more help," Joye said. "In the behavioral and mental health field, I think anything that gets the workers in that field more money and makes the career more sustainable for them to have a family and to live in New Mexico is really good for us." Mendoza mentioned bail reform and funding for mental health and addiction problems as legislative priorities for him. "I would definitely like to see progress on dealing with the bail reform issue and keeping violent, repeat offenders in jail, and for us to revisit the red-flag laws for clarification," he said. "In terms of funding, we would like to see a continuation of funding for law enforcement retention and recruitment and, of course, funding and legislation dealing with mental health issues and addiction, which goes hand in hand with public safety." No 'love and kisses' Republicans, meanwhile, say they've been ready to deal with the state's crime problem. "Democrat legislators have laid out a list of legislative priorities going into the session that mirror Republican priorities and bills [that] have been introduced for many years, and they also mirror the priorities of the governor's special session, so we stand ready to address these public safety issues," said Sen. Crystal Brantley, R-Elephant Butte. Brantley said crime in New Mexico has "become so terrible" the Legislature realizes it needs to take action. "It bewildered Republicans that the Democrats didn't have an appetite," she said. "But regardless of what has happened in the past, if they are expressing a want and desire to address it today, we stand ready to help them, and I am optimistic that meaningful results are on the horizon this legislative session." GOP leaders in the House echoed the sentiment. "I'm happy that Democrats, after several years, have finally realized that crime is an issue, as far as going and taking some of the bills that we've introduced in the past and rebranding them, putting their name on it," House Minority Whip Alan Martinez, R-Bernalillo, said during a House Republican legislative briefing. "I'm really excited about that." House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong of Magdalena said getting the work done, not who gets credit, is what matters. "We're excited that the Democrats have finally decided to join us to help find solutions to crime," she said. "Rebranding some of our bills, that's OK. We don't care how it gets passed or who passes it. Let's get what's right done for the state of New Mexico." Brian Sanderoff, an Albuquerque political analyst and longtime pollster, said no one needed a crystal ball to know the special session the governor called in July was a trainwreck in the making. Leading up to the 60-day session, he said he's read comments indicating the two sides are willing to work together, though none suggesting they're working hand in hand and have come up with a joint package. Still, he said there's a "better chance" the governor and lawmakers will reach agreement on legislation during the upcoming session. "Both sides really want to convey the message that they're taking public safety very seriously and want to get something done, and sure, part of that is due to the fact that there are sensitivities on both sides as to what happened last year and the fact that they weren't able to accomplish as much as they would have liked," he said. At the same time, acting quickly on legislation opens the door to other possibilities. "If you pass something really quickly, the governor would have to act on it and, hopefully, if they came to terms, the governor would sign it," Sanderoff said. "But if the governor were to veto something and it was still early in the session, then there was still room for either passing additional compromise legislation or perhaps even attempting an override," he said. "It's good news for the state of New Mexico that they are talking as if they're willing to work with each other, but we're not seeing, you know, love and kisses from them at the same time." Follow Daniel J. Chacon on Twitter @danieljchacon. Theres still energy, theres still resistance, theres still the will to fight for what people feel is right, Rock Island resident Ashley Harris said Saturday. People from around the Quad Cities gathered outside the Scott County Courthouse on Saturday afternoon for two reasons: to commemorate the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision and to participate in the Peoples March from home. Im here because I believe that bodily autonomy is a human right, and as a human right, it is not the business of the government to interfere with the exercise of those rights, Iowa Rep. Ken Croken said. Its very important that we all stand together and stand up for the rights of those who are able to have children to decide when and how theyll do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 7-2 in favor of Jane Roe. That decision upheld the right to choose and made abortion a constitutionally protected right for citizens of the United States. Nearly 50 years later, in June of 2022, the same court of law chose to overturn that ruling, removing the federal protection for abortion. Now, 52 years after Roe v. Wade was heard by the Supreme Court, people all over the country are fighting to once again have their right to abortion protected by the government. In Iowa, a law was enacted in June of 2024 that prohibits abortions after six weeks in almost all cases. I want people to understand this isnt over. These rights are human rights, and they belong to all women, and we need to stand with them, Croken said. The rally for reproductive rights was put on by the Quad Cities chapter of the National Organization for Women. Iowa Democratic lawmakers like Croken, Cindy Winckler and Kay Pence rallied alongside the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not going back. Were going to move forward. The fight will continue. Were determined to fight for our rights abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, trans rights, voting rights, healthcare rights, housing access- all things the current people coming into office dont really like, Local NOW Chapter Treasurer David Swart said. Hundreds of miles away from the Quad Cities, thousands of people gathered in the countrys Capitol to fight for the same thing. Now known as the Peoples March, what was once known as the Womens March in 2017 has resurfaced to protest the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and the policies that he has proposed. There [are] so many things going on right now that raise concerns if youre a woman, LGBTQ, an immigrant, African American, a person of color, Swart said. Every year, QC NOW holds the rally in commemoration of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. This year, it gave people in the Quad Cities the opportunity to participate in national activism from home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some members of QC NOW traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Peoples March, but not everyone was able to do so. For those who stayed in the Quad Cities, the rally at the Scott County courthouse was a way to get involved. I have to do something. I have to be active, Swart said. Ive been an activist for 42 years. I dont sit on my butt anymore. When asked why events like these matter, nearly everyone shared a similar sentiment: Letting other people know they are not alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do things. We become visible. People have to see that we are still here, that if theyre home alone and scared and theyre LGBTQ or a young woman in a bad relationship, that were here for her, for them, Swart said. We will fight for them, we will always be in the streets, we will be in it with them all the way. Croken says it is important to have events like these in 2025, despite the fact that more than 50 years have gone by since the fight for the right to choose was recognized legally. Its very important, I think, that we remember how far weve come in 52 years, and why its important we not go back, Croken said. The fact of the inauguration on Monday, I think, creates an urgency that we communicate that message to all who will hear us. And why do the people in attendance feel like it is important to communicate that message? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So people know theyre not alone, that there [are] people who feel the way that they do, said Kay Pence, chair of the Scott County Democrats. A lot of people were pretty disheartened by the election, and the fights not over. The fight continues. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Donald Trump has vowed to begin enacting the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history on Day 1 of his presidency, with one aide saying enforcement will begin the moment that President Trump puts his hand on that Bible and takes the oath of office on Monday. But just how large that operation is and how swiftly it can be carried out will be determined, in part, by whether the administration can clear a number of hurdles, immigration experts said. Those include pushback from some cities and local law enforcement agencies, a budget and staffing shortfall for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, lawsuits from advocacy and civil rights groups, and questions about the cooperation of countries needed to increase removal numbers. There are currently an estimated 11 million people in the United States who lack legal status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not think that it will be possible to deport the entire unauthorized immigrant population, Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst with the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute, told NBC News. Trumps first administration removed unauthorized immigrants nearly 1.2 million times, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security. The Obama administration removed unauthorized immigrants 2.9 million times in his first term and 1.9 million in his second. The figures can include people who were deported more than once. The first Trump administration didnt reach those levels partly because of decreased cooperation with local and state law enforcement, due to in many cases sanctuary policies and laws, Bush-Joseph said. This time around, we have many sheriffs and local law enforcement departments on record saying either that they are willing to support the mass deportation plans or that they will not. She said she will be watching for a potential growing divide between red and blue states and localities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow live politics coverage Democratic city and state leaders across the country have already promised to oppose Trumps plans, and in some cases have passed ordinances intended to shield undocumented immigrants from his efforts to deport them. Meanwhile, Texas has flexed its own law enforcement power at the border and positioned itself to be a key player in Trumps immigration agenda as other conservative states have passed anti-sanctuary policies. During the last decade, about 70% to 75% of arrests by ICE in the interior of the United States were handed over from other law enforcement agencies, including local and state jails as well as federal prison, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Rick Su, a law professor at the University of North Carolina, said that for Trumps policy to work, it may be that a lot of it is going to be coordination with the states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump officials have said they will take on localities that resist his plans and that the incoming president is considering withholding federal police grants from law enforcement agencies that decline to aid in deportations. Trump pursued a similar strategy during his first term but was met with significant legal hurdles. The question of what his administration can legally force states and localities to do remains an open question, Su said. If the courts rule in favor of Trumps ability to mobilize federal resources and push states and localities to comply, residents may start turning against these things pretty dramatically, he said. As Trumps second administration unfolds, there could be efforts by some places to fully maintain their sanctuary status, while others could cooperate in cases deemed to be higher priority, such as those who have criminal backgrounds or are deemed national security threats, said Andrea Flores, the vice president of immigration policy and campaigns at FWD.us, which describes itself as a bipartisan organization that advocates for immigration reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But cities will continue to be a front-line defense because theyve had to provide a patchwork of protections for their population, said Flores, an immigration policy adviser to the Biden and Obama administrations. Trump told NBC News last month that his administration would first focus on deporting criminals and then expand its operations. The Trump administrations ability to enact that plan at the pace and scale he seeks could also be hindered by legal action from civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups. While the specific legal strategies will depend on what actions Trump takes and if there are potential civil rights issues, the American Civil Liberties Union has said it is ready to take action the minute Trump takes the oath of office. ICE budget shortfall Another potential major obstacle is the $230 million ICE budget shortfall, even before the costs associated with mass deportations, two U.S. officials familiar with the figure exclusively told NBC News in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE is already operating at a shortfall. Unless and until Congress provides a large amount of additional funding for the enforcement aspects of the mass deportation plans, it could really take time to ramp up, Bush-Joseph said. ICE and Homeland Security Investigations conduct a criminal search warrant at an agricultural processing plant in Mississippi on Aug. 7, 2019. Negotiations on spending will begin in January, when Republicans have control of the White House and the Senate and narrow control of the House, but it remains unclear when and how Congress will agree to funding. The fact is that even when Trump came in with his tough talk, he didnt dramatically increase deportations, Su said of Trumps first term. Part of that was resources, part of that was funding. Trumps mass deportation policy could cost more than an estimated $88 billion, according to the American Immigration Council, an immigration research and immigrant advocacy group. Trump previously told NBC News that there was no price tag when it came to his mass deportation plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Homan, Trumps pick for border czar, previously told NBC News $86 billion would be a great start, and that he would like at least 100,000 detention beds. Currently, the U.S. has approximately 34,000. Outgoing ICE Director P.J. Lechleitner told NBC News earlier this month that the agency has nearly 8 million people on its nondetained docket, with one officer for more than every 7,000 cases. Of those, 435,719 are known to have a criminal background as of September 2024, according to a letter to Congress from ICE, with 13,099 of them convicted of homicide and 15,811 convicted of sexual assault. Lechleitner said ICE has been chronically underfunded and needs more personnel and resources. He also said that with ICEs current resources, it would not be possible to increase the number of deportations. Cooperation from other countries Bush-Joseph said Trump cant deport everyone, but if Congress does provide significant additional funding and the restrictive anticipated measures are allowed to go into effect, it is possible that the administration could ramp up deportations over the course of his term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flores and Bush-Joseph said another barrier to mass deportations is the need for diplomatic agreements with other countries, as not all unauthorized immigrants can be deported to the countries they left. Its an absolutely critical element of this mass deportations plan, Bush-Joseph said. The Biden administration made a really concerted push in negotiating with other countries to get more to accept their nationals back, she said. That includes a historic agreement with Mexico to take back third-country nationals, but in return for the establishment of lawful pathways, such as humanitarian parole processes. Trump has threatened to use tariffs to try to compel countries to take their nationals back, and its not clear what other countries would seek in return for or in exchange for accepting their own nationals or third-country nationals during his administration, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people deported are from Mexico and northern Central America because those countries accept large numbers of returns of their own nationals, she said. But there has a been a major increase in migrants from Venezuela and Cuba in recent years, and those countries do not accept returns of their citizens. ICE detainees at the Adelanto immigration detention center in Adelanto, Calif., on April 13, 2017. The experts said there are some factors that could assist Trump in his plans to ramp up deportations, including rapidly deporting more migrants who cross illegally through the expansion of expedited removal. Starting in 2004, the policy allowed authorities to use an expedited removal process for unauthorized immigrants caught within 100 miles of a U.S. land border and arrested within 14 days of arrival. Trumps first administration moved to broadly expand that policy to undocumented immigrants anywhere in the United States who could not prove being in the country continuously for two years or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That decision was blocked by the courts before it was eventually allowed to go into effect. A lawyer for the Biden administration withdrew the policy. I expect the Trump administration to once again expand expedited removal because that avoids the lengthy immigration court backlogs and delays, said Bush-Joseph, noting that there were more than 3.5 million pending immigration cases. The conservative-majority Supreme Court in recent years has also backed the executive branchs authority on immigration cases, and recent precedent has limited the ability to sue, Bush-Joseph said. Even when a major lawsuit is brought, courts will have to decide whether to block a policy or let it continue to be enforced as the case makes its way through the legal system. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Vivek Ramaswamy could withdraw from working with the Department of Government Efficiency ahead of his bid for Ohio governor, which he intends to formally announce by the last week in January, according to a person close to the matter. Ramaswamys potential exit could upend DOGE, which aims to reduce government spending by up to $2 trillion by July 4, 2026 by which time his Ohio gubernatorial campaign will need to be well underway. Following the election, Ramaswamy informed members of the transition that he planned to run for governor, said a person familiar with the transition. Ramaswamys decision accelerated when Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine passed over Ramaswamy to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the Senate on Friday, picking instead his own Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple people who discussed Ramaswamy and the inner workings of DOGE were granted anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly and to freely discuss sensitive issues. On Saturday, Ramaswamy showed up at an all-hands DOGE meeting at the SpaceX headquarters in Washington, according to two people familiar with the departments inner workings. Musk was not present. The breakdown of labor between Musk and Ramaswamy, according to one person familiar, was that Musk focused on the big picture while Ramaswamy focused on deregulation; the rest of the staff will focus on implementation. Steve Davis, Musks right hand man at SpaceX, functions as his DOGE lieutenant, while Brad Smith, a healthcare entrepreneur and Rhodes Scholar, is Ramaswamys main point of contact. Privately, some in Trumps world see Ramaswamys nascent gubernatorial campaign as a way to clear a path for Musk to do his own work at the agency without him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon basically runs the show, said an informal adviser to Trump. This person added, Time is their biggest enemy. Well see. Musk has already dialed back expectations. I think well try for $2 trillion [in savings], I think thats like the best-case outcome, Musk recently told Stagwell CEO Mark Penn, the former adviser to Bill Clinton. But I do think that you kind of have to have some overage. If you try for two trillion, you have a good shot at getting one. Rep. Ro Khanna, the California Democrat who represents Silicon Valley, who has fostered a relationship with Musk over the last decade and has occasionally defended Ramaswamy, said DOGE remains an open question. What I have said is Democrats should articulate our own vision on how we cut waste in government and make sure investments are in the interest of the American people, and I have outlined places in the Defense [budget] five primes [the five biggest DOD contractors] where we can make these cuts, Khanna said. But in terms of what DOGE is going to do, it's currently unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, DOGE has been secretive, conducting most of its business over Signal, the encrypted messaging app, and inside SpaceXs Washington offices. A person well briefed on the inner workings of DOGE said that multiple executive orders related to its purview are expected in the first week of the Trump administration, including one that deals with government contracts and one that assigns how the DOGE workforce is embedded throughout the federal government. A representative for Musk and a spokesperson for the transition did not respond to requests for comment. Katie Miller, who Trump appointed to DOGE and who is the wife of deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, declined to comment. A spokesperson for Ramaswamy also declined to comment. As Los Angeles looks ahead to rebuilding after devastating wildfires, real estate agents wrote a letter to city and state officials with ideas for helping to expedite the process. One of them is a temporary suspension of LA's so-called mansion tax. Los Angeles real estate agents wrote a letter to city and state officials with ideas for helping to expedite the rebuilding process after wildfires ravaged the area. Written by Jason Oppenheim and Ben Belack, with signatures from about 50 other brokers, the letter was directed at LA Mayor Karen Bass, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and relevant regulators. "From the front lines, we have a unique perspective of the challenges that lie ahead in navigating the aftermath of this disaster," it said. "Los Angeles has faced its share of natural disasters, and we are strong. We will rebuild." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dated Jan. 13, it lists five requests. The first is for the state's FAIR Plan, the insurer of last resort, to increase its maximum coverage for residential properties to $6 million from $3 million and include liability insurance. The letter also calls on California to get more insurers to re-enter the state. Second, the real estate agents requested a special exemption from the city's "mansion tax," allowing property owners who lost their homes in the fires to sell their land to avoid paying it. Buyers and developers of affected land would also be exempt from the tax on any resale for five years after purchase. The ULA Tax went into effect in 2023 and includes a 4% levy for properties sold for $5.15 million to $10.3 million and 5.5% for properties for $10.3 million or more. "The City should not impose taxes on individuals who lost their homes in the fires," the letter said. "Exempting developers from the transfer tax for five years will encourage them to purchase land from homeowners at reasonable prices and quickly rebuild these devastated communities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Third, the brokers call for special exemptions from "any restrictive building policies" or other codes to help homeowners rebuild the same home that previously existed on their land. Fourth, the letter asks the city and Coastal Commission to expedite the permitting process, reduce fees, and suspend debris hauling route limits. And finally, it said property taxes should be paused for any property affected by the firesuntil it's rebuilt or immediately re-assessed at land value. The mayor's office and the governor's office didn't respond to requests for comment on the letter. Oppenheim told Fortune he has yet to hear back from them either. To be sure, Newsom and Bass have already taken some steps to ease red tape. Last weekend, the governor suspended key environmental laws to speed up rebuilding and said a "Marshall Plan" for the city is taking shape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bass vowed to turn "away from the usual city system" and on Monday issued an executive order to exempt affordable housing projects from some zoning reviews and directed all department to expedite approvals for utilities and other permitting requirements. Meanwhile, the mansion tax hasn't generated as much revenue for the city as it had hoped. In August, officials said it raised more than $375 million in its first year, just a fraction of projections of up to $1.1 billion annually. And most of that revenue didn't actually come from mansions. About 46% was from single-family homes, while 54% came other properties, like offices, retail stores and multifamily units. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The 29-year-old man accused of killing groundbreaking rocker Peter Forrest in the back of an ambulette in a remote section of the Bronx is an ex-con who was released from prison last summer, officials said Saturday. Sharief Bodden is facing murder charges for beating Forrest, 64, to death in the back of Forrests ambulette Monday morning while Bodden was wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor from a previous attempted-robbery conviction. Cops have also charged Bodden with manslaughter, drug possession and weapons possession. A Bronx Criminal Court judge ordered Bodden held without bail at his arraignment Saturday afternoon. Investigators are working on the theory that Forrest caught Bodden breaking into the ambulette, and believe Bodden then in a rage pummeled Forrest to death and placed his bloodied body in the back of the ambulette before ditching the ride, law enforcement sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accused killer served four years in state prison for a 2017 carjacking in the Bronx, ultimately pleading guilty in the case, according to state prison records and law enforcement sources. On June 26, 2017, Bodden and two accomplices took a livery cab from 174th St. and Jerome Ave in Morris Heights to another location in the Bronx, where one of the men placed the driver in a chokehold before dragging him out of the car. The trio took off in the vehicle, but cops quickly apprehended them, the sources said. When Bodden was released in July 2024, he was considered a violent offender and a judge ordered that he wear an ankle monitor. The monitor ultimately led cops to Bodden in connection with Forrests death. Once Bodden was identified as the suspect, investigators tracked his ankle monitor to a location on Staten Island, where they arrested him. Cops found him in possession of 76 capsules of alleged crack split between two bags, plus more alleged crack in a third bag, according to the criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boddens rap sheet also includes arrests for reckless endangerment, plus turnstile jumping, law enforcement sources said. Forrest, who was known as P. Fluid as a member of the South Bronx-based band 24-7 Spyz, was discovered facedown in a pool of blood in the back of the ambulette, which was found parked at the corner of Castle Hill Ave. and Hart St. on the edge of Westchester Creek and Castle Hill Park, according to police. He was discovered by a co-worker from Marquis Ambulette, who became concerned when Forrest didnt make a few scheduled pickups and wasnt answering his phone. When the co-worker tracked down the ambulette through the vehicles GPS, he found a window broken and Forrest dead in the back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video footage obtained by News12 showed a man exiting the drivers side door of the ambulette around 8:45 a.m. and entering a waiting car, which then fled the scene. Forrest was discovered dead about 30 minutes later. According to the citys Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Forrest was beaten to death, suffering blunt impact injuries of the head and torso. Bodden struck Forrest several times about the head, face and body, leaving him with, multiple blunt force trauma injuries, according to the criminal complaint. Boddens mother, Jean, 54, told the Daily News on Saturday night that her son is no killer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really dont believe the accusations, she said. Everybody is innocent, you know, before proven guilty. Thats not who he is. She said her son just really came home not long ago from being incarcerated and was looking for work, and had been living with a girlfriend, but that she had been talking with him. Regarding Forrest, she said, I feel very sad and I give my sympathy and condolences to the family. As for the drugs allegedly found on Bodden, his mother said she didnt know anything about it. Forrest first rose to acclaim in the 1980s and 90s with the band 24-7 Spyz, which mixed metal, hardcore, punk and funk. He was also a founding member of the Black Rock Coalition, according to his former longtime girlfriend Chiedza Makonnen, 55, who called Forrest her first love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Music was his life and advancing Black rock was his life, Makonnen previously told The News. He was passionate about that. He really helped pave that road for a lot of people to understand that Black musicians arent just rappers or R&B or soul, were rockers, too. After leaving 24-7 Spyz, Forrest formed P. Fluid and the P. Fluid Foundation, then later rejoined 24-7 Spyz temporarily before forming a new band, BlkVampires, performing as Forrest Thinner. The band released a song in 2015 called Eric Garner. Forrests final musical project, BlkVampiresX, was his first solo act. Workers at Marquis Ambulette declined to comment on Forrests murder. Red Cross aid workers in Gaza are preparing for a special operation ahead of the release of hostages held by Hamas. The current operation is not comparable with past experience as the process may take around 15 months, according to a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). "We are cognizant of the challenges that may exist," he said, of the work medics are likely to face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preparation for such missions includes transport logistics, the distribution of relief supplies, detailed security planning and the preparation of the aid workers who receive the released persons. The operation is emotional for many, he said. The ICRC's aim is to complete this first phase as safely and efficiently as possible so that the families can be reunited. The immense humanitarian needs will remain for months, if not years, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said recently. Three Israeli hostages are due to be released from the Gaza Strip later on Sunday as part of a ceasefire agreement. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, all Israeli civilians, are set to be released from captivity in the course of the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas is expected to hand over the three to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is then to take them to a special army unit in the Gaza Strip. From there, the women are to be taken to a military facility in Israel near the Gaza border for an initial examination before they are taken to hospital, where they are to meet their families. The first stage of the agreement foresees the release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, while the Israeli army is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. The deal was announced on Wednesday, capping months-long efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire and Hamas to release the hostages it is holding. Norwich Asked to create an artwork that depicted her feelings about leaving Afghanistan, refugee Malalai Ibrahinni made a small doll showing the back of a woman with long hair and a flowing, glittery gown. She sewed the doll onto an embroidered fabric, with the womans concealed face looking toward an embroidered outline of Afghanistan, her homeland. One embroidered heart and a field of stars decorate the fabric. I stitched my motherland, Afghanistan, Ibrahinni wrote in a tag accompanying the piece as it hangs on a wall in the community room at Otis Library. The woman in the piece faces backward to symbolize the challenges Afghan women endure, including barriers to education and higher learning. With no universities available for women, the figure looks toward a better future in Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ibrahinni is one of 20 Connecticut refugee women who participated in The Journey of Memories, a special art project hosted by Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) and co-led by Project Artistic Director Neda Izadi. The exhibit, which includes puppets and embroidery projects by refugee women from Sudan, Afghanistan, Congo and Syria, is free for viewing in the community room at Otis Library, 261 Main St., Norwich through Jan. 31. It previously was displayed at Connecticut College and at Hartford Public Library. Bassem Gayed, multicultural services coordinator at Otis Library, said he learned of the exhibit from a friend, a fellow librarian and member of a library consortium. Gayed contacted Izadi, and she sent pictures of the artwork pieces to Gayed to show him the work. This is the first time we have puppets like that on display at the library, Gayed said. Its a lot of work by the women. Each one tells a story. This is how my house looked. This is what my mom did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Izadi said the February location has not yet been firmed up. She also is seeking libraries or other institutions wishing to host the exhibit. Anyone interested in hosting the exhibit should contact Izadi at Izadi.needaa@gmail.com. The project leaders collaborated with the Human Rights Center at Trinity College in Hartford, the Dodd Center for Human Rights at the University of Connecticut in Storrs and Heartbeat Ensembles in Hartford. Project leaders invited refugee women to come together and create art pieces that depicted what they remembered or missed about their homeland, their feelings and hopes for the future, Izad said. With IRIS assisting with translation services, the women first attended three online sessions to hear a description of the project and to start preparing. Then they gathered for several in-person art workshops at Trinity Church in Hartford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was harder than we thought, Izadi said of finding participants for the project. We had to find a way to break the ice. You are a stranger asking about my past? There were trust issues. We had to assure them that this is artistic. Nobody is investigating their past. Izadi, 37, originally from Iran, who previously worked at the Dodd Center at UConn as program specialist, said she initially planned The Journey of Memories as a puppetry performance project, but that proved too difficult. Izadi now is a PhD student in art education at Florida State University and is working on a second phase for the project with refugees living in the New Haven area. She also is planning a puppetry project working with refugees of climate change people forced to flee from extreme drought, floods, fires or other effects of climate change. She hopes for two versions of that project, one for children and one for adults. One of my goals as an artist is giving a voice to people who have no voice, Izadi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Izadi wanted to remind viewers of the exhibit that the women are not professional artists and are depicting aspects of their personal lives in their pieces. In The Journey of Memories project, five participants made puppets and 15 made embroidered fabric circles. Syrian artist Fatima Ahmad Al Bdaiwi stitched a pair of glasses labeled mama, and a necklace of prayer beads, labeled baba. She wrote for her caption that her mom always wore glasses and her father always held prayer beads. I stitched replicas of these glasses and prayer beads to honor and remember my mom and dad, she wrote, celebrating their cherished memories together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudanese refugee Akor Molo wrote that she stitched a bright yellow candle, because it reminded her of the times in her homeland when there was no electricity and her family relied on candles for light. The candle also symbolizes a prayer for hope, Molo wrote in her caption. Artistic Director Izadi said she was pleased at how successful the Journey project turned out. She recalled watching the women during their art workshops, teaching one another how to sew or suggesting fabrics and colors. Our goal was to get these women connected with one another to know they are not alone, that there are other refugee women living in the community, Izadi said. And that there is awareness of refugee life. And that these women have a past and share a culture and community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cathy Bokoff of Norwich, who said she learned about the exhibit through the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, toured the exhibit at Otis on Thursday morning. I found it tremendously moving, Bokoff said. Bokoff said she especially was moved by Ibrahinnis piece of the Afghan woman gazing toward her homeland seemingly from afar. Its searing, Bokoff said. c.bessette@theday.com The outcome of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigans corruption trial will be watched closely well beyond Chicagos federal courthouse, with the verdict representing a potential make-or-break moment at the Illinois Capitol. As the all-important closing arguments in Madigans case are on track to wrap up by weeks end, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and state lawmakers must now brace themselves for the culmination of a trial that has put a spotlight on Illinois messy intersection of money, special interests and power politics. A guilty verdict in the landmark bribery and racketeering case would give elected officials little place to hide. Some observers say the unending marching line of state, city and suburban officials who have gone to prison already provides a strong incentive to get serious about enacting reforms, but a Madigan conviction would certainly underscore it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If not now, when? Why not? asked Connie Mixon, an Elmhurst University political science professor who testified as an expert for federal prosecutors in the 2023 trial that sent longtime 14th Ward Ald. Edward M. Burke to prison. Over the years, weve had lots of talk of ethics reform with not nearly enough action. Madigan, 82, a Southwest Side Democrat, and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, 77, a former ComEd lobbyist and confidant, have pleaded not guilty to wide-ranging charges alleging they illicitly squeezed ComEd and AT&T Illinois to give their allies jobs and contracts. Madigan is also accused of abusing his public duties to garner property-tax business for his private law firm. After three months of evidence featuring more than 60 witnesses and scores of wiretapped recordings and undercover videos, closing arguments are slated to begin Wednesday and last for three days. The jury is expected to start deliberating the week of Jan. 27, with a decision possible as soon as the end of the month. The stakes couldnt be higher for Madigan and McClain, who even at their advanced age could face long stints in prison if convicted. But theres a wider impact as well, one that could be felt from the Capitol building in Springfield to Chicagos City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial has amplified the findings of the Tribunes Culture of Corruption series last year that documented how weak laws on campaign finance, ballot access, lobbying, ethics and oversight, and the byzantine structure of local government, among other issues, have helped dishonest politicians thrive in Illinois. Four of the states last 11 governors and nearly 40 Chicago aldermen in the last half century have served time in prison. A steady stream of state lawmakers and local suburban officials also have been caught illegally engorging themselves at the public trough, with others, such as state Sen. Emil Jones III, still awaiting trial. The last major push in Illinois for reform came 16 years ago after the legislature impeached and removed Gov. Rod Blagojevich. His successor, fellow Democrat Pat Quinn, created the Illinois Reform Commission, which made progress in Springfield but in the end did little to enact the sweeping changes that advocates wanted. Thats because lawmakers allergic to game-changing reform worked vigorously to block aggressive proposals and made sure to give themselves plenty of loopholes to slip through the various restrictions they did approve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mixon said whats needed is a complete overhaul of ethics laws in Illinois, looking at everything from conflicts of interest to campaign finance regulation and unchecked lobbying activity. In the end, we as citizens have a right to open and honest government, Mixon told the Tribune. Our government is supposed to provide for the public good and to serve the public, which it is clearly not doing if we keep having all of these corruption issues. It erodes our public trust in government at a time when trust in all levels of government is declining. Kent Redfield, a campaign finance expert, said the states ever-growing roll call of public officials in trouble speaks to the need for systemic reforms to rein in the freewheeling political environment highlighted by the Madigan case. Redfield, a retired professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield, warned that state policymakers too often declare the system worked whenever a politician is caught up in a corruption case, and then they lean on that as an excuse to avoid tightening restrictions on themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you just focus on weeding out the bad apples, thats just kind of a guarantee for further crop failure, Redfield said. An unflattering look Regardless of whether the jury decides what Madigan and McClain did was a crime, the trial has provided a deep and often distasteful dive into how Illinois government really works. Madigans attorneys as well as the ex-speaker himself, testifying in his own defense have argued that much of what the government alleged was illegal bribery was actually just everyday politicking, where lobbyists are paid to legally influence legislators on behalf of clients and job recommendations are merely an offshoot of an elected officials power. And while Madigan was certainly powerful, his attorneys have argued he wielded it benevolently, providing jobs and opportunities for his constituents and always with an eye on protecting the Democratic Party agenda and blue-collar families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has never made a demand on anybody, Madigan defense lawyer Tom Breen said in his opening statement in October, at one point slapping the lectern for effect. If someone says he did, thats bull. Thats just bull. Prosecutors, however, are primed to argue that with the decline of the old patronage system, in which politicians gave government jobs to political workers who helped get them elected, Madigan got his favored precinct captains jobs with private companies instead. In exchange, they said, Madigan helped support those companies agendas in Springfield. Madigan wanted, ComEd gave, and ComEd got, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told jurors during her opening statement, and later added: Madigan wanted, AT&T gave, and AT&T got. Jurors have seen floods of strongly worded emails from McClain purportedly sent at Madigans behest urging ComEd representatives to hire certain people regardless of their qualifications or even interest in the positions available. McClain also bombarded ComEd executives with demands to increase payments for a clouted law firm run by Madigan ally Victor Reyes, at one point letting everyone at the utility know how valuable (Reyes) is to our Friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know the drill and so do you, the 2016 email read. If you do not get involve(d) and resolve this issue of 850 hours for his law firm per year then he will go to our Friend. Our Friend will call me and then I will call you. Is this a drill we must go through? Five longtime Madigan allies precinct captains Ed Moody and Ray Nice, former aldermen Frank Olivo and Mike Zalewski, and ex-state Rep. Edward Acevedo allegedly received lucrative subcontracts from ComEd for little or no work, paid through what prosecutors call pass-through contractors allegedly in order to hide the payments. Acevedo, once on Madigans leadership team, became a flashpoint over similar payments that a middleman allegedly passed along from ATT. Even ComEds summer intern program reserved certain spots for candidates from Madigans 13th Ward, which prosecutors characterized as part of a slew of bribes in exchange for Madigans support of ComEd-friendly legislation. At one point in early 2019, McClain and John Hooker, a former ComEd lobbyist and Madigan ally, talked about the alleged scheme in startlingly blunt fashion, each taking credit and laughing at the apparent genius of it all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had to hire these guys because Mike Madigan came to us, McClain told Hooker on the wiretapped call. Thats how simple it is. So if you want to make a federal court suit over it, OK. But thats how simple it is. The trial also centered on a separate alleged scheme where prosecutors say Madigan put pressure on deep-pocketed real estate developers to hire Madigans law firm for tax appeal work. At the governments direction, then-Ald. Daniel Solis, who was secretly cooperating with the FBI after being confronted with his own misdeeds, asked Madigan for help getting an appointment to a lucrative state board seat in exchange for his help connecting Madigan to developers, according to trial evidence. The overall pattern, prosecutors alleged, shows Madigan as a schemer who is willing to abuse his extraordinarily powerful position to enrich himself and his allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madigans defense, however, has painted him as the exact opposite: A hardworking public servant who didnt immediately object to some of the shady statements on wiretapped calls because he was, by nature, nonconfrontational. In a surprising move late in the trial, Madigan took the stand in his own defense. Over the course of four days he completely disavowed any knowledge of certain alleged schemes and gave innocuous explanations for some of his statements on wiretaps. Even the now-infamous bandits tape, in which he and McClain share a chuckle over how some ComEd subcontractors made out like bandits for doing little work, was referring to certain lobbyists, Madigan said, not the ComEd subcontractors at issue in the trial. Madigan also took steps, where he could, to distance himself from McClain, a close friend, confidant and frequent dinner companion hes known since their days together in the legislature in the 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a lengthy and tough cross-examination, Madigan was asked whether he reciprocated McClains loyalty. I dont think I was as loyal to him as he was to me, Madigan said. I would have differences of opinion with him. I didnt always accept his advice. In a more poignant moment, Madigan was asked by McClains lawyer, Patrick Cotter, whether their friendship survived. It did until recently, Madigan replied. McClains attorneys, meanwhile, are banking on an argument that everything he did can be categorized as perfectly legal lobbying. His often-professed loyalty to Madigan his real client is not a sign of his participation in a criminal enterprise, they say, but an effort to maintain good relations to support his lobbying career. Isnt it a fact that around your office there was a saying, Today, we have to treat Mike (McClain) like a lobbyist?' Cotter asked Madigan in his questioning on Jan. 8. Correct, Madigan replied. Because on those days, Mike was in there pitching for his clients? Cotter asked. And we would be disagreeing with his message, Madigan said. Jurors have not heard that McClain was already found guilty of bribery-related charges in the 2023 ComEd Four trial, though attorneys for him and the three other defendants, including Hooker, are fighting to get that conviction reversed in light of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling reinterpreting parts of the federal bribery statute. Whats to be done? As the Madigan trial has unfolded, broad discussions are beginning to take place among good-government advocates to determine whether the current political atmosphere and upcoming gubernatorial election cycle will present an opportunity to press forward for changes now, said Alisa Kaplan, executive director of Reform for Illinois. Among the ideas getting bandied about are strengthening the legislative inspector general and the legislative ethics commission as well as seeking to improve the revolving-door clause overseeing lawmakers going into lobbying, conflicts of interest and other avenues of government oversight, Kaplan said. Separately, Kaplan said, her nonprofit group, which tracks money in politics and advocates for transparency, wants to take another shot at passing legislation to unmask dark money donations so that original, unnamed donors to super PACs would be disclosed. Furthermore, Kaplan will seek to put a clear definition in state law of what illegal coordination is between candidates and super PACs. The issue came to a head last year over a Democratic complaint filed with state election officials that charged former state Sen. Darren Bailey, the 2022 Republican candidate for governor, had improperly coordinated with a super PAC overseen by GOP conservative Dan Proft, a radio talk show host. But the board dismissed the complaint in June, citing in part the lack of a definition for coordination. As a new legislative session begins, Pritzker and state lawmakers will be able to consider all angles if they want to go beyond a small-bore set of reforms they enacted in the governors first term. Just one of many potential reforms that touch upon issues arising from the sprawling Madigan-related investigation is how Illinois allows state-regulated utilities to give campaign donations to politicians, a practice that Mixon, the Elmhurst University professor, said should be banned. Madigan once called upon ComEd and Exelon to raise $450,000 at their annual fundraiser for the Illinois Democratic Party during negotiations over one of the massive pro-utility bills that would later pass the General Assembly, according to Fidel Marquez, a senior ComEd executive who pleaded guilty in the probe and gave the estimate at the previous ComEd Four case. In fact, state campaign records show ComEd and corporate parent Exelon as well as AT&T were among the highest corporate givers to Illinois politicians over five straight election cycles, starting in 2010 and through the 2018 state campaign seasons, those most closely linked to the time period surrounding the Madigan investigation. These groups have something to gain from currying favor with the powerful speaker of the Illinois House, and so, of course, theyre going to feel pressure to contribute to campaigns or campaign fundraising, Mixon said. Abu Dhabi [UAE], January 19 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has discussed with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, the strategic relations between the two countries during a phone call. The UAE's top diplomat expressed heartfelt gratitude to Blinken for his dedicated efforts during his tenure as the US Secretary of State, which significantly contributed to strengthening and advancing the strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted his deep pride in his friendship with Blinken and affirmed his commitment to maintaining open lines of communication, underscoring the distinguished and long-standing relationship between the two nations. (ANI/WAM) The relatives of the three Israeli hostages due to be released from the Gaza Strip later on Sunday as part of a ceasefire agreement have confirmed that they are expecting the women to be freed, according to Israeli media reports. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, all Israeli civilians, are set to be released from captivity in the course of the day, the Forum of Hostage Families also confirmed. Gonen's father told Israeli news site ynet that he would finally be able to hug his daughter, a feeling he could not describe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said her family had waited more than 470 days for the announcement that she would be released, calling this "unimaginable" and "ongoing torture" in comments to British media. Gonen was kidnapped from the Nova music festival near the border with the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023 but initially tried to flee with her friends in a car, according to reports. She was shot in the hand during the Hamas-led assault on the festival and communities in southern Israel that day. The two other women were kidnapped from their homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza as hostages on the same day. They are due to be released at 1400 GMT, according to the Israeli government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas is expected to hand over the three hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is then to take them to a special army unit in the Gaza Strip. From there, the women are to be taken to a military facility in Israel near the Gaza border for an initial examination before they are taken to hospital, where they are to meet their families. The Supreme Court is slated to hear arguments from a group of conservatives who think that the Affordable Care Act is violating their religious rights by offering coverage for an extraordinarily effective HIV prevention medicine. As SCOTUSblog reports, the highest court in the land is taking up the Becerra v. Braidwood Management case, named for Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and the Texas-based corporation Braidwood Management, which is owned by Republican megadonor and alleged voter fraudster Steven Hoze. Initially filed in 2020, this lawsuit against the federal government argues that the ACA's mandated coverage of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PReP) drugs and hundreds of other preventative services, including screenings for STIs and cancer, as well as the HPV vaccine is unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PreP is extremely effective at preventing HIV infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PReP drugs like Truvada Descovy can reduce the risk of getting HIV by 99 percent when taken correctly, which is a huge deal for anyone who remembers how people were dying in droves from AIDs just a few decades ago. And specifically, many of those hundreds of thousands of deaths were gay men. That, plus some homophobia, is why Braidwood, Kelley Orthodontics, and a handful of individual Texans, have maintained for years now that the ACA's preventative care mandate "violates their religious beliefs by making them complicit in facilitating homosexual behavior, drug use, and sexual activity outside of marriage between one man and one woman." As plaintiff Joel Miller said in 2023, he and his family do not "engage in the behaviors that makes [sic] preventive treatment necessary" because, as he put it, his wife is "past her childbearing years." (Which is itself a chilling peek into type of mind that would bring a case like this.) Ironically enough, the first Trump Administration defended the ACA's no-cost preventative care requirements back in 2020, as CNN notes in its reporting of the case reaching the SCOTUS docket. It's unclear whether president-elect Donald Trump's new administration will do so especially because one of the plaintiffs' lawyers, Gene Hamilton, runs a nonprofit alongside incoming deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond Hamilton, the plaintiffs in Braidwood v. Becerra have another heavyweight in their corner: former Texas solicitor general Jonathan Mitchell, the architect of the state's six-week abortion ban. In 2022, a federal judge in Texas ruled partially in favor of the plaintiffs, striking down the clause that required businesses to cover the lawsuit's laundry list of preventative medicines and services for free. The next year, another conservative jurist in the Longhorn State doubled down on that ruling and issued a nationwide injunction against "any and all agency actions taken to implement or enforce the preventive care coverage requirements." Last year, the Justice Department appealed the decision, which found that the decision made by lower courts "jeopardizes healthcare protections that have been in place for 14 years and that millions of Americans currently enjoy." SCOTUS has not yet set a date for the hearing, which advocates say will not only harm queer Americans, but anyone seeking preventative care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It could harm so many people," Shelly Skeen, a senior attorney at the Dallas-based Lambda Legal nonprofit, told the LGBTQ website them. "I want folks to recognize that this is not limited to people who are LGBT. This could have more broad impacts on all of us." More on conservative challenges: Trump Blames California Wildfires on "Worthless Fish" President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration, like many inauguration ceremonies before it, was a secular event with many sacred elements, including prayers from a variety of religious leaders. A Catholic cardinal and evangelical Christian pastor offered the opening invocation, then a Jewish rabbi, Christian pastor and Catholic priest led the benediction. Trump took the presidential oath of office with two Bibles, and concluded his oath with so help me God even though those four words arent required by the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A variety of faith leaders attended the event, including Elders Gary E. Stevenson and Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as the Deseret News previously reported. The inauguration ceremony concluded around 11 a.m. MST on Monday. Heres a closer look at the five faith leaders who played starring roles. Invocation on Inauguration Day Cardinal Timothy Dolan Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, is one of two religious leaders who offered an opening prayer during Mondays ceremony, according to Religion News Service. The Rev. Dolan is a prominent Catholic leader in the United States, but hes not known to be part of Trumps inner circle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not endorse Trump in 2024, Religion News Service reported. However, the Rev. Dolan did participate in Trumps first inauguration in 2017. He read a prayer from the Book of Wisdom, as the Deseret News reported at the time. The Rev. Franklin Graham Unlike the Rev. Dolan, the Rev. Franklin Graham is well-known for his support of Trump and appeared at several campaign events in 2024. He also backed Trump in 2016, Religion News Service reported. The Rev. Graham is the son of famed evangelist Billy Graham and serves as president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Benediction on Inauguration Day Rabbi Ari Berman Rabbi Ari Berman is one of three faith leaders who took part in the benediction at the end of Mondays ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is the president of Yeshiva University, an Orthodox Jewish school in New York City. Rabbi Berman called for unity in his prayer, as Yeshiva University said he would in a press release. Rabbi Bermans blessing, immediately following President Trumps inaugural address, will call for the nation to rise to this historic moment and unite around Americas foundational values as a source for realizing our shared dreams of a prosperous, compassionate country led by faith and trust in God, the release said. Rabbi Berman did not endorse Trump in 2024, per Religion News Service. Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. | Andrew Harnik The Rev. Lorenzo Sewell The Rev. Lorenzo Sewell also offered a benediction at the end of Mondays ceremony. He is the senior pastor of 180 Church in Detroit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rev. Sewell spoke at the Republican National Convention in July. The Rev. Frank Mann The Rev. Frank Mann is a retired Catholic priest who is based in Brooklyn, New York. He found his way to the stage on Inauguration Day by striking up an unexpected friendship with Trump more than four years ago, according to the newspaper for the Diocese of Brooklyn, which is called The Tablet. The friendship developed after the Rev. Mann contacted Trump ahead of the 2020 election to let him know that his loved ones' grave sites in Queens, New York, were a bit overgrown. Trump appreciated the Rev. Manns effort to get them cleaned up and invited him to a meeting after he left the White House in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair have been in touch several times since then and, in the lead-up to the 2024 election, spoke about what Catholics were looking for in a presidential candidate, The Tablet reported. Muslim leader absent from inauguration program Mondays inauguration ceremony was also supposed to include a prayer from Imam Husham Al-Husainy, who oversees the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center in Dearborn, Michigan. An inauguration committee spokesperson included him on the list of religious leaders taking part that was provided to Religion News Service. Imam Al-Husainy has been credited with helping Trump pick up an unexpected win in Dearborn on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Husainy was one of multiple Muslim leaders who expressed support for Trump during the final month of the campaign, Religion News Service reported. But the Muslim leader was apparently removed from the final program. He did not appear during Mondays event. This story will be updated if the inauguration committee or Imam Al-Husainy reveals why the last-minute change was made. KSNF/KODE One of Southwest Missouris state representatives held a very important position as lawmakers convened for the new session, even if it was only temporary. On the opening day of the Missouri legislative session, Lamar Representative Ann Kelley assumed the Houses speaker role while lawmakers were electing a new speaker. This years process was a bit more contentious, with two Republicans vying for the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, Jonathan Patterson was elected speaker, and Kelley turned the gavel over to him. We didnt know how that was going to go, so we had multiple scripts ready. So, it wasnt as easy going as most temporary speakers have it, because you have that unknown of what was going to happen, said St. Rep. Ann Kelley, (R)-Lamar. Kelley says while it was an honor to serve as temporary speaker, shes happy to resume her role as state representative and majority caucus secretary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), a close ally of President-elect Trump and a rising GOP star in the House, is taking steps toward announcing a gubernatorial run in 2026. Sources say Donalds has approached Florida-based donors about running and has made a number of notable political hires, including Trumps 2016 and 2024 presidential pollster Tony Fabrizio. Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantiss (R) selection of Attorney General Ashley Moody to replace Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in the Senate has created an even wider opening for Donalds, who would have some of the highest name recognition in the GOP field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people in the state are eager to have him get into the race, said one source familiar. The grassroots truly comes to Byron. Sources close to DeSantis say Moody was the candidate he was rallying behind to run to replace him before he decided to appoint her to the Senate. The biggest competition for Byron Donalds was Ashley Moody, said one Florida Republican political consultant. When asked about his future plans and hiring Fabrizio, Donalds told The Hill last week that he has a lot of things planned. When you get an opportunity to bring on prime people, you do it, Donalds said. You never know what the opportunities are because everything changes in politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if you get a chance to lock somebody in and have them on your team, you want to do that. Donalds has long been floated as a likely gubernatorial contender. However, before President-elect Trumps victory in November, the field of likely contenders for the positions appeared to be more competitive. Donalds, Moody, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) and the states chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis (R) were among the potential contenders for the position. But with Moody heading to the Senate, Waltz to the administration and Patronis likely winning his special congressional race, Donaldss advantages in the race seem to be growing. Six months ago this seemed like it was going to be a very crowded race, now it seems like there are two, maybe three plausible candidates in the race and there is no question that based on everything were hearing in the state right now that Byron Donalds is the favorite to be the next governor, said Florida-based GOP strategist Ford OConnell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the field could still expand. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said earlier this month that he has started to think about a run for governor, citing his compelling vision for Florida. Gatez has a considerable amount of baggage, including his short-lived tenure as Trumps attorney general nominee and a damning House Ethics Committee report that found substantial evidence that he violated House rules, state and federal laws, outlining allegations of prostitution, statutory rape and illicit drug use, among other accusations. The former congressman denied any wrongdoing. And due to Gaetz and Donaldss close ties and longstanding loyalty to Trump, its unclear how the incoming president would approach an endorsement in a primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see Trump endorsing Gaetz or Donalds, said the source familiar. Others say Donalds, whose profile has skyrocketed as one of Trumps most vocal Hill proponents on cable news, is more likely to receive the presidents backing. Donalds noticeably sat next to Trump in his VIP box at the Republican National Convention last year. Ultimately, whoever wins is going to have President Trumps endorsement and all signs point to that being Byron, OConnell said. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson (R) is also said to be mulling a run while sitting on a considerable amount of campaign cash. According to NBC News, Simpson has $30 million in cash on hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Simpson would stand to be a formidable opponent on the money front, Donaldss efforts to bolster his profile in and out of Washington are seen as invaluable. Wilton Simpson has cash. Byron Donalds has cachet, said one Florida Republican political consultant. One potential wild card in the scenario is who the governor backs as his replacement. Donalds and DeSantis fell out after the congressman backed Trump in the Republican presidential primary. I dont think Gov. DeSantis would purposefully do anything to give Byron any favors, the source said. Mychael Schnell contributed Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The first three Israeli hostages released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal are in good health, the Israeli news website ynet has reported. The three women were transferred by Hamas to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Sunday afternoon. According to ynet, the ICRC has told the Israeli military that the hostages are healthy. The Israeli military said on X that the three hostages are "currently being transferred" to its forces in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are then set to "undergo an initial medical assessment" once they have reached Israeli territory. The hostages - earlier named as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher - are then due to be transported to a hospital in Tel Aviv, where they are to be met by family. The first stage of the agreement foresees the release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, while the Israeli army is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. The deal was announced on Wednesday, capping months-long efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire and Hamas to release the hostages it is holding. 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. (Photo by 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Two days before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, crowds gathered at the Arizona Capitol to protest in anticipation of potential bans on health care and reproductive rights. The Saturday protest, organized by Planned Parenthood and its partner groups, aimed to inspire hope and raise awareness about womens health care in Arizona. Speakers at the event included a nurse who shared her personal abortion story, Planned Parenthood's Chief External Affairs Officer Erika Mach, and Marlee Valenzuela, president of Planned Parenthood Generation Action and chair of the Arizona College Democrats' Womens Caucus. Advertisement Advertisement "We are the majority and with our combined strength we can stop these extremists from threatening our bodily autonomy. Let's make our voices heard and protect access to abortion, access to trans health care and access to contraceptives to assure that every single one of us can seek dignified health care free from stigma," Mach said. "They are stifling us ... we need to speak up" Heidi Ross, a nurse who took the stage to tell her personal abortion story, emphasized that abortion is not a decision that any woman goes into lightly. Ross spoke of needing to have an abortion with her third pregnancy because she was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, or heart failure, when she was pregnant with her second child. "They are stifling us and we need to speak up. There are more of us than there are of them. We need to speak up and keep our First Amendment rights," Ross said. Advertisement Advertisement Ross said she still has issues from what she felt was a heartbreaking choice, but she feels it brought more power to her voice in asserting that all women have the right to health care. Attendees of the event spanned all age groups, genders and backgrounds. "It's usually a devastating thing happening to a woman in her pregnancy that she doesn't want to have happen in the first place and she should have the right along with her doctor to choose," Judy Wilder, 52, said. "I'm here to resist the incoming administration's policy against multiple things, but mainly women's rights, trans rights, and ordering what we can do with our health care," Wilder said. Advertisement Advertisement Wilders sentiment was shared by many in the crowd, who held signs with slogans such as "Stop the War Against Women," "Bans Off Our Bodies," and "Trump's Forced Birth Slavery." 'Your Body, Your Choice' The protest comes in response to recent efforts to restrict abortion access in Arizona. A 160-year-old abortion ban resurfaced when an 1864 law was reinstated after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which had protected abortion rights since 1973. The revisiting of historical precedent brought Grateful Zugore to protesting again. "I relaxed a little bit for a few years, thinking 'OK, turn it over to the younger crowd,' but what I see is this country is headed in the wrong direction, and I think it's time to get involved and get back up and stand up for what's right," Zugore, 69, said. Advertisement Advertisement Zugore wore a shirt with the slogan "Your Body, Your Choice," mentioning that he purchased it after he heard a story of kids saying, 'Your body, My choice' to their classmates. "It's not up to us what others do with their bodies," Zugore said. "What we can really do is remember this in our daily life." "The fear first came when Trump had his first presidency, and I was hoping that we would never see a time like that again, so I'm really afraid it is going to be even worse this time." Tabitha Allison, 59, said. State Rep. Patty Contreras of District 12 highlighted laws such as the 24-hour waiting period required before a health care provider can perform a requested abortion. She also emphasized the importance of addressing the dissemination of biased or inaccurate information to individuals seeking abortions. Advertisement Advertisement "Yes, we passed on the abortion ban, but there's so many laws on our state books that need to be taken off to protect women and help women," Contreras said. Contreras said many constituents are frustrated about the way big issues have been handled by the federal government and are expressing fears of losing their rights at a state level because of it. "I think people are frustrated with the federal government. The fact that Donald Trump was reelected and he's going to be coming into the office on Monday is scary for a lot of people in our community our women, our children, our LGBTQ+ community, our immigrants," Contreras said. Contreras noted that many constituents are fearful of losing rights in general as negatively impactful legislation continues to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Contreras said the focus for her is educating the public about what's at stake in all areas, not just reproductive health care. She said she was disappointed in the support for the Laken Riley Act, because she fears it will negatively impact Arizona's immigrant community. "We're really focused on trying to stop bad legislation," Contreras said. "We are in a swing district ... I think it's politics ... they had their backs against the wall and didn't have any other options. I hoped they would stand strong, but, unfortunately, sometimes, they make decisions that we're just not going to be happy with. ... I know they're hearing from a lot of our constituents now." Fear of increased polarization Attendees at the protest also expressed fear of increased polarization and attacks on more than just reproductive rights when Trump returns to office. "If you spend a lot of time on media outlets, you get a sense that things are really polarized," Megan Armstrong, 41, said. "And I think there are a lot of sectors that are really polarized, but there are really a lot more that are in the middle." Advertisement Advertisement Though Armstrong doesn't feel a complete abortion ban will be passed into law in the future, she does feel that the community has to rally together to feel a sense of community. "It's really important right now to be surrounded by like-minded people. I think it's easy, particularly in Arizona, to feel like I'm alone in my standings. So coming to rallies makes me feel like, 'OK, I'm not alone in this,'" Armstrong said. Armstrong also feels that it is important to hold events supporting reproductive health care to remind the next generation what previous generations have fought and still continue to fight for. "I just feel like being united is better. I feel like being alone I am so small, I can't do hardly anything, but together we can be mighty and make a difference," Allison said. "I'm afraid of the future in general for the whole of the human race. I feel like all humans deserve the right to live, love, work wherever they want, and I'm afraid that America is going to be a place that is not welcome to everyone." Advertisement Advertisement Renews call: Gov. Katie Hobbs wants to end Arizonas annual government surveillance abortion report This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Reproductive rights supporters rally in Arizona ahead of inauguration Live in a home governed by a condominium, co-op or homeowner's association? Have questions about what they can and cannot do? Ryan Poliakoff, an attorney and author based in Boca Raton, has answers. Before we answer questions, I wanted to clarify something from last weeks column. The Condominium and Cooperative Acts are explicit in saying that email addresses provided when owners consent to receive notice by electronic transmission are accessible to unit owners upon a request for inspection. However, the HOA Act is not as explicit. The HOA Act, in contrast, just says that the association must maintain email addresses designated by members for receiving electronic notice under the statute, and that addresses provided for association notice requirements are inspectable. But that language arguably relates to physical addresses, and unlike the other acts it does not expressly say that emails provided for notice purposes are inspectable. Its likely an oversight in the statute, but it remains an open question. Question: My HOA records both visuals and audio at the clubhouse and pool. A conversation between myself and another resident was recorded, which I found out after I hopped the pool fence when the gate was stuck. I was sent an HOA recording reminding me that there were two other gates that I could have used, and there was audio in the recording. I was shocked. I understand the video, but pool installers told me it is illegal to record audio. There is however a sign at the pool that says Entering this facility . You give permission for recordings to include audio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am concerned about the conversations the HOA may be recording. We live in a high military community and there are private conversations that ought not to be heard or recorded. Is this legal? Signed, K.B. Dear K.B., Chapter 934 of the Florida Statutes deals with communications and surveillance. The law in Florida is that no person can record an oral communication without consent. However, the term oral communication has a very specific meaning. It is a communication uttered by a person exhibiting an expectation that such communication is not subject to interception under circumstances justifying such expectation I think the problem you have here is that its hard to justify that you had an expectation to privacy when you were in a semi-public place where signs expressly informed you that audio was being recorded. These laws are intended to address wiretapping or placing of clandestine cameras in offices or homes not public security cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I appreciate that there are a lot of military people in your community, I would hope that if they are discussing confidential subjects they will do so in a truly private place. More: As more unsafe Century Village structures are exposed, county struggles to address the issue When are mailed condo fees late? Do you go by the postmark? Question: I own a condominium, and my association fees were due Oct. 1. They are considered late on Oct. 15. I mailed my check after the first but before the 15th from the post office to be certain the postmark was dated prior to the 15th. The association charged me a late fee because they stated they didn't receive the check until the 22nd. Am I wrong in thinking the bill was paid based on the postmarked date, and that I should not be charged a late fee? I asked for a waiver and was told I would not be granted one because my payment was received after the 15th and because the checked was dated the 15th. What recourse, if any, do I have? Signed, C.G. More: Homeowners association wants to remove streetlights to save cash. Can they do that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear C.G., If your declaration of condominium is like the ones I typically see, your payment is due on the first of the month, and if you dont pay by that date, its late. The fifteenth is not a due date, but instead is a grace period during which interest and late fees are not charged. Even though your assessment is late, if it arrives before or on the 15th, they do not charge you those fees. But the timing of the payment is judged on when its received by the association, not when its deposited in the mail. Judging a payment based on its mailing date is used for some types of payments due to specific laws or policies, but it is not universally true. Its your responsibility to make your payment in time, and that means ensuring that the association receives it by the 15th. Now, if the association had received it by that date but simply did not process or deposit it, I think youd have a good argument that you were within the grace period but if they did not receive it until the 22nd, youre probably late, and theres no way to avoid that late fee. Next time, make sure you send it earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Poliakoff, a partner at Poliakoff Backer, LLP, is a Board Certified specialist in condominium and planned development law. This column is dedicated to the memory of Gary Poliakoff. Ryan Poliakoff and Gary Poliakoff are co-authors of "New Neighborhoods The Consumers Guide to Condominium, Co-Op and HOA Living." Email your questions to condocolumn@gmail.com. Please be sure to include your location. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: HOA records visuals and audio at the pool. Is that legal? Jan. 18Richard David Marquez Richard D. Marquez, 81, passed away on January 7th, 2025. Richard grew up in Tome, NM attending Belen High school but spent most of his life in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, with his wife of 60 years, Katherine. While serving his country as a U.S. Army Reserve MP for 17 years he also proudly retired from the Albuquerque Police Department after 20 years in 1984 and continued serving the public as a U.S. Marshall Court Security Officer in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. He was a faithful member of St. Thomas Aquinas parish as well as a member of the American Legion and FOP. Daily phone calls with his brothers were the highlight of his days. His big smile lit up the room and his contagious laugh will be greatly missed! Richard is survived by his wife Katherine, his son, Matthew Marquez and partner Gina Ortega, his son, Paul Marquez and spouse Melissa Marquez, his daughter, Joan Gontis and spouse Stephen Gontis, as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A Rosary for Richard will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 10:00 am followed by a 10:30 am Mass on January 27, 2025. He will then be laid to rest at Vista Verde Memorial Cemetery in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Tel Aviv [Israel], January 19 (ANI/TPS): Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Meir Porush has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet to boost security measures in Jerusalem, mirroring recent reinforcements approved for Judea and Samaria. In a letter to the cabinet, Porush expressed concern about the planned release of Palestinian security prisoners to Jerusalem as part of the upcoming hostage deal. He emphasised that Jerusalem lacks security buffers between parts of the city where the terrorists will return to and the rest of the city, potentially affecting millions of residents and visitors. "While strengthening security in Judea and Samaria is welcome, we cannot ignore the unique challenges facing Jerusalem," Porush wrote. He called for an urgent security cabinet meeting to assess risks and allocate additional resources to the Jerusalem Police, General Security Service, and urban policing units. (ANI/TPS) Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate shared insights into the wide-ranging responsibilities of his department, highlighting the state's regulatory duties and ongoing efforts to support local agriculture. I will tell you a little bit about some of the things we do, Pate told members of the Anniston Kiwanis Club on Jan. 9. In many ways, we're a truth-in-advertising agency. Pate explained that the department oversees a range of regulatory functions, including food safety, consumer protection and weights and measures. He said the departments crucial role in ensuring the safety and accuracy of products that reach Alabama consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have huge regulatory responsibilities, Pate explained. For example, we operate 11 labs in the state, including some of the best labs in the country. We handle everything from animal safety and food safety to the state seed lab and pesticide residue testing. He noted the high standards in place to ensure the safety of the food supply in the U.S., noting the rarity of foodborne illness outbreaks and the efficiency with which the food safety system operates. Its amazing how safe our food supply is, he said. If three people got sick from something they ate today, it would make the (newspapers) front page. But in reality, the number of people who eat in this country, and the variety of food consumed, its remarkable how safe the food processing system is. Pate highlighted the departments work in consumer protection, such as ensuring that businesses provide accurate product measurements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every scale or measure used in commerce in Alabama is certified by us, Pate said. That includes everything from the gas pump to the scales in a grocery store to the price scanner. We make sure that when a product is weighed, measured or priced, it matches what consumers are being told. Another function of the department is overseeing the accuracy of product labels. Pate pointed to the departments work with seed and fertilizer companies to ensure that labels reflect the true contents of products being sold to consumers and farmers alike. Our seed lab checks the germination rate of seeds and ensures that whats on the bag is accurate, Pate said. We also test fertilizers to ensure that the nutrients listed on the bag are indeed present in the product. He noted the departments role in overseeing pesticide use and certification, working in cooperation with federal agencies like the EPA and USDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We provide the training and licensing for people using pesticides in Alabama to ensure they are handling chemicals safely and effectively, Pate said. One of Pates proudest accomplishments is the Sweet Grown Alabama initiative, which promotes local Alabama-grown products. Launched in 2019, the program aims to make it easier for consumers to access fresh, locally grown food. Pate emphasized the benefits of consuming locally grown food, including better taste, higher nutritional value and supporting the local economy. When I got to Montgomery in 2019, I knew people wanted to eat local products, Pate said. Local food is fresher, its more nutritious and it supports our local economy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pate said the program expanded its reach to local schools. By incentivizing school nutrition programs to purchase locally grown products, the program has fostered a surge in demand for Alabama-grown produce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During COVID, we worked with the legislature to start getting local food into the school system, Pate said. By the first year, schools purchased $600,000 worth of Alabama-grown food. This year, its over $550,000. The initiative continues to grow, with Pate noting that more than $15 million in federal funds have been allocated to support local food programs in the state. Sweet Grown Alabama has been a huge success, and its probably the thing Im most proud of, Pate said. Itll probably be around long after Im gone. Pate was raised on his familys farm in Lowndes County. After earning a degree in ornamental horticulture from Auburn University in 1978, he founded Pate Landscape Co., Inc. in 1982. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pate took over his familys cattle operation, Pate Charolais Ranch, after his fathers death in 2012. His public service journey began in 1996 with his election to the Lowndesboro Town Council, and he served as mayor from 2004 to 2018, overseeing several infrastructure improvements. In 2018, Pate was elected Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries and re-elected in 2022. Pate, and his wife, Julie, have been married since 1989 and have two sons. I know that people in Alabama care about what they eat and where it comes from, Pate said. Our job is to make sure that food is safe, that consumers are protected, and that local agriculture thrives. Hundreds of supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol, the South Korean president arrested after declaring martial law, stormed a court building early on Sunday after his detention was extended. They smashed windows and forced entry in an attack the countrys acting leader called unimaginable. Mr Yoon was detained on Wednesday, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. He faces allegations of insurrection over his shocking, short-lived declaration of martial law that plunged the country into political turmoil on Dec 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the court announced its decision at 3am local time on Sunday (6pm on Saturday UK time), Mr Yoons supporters swarmed the building, overwhelming riot police who tried to keep them at bay. They turned fire extinguishers on lines of police guarding the front entrance, then flooded inside, destroying office equipment, fittings and furniture, footage showed. An emergency service worker said around 40 people sustained minor injuries - Yonhap/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Police restored order a few hours later, saying they had arrested 46 rioters and vowing to track down others involved. The government expresses strong regret over the illegal violence... which is unimaginable in a democratic society, Choi Sang-mok, the acting president, said in a statement. He added that the authorities would step up safety measures around gatherings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Mr Yoons name. Some of them were caught by police during their broadcasts. With Mr Yoon refusing to be questioned, investigators asked a court on Friday to extend the impeached presidents period of custody. Support for Mr Yoon has resurged in the chaos after his botched declaration of martial law - Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty At a five-hour hearing on Saturday, which Mr Yoon attended, a judge granted a new warrant extending his detention by up to 20 days, due to concern that the suspect may destroy evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. South Koreas Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) said it had called in Mr Yoon, a former prosecutor, for further questioning on Sunday afternoon but he did not attend. The CIO said it would ask Mr Yoon to come in for questioning on Monday. His lawyers have argued the arrest is illegal because the warrant was issued in the wrong jurisdiction and the investigating team had no mandate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insurrection is one of the few crimes from which a South Korean president does not have immunity, and is technically punishable by death. There have been no executions in South Korea for nearly 30 years, however. Mr Yoon said through his lawyers he found the violent incident at court shocking and unfortunate, and called on people to express their opinions peacefully. The windows of Seoul Western District Court were smashed in the riot - Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty The president said... he wouldnt give up and would correct the wrong, even if it took time, Mr Yoons lawyers said in a statement. Saying he understands many are feeling rage and unfairness, Mr Yoon asked police to take a tolerant position. Separate to the criminal probe that sparked Sundays chaos, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to permanently remove Mr Yoon from office, in line with parliaments Dec 14 impeachment, or to restore his presidential powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Yoons conservative People Power Party called the courts decision to extend his detention on Sunday a great pity. Theres a question whether repercussions of detaining a sitting president were sufficiently considered, the party said in a statement. 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. Nine police officers were injured, local media said - Xinhua/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for the PPP collapsed after Mr Yoons martial law declaration, which he rescinded hours later after a unanimous vote in parliament rejected it. But its support has recovered in the ensuing political turmoil, in which the opposition-majority parliament impeached Mr Yoons first replacement and investigators botched an initial attempt to arrest Mr Yoon. The PPP edged ahead of the Democratic Party in support 39 per cent to 36 per cent for the first time since August in a Gallup Korea poll on Friday. Thousands gathered for an orderly rally in support of Mr Yoon in downtown Seoul on Sunday morning. Anti-Yoon demonstrations have also taken place across the city in recent days. 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. Students from Bottineau Public Schools' Rockhounds club listen to testimony on a bill to make Knife River Flint North Dakota's state rock during a meeting of the House Political Subdivisions Committee on Jan. 16, 2025. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota could be getting its first-ever state rock: a cola-colored stone called Knife River Flint. The idea came from a group of young geology enthusiasts from Bottineau Public Schools, who discovered last year that North Dakota is one of two states lacking an official rock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the so-called Bottineau Rockhounds club traveled to the Capitol last week to tell lawmakers why they should approve House Bill 1186 and give Knife River Flint that title. The rock is only found in North Dakota, for one. Because its easy to shape, it has been mined by Native cultures for thousands of years. Knife River Flint is a smooth, durable rock that is made of very small crystals which makes it easy to chip in various forms and turn into useful tools, fifth grader Grace Motl told members of the House Political Subdivisions Committee on Thursday. Silas Fredriksen of the Bottineau Public Schools Rockhounds club testifies in favor of a bill to make Knife River Flint the official state rock of North Dakota during a meeting of the House Political Subdivisions Committee on Jan. 16, 2025. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) It was traded widely and has been found in archaeological sites across the continent, according to the Rockhounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been an important stone for trading by many different cultures throughout North Dakotas history, Avery Kitzman, a sixth grader, said. Knife River Flint prevailed among four other suggestions proposed by the Rockhounds, said fifth grade teacher and club adviser David Cauley. Those included chalcedony, aventurine, moss agate and prairie agate. They held an election to determine the winner. Since this last year was a big election year, we decided that it would be a really fun idea to have our own election that could teach students how elections work, Cauley told lawmakers. Cauleys wife, Michelle an instructor at Dakota College and another adviser to the Bottineau Rockhounds said the college, three local high schools and Rockhounds clubs in Bismarck and Grand Forks participated in the contest, too. Rep. Dan Vollmer, R-Willow City, holds a sample of Knife River Flint. Vollmer is sponsoring a bill suggested by a young geologists club from Bottineau Public Schools to make Knife River Flint the official rock of North Dakota. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) The Bottineau Rockhounds even made campaign posters to hang up in the hallway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school was just abuzz for the two or three weeks before the election, Cauley said. In all, 541 votes were cast. Knife River Flint emerged the victor with 56% approval. Rep. Dan Vollmer, whose district includes Bottineau, is sponsoring the bill. Vollmer and Rep. Macy Bolinske, who carried the bill on behalf of the House Political Subdivisions Committee, brought samples of Knife River Flint to the House floor on Friday to show their peers. The House voted unanimously to forward the bill. Itll also need approval from the Senate. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jan. 18Protest planned on opening day Tuesday marks the start of New Mexico's 60-day legislative session, and the drama is already taking shape. A group of activists known as Youth United for Climate Crisis Action, or YUCCA, is planning to stage a protest at 9 a.m. outside the state Capitol. "YUCCA and its allies will lead a strategic direct action at the New Mexico State Capitol to call attention to the climate crisis and the need for bold, meaningful action from legislators," a news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exactly what a "strategic direct action" looks like remains to be seen. YUCCA spokesperson Zoey Craft declined to elaborate, saying only the group has "an action planned where we're expecting over 200 students and other community members to be joining us outside the Roundhouse." Last year, members of the group and pro-Palestinian activists disrupted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's State of the State address, shouting from the gallery and removing layers of clothing during three separate outbursts to reveal T-shirts with slogans such as "real climate action now" and "defend the sacred." Craft said a protest during the governor's speech is not "currently" in the works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ronchetti for governor? Speculation over who will run for governor of New Mexico is running rampant. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman are among Democrats said to be considering a gubernatorial run. Not many names of potential contenders have surfaced on the Republican side. But in a recent social media post, Krysty Ronchetti, wife of former TV weatherman Mark Ronchetti, who ran unsuccessfully for the job in 2022, didn't rule out the possibility of her husband giving it another shot. "You never know," she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Ronchetti did not return a message seeking comment. Secretary of foreign affairs visits New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, House Speaker Javier Martinez and Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart were among the dignitaries who met with Juan Ramon de la Fuente Ramirez, secretary of foreign affairs under Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, at the state Capitol. Lujan Grisham discussed economic development between New Mexico and Mexico during her meeting with Fuente Ramirez. "Mexico is our state's largest trading partner and the expansion of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in southern New Mexico is vital to the economic growth and diversity of our state," reads a post on the governor's official Facebook account. "Mutual communication, cooperation and respect will ensure continued job and economic growth and success in the years ahead." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez, an Albuquerque Democrat, delivered a similar message. "I reiterated my strong commitment to building stronger partnerships between Mexico & New Mexico in binational trade, education, and public safety," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Lujan trips up Trump's Treasury nominee President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, stumbled during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Finance under questioning by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan. "Yes or no, will you recommend cutting Medicaid?" Lujan asked Bessent, a longtime investor and hedge fund manager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm sorry. Did you say? I didn't hear whether you said Medicaid or Medicare," he responded, prompting Lujan to repeat the question. Bessent struggled to deliver a coherent answer. "It's the business of Congress to do the budget, and I am in favor of empowering states, and I believe that for some states that will be an increase, for some states that will be a decrease," he responded. Lujan gave Bessent a blank look and then posed the question again, asking what advice he would provide to Trump. "I will get back to you on this when I have seen the details of the full budget proposal once President Trump is in office and if confirmed," he replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heinrich touts Interior nominee's commitments A hearing to consider the nomination of Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior featured another New Mexico senator: Heinrich. The state's senior senator and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources noted the Department of the Interior's "incredibly broad" range of responsibilities in his opening remarks. "Pretty much any job that involves responsibilities ranging from elementary school students and health care to bison is a pretty big job," Heinrich told Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the hearing, Heinrich's office issued a news release touting the commitments Heinrich received from Burgum "to seek critical input from local leaders and stakeholders, and consult with Tribal leaders before the Department considers making conservation designation changes to public lands in New Mexico and across the country." "My experience as governor and working with 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," Burgum said. "And part of that consultation is also those tribes that have both current and historic connections to those places as well, right?" Heinrich asked. "Absolutely," Burgum responded. Follow Daniel J. Chacon on Twitter @danieljchacon. Analysts from the DeepState project reported in the late evening of 18 January that Russia has advanced in multiple settlements in Donetsk Oblast, including Velyka Novosilka. DeepState noted that Russian troops have started storming some areas. Source: DeepState Quote: "Russian troops have advanced in Kotlyne, Udachne, near Novoandriivka, Sukhi Yaly, Vremivka, and Velyka Novosilka." Details: The analysts also reported that Russian troops have become active in the east and north of Velyka Novosilka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Russia is storming the area of a dairy, a petrol station, a student accommodation building and an airfield." Velyka Novosilka Photo: DeepStateMap as of 19 January 2025 Background: On the night of 15-16 January, it became known that Russia had occupied Neskuchne and that the encirclement around Velyka Novosilka was shrinking. It has been reported that Russian forces, which have been approaching and encircling Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast since the autumn of 2024, are preparing to storm the town. For reference: In general, the conditions for defending Velyka Novospilka have become highly challenging, as Velyka Novospilka has been partially encircled since the autumn of 2024. The distance between the two extreme points of the Ukrainian positions in the north and the southwest, or the width of the neck through which people, ammunition and provisions are delivered to Velyka Novoselka, is about seven kilometres. Logistics are complicated, and driving into the settlement with equipment is no longer possible. Support UP or become our patron! Russia criticized a newly announced 100-year partnership agreement between Ukraine and the U.K., rejecting any cooperation between the two nations in the Azov Sea. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Jan. 18 declared such claims to the region a "gross interference" in Russias affairs, claiming they would face firm resistance. The Kremlin expressed concern on Jan. 17 over potential deployment of British military assets in Ukraine under the agreement, particularly in the Azov Sea. Russia views the sea as part of its territory, citing its proximity to Russian borders, areas of southern Ukraine under Russian occupation, and Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014. Zakharova dismissed the agreement as meaningless from Russias perspective, calling it a "PR campaign" by Kyiv. She added that Moscow considers the Sea of Azov an "internal sea." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partnership, announced on Jan. 16 during British Prime Minister Keir Starmers visit to Kyiv, includes commitments to strengthen military cooperation in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov. Starmer pledged to support Ukraine with robust security guarantees if negotiations for a ceasefire with Russia move forward. Read also: Ukraines General Staff launches investigation into 156th Brigade The agreement marked Starmers first visit to Ukraine as prime minister and highlighted the U.K.'s continued support for President Volodymyr Zelensky. Starmer described the long-term partnership as a commitment to Ukraines security and sovereignty. Russias objections underline ongoing tensions over control of the Azov Sea, a strategic waterway central to both economic and military interests in the region. Moscows position signals potential challenges to Ukraine and U.K.s efforts to enhance cooperation in contested areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As Trump about to take office, Ukraine awaits Americas next moves Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have pointed out that the Russians are redeploying their units, particularly from the Kurakhove front, and deploying additional forces to strengthen their offensive on Pokrovsk. Source: ISW Details: The analysts suggest that Russia's Central Grouping of Forces has assembled a strike group consisting of units from the 2nd and 41st combined arms armies (CAAs) south of Pokrovsk, likely as part of ongoing Russian efforts to intensify offensive operations south and southwest of the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ISW has previously observed signs that Russian military commanders have assigned a zone of responsibility to units of the 2nd Motorised Rifle Brigade south and southwest of Pokrovsk and units of the 41st Motorised Rifle Brigade east of Pokrovsk. The analysts believe that the decision of the Russian military command to create a strike group consisting of these units indicates that Russian troops may be reprioritising tactical tasks on the Pokrovsk front to create conditions for using more favourable routes to advance closer to the immediate flanks of Pokrovsk. Quote from ISW: "The Russian military command may redeploy these units to areas south of Pokrovsk if the Russian command continues to prioritise tactical advances in the direction of Pokrovsks southern flanks in the coming weeks and months." Details: The Russian military command also announced the redeployment of elements of the second unit of the 51st CAA from the Kurakhove front to conduct offensive operations east of Pokrovsk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from ISW: "The Russian military command may be deprioritising offensive operations in the Kurakhove direction and redeploying forces from Kurakhove to reinforce the Pokrovsk direction now that Russian forces have accomplished their objective of seizing Kurakhove, as elements of the 5th and 110th reportedly participated in the seizure of Kurahkove in late December 2024. It is unclear whether the Russian command reinforced or sufficiently reconstituted degraded Russian units that recently participated in battles to seize Kurakhove and its environs to the point they may effectively operate on the current front line in Pokrovsk." Details: The ISW's assessment suggests that the Russian military command is likely to decide to redeploy parts of the brigades to a priority area of the line of contact, and the Russian military command appears to have decided to redeploy these forces to conduct offensive operations east of Pokrovsk. Experts add that the Russian military command appears to be trying to use the units to advance east of Pokrovsk and surround the city and may be planning to redeploy additional units from the 51st CAA to reinforce these efforts in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from ISW: "Russian forces will likely continue to make gains as part of their intensified effort to envelop Pokrovsk from the northeast and southwest, particularly if Russian forces can identify and exploit tactical vulnerabilities in Ukrainian defences along Pokrovsk's flanks." Details: However, the assessment adds, the pace of such an advance will likely remain slow, as Russian forces have not yet demonstrated the ability to perform the rapid mechanised manoeuvre required to break through Ukrainian defence lines and encircle Pokrovsk with sufficient speed. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 18 January: Ukrainian forces struck two Russian oil depots in Kaluga and Tula oblasts on the night of 17-18 January. Ukrainian forces also targeted a Russian air defence system and radars in occupied Ukraine on the night of 17-18 January. The Russian Central Grouping of Forces appears to have assembled a strike group comprising units of the 2nd and 41st combined arms armies (CAAs) south of Pokrovsk, likely as part of ongoing Russian efforts to intensify offensive operations south and south-west of the town. The Russian military command also reportedly redeployed elements of a second unit of the 51st CAA from the Kurakhove direction to offensive operations east of Pokrovsk amid ongoing efforts to intensify activity in this area. NATO officials are reportedly preparing for a joint NATO-Georgia exercise scheduled for March 2025. Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and on the Chasiv Yar and Velyka Novosilka fronts. Ukrainian forces recently recaptured lost positions on the Kharkiv front. Support UP or become our patron! A Russian missile strike on Kyiv early on Jan. 18 damaged Ukraine's oldest McDonalds, located near the Lukianivska metro station in the city's Shevchenkivskyi district. Open since 1997, this is the first McDonald's restaurant in the country. McDonalds Ukraine confirmed the damage in a statement: "Today, during an aerial attack on Kyiv, a McDonalds restaurant near the Lukianivska metro station was damaged. Our staff were able to evacuate to a shelter in time thanks to our safety protocols." The restaurant is currently closed but the company pledged to repair the damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv remains a frequent target of Russian attacks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The missile attack caused significant destruction in the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv. Three peoplea 41-year-old woman and two men aged 25 and 43were killed, and three others sustained injuries, according to Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported additional damage in the area, including shattered windows and smoke filling the entrance of a residential building. The glass entrance to the Lukianivska metro station was also damaged in the attack. Several cars caught fire, and a water pipeline was damaged. Read also: Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 8, injure 38 over past day Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. For many Americans, President Jimmy Carters legacy is one of compassion and moral integrity. But for me and countless other Iranian families scattered across the globe as dissidents or living under the yoke of the Islamic Republic his presidency is a painful reminder of how noble intentions can lead to devastating consequences. Prior to the late 1970s, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a constitutional monarch who pursued rapid modernization, including expanded womens rights, mass education and secular reforms. Already opposed by certain nationalist factions and the USSR-backed Communist Party, these efforts further alienated Islamists, who viewed the changes as threats to traditional values and religious authority. Ayatollah Khomeini, an exiled cleric, capitalized on widespread discontent by portraying the Shah as an authoritarian dictator and promoting his vision of an Islamic Republic as a just alternative. After the 1979 revolution, Khomeini established a theocracy characterized by mass executions, the suppression of womens rights and the elimination of political opposition, ushering in decades of repression under the Islamic Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion I am a first-generation Iranian American, and my familys story is deeply intertwined with Irans political history. My father, Sadegh Hatefi, is a celebrated Iranian writer and director who is now a prominent member of the Sacramento Iranian community. My uncle, Rahman Hatefi, a revolutionary journalist and editor for Kayhan, a Tehran-based Persian-language newspaper, fought for justice during Irans tumultuous revolution, only to be arrested and executed by the new regime. My other uncle, Rahim Hatefi, met a similar fate. I grew up under the oppression of the Islamic Republic regime until targeted persecution reached unbearable levels, forcing my family and I to leave. Like so many others, my family was pushed into exile, its members now scattered across the globe. Today, I channel my commitment to justice and progress as the vice chair of the rural and environmental caucuses for the California Young Democrats and as a professional working to advance clean energy policy in California. As a political progressive and a member of the Democratic Party, I deeply admire many aspects of Carters legacy. Yet, his decisions regarding Iran remain an indelible mark on his presidency one that altered the course of my familys history and that of millions of others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter is rightly remembered for his achievements on the global stage. His role in brokering the Camp David Accords remains a milestone in the pursuit of Middle East peace, and his post-presidency humanitarian work demonstrates his enduring commitment to human rights and social justice. As someone who shares many of these values, I want to celebrate Carters unwavering dedication to peace and justice. But Carters approach to Iran in the late 70s was fraught with dangerous miscalculations. Faced with mounting protests against the Shahs authoritarian regime, Carter sought to align with the momentum of change. Rather than merely distancing himself from the Shah, Carters administration engaged with Ayatollah Khomeini through diplomatic channels. Some of Carters advisors viewed Khomeini as a stabilizing figure and an ally to American interests a catastrophic misjudgment. Encouraged by their trusted American counterparts to avoid bloodshed, Irans military declared neutrality in the Revolution and cut ties with the Shahs government, paving the way for Khomeinis takeover. This decision not only sidelined the secular and leftist factions that had broader public support, it empowered the Islamist faction to consolidate control. The result was a theocratic regime that quickly turned against its people and its supposed American allies. For my family and many others, the aftermath of the revolution brought unthinkable losses tens of thousands were killed, and countless families, like mine, were forced into exile. The death toll has only risen over the last 40 years, with the regimes support of Hamas and Hezbollah, and its crackdowns on domestic protests and political activism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carters compassion and his desire to be on the right side of history may have been admirable, but these traits led him to decisions that condemned thousands to torture, death and exile. His presidency illustrates a tragic truth: noble intentions, without the strategic insight to implement them effectively, can yield catastrophic outcomes. Had the U.S. not meddled with Irans armed forces to avoid bloodshed, it is unlikely that they would have declared neutrality, making Khomeinis consolidation of power implausible. As an Iranian American, I struggle to reconcile Carters virtues with his failings. He was both a man of great moral conviction and a leader whose misjudgments changed the course of my homeland forever. His legacy is a dual one: defined by his commitment to peace and marred by the unintended consequences of his misguided actions. Perhaps the most important lesson of Carters legacy for progressives like myself is that good intentions are not enough. Leadership requires not only character and morality but also the wisdom to anticipate and navigate the consequences of ones decisions. Carters legacy shows us that leaders must not only have moral conviction but also the insight and courage to balance idealism with the realities of the world stage. Adam Hatefi is a senior legislative and regulatory advocate in Sacramento and a first-generation Iranian-American immigrant. Since moving to the U.S. in 2014 as a political asylee, he has earned a bachelor of arts from UC Davis and a juris doctor from Arizona State University. He has spent the last eight years as a political activist and policy advocate, currently serving as vice chair of the California Young Democrats Rural and Environmental Caucuses and sitting on the board of the Owrang Institute of Arts and Culture, a Persian performing arts organization based in Sacramento. Guinness World Record holder Deepika Deshwal has received a "special invite" to attend the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Deshwal's name was etched in the Guinness Book of World Records for her selfless public service during the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic and for striving to safeguard and uphold women's rights, while in 2023, she became the youngest Indian to address the United Nations for the third time. Sharing a post on X, Deshwal wrote, "Proud moment! Got the opportunity to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Donald Trump and Vice President in Washington DC as special invitee... Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!" https://x.com/deepikadeshwal/status/1880586406999011783 Deshwal, the former secretary of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), has also contested the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls in November 2022 as a Congress candidate. Notably, with temperatures expected to plummet in the United States, Trump announced a change in plans for his inauguration on January 20, saying all events will be held inside the US Capitol Rotunda, as he is "obliged to protect the people." Earlier, Ronald Reagan was similarly forced to take oath indoors in 1985 due to extreme weather. Trump reassured supporters that the inauguration event would remain historic and memorable, with the Presidential Parade and other activities continuing as planned, including live viewing at Capital One Arena. Sharing a post on the social media platform Truth Social on Friday, Trump wrote, "January 20th cannot come fast enough! ... It is my obligation to protect the people of our country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, DC, with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country. I don't want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way... Therefore, I have ordered the inauguration address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather..." During the inauguration on January 20, Trump will be sworn in as the forty-seventh President of the United States. He previously served as the forty-fifth President between 2017 and 2021. (ANI) (FOX40.COM) Sacramento police officers are investigating two shooting incidents that are less than 10 minutes apart in South Sacramento on Saturday afternoon. According to officials, one of the incidents occurred on the 3200 block of Meadowview Road at 1:30 p.m. The second incident took place at the intersection of Maybelline and Denslow Way around 2:15 p.m. Northern California police search for missing woman who left tattoo shop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that one person sustained gunshot wounds at Meadowview Road and transported himself to the hospital and no victims have been found at the second location. Sacramento police think these two incidents may be related to each other. As of 4:30 p.m., officers are still working to learn more about what happened. When we have more information about the incident this article will be updated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Texans, a word of caution: Eating this mornings snow may not be the best idea. While it may appear clean and pristine, the light snowfall across the state likely isn't enough to make it safe for consumption. As snow falls, it can collect bacteria, microplastics and pollutants from the atmosphere, such as black carbon from coal-fired plants and wood-burning stoves. In heavier or prolonged snow events, later layers tend to be cleaner, making the snow safer to eat. However, with just a thin layer from this weather event, it's best to pass on it and wait for a storm that brings several inches of accumulation. Instead, consider perfecting your snow angels, building a snowman or challenging your family to a snowball fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what experts generally recommend for eating snow. Dealing with freezing weather: Can you use hot water to defrost your windshield? Best way to melt ice from car Aisha Khatib, 13, eats snow during a snowstorm Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Its cold and tastes good! When is it safe to eat snow? When it comes to eating snow, not all of it is created equal. While fresh snow may look appealing, there are several factors to consider to ensure its safe and clean. Laura Martin, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Ohio State University College of Medicine, previously shared some expert tips with Food & Wine on how to safely enjoy snow, emphasizing the importance of avoiding contaminants and harvesting it properly. Here's what to keep in mind: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stick to pure white snow: Avoid gray, brown, muddy and most importantly yellow snow. Avoid ground-collected snow : Do not eat snow that is directly on the ground. The safest snow is the top layer, farthest from the ground and free of dirt, debris or critter activity. Skip plowed snow: Even if it looks clean, it could carry toxins. Harvest safely: Place a clean bowl outdoors in undisturbed areas to collect fresh, fluffy snow. It's also important to avoid eating snow from public spaces like parking lots, streets, or sidewalks, as it may contain rock salt or other chemicals used to prevent ice buildup. Additionally, steer clear of snow near animal feeders, ponds or other unfiltered water sources, which can introduce contaminants. Is it going to snow in Texas on Tuesday? Recent forecasts suggest a high likelihood of snow and freezing rain from Dallas-Fort Worth to Houston. Northern areas are expected to receive 1 to 3 inches of snow between Monday night and Tuesday morning, while Central Texas can expect 1 to 2 inches. The NWS Houston-Galveston office has issued a warning for up to 5 inches along the coast, with the possibility of heavy snow bands. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is it safe to eat snow? Here's what experts say SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) State Street Tattoo in Salem had a fundraiser for a local animal shelter on Saturday. It was All About the Pawz Dog Rescues annual Tattoos for Rescues benefit at the shop. Tattoos had to be pet-themed with a unique design or something prepared by the artist. A portion of each tattoo cost will be donated toward helping the dogs as well as some cats at the shelter. There were also two raffles for tattoos and piercings. For the tattoo raffle, every 5 pounds of dog food brought in went toward one ticket, and tickets for the piercing raffle were $5 with money going back to the shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope obviously to give them money for blankets, stuff like that. We have done different donations of things, which is usually for the tattooing and the piercing part of the proceeds. We dont like to give them just cash to get whatever they need because there a lot of vet bills they need. A lot of these animals are rescues that had been wounded. There was one that was shot, and theres all kinds of sad stuff you see. The event ended at 9 p.m. Tino DiCenso contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said human ability will still be valued, but it won't be "raw, intellectual horsepower." In a podcast interview earlier this month, he also talked about the emergence of agentic AI. Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence is beginning to reach a point where the world economy and the workforce will be completely changed, according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. On a Jan. 6 episode of the Re:Thinking podcast hosted by Adam Grant, Altman opened up about his ideas on the shifts that AI is going to spur. Eventually, I think the whole economy transforms, he said. We always find new jobs, even though every time we stare at a new technology, we assume theyre all going to go away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he acknowledged that some jobs do go away, people also find better things to do too, and Altman predicted that's what will happen with AI, saying it's the next step in technological progress. Then Grant pointed to an idea that human agility will be valued amid the AI revolution, rather than ability. Altman said ability will still be valued, but it won't be "raw, intellectual horsepower." I mean, the kind of dumb version of this would be figuring out what questions to ask will be more important than figuring out the answer, he added. Later in the conversation, the AI mogul described the evolution of humans interacting with earlier forms of artificial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He cited AIs beginnings playing chess and losing to humans, then AI surpassing a persons ability to play chess. Ultimately, AI and humans working together in chess beat an AI team. Then Altman pointed out he is expecting a child soon and noted the differences his child will face. My kid is never gonna grow up being smarter than AI, he said, noting that children in the future will only know a world with AI in it. "And that'll be natural," Altman added. "And of course it's smarter than us. Of course, it can do things we can't, but also who really cares? I think it's only weird for us in this one transition time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As AI is progressing, deep learning is reaching its agentic stage. An agent refers to how AI can autonomously perform tasks on the users behalf. Earlier this week, Altman and company tapped into its first rendition of agents by releasing a new feature on ChatGPT called "Tasks." This addition allows users to curate reminders or comprehensive summaries of current events. Later this month, the company is planning to release a boosted agent dubbed "Operator," Bloomberg reported. This feature has the capabilities to write code and even book travel. In his keynote speech at CES 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said that agentic AI is surging, noting that it will create a multitrillion-dollar industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI agents are the new digital workforce, he said. On the Re:Thinking podcast, Altman also tried to predict where he thinks agentic AI is headed as the technology continues to progress. Not like we can go give them a task where they program for three hours, but where we can have them go off and do something very complicated that would normally require like a whole organization over many years, he said. And I suspect we'll have to figure out new models again. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Jan. 22, 2025, marks one year since historic flooding hit San Diego, displacing hundreds and devastating neighborhoods. Many of communities, especially in Southeast San Diego, are still picking up the pieces and voicing their need for support, particularly from city leadership. Over the last 12 months, the Jackie Robinson YMCA in Mountain View has been a crucial resource hub for flood victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of the surrounding communities are still picking up the pieces and voicing their need for support, particularly from city leadership. IRS postpones tax filing deadline for San Diegans impacted by January flooding Its hard. Its hard to lose the coziness of your home. You know, just home, said Sylvie Veilleux, Southcrest resident. Tears still well up in the eyes of Sylvie Veilleux as she recounted the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding. Last January, historic floodwaters inundated her Southcrest neighborhood, leaving ruin behind. Little by little, with the help of family and friends, repairs are still coming along. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighborhoods still rebuilding after January 2024 flooding swept San Diego Walls once gutted are now restored. Her furniture sits on the side of her home, freeing up space to finish installing living room tiles. Now a work space, a year ago this area was under water. Its been doing your normal life and trying to live a normal life and your house being chaos, said Veilleux. Walking through her home is a constant reminder of unfinished work. San Diegans can receive discounted flood insurance, thanks to federal program Despite the dry winter so far, San Diego city officials are encouraging people to take advantage of a 15% discount on flood insurance made available through FEMAs community rating system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veilleux said she didnt have flood insurance when disaster struck and when she asked her carrier about it, she was told they didnt offer it because she didnt live in a flood zone. Her neighbor across the street Yvette Ceasar-Thomas did have insurance. But the deductible was high, so we just kind of took everything that was in the garage as a loss, said Ceasar-Thomas. After tire shop floods, employee carries elderly customer to safety That includes irreplaceable items like family photos. I thought I was getting back to normal when I got my car back, but in November my car was considered a total loss, said Ceasar-Thomas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearby, overgrown vegetation and debris stand in part of the stormwater channel. I want to know where the council members are, like why arent you checking on people? Are you checking on people? asked Veilleux. These areas in San Diego County are at the highest risk of flooding, data shows Its conditions like these that continue to raise concerns and questions from residents. Show us what youve done for the community. Show us why it still looks like crap out there, said Veilleux. The Southeast Disaster Relief Team will be hosting a community meeting at the Jackie Robinson YMCA on Monday, Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City and county leaders, along with other agencies, will be presenting their findings on the disaster one year later, and were told the information could be used to create a plan for addressing existing needs in impacted communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WAVERLY, N.Y. (WETM) A Sayre woman is facing multiple charges after she allegedly resisted a DWI arrest and threatened to kill police officers in Waverly. Janie L. Smith, 22, was arrested on Jan. 11 following what began as a hit-and-run investigation. The Waverly Police Department stated that officers were called to the Valley Bowling Alley on North Chemung Sreet at 11:13 p.m. for the reported crash and found the vehicle suspected to be involved at the nearby Dandy Mini Mart. Former Bradford County Youth Pastor pleads guilty to sexually assaulting teen girl Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After officers found the car, Smith was arrested at 11:53 p.m. on a misdemeanor DWI charge. Police say Smith refused to take a breath test and was verbally combative during her arrest. Smith allegedly yelled many homophobic, racial, and anti-Semitic slurs at the arresting officers and threatened to kill them. In addition to the DWI charge, Smith was charged with second-degree obstruction of governmental administration (a class A misdemeanor), second-degree harassment (a violation), and making terroristic threats (a class D felony). Smith is scheduled to appear in the Village of Waverly Court at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 23. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday reiterated the importance of commemorating the Holocaust and other horrific crimes committed by the Nazis. Scholz joined the Jewish community in Frankfurt at an event to mark the upcoming 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. "Not tolerating injustice, never looking away again, saying no: that must be our guiding principle today, 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz," Scholz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memory of the civilizational breach committed by Germans in the Holocaust must be kept alive and conveyed to every generation again and again, Scholz said. During the Holocaust, Nazi German perpetrators and collaborators systematically murdered an estimated 6 million Jews. The Nazis also brutalized and murdered members of other minority groups. "Our responsibility never ends," Scholz emphasized. The chancellor said anti-Semitism, right-wing extremism, nationalist ideas and sometimes blatant misanthropy are undergoing a frightening and alarming normalization in many places, he said. "The internet and social networks in particular often become a hotbed for extremist positions, incitement and hatred," Scholz warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He warned that this online hatred frequently threatens Jewish people in real life. It is more important than ever to clearly state the facts and draw the right lessons, he added. "Jewish life, that is Frankfurt. Jewish life, that is Germany. That is us," the chancellor stated. On January 27, 1945, Soviet troops liberated the survivors of the Nazi's Auschwitz extermination camp in German-occupied Poland. At the Auschwitz camp alone, the Nazis murdered more than 1 million people, most of them Jews. January 27 has been observed as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Germany since 1996. Jan. 18South Point hosts school fair; County fair set for Feb. 6 SOUTH POINT The Lawrence County Science Fair is coming up next month and, as it approaches, individual schools throughout the county are hosting school fairs to determine who qualifies for that competition. In the South Point District, Burlington Elementary School hosted their fair earlier this week, while on Thursday, 43 projects were set up in the gymnasium at South Point Elementary School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Projects were done by fifth graders and spanned six categories, Tabatha Gordillo, the fifth grade teacher overseeing the fair, said. Students presented their projects to judges from the community that morning, with awards set for later in the day at a reception with parents. Projects could be done by individuals, or a team effort, as was the case with Myles Joy and Garrett Hutchinson. Their project, "Boy vs. Bots," featured a track, set up with small robot to race around it. "We're both very much competitive," Joy said in their thought process for picking the topic. They were testing to see if the robot would make it around the track faster than a 10-year-old boy at comparable distance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hutchinson pointed out things they learned along the way, such as that the robot would hesitate for small bumps on the track. He said they hypothesized the robot would be faster. In the end, they found that the car would run six laps in the same timespan in took a boy to run four to six laps. In individual projects, Nahla Robinson was studying the effect of light on Venus flytraps. She had three of the plants, which she purchased at Lowe's, which she assigned to three different lighting conditions: direct light, indirect light and total darkness. She hypothesized that the plants would do best in the direct light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in her experiment, she found that the indirect light was best, and was an example how students can learn from the scientific process and experimentation. Taking her findings, Robinson theorized that the plant in direct light was introduced to it too quickly. She pointed out that the conditions in Lowe's were more like the indirect light that they were accustomed to. "Things That Go Bump in the Night" was a project by Lyndlee Edwards. "It's about how little kids think sounds in the walls and floors of a house come from monsters," she said. She said the goal of her experiment was to show those "creepy sounds could surely be explained by science." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To test this, she said they found spots in a house where there were pops and recorded the sounds. Then, she and her father built a device with wood and nails, which the heated by a fire, and cooled in a freezer. The result, she said, is that they found a similar pop to what was heard in the walls and floors. Edwards had grown quite adept at explaining her work. She remarked to her teacher, after her interview with The Tribune, that she could now do the presentation entirely without flash cards. Winners in their categories can go on to compete in the county science fair, which is organized by the Lawrence County Educational Services Center, Gordillo said. That event is set for Feb. 6. New research shows coral reefs might not keep up with ocean warming without fast action to limit Earth's heating to two degrees, reported Phys.org. What's happening? Scientists at Newcastle University in the U.K. created a model to study how well corals can evolve to handle warmer waters. The findings, published in the journal Science, reveal that natural selection can help corals survive rising temperatures, but only if we meet goals set in the Paris Agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The reality is that marine heat waves are triggering mass coral bleaching mortality events across the world's shallow tropical reef ecosystems, and the increasing frequency and intensity of these events is set to ramp up under climate change," said Dr. Liam Lachs, who led the research. "From modeling this current emissions scenario, we expect to see profound reductions in reef health and an elevated risk of local extinction for thermally sensitive coral species." Why is coral survival important? Coral reefs protect coastlines and support ocean life, which millions of people depend on for food and jobs. They shelter fish, create tourism opportunities, and maintain the health of our oceans. Without meeting Paris Agreement targets, Earth could warm by 3-5 degrees Celsius by 2100. Even natural selection might not save sensitive coral species at these temperatures, warns Professor Peter Mumby from Australia's University of Queensland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can still have fairly healthy corals in the future, but this requires more aggressive reductions in global emissions and strategic approaches to coral reef management," Mumby said. What's being done about coral protection? Scientists are exploring ways to help corals survive. The Coralassist Lab studies how to boost coral adaptation through selective breeding and other methods that could improve heat tolerance. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The loss of coral reefs would harm coastal communities, decrease fish populations, and weaken ocean health. Many people who rely on reefs for their daily needs would struggle. You can support coral protection by reducing energy use, choosing clean power, and backing policies that cut warming. Small actions add up. Switching to LED bulbs or taking shorter showers saves both money and coral reefs. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A growing number of coastal communities face a hidden threat to their water supplies. Saltwater from the ocean is seeping into underground freshwater sources that millions rely on for drinking and agriculture, reported Earth.com. What's happening? By 2100, three out of four coastal areas worldwide will experience saltwater moving into their freshwater supplies, according to new research from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The problem stems from rising seas pushing further inland and less rainfall to replenish underground water reserves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coastal water systems typically maintain a natural balance. Rain and groundwater create pressure that keeps ocean water at bay. But this balance is shifting as seas rise and weather patterns change. The zone where fresh and saltwater meet is moving inland up to 200 meters in some places. Why is saltwater intrusion concerning? When saltwater infiltrates drinking water supplies, it makes them unsafe and undrinkable. This puts immense pressure on coastal towns and cities to find new water sources. The areas facing the biggest risks include Southeast Asia, the Gulf of Mexico, and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. The threat goes beyond drinking water. Saltwater can harm coastal ecosystems, damage infrastructure, and make farmland unusable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Those that have the fewest resources are the ones most affected by sea level rise and climate change," says Ben Hamlington, a climate scientist at JPL. What's being done about saltwater intrusion? Communities are taking action to protect their water. Some focus on guarding groundwater resources in areas where less rainfall is the main problem. Others are redirecting water supplies where rising seas pose the greatest threat. Scientists are helping by creating tools to predict where intrusion will happen. This helps towns and cities prepare, especially in places with fewer resources to study the problem themselves. You can help by supporting local water conservation efforts and learning about how your community plans to keep drinking water safe as the seas rise. Small steps like fixing leaky pipes and using water-efficient fixtures reduce pressure on threatened groundwater supplies. 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. Vanathi Srinivasan, National President of BJP Mahila Morcha and a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Tamil Nadu recently travelled to the United Kingdom to participate in Pongal celebrations organised by the British Tamil Forum. As part of her visit, the UK chapter of the Overseas Friends of the BJP (OFBJP) held a special event at the Indian Gymkhana Club in London to welcome and honour her. The event was graced by Kuldeep Singh Shekhawat, President of the Overseas Friends of BJP UK, along with other dignitaries and community members. In a rough translation of her Tamil post on X, she wrote, "I attended the Indian Eelam Tamil Bridge event held in London @tamilsforum as a special guest. I spoke about the efforts made by Prime Minister @narendramodi for the progress of Sri Lankan Tamils over the past 10 years." https://x.com/VanathiBJP/status/1880549856357568519 In her address to the gathering, Srinivasan highlighted India's increasing influence and prominence on the global stage. She asserted that India can no longer be overlooked or ignored in international affairs. Srinivasan also acknowledged the widespread perception among the Indian diaspora that this transformation is often attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. She mentioned that many refer to the nation as "Modi's India," as he has become a global symbol representing the country's aspirations, progress, and achievements. The event reflected the pride of the Indian diaspora in India's global advancements and their recognition of the leadership shaping the country's international image. Notably, Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) was formed about 13 years ago and has units in the US, UK and Canada. OFBJP UK was started by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Arun Jaitley when they came to the UK. Kuldeep Shekhawat has been its president since March 2018. He has been actively involved in the political scenario since 1990 and moved to the United Kingdom in 2000. (ANI) MANILA, Philippines (AP) Nearly 200 Afghan nationals have been flown on to the United States after their special immigration visas were processed in the Philippines as part of an agreement between Manila and Washington, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said Sunday. The Afghans left the Philippines in several groups on commercial flights last week after completing their application process for resettlement in the U.S., according to the embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay. An embassy statement expressed "deep appreciation to the government of the Philippines for their cooperation and support for U.S. efforts to assist Afghan special immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Afghans, including many children, arrived in the Philippines on Jan. 6. Details of their numbers and location were kept secret by U.S. and Philippine officials. Washington covered the cost of their stay in the Philippines. The Afghans primarily worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan or were deemed eligible for U.S. special immigrant visas but were left behind when U.S. and NATO forces withdrew from Afghanistan after 20 years of war in August 2021 as the Taliban seized power. At the time, the Taliban takeover exposed Afghan supporters of U.S. forces to potential retaliatory attacks by Afghanistan's new rulers. Outgoing President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have blamed one another for the chaotic pullout of U.S. forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden discussed the Afghan resettlement issue with Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when he visited the U.S. last year, Philippine officials said. In July, the Philippines agreed to temporarily host a U.S. immigrant visa processing center for the Afghan nationals although there were concerns over security due to threats faced by some of the Afghans trying to flee from the Taliban rule. A senior Philippine official said last year that the accommodation in the Philippines was a one-time deal. Marcos has rekindled relations with the U.S. since his 2022 election victory and has allowed an expansion of the American military presence under a 2014 defense agreement in a decision that has alarmed China. The Marcos administration has also broadened military and defense ties with the U.S., Japan and Australia and moved to build stronger security relations with France, New Zealand and Canada to strengthen its territorial defense, including in the disputed South China Sea. That has dovetailed with the Biden administration efforts to boost an arc of security alliances in the Indo-Pacific to better address concerns over Chinas increasingly aggressive actions, including in the South China Sea, the East China Sea and in the Taiwan Strait, that have raised tensions to their highest level in decades. Editors Note: This story has been updated with new information from the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office. BLUFF CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) The Sullivan County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) said a man was killed in Bluff City on Sunday after allegedly attempting to burglarize a home. The SCSO said a 911 call regarding a burglary in progress occurred just before 11 a.m. from the 300 block of Buffalo Road. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Crime Watch While deputies were en route to the residence, it was reported that an individual was struck by gunfire and killed, the SCSO reported. Police identified the deceased as 28-year-old Nicholas Feathers. According to the SCSO, Ronald Wayne Price, 31, has been charged with second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and tampering with evidence. As of Monday, Price is being held in the Sullivan County Jail 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) A second arrest has been made in connection to an armed robbery that happened in Attleboro Tuesday. BACKGROUND: Police: Armed robbery at Attleboro business leads to crash, arrest Attleboro Deputy Police Chief Tim Cook said 30-year-old Lavell Poston was arrested at his home in East Greenwich Thursday by Rhode Island State Police. Police previously said the robbery, which took place at N&R Wholesale on Mann Street, involved six masked suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first arrest took place in Cumberland, where police there arrested 23-year-old Chance McKinney after a crash. ALSO READ: Attleboro armed robbery suspect arrested in Cumberland Poston is awaiting arraignment on fugitive from justice charges, Cook said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A second suspect in a northeast area murder from last month has been arrested by law enforcement in Texas according to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). In late December, APD says Javier Irigoyen and Francisco Garcia-Franco shot and killed a man near the intersection of Dallas and Menaul. Police: 50-year-old man arrested for paying 14-year-old human trafficking victim for sex Police say surveillance video shows Irigoyen driving off with Garcia-Franco fleeing the scene on foot. Irigoyen was arrested earlier this month and APD announced Saturday Garcia-Franco was arrested in El Paso late Friday night Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both are facing murder conspiracy and tampering charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Revelations that three UCLA orthodontics professors solicited unauthorized fees from international students sent shock waves through the universitys highly regarded dentistry school in 2020. An independent investigation commissioned by UCLA including scores of interviews, reviews of over 300,000 emails, and 79,000 other documents and financial records concluded that the influential faculty members had engaged in serious misconduct, leading them to leave their prestigious positions. But until recently, the full report has been suppressed, and it paints a far more troubling picture of alleged improper governmental activities, including allegations of fraud, extortion, violations of conflict of interest laws and misappropriation of public money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three professors waged a legal battle against The Times for more than two years to muzzle the report by the Hueston Hennigan law firm. However, in June, an appeals court ruled that the Hueston investigation was extensive and that UCLA must release the report, with redactions, emphasizing its public interest and reliability. In its opinion, the appeals court upheld a trial judges prior order to release the report, after The Times and a whistleblower filed public records requests. "Plaintiffs make no effort to show that the misconduct alleged was not of a substantial nature," the court wrote. "And it is plain from the record before us that there were 'sufficient indicia of reliability' to support a reasonable conclusion the whistleblower complaint and the Hueston report were well founded." Read more: LAT Appeals Court Opinion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the reports findings, the university offered settlements to each of the three professors, allowing them to resign with no finding of misconduct and without formal disciplinary proceedings. Some allegations in the investigation were not substantiated, the report said. The three professors involved are Kang Eric Ting, former chair of the orthodontics section of the dentistry school; Won Moon, former program director of the International Residency Program and the Advanced Clinical Training program; and Jin Hee Kwak, a former junior faculty member. In a statement to The Times, Ting claimed that the investigation was initiated as retaliation for reporting a scientific malfeasance among [his] colleagues. He called the report, a document filled with unproven claims that me and my colleagues were never given a proper chance to fully review, rebuke and disprove. Two people walk up stairs at UCLA in Westwood last summer. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) (The Hueston investigation found that Ting had allegedly harassed another professor during her tenure process, including making the academic misconduct allegations. This section of the report has been partially redacted.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email, Moon said that the report contained baseless accusations against me and the unfair investigation and accused the Hueston Hennigan law firm of serving as a shield and a sword for UCLA. Kwak did not return calls seeking comment. The report found that two international students were convinced to pay $30,000 a year $120,000 total into a UCLA Foundation fund, created by Ting and Kwak in collaboration with the UCLA development office, the report said. University development officials were led to believe that the fund was created in anticipation of a gift to support research training, but the investigation found no evidence that the money in the donation fund supported either students research expenses. Read more: Hueston Hennigan Report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regular tuition for international students in the Orthodontics Clinic ranges from $57,000 to $70,000. Payments deposited into the fund named the Orthodontic International Training Program for Research Education Fund were used for various expenses, including a lab freezer, computer hard drives, and a $26,000 transfer to an account controlled by Tings spouse, a plastic surgery professor at UCLA, the report said. When asked, a spokesman for Ting did not provide a reason for the transfer to his spouses account, stating that no faculty member or researcher at the university had access to the Orthodontic International Training Program for Research Education Fund for any personal use. An internal document by UCLAs Audit and Advisory Service reviewed by The Times indicated that Ting and his spouse reportedly collaborate[d] on various research endeavors. The document stated, "expenditures charged to the fund by this unit likewise fell into the categories of vivarium [animal] charges and scientific supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to The Times, Tings wife defended her husband and his work in the orthodontics clinic. She did not address questions about how funds under her control were spent. The report found that the dentistry school's implementation of a profit-sharing program that allows some health science faculty to receive additional compensation violated university policy because it was funded by student fees, rather than the clinic's income from professional services. Ting and Moon were found to have engaged in improper governmental activities, including conflict of interest, by making decisions "that directly impacted the payments each faculty member would receive," the report said. A Bruin statue at UCLA. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Ting allegedly used his position as orthodontics chair to lower section expenses, including seeking to cut pay for part-time instructors in the clinic, to preserve faculty profit-sharing payments, according to the report. After the findings were presented to UCLA, Moon and Kwak were sent letters of intent to dismiss. Ting, a tenured faculty member, was placed on involuntary leave pending formal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of the professors later entered into settlement agreements with the university, allowing two months of paid leave, voluntary resignations, and no findings of misconduct. The agreements also prevented the professors from seeking employment in the UC system. Upholding UCLA's values of transparency, integrity, and accountability, we engaged an external firm to investigate a complaint of potential misconduct, Dean Paul Krebsbach said in a comment to The Times. After receiving the report, the School of Dentistry took corrective action to ensure improved adherence to university policies, including the implementation of tighter protocols related to financial reporting. In a statement, Ting said that he accepted the settlement agreement because after years of trying to be an educator in a hostile work environment that was starting to negatively impact my health, [I] acquiesced to the pressure. Moon told The Times that he accepted the settlement because he believed it was better, for everyone's sake, to move on. I did not want to drag my students into my battle with UCLA, nor did I want to engage in lengthy and expensive litigation with UCLA, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report details a complicated set of transactions demanded of the students, with implications that not complying would affect their studies. After admission into the highly selective international residency program in 2014, one student was approached by an orthodontics staffer requesting what was described as an obligatory donation of $30,000 a year, the report said. The staffer told investigators that Ting and Moon instructed them to approach the Middle Eastern student on the assumption that his government sponsor could and would pay for [the fee]. The student, not named in the report, was previously enrolled in another international student program and was sponsored by a governmental nonprofit. As chair of the section and director of international programs, Ting and Moon directly impacted international student recruitment, admissions decisions, and mentorship. Kwak also had ready access to students, having taught courses in the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The professors were active in training students, writing and giving exams, and designing program curricula. The Times reviewed emails obtained through public records requests between Ting and Moon and international students which show that the professors were often approached to be professional evaluators, recommenders, and mentors to aspiring international orthodontists. Feeling very scared, the Hueston report said, the student relayed the donation request to officials at the governmental nonprofit sponsoring his education. According to email exchanges cited in the report, the nonprofit questioned Moon on the origin and purpose of the donation, which had not previously been disclosed in the students letter of acceptance. According to the report, the additional $30,000 fee was then presented as a cost to equip international students with basic and advanced research skills, accompanied by invoices and letters with the School of Dentistry letterhead. The investigation found that the alleged promised research skills went beyond the scope of the international resident program and had not been approved by the university. The report refers to an invoice for $30,000 that the Hamad Medical Corporation, a public healthcare provider in Qatar, paid to the Orthodontic Research Foundation for Trainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emails show that if payments for the student were not received by a certain date, orthodontics faculty and staff threatened to suspend his activities. Either they pay or [the student] is taking time off until we get paid, Moon said in an email exchange with an orthodontics staffer, according to the report. The professors later claimed that the student requested additional training. Despite working in Tings lab during his residency, the student told investigators he received no enhanced or special research training. In a statement to The Times, Ting said that the students thesis was the culmination of the advanced training. The Hamad Medical Corporation subsequently paid a total of $90,000 in fees for the students three-year residency program. The payments were purported to the student as program fees and to the university as donations, constituting fraud and extortion under California law, the report concluded. Previously, The Times reported that certain orthodontics residents were required to pay extra fees and that the professors received incentive and bonus compensation based on the payments. The report clarifies that the extra fees paid by the international students were deposited into the gift fund and not included in the monies delegated for the profit-sharing arrangement. By having the student pay directly into a gift fund, the professors were able to bypass fees typically taken out of tuition by the university, including a 40% Deans Tax, the report said. Shortly after the first incident, a second student, also unnamed in the report, was notified of her acceptance into the Combo-Track program, a combination research and clinical training program. The student, already enrolled in an orthodontics program at UCLA, would be required, the report said, to pay an additional $30,000 with the promise, from Moon, of becoming more competitive for an orthodontics residency. According to the report, the orthodontics section did not seek approval or receive authorization from the university for the Combo-Track program or the additional fees associated with it. The student, previously rejected from UCLAs international residency program, decided to join the Combo-Track program and made multiple payments into the gift fund totaling the required $30,000. To make payments, the student took out a loan with her bank, which required proof that the payment was for tuition needs. Knowing that the student could not obtain a loan without that proof, Moon insisted that the term donation should not be used, and a letter to the student was amended to state that the $30,000 fee was a tuition cost. While these payments were being made, the UCLA development office sent the student thank you notes for her generous gift. The report said that when the student was slow to make her payments, both Moon and Kwak admonished that her research participation would be suspended. A spokesman for UCLA said that after the Hueston Hennigan report, both parties were refunded the entirety of their payments ($30,000 and $90,000 respectively). The university said it has implemented a number of recommendations, including allocating dedicated staff and faculty resources including a newly created director of postgraduate programs to oversee the tracking of postgraduate fees and transactions. Since they departed from the university, the three professors have continued to work in academic positions with significant access to and influence on students. Kwak started a private practice and is a part-time professor at USC. Moon holds professor and adjunct professor positions at Ajou University School of Medicine and Kyung Hee University, both in South Korea, and The Forsyth Institute in Boston. Ting is an adjunct professor at The Forsyth Institute and the executive director and a founding committee member of the International Orthodontics Foundation. His website says he has mentored more than 39 master of science students, seven PhD students and more than 16 postdoctoral fellows. 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. It was a mothers worst nightmare. When Brittney Jade Dwyer was arrested and later convicted of murdering her own grandfather Robert Whitwell in a plot to steal his life savings, the callous crime shocked the entire country of Australia. Since then, her mother Tanya Dwyer has continued to look for answers. In her first interview about the murder, originally aired in 2017 and republished last week by 7News, the Australian mother says she never suspected her daughter Brittney was capable of such a cold-blooded act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are the signs that I missed? What did I miss? What didnt I see? What didnt I pick up on? Tanya says in the interview, which aired alongside exclusive interviews with Brittneys brother Ryan Whitwell-Dwyer and best friend and co-conspirator Bernadette Burns. Authorities said that Burns, then 21, knew about her 19-year-old best friends plot to kill her grandfather. Whitwell, who was 81 when he was killed, had recently confided in Tanya that he had roughly $100,000 in savings locked away in his shed because he didnt trust leaving the cash with a bank. Brittney was in the room when her grandfather told her mother about the cash, Tanya told 7News back in 2017. But what happened next never crossed her mind, she tearfully explained. Both Brittney and Bernadette pleaded guilty to their roles in Whitwells murder, according to the Australian Broadcasting Company. The outlet reported that Bernadette waited in the car and put on makeup while Brittney went into the home and slashed her grandfathers throat, placing a bandage on his fatal wound before turning around and doing the dishes as he died in the kitchen next to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For three weeks after her grandfathers murder, Brittneys brother told 7News she appeared distraught. Her mother even told the outlet that her daughter hysterically burst into tears when she was first told about her grandfathers death. Tanya recalled that Brittney appeared disheveled when she arrived back at her mothers house so they could travel together to Whitwells home to the crime scene after learning about his death. I didnt put two and two together, the mother told 7News. I was in a state of shock, I think. 7 News Spotlight/YouTube Brittney Dwyer and Tanya Dwyer Brittney Dwyer and Tanya Dwyer After 21 days, police called Tanya to break the news that her daughter had been arrested for murdering her own grandfather. This cant possibly be true, Brittneys brother recalled thinking, he told 7News. 7 News Spotlight/YouTube Robert Whitwell Robert Whitwell During the trial, Brittneys defense attorney told the courtroom that she was inspired in part by the FX television series American Horror Story. And later, Brittney claimed she had been sexually assaulted by her grandfather as a child, which led to her antipathy for him a claim the rest of the Dwyer-Whitwell family vehemently disputed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was furious, Tanya told 7News about the accusation. And thats the reason why I would still slap her in the face, that anger thats inside. 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. Brittney was sentenced to life in prison with a mandatory 21 years before the possibility of parole, according to ABC, while Bernadette was also given a life sentence but with the possibility of parole after 13 years served. Ive lost two people, Tanya told 7News in the interview republished last week, choking up as tears ran down her face. Ive lost my dad and Ive lost my daughter, and I dont know if Ill ever understand the whole story. Read the original article on People LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WATE) Two people wanted in connection to a fatal Lenoir City shooting were taken into custody by US Marshals in West Knox County on Sunday. The Loudon County Sheriffs Officer responded to a home on Taylor Lane on the evening of Jan. 18 for a reported shooting. The victim was identified as 38-year-old Eric Matthew Leach. 20-year-old facing murder charge after Knox County overdose death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators identified two persons of interest and asked to the public to report any sightings of a dark blue 2004 GMC Yukon that was believed to have fled the scene shortly after the incident. Warrants were later issued for Ashley Sharp, 30, and Vincent Ellis, 31. Sharp was charged with first-degree murder. Ellis was charged with a charge of being an accessory after the fact. Investigators said the two may have been headed towards Knox County. Ashley Sharp (Photo from Loudon County Sheriffs Office) Vincent Ellis (Photo from Loudon County Sheriffs Office) READ: More top stories on WATE.com On Sunday, Sharp and Ellis were taken into custody in West Knox County by the US Marshals Service. This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the tremendous cooperation and support from our law enforcement partners, the United States Marshals Service and the Knox County Sheriffs Office, our media partners, as well as the public, said Sheriff Jimmy Davis. Sheriff Davis continued, The successful capture of Ashley Sharp and Vincent Ellis demonstrates the power of teamwork and the critical role the community plays in assisting law enforcement efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. President-elect Donald Trump has powerful allies on the ground preparing to help him execute his plan to deport millions of illegal immigrants: the nations sheriffs. Long viewed as crucial to federal immigration authorities efforts to track down and remove people who cross the border illegally, many Republican sheriffs are preparing in a second Trump term to arrest even more. Many of these sheriffs, aligned with Trump, are expecting to see an expansion of a federal program empowering them to interview and detain suspected undocumented immigrants. Theyre also hopeful Congress will supply funding that would allow them to conduct more patrols specifically intent on capturing migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriffs are going to be emboldened, said Thomas Hodgson, who served as sheriff of Bristol County, Massachusetts, for 25 years and appeared alongside other sheriffs at the White House during Trumps first term. Theyre going to realize that, Hey, look, [Trump] is a guy who means what he says us stepping in and taking charge, were going to get backed up and were going to be able to do what we took an oath to do. Youre going to see sheriffs very, very active in this immigration front, Hodgson said. On the eve of Trumps inauguration, many Republican sheriffs believe they have never had more political capital than at this moment. Frustration over immigration helped propel Trump to the White House and sheriffs cooperation will be instrumental in his plans to carry out an expensive and complicated mass deportation operation. Sheriffs are unique in law enforcement in that they are elected to their positions and many have latched onto Trumps tough-on-crime brand to boost their own political prospects. Sheriffs absolutely feel empowered by the results of the election, said Volusia County, Florida, Sheriff Michael Chitwood. It may take away the guardrails. You may see sheriffs go in and start to do immigration checks. You may get to see something that we didn't do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps plan to rely on local law enforcement to round up immigrants and place them in massive detention centers will quickly get complicated. The nations immigration system is ruled by a patchwork of conflicting state laws and local ordinances and some sheriffs explicitly reject cooperation with ICE, persuaded that inquiring about immigration status undercuts public safety because it discourages some people from cooperating with law enforcement. Theres already a clash brewing between so-called sanctuary cities and the incoming Trump administration, with some sheriffs getting caught in the middle. Trump border czar Tom Homan has vowed to slash federal funding for cities that resist mass deportation plans. Right now most sheriffs are on standby, said Megan Noland, executive director for the Major County Sheriffs Association. The group, which represents sheriffs serving counties with a population greater than 400,000, will be advocating for no funding or grant penalties for sheriffs within a sanctuary city. Taking away funding from any law enforcement agency is not going to result in better outcomes or better policing, Noland said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officials in heavily Democratic California, the nations most populated state, may be in an especially difficult spot. The state passed a law in 2017 limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday said he expects law enforcement across the state to fully comply. In San Diego, county supervisors went a step further, passing a measure in December to prevent county resources from being used to aid federal immigration enforcement. Soon after, the county sheriff, Kelly Martinez, said she would not honor the policy, arguing that the board had no authority over her office. In a statement, Martinez said she would continue sharing certain information with ICE as permitted by state law. Immigration advocacy groups are primed to challenge Trumps deportation efforts, including any changes to the federal program he is expected to use to compel cooperation from local law enforcement, like he did in his first term. Advocates argue that the program, referred to by its statute number 287(g), is ripe for civil rights violations and racial profiling. Law enforcement participants are encouraged to stop and arrest people on the pretext of traffic violations or other minor offenses for the actual purpose of putting them in a pipeline to deportation and separation from their families, according to a 2022 ACLU report. Under the Trump administration, participation in the program skyrocketed, growing from 34 local agencies at the end of the Obama administration to more than 140 state and local law enforcement agency partnerships. Trump officials are readying a slew of immigration executive orders to be signed on his first day in office, and an expansion of 287(g) is on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration advocates are concerned that Trump could change the nature of the program to focus more on policing the streets, beyond its current iteration that mainly rewards sheriffs for detaining suspected undocumented immigrants in their jails, said Naureen Shah, deputy director of government affairs at the ACLU and lead author of the report. The reason I think that is in the cards is the Trump administration wants to deport 20 million people, she said. Thats impossible to do on their own. So really when they say mass deportation, a pillar of that is getting people to self-deport because its just uncomfortable to be here. Trumps most ardent supporters among sheriffs are found in the constitutional sheriffs movement, a far-right, conspiracy-minded contingent who believes that sheriffs hold the highest authority, beyond even state and federal officials. One of its leaders, Richard Mack, the former sheriff of Graham County, Arizona, claims he has told Trump and Homan about our intention to help him and help the president with the deportation. Republican governors are largely in lockstep with the Trump administrations immigration agenda, and some are preparing to dispatch the National Guard. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for a special session of the legislature aiming to put the state in a position to help the incoming Trump administration on the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a responsibility to be in this fight, DeSantis said at a recent press conference. While Florida has already outlawed sanctuary cities, DeSantis wants the Legislature to enact new policies and carve out funding for local law enforcement to enforce immigration. DeSantis suggested that local officials could be suspended for neglecting their duties on immigration, pledging that a crackdown will benefit overall public safety, pointing to illegal immigrants who were arrested for looting after hurricanes struck the state last year. I have a lot of sheriffs out there that are chomping at the bit, they want to be able to help, he said. Will McCarthy, Nicole Norman and Andrew Atterbury contributed to this report The TikTok logo is displayed outside TikTok offices on March 12, 2024 in Culver City, California. House Republicans are moving forward with legislation which would force the owners of the popular Chinese social media app to sell the platform or face a ban in the United States. Mario Tama/Getty Images TikTok will go dark Sunday for roughly 170 million users due to a proposed ban in the U.S, which a majority of Texas politicians have backed. 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, app representatives said in a statement on X. While TikTok isnt going to disappear from users' phones, updates will not be available and new users will not be able to download the app. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Friday, the Supreme Court made a final say in an ongoing battle about the popular apps implications on free speech and national security, as TikTok is owned by a China-based parent company, ByteDance. In a unanimous decision, the court upheld a law forcing TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app by Jan. 19 2025. If TikTok doesnt sell, the app will face a nationwide ban. TikTok claimed that law violated First Amendment rights, but the court rejected that claim. The vast majority of Texas reps voted yes for the TikTok ban in March of last year, with the exception of the late Sheila Jackson Lee from Harris County, Joaqin Castro and Greg Casarcasar. Representatives Roger Williams and Kay Granger did not vote. Democratic Representative Colin Allred was put in the spotlight by the Texas Tribune for voting for the TikTok ban, despite being a prolific poster of fit checks on the app. Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who has been a staunch contender against TikTok in recent years, has vocalized concern over how TikToks connection to the Chinese Community Party could threaten national security. Cruz has also brought up the apps impact on young audiences. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Young people are susceptible to TikTok propaganda praising Osama bin Laden because they have been taught Cultural Marxist propaganda from the womb, Cruz wrote on X in 2023. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has also been a hard-fisted critic of the app, suing TikTok several times in recent years. Most recently, Paxton sued TikTok in early January for deceptively marketing its app as safe for minors, despite regularly showing inappropriate and explicit material to children. The filing includes examples of content posted on TikTok that depicted self-harm, sexually explicit acts and drug use. Paxton also sued TikTok in October of 2024 for allegedly violating the Texas Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act. The act bars digital service providers from sharing, disclosing or selling a minors personal identifying information without permission from the childs legal guardian. I will continue to hold TikTok and other Big Tech companies accountable for exploiting Texas children and failing to prioritize minors online safety and privacy, Paxton said last October. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott banned TikTok on government-issued phones in 2023, saying the apps connection to the Chinese government could threaten state information. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The security risks associated with the use of TikTok on devices used to conduct the important business of our state must not be underestimated or ignored, Abbott said in 2023. It is critical that state agencies and employees are protected from the vulnerabilities presented by the use of this app and other prohibited technologies as they work on behalf of their fellow Texans. Texas has taken action to protect our state from interference by the Chinese Communist Party. Laws I signed stop China from accessing our power grid, ban TikTok for state agencies & public universities, & more. President Biden must do the same for our nation as a whole. pic.twitter.com/N0ROVC2yeJ Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) July 17, 2023 Data collection and analysis is a common practice in this digital age. But TikToks scale and susceptibility to foreign adversary control, together with the vast swaths of sensitive data the platform collects, justify differential treatment to address the governments national security concerns, the Supreme Court wrote in its opinion Friday. The federal law banning the app was passed with bipartisan support, but President Joe Biden has indicated that he would not enforce the law, as his final full day in office is Sunday. President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly been considering an executive order and even invited TikTok CEO, Shou Chew, to his Mar-a-Lago estate in December. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MSD) has detected nine Chinese aircraft and six naval vessels around the island as of 6 am (UTC+8) on Sunday. Among them, four aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Sharing a post on X, MND wrote, "9 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today." "4 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," the post added. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1880782230978506770 On Saturday, MND detected 17 aircraft and six naval vessels of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) operating around the island. Thirteen of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's 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) When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Mark Zuckerberg pictured during an interview on 'The Circuit with Emily Chang' at Meta's California HQ last summer. | Credit: Jason Henry / Bloomberg / Getty Images Silicon Valley billionaires are busy finding ways to "kiss Donald Trump's ass", said Nikki McCann Ramirez in Rolling Stone. Amazon boss Jeff Bezos is donating $1 million to the president-elect's inauguration fund; Apple CEO Tim Cook and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have made similar donations; Elon Musk has styled himself "first buddy". And now Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg is sucking up to the man who not long ago called him "Zuckerschmuck" and said that he should be jailed if he "interfered" in the election. After flying to Mar-a-Lago to dine with Trump and placing one of his cronies, Dana White, on Meta's board of directors, Zuckerberg has announced plans to dial back content moderation on Facebook and Instagram. Meta will stop using third-party fact-checkers, and will instead, like X/Twitter, rely on users adding context and corrections. Fact-checkers, he said, were "too politically biased". In short, Zuckerberg has gone full Musk, said Chris Stokel-Walker in The Guardian. This will spell disaster for objective fact on Meta's platforms. Welcome to a "new era of lies". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These changes are no doubt partly motivated by Zuckerberg's desire to mend fences with Trump, said The Wall Street Journal. But they're also a response to the election, in which voters expressed a clear frustration with "progressive imperialism". There's no denying that Meta's fact-checking system did tip over into censorship at times, said Megan McArdle in The Washington Post. Among the stories that it wrongly suppressed was the New York Post's expose about Hunter Biden's laptop, and speculation that Covid came from a lab leak in China. No doubt this move will inject more "right-wing garbage" into the public sphere, said Natasha Lennard on The Intercept. But the idea that these gatekeepers could deliver us from demagoguery was always misplaced. One study found that posts labelled as false by Facebook only saw an 8% reduction in sharing. If debunking misinformation worked, Trump wouldn't be where he is today. We're probably wrong, anyway, to look at these platforms as either magically persuasive or as "hubs for digital democracy". Ultimately, they're profit-generating tools for their self-interested owners. Zuckerberg, lest we forget, is still facing an antitrust lawsuit over claims that Meta bought Instagram and WhatsApp to crush competition. "Luckily for him, Trump responds well to bootlicking." SIOUX CITY, Ia (KCAU) Dozens of people packed into the Sioux City Museum to help celebrate the Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is a holiday that is celebrated that is based on the lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year holiday is celebrated in many Asian countries. When people travel and move to new areas, they bring their traditions with them. You may have heard it referred to as Chinese New Year but Vietnamese countries, other countries all celebrate the Lunar New Year, said Thresea Weaver, Curator of Education for the Sioux City Public Museum. This is the first time the Sioux City Museum has celebrated the Lunar New Year. The day involved a focus on the dragon, the color red, and making red lanterns. It also included Lion Dancers and two stories were read to help explain the Lunar New Year. Everyone who came to the celebration went home with a red envelope that had a coin in it and a piece of candy all symbolizing good luck in the new year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first time ever and were able to collaborate with the city and local folks in the area and Im so glad that everyone can come and see what we have to offer to the city. said Community Organizer Peggy La. Baby boy surrendered through Iowas Safe Haven Law in December The Lunar New Year celebration typically lasts about 16 days and there is a focus on the family. Our family will cook a great big family meal. Kind of like a Christmas dinner, thanks giving dinner but it will be the Chinese, Vietnamese way. The whole family comes over, we all eat together and we enjoy each others company. added La Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This event at the museum is also a great way to learn about a different culture. Here at the museum, we take care to celebrate the cultures and the traditions of all of our community. And so it might not be a tradition youre familiar with but its a tradition people in our community celebrate and so its a great way to learn about your neighbors and learn more about Sioux City, added Weaver In the lunar calendar, 2025 is the year of the wooden snake which symbolizes renewal, transformation, and growth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticised the recent visit of Slovak MPs to Kyiv, calling it a "gesture of sycophancy". Source: Slovak news outlet Pravda, citing Fico in an address, as reported by European Pravda Details: In the address, Fico accused opposition MPs of preparing a coup d'etat. The Slovak prime minister stressed that the current government "will be ready for anything, especially for a possible Maidan" [referring to the 2014 Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico claimed that the Slovak MPs who visited Kyiv on 17 January had "kissed Zelenskyy's ring" and promised support for Ukraine's NATO membership if they gained power. He also asserted that they had promised Slovakia would join in sending a contingent of Western troops to Ukraine. "The government I lead will never support Ukraine's membership in NATO, as it will only lead to World War III. We will also never propose sending troops to Ukraine to use their weapons against Russia," he said. He stressed that he plans to "respond" to the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine and threatened to veto any further EU aid to Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Robert Fico is a Slovak prime minister, not a Ukrainian servant," he added. At the same time, Fico defended his fellow party member, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Tibor Gaspar, who has acknowledged the possibility of Slovakia's withdrawal from the EU. "I absolutely agree with him that Slovakia should prepare for all possible crises that the EU may face in a very short period of time," he concluded. Background: Gaspar, together with the leader of the nationalist Slovak National Party, Andrej Danko, recently made a several-day trip to Russia. Subsequently, it was reported that a delegation of Slovak opposition politicians had arrived in Kyiv to support friendly relations with Ukraine amidst the ongoing tensions between Kyiv and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. On the same day, Zelenskyy held a meeting with Michal Simecka, leader of the largest Slovak opposition party, Progressive Slovakia. Support UP or become our patron! Bomb disposal units from Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES) have received Kozak PM-L explosive ordnance disposal vehicles from Slovenia. Source: SES; European Pravda Details: The SES noted that it had received three Kozak PM-L explosive ordnance disposal vehicles through the assistance of UNITED24, a Ukrainian government-run fundraising platform, with financial support from the Slovenian government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These specialised off-road vehicles are equipped for transporting special equipment, conducting mine clearance operations and carrying small explosive items to designated destruction sites. Background: On Friday, 17 January, Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon visited Kyiv. On the same day, participants in a ministerial meeting between Ukraine and the countries of Southeast Europe opposed adopting any initiatives concerning Ukraine's future without its involvement. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's State Emergency Service announced Jan. 18 that it received three specialized demining vehicles from Slovenia. The vehicles, Cossack PM-L specialized off-road trucks, can be used for demining and for transporting equipment and explosive objects. The transfer was completed with financial support from the Slovenian government and with assistance from the UNITED24 platform, which connects and coordinates raising funds for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This will help significantly reduce the risks to the lives of our sappers and make the process of explosives disposal faster and more reliable," said the head of the State Emergency Service Andrii Danyk. "We are grateful for your support, which allows us to work more efficiently even in war conditions." Last month, Slovenia pledged to continue providing significant support to Ukraine during a two-day ministerial NATO meeting in Brussels. "Slovenia provides significant support to Ukraine in the form of material, humanitarian, and military aid and will continue to do so as long as it is necessary," Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon told journalists. Read also: Russia condemns 100-year partnership agreement between Ukraine and UK Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Just 1,000 people gathered in Lower Manhattan as part of the rebranded Womens March in protest of President-Elect Donald Trumps inauguration a far cry from the estimated 200,000 that flocked to Midtown for the historic rally in 2017. The crowds were marching in solidarity with the newly-minted Peoples March in Washington, DC, where thousands rallied in the name of racial justice, reproductive freedom, workers rights, climate action, LGBTQ+ equality, disability rights and woke causes progressives are worried the Republican administration will strip away. The estimated 1,000 protesters accounted for just half of what organizers were expecting for the inaugural New York City Peoples March, which evolved out of the Womens March to include concerns beyond the scope of womens issues. Roughly 1,000 protesters showed up for the Peoples March in Lower Manhattan Saturday. William Farrington Marchers rallied in the name of abortion, workers rights and other woke causes. William Farrington I think Trump is gonna fk us Id like to say Im hopeful but really, Im just terrified, Tanya Baranova, 36, told The Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baranova, originally from Ukraine, said the USs position in her mother countrys ongoing war with Ukraine is her largest concern. The iconic pink pussyhats that were introduced at the original 2017 march have also matured along with the identity change 27-year-old Ken of Syracuse proudly displayed a sign reading We march for Ussy, meaning us. The Peoples March compared to the Womens March I like the idea of that, building coalition and having other groups join us, I like that idea. Were all being attacked right now. So power to the people and there is more power when were all together, Derek Januszka, 26, said. Organizers outlined a list of demands for this years march, which included an end to gun violence and police brutality, economic justice and fair wages, as well as solidarity with trans and queer youth. The Peoples March evolved from the Womens March, which was created in 2017 ahead of Trumps first inauguration. WF An inflatable Trump showed up at the Peoples March in Washington, DC on Saturday. Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiffany Jade Munroe, 30, of the Caribbean Equality Project led chants as the crowd moved through the streets, including Womens rights are human rights and Whose got the power? Weve got the power! She told The Post: For me what I think is different this time around is that I see a lot more inclusivity we have workers here, we all these womens right organizations, we have trans people, we have undocumented immigrants braving this weather, they dont care about cops, they dont care about anything, they just want their voice to be heard. Fellow organizer Jay W. Walker, of Gays Against Guns, said he feels threatened by the incoming Trump administration. Protester Jay Walker said everyone who isnt a rich, straight, cisgender, heterosexual man is under threat of the new Trump administration. Marie Pohl/NY Post The crowd size paled in comparison to 2017 marches. REUTERS It is essentially everyone in this country who is not a rich, straight, cisgender, heterosexual man. So it made no sense for it to be a Womens March. Its a Peoples March, said Walker, 57. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite expanding its audience, the Peoples March failed to draw in even a sliver of the 200,000-strong crowd that stormed the streets at the first-ever Womens March the Big Apple in 2017. The turnout was stronger in Washington, DC, Saturday, where thousands rallied. Organizers expected roughly 50,000 to show up for the gathering, which also pales in comparison to the 500,000 who turned out eight years ago. Some attendees to a viral stand-up comedian's sold-out performance at the Heritage Bank Center Saturday were stuck waiting outside in near-freezing conditions as he took stage. Shane Gillis' show was scheduled to start at 8 p.m., but it began with a 20-minute delay as attendees waited outside to pass through security and enter the venue, Heritage Bank Center spokesman Sean Lynn told The Enquirer. "We recognize that some patrons experienced longer wait times during entry to the Shane Gillis performance last evening," Lynn said. "While our entry systems are designed to exceed industry standards, large and concentrated surges of arrivals, such as last nights, can pose logistical challenges." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynn said nearly two-thirds of the audience arrived at or just after 7:30 p.m., creating a surge right before showtime. He also attributed the delay to attendees' unfamiliarity with the arena's bag policy, which permits only clear totes and small, clutch-sized bags. One attendee, local WCPO news anchor Tanya O'Rourke, took to social media to voice her concerns. In a video O'Rourke posted on X at 8:04 p.m., four minutes after the show was scheduled to begin, a large crowd is seen still outside the Heritage Bank Center as O'Rourke said people weren't being let inside. The temperature around showtime was about 33 degrees, according to National Weather Service records. Kinda unbelievable. The #shanegillis show was supposed to start at 8. Its 8 and heritage bank arena either isnt letting people in or something isnt right @WCPO pic.twitter.com/Vjx3qLi92n Tanya O'Rourke (@TanyaORourke) January 19, 2025 O'Rourke finally posted at 8:47 p.m. that she made it inside after an hour of waiting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynn said 96% of attendees were in the venue by the time Gillis took the stage and that early arrivals to the center after doors opened at 6:30 p.m. had experienced little to no wait. Another attendee, Ryan Heathcock, told The Enquirer the crowd was manageable for a sold-out show and it only took him and his girlfriend 10 minutes to get inside. "Lines were long but moved quick. It was easy to get drinks, go to the bathroom, and get to our seats," Heathcock said. "Getting out was slow but typical of a large event." The 17,750-seat Heritage Bank Center, longtime home of the Cincinnati Cyclones, has attracted big-name artists like Billie Eilish and Jelly Roll in recent months. However, the aging arena is widely considered outdated and a study from last November says building a newer, modern arena could lure major headliners and large-scale sporting events more consistently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shane Gillis is a comedian, actor and writer from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, according to Heritage Bank Center promotional material. In 2021, Gillis released his self-funded debut "Shane Gillis: Live in Austin," a breakthrough hit with over 30 million views. In 2023, he released his follow-up Netflix smash-hit special "Beautiful Dogs." This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Some attendees wait long time to enter Shane Gillis's Cincinnati show Nowhere To Live: The Hidden Story of America's Housing Crisis, by James S. Burling, Skyhorse Publishing, 408 pages, $32.99 James Burling, with 40 years' experience litigating property rights cases for the Pacific Legal Foundation, enriches the housing debate in three ways in his book Nowhere To Live. First, he reminds us of the crucial importance of private property ownership to a free and flourishing society. Second, he reviews a long history of efforts to interfere with the housing market. And third, he offers perspicacious recommendations for sensible and achievable improvements. Burling's first service forcefully restates the argument that any "solution" to a housing crisis cannot be allowed to extinguish historic property rights in land. He points out that John Locke's prescription for a free society requires that we have rights to use, trade, exclude, and bequeath what we own. He recognizes the need for the common law of nuisance: "use your property so as not to injure that of another." And if the government exercises its power to confiscate privately held land for public use, he reminds us, the government is constitutionally required to pay the owner just compensation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burling then moves to the "dystopian reality" caused by government's efforts to meddle in land and housing markets: "Unless and until we free up the pent-up desires of Americans to build new homes, America's housing crisis will grow worse, especially in large urban areaseven those who can afford a place to live are often forced to spend a disproportionate share of their income on housing.Nationally, just to replace aging or destroyed housing stock, one million homes must be built each year. Another million must be built to keep up with population growth." How have we reached this pass? Burling offers a highly readable account of the foolishand racisthistory of exclusionary residential zoning, in a chapter subtitled "America's Obsession with Quiet Places Where Yards Are Wide and People (of Color) Are Few." When the Supreme Court struck down explicitly racial zoning in Louisville in 1917, city planners and their lawyers designed "comprehensive zoning," which refrained from overtly targeting blacks. In a 1926 case originating in Euclid, Ohio, the Supreme Court upheld a comprehensive local zoning ordinance, and the Euclid model has been widely emulated ever since. From this beginning, Burling traces how zoning has protected the cultural and economic interests of the non-poor and non-black. One significant zoning ordinance was upheld in 1977 when the Court found no discriminatory motivation originated from the village of Arlington Heights, Illinois, where this reviewer graduated from an all-white thousand-pupil high school in 1954. The Supreme Court's approval of comprehensive zoning unleashed an enormous new planning industry in most American cities. Not surprisingly, when a municipal ordinance gives the government power over the location and use of every sort of development, that invites powerful interests to use that power for privileges and advantages. The poor are rarely among those interests. Skyhorse (Skyhorse) Burling then turns to eminent domain. The courts have long agreed that governments can take private property to further the interests of the public, such as highways, water, sewer and electric plants, schools, hospitals, and the like, provided it pays just compensation for the taking. Burling focuses on instances where a government uses eminent domain power not for public use but for political usefulness. A notable example was the destruction (via "urban renewal") of mostly black Southwest Washington near the U.S. Capitol, which the Supreme Court upheld in 1948. Another was the taking of Susette Kelo's modest home in New London, Connecticut, to make way for a Pfizer pharmaceutical plant. That plant was abandoned, along with 1,400 jobs, a mere 10 years from the condemnation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burling also documents the perils of the Endangered Species Act, rent control, "affordable housing" mandates, and "the swamp monster that devours housing projects large and small, the Clean Water Act." In each case, officials created a near-impenetrable jungle of bureaucratic and legal procedures that make it harder to build homesand exhaust the resources of any citizen or organization willing to stand up and fight back. Politicians sometimes recognize the problems. President Donald Trump issued an executive order stating that "Increasing the supply of housing by removing overly burdensome regulatory barriers will reduce housing costs, boost economic growth, and provide more Americans with opportunities for economic mobility." President Joe Biden vowed to address the "exclusionary land use and zoning policies [that] perpetuate historical patterns of segregation, keep workers in lower productivity regions, and limit economic growth." Other than the Trump administration's retraction of the "Waters of the United States" rule, not much came of either pronouncement. There is no magic bullet that will restore and protect property rights, but Burling makes a welcome pitch for the doctrine of regulatory takings. Regulatory takings occur when a regulation reduces a piece of land's value. A regulatory takings statute would require courts to recognize the amount of the reduction as a compensable taking, making the regulating body pay for it just as if the reduction in fair market value were actually taken for public use. Burling rightly credits Richard Epstein's powerful 1985 book Takings: Private Property and the Power of Eminent Domain for stimulating officials' interest in this concept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your reviewer might be forgiven for remarking that he advocated a similar approach in a 1974 law review article, and in fact, introduced a bill to that end in the Vermont Senate in 1991. It included this twist: Rather than suing to defeat a regulatory taking, the victim could, if the taking resulted in a reduction of 50 percent or more of the property's fair market value, demand the right to file for "inverse condemnation" of the entire property. The government, if it still wanted the restrictions, would have to take all of the property, and a jury would determine the fair market value that the government would then have to pay. Thereafter the government could impose whatever regulations it desired on the property it had bought and paid for. (The Vermont Senate failed to pass this.) One of the many virtues of Burling's book is his ability to explain why and how the government should be made to bear the cost of its devices for defeating the creation of new housing. It does take a certain amount of knowledge of constitutional requirements and legal issues, but any layman can understand the circumstances, the motives, and the economic and political interests involved, and how different policy choices would have housed more people. I'd like to think that most legislators could understand it too. The post How To Solve a Housing Crisis appeared first on Reason.com. Hats?!?!?! DMR spent $3,000 on ball caps to give away, and is proud of it. Not one penny was spent on oyster spat or fish fry or fingerlings. Not one penny spent on every single demolished pier on the Coast from October of 2020. Yeah, order some hats to give away to folks who dont care about marine survival. Where you at Shad White? Not their fault How did the Democrats start the fires in California? No one knows how the fires started, but we know that winds fueled the fires to burn out of control. Winds. Not Democrats. Government efficiency All they needed was a shovel to lean on. I watched a City of Diamondhead pickup truck arrive for the purpose of cutting off the tops of six fence posts, which shouldve been done when the posts were first installed. Three men piled out, only to get back in the truck minutes later and sit for at least 30 minutes until another pickup truck arrived, carrying two more workers. It wasnt until a third pickup arrived that seven men proceeded to do a job that one man could have done in the first 30 minutes that three city employees were just sitting around. And you want the government in charge of health care? Why not? Theres no law on the books that says one must be a retired general to be the Secretary of Defense. The failures of the current one proved that. Bidens legacy President Biden spent over a half century in Washington D.C. During that time, he has been a failure at every turn. He, all by himself, took the Democratic party to the point it may never recover. Income tax I cant believe that the governor is trying to pass a law to stop income tax in our state. This will only help the rich and will hurt the rest of the people. If he really wants to do something for the people in our state, he should eliminate the sales tax and pass Medicaid expansion in order to help all people in the state. Not this I usually agree with progressive ideas, but not the one on transgender athletes. They should not compete unless it is with their birth gender. He didnt do it President-elect Trump is taking credit for the cease fire in Gaza. He hasnt been sworn in yet, and President Bidens staff has been doing the work. What do we get? I predict that President-elect Trump is going to let China have Taiwan, Russia have Ukraine, and North Korea have South Korea. What is the U.S. going to get from those concessions? Panama, Greenland, Canada, and maybe Cuba? Women in combat The real reason that Pete Hegseth, and men like him, are opposed to women serving in combat is not to protect women. It is their underlying fear that some women may prove to be better soldiers and leaders than they are. Time to let this go. Women have already proven themselves in combat. Bidens exit One writer seems concerned that President Biden wont leave the White House. Youre a little confused. That was the guy before him that went as far as inciting a riot to keep his job that he was thrown out of, and to clarify, choosing not to run and being thrown out are two entirely different methods for leaving the White House. Sen. Wicker Sen. Roger Wicker has endorsed Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. Hegseth is clearly unqualified for any appointed position in our government. What a terrible way to tarnish a career. Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com. Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has launched a project in collaboration with the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) to empower human rights advocacy in Pakistan. The project, titled "Human Rights Documentation, Fact Findings, and Advocacy for the Marginalized," aims to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Pakistan, read an official statement. The project was launched through an orientation session held on January 18 at Vision Hall in Faisalabad with the Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Network. The session brought together human rights defenders, community leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss the project's objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes. The theme of the meeting was to brainstorm on the activities of "Human Rights Documentation, Fact Findings and Advocacy for the Marginalized," and the responsibilities and interventions of each for the best outcomes. Sharing experiences, discussing the challenges and mitigating during the implementation of project activities was also a part of the meeting, as per the statement. HRFP and TFD with HRDs Network plan monthly meetings to address such challenges, share case updates, and monitor progress in assistance and justice. The regular meetings also aimed to offer legal support, meet basic needs, and strengthen advocacy efforts for the cases to be considered. While the issues requiring a deeper investigation will go through the fact-finding missions before a decision to help them with the involvement of the volunteers' teams, staff, and networks. The capacity building and awareness sessions will also be a part of the activities, the statement said. Naveed Walter, the President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), emphasised that HRFP with TFD project activities will be implemented in Pakistan's target areas while the district Faisalabad will be the base of all activities as HRFP main office located there. Naveed Walter said the HRD's Network meetings will carry out activities to ensure that the planned results were achieved through the formulation of strategies. He said the meetings of HRD's Network representing multi-stakeholders of the society from target areas including community leaders, civil society, social activists, teachers, lawyers, women, political workers and youth will lead the activities as the objectives of the project will be imparted in each HRDs Network meeting, as per the statement. Naveed Walter said the HRD's Network, including volunteers and stakeholders, will improve the working methodology and interventions of the Project. Also, the issues of individuals and groups of human rights violations and setting strategies of implementing democratic values, which could also help in achieving the UN Agenda 2030 through accomplishments of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), will be discussed in each activity and HRDs meetings. Naveed Walter said that fact-finding teams of human rights defenders will be formed to visit and document different designated areas and where they are needed most to report and action. The HRDs Advocacy Group will also be formed to collect & compile the documentation and meetings with decision-makers, local authorities, and government officials to resolve and raise each issue/case, he added. Naveed Walter, president of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said that the project intended the advancement human rights, democracy and the rule of law and to ensure basic rights, protect victims from abuses, stand up against violations, for freedom of speech and expression, for practice of religious freedom, for appreciation of choices, inequality of opportunities, to accesses the education, in a healthy environment, for accountability of authorities and other humans' basic needs should be ensured, he added. HRDs including Nusrat Samuel, Manzoor Anthony, Shahid Anjum, John Victor, Naseem Haroon, Ejaz Ghauri, Sadaf Shadman, Nida Naeem, James Lal, Sohail Emmanuel and others said, we must work together and make the platform essential for the healthy discussions and striving for the issues addressed with HRFP and TFD support. While, the violations of human rights, undemocratic norms within the political parties and culture of "dictatorships" are destroying democracy and the rule of law, should be condemned, the statement quoted participants as saying. HRFP Program Coordinator Shadman John and Field Coordinator Hamdosh Samuel shared that Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) in the light of its vision for the protection and promotion, of the rights of the religious minorities functioning "REAT Helpline (24/7)" at the HRFP office having a toll-free number (0800-0-9494) at district Faisalabad since 2013. As the REAT Helpline receives thousands of complaints/calls a year, and in 2024 itself, the REAT Helpline received 1198 phone calls of human rights violations particularly the issues of religion and beliefs, and the issues of undemocratic raises, were the most recorded. The REAT is related to Articles 18 to 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and as the REAT (Rights of Expression, Assembly, Association and Thought, including freedom of religion) receives a claim of infringement through the REAT Helpline, the Help Desk addresses it with an adequate response. (ANI) COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) South Carolinas emergency management officials are urging residents to prepare for winter weather impacts and extremely cold temperatures in the coming days. Arctic air is forecast in most of the state with the possibility for snow, ice, or freezing rain Tuesday into Wednesday. Wintry weather precipitation could cause dangerous road conditions, and power outages are possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina Emergency Management Director Kim Stenson said its important to take action now to ensure you are ready for any impacts. SCDOT to prepare roads for possible winter weather We dont yet know how much snow we will see, but we expect the storm to bring potentially hazardous conditions, including extremely cold temperatures, Stenson said. It is crucial that everyone prepare in advance to stay safe during this winter event. Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions: Assemble an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents. Ensure the kit can sustain your household for at least three days. Insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip overnight to prevent freezing and bursting. Prepare alternative heating sources, such as ensuring you have enough dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace. Keep fire extinguishers accessible, and make sure everyone knows how to use them. Keep kerosene heaters and generators outside, properly vented, and away from flammable materials. Never use a portable generator indoors. Check on pets and ensure they have access to food and water, while also protecting them from the cold by keeping them indoors if possible. Keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle with essentials like water, snacks, and a flashlight for unexpected situations. Be cautious when walking or driving on ice, particularly black ice. Limit travel, especially during freezing conditions or overnight when temperatures are expected to drop. If travel is essential, slow down, increase your following distance, and remain alert. In the event of a minor collision without injuries, move your vehicle off the road and call local law enforcement or dial *HP (*47) for assistance. Share your travel plans with family or friends, including your destination and estimated time of arrival. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. With the fate of suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol hanging in the balance, the country has also been left facing an uncertain future as it battles through the resulting political turmoil. Analysts say that the power transitions, both in Seoul and Washington, could significantly alter the dynamics between East Asian neighbours South Korea, Japan and China. Impeached South Korean leader Yoon was arrested on Wednesday over the short-lived martial law that he imposed during a televised address on December 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The country is still dealing with the political fallout of that act. While it could be months before a final court decision is handed down, South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who has maintained friendly relations with both China and North Korea, looks most likely to take over should Yoon be removed from office. In the United States, meanwhile, all eyes are on Donald Trump as he returns to the White House, to see what he will do in the Indo-Pacific region. It is still uncertain whether Trump, who is known for his transactional and isolationist bent, will follow the policies of his predecessor Joe Biden with regard to the Indo-Pacific and multilateral partnerships in the region. With so much still up in the air, observers said that Seoul could move closer to Beijing and further from Tokyo, even putting the trilateral Japan-South Korea-US partnership in jeopardy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The common security threat posed by North Korea could even be the one factor making Beijing and Seoul maintain some level of cooperation, they added. Chung Jae-hung, director of the Centre for Chinese Studies at the Sejong Institute in Seoul, said South Korea's foreign policy under Lee's leadership would pivot from Western-aligned to a more balanced strategy between China and the US. "If Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the [opposition] Democratic Party, assumes power, significant changes are anticipated in South Korea's foreign strategy. The most notable shift would involve departing from the foreign policy of the Yoon administration, which has been characterised by expanding the Indo-Pacific strategy under an anti-China framework," Chung said. Yoon, who took office in 2022, aligned closely with Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy and made historic strides in reconciling with Tokyo over long-standing disputes tied to Japan's colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden and Yoon, along with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, have formalised their partnership, with collaboration covering defence consultations, data-sharing, critical minerals, AI safety and development assistance. Zhan Debin, director of the Centre for Korean Peninsula Studies at Shanghai University, noted that Korea-Japan relations under Lee, whose party has traditionally taken a firm stance on Japan's colonial history, might be the weakest link in the trilateral alliance. "If the Democratic Party takes power, relations between Seoul and Tokyo will be more or less problematic; thus the US-Japan-South Korea cooperation will certainly be affected," Zhan said. Last month, the Democratic Party's impeachment motion against Yoon criticised his Japan-focused foreign policy, accusing him of neglecting geopolitical balance and antagonising China, Russia and North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired Japanese admiral Katsutoshi Kawano also expressed concerns in a forum last month that Lee's presidency could destabilise the security framework between Japan, the US and South Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pictured on a screen in Seoul. The common threat of North Korea could be the sole factor powering East Asia-US cooperation. Photo: TNS alt=North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pictured on a screen in Seoul. The common threat of North Korea could be the sole factor powering East Asia-US cooperation. Photo: TNS> Kang Jun-young, a professor of Chinese studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, argued however that Seoul's alliance with Washington would endure under Lee's leadership because of the lingering threat from North Korea. "To some extent, for guarding against the danger of North Korea, especially its nuclear weapons, we [South Korea] still have to cooperate with the United States on security issues. If the United States has some requirements for South Korea [against] China, it is still more likely that South Korea will listen," Kang said, adding that worsening relations with North Korea would further compel Lee to maintain close security ties with the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoon's predecessor and former Democratic Party leader Moon Jae-in exemplified a balanced approach. As president, Moon was known for his friendly stance towards both Beijing and Pyongyang, but he still approved the deployment of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence anti-ballistic missile system, triggering protests from Beijing. Meanwhile, under Yoon's hawkish stance, North Korea designated South Korea as a "hostile state" in its constitution and supported Russia's war effort in Ukraine, heightening regional tensions. As turmoil rocks Seoul, Trump's inauguration tomorrow adds another layer of uncertainty for the three-way alliance. Last week, Mike Waltz, Trump's pick for national security adviser, suggested that Indo-Pacific partnerships would stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Where I certainly give this administration some credit is the trilateral dialogue between South Korea, the United States and Japan, and then also between the United States, Japan and the Philippines," Waltz said at a conference held by the US Institute of Peace, adding that the initiatives, including the one between the US, the Philippines and Japan, would continue. Emma Chanlett-Avery, director of political-security affairs at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said that while Trump was unlikely to cancel the trilateral alliance, he might not prioritise it. "Trump's first term is an indication that he's not particularly fond of alliances; [he is] very sceptical that ... we are getting ripped off somehow by our allies," she said, adding that Trump could pursue more bilateral approaches in the Indo-Pacific and engage directly with China. Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi, an associate professor at the Institute for International Strategy, Tokyo International University, said concerns over security risks in the Asia-Pacific region would keep the partnership alive, citing "growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and the South Pacific". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hence, there is much more shared recognition among Japan, Republic of Korea and the US to work together in the area of security," Hinata-Yamaguchi said, using the formal name for South Korea. "Even if the relations do not stay as intimate in the coming years, the three countries have much more potential than ever before in cooperating and coordinating against regional security concerns," he said. But Kang still warned that if Trump were to pressure Seoul and Tokyo as he did during his first presidential term, it could push them to seek closer economic ties with Beijing. Recent moves by Tokyo have suggested a willingness to engage more with Beijing under Ishiba's leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Chanlett-Avery said that compared with Seoul, Japan's "fundamental distrust" of China's rising power would limit the depth of these engagements. According to Lam Peng Er, a principal research fellow at the National University of Singapore's East Asian Institute, Ishiba's minority government might lack the stability to sustain such significant policy changes. "If Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party performs poorly in the forthcoming Upper House elections, he might be forced to resign as early as this August," Lam said, noting that Tokyo's policies could shift significantly under a different leadership. 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. LANGKAWI, Malaysia (AP) Southeast Asian foreign ministers gathered Sunday for their first meeting this year under the regional bloc's new chair, Malaysia, seeking a breakthrough over Myanmars drawn-out civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The retreat on the idyllic northern resort island of Langkawi was the first major meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations hosted by Malaysia. Officials said it aims to chart the blocs direction for the year as it tries to resolve Myanmar's deadly four-year crisis and tensions over Chinas increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Myanmar represented by a low-level Foreign Ministry official after its junta leaders were barred from formal ASEAN meetings briefed the gathering about plans for a general election this year. But the bloc wants Myanmar's government to ensure peace before any polls are held, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We said the election has to be inclusive. The election cannot be in isolation, it has to involve all stakeholders, he told a news conference at the end of the retreat. We told them the election is not our priority. Our priority is to stop the violence. The crisis in Myanmar has emerged as one of the blocs biggest challenges since a military coup ousted an elected civilian government in February 2021, plunging the country into conflict. It has sparked an armed resistance movement, with rebel forces now controlling large parts of the country. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, and displaced millions. ASEANs peace plan and other efforts to seek a solution have so far been futile, hampered by the bloc's non-interference policy and the Myanmar junta's refusal to comply. The military government hopes an election will legitimize its rule, but critics say polls are unlikely to be free or fair. Malaysia, which brought Myanmar into ASEAN during its chairmanship of the bloc in 1997, is expected to take a more proactive stance as the Myanmar crisis has led to the flourishing of criminal activities, online scams and human trafficking along Myanmars border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasan said Malaysia had appointed Othman Hashim, a former foreign ministry senior official, as special envoy for ASEAN chair to Myanmar to engage various factions in the country to find a way forward. We have no intention to carve out Myanmar, he said, adding that dialogue and diplomacy were the best strategies to help the country return to a democratic path. Hasan said the meeting also discussed implications of the second term of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump on the region amid its rivalry with China. He said ministers raised concerns that competition between the major powers may increase tensions and have spillover effects in the region. He said ASEAN ministers stressed the urgency to bolster regional unity and make economic integration a top priority amid the global uncertainties. We must ensure that ASEAN remains our central go-to platform for solution seeking... We are the speakers and not the spoken-for. We must drive our own path forward, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions in the South China Sea, one of the world's vital shipping lanes, were also high on the agenda following violent confrontations in the waters last year. Hasan said the ministers called for accelerated negotiations between ASEAN and China on a code of conduct in the waterway. Officials earlier targeted them for conclusion in 2026 but the talks have stalled over disagreements including whether the pact should be binding and its scope of coverage. We stressed that the South China Sea must remain peaceful and stable, Hasan said. ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei along with Taiwan have overlapping claims with China, which asserts sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea. Chinese and Philippine vessels clashed repeatedly last year. Chinese forces also assaulted Vietnamese fishermen and Chinese patrol vessels ventured into areas that Indonesia and Malaysia claim as exclusive economic zones. ASEAN has not openly criticized China, which is the blocs top trading partner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As chair, Malaysia is likely to push for quiet diplomacy as it balances security challenges with economic gains, analysts say. It would be pragmatism on Malaysias side, as the country as well as ASEAN as a whole lack the diplomatic and military heft to confront China on the South China Sea, said Muhamamd Faizal Abdul Rahman, a research fellow at Singapore's S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies. (Bloomberg) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will propose a ban on people from outside the European Union buying homes in the country, part of a broader attempt to confront a housing shortage. Most Read from Bloomberg The government will propose prohibiting non-EU foreigners from buying houses in our country, when neither they nor their families live here and therefore they are speculating, Sanchez said Sunday at a Socialist Party rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said non-residents from outside the EU bought some 23,000 houses and flats in Spain during 2023 still a fraction of the current estimated shortage. Sundays statement takes a recent announcement by Sanchez a step further. On Jan. 13, the premier said he wanted to limit non-EU citizens without Spanish residence from buying houses, and would charge a 100% tax on purchases. The moves to limit and potentially prohibit foreign acquisitions is part of an attempt to fight a growing housing crisis. In his earlier comments, Sanchez announced a 12-point plan that included building more public housing, offering financial guarantees for young tenants, and increasing taxes on short-term holiday rentals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spains shortage of affordable housing has become a central discussion point, with all major parties rolling out proposals to boost construction and tamp down soaring prices, including in the capital, Madrid. Sanchez said that Spain was seeing a shortfall of about 200,000 new houses every year based on current demand. British citizens, the biggest group of buyers from outside the EU, would be the most affected by any change. They largely acquire holiday homes or retirement properties on Spains coast. Madrid has also seen a surge of wealthy Latin American buyers in recent years purchasing high-end property in the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either proposal by Sanchez taxing purchases at 100% their value, or an outright ban would require approval from parliament and thats far from certain. Sanchez leads a minority coalition government and has struggled to pass laws in recent months. (Updates with detail throughout.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (WTAJ) Speed restrictions are in place on multiple Pennsylvania highways as winter weather hits the region. PennDOT announced speed restrictions across District 9 which covers Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon, Somerset and Fulton counties. Commercial vehicles are also restricted to the right lane only. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel. Interstate 99 in Bedford, Blair and Centre counties U.S. Route 22 from U.S. 119 in Indiana County to Interstate 99 in Blair County U.S. 219 from Maryland state border to U.S. 422 in Cambria County PennDOT crews are clearing and treating roadways where necessary. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers always should be alert for sudden squalls which can strike with little or no warning and quickly cause roads to become snow-covered. While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if motorists must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow: Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions. Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights. Stay in your lane and increase your following distance. Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient. Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required. Use your defroster and wipers. Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice. During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway. Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision. Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely. Always buckle up and never drive impaired. When winter weather occurs, drivers should extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment. When encountering a plow truck, drivers should: Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck. Be alert since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic. When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember that snow can obscure the actual snowplow width. Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a plow train. The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard for nearby vehicles. Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator cant see, and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack. Keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicles wipers are on due to inclement weather. The law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after the storm has ended. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Drivers in violation of the law are subject to a fine of $50. Additionally, drivers can be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Originally appeared on E! Online After tragedy, Spencer Pratt is giving fans a glimpse of what it's like to be a content creator. A week after his and Heidi Montag's family home in Pacific Palisades, Calif. burned down in a wildfire, the Hills alum spoke about his earnings from social media. I made, like, $4,000 on TikTok this week," Spencer told Variety in an interview published Jan. 17, "but on TikTok Live, where people can just give to me direct, I think maybe $20,000. So thats phenomenal, and life-changing. Thats the power of individual supporters, people just backing you and getting behind you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 41-year-old continued, "And thats the most powerful when you don't have to rely on ads or AI and algorithms when just actual human beings just want to give. It's unbelievable and incredible." Spencer's interview was published a day before TikTok stopped working for some 170 million U.S. users due to a law that was to shut it down for national security reasons. The Chinese-owned group said Jan. 19 said in a statement on X, "In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service." More from E! Online The news comes after President-elect Donald Trump called for the app to remain available, saying on Truth Social, "I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencer had shared on social media Jan. 8 that his and Heidi's house had been lost in the Palisades Fire, one of several wildfires that erupted in Southern California earlier this month and which has destroying most of his neighborhood. The reality star, who shares with Heidi sons Gunner, 7, and Ryker, 2, also posted videos of their family's evacuation and the destruction of their home. Instagram "I know people are like, you're rich, you will be fine (Yah i wish)," he wrote on TikTok. "Everything in our house was paid for by Heidi and I hustling any way we could." Meanwhile, fans have also shown support for the couple by answering Spencer's plea to stream his wife's 2010 alum Superficial to boost revenue. Thank you everyone who went on the iTunes charts, Heidi said in an emotional TikTok video posted Jan. 13. Thank you for the overwhelming love and support for my music and really rallying behind us at a devastating time and making it such a blessing. So, thank you for helping support us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, "For helping build us back up, helping to encourage us, giving us that hope and faith and excitement in such a dark, dark time. So thank you so much, number 1, she continued. I cant believe it, and its the 15 year anniversary of Superficial so the timing is just crazy. Its so crazy. Read on for more celebrities who have spoken out about the fires.. Taylor Swift The "Karma" singer posted a handwritten statement about the "suffering, loss and destruction" caused by the wildfires. "The fires in California have devastated so many families, and it's been heartbreaking to see these stories unfold," she wrote on Instagram Story Jan. 16. " As so may people embark on some of the most challenging times of their ives, there are also many amazing organizations and groups banding together to help these communities rebuild." Sharing that she donated to multiple organizations providing relief to those affected by the blazes, including the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and MusiCares, Taylor added, "If you feel compelled or able to donate, please do." Leonardo DiCaprio The Titanic actor is helping with relief efforts by donating. "The Los Angeles wildfires are devastating our city," he wrote on Instagram Jan. 15. "I am committing $1 million in partnership with @rewild's Rapid Response Program to support both urgent needs and post-fire recovery efforts." He said aid will immediately benefit the LA Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation, Pasadena Humane Society, and SoCal Fire Fund, which he described as "organizations on the frontlines providing much-needed resources to our first responders and firefighters, and the people, animals and communities who need it most." Bill Hader The Saturday Night Live alum confirmed on Jan. 14 that his Pacific Palisades home had been damaged by the fire. "It doesnt seem real," he told local news station KTLA5, while visiting the charred remains of his neighborhood. "I'm in shock. Its just gone. Everything." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Lopez "My heart goes out to everyone affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires," the singer wrote on Instagram Jan. 11. "I cant even imagine how deeply traumatic these events can be, especially for children who've lost their homes and sense of security." Sarah Levy The Schitt's Creek alum shared a heartbreaking message about her "sweet home" after it had been destroyed by the Palisades Fire. "My heart so deeply aches," she wrote on Instagram Jan. 14. "What I would give to hear the key slide in the front door one more time or the baby gate click behind me as I bring the laundry upstairs." "How blessed we were to raise our son in such an idyllic, magical place away from the hustle and bustle of LA," Sarahwho shares son James with husband Graham Outerbridgecontinued. "Our whole future ahead, planned in our little kitchen. Luckily we are all safe and if this has taught me nothing else, its to appreciate every last detail of your life." Her dad Eugene Levy's home has also been reportedly destroyed by the fire. Bella Hadid On Jan. 9, the supermodel shared the childhood home she shared with sister Gigi Hadid and mom Yolanda Hadid had burned down in the Palisades Fire. Gwyneth Paltrow The Iron Man actress took to social media to express her sadness about the tragedy that has fallen over her beloved city. We are in deep grief for so many of our close friends who have lost everything, she wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post. Thank you to those inquiring, we are currently safe. When the fires are out there will be more to say and everything to do. The city of angels will need angels of all kind, she continued. Please everyone, stay safe and vigilant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvey Guillen "Thank you to everyone who has checked in," the What We Do in the Shadows actor wrote on Instagram Jan. 14. "my house has damage and will take some time .. but nothing compared to the city I call home." Jamie Chung & Bryan Greenberg The Once Upon a Time actress and the One Tree Hill actor are sharing resources after tragically losing their home in the Los Angeles fire. It was all a dream, Bryan wrote on a Jan. 9 Instagram story, showing the rubble that was once their family home. Thankfully the family is safe. Thank you to all the firefighters risking their lives. Stay safe out there. And in between posting helpful resources, Jamie shared a tragic video of their entire neighborhood. Damn. Our entire neighborhood is gone, she wrote Jan. 9. We are grateful to our brave firefighters and first responders and pray we dont lose any more lives to these catastrophic fires. Stay safe and stay vigilant. Joshua Jackson The Dawson's Creek alum confirmed on Jan. 12 that he had lost his home to the L.A. fires. First and most importantly, all the people closest to me affected by the fire are ok," Joshua told Deadline in statement. "My daughter, my family, my neighbors all made it out safely. Sadly my beautiful home did not survive the fires. But today, I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the people I love. Barbara Corcoran On Jan. 9, the Shark Tank star shared that her "little slice of heaven" at the Tahitian Terrace Mobile Home Park in Pacific Palisades, Calif., had been burned down. "For the past five years, I've been privileged to have a home in this loving, tight-knit community," she wrote on Instagram. "Its a place where kindness thrives, friendships are cherished, and neighbors become family. My heart breaks again and again as I see these incredible people who built their lives here for decades, many of them seniors who poured their hearts and life-savings into their trailers, left with absolutely nothing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diane Warren The Grammy winner shared one last view from her Los Angeles beachfront home before it was lost in the fire. This is the last pic I took of Leah's rock from my beach house, the songwriter, who confirmed her animals and rescue ranch were safe, wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post of the ocean view. I've had this house for almost 30 years. It looks like it was lost in the fire last nite. There's a rainbow shining on it which I'm taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy. Jessica Simpson Amid the outbreak of the Kenneth Fire on Jan. 9, the "Irresistible" singer shared an image of smoke rising from beyond her backyard. She wrote in the caption, "We stayed as long as we could." Cary Elwes The Princess Bride actor shared his and his wife Lisa Marie Kurbikoffs Malibu home did not survive the fire in a heartfelt message to fans. Firstly, myself and my family are all safe, thank God, he wrote in his Jan. 9 Instagram post. Sadly we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire. Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also wish to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it, he continued. We want to thank everyone for their incredible outpouring of support. It really means a great deal to us. Ricki Lake Sharing a video of the raging fires in the near distance, the former talk show host detailed her and husband Ross Burninghams final efforts to save her Los Angeles home in a Jan. 9 Instagram post. Were going down my street praying for these homes and these people and my house, she said in a video, showing the fire in the near distance. I dont even know what I grabbed, I think I might have just said goodbye to my house. Grateful to have made it out alive and uninjured, she added in the caption. Forever grateful to @kirbykotler_ our absolute angel. He did everything to try to save our precious property. No doubt had we stayed, we would not have survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mel Gibson During a Jan. 9 appearance on Elizabeth Vargas Report, the Braveheart actor shared that his Malibu home was destroyed while he was away recording Joe Rogans podcast in Texas. "Obviously, its kind of devastating. Its emotional," the 69-year-old said. You live there for a long time, and you had all your stuff. I had my stuff there, and its all like, Ive been relieved from the burden of my stuff, because its all in cinders. But when he returned home to discover that his home had been destroyed, he was relieved to find that, at least, his chickens survived, adding, It was amazing. Miles Teller & Keleigh Teller The Top Gun Maverick stars wife shared one last photo of what was their Los Angeles home before it was lost in the fire. To everyone reaching out I cant thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, Ill never forget them, Keleigh wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post. Community has come out stronger than I could imagine, pacific palisades I love you beyond measure you are a little slice of heaven, we will come back stronger than ever. If youre in the LA area PLEASE get out if you can, she continued. I wish I grabbed my wedding dress .. wish I did a lot different but it doesnt matter, stay safe, get out. there are no words. THANK YOU to the first responders fighting. Mandy Moore The This Is Us alumwho is mom to three kids with husband Taylor Goldsmithshared an update on her family after having to evacuate their home. "We were able to park and walk up our street to bear witness to all the loss," she wrote on Instagram Jan. 9. "Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now. Its not livable but mostly intact." However, she noted that the home studio, garage and back house were destroyed in the Eaton Fire. "Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends," she added. "Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support." Milo Ventimiglia Like his This Is Us costar, the actor's Los Angeles home was destroyed by the fires. While visiting what remained of his property, he told CBS Evening News his heart felt "heavy." "You start thinking about all the memories," he continued. "My heart just breaks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivia Wilde "My block was on fire tonight and the only reason we still have a home is thanks to the brave members of the @losngelesfiredepartment who worked on the ground and from the air to save us," the Don't Worry Darling director wrote on Instagram Story Jan. 8. "Thank you." Bozoma Saint John The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star revealed her dream home in Malibu, where she lived with her teenage daughter Laela, was totaled in the fires. "This is an unimaginable loss," she wrote on Instagram Jan. 9. "I grieve with the rest of Los Angeles as it burns and even though Ive found even words to write here, theres nothing that I could say in this moment to describe this feeling. Chrissy Teigen The Cravings cookbook author started preparing in case of an evacuation, writing on Instagram Story Jan. 8, "This is surreal. I'm very scared. Packing." Jen Atkin The hairstylist and her husband Mike Rosenthal safely evacuated along with their kids and pets, though she said their home was "gone." "Our whole area demolished," she added on Instagram Stories Jan. 8, alongside a tearful selfie. "So many are displaced and feeling scared right now it's almost too much to comprehend." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivia Culpo One day after the Sunset Fire set the Hollywood Hills ablaze, the Culpo Sisters starwho is married to San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffreywrote on Instagram Story Jan. 9, "Im praying so hard for our community. My heart aches for everyone who has lost so much so fast. Its just unimaginable." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Main Street Alabama announced earlier this month expansion of its development team to further support the implementation of the National Main Street Coordinating Programs 4-Point Approach to revitalizing historic districts across the state. The statewide organization has welcomed Mariah Montgomery as the newest member of its Main Street Program Development Team. Montgomery, originally from Kansas, has made Enterprise her home. She previously served as the Program Coordinator for the Enterprise Parks and Recreation Department, where she was responsible for creating community events and programs. In 2022, Montgomery became the executive director of Main Street Enterprise, marking her as the second person to hold the position in the organizations history. Under her leadership, Main Street Enterprise garnered 14 Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence, including a prestigious $5 million Reinvestment Award for improvements to the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mariahs experience in both community-based program development and historic district revitalization will be a valuable asset to our team," said the organization in a statement. "Her work with Main Street Enterprise demonstrates her ability to lead initiatives that drive growth and make a lasting impact on local communities." As a member of Main Street Alabamas development team, Montgomery will help provide technical services to improve revitalization efforts for designated communities. Her role will involve providing support in areas such as nonprofit management, organizational development, fundraising, strategic planning, program sustainability, business assistance, historic building rehabilitation, volunteer development and marketing. She will also work closely with communities to help them achieve measurable economic impact. Main Street Alabama currently oversees 33 Designated Programs and 29 Network Communities. The organization recently announced its 2025 schedule for New City Application Workshops, aimed at helping more communities access the resources needed for downtown revitalization. Main Street Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing historic commercial districts through public-private partnerships and community engagement. The organizations approach leverages local history, culture and attributes to drive sustainable economic growth, attract visitors, create jobs, and encourage investment in core downtown areas. For more information, visit mainstreetalabama.org. QUINCY, Ill. (WCIA) An officer involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning in Quincy is being investigated by Illinois State Police. At approximately 7:45 a.m., Adams County Sheriff Deputies responded to a 911 call regarding a disturbance involving a call of a male suspect holding a knife in the 2300 block of Melview Road. Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspect. Springfield man dies in structure fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One officer then fired their weapon after being faced with a threat, striking the male suspect, who was transported to an area hospital. No deputies were injured during the incident. The Adams County Sheriffs Office requested Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 4 to investigate the incident. State Police will conduct an investigation into the use of force part of the incident. After completing their investigation, State Police will turn all reports over to the Adams County States Attorneys office for an independent review of the facts. This investigation is still active and ongoing. No additional information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. In this "From the Archives" series subtitled in jest "20,000 Years of Austin History in 20 Minutes" we've introduced the concept for the series, and devoted one column to the arrival of humans in the Austin area. This, the third column, looks at the arrival of Europeans and Africans 500 years ago. As previously noted, Spaniard Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca and an Arabic-speaking African named Esteban de Dorantes (Estevanico) were among 80 men shipwrecked on the Texas Gulf Coast. They were among the four survivors of those parties who spent the next years exploring the interior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cabeza de Vaca wrote about this initial incursion in his fascinating report, published as "La Relacion." For their part, the Spanish claimed what is now Texas until Mexican independence in 1821. From the Archives: Learn 20,000 years of Austin history in 20 minutes Claiming, however, is not controlling. When you look at a traditional map of North America during the 1600s, for instance, you see wide stretches of the northern and central regions as held by France. Meanwhile, the English laid claim to much of the Eastern Seaboard; and the Dutch West India Company on the region around New Amsterdam, later renamed New York City, as well as land from Maryland to Connecticut and the Hudson Valley (at least from 1614 to 1664). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Spanish planted their flags in Florida, Texas and the Southwest, especially the relatively populated area around Santa Fe, N.M. By 1732, the Russian Empire had joined the imperial scramble, laying claim to the Pacific Coast territories of North America. Notice anything curious about this sign welcoming guests to the Texas beach hamlet of Quintana? Besides the non-Texan flamingos, there's "Founded 1532." There were no Spanish settlements in what is now Texas for another hundred years. So clearly locals are claiming that Spanish castaway Cabeza de Vacas miserable time on this coast around 1532 as part of its founding. Yet as historian Pekka Hamalainen argues in his magnificent book, "Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America," the Europeans generally controlled only slivers of land around forts and settlements. Yes, they operated ports, mines, farms and trading posts, but it took hundreds of years to wrest the North America from the Native Americans. More: From the Archives: What archaeologists discovered about earliest humans in Austin area Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas is a particular case in point. While maps might have indicated that New Spain included much of what is now Texas, the Spanish, in fact, rarely controlled territory beyond a few scattered presidios, missions and villages. The exceptions might be found in the brushy South Texans land around San Antonio and La Bahia, where Tejanos operated productive ranches. Similar things could be said about the French, who for a long while considered the entire Mississippi River watershed, which includes the Red River and Texas its tributaries, theirs. This claim sometimes included disputed territory as far south as Matagorda Bay. These insubstantial claims did not improve much after the European powers departed. During the early 19th century, neither the Mexican central government, nor the American immigrants, who began arriving in numbers during the 1820s, controlled more than a few patches on the map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not until the Red River War (1874-1875) that the United States and its still relatively new state of Texas controlled all of the state's territory. That was after more than 50 years of almost constant conflict with Native Americans, who were either removed or nearly exterminated in the process. What about Austin, you say? In 1730, the Spanish temporarily transplanted three East Texas missions to somewhere along the Colorado River in the Austin area. Those were moved to better fortified positions in San Antonio a few months later. Archeologists have unearthed no physical evidence of those incompletely documented missions. More: Exploring an Austin site that might reveal 1730 Spanish missions Which means the Spanish presence in Texas, which lasted intermittently from the 1520s to the 1820s, made little direct impact on the area around Austin. It was Indigenous land. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: The arrival of Europeans changed Texas very slowly The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) marked the 121st birth anniversary of Sain GM Syed, the "Father of Sindhi Nation," with a rally and demands to end extremism, forced conversions, and disappearances in Sindh, Pakistan. The event, held at Syed's grave in Sann, featured protesters raising slogans against religious extremism, dams on the Indus River, and human rights abuses, according to JSFM. The protesters were seen raising slogans like "STOP: Stop Religious Extremism in Sindh Pakistan", "STOP: 6 Canals and more Dams on Indus River" and "STOP: Disappearances and Genocide of Sindhi, Baloch and Pashtuns". Sain GM Syed, a prominent Sindhi politician and founder of the Jeay Sindh movement, played a significant role in promoting Sindhi nationalism and advocating for Sindh's independence. His legacy continues to inspire the Sindhi people's struggle for freedom and human rights. JSFM leaders, including Amar Azadi, Adil Sindhi, and Hosho Sindhi, led the rally, which started at Sheikh Abdul Majeed Sindhi Chowk and ended at Syed's shrine. Participants carried placards demanding freedom for missing persons, an end to forced conversions of Sindhi Hindu girls, and justice for the victims, as per the statement of JSFM. Participating demonstrators were carrying placards with demands for the recovery and freedom of Sindhi missing people, stop religious extremism in Sindh Pakistan, the forced conversion of Sindhi Hindu girls, and Priya Kumari's recovery. The protesters chanted slogans like "your Desh, My Desh, Sindhudesh, Sindhudesh, want freedom, Stop 6 Canals on Indus River, free the Sindhi, Baloch, Pashtun, Saraiki, Gilgit-Balti, Kashmiri political prisoners and missing persons, arrest the killers of Shaheed Hidayat Lohar and other martyrs, Free Priya Kumari, stop forced conversion of Sindhi Hindu girls, Reject Bahria Town Scheme", the statement said. The rally reached the shrine of GM Syed, where the national anthem of the Sindhudesh was sung, with the participation of a large number of workers. In a speech, JSFM Chairperson Sohail Abro emphasised the need for unity among Sindhi national movement organisations to achieve freedom. He also appealed to the United Nations and world powers to support the Sindhi people's struggle for independence. "One year ago I told that the Iran-Israel war is a threat to the peace of the whole world and war is not a solution to any problem. As Israel or Palestine has been the homeland of Jews and Palestinians, they should solve their problem under the leadership of the United Nations. It is good to know that Hamas-Israil made the peace agreement after a 15-month-long war, said Abro. He requested all Sindhi National Movement organisations to be one for freedom. JSFM Chairman Sohail Abro, Vice Chairman Zubair Sindhi, Secretary General Amar Azadi, Farhan Sindhi, Hafeez Deshi, Mark Sindhu, Hoshu Sindhi said in their joint statement that while addressing the workers of pro-liberation national organisations, "We hope that we will fight together for the freedom of our countrymen. Get up and come together to strengthen and organise the struggle for the freedom of Sindh." The central leader of JSFM further said, "On the occasion of the auspicious 121st Birthday anniversary of Sain GM Syed, we reiterate the demand for the independence of Sindh by renewing the pledge, and appeal to the United Nations, the international conscience and the world powers that the Sindhi people should be helped in getting their freedom and their independent status in 1843." (ANI) Massachusetts State Police arrested a Windsor, Connecticut man after he stole a fire department pickup truck and impersonated a police officer. Troopers were alerted of a Windsor Fire Department pickup truck conducting suspicious motor vehicle stops along Interstate 91 in Northampton and Whatley. The truck driver would turn on his emergency lights, stop and interact with vehicles, and fail to identify himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers were ordered to be on the lookout for the truck. After a short time, Deerfield and Mass. State Police located and identified the truck and ordered it to stop. The truck driver pulled over briefly before driving away, starting a pursuit. Officers were successfully able to deploy stop sticks, stopping the truck in the rest area of the Deerfield Weigh Station at mile marker 37. The driver was taken into custody around 5 A.M. without further incident. When officers were able to contact the Police and Fire officials of the Connecticut State Police, they learned that the suspect allegedly broke into the Windsor firehouse, attempted to start a fire, and stole a pickup truck early Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, 46-year-old Kristian Avery of Windsor, Connecticut is facing charges in Massachusetts of: receiving stolen property impersonating a police office failure to stop for police negligent operation improper use of emergency lights. The incident is currently under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW (WHTM) Students from in and around Central Pennsylvania faced off in the annual Future City competition Saturday. We started this 20 years ago, said cofounder of the Central PA chapter, William Sutton. The whole mission for us is to make engineering exciting and accessible for young kids. These young kids are middle schoolers from a variety of schools in and around the Midstate. I thought, hey, you know, we need more engineers, we need more diverse engineering, he added. We have a lot of different facets, you know, young boys, girls, folks from all over that really get excited about this program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this program and competition is new to some, like students within the Central Dauphin School District Its nothing new for other students including those from Warwick Middle School in Lancaster County. Judah Hamilton tells abc27 News, Its not too bad at regionals. If we make it past regionals, nationals gets intense. And the winners get more than just bragging rights. The University has provided a scholarship to the winning team that has allowed students that have been successful in this Floating City competition to receive scholarship dollars if they elect to go to Harrisburg University for their undergraduate degree, Rachel Fogel with Harrisburg University said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warwick Middle School took home first place and will head to Washington, D.C. to compete in nationals on Feb. 16. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here Donegal Area Middle School got second place, followed by Linglestown Middle School in third place. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Basic military training is mandatory for all students at higher education institutions: students who fail the exam or refuse to take the oath will not be able to continue their studies, Ukraines Defence Ministry has said. Source: Brigadier General of Justice Serhii Melnyk, Deputy Defence Minister, in an interview recorded by the Ministry of Defence Quote: "I want to emphasise that it [basic military training ed.] is mandatory for everyone. If students cannot take the exam for some reason, for example, or if they receive an unsatisfactory grade [equivalent to an F ed.], if they refuse to take the military oath, they will not be able to study at higher education institutions in the future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: According to changes now being introduced, Ukrainian citizens who do not have basic military training and are applying for jobs for the first time will not be eligible for employment in the civil service, local government, or the prosecution service. Citizens who do not pass basic military training will have to do basic military service, Melnyk added. Background: From September 2025, Ukraine will begin to introduce basic general military training for students at higher education institutions, according to amendments to the law "On Military Duty and Military Service" signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It will be taught from the second year of study and include 90 academic hours of theory and 210 hours of practical training at Armed Forces centres and other institutions. All students, both men and women, will be required to take the theory course. The practical course will be mandatory only for men who are medically fit for military service. Women will take the practical course only if they wish to do so and after undergoing a medical examination. Upon completion of the programme, students will take the military oath and receive a certificate and a military specialism. Support UP or become our patron! SUNBURY, Ohio (WCMH) The city of Sunbury is working to make its roads and streets safer. The goal is to reduce injuries and fatalities on the citys major roads, sidewalks and paths. Sunbury has been awarded $150,000 in federal funding to complete a Roadway Safety Action Plan. The plan, funded through the U.S. Department of Transportations Safe Roads and Streets for All (SS4A) program, will help identify portions of the transportation network that are dangerous, difficult to navigate, or are otherwise unsafe. According to Sunbury City Administrator, Daryl Hennessy, the city has formed a committee to analyze crash data over the last ten years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over that ten-year period, there have been almost 900 crashes on the citys roadway network and of that, there have been five fatalities and twenty serious injuries so theres definitely some work that we need to do, Hennessy said. Hennessy said one key component of the federal funding is including the community in the conversation. In some instances, maybe while weve got data on crashes, there are also parts of our roadway network where maybe we dont quite know yet that theyre not quite as safe, because the data isnt showing up quite yet, Hennessy said. But residents know that, and thats the reason to really begin to engage them. One of the problem areas thats been identified is State Route 37 on the east side of town. Its had three of the five fatalities on that side of town, Hennessy said. Some of that may be just the way that the road is designed. Its also an area where you come around a bend. Youre also approaching a school district or a school area, theres a crosswalk in that area. And the speed limit, youre basically coming from a rural area into an urban area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hennessy said another area that has emerged as a hotspot is State Route 3, near CVS. Thats the primary intersection, Hennessy said. And most of the crashes there are really more rear ending or a pedestrian or a movement, a turn of a vehicle that might be a side impact of some sort. Not as many fatalities in that area, but because of the number of cars going through that area, thats been one of the trouble spots. Hennessy said Sunbury is growing rapidly and while traffic volume can impact roadway safety, there are other factors too. There may be some communication issues, they may be an enforcement issue, there may be distractions, Hennessy said. There may be a signage issue. I mean, there are lots of things that we can do to help reduce the number of fatalities, serious injuries. And so thats the reason why we are undertaking the plan. A survey was put out to residents to help identify portions of the transportation network that are dangerous or difficult to navigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community input is absolutely essential to understanding where these hotspots are and their thoughts in terms of what we might be able to do to make them safer, Hennessy said. Hennessy said the goal is to have the results of the survey by Jan. 25. Once all the data is collected, the city will present a draft version of the plan to the community for additional feedback before finalizing it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. President-elect Trump is officially returning to Washington, set to be inaugurated on Monday for his second term in the White House as the Republican Party trifecta takes form. Congress is set to kickstart a likely busy spring legislative session in order to pass the commander-in-chiefs agenda. In the Middle East, Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas struck as ceasefire deal on Wednesday, an agreement which is expected to start on Sunday, will bring peace to the region marred with warfare for 15 months. The big question now is if the ceasefire, which has three phases, will hold, something that Trump, as the new president, will have to oversee. Hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners are set to be released on Sunday following Israels approval of the proposal after several hours of deliberations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog is set to appear on Fox News Sunday where he will likely discuss the stability of the ceasefire agreement, the implementation of the first phase of the deal and possibly how Israels relationship with the U.S. might look like with Trump in the White House. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is set to appear on NewsNations The Hill Sunday where he will likely discuss the upcoming presidential inauguration and the possible flurry of executive orders the administration is set to author. The senator, who represents a border state, will also likely talk about the Senates vote to advance the Laken Riley Act, legislation named after a Georgia nursing student who was killed by an illegal immigrant who had a criminal record. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will be on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday. During his appearance, the Republican lawmaker is likely to discuss the president-elects inauguration and preview some of the GOP conference plans for the upcoming wide-ranging reconciliation bill expected this year. All of these topics and will likely be discussed on this weeks Sunday talk shows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNations The Hill Sunday: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas); Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.); Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) ABCs This Week: Deputy national security adviser Jon Finer; Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.); Steve Bannon, former strategist for President-elect Trump; Jonathan Dekel-Chen and Gillian Kaye, parents of Israeli American held hostage by Hamas. NBCs Meet the Press: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.); Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.); Martin Luther King III. CNNs State of the Union: Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz; Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio); Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. ambassador to Japan; Ronen and Orna Neutra, parents of Israeli American killed by Hamas, and Yael and Adi Alexander, parents of Israeli American held hostage by Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS Face the Nation: Waltz; Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.); Brett McGurk, White House adviser for the Middle East; Save the Children President and CEO Janti Soeripto. Fox Newss Fox News Sunday: Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.); Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.); Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The News Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stormed a Seoul courthouse Sunday after prosecutors issued a warrant to formally arrest him. Rioters broke through police barricades, shattered windows, broke down doors, and attacked officers, according to local media. Just moments earlier, Yoons pre-trial detention had been extended for up to six months, deepening the countrys political crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nation has a long way to go to return to normalcy, The Korea Herald wrote, even after a court rules on whether to permanently remove Yoon from office. Seoul is also grappling with the return of Donald Trump, whose threat of new tariffs could further harm the countrys slowing economy. As South Korean authorities extended President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention Sunday, his supporters stormed the courthouse that issued the warrant, smashing windows with police shields and using fire hydrants to spray officers. Whether the communists die or I die, Im going to see this to the end, shouted one as he climbed over a wall. Some called for the group to confront the judge who issued the warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested at least 17 of the attackers, including one who had been streaming the mayhem on YouTube. Read more: South Korea's far right borrows from Trump's playbook to bolster impeached Yoon Yoon, who is facing charges of insurrection following his short-lived declaration of martial law in December, has been in custody since Wednesday, with police first arresting him on a warrant that allowed investigators to hold him for up to two days. In issuing the latest detention warrant, which extends that period to a total of 20 days, the Seoul Western District Court cited the risk that Yoon might destroy evidence. Police officers stand in front of supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol after they illegally climbed over a fence inside the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press) Yoon, South Korea's first sitting president to be arrested, has also been suspended from his presidential duties as the Constitutional Court decides whether to confirm his impeachment motion, which was passed by the legislature in late December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The liberal opposition party accused Yoon of encouraging the attack on the courts. The pro-insurrection forces rejected the constitutional order and tried to tear apart the rule of law, opposition party spokesperson Kim Sung-hoi told reporters. The ringleader of the insurrection incited his followers, turning them into a violent mob. For Americans, the scene might be reminiscent of the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, by a mob of supporters of then-President Trump, for which he was impeached on a charge of inciting insurrection. Although Yoon, who has been deeply unpopular for most of his term, lacks Trumps onstage appeal, recent events have made the oft-drawn parallels between the two more pronounced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Impeachment? Insurrection charges? A look at what's next for South Korea's president Like Trump, Yoon has frequently lobbed accusations of fake news at the media, reportedly preferring to get much of his news from YouTube. And in the wake of his recent troubles, he has drummed up support by denouncing the countrys democratic institutions. Yoon, a former prosecutor, has denied the charges of insurrection, arguing that his declaration of martial law during which hundreds of special forces commandos occupied the National Assembly was meant only as a warning to an opposition-led legislature he claimed was overrun by North Korea sympathizers. He has called the arrest warrants against him illegal, thwarting one early arrest attempt by barricading himself in the presidential quarters in central Seoul, while also claiming that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials the agency leading his case lacks the jurisdictional legitimacy to investigate him. Police officers stand at the Seoul Western District Court after supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol broke into the court in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press) Since being suspended, he has continued to push a conspiracy theory that last years parliamentary elections which delivered an overwhelming majority to his political opponents were tainted by fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The laws in this country have regrettably fallen apart, he said in a video statement released before his arrest on Wednesday. It is deplorable to see a court that has no authority to review them issue arrest and search warrants, and to see investigative agencies issue false documents in order to deceive the South Korean people. Read more: South Korean president declares martial law, then backs down amid calls for his impeachment Such rhetoric has mobilized many among South Koreas anti-communist far right into his most fervent supporters, some of whom identify their embattled leader with Trump, who will assume office again Monday. A common slogan seen on signs at pro-Yoon rallies is Stop the steal, referencing Yoons claims of election fraud and echoing the cries of Trump supporters on Jan. 6. Many Yoon supporters hope that the incoming Trump administration will intervene in what they describe as an unwarranted partisan attack on their leader, and they see potential allies in some Republican officials in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such figure is U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-Anaheim Hills), a Korean American who represents Californias 40th District and was recently appointed the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committees East Asia and Pacific subcommittee. In a recent written interview with South Koreas largest conservative daily, the Chosun llbo, Kim stopped short of criticizing Yoons decision to impose martial law, while echoing a claim Yoons supporters have frequently made to undermine the impeachment proceedings against him. Some supporters of President Yoon claim that China has been manipulating public sentiment during the impeachment protests and spreading disinformation via social media. While such allegations remain unconfirmed, it wouldnt be surprising. Its entirely plausible, she said. The forces behind President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment prefer appeasement toward North Korea and accommodation of China, which could lead to a major disaster for the Korean peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region. Pro-Yoon lawmakers invited to Trumps inauguration this week say they plan to appeal to their conservative U.S. counterparts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will actively raise awareness about the countrys political realities, including the oppositions insurrection incitement and the impeachment motion against the president, said Na Kyung-won, a lawmaker from Yoons People Power Party. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The suspect in a fatal shooting of an Ohio rapper was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Pennsylvania on Thursday, Jan. 17. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] U.S. Marshals arrested 25-year-old Devon Jones, who is accused of the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Carlos Banks, a Northeast Ohio rapper, CBS affiliate WOIO-19 reported. TRENDING STORIES: News Center 7 previously reported that Cleveland police said officers were called out to investigate a person shot around 4 a.m. on Dec. 29, 2024, in the Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found Banks, known by his stage name KashBankx, shot multiple times inside an apartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene, WOIO-19 reported. Banks had amassed thousands of followers on social media with his rap career. Officers identified Jones as a suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest for aggravated murder, WOIO-19 reported. Jones was arrested on Jan. 17 in the 200 block of Washington Street, Indiana, Pennsylvania. Officers seized illegal narcotics at the time of Jones arrested. He will be charged with felony drug possession in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, WOIO-19 reported. Our Marshals Service counterparts in western Pennsylvania responded swiftly to locate and arrest this Cleveland homicide suspect, U.S. Marshall Pete Elliot said. Now, the grieving family of the victim in this case is one step closer to getting the justice they deserve. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Sunday highlighted that US-India relations have reached new heights, due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden. Garcetti and his family on Sunday met PM Modi and said that the two leaders have achieved record-breaking milestones in various areas, including visas, trade, defence collaboration, space cooperation, student exchanges, and investments. In a heartfelt post on X, Garcetti said, "Had a great final visit with PM Modi with my family. It's clear that he and President Biden have raised our compelling and consequential US-India partnership to new heights--record visas, record trade, record defence collaboration, record space cooperation, record students, record investments and so much more." Garcetti expressed his gratitude to PM Modi and the people of India for their warm hospitality during his final visit to India. He emphasised that the US-India partnership has become indispensable and will continue to grow stronger in the coming years. "What was seen as unthinkable a generation ago will seem as indispensable a generation from now, thanks to the work of these leaders and the people of our nations. Thank you Prime Minister and thank you to all Indians. It's been a daily joy to help co-write this chapter with you," he added. https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/1880827002720059844 While attending the inauguration ceremony of US Consulate office in Bengaluru on Friday, Garcetti said that it was not a new presence of the US in India, but they are rather expanding their presence. "We are not beginning a new presence here. In Karnataka, but we are expanding our existing presence here, a commitment that America makes to this great state and city in this amazing nation as well. And thank you to all of our honourable dignitaries," he said. The US Ambassador also highlighted the rich history of US-India relations, dating back to 1776 when the US opened its second-ever consulate in Kolkata, India. He noted that the recent inauguration of the US Consulate office in Bengaluru marks an expansion of the US presence in India, rather than a new beginning. "We've been talking about this for a long, long time, right? We start together to make sure this beginning plants a seed that will flower for decades to come. You know our relationship in India is not new. Many Americans don't know, and very few Indians know that our second consulate in the world was here in India. First after the independence of a new America in 1776, we opened a consulate in Lyon, France, and then the second was in Kolkata, showing back then the importance of India to a new American nation. Since then, we have built to 5 posts, 7 if you count our commercial offices including here and in Ahmedabad, and this is now the 2nd largest mission of America anywhere in the world. It produces the second most visas and the most students. We're breaking records every single year, record employees, record visas, record students, record military exercises, record engagement from the seabed to space," he said. (ANI) Police are currently searching for two suspects they said committed almost 60 crimes in Cherokee County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Jan 14, Woodstock officers were called to investigate several vehicle break-ins around the city. Officials said a string of vehicle break-ins occurred between Sessions Street and Chesterfield Cove around 3:20 a.m. Woodstock police said the suspects, broke into a home, and 14 vehicles, and stole a car before leaving Cherokee County. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators identified the make and model of the suspects car and the three suspects nine hours after they first entered Woodstock. Authorities arrested one suspect, Shukrani Ooko, and recovered several items linked to the case. This case highlights the exceptional dedication, professionalism, and swift action of our officers and detectives, said Chief of Police Robert Jones. Within hours, they utilized investigative resources, partnered with citizens, and worked seamlessly with neighboring agencies to achieve significant progress to take these dangerous criminals off the street. Their commitment to ensuring the safety of our community is nothing short of commendable. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Police have secured warrants for Jaszper Jordan and Robert Lee James. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have been charged with 55 crimes including violating the Georgia RICO Act, burglary in the first degree, entering an automobile, financial transaction card Fraud, and theft by taking of a motor vehicle. Woodstock police urge citizens to not approach the suspects. If you do see them, call 911 or Woodstock Police Department at 770-592-6000. Syria's new administration has banned all Russian, Iranian, and Israeli goods from entering the country in a new decree issued by the country's finance minister on Jan. 17. Any relevant goods discovered at land and sea border crossings will be confiscated, according to the ban, reported regional media outlets. The decision came shortly after the country had restricted entry of Iranian and Israeli passport holders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has moved quickly to restore ties with Syria after rebels overthrew the Russia-backed regime of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8. Under the previous regime, Russia had military bases in Syria that it used for operations in Africa and the Middle East. Last month, Ukraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha visited Syria, marking the first official Ukrainian delegation to Syria in years. During the trip, he said he hoped to increase trade with Syria. As the new Syrian government looks to establish itself and reset foreign relations with its former partners and adversaries, the trade ban may exacerbate tensions in the region and impact trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Putin is destroying Russia by not making a deal to end war, Trump says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Maya Gebeily DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Syria's new defence minister said on Sunday it would not be right for U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters based in the country's northeast to retain their own bloc within the broader integrated Syrian armed forces. Speaking to Reuters at the Defence Ministry in Damascus, Murhaf Abu Qasra said the leadership of the Kurdish fighters, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), was procrastinating in its handling of the complex issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SDF, which has carved out a semi-autonomous zone through 14 years of civil war, has been in talks with the new administration in Damascus led by former rebels who toppled President Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi has said one of their central demands is a decentralised administration, saying in an interview with Saudi Arabia's Asharq News channel last week that the SDF was open to integrating with the Defence Ministry but as "a military bloc", and without dissolving. Abu Qasra rejected that proposal on Sunday. "We say that they would enter the Defence Ministry within the hierarchy of the Defence Ministry, and be distributed in a military way - we have no issue there," said Abu Qasra, who was appointed defence minister on Dec. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But for them to remain a military bloc within the Defence Ministry, such a bloc within a big institution is not right." One of the minister's priorities since taking office has been integrating Syria's myriad anti-Assad factions into a unified command structure. But doing so with the SDF has proved challenging. The U.S. considers the group a key ally against Islamic State militants, but neighbouring Turkey regards it as a national security threat. Abu Qasra said he had met the SDF's leaders but accused them of "procrastinating" in talks over their integration, and said incorporating them in the Defence Ministry like other ex-rebel factions was "a right of the Syrian state". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abu Qasra was appointed to the transitional government about two weeks after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist group to which he belongs, led the offensive that ousted Assad. He said he hoped to finish the integration process, including appointing some senior military figures, by March 1, when the transitional government's time in power is set to end. Asked how he responded to criticism that a transitional council should not make such appointments or carry out such sweeping changes of the military infrastructure, he said "security issues" had prompted the new state to prioritise the matter. "We are in a race against time and every day makes a difference," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new administration was also criticised over its decision to give some foreigners, including Egyptians and Jordanians, ranks in the new military. Abu Qasra acknowledged the decision had created a firestorm but said he was not aware of any requests to extradite any of the foreign fighters. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Helen Popper) TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Tampa police are looking to identify a suspect involved in armed robberies that happened at multiple gas stations. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, a man entered the following businesses: A 7-Eleven at 18902 N. Dale Mabry Highway, a Circle Ks located at 6211 N. Dale Mabry Highway, and another Circle K at Race Track Road and Tampa Road in Pinellas County. A surveillance video from one of the businesses shows the man armed with a handgun and demanding cash from the register before fleeing the store with money in hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anyone has information about this individual please contact HCSO directly at 813-247-8200. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Tampa Riverwalk expansion is moving forward. But the plan to use $10 million from a fund meant to support West Tampa is getting pushback from some critics. The addition will extend the Riverwalk from the Bayshore Publix on Platt Street to an area near Ricks on the River restaurant and along Columbus Drive and Rome Avenue to create over 12 miles of bike and pedestrian pathways. Supporters say it will increase safety and connectivity. But critics, including some on City Council, called it a vanity project and questioned if West Tampas community redevelopment agency should be footing a chunk of the bill, which is expected to total over $56 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project has already secured $24 million in federal funds. At a council meeting last week, the citys mobility director, Vik Bhide, said Tampa could see up to an additional $8 million covered by federal and state funds. Council member Bill Carlson said it would be great to have the Riverwalk on the west side of town but said it was a vanity project of the administration and that community redevelopment agency money could be better spent elsewhere, including on improving the areas stormwater system or repaving roads. He was one of two votes against using $10 million from the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency over three years for the project. Id rather be able to tell the public what we accomplished was getting your roads paved and protecting your house from getting flooded, Carlson said. Council member Lynn Hurtak, the other vote against the move, questioned whether it was fair to take $3.3 million this year from the West Tampa fund which has more than $7.6 million in other hopeful projects lined up, including a ground survey, historic property inventory study and installation of ground murals. Hurtak said the agency brought in $5.6 million this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just saying that taking $3.3 million out of this budget for three years will set some of these projects back, she said. And I am not OK with that. I do not support the ten million out of a CRA that simply cannot afford it. The project has support from the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce and West Tampa Community Advisory Committee, who said it would offer connection to dense, urban areas. But resident Valerie Bullock, who spoke during the public comment portion of a council meeting last week, said the area faced many more pressing issues that are more important than a sidewalk. She said the Riverwalk is for the new people who moved in the Tampa area and for the tourists. Its not for the residents who have already been over there. We need jobs. We need economic development, and we need housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But proponents of the project said the project offers more than that. Council member Alan Clendenin said the expansion is less bells and whistles and more of the mixed modal transportation networks. Were creating a linear park and sidewalk that gives people in these neighborhoods and adjacent neighborhoods an opportunity for safety, transit to these neighborhoods, and a place for kids to go and walk and ride their bikes. I think this is going to be a vital element in these neighborhoods. Gwen Henderson, a council member for District 5, said West Tampa deserved the Riverwalk extension. Henderson noted that the City Council, before she joined, approved using community redevelopment funds for the expansion of the Straz Center and the Tampa Museum of Arts, and said she thinks the Riverwalk project is more important infrastructure than those projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can walk and chew gum as a city, Council member Luis Viera said, saying he didnt see the Riverwalk as detracting from other priorities. Were a big city. We can deal with our infrastructure, particularly when 60%, roughly, is going to be paid for by the CRA and by the federal government. Council member Charlie Miranda said the value of the project is something more intangible than a price tag. Much of the change and growth in Tampa, he said, can be attributed to investments people made, and this could be a chance for a part of Tampa that hasnt seen the same growth. Tampas not the Tampa I grew up in, he said. ... This is the last link they can see and not feel left out. Theres a value of things money cant buy. Youre looking at hope. Editors note: Due to a reporters error, an earlier version of this story gave the incorrect last name for Valerie Bullock. The story has been updated. Taxpayers have forked out half a million pounds for MPs childcare after the House of Commons nursery racked up losses following the pandemic, The Telegraph can reveal. The nursery and pre-school offers 40 spaces to the children of MPs and their staff, as well as members of the House of Lords and certain workers based on the Parliamentary Estate. Parents who secure one of the highly sought-after spots in the Ofsted-rated outstanding nursery pay 1,400 a month for full-time care compared to 1,700, which is the average for a nursery in inner London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the rise in working from home among Parliamentary staff means they are utilising the perk less, sending the nursery into the red. A Freedom of Information request sent by The Telegraph shows it has been operating at a loss every year since the pandemic after previously being in profit. Campaigners said the findings were a bitter pill for parents and nursery providers. The latter are warning they have no choice but to hike fees as a result of Labours National Insurance raid and minimum wage increases. The House of Commons nursery and pre-school typically costs between 450,000 and 530,000 a year to run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But between April 2020 and September 2024, it incurred operating losses of 500,000 losses ultimately paid for by the taxpayer. The House of Commons said much of this shortfall could be directly attributed to Covid-19 restrictions. In the year prior to the pandemic, the nursery made almost 50,000 in profit. Hybrid working had reduced occupancy levels, with many parents now enlisting their child in their nursery for just two or three days a week where previously five was common, a spokesman said. The Telegraphs analysis shows the biggest financial loss was recorded in 2020-21 when the nursery haemorrhaged 202,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second largest was in 2023-24 when it plunged 142,000 into the red, having racked up 527,000 in running costs, but generated only 385,000 in income. Martyn James, consumer expert, said: Childcare costs are one of the most complained about expenses from families. So the news that MPs have advantageous and cheaper childcare that we are paying for by default will be a bitter pill for millions of people to swallow. It comes as the childcare sector warns it is at breaking point after years of underfunding and a series of fiscal attacks from Labour. Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: With cost pressures created by the upcoming National Insurance changes and wage increases, there is a real danger that the sector is fast approaching breaking point, with our own research showing providers will have no option but to raise fees and limit entitlement hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unless the Government commits to either exempting or fully funding National Insurance changes, and increasing early years funding rates to reflect the true cost of delivering high-quality provision, what is already an incredibly challenging situation is only likely to get worse. Former speaker, John Bercow, set up the House of Commons nursery and pre-school in 2010 with the aim of supporting parents working in the House of Commons and removing barriers to female MPs with young children. But ever since its launch, the creche has sparked controversy. In 2013, former Labour MP, Roger Godsiff, claimed that creating the nursery by converting Bellamys Bar had cost taxpayers over 511,000, calling it a continual drain on the public finances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House of Commons said the nursery is not intended to be a profit-making venture. Parents are charged 1,400 a month for full-time care of an under-two-year-old, about 300 cheaper than the average fees for inner London, which are 1,700, according to the latest survey by the charity Coram. Other nurseries in Westminster charge over 2,000 a month. The House of Commons contracts a non-profit called the London Early Years Foundation to run the nursery. Any fees paid by parents are returned to Parliament. A House of Commons spokesman said: Similar to services offered by many employers, the House of Commons offers a nursery service, which provides childcare for those who work on the parliamentary estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is intended to be a staff and Member service, rather than a profit-raising venture. Provided through a third-party supplier, parents and caregivers pay monthly fees for the service, which are benchmarked against other local private and government options. As with all services provided by the House, value for money remains a key consideration. The London Early Years Foundation was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Technologists say the hazy definition of artificial intelligence leaves a wide opening for companies to over-promise or over-market the capabilities of their products or even render AI more of a marketing gimmick than a real technology. (Photo by David Espejo/Getty Images) In his college courses at Stanford University, Jehangir Amjad poses a curious question to his students: Was the 1969 moon landing a product of artificial intelligence? It might sound like a work of science fiction, or time travel, he said, but understanding the history of AI answers the question for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would actually argue, yes, a lot of the algorithms that were part of what put us on the moon are precursors to a lot of what we are seeing today as well, said Amjad, a Bay Area technology executive and a computer science lecturer at Stanford. Its essentially precursors to the same kind of similar sort of next, next, next generation algorithms. Amjad poses the question to his students to underline how hard it is to actually define artificial intelligence. This has become even more difficult as the technology explodes in sophistication and public awareness. The beauty and the dilemma is, what is AI? is actually very hard to define, Amjad said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That broad definition and public understanding of artificial intelligence can make it difficult for both consumers and the tech industry to parse out what is real AI and what is simply marketed as such. Swapnil Shinde, the Los Altos, California-based CEO and cofounder of AI bookkeeping software Zeni, has seen it through his investment firm Twin Ventures. Over the last two years, Shinde has seen a huge uptick in companies seeking funding that describe themselves as AI-powered or AI-driven. The AI market is very saturated, and some AI companies in fact just use the technology in a very small part of their product, he said. Its very easy to figure out after a few conversations if the startup is just building a wrap around ChatGPT and calling that a product, Shinde said. And if thats the case, they are not going to survive for long, because its not really deep tech. It isnt solving a very deep, painful problem that was driven by humans for a long period of time. The rush to build AI Since early 2023, Theresa Fesinstine said she has observed a race in the corporate world to introduce AI technologies in order to stay competitive and relevant. Its when she launched her AI education company, peoplepower.ai, in which she leads workshops, teaches organizations about how AI is built and consults them on which tools might be a good fit for their needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a time where everyone wants to claim the most cutting edge tools, some basic education about AI can help both companies and their employees navigate the technology landscape, the Norwalk, Connecticut-based founder said. In an effort to look more innovative, companies may tout basic automations or rule-based alerts as exciting new AI tools, Fesinstine said. While these tools do use some foundational technologies of AI, the companies could be overstating the tools abilities, she said, especially when they throw around the popular buzzword term generative AI, which uses complicated algorithms and deep learning techniques to learn, adapt and predict. The pressure on companies to keep up with the latest and greatest may also lead some organizations to buy new AI software tools, even if they dont have a strategy to implement and train their employees how to best use it. Its predatory, I would say, Fesinstine said. For companies, especially those that are feeling unsure of what AI is going to look like, what it should be, people have a fear of being left behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some technologists argue that ambiguity around what is or isnt AI allows for all kinds of tech products to be sold as such. Predictive analytics, for example, which uses data to forecast future outcomes, may be borderline AI, said Ed Watal, the Reston, Virginia-based founder of IT and AI strategy consultancy firm Intellibus. True AI systems use algorithms to sort, analyze and review data, and make informed decisions on what to do with it, based on what humans prompt it to do. The learning aspects of these systems are how AI gets smarter over time through neural networks which take feedback and use history to get better at completing tasks over time. But the purists, the purists, will argue that AI is only machine learning and deep learning, he said. AI washing Though there seems to be an AI-powered company promising to do pretty much any task for you, technologists warn that todays real AI has its limitations. Watal said the industry has seen some AI washing or over-promising and over-marketing the uses of AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A company that promises that its AI tool can build a website from the ground up could be an example, he said. While you could get ChatGPT or another AI algorithm to generate the code, it cant create a fully functioning website, he said. You wouldnt be able to do things which require, lets say, something as simple as sending an email, because sending an email requires a [simple mail transfer protocol] server, Watal said. Yeah, you could ask this AI tool to also write the code for a mail server, but youd still have to host it and run it somewhere. So its not as simple as, oh, you click a button and you have an entire app. Amjad, who is also the head of AI Platform at generative AI company Ikigai, said companies sometimes over-promise and over-market the ability of AI to perform original, creative tasks. We should doubt wherever we start seeing claims of originality coming from AI because originality is a very human trait. Jehangir Amjad, tech executive and Stanford lecturer While artificial intelligence tools are great at pattern recognition, data sorting and generating ideas based on existing content, humans remain the source of original, creative tasks and output, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People would argue that in the public imagination, AI is creating a lot of things, but really its regurgitating. Its not creating, right? Amjad said. And we should doubt wherever we start seeing claims of originality coming from AI because originality is a very human trait. Its definitely not the first time that a new technology has captured the publics attention and led to a marketing frenzy, Watal said. About a decade ago, the concept of Web3, or a decentralized internet that relies on blockchain technology, quickly grew in popularity, he said. Blockchain technology operates as sort of a public ledger, where transactions and records are kept in an accessible forum. Its the basis of many cryptocurrencies, and while it has become more mainstream in recent years, it hasnt taken over the internet as was predicted about a decade ago. The cloud is another example of a technology marketing makeover, Watal said. The concept of remote servers storing information separately from your hardware goes back decades, but after Apples introduction of the Elastic Compute Cloud in 2006, every technology company competed to get their claim to the cloud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only time will tell if we are overusing or underusing the term artificial intelligence, Amjad said. I think its very clear that both the hype and the promise, and the promise of applications is actually pretty real, Amjad said. But that doesnt mean that we may not be, in certain quarters, overdoing it. Amjad suspects the interest in AI will only continue to rise, but he feels Ikigais technology is one that will prove itself amid the hype cycle. Yes, its come and captured the public imagination. And Im absolutely thrilled about that part, but its something that builds upon a very long tradition of these things, Amjad said. And I wish that would help temper some of the expectations the hype cycle has actually existed in AI, at least a couple of times, in the last, maybe, 50 years itself. TikTok briefly went dark as the U.S ban took effect this weekend, but not all its devoted users lamented its disappearance from their lives. In a New York Times op-ed, a high schooler who described herself as a TikTok "junkie" said the ban gave her hope. After months of wondering if TikTok will actually go away, the app briefly went dark as the U.S ban took effect this weekend. But not all its devoted users lamented its short-lived disappearance from their lives. Late Saturday night, TikTok suspended service in the U.S. ahead of a Sunday deadline, and third-party platforms removed it from their app stores. By midday Sunday, however, TikTok said it was restoring service. TikTok had become a daily routine for many users, but for others, it was seeping into their lives too much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juliet Weisfogel, a 17-year-old student at Trevor Day School in New York City, welcomed the TikTok ban in a New York Times op-ed on Sunday. "I love TikTok so much that I cannot imagine a life without it," she wrote. "And yet I desperately need a life without it." The ban, which was signed into law last year, cited national security concerns and requires China-based parent company ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. buyer or face a ban. While some U.S. investors have made offers, ByteDance has said it won't sell. Still, President-elect Donald Trump vowed to issue an executive order when he takes office on Monday to restore TikTok and give ByteDance more time to reach a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Weisfogel said her support for the ban has nothing to do with national security or where her data is stored. Instead, she's most worried about the future of her generation. "Given my love of TikTok, you might think the notion of losing it would horrify me, and yet, it fills me with hope," she explained. "You see, Im a 17-year-old TikTok junkie, and I wholeheartedly support a law that would sever me forever from my fix." That's because TikTok has taken on an overwhelming role in the lives of her peers, determining their conversations, outfits, what to buy, and meals to eat, Weisfogel added. In fact, TikTok is the starting point for figuring out almost every lunch and dinner, as young people check to see what dish has gone viral, she said, noting that the app is her generation's search engine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Should TikTok permanently end, we teenagers wont just lose an app full of funny dances or silly memes; we will surrender a way of being, a fundamental cornerstone of youth culture," Weisfogel wrote. "But thats precisely why we need to give it up. This app has pervaded every corner of our consciousness." According to a Pew Research report in December 2023, 63% of U.S. teens said they used TikTok, with 68% of girls saying they use it versus 59% of boys. And among the teenage TikTokers, 17% said they used it "almost constantly." Meanwhile, more than a dozen states sued TikTok in October, saying the company intentionally made the app addictive for children and teens. TikTok forcefully denied the claims and pointed to its robust safeguards. Ahead of the TikTok ban, many Americans began seeking alternatives and downloaded the Chinese-language social media app RedNote, prompting them to sign up for Duolingo to learn Mandarin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But other apps lack TikTok's algorithm, which is the closely guarded secret sauce that figures out exactly what users want to see next. Weisfogel said that comes with a downside as it also stirs up insecurities and weighs on self-esteem. "Our sleep, our waking hours and our thoughts are surrendered to content creators collecting dimes off our time and to the coffers of ByteDance itself," she said. For others on TikTok, the stakes are high in another way, as many influencers rely on it to make a living. Sarah Perl, who has 2.5 million followers on the app, told Fortune's Chloe Berger that the bulk of her fame and revenue came from TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never in history has there been a time as easy as now to within a year make $10,000 a month off of business, she said. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) criticised China for its "erroneous claim" about Taiwan and restated that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, as reported by the Taipei Times. Taipei Times reported that the ministry's response came after Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke about Taiwan's sovereignty during a phone call with the US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday. The ministry emphasised that Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are not controlled by one another, and this is a well-known fact that reflects the internationally accepted "status quo." Taiwan said it looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with the new Trump administration, building on the strong and friendly relationship between Taiwan and the US. The two sides aim to work together to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the region, the Taipei Times reported. In a statement, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared that Xi Jinping told Trump it was natural for two large countries to disagree on some issues. Xi also said the Taiwan issue is a matter of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the US should handle it carefully, the Taipei Times reported. According to Taipei Times, Li Da-jung, a professor at Tamkang University, said the call came earlier than expected and showed Trump's proactive style. Li also suggested that despite Trump's appointments of tough China critics, phone calls and meetings between Trump and Xi would likely increase after Trump takes office. Li believes one of Trump's main goals is to address the "unfair" trade imbalance with China. Wang Hung-jen, a professor at National Cheng Kung University, suggested that Trump sees the US-China rivalry as an important issue to address the issues right away. While the conversation seemed positive, it doesn't necessarily mean Trump will ease his stance on trade, the Taipei Times reported. (ANI) Bitterly cold air is moving in and that is causing temperatures to plunge across north Georgia. Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Ashley Kramlich says an Extreme Cold Warning has been issued for parts of north Georgia until 12 p.m. Monday. In those areas, temperatures will feel like they are in the single digits or even below zero overnight through Monday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free Severe Weather Team 2 App for alerts wherever you go] For areas south of Atlanta and in eastern Georgia, a cold weather advisory will be in place overnight from 1 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday with wind chills in the single digits to the mid-teens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dangerous cold will stick around for a few days. Make sure to protect your pets, pipes, and plants. Severe Weather Team 2 is also tracking a winter storm watch for Tuesday into Wednesday. Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz says the best chance of accumulating snows will be the south metro. Bitterly cold air is moving in now. The best chance of accumulating snow will be across the south metro. Parts of the north metro may miss out on snow altogether. Well be working to fine tune that transition zone. It will be dependent on how far north the moisture moves. pic.twitter.com/VG7Rwtaj4B Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) January 19, 2025 Heres what to know for this week: Dangerously cold air moving in overnight Lows will be in the teens Monday morning with wind chills in the single digits Temperatures are expected to be at or below freezing for several days Frozen pipes along with water main breaks will be a major concern this week A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning The highest impacts will be south of I-20 A dusting to 1 inch of snow possible for the north metro area 1-3 of snow possible for the south metro RELATED STORIES BRUNSWICK, Ohio (WJW) A fire at a local apartment complex caused damage and injury late Friday night, building management said on social media. The fire began in one apartment at the Cross Creek Apartments (1300 Cross Creek Drive), but was quickly put out by the Brunswick Fire Department. However, smoke affected other apartments surrounding the one apartment, building management said. 1 seriously injured at local sledding hill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are saddened to report that the tenant in the originating unit is currently in the hospital and their condition is being closely monitored at this time, Cross Creek management said in the post. One other person was reportedly treated for smoke inhalation, but no other people or animals were injured in the blaze. We extend our deepest and heartfelt gratitude to our residents for their resilience, patience, and understanding during this challenging time, management said in the post. Medina man killed in head-on car crash It is not yet clear what led to the fire or how much damages will cost. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Despite the cold weather in the Wabash Valley, the Terre Haute Farmers Market is still taking place. During the winter months, the market takes place inside of Meadows Shopping Center. There, you can find a collection of local makers, growers, and bakers. Any vendors that have a business located within 100 miles of Terre Haute are welcome to sell at the market. Today was the only market for the month of January, but mark your calendars, the next one will be February 15th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Market Manager, Carrie Schoffstall, says the attraction of the market stems from the community being able to support local businesses. I love that its a part of the community, that not only are we supporting local creators and growers and farmers, but were also supporting our neighbors and friends, Schoffstall said. We get to know our shoppers and our customers, and recognize faces and names, so its a fun place to see people and support local businesses. The market will be open on the following dates: February 15th, March 15th, April 5th and 19th, and May 3rd. If you are interested in becoming a vendor in the market, visit their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Social media users in the U.S. fumed over TikToks shoutout to President-elect Donald Trump after the platform, which went dark late Saturday, weighed in on a federal ban that it described as unfortunately barring people from using the app. Millions of TikTok users who expected to scroll through videos on the app were instead met with a pop-up message informing them that the platform was fortunate for Trumps interest in finding a solution to reinstate its U.S. operations after hes sworn into office on Monday. Trump, in a phone interview with Meet the Press host Kristen Welker on Saturday, said he will most likely provide a 90-day extension to the platforms Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to avoid a TikTok ban by selling its U.S. assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok had previously warned that it would go dark Sunday unless the Biden administration gave more clarity and assurance to third-party service providers like Apple and Google that it wouldnt enforce the law when a ban took effect. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre referred to TikToks threat as a stunt and emphasized that actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. President Joe Biden signed the law to force the sale of TikTok last April, and the Supreme Court upheld it on Friday. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who is reportedly set to attend Trumps swearing-in on Monday, shared a video after the Supreme Court decision, where he said that the company was grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has pledged to save the app, notably wanted to ban the platform back in 2020 before flip-flopping on it ahead of last years election. Social media users on X, formerly called Twitter, mocked TikTok for highlighting Trump in its pop-up message on the shutdown. TikTok having a banner pop up for all US users pretty much saying TikTok is banned now sorry but Trump will fix it stay tuned is soooo weird and terrifying like this really is just a whole scheme to get trumped to be liked by kids, wrote one user. lmao TikTok has literally built sucking up to Trump into the app. I think they just pulled ahead in the tech leaders prostrate themselves in front of the new administration race, another post said. You can check out those takes and more in the posts below. tiktok having a banner pop up for all US users pretty much saying tiktok is banned now sorry but trump will fix it stay tuned is soooo weird and terrifying like this really is just a whole scheme to get trumped to be liked by kids john (@needtcknow) January 19, 2025 lmao TikTok has literally built sucking up to Trump into the app i think they just pulled ahead in the tech leaders prostrate themselves in front of the new administration race pic.twitter.com/ujnhDwFvTG rat king (@MikeIsaac) January 19, 2025 Them even mentioning Trump in that statement makes me not even wanna be back on tiktok when it does come back lol. You get in bed with the dogs, you get fleas. Sean Garrette (@seangarrette) January 19, 2025 BREAKING: TikTok reportedly told employees, per The Verge: Were fortunate President Trump has indicated hell work with us to reinstate TikTok once hes back in office. Translation: The guy who tried to kill it is now its savior. You cant make this up. pic.twitter.com/BIhwa5qMNH Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) January 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! yall cannot tell me this isnt a ploy to get that man praise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kaya (@kyylien) January 19, 2025 tiktok praising trump when hes the one who set this crusade against tiktok (and capcut) in motionpic.twitter.com/eNRuBtE2D4https://t.co/SwWPYUFeim (@jelevision) January 19, 2025 Even Tiktok is falling for Trump pretending that he'll save them when the ban was his idea pic.twitter.com/dFgpuXAGJq I Smoked The Jack Smith Report (@BlackKnight10k) January 19, 2025 That little message that pops up thats says Trump is working to get TikTok back when you click on the app pisses me off because we can already see this dumb ass strategy to get people on his side and feed into his delusional ass supporters . Im irritated af by that Beviie (@curlybeviie) January 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement we are fortunate that president trump has indicated that he will work with us to reinstate tiktok https://t.co/tpWps2YWeHpic.twitter.com/o8cYTxtUe0 twltter user (@up2anth) January 19, 2025 Banning tiktok for less than 48 hours just to give Trump the saved tiktok redemption arc is so fkn pathetic I cant. J. (@jaIenci) January 19, 2025 Related... The first three hostages released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal have reached Israeli territory, the Israeli military said on Sunday, hours after the agreement took effect. The three women - named by the Israeli military as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher - were transferred by the Palestinian militant group Hamas to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Sunday afternoon. Television footage showed armed fighters in Gaza holding back large crowds as the three women were handed over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were then transferred to Israeli forces and were set to undergo a medical assessment before being transported to a hospital in Tel Aviv, where they were to be greeted by family. The Israeli military posted on X: "They're home." The first 90 or so Palestinian prisoners were due to be released in Israel later on Sunday and taken by security forces either to the West Bank or Gaza. Following months of stalemate in the 15-month Gaza war, a three-stage ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was brokered earlier this week. The first stage of the ceasefire agreement foresees the release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, while the Israeli army is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal was announced on Wednesday, capping months-long efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire and Hamas to release the hostages it is holding. Ceasefire takes effect after delay The long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect at 11:15 am (0915 GMT) on Sunday, after being delayed by several hours due to what Hamas called "technical reasons." The ceasefire had originally been expected to begin at 8:30 am but was pushed back when Israel said Hamas had failed to provide the names of the three hostages to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel continued attacking Gaza as it waited for the list of names, with 19 people were killed throughout the territory, according to the Hamas-controlled civil defence. Hostages released after 471 days Friends and relatives of the three women clapped and cheered in Hostages Square in central Tel Aviv when their release was confirmed, 471 days after they were taken captive in the October 7, 2023 attacks. In a statement to Britain's Press Association news agency after being reunited with her daughter in Israel, freed hostage Emily Damari's mother Mandy thanked "everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While Emily's nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues," she added. Romi Gonen was kidnapped from the Nova music festival near the border with the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023 after trying to flee with her friends in a car, according to reports. She was shot in the hand during the Hamas-led assault on the festival. The two other women were kidnapped from their homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza as hostages on the same day. UN says 4,000 truckloads of food and flour set to enter Gaza The first phase of the ceasefire agreement also provides for a rapid increase in aid deliveries for more than 2 million Gazans, 90% of whom are affected by hunger, according to UN figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN World Food Programme stated that aid was delivered to the Gaza Strip through both the Kerem Shalom border crossing in the south and Zikim in the north. According to Arab media reports, nearly 200 trucks were en route to the Palestinian territory. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has prepared 4,000 truckloads of aid supplies for the Gaza Strip, it reported. Almost 500 days of war The Gaza war 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. Israel responded with massive bombardment of Gaza, laying much of the sealed-off territory to ruins, and also launched a ground incursion with the stated aim of fully eradicating Hamas. More than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to Palestinian estimates. The first three hostages to be released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal were freed on Sunday, hours after an agreement took effect to halt the fighting that has devastated the coastal territory. The three women - named by the Israeli military as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher - were transferred by the Palestinian militant group Hamas to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Sunday afternoon. Television footage showed armed fighters in Gaza holding back large crowds as the three women were handed over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were then transferred to Israeli forces and transported to a hospital in Tel Aviv, where they were to be greeted by family. The Israeli military posted on X: "They're home." Some 90 Palestinian prisoners were due to be released in Israel later on Sunday and taken by security forces either to the West Bank or Gaza. The Palestinian Authority press office said that a number of the prisoners have arrived in East Jerusalem, although there was initially no official confirmation from Israeli authorities. A Hamas spokesman also confirmed that four more hostages would be released next Saturday, as part of the deal to exchange hostages and prisoners over the course of six weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following months of stalemate in the 15-month Gaza war, a three-stage ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was brokered earlier this week, capping months-long efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to mediate between the warring parties. The first stage of the ceasefire agreement foresees the release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, while the Israeli military is to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. Ceasefire takes effect after delay The long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect at 11:15 am (0915 GMT) on Sunday, after being delayed by several hours due to what Hamas called "technical reasons." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceasefire had originally been expected to begin at 8:30 am but was pushed back when Israel said Hamas had failed to provide the names of the three hostages to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Israel continued attacking Gaza as it waited for the list of names, with 19 people were killed throughout the territory, according to the Hamas-controlled civil defence authority. Hostages released after 471 days Friends and relatives of the three women clapped and cheered in Hostages Square in central Tel Aviv when their release was confirmed, 471 days after they were taken captive in the October 7, 2023 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The national flag carrier El Al also shared the news of the hostages' release on all of its flights, with videos online showing passengers cheering the announcements. In a statement to Britain's Press Association news agency after being reunited with her daughter in Israel, freed hostage Emily Damari's mother Mandy thanked "everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name." "While Emily's nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues," she added. Israeli media reported that Damari lost two fingers during her abduction by Hamas, with images from a video call between the 28-year-old woman and her relatives after her release showing her bandaged hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damari and Steinbrecher, dual citizens of the UK and Romania respectively, were kidnapped from their homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the October 7 attacks. Gonon was taken captive from the Nova music festival near the border with Gaza after being shot in the hand while trying to flee with her friends in a car, according to reports. World leaders welcome deal Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the "entire nation rejoices" at the return of three hostages. "This is a day of joy and comfort, and the beginning of a challenging journey of recovery and healing together," said Herzog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will not rest or be silent until we bring back all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza the living to their families, and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest in dignity," he added. US President Joe Biden also welcomed the start of the ceasefire and the release of the first hostages, adding that the success of the deal will require "persistence and continuing support for our friends in the region, and the belief in diplomacy backed by deterrence." "Today, the guns in Gaza have gone silent," Biden said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said "today is a day of joy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The hostages held by Hamas have been released and reunited with their families," Scholz posted on X. "All the hostages must be released, and more humanitarian aid must rapidly enter the Gaza Strip." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Seeing the hostages' reunion with their families fills our hearts with hope. Let it be the start of a new chapter for Israel and the Palestinian people." Palestinian prisoners released In the first phase of the agreement, 33 hostages are to be exchanged for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners. The prisoners set to be released are mainly considered to be Hamas fighters who were captured during the war in Gaza but were not involved in the October 7 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. According to reports, Israel wants to prevent any celebrations after the release of the prisoners. Families have reportedly been threatened with punishment if they hold celebrations, with only parents and siblings allowed to welcome the released Palestinians. UN says 4,000 truckloads of food and flour set to enter Gaza The first phase of the ceasefire agreement also provides for a rapid increase in aid deliveries for more than 2 million Gazans, 90% of whom are affected by hunger, according to UN figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN World Food Programme stated that aid was delivered to the Gaza Strip through both the Kerem Shalom border crossing in the south and Zikim in the north. According to Arab media reports, nearly 200 trucks were en route to the Palestinian territory. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has prepared 4,000 truckloads of aid supplies for the Gaza Strip, it reported. Almost 500 days of war The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed out of the coastal territory, killing some 1,200 people in southern Israeli communities and taking around 250 hostages. Israel responded with a massive bombardment of Gaza, laying much of the sealed-off territory to ruins, and also launched a ground incursion with the stated aim of fully eradicating Hamas. More than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to Palestinian estimates. People celebrate outside a hospital, where Freed Israeli hostages arrive in Ramat Gan after their release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. The first three hostages released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal have reached Israeli territory, the Israeli military said on Sunday, hours after the agreement took effect. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa (WTAJ) Well its Groundhog Day again but thankfully fictional weatherman Phil Connors was able to break his curse 32 years ago to finally see February 3, 1993. The premise of Groundhog Day (the movie) is brilliantly simple. Bill Murray plays weatherman Phil Connors, a sarcastic, egotistical narcissist who gets stuck in a time loop and is forced to relive Groundhog Day over and over until he learns to become a better human causing his producer, Rita, played by Andie MacDowell, to fall in love with him. Very early in the movie, you are shown MacDowells character drastically contrasts with Murrays as her eyes light up in wonder at the excitement of heading to Gobblers Knob for the first time, while Murray couldnt be more annoyed with having to go every year. Unfortunately for Murrays character, that time loop leaves him stuck reliving the day he dreads Groundhog Day. How many times did Bill Murray relive Groundhog Day? How long was Murrays character in the time loop and how many Groundhog Days did he relive? This might be one of the greatest mysteries of cinema that has never truly been revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in a commentary special feature of the movie, director Harold Ramis said Phil relived the day for 10,000 years before later saying it was probably about 10 years. The movie itself never actually reveals that detail, however, Whatculture.com ran some numbers and revealed the number was likely over 12,000 days, which would come to roughly 33 years. We see him relive Groundhog Day 38 times in the movie while another 414 days were mentioned in the film. Whatculture.com then used the theory that it takes 10,000 hours to master any one subject which brings his total to at least 12,395 days, assuming he mastered the piano, French poetry, and ice sculpting at different times. It was also never addressed in the movie what caused the time loop, something that surely adds to the mystique and beautiful simplicity of the heartwarming film. Speaking of heartwarming TN couple gets married in Punxsy for Groundhog Day The films impact on Punxsutawney, Pa. Believe it or not, Groundhog Day wasnt even filmed in Punxsutawney or at Gobblers Knob (More on that in the fun facts below). It certainly had a huge impact on the small town though. Groundhog Day celebrations went from seeing about 5,000 spectators every year to somewhere around 35,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say it was the catalyst that put Punxsutawney Phil from having 5,000 people come for Groundhog Day to having 35,000 people come for Groundhog Day. That was the impact that the movie had. Tom Dunkel, President of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Bill Murray was a lot of fun. He was very cordial to everybody in Punxsutawney and he was signing autographs a very nice man, Dunkel said. Of course, it wasnt filmed here but he came here and was on stage with Punxsutawney Phil, he held Punxsutawney Phil up on stage on Groundhog Day morning. He wanted to get a feel for the energy and what it was like to be at Groundhog Day. Im sure he has fond memories of it just like we do. Every day is Groundhog Day with Punxsutawney Phil on Cameo Fun facts about Groundhog Day (1993): As Murrays character evolved to be a much better human being, when director Harold Ramis would explain a scene, Murry would simply ask Good Phil or Bad Phil? so he knew what direction to take with the scene. Murray was bitten twice by the groundhog while filming and even needed to get rabies shots just in case, IMDb shows. No, Punxsutawney Phil was not used in the making of this film. In fact, the film wasnt shot in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, but rather in Woodstock, Illinois. During the scene downtown with Ned Ryerson a sign for Woodstock Jewelers is seen in the background. Ramis, Murray, and Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned Ryerson) have been honorary Grand Marshals in Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day. Other famous actors were considered for the lead of Phil Connors that director Harold Ramis thought were too nice, including Chevy Chase, Steven Martin, Robin Williams, and Michael Keaton. Keaton allegedly turned down the role citing it all seemed too confusing. You can check out even more trivia about the film on their IMDb page. If youre looking to enjoy Groundhog Day while watching Groundhog Day, there are a few streaming options available and of course plenty of platforms where you can rent or buy it. Stay up to date with news that matters to you with the WTAJ app on iPhone and Android by clicking here. Be sure to watch WTAJ News or come back to WTAJ.com at 7 a.m. on February 2 as well be live from Gobblers Knob, streaming Out of the Shadows where well find out if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Thousands could lose power as NWS issues another Red Flag Warning for San Diego County SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Nearly 100,000 San Diegans could lose power during the next round of power shutoffs after the National Weather Service issued another Red Flag Warning for the region as Santa Ana winds return. A Red Flag Warning will go into effect from 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 through 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 21, for much of inland Southern California, including San Diego County mountains and valleys, according to the National Weather Service. San Diego back in drought conditions amid Red Flag Warning, more Santa Ana winds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warning will be in place for expected strong gusty winds and low relative humidity amid another round of Santa Ana winds. NWS say humidity could be as low as 5 percent, with northeast and east winds 25 to 35 mph, and gusts 40 to 50 mph, that could get up to 60 mph in the mountain passes and canyons. The National Weather Service map below shows areas in red under a Red Flag Warning Monday and Tuesday: Red Flag Warning issued for Southern California from 10 a.m. Monday through 10 p.m. Tuesday (National Weather Service) A Red Flag Warning means if a fire does start, it could spread rapidly due to the combination of low relative humidity, strong winds and warm temperatures, according to the National Weather Service. Conditions in San Diego County have been dry, as the region is back in drought conditions after experiencing the driest start to the rainy season in the past 174 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interactive maps show homes damaged, destroyed in Los Angeles wildfires SDG&E on Saturday announced they are notifying 83,609 customers they could lose power from 6 a.m. Monday through noon Wednesday during another round of Public Safety Power Shutoffs because of the Red Flag Warning. View a map online here of areas at risk for the power shutoffs during the latest Red Flag Warning. In response to the upcoming Red Flag Warning, California Governors Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) said it is positioning resources in Ventura, Orange and San Diego counties in advance of the forecast fire weather conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In San Diego County, from Monday to Wednesday morning, standing by will be 1 OES Engine Strike Team, Type 3; 2 Local Government Engine Task Forces; 2 Local Government Water tender, Type 2; 1 Local Government Dispatcher; and 6 Local Government Overhead. Top music acts announced for FireAid, a concert to support L.A. wildfire victims With wildfires still burning in Los Angeles, you can check the real-time air quality of your city at AirNow.gov. San Diego County and Alert San Diego advise to be prepared to evacuate if you are in those areas under a Red Flag Warning. The county has tips online for creating a Wildland Fire Action Plan to help residents prepare for a major wildfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The campaign included distributing relief aid to 7,500 people in the regions of North Kazakhstan, East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Kostanay, Karaganda, and Abai. The aid provided includes winter clothing, food parcels, and other essential supplies for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, orphans, children, the elderly, and underprivileged families. The initiative is part of the ERC's broader efforts to provide winter aid to various countries and alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable communities during harsh weather conditions. The organisation emphasised that this year's plan focuses on expanding its outreach to more beneficiaries across several countries. (ANI/WAM) Plastic sheeting was erected by authorities at the Sheba Medical Center for three Israeli hostages released by Hamas. The young women were abducted during the Hamas Oct. 7, 2024 terror attack were reunited with their mothers after more than 15-months in captivity in Gaza. A ticket sold in Michigan has won $2 million in Saturday night's Powerball drawing, according to the Michigan Lottery. The ticket matched the five white balls drawn 14, 31, 35, 64 and 69 and along with the the Power Play, the ticket won $2 million. The ticket was purchased at Sage Beer And Wine Inc. at 3008 Greenfield Road in Royal Oak When is the next Powerball drawing? The next Powerball drawing is Monday, Jan. 20. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. What does it cost to play Powerball? Powerball costs $2 to play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times. What are the Powerball prizes? The complete guide to winnings is: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot Match 5 White Balls: $1 million Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000 Match 4 White Balls: $100 Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100 Match 3 White Balls: $7 Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7 Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4 Match Powerball: $4 Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000 Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400 Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400 Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28 Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28 Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16 Match Powerball with Power Play: $16 What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot? The overall odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. How do I find the Powerball winning numbers? Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Drawings are also lived streamed on Powerball.com. The winning numbers are posted to the Powerball and Michigan Lottery websites. What's the Powerball Double Play drawing? In-store Powerball purchasers can select the Double Play option to use their numbers in a second drawing immediately following the regular Powerball drawing for a chance to win additional prizes up to $10,000,000. Players can add the Double Play feature to their Powerball ticket for an additional $1 per play. The Powerball Double Play drawing takes place between 11:30 and 11:40 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Power Play multiplier does not apply to prizes won in the Double Play drawing. Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), Twitter/X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). Contact Amy Huschka: ahuschka@freepress.com or follow her on Twitter/X (@aetmanshuschka). Stay connected and stay informed. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ticket sold in Royal Oak wins $2 million in Saturday Powerball drawing The post TikTok Is Already Back Online appeared first on Consequence. TikTok has come back online just 12 hours after the social video platform went dark over the threat of a nationwide ban in the US. Users were able to access TikTok again starting around 12:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. TikToks decision to restore access in the US followed an announcement by President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday morning, in which he revealed his intention to issue an executive order on Monday to delay the platforms ban in the US by 90 days. Trump also said his executive order would shield app stores and services providers from liability for hosting TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service, the company said in statement on Sunday. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship, the statement added. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Actpassed overwhelmingly by Congress, signed into law by President Joe Biden, and upheld by the US Supreme Court last week required TikTok to divest from its Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance by January 19th, 2025, or face a ban in the US. The law grants the presidentDonald Trump, in this case as of January 20ththe authority to delay the ban by 90 days if TikTok demonstrates progress in divesting from ByteDance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump himself was initially at the forefront of calling for a ban of TikTok as far back as 2020, his success on the platform during the 2024 presidential election seemingly changed his views on the app. He has vowed to find a political resolution that would save TikTok though both the Chinese government and TikTok have shown an unwillingness to sell. On Sunday, Trump proposed a 50% ownership position between the US and China. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. Without US. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars maybe trillions. Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the US gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose. Trump could also instruct his Department of Justice not to enforce the PAFFCAA or refrain from collecting fines from US app stores that continue to make TikTok accessible, but those options are legally questionable and would likely face court challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a deeper dive into the arguments surrounding the TikTok debate, read our breakdown. Then, check out our thoughts on how the ban will affect the music industry. TikTok Is Already Back Online Alex Young Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. FOND DU LAC A 19-year-old man accused of setting fire to a building in Fond du Lac early Sunday that included Republican U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman's office cited the TikTok ban as a motive in the incident, according to authorities. The Fond du Lac Police Department said the Menasha man was arrested after being found near a strip mall, 525 N. Peters Ave., that contained Grothman's district office. Police and fire officials initially responded to the strip mall about 1 a.m. after receiving a report of a fire. The building was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported, police said. Fire personnel extinguished the blaze, which began outside the building and burned the building's outside siding and an air conditioning unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: TikTok shut down. Some can access browser version: Live updates Police said the 19-year-old suspect admitted to starting the fire in response to recent talks of a TikTok ban. Grothman was among a bipartisan majority of 360 House members who voted last year in favor of a bill that would force TikToks Chinese parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. That ban went into effect over the weekend. Grothman told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the fire was contained to outside the building. He said the fire did not appear to get inside but said a staff member who visited the scene told him the office smelled of smoke. A photo provided to the Journal Sentinel by Grothman's office shows what an aide said was the burned back door of the congressman's district office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont even know yet (what happened) other than somebody tried to set a fire over TikTok, Grothman said in a brief interview Sunday morning. Fire damaged the outside of U.S. Rep, Glenn Grothman's Fond du Lac office early Sunday. Authorities say the fire was set by a Menasha man who cited anger over the U.S. ban on the video app TikTok. TikTok stopped working in the U.S. on Saturday after the Supreme Court on Friday upheld the law that effectively banned it. The Supreme Courts decision sided with the governments national security concerns about the social media platform and its parent company, ByteDance, over arguments about free speech. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday said he would sign an executive order to stall the app's ban. He is set to take the oath of office on Monday. TikTok now displays a message explaining to users that a ban was passed but President Donald Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution, asking users to stay tuned," according to USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are relieved that no one was injured and the office was unoccupied at the time of the fire, Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein said in the release about the Fond du Lac fire. Acts of violence, in any form, are not tolerated, and we remain committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our community. I am thankful for the swift response of our officers in helping knock down the fire and also locating the suspect of this arson. The suspect, whose name was not immediately released, is being held at Fond du Lac County Jail and a charge of arson is being referred to Fond du Lac County District Attorneys Office, police said. Grothman told the Journal Sentinel the suspect was arrested at the scene "because he was just sitting there watching it burn." The investigation is in the preliminary stages and remains active, police said. Anyone with information can contact the police department at 920-906-5555 or the Crime Alert line at 920-322-3740, where callers can remain anonymous. No further information was immediately released about the fire Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grothman was among hundreds of House members in April last year who voted in favor of the bill to either force TikToks parent company to sell the popular social media app or face a ban. Here's how all U.S. representatives in Wisconsin voted on that legislation: (This story was updated to add new information.) Contact Brandon Reid at breid@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: TikTok ban cited in suspected arson of Rep. Glenn Grothman's office TikToks shutdown today however brief marks a historic moment in Washingtons governance of the tech industry, an overwhelming bipartisan deal to shut down a popular app over national security concerns. But the laws seeming fragility, with an incoming president already scheming to unravel it, highlights something else just as clearly: How few tools American leaders have available to address the risks of online content. Despite the vast size and power of platforms like TikTok, Facebook, X and others, their regulation has been largely a political sideshow for two decades. A long-overdue legislative overhaul of childrens online safety protections died the latest of many deaths in December; the Supreme Court in 2023 declined to hear challenges to the Section 230 liability shield that protects tech platforms from harms caused by content they host. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no broad laws in place at all, it took an act of Congress, the Biden White House and ultimately the Supreme Court to take down a single app linked to China that could pose huge, if unspecified, risks to the country and its users. The drama over the law over the past week, or even the past few hours emphasizes just what an unusual leap the whole idea represents in American law one raising enough questions that the Supreme Court saw fit to intervene and formally uphold it. To some tech observers, the TikTok fracas speaks to years of Washington misdirection, as Congress theatrically argues over online content while ignoring more straightforward issues that could have staved off the TikTok drama. For the last decade Congress has focused on content moderation, the one aspect of tech policy they are constitutionally prohibited from regulating, said Nu Wexler, a former Senate staffer who has worked at Facebook, Twitter and Google. Had they focused on more relevant issues like privacy and transparency, we could have had a more thoughtful and effective approach to social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now we're reduced to companies writing big checks and begging the next president to ignore a law, he said. One reason for the gap? Voters dont seem to care. A Morning Consult poll of voters priorities after the November election found regulating technology companies dead last, trailing building and repairing roads and bridges and other, please specify. (That might change if apps start to suddenly disappear, like TikTok briefly did: A Wisconsin 19-year-old allegedly set fire to his congressmans office early this morning in response to the ban.) For those who watch the tech industry, the ban and its swirling controversy are now raising a new question, besides will Trump save the platform: Will the sense of danger be enough to force a reckoning over how Americans relate to our tech platforms? Or just a speed bump on the way to TikToks potential sale to a U.S. owner? Do we just throw our hands up and say, well, that's the way it is, and TikTok is fine if somebody else owns it, or does this and the Elon Musk experience at Twitter make us think twice about that? said Jeremiah Johnson, co-founder of the center-left think tank the Center For New Liberalism and author of the Infinite Scroll Substack . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson is part of an ideologically diverse group of thinkers that have been taking a closer look at the relationship between Washington and tech. Some have advocated stronger action, for a long time: In the weeks before the TikTok bill passed the House of Representatives, Ganesh Sitaraman, a law professor at Vanderbilt University, argued in POLITICO Magazine that tech platforms should be regulated along the same lines as railroads or telephones, meeting a threshold of importance where they form the foundations for modern commerce, communications and civic connections and cannot be left simply to private governance. Should a single person have the power to exclude persons from services that are essential to modern commerce and social life? Should a corporation whose legal duties are to its shareholders, rather than the public welfare, have free rein even if padding their profits injures people?, Sitaraman asked, before noting that Americans have wrangled with such thorny policy questions for centuries. (In Thursdays Supreme Court opinion, the justices cite a 1944 opinion by Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter that advised judges and lawmakers not to embarrass the future in applying legal rules to new technologies.) Conservatives have been some of the loudest and most influential voices in forcing a rethink of what tech platforms owe Americans, due to their belief that liberal-leaning, California-based tech companies have unfairly restricted the speech of right-leaning Americans. Thats made Section 230 a live issue on the right, with President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, implicitly threatening in a November letter to revoke that liability over a lack of good faith toward conservatives in fact-checking and moderation efforts. Tech platforms freedom to moderate their platforms one with deep roots in the history of the internet has led to the growth of a thick, impenetrable layer of apps and platforms that mediate users interactions with the internet and enjoy unfettered access to their personal data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has remained true as the platforms grew into powers of their own now serving, as Vanderbilts Sitaraman argued, as the backbone of American public life. Barring serious regulation, some private actors have tried to find workarounds for this corporate stranglehold on the policy conversation. Jaron Lanier and E. Glen Weyl have pitched their vision of data dignity , which would entail compensation to users for their data. The federation model used by insurgent social media platforms like BlueSky gives more hosting responsibility to the user, replicating the barebones, wonky quality of the early internet. In the U.S., guardrails around what tech platforms can or cannot do in the U.S. when it comes to algorithmic recommendation, data collection or privacy has fallen to individual states, which have had a mixed record of fending off the tech lobby and court challenges. Globally, the primary example of regulators facing this problem head-on without the looming, credible fear of manipulation by a foreign adversary is in the European Union, the bete noire for regulation-adverse tech companies. European regulators are currently investigating Elon Musks X over whether its unfairly tipping the scales toward a far-right party in Germany, in violation of its Digital Services Act which expressly forbids tech platforms from doing so. Facebook wont cancel its third-party fact-checking services there for the moment, citing potential problems with regulatory compliance. And the EU is running its own investigation of TikTok, citing potential violations of the DSAs child protection rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honest people can disagree over the fairness of the specific rules for tech laid down by Europe, or how appropriate they would be for American norms of speech or commerce. But they represent a radically different approach to tech regulation that, unlike Americas, recognizes how central and powerful technology platforms are. Whenever American regulators have made moves in that direction, the response from the tech industry has been swift and vehement. During a discussion with the New York Times s Ross Douthat published Friday , venture capitalist and Trump transition aide Marc Andreessen decried the raw application of the power of the administrative state, the raw application of regulation and then the raw arbitrary enforcement and promulgation of regulation, citing President Joe Bidens administrations actions on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. Metas Mark Zuckerberg made similar comments during a recent discussion with Joe Rogan . LinkedIns Reid Hoffman, a key ally of the Biden administration, posted on X that outgoing Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan was trying to dismantle companies with her antitrust efforts and called for her replacement. The Biden administrations shift toward a more aggressive view of tech governance assisted a widespread shift toward the right in Silicon Valley, which along with Trumps resounding electoral win has led almost every major tech CEO to line up and fete his inauguration Monday . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, when it comes to keeping the existing status quo, tech leaders often cite the same grounds on which the U.S. is now effectively banning TikTok: competition with China, as Andreessen told Douthat if its not American companies winning globally, its Chinese companies winning globally. Winning, in these terms, is maintaining economic dominance unfettered by European-inflected changes to the relationship between Washington and Big Tech. Those changes are easy to make when theyre aimed at defanging a foreign adversary, as the government has deemed the Chinese government to which the ownership of TikTok is linked. But by saying its acceptable for American companies to operate one way, and unacceptable for a Chinese-linked company to do the same, Washington has inadvertently revealed the awkward truths and tensions that define its laissez-faire attitude toward the platforms that define our public life. Until both parties come to a reasonable accommodation regarding what they owe each other, they wont be resolved anytime soon. TikTok has gone down for now. The popular video-sharing app, used by 170 million Americans, went dark late Saturday after TikToks Chinese-owned parent company announced that they will make their services temporarily unavailable. Shortly before 11 p.m., US users were greeted with a message that said: Sorry TikTok isnt available right now and the site was otherwise unusable. It came about an hour after they warned users of an imminent shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable, the company said in a message sent to users earlier Saturday night. Were working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. After the shutdown, they updated their message to say: We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! They also gave a link where users can log in to download their data. TikTok announced it will be temporarily unavailable to users late Saturday night. The Spectator Index The closure of the popular video-sharing social site prompted users to flock to rival X and mourn its passing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement R.I.P TIKTOK, one user posted with a heartbreak emoji. TIKTOK IS OFFICIALLY dead, another user posted with crying emojis. Sorry for you loss of TikTok, Author Carol Roth quipped. I will respect your privacy during this difficult time. Before it went down, users began to express heartbreak and #SaveTikTok trended. TIKTOK NOOOO!!!! one user posted with a video of a woman screaming after the site warned it was about to shut down. TikTok has ended, podcaster Ian Miles Cheong posted on X shortly after the pop up message displayed on the app. Its happening, another user posted on X. The TikTok ban in the USA is imminent yet I remain hopeful #savetiktok. Users were greeted with a message saying that TikTok couldnt be used but the app was working on a solution with Trump. TikTok Violating our right to free speech over hypotheticals that have never happened is gonna be the next war cry of the revolution, another user posted on X. 170 million americans use tiktok which is over half the country. #scotus better rethink this. Leave us alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The apps future now rests in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump, who returns to the White House on Monday and has vowed to save the app, which he has credited with helping him win in November. Trump told NBC News on Saturday that he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day extension to work out a deal. We have to look at it carefully, Trump said. Its a very big situation. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images TikToks shutdown was widely anticipated after the Supreme Court upheld Congresss law that required ByteDance to divest its stake in the company by Jan. 19 or face a national ban. TikTok unsuccessfully argued that the law was unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The multitude of users, many of them children, looking to get their fix of dance videos and cooking hacks late Saturday night were instead redirected to a website with details about the ban. TikToks apparent demise capped a months-long saga that began after Congress moved with bipartisan support to ban the app over national security concerns. TikTok and ByteDance insisted right up to the deadline that the app was not for sale, and Chinese officials vowed to block any forced divestiture. The law requires Google and Apple to stop allowing new downloads of TikTok through their app stores or face a fine of $5,000 per users. Oracle, which provides cloud computing support for TikTok, could also face liability. Technically, TikTok could have remained in operation for a short time for those who had already downloaded it but it would have gone without software updates or support and gradually degraded in service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of Bidens final acts last week, he decided to punt on a decision to enforce the law that he signed leaving it up to Trump. Influencers and users were irate over the TikTok ban. Tiktok/@emilyesenn Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok claimed it had no choice but to shut down because the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikToks availability that they would not face penalties. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called TikToks plan to go offline a stunt. Meanwhile, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew profusely thanked the incoming president while hinting that a potential solution was in the works in a video released shortly after the Supreme Courts ruling on Friday. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chew ended the video by saying, More to come. Trump also signaled that he would have more to say about TikTiks future in the coming days. The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday. 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 is reportedly considering implementing an executive order that would delay enforcement of the law. However, its unclear if he has the legal standing to do so. Chew is slated to attend Trumps inauguration on Monday and will be seated on the dais alongside other tech titans such as Elon Musk, Metas Mark Zuckerberg, Apples Tim Cook and Google boss Sundar Pichai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TikTok CEO has tried to cozy up to Trump in recent weeks as the divestment deadline approached. He also met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida following his election win. The Justice Department and US lawmakers say the app is a spying and propaganda tool for the Chinese Communist Party capable of mass surveillance and data collection as well as swaying public opinion for nefarious purposes. TikTok has vehemently denied the allegations. On Friday, the Supreme Court unanimously sided with the feds. Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary, the justices said. As The Post reported, the TikTok ban saga also has implications for other tech companies, such as Amazon and Microsoft, that have business ties with ByteDance. After a black-out that lasted for about 14 hours, TikTok has been restored in the U.S. The app returned after President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday morning, writing, I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. He added he would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture and that his executive order would protect from liability any companies that helped keep TikTok accessible before the order is issued. TikTok issued a statement saying, In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. The law banning TikTok in the United States officially took effect on Sunday, but the platform temporarily went dark as of late Saturday evening. Earlier on Saturday, TikTok had already begun to warn users that the service would be temporarily unavailable, though it remained viewable for much of the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Saturday night at around 10:30 p.m. ET, however, the landing page and outgoing messages to users read: 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. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! the message continued. In the meantime, you can still log in to download your data. Lemon8, another social media app owned by TikTok parent company ByteDance, also ceased to function in the U.S. temporarily. President-elect Trump indicated on Saturday that he plans to extend the deadline for the ban by 90-days after he takes office on Monday, telling NBC it will be most likely done and announced on Monday. Its unclear how he will specifically enact this plan. President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation last spring giving ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, until Jan. 19 to sell the platform or face a ban in the United States. The law was challenged by both TikTok and a group of creators, but the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ban last month, and the Supreme Court upheld it on Friday. Both courts ruled unanimously that the law is constitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban prohibits companies like Apple and Google from hosting TikTok in their app stores. The Biden administration said last week, though, that it would not enforce the law, and that it should ultimately be up to incoming President Donald Trump to decide how to handle the ban. Given the sheer fact of timing, this administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next administration, which takes office on Monday, Biden Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Friday. Its unclear what actions Trump may take to keep TikTok alive in America, but it certainly appears like hes going to try to make it happen. Trump invited TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to his inauguration, and has spoken warmly of the platform, citing how popular he has been on it. The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it, he wrote Friday on Truth Social. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned! This story was updated on Jan. 19, 2025 to include that Lemon8 has also gone dark and updated at 4:05 p.m. to note that TikTok is accessible again in the U.S. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Originally appeared on E! Online UPDATE: TikTok said Jan. 19 said in a statement on X, "In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service." The news comes after President-elect Donald Trump called for the Chinese-owned service to remain available to U.S. users. "I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect," he said on Truth Social, "so that we can make a deal to protect our national security." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ________________ POV: You're looking for a new app to scroll through for hours. Just hours before Jan. 19, after the Supreme Court upheld a law that would require TikTok be sold to a U.S.-held company in order to remain active in the country, a nationwide ban of the popular video sharing app officially went into effect. Now, when users open the app, they are met with a messageand no video content. "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now," the note began. "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now." Yes, for now. "We are fortunate that President [Donald] Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office [Jan. 20]," the message continued. "Please stay tuned!" More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last April, President Joe Biden signed the law passed by congress that would prohibit internet hosting platforms to distribute and service TikTok while it remained under the ownership of its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, citing national security concerns. "We have been clear about our concerns about TikTok," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre previously said during a March 2023 press conference. And certainly, our concerns with countries, including China, as they seek to leverage digital Technologies and Americans data in ways that can present harm and risk to our national security. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) While lawmakers have said the decision was made to protect the privacy of U.S. citizens, TikToks lawyers, including former US solicitor general Noel Francisco, argued that the ban is unconstitutional and infringes on users first amendment rights. And they even took their fight to the Supreme Courtthough were ultimately unsuccessful. The government cannot restrict speech in order to protect us from speech," Francisco told the Supreme Court justices during the Jan. 10 hearing. Thats precisely what this law does from beginning to end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban comes just one day before the inauguration of President-Elect Trump, who despite previously showing support for the ban during his first tenure as president, more recently expressed his opposition. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Now, hes signaled that when he takes office, he will seek to ensure TikTok becomes available to U.S. users once again. President Trump opposes banning TikTok in the United States at this juncture, his lawyers shared in a December court filing viewed by E! News, and seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office. In the meantime, several investors, including Shark Tank star Kevin OLeary have expressed interest in purchasing TikTok. The businessman shared he has teamed up with other entrepreneursincluding former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourtto lead a bid, sharing why the move was so important to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt just about buying TikToks U.S. assets, he wrote in a Jan. 6 message on X, formerly Twitter. Its about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users. (Originally published Sunday, Jan. 19 at 7:03 a.m. PT) For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App The Biden administration made one last effort to reveal what they claim is a widespread Chinese cyber-espionage operation. They identified a company and an individual they say were responsible for two major hacks targeting senior US officials, as reported by CNN. According to CNN, a senior US official said that the goal is to "make hackers pay" for trying to harm US democracy and way of life. However, stopping China from stealing sensitive information from US networks is a challenge that has been going on for decades and will continue under the Trump administration. The US announced sanctions from the Treasury Department against a Chinese tech company. The company is accused of being involved in a large cyberattack on US telecommunications companies, which was revealed last year. The hackers specifically targeted the phone communications of President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and senior officials in the Biden administration, CNN reported. The Treasury also imposed sanctions on a person from Shanghai, accusing them of being involved in a different hack of the Treasury Department. The hackers went after unclassified information from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and her deputy, Wally Adeyemo, as part of an intelligence-gathering mission. They also breached the US government office that examines foreign investments for national security risks, according to CNN. CNN further reported that Trump's administration will include several Cabinet members and senior staff who have pushed for stronger actions against China due to national security concerns. This includes Rep. Mike Waltz, who will be the national security adviser, and Sen. Marco Rubio, Trump's pick for secretary of state. Therefore, the Biden administration's efforts to expose Chinese cyber-espionage highlight ongoing national security concerns. Despite sanctions targeting Chinese companies and individuals, stopping these attacks remains a long-term challenge. The Trump administration, with key officials advocating stronger measures, will continue to address these critical issues. (ANI) TikTok is no more for now. The social media application is officially down, as of Saturday, Jan. 18, only hours before the law that bans TikTok from being distributed in the United States was set to go into effect. Users who open the TikTok app are greeted with a pop-up message that reads: "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now." "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now," the message continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pop-up then references Donald Trump's recent comments that he will most likely give TikTok an extension to have its parent company, based in China, sell the platform to a non-Chinese-buyer when he takes office as President of the United States on Monday, Jan. 20. "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!" the company concluded. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty TikTok on a cell phone (stock image). TikTok on a cell phone (stock image). Just two days before the deadline, on Friday, Jan. 17, the Supreme Court ruled that the law forcing TikTok to cease U.S. operations if it didn't divest from Chinese ownership is constitutional, affirming an appeals court's previous ruling that the sell-or-ban mandate didn't violate the First Amendment. Attorneys for TikTok previously said in court that the app will "go dark" if the law went into effect, although they didn't go into specific details about their plans, short of saying that "essentially, the platform shuts down." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video statement released after the court's decision came out, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew didn't directly address the ruling, or the company's plans, but instead thanked President-elect Trump, 78, "for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States." Related: Will You Still Be Able to Use TikTok? With Ban Deadline Days Away Here Are 5 Things That Could Happen That same day, Trump shared a message on his Truth Social platform, writing that the courts 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, he added. Stay tuned! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although it remains unclear what actions Trump might take, The Washington Post previously reported that he was considering issuing an executive order after taking office, which would suspend enforcement of the ban for somewhere between 60 to 90 days. The delay would give him time to help broker a sale something TikTok and ByteDance have not been willing to do in the past or offer another solution. Trump then told NBC News Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker in a phone interview on Jan. 18 that he will soon potentially give TikTok a 90-day extension. 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, per NBC News. 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. NurPhoto via Getty Stock Photos TikTok on a cell phone (stock image). TikTok on a cell phone (stock image). Of course, with the ban deadline falling just one day before Trump takes office, there have been lingering questions about what President Joe Biden's administration will or won't do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the court's decision, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that "President Bidens position on TikTok has been clear for months. ... 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." However, the press secretary added that given the "sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday." Related: TikTok Just Got Closer to Being Banned. Here's What It Means for You The sell-or-ban legislation, which overwhelmingly passed in Congress and was signed by Biden, 82, last year, is designed to force Chinese owners ByteDance to sell the popular app over fears China's government could use its data to manipulate or harm Americans (an argument TikTok has called "outright censorship of the American people.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the law, if TikTok isn't sold by its owner or "divested and then bought by a non-foreign adversary " then it will become illegal for internet services in the U.S. to support or distribute it and the law would force the app to be removed from app stores (like Apple or Google) and make it inaccessible through internet browsers in America. If TikTok or other internet companies violated the law, they could also face giant financial penalties although enforcement of the law is up to the Justice Department. (Trump's pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, declined to say whether she would commit to enforcing the law during her recent confirmation hearing). Related: What to Know About RedNote the Chinese Platform Gaining Popularity Ahead of Possible TikTok Ban Nikolas Kokovlis / NurPhoto / Getty Images TikTok on a cell phone (stock image). TikTok on a cell phone (stock image). There has been talk of banning TikTok in the U.S. since it surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump first announced his plan to ban the platform from operating in the U.S. during his first presidential term in April 2020, an attempt that was later paused by Biden's administration in February 2021, although he did go on to sign the ban-or-sell legislation last April. Related: Parents Suing TikTok Over Teen Son's Death Make Emotional Appearance at Congressional Hearing The ban comes amid growing security concerns that China could use the app as a surveillance tool on American citizens and as a way to access information or data on them without their knowledge. TikTok has denied that information on the app would be shared with the Chinese government, and the Chinese foreign ministry also argued that the U.S. has never found any evidence of TikTok posing a threat to the U.S.'s national security, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Financial Times reported in March 2024 that TikTok, which was launched in 2016 and headquartered in Los Angeles and Singapore (with offices in such cities as New York, London, Dubai and Tokyo), generated $16 billion in sales in the U.S. the previous year. As for what Americans think of theTikTok ban, a Pew Research poll released in December 2024 found that 32% of Americans supported banning TikTok, a significant drop from the 50% who supported the ban in March 2023. Read the original article on People UPDATE: TikTok is back online after going dark dark overnight in the U.S. ahead of a law mandating its Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance divest its ownership. 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, reads a message from the TikTok Policy account on X. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. More from Spin: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social video app TikTok has gone dark in the United States hours before a law requiring it to divest of its Chinese ownership went into effect today (1/19). Users attempting to access TikTok last night were met with a message reading, a law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! In April, citing national security concerns, Congress passed a law banning TikTok unless its Chinese-based parent company, ByteDance, sold it to a non-Chinese entity. TikTok appealed on First Amendment grounds to the Supreme Court, which on Friday ruled that the law could indeed take effect. Trump wrote on social media this morning that when he is inaugurated tomorrow for another four years as President, he will issue an Executive Order to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. He also confirmed the government would not penalize companies that helped TikTok from going dark. However, Trump then implied TikToks fate could rest in whether the company agrees to the United States acquiring a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. TikTok Goes Dark In U.S., But Trump Vows To Restore It To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here. KANSAS CITY, Mo. After six and a half years in the United States, TikTok is officially going dark on users devices across the country. The ban comes after the Supreme Court upheld a federal law that outlaws the social media app starting on Sunday. On Saturday night, January 18, TikTok started displaying an error message below when users attempted to open the app. Taylor Swift, WNBA star, TikTok sensation all spotted at Arrowhead Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now, reads the message. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! the message continues. As the message says, this doesnt mean this is the end for the popular video-sharing app though. President-elect Donald Trump has said that his administration would put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it is unknown what those measures are, or will be. Essentially, for the time being, TikTok is not available in the US. That is unless the Chinese-based company that owns the app sells it to an approved buyer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON TikTok became unavailable for users in the U.S. on Saturday, soon before a ban on the popular social media platform officially went into effect. TikTok greeted users opening the app Saturday night with the message, Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S., the message continued. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for President-elect Donald Trumps transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday night about the apps notification praising the president-elect specifically. The message then prompted users to close the app or learn more. On the website landing page, the message had an additional line informing users that they could still log in to download their data. The app also appeared to have been removed from Apples and Googles app stores in the U.S., making it unavailable to download. TikTok has 170 million U.S. users. The notice TikTok users were getting when they tried to use the app on Saturday. Other apps owned by TikToks Chinese parent company ByteDance, including CapCut, Lemon8 and Gauth, displayed similar messages and also became unavailable to many U.S. users Saturday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple said on its website early Sunday that TikTok and ByteDance apps were no longer available in the U.S. Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates, it said. Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States starting January 19, 2025. TikToks shutdown follows several days of uncertainty leading up to Sunday, when the apps U.S. ban went go into effect. In April, President Joe Biden signed a law mandating that ByteDance sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner, or else it would be banned. The Supreme Court upheld the law on Friday, paving the way for the app to shut down in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Biden administration released a statement Friday indicating that it would leave the laws enforcement up to the Trump administration. The law has become deeply unpopular with users and many Americans, and many TikTok users began fleeing to Chinese social media apps in protest. The Biden administrations comments that it would not enforce the ban on Sunday created uncertainty about whether the app would remain online for Americans. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have decried TikTok as a threat to national security because it is owned by a Chinese company. TikTok critics argued that the Chinese government could use the app to access Americans data or influence the type of content Americans watched. But the company has pushed back on lawmakers concerns, instead painting the looming ban as a free speech and censorship issue. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has said that the app is safe and secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The apps future is far from certain. Earlier on Saturday, Trump told NBC News Kristen Welker that he would most likely grant a 90-day extension beyond the Sunday deadline for ByteDance to sell the app and avoid a permanent ban. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate, Trump said. Trump has flip-flopped on TikTok. In 2020 he said he wanted to ban the app. Years later, Trump reversed his position before making his own TikTok account during the 2024 presidential campaign. In one video, Trump said he would save TikTok. In a video message posted on TikTok Friday, Chew thanked Trump, saying the incoming president strongly supported TikTok. Chew cited Trumps popularity on the app, where he is the most followed American politician, with over 14 million followers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some TikTok users moved to rival social media platforms to commiserate over the apps shutdown. The popular Liza Minnelli Outlives X account weighed in, alerting followers that the actor had outlived the app, forcing many people to find new ways to waste time. One user compared TikTok to the Detroit Lions because they were both eliminated by Washington. Members of Trumps administration remain divided over the app, with some, like incoming Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, advocating against Chinese influence over the app, while others, like unofficial government spending overseer Elon Musk, are pushing for TikTok to remain available on the basis of free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 could maintain Bidens decision not to enforce the law, but its unclear how long that would hold. Users on TikTok were mourning the apps potential downfall in the days leading up to its shutdown, with many top creators making compilations of their most viral moments or asking their followers to follow them on other platforms. Many TikTok users have flooded a Chinese app called RedNote in protest of the government, but it poses an even greater security threat than TikTok, according to experts who spoke with NBC News. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Chinese-owned short-form video app TikTok was not available in the United States on Saturday evening, shortly before a ban on the app entered force. Users received a warning message stating TikTok's services were "temporarily unavailable." "We're working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible," the message continued. A law banning TikTok in the US unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, was due to enter force on Sunday but the popular platform, with 170 million users in the US, went down before then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video editing app Capcut and TikTok alternative Lemon8, which also belong to ByteDance, stopped working too and the apps were no longer available in app stores. Users responded with fury, with many giving voice to their anger on other sites such as X. US President-elect Donald Trump has said he was considering giving TikTok a three-month reprieve from the ban. He is due to replace US President Joe Biden in the White House on Monday. "I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at," Trump said in an interview with US broadcaster NBC published on Saturday. "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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday," he added. Biden signed the ban-or-sale law into effect last April after it was approved in Congress on national security grounds. Lawmakers fear that the Chinese government could gain access to vast amounts of personal data through TikTok 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. The law set high penalties of $5,000 per user for US service providers that continue to supply TikTok, a sum that could swiftly run to billions of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the clock ticking on the issue, TikTtok and ByteDance steadfastly refused to even consider separating. As the deadline approached, it became clear that outgoing President Joe Biden's administration was reluctant to deal with a TikTok blackout on his last day in office. The White House said enforcing the law would be left to Trump, signalling any violations by US companies would not be punished. However, this did not go far enough for TikTok, nor for its partners, according to reports, given the potential penalties they face. On Friday, ByteDance demanded explicit assurances from Washington, at least to the most important tech service providers, threatening to otherwise shut down its apps in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law restricts Trump's possibilities to some extent though he has said repeatedly that a deal to allow TikTok to operate is possible. TikTok could potentially become a bargaining chip in the frosty relations between Washington and Beijing. For now, TikTok boss Shou Chew is set to attend Trump's inauguration on Monday, according to reports - alongside other tech bosses such as Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, who runs X. TikTok said Sunday that it would be restoring service to U.S. users after blocking it the evening before. In a statement, TikTok said its video platform was coming back online after President-elect Donald Trump provided the necessary assurances to the companys service providers. In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service, TikTok said in a post on X. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States, the company added. STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK: In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. 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 TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 19, 2025 Just hours before TikTok blocked service to Americans, Trump posted to Truth Social calling for it to remain available.Trump indicated that he wanted it to be available to broadcast his inauguration on Monday. I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order, Trump wrote. Follow along for live updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikToks availability came back in spurts Sunday afternoon, with access to its content first becoming available through web browsers. Later in the day, it became usable for some, and it welcomed users back with the message "Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! You can continue to create, share, and discover all the things you love on TikTok." The app was still unavailable for download from Apples and Googles app stores. The law banning TikTok, which was scheduled to go into effect Sunday, allows the president to grant a 90-day extension before the ban is enforced, provided certain criteria are met. Under a law that President Joe Biden signed in April, TikTok would be banned unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sold the company to a non-Chinese buyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to the bans implementation, both Biden and the incoming Trump administration appeared to reverse their earlier positions on TikTok. During his campaign, Trump, who had advocated for a ban during his first term as president, came out in support of TikTok, saying hed save it. After the Supreme Court greenlit the law on Friday, the Biden administration issued a statement saying it would not enforce the ban, leaving that responsibility to Trump. On Saturday evening, the app was removed from app stores and service for American users was suspended. TikToks future in the U.S. is still up in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After TikTok came back online, some Republicans appeared to contradict Trump on how things might play out. House Speaker Mike, R-La., Johnson told NBC News Meet the Press on Sunday, "I think we will enforce the law, adding, "When President Trump issued the Truth [Social] post and said, Save TikTok, the way we read that is that hes going to try to force along a true divestiture, changing of hands, the ownership. Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., also issued a statement celebrating the ban, and saying they don't see a basis for an extension like Trump has proposed. "Now that the law has taken effect, theres no legal basis for any kind of extension of its effective date. For TikTok to come back online in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale that satisfies the laws qualified-divestiture requirements by severing all ties between TikTok and Communist China, the statement said in part. Even if TikTok is given an extension, as Trump has vowed to do in an executive order Monday, the law still forces ByteDance to eventually sell it to a non-Chinese owner which the parent company has shown no interest in doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok said in its latest statement that it will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. Trump has floated the idea of a joint venture for TikTok, with the U.S. owning 50%, but even that idea faces a potential hurdle. The law includes a 20% cap for foreign adversary owners, so its not immediately clear whether ByteDance could exceed that ownership share without a change in the law. The law defines controlled by a foreign adversary in several different ways, but one definition is: an entity with respect to which a foreign person or combination of foreign persons ... directly or indirectly own at least a 20 percent stake. Congress, of course, could change the law. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Around two hours before the TikTok ban was set to take effect early Sunday morning, the popular social media app shut itself down. But after President-elect Donald Trump promised an executive order to delay the ban from taking effect, TikTok said it was in the process of restoring service. STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK: In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. 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 TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 19, 2025 Trump responds On Sunday morning, the president-elect said via Truth Social that he will issue an executive order to delay the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations. I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions. Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose. TikTok shuts itself down Just before the law was set to go into effect, TikTok users were greeted with a message about services being temporarily unavailable, and they couldnt access content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. Were working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. Please stay tuned, the message on TikTok said. The pop-up was then updated to say that the app may be reinstated as soon 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. TikTok ban TikTok was facing a ban put in place by Congress and the Biden administration. A law passed in April instructed U.S. app stories to stop offering TikTok downloads on Sunday, Jan. 19, unless the apps parent company, ByteDance, had divested by then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TikTok ban sought to address national security concerns. Lawmakers feared that TikToks Chinese owners were using data collected on the app to sow unrest in the United States. TikTok and ByteDance, as well as some TikTok content creators, sued to stop the ban from taking effect, citing free speech concerns, but they lost in front of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Courts ruling, which was released Friday morning, paved the way for the TikTok ban to take effect Sunday, which is President Joe Bidens final full day in the White House. The Biden administration had signaled that it would not enforce the TikTok ban and would, instead, leave it up to Trump to determine the best path forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now TikTok has taken matters in its own hands and voluntarily shut down its services, perhaps in anticipation of a long-awaited sale or help from Trump. Trump had said Saturday that he may pause the ban for 90 days once hes back in the White House. TikTok is currently not available on prominent app stores in the U.S., including Apples app store. The clock has stopped for TikTok. As it threatened to do, TikTok shut off the video app for U.S. users at about 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night. For now, its unclear how long TikTok which is effectively being outlawed by the U.S. government because of its ties to China will stay down. More from Variety Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now, the message in the app reads when American users open it. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message includes a link to TikToks website, which repeats the same text and informs users they can still log in to their account to download their data. In the U.S., TikTok disappeared from Apples App Store and the Google Play app store for Android on Saturday evening. ByteDance-owned CapCut, a video-editing app, and social media app Lemon8 also went offline for U.S. users. The shutdown of the TikTok app in the U.S. if it continues for an extended period of time is expected to provide a lift to platforms including Metas Instagram, Googles YouTube (which includes a TikTok-like feature called YouTube Shorts) and Snapchat. On Friday, TikTok said it would be forced to go dark on Jan. 19 unless it received a definitive statement from the outgoing Biden administration that the apps tech partners wont be penalized under the law, which bans the app in the U.S. as of Sunday unless China-based parent ByteDance divests its stake in the app to a party that is not located in a country deemed a foreign adversary. Earlier Saturday evening, TikTok displayed a message to users that said the ban would force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. Were working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok has informed U.S. employees that they will continue to have their jobs and that its offices will remain open even after the ban goes into effect. President-elect Donald Trump, in an interview Saturday with NBC News, said he most likely would issue a 90-day extension to the Jan. 19 deadline. But it isnt clear he has the legal authority to do that: The law specifies that to trigger a 90-day extension to the Jan. 19 date, the U.S. president must certify to Congress that relevant binding legal agreements are in place for ByteDance to divest its TikTok ownership. There are no known such agreements in place, although several unsolicited offers for TikTok have been floated in recent weeks. ByteDance has indicated that it would not consider a sale of TikToks U.S. operations without the apps content-recommendation algorithm. Another possible way forward for TikTok: Congress could pass legislation to keep TikTok legal while giving ByteDance more time to secure a deal for its stake. Or Congress, together with the Trump administration, could amend the law called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to allow ByteDance to retain an ownership position but impose conditions on its U.S. operations that would address the national security risks flagged by lawmakers. The outgoing Biden administration had previously said it was punting the question of enforcing the TikTok divest-or-ban law to Trump. On Saturday, regarding TikToks warning that it would go dark because of the impending ban, a White House rep called the blackout threat a stunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok. It is a stunt, White House press secretary Karine 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. TikToks shutdown puts pressure on Trump to find a way to save the app for its 170 million American users. Trump, who had unsuccessfully attempted to force ByteDance to sell TikTok to U.S. buyers (also over national security concerns), joined TikTok last summer and attracted more than 14 million followers. I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok, Trump said at a press conference last month, citing his belief that the app helped him win younger voters in the presidential election. The issue of TikToks shutdown came to a head after the Supreme Court rejected the appeal by TikTok and ByteDance to halt the law on First Amendment grounds. The court on Jan. 17 ruled in a unanimous opinion that the law doesnt violate TikToks or its creators free speech rights and that Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. The law does not explicitly prohibit the use of the TikTok app in the U.S. Rather, it imposes fines of $5,000 per user on companies that distribute or host the TikTok app. Those include Apple, Google and Oracle, which has an agreement to host TikToks U.S. user data. Without an ironclad guarantee that TikToks partners would not be socked with steep fines, the company opted to pull the app offline for the time being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have argued that TikTok is a national security threat, on the theory that Chinas communist regime could potentially demand access to data on U.S. users or force TikTok to promote Chinese propaganda. TikTok has repeatedly claimed the Chinese government has never made such demands (and that TikTok would not comply with them if they were made) and says 60% of ByteDances ownership is represented by global investment firms. Last year, the TikTok divest-or-ban legislation in the U.S. passed with strong bipartisan support, clearing the House of Representatives by a 360-58 vote and the Senate by 79-18. President Biden signed it into law on April 24. At a contentious House committee hearing in 2023, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew asserted that forcing ByteDance to divest its ownership stake in the app would not change how TikTok operates. A change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access, he said. All global companies face common challenges that need to be addressed through safeguards and transparency. On Friday, following the Supreme Court ruling upholding the divest-or-ban law, Chew thanked Trump in a video message for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States. This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. Chew is scheduled to attend Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other countries that have banned TikTok include India, which cited security concerns over the apps Chinese ownership in prohibiting the app in June 2020. SEE ALSO: TikTok CEO Thanks Trump for Commitment to Work With Us to Keep App Legal in U.S. After Supreme Court Upholds Ban Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. UPDATE: TikTok says its in the process of restoring service to US users. Click HERE for the latest updates. CHICAGO TikTok has shut down in the United States. SEE ALSO: Trump says he will most likely give TikTok 90-day extension If you go onto the app, you will be greeted with a notice that says the following: 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! President-elect Donald Trump said he most likely will give TikTok 90 more days to work out a deal that would allow the popular video-sharing platform to avoid a U.S. ban. What happens to TikTok and its users after ban starts Sunday? A law that prohibits mobile app stores and internet hosting services from distributing TikTok to U.S. users takes effect Sunday. The law gave TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the platforms U.S. operation, but allows the sitting president to grant an extension if a sale is in progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Residents of Baghardu, a locality in the Skardu district of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, staged a protest on Thursday against frequent and unscheduled power outages that have been severely affecting daily life, according to Pamir Times. The protest, which disrupted traffic in the area, saw demonstrators demanding immediate action from the authorities to resolve the issue, as reported by Pamir Times. According to the Pamir Times, protesters emphasized that the prolonged power cuts are especially problematic during the harsh winter months, impacting essential services like heating, water supply, and education. The outages are not just an inconvenience; they are endangering the health and livelihoods, according to a local. Children are unable to study, homes are freezing, and water supply is inconsistent, Pamir Times reported. The protesters called on the local government and the electricity department to urgently repair and upgrade the aging infrastructure to ensure reliable electricity. The daily lives of residents depend on having stable power, especially in the winter, Pamir Times reported. The protesters vowed to keep the pressure on authorities, stating that protests will continue until the issue is addressed. As temperatures continue to drop in the region, the urgency of resolving the power crisis remains a major concern for local residents. Recently, young activists of PoGB gathered outside the Office of the Secretary of Power and Water, urging immediate action to address the ongoing electricity shortages that have affected the entire region for months. WTV reported that the group had arranged a meeting with the Secretary of Power and Water, but when they arrived at the office, they were told the Secretary was unavailable. This absence further fueled the protesters' frustrations. They believe the government's inability to provide basic services like electricity is a direct consequence of corruption in the region's development projects. With winter conditions worsening, the outages are having a severe impact on daily life, from disrupting education to threatening health and safety. As protests continue, the community's calls for better infrastructure and accountability grow louder. (ANI) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - TikTok told users in the United States late on Saturday it would be "temporarily unavailable" on Sunday when a law banning the app takes effect in the United States. Users logging on were met with a message that said the law would "force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We're working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible." Users on Saturday could still click through the message and operate the app. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by William Mallard) President-elect Donald Trump is likely to give TikTok a 90-day reprieve as the app says it will go dark Sunday after the Supreme Court upheld a federal law banning it this week. Trump made the comment in a phone interview with NBC Newss Kristen Welker a day after the ruling was issued. I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at, he said. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate. You know, its appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a reprieve is issued, Trump will most likely announce it on Monday, he told the outlet. A woman shows her TikTok feed in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C. this week (REUTERS) Following the Supreme Court decision Friday, TikTok said it would shut down in the US unless the Biden administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement. President Joe Biden has signaled he will not enforce the ban. If he did, he would only be able to do so during his final day in office on Sunday. There is no precedent for a social media ban and its unclear how one could be enforced. TikTok is used by 170 million people in the US and seven million of those individuals make an income from the short-video platform. TikTok took in $10bn in revenue last year, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers and Bidens administration have raised concerns over potential risks associated with the app. Among them are beliefs that the platform might be owned or controlled by the Chinese government. The company has said it is not. Still, US officials have claimed Chinese officials could use the platform to spy on Americans or influence Americans by surreptitiously harvesting users data, and amplifying or suppressing certain content. Its a position the Supreme Court sided with, determining that national security threats overrode concerns about the First Amendment. Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary, the court wrote in its ruling. In April, Biden signed legislation requiring TikTok to be sold by its owner, Chinese company ByteDance, or face a ban. The law, called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, gave the company 270 days. The clock runs out Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok and its parent company sued the Biden administration in the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit in May over the law, claiming it violated the First Amendment. But, that legal effort failed when the Supreme Court issued its ruling. Ultimately, enforcing such a ban will fall to the Trump administration. The law does allow for the president to grant a one-time 90-day extension from January 19. Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Beijing in 2017. The pair discussed the future of TikTok by phone on Friday (REUTERS) Trump, who has 14.7 million followers on the platform, reportedly made TikTok one of his key discussion topics with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week. Hed previously asked the Supreme Court to stay a ban so he could work out a deal to sell the app to American buyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In comments made after the call, Trump said the two leaders had a great talk about TikTok. Upon signaling his readiness to stop a ban, the companys CEO Shou Zi Chew issued a video statement on the platform. On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the US. This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship, Chew said. We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a President who truly understands our platform. Trump could only grant the extension on Monday after hes sworn in, meaning the app could still turn off Sunday. Service providers like Google and Apple could face financial and legal penalties for allowing users to continue accessing the platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the incoming president does grant the reprieve, its unclear if hed have any recourse once the extension expires. Already, TikTok users are discussing how to bypass a federal ban, including through the use of virtual private networks which are often used in China to get through the countrys Great Firewall. Experts have said the app wont disappear from users phones but new users wont be able to download it and updates wont be available for existing users. The platform allows users to go through hundreds of short, seconds-long, videos in about half an hour and is considered highly addictive. In October, more than a dozen states and the District of Colombia sued TikTok claiming it harms the mental health of children on the platform. Speaking at a news conference after filing the suit, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the apps leaders have chosen profit over the health and safety, well-being and future of our children... And that is not something we can accept. So weve sued. At the time, TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said: Were proud of and remain deeply committed to the work weve done to protect teens and we will continue to update and improve our product. The popular social media app TikTok went dark for its 170 million American users on Jan. 19, after months of fighting the federal governments demand that it separate from its China-based parent company, ByteDance. In the hours before midnight struck on the East Coast, users experienced pop-ups while watching videos on the app, warning them that "a U.S. law banning Tiktok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable." (Credit: Katie Mather/Yahoo News) Hours later, users could not scroll, watch or post videos and received messages stating that "TikTok isn't available right now" but that the app is "fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office." (Credit: Katie Mather/Yahoo News) By Sunday afternoon, however, many users were able to access TikTok videos again without receiving any pop-up warnings or having to use hacks to circumvent the ban, such as downloading a virtual private network (VPN) to make it seem as if they were operating in countries outside the United States where TikTok is still available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a result of President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!" a new pop-up declared on the platform as of Sunday afternoon. (Credit: Katie Mather/Yahoo News) TikTok issued a statement on X saying that it was "in the process of restoring service" and thanked Trump, who will be officially sworn in as president on Monday, for "providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers" for the app to continue operating in the U.S. "Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States," TikToks statement concluded. Hours before TikTok appeared to restore service to its U.S. users, Trump made his own statement about the TikTok ban on Truth Social, saying that he would be issuing an executive order on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, to "extend the period of time before the law's prohibitions take effect." According to his post, Trump said he wants "the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture" in order to "save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up." What happened this past week The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the federal law banning TikTok unless ByteDance sells it. Justices heard arguments last week from TikTok and ByteDance, which argued that the ban is a violation of First Amendment rights. The court disagreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the issues surrounding TikTok are now the Trump administration's responsibility. "TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law," she said in a statement. "Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday." "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," TikTok said in a statement shared with Yahoo News on Friday. "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." Trump said the Supreme Court's decision was "expected," and added that he'll be making a decision on the fate of TikTok "in the not too distant future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day after the ban is scheduled to take place, Trump will be sworn into his second term of office with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng expected to be in attendance and has reportedly considered issuing an executive order that would halt the TikTok ban for up to 90 days. Chew thanked Trump in a TikTok video posted Friday afternoon and called Trump's "commitment" to keeping the app in the U.S. "a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship." Trump also shared on Truth Social on Friday that he had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping about TikTok. Why is TikTok being banned? The federal government has argued that because TikToks parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, the platform is a potential threat to national security. Therefore, TikTok could stay active in the U.S. if it separated from ByteDance and was sold to a U.S.-based company. ByteDance has said it has no plans to sell TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Supreme Court hearing on Jan. 10, Noel Francisco, the lawyer for TikTok and ByteDance, insisted that even though TikToks parent company is based in China, TikTok does not share any user data or personal information with ByteDance and that the Chinese government does not have any direct or indirect ownership or control over the company. The Biden administration wrote in a Supreme Court brief that the law seeking to ban TikTok in the United States does not violate First Amendment rights because it was about separating the app from its parent company, which is similar to approaches previously taken by Congress and the Executive Branch to address the national-security risks arising from foreign-owned commercial entities. Where the Supreme Court stands The Supreme Court on Jan. 17 sided with the federal government. You can read the opinion here. "There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community," the justices wrote. "But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikToks data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights." Read more from Yahoo News: The Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban. What happens next remains unclear. TikTok users outside the Supreme Court on Jan. 10. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What will happen on Jan. 19 if TikTok is banned? If you do not have TikTok on your phone by Jan. 19, you will not be able to download it once the ban takes effect. In December, the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Community Party wrote letters to Apple and Google which own the two main mobile app stores reiterating that they must remove TikTok from their stores when the ban takes effect. The Department of Justice previously stated that if you are one of the 170 million current U.S.-based TikTok users, the ban will not directly prohibit the continued use of TikTok and wont immediately eliminate the app from individuals phones. Instead, over time, without updates or technical help from TikTok, the app will slowly become unworkable. However, Reuters reported on Wednesday, Jan. 15 that TikTok planned to shut down the app fully on Jan. 19. TikTok has not responded to Yahoo News request for comment. In response to the news, the Biden administration is considering ways to prevent TikTok from being suddenly banned on Sunday in the U.S., an official told NBC News. The administrations goal would be for the ban to go into effect on app stores on Jan. 19, but not immediately impact downloaded apps from functioning. Some senators have been fighting to extend the ban deadline In a press conference on Jan. 16, Democratic Sens. Ed Markey and Cory Booker said they had asked the Biden administration to extend the TikTok ban deadline by 90 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In no way should we have TikTok go dark Sunday, Markey told reporters. Were willing to work with President Trump to try to extend this deadline as well. Booker said the TikTok ban was crammed into, what we often call in Congress, a must-pass bill, which is why it passed so quickly. The TikTok ban was part of a $95 billion foreign aid package that included funding for Ukrainian military equipment, humanitarian aid for Gaza and Taiwan and Israeli missile defense in addition to the TikTok ban. The Senate voted 79 to 18 in favor of the bill in April 2024; both Markey and Booker voted in favor. We did not have a debate in the Senate, we did not have hearings in the Senate, Booker said. It was, to me, a cynical effort to stick it into a bill that many of us would have to vote for because of the other high stakes. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who also voted in favor of the bill, called for an extension of the Jan. 19 deadline, saying in remarks on the Senate floor: We arent against TikTok. We want TikTok to keep going. But we are against a Chinese company that is in cahoots with the Chinese Communist Party owning TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three senators said they've been in talks with the Biden administration on the situation and plan to work with the Trump administration once Trump takes office. Trump now says he doesn't want to ban TikTok Trump has taken varying positions on TikTok. When he was president in August 2020, he threatened to ban the app if ByteDance didnt sell it, but multiple federal judges blocked his attempts at the time. However, while running for reelection in 2024, he launched his own TikTok account and told followers that he would SAVE TIK TOK IN AMERICA if he won the election. On Dec. 27, Trump filed a legal brief asking the Supreme Court to delay its decision on the TikTok ban until after he is officially in office on Jan. 20. The filing argues that the Supreme Court should allow Trump and his incoming administration to look into the political questions involved in the case, especially whether the ban is a violation of Americans First Amendment rights. The filing also argues that Trump could find an alternative solution to the national security concerns associated with ByteDance. As recently as Jan. 3, Trump asked, Why would I want to get rid of TikTok? TikTok users gather at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 13. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP) Once president, can Trump save TikTok? The law does include a provision that allows the president to pause the TikTok ban for 90 days if ByteDance proves it is in the process of selling the app. Trump could try to pause the ban himself for the first 90 days of his administration, but without evidence that ByteDance is actively working to divest from TikTok, his decision could be challenged in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another option would be for Trump to ask his Justice Department and attorney general not to enforce the ban, Alan Z. Rozenshtein, a former Justice Dept. national security adviser and an associate law professor at the University of Minnesota Law School wrote at Lawfare Media. However, in that case, most companies and individual users would probably be discouraged from using the app, since doing so would still technically be considered to be breaking the law. The Washington Post reported on Jan. 15 that Trump is allegedly considering an executive order once hes in office that would suspend the TikTok ban for 60 to 90 days so that his administration could either negotiate a sale or another solution to protect the app from being banned in the U.S. However, its not clear whether issuing an executive order would counteract a law that Congress approved and the Supreme Court upheld. "Theyre just press releases with nicer stationery, Rozenshtein, referring to executive orders. TikTok will still be banned, and it will still be illegal for Apple and Google to do business with them. But it will make the presidents intention not to enforce the law that much more official. Does anyone want to buy TikTok? The only way to avoid a full ban on TikTok in the U.S. is if ByteDance either sells the app or at least proves its trying to divest from the app. Multiple American companies and entrepreneurs have offered to buy TikTok from ByteDance, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner and Project Liberty founder Frank McCourt who, in December, pulled together a group of investors. One of those investors is Kevin OLeary, a Shark Tank host, who told Yahoo Finance that the group is willing to pay up to $20 billion for the app. Project Liberty announced last week that it had formally submitted a proposal to ByteDance to buy TikTok. YouTubes most famous creator Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, posted on Jan. 15 that he had met with several billionaires and had an offer ready to buy TikTok. He did not share much information on who he was meeting with or what the plan looked like. Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Chinese government officials allegedly discussed selling TikTok to Elon Musk, who also owns X. Musk has not commented on the reports, but has publicly slammed the TikTok ban and said it was contrary to freedom of speech and expression. Companies like Oracle, Walmart and Microsoft expressed interest in buying TikTok in 2020. However, ByteDance has made it clear since April that it has no intention of selling TikTok, despite the U.S. ban. TikTok went dark for American users on Saturday night. TikTok users directed their anger at Mark Zuckerberg and Meta. TikTok began returning on Sunday after Trump said he'd issue an executive order delaying a ban. The hate train started almost immediately after TikTok went dark. "Why do you ruin everything you touch," one Instagram user wrote. "Btw tik tok is a better app. Reels will never be tik tok, reels only exist cus of tik tok. You stole stories from snap chat and you made threads cus of twitter," another wrote. "You are hated by 170 million people," wrote yet another. All these comments from so-called TikTok 'refugees' showed up on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's most recent Instagram post, which was posted shortly after TikTok went dark for American users on Saturday night. The video of a surfing Zuckerberg, which was initially filled with Instagram users lauding his skills, was quickly overrun with angry users. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their frustration may be short-lived. TikTok announced Sunday it was 'restoring service' after President-election Donald Trump said he would issue an executive order on Monday delaying the ban. For those few hours, however and for the days leading up to the potential ban TikTok users directed their ire at Meta apps like Instagram and Facebook. A flyer promoting a boycott of the apps dubbed "Lights Out Meta" and scheduled from January 19 to 26 circulated on Reddit. Others flocked to RedNote, another Chinese-owned app, and Lemon8, TikTok's sister app, the fate of which appears to be following that of TikTok. On X, users said their frustrations stemmed in part from the US government citing national security concerns as a reason to ban TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Supreme Court upheld the law on Friday that requires TikTok to divest its US-based operations or effectively cease operations, the justices said it was "necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary." Some X users said that stance is hypocritical because American-based apps like Facebook have also shared user data with foreign entities. Facebook said it had data-sharing partnerships with at least four Chinese electronics companies including Huawei in 2018, according to The New York Times. The outlet reported that American intelligence officials had previously flagged Huawei as a national security threat. More recently, senators sent a letter to Zuckerberg questioning Meta about documents showing that Facebook developers in China and Russia had access to user data, according to Reuters. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio shared the letter on his website in 2023. "It appears from these documents that Facebook has known, since at least September 2018, that hundreds of thousands of developers in countries Facebook characterized as 'high-risk,' including the People's Republic of China (PRC), had access to significant amounts of sensitive user data," the letter read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One X user cited The New York Times article about Facebook's data-sharing partnerships with Chinese companies. "Folks forgot about this with all the focus on TikTok, but Meta/Facebook was selling your data to China for years," the user wrote. As some American TikTok users regained access to their accounts, they celebrate on competing social media sites. "MY TIKTOK IS WORKING ITS BACK EVERYONE," one X user wrote. A representative for Meta did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider The TikTok app is seen in this illustration photo taken on Jan. 19, 2025, amid the U.S. ban of the social media platform. Credit - Jaap ArriensGetty Images When TikTok influencers in the United States opened their apps on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 18, many expected to have their last few hours of scrolling or posting. Instead, they were met with the following message: Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately that means you cant use TikTok for now. What followed was hours of uncertainty and discomfort for many high-profile TikTok users, as they sought to find alternative avenues to connect with their fanbases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday afternoon, TikTok announced that it would begin restoring service to U.S. users that already have the app downloaded. The social media platform went on to thank President-elect Trump, who had spoken out on Truth Social hours before, stating that he planned to issue an executive order to save the app upon his return to the White House on Monday. After the app went dark on Saturday night, TikToks biggest U.S. influencers reacted with a mixture of disappointment and resigned humor as they embarked on their first day without the platform. Some influencers rebounded by using other social media options, primarily Instagram. TikTok star Charli DAmelio, whose online fame has landed her a role on Broadways & Juliet, posted on Instagram reels on Saturday night: Hey reels, how we doing? Were here, she said in the short upload. She later returned to Instagram to post a video of the first TikTok dance she ever learned. Although DAmelios Instagram audience is more than substantialshe currently has 42.8 million followersher following on TikTok is staggeringly higher, as she boasts 156.8 million followers on the app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Heres What Happened When India Banned TikTok in 2020 Like DAmelio, other top influencers used alternative social media platforms to post notes of gratitude to their followers and share nostalgic look-backs at their years on TikTok. Jojo Siwa, of Dance Moms and Dancing with the Stars fame, was among many influencers that reacted by posting old videos of themselves. Siwa, who has over 45 million TikTok followers, took to Instagramwhere she has 11 million followersto post a compilation of popular TikTok videos of herself, her caption reading: Making this made me pretty emotional. Thank you for all the memories made. Spencer Xa musician and beatboxer who rose to fame on TikTok and eventually racked up almost 55 million followers on the appalso relocated to Instagram during the ban. TikTok forever changed my life. This is so crazy to see he wrote on his Instagram story to his 958k Instagram followers. Youll forever be in our hearts. Thank you for everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement YouTuber Larri Merrit, known professionally as "Larray," posted videos on his Instagram story of him and fellow internet personality-turned-celebrity Quenlin Blackwell crying after TikTok stopped working for them. Larray, who has 27.5 million TikTok followers and around 6.5 million followers on Instagram, wrote that he hopes his followers will continue to uplift and celebrate [their] favorite creators as they navigate this new chapter, urging them to follow creators on other platforms. Meanwhile, Alix Earle a TikTok and media personality known for her vlog-style contentposted a video of herself teary-eyed and emotional on TikTok before the app went dark on Saturday night. I feel like Im going through heartbreak, she wrote for a caption displayed across the video. This platform is more than an app or a job to me. I have so many memories on here. I have posted every day for the past 6 years of my life. Ive shared my friends, family, relationships, personal struggles, secrets. I cried myself to sleep last night, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other influencers complained they felt disconnected and cut off from their communities when unable to access the app. Internet personality James Charles, who got his start as a makeup aficionado on YouTube but now has over 40 million followers on TikTok posted to Instagram when his TikTok stopped working, complaining that it was "dystopian. I don't know what to do I've already opened and closed the app probably six times already just to keep getting the same stupid warning message, Charles told his 20 million Instagram followers. I feel disconnected. I feel cut off from the world and my communityNow Im rooting for Trump? Ew. TikTok went dark after the Supreme Court unanimously decided on Friday that the apps potential risk to U.S. national security warranted a ban in the United States, outweighing anger from citizens over freedom of speech concerns and its popularity in the country. Trump, set to be sworn in on Monday, January 20, posted on his Truth Social account on Sunday that he was asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security, he wrote. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. Contact us at letters@time.com. Sen. Tim Kaine said he pushed Defense Secretary-nominee Pete Hegseth about infidelity and sexual misconduct in a hearing last week because he believed it was the only way to get Republicans to consider voting against him. Speaking Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation," Kaine (D-Va.) said: "My observation of my Republican colleagues is the only reason they ever vote no on a nominee is either a belief of gross incompetence in terms of qualifications or serious character deficit." As an example, Kaine cited the case of then-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), whose chances to be President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general were quickly scuttled by personal scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hegseth's Senate hearing Tuesday, Kaine asked at one point: "You acknowledge you cheated on your wife and that you cheated on the woman by whom you had just fathered a child?" The Virginia senator also raised concerns about a 2017 incident in California in which a woman accused Hegseth of sexual assault. "I know in my instance it was a false claim," Hegseth said in response. On Sunday, Kaine said Senate Democrats had divvied up topics to address since Hegseth wouldn't meet with them. He also said he thought the questioning was effective. "I think overall, in the hearing, we put a lot of material on the table for folks to consider," he told host Margaret Brennan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those questions don't seem to have created much concern about his nomination among Senate Republicans, who have a 53-47 majority. In fact, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) endorsed Hegseth after the hearing, saying: Our next commander in chief selected Pete Hegseth to serve in this role, and after our conversations, hearing from Iowans, and doing my job as a United States senator, I will support President Trumps pick for secretary of Defense." Regardless. Kaine still found much not to like about the nominee. "I believe he would be a very dangerous secretary of Defense," Kaine said Sunday. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) urged drivers across the state to be safe and respectful behind the wheel. In a social media post, THP said 1,590 crashes occurred last January due to to failing to yield the right of way. The second most common cause of crashes last January was a failure to properly stay in a lane, which caused 1,445 crashes. Follow this link to see a county breakdown of driver actions from 2013 through Oct. 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rounding out the top five most common reasons for crashes in Tennessee in 2024 was improper following which caused 1,424 crashes careless erratic driving and distracted driving. Careless erratic driving caused 530 crashes and distracted driving was the cause of 516 crashes. THP collaborated with the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security and the Tennessee Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN) to release statewide data on crashes last year. For the entire year 2024, more than 181,000 crashes across the state either had unknown or no driver actions listed. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com In addition to listing the most common causes of crashes in Tennessee, the dashboard included data on the number of drivers involved in crashes. The top five counties with the highest number of crashes in 2024 were: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelby with 56,604 Davidson with 47,511 Hamilton with 19,101 Knox with 18,133 Rutherford with 17,230 The five counties with the lowest number of drivers involved in crashes: Lake with 71 Pickett with 88 Clay with 90 Perry with 91 Hancock with 105 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The descendants of the Los Angeles Basin's first people had not had land of their own for nearly 200 years. Two years ago, a 1-acre property in suburban Altadena dotted with oak trees and shrubs became the first parcel of land returned to the Tongva people. They finally had a space to host traditional ceremonies, community gatherings and other events. The fire that broke out in the hills near Eaton Canyon Jan. 7, charring more than 14,000 acres as of Friday, caused significant damage to the property, including the destruction of an old stone house and a garage on the land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the losses could have been much worse if not for the Indigenous practices implemented on the land, according to the Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting the land and cultural heritage of the Tongva people in the L.A. region. Wallace Cleaves, president of the conservancys board, credits traditional stewardship practices including the removal of 97 fire-prone eucalyptus trees with reducing the wildfires impact. Wallace Cleaves, president of the Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, credits traditional stewardship practices including the removal of 97 fire-prone eucalyptus trees with reducing the wildfire's impact. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) We do believe that the work that we did to remove the invasive and dangerous species on the property very likely mitigated the damage, and made it much more possible for the native plants there to be able to recover and not have suffered as much, he said. For thousands of years, the Tongva people flourished in the San Gabriel Mountains. Its canyons offered ample food and served as trading routes among far-flung Native communities. But by the early 20th century, following the displacement and enslavement wrought by successive waves of settlers the Spanish, the Mexicans and then white Americans the Tongva had lost their ancestral homeland in Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without federal recognition or a reservation, they have sought through the Land Back movement to have available land returned to them, Cleaves and conservancy board member Charles Sepulveda wrote in a 2021 article for Bloomberg . We need a place where we can gather our foods, medicines and sacred plants without having to fear the arbitrary restrictions of a land management system that has mismanaged the land so badly that it now burns without end, they wrote. We need a place where we can gather and renew ourselves, our culture and our community. Read more: After nearly 200 years, the Tongva community has land in Los Angeles County The 1-acre property that now provides renewed connection for the Tongva people had belonged to Sharon Alexander, whose family built a Spanish ranch-style home on the wooded parcel in 1931. Alexander, who was using the home as a rental, transferred the land to the Tongva people in 2022 after learning of its ancestral significance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the Tongva community has worked to restore the land in accordance with traditional ecological knowledge and to develop the property to support community gatherings. Along with removing the eucalyptus trees, they have nurtured 50 full-grown oak trees and removed tons of old firewood and other debris, Cleaves said. Cultural burning is another traditional land stewardship practice, but the Tongva have so far been unable to implement it on the property because of permitting requirements. Our duty is to be good stewards of the land, of the plants and the animals that are under our care, Cleaves said. So a lot of our efforts went to restoring as much of the Indigenous habitat as we could. Read more: Zorthian Ranch, 'a magical, deep labyrinth' of art, suffers major damage in Eaton fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleaves has been unable to visit the land since the wildfire roared through Eaton Canyon, devastating large swaths of Altadena. But he believes based on publicly available images that the ranch house on the property remains relatively intact. Nobody was living on the property, he said. And while some of the oak trees appear scorched, many still have green leaves, he said. The oak is one of the Tongva peoples sacred plants; its acorns are a staple in traditional meals. We know our oak, and we know that it is very resilient, he said. Were hopeful that most of the oaks will be able to recover from this and continue to be healthy and be part of our community there. A bobcat, coyotes and bears also visited the land, he said. He is unsure how they have fared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleaves said he is hopeful the Tongva people will be able to return to the property for ceremonies later this year. When we think about Indigenous-led approaches, such as cultural burning or other Indigenous stewardship, it does help with mitigating and building resilience against climate change, said Nina Fontana, a research scientist at UC Davis focused on Indigenous land stewardship. Two years ago, this 1-acre property in Altadena became the first parcel of ancestral land returned to the Tongva people in nearly 200 years. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) As the Los Angeles region begins to recover and rebuild from the devastating fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, it is critical for state and federal agencies to work alongside tribal communities to incorporate Indigenous experience, Fontana said. Practices such as cultural burning are place-based, developed around a particular topography and ecosystem, she said. Its important to listen to Indigenous voices and to understand that the knowledge that communities hold is thousands and thousands and thousands of years of knowledge, she said. I think that listening and allowing that knowledge to be practiced is really the key to the future of wildfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is part of The Times equity reporting initiative , funded by the James Irvine Foundation , exploring the challenges facing low-income workers and the efforts being made to address Californias economic divide. 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. In our weekly list of business people on the move, we highlight Palm Beach County professionals who are making a difference. These are people from across the spectrum of public and private endeavors, those working in charities, court houses, private practices and beyond. They are moving up within their industry, advancing their careers and standing out for their services within our community. Here are this week's professional standouts: American Red Cross chapter names executive director The American Red Cross South Florida Region recently named Traci Mitchell as its new executive director of the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter. Mitchell brings 40 years of experience in financial services and, in addition to her professional career, she has dedicated significant time to advancing youth initiatives. She has worked with nonprofits including Shoes and Clothes for Kids and DanceCleveland. She also has been involved with youth ministries at her church. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. Traci Mitchell Boca hospital names associate chief nursing officer Emily DeJonge West Boca Medical Center has appointed Emily DeJonge MSN, RN, as its new associate chief nursing officer. DeJonge brings extensive healthcare leadership experience, all with Palm Beach Health Network, with proven a track record of improving hospital operations while focusing on quality patient outcomes. DeJonge has more than 20 years of experience across various levels in nursing, including more than 10 years at West Boca Medical Center. The hospital is part of the Palm Beach Health Network and offers general medical and surgical care, orthopedics, a robotic surgery program, a state-of-the art breast imaging center, womens and childrens services and the only level three Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in southern Palm Beach County. Morgan Stanley adds four, bolsters Palm Beach office Todd Adelstein Morgan Stanley recently announced that private wealth advisors Todd Adelstein, Philip Reagan, Christopher Prindle and Kevin Bryan have joined the firms private wealth management office in Palm Beach. Managing directors Adelstein and Reagan with executive directors Prindle and Bryan will lead the team named Royal Banyan Wealth Management Group. The group serves affluent families, business owners and executives, real estate investors, financial sponsors, and not-for-profit clients. Philip Reagan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Bryan Christopher Prindle Health Care District of PBC names board member to four-year term Albert Borroto The Health Care District of Palm Beach Countys newest board member, Albert Borroto, was recently appointed by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners for a four-year volunteer term. Borroto brings more than 30 years of experience in emergency medical services with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. The Health Care District board consists of seven appointed members who serve voluntarily for a maximum of two terms. The Health Care District of Palm Beach County is a special taxpayer-funded district that has served as a healthcare safety net for 37 years to fill in gaps in access to healthcare services. Jupiter Grill announces new general manager The Jupiter Grill has announced that longtime Jupiter resident, Alex Andrew, has joined the team as general manager. Andrew, who has been in the restaurant industry for over two decades, will continue elevating the restaurants dining experience for guests. I am very excited for this new role and looking to bring fun and excitement to the staff and guests while building upon the already great service that is expected at The Jupiter Grill, shared Andrew. Opened in 2023, The Jupiter Grill has become the destination to savor premium meats and fresh seafood cuts in a vibey Florida setting. Alex Andrew Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local YMCA adds two to expanding team Sofia Melo The YMCA of the Palm Beaches recently announced two new, key staff members have joined its team in support its ongoing expansion within its Palm Beach County territory. Sofia Melo has been named aquatics director and brings over three decades of aquatics management, swimming instruction, and water safety education experience. Thalia Alfaro will serve as the Ys new community and member engagement specialist. She is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and has extensive experience in social media and marketing. The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has served the Palm Beach County community for more than 100 years, providing essential programs, activities, and services for thousands of children, seniors, and families annually. Thalia Alfaro Insurance executive joins Boynton Beach education group's board Brian Goldfuss Acentria Insurance has announced that employee benefits advisor Brian Goldfuss has been appointed to the board of directors for the Schoolhouse Childrens Museum in Boynton Beach. As a long-time resident of Palm Beach County and a passionate advocate for educational and community initiatives, Goldfuss' expertise in service and strategic thinking makes him a valuable addition to the museums leadership. The Schoolhouse Childrens Museum offers engaging, play-focused learning experiences for young children, fostering imagination and creativity in Palm Beach County. Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best businesses, professionals, business people in Palm Beach County ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Education leaders, community members, and activists gathered Saturday, voicing concerns for students within Rochester City schools. Theyre calling on elected officials to take action to provide more opportunities for all students. Among those who spoke were charter school leaders, former RCSD Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small, and nationally regarded attorney and civil rights activist, Ben Crump. They echoed calls for change, saying it starts with tackling funding concerns and outdated policies to align with the needs of the community. The education crisis is real. Its here and its loud. But too many of us are still silent, were still waiting and were still unbothered, said Rashad Smith, host of the Everyday People Show with The Beat 105.5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents and community leaders alike said that compared to other area districts, kids who attend public and charter schools in the city are at a disadvantage because of a lack of opportunity. Crump, whos known for covering high-profile cases like those of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, said this lack of opportunity is a form of oppression. What were trying to do, what Dr. Miller is trying to do, is make sure that we make sure our young lambs of color, our young, marginalized lambs, are well armed to protest being targeted for the school to prison pipeline, Crump said during Saturdays meeting. Leaders said the primary problem holding the district back is a lack of adequate funding from the state based on the needs of the districts schools. They added that this contributes to a plethora of other concerns, including teacher retention and quality of education. Newly appointed RCSD Board President highlights literacy, attendance goals for students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. News reports RCSD has a 4.6 out of 10 college readiness index, which is reportedly lower than similarly sized cities across the nation. Panelists from Saturdays town hall meeting said students within the district score lower in reading and math proficiency. They said the answer is updated educational laws and policies. I think that were at a point now where were much more racially enlightened as a society, but the problem is that a lot of the collective bargaining agreements, judicial decisions, and laws and policies that I mentioned during the panel have all been decided at times prior to now, said Adrian Hale of New Yorks 7th Judicial District. And what its doing is holding old mindsets, old silo thinking, and the problems they create in place. The goal of Saturdays meeting, according to attendees, is to raise awareness and rally community members to join their call to action. It is time for our city to come alive and its time for our city to say, weve had enough. We could be the proof point in the nation that all our kids could learn, said Joe Klein, board chair of Charter Champions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was organized by Charter Champions, a Rochester nonprofit that focuses on the needs of local charter schools. Officials said they hope that conversations like this will inspire larger systematic change. News 8 reached out to RCSD for comment outside of its normal business hours regarding the discussion but has yet to receive a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited the state-of-the-art Sapigen Biologix vaccine facility in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which has been established with an investment of Rs 1,500 crore. The plant is expected to have the capacity to produce eight billion doses of vaccines per annum. Shanmugaratnam visited Sapigen Biologix (a subsidiary of Bharat Biotech) at its state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing plant--touted to be among the world's largest--an anchor facility located in the Odisha Biotech Park in Andharua, Bhubaneswar. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included his top ministerial colleagues and business leaders, said an official statement. Further, the statement added that the Singapore President was welcomed by Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder of Sapigen and Bharat Biotech, Suchitra Ella, Founder and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, and other senior executives of the firm. The Singapore President took a tour of the manufacturing facilities, following which he held high-level interactions with the leadership of Sapigen Biologix, led by Krishna Ella and Suchitra Ella. A plaque in honor of the President's visit to the facility was also unveiled during his visit, the statement added. "We are deeply honoured to welcome the Hon'ble President of Singapore, His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, to our facility today and are proud to demonstrate the innovative work being done at this expansive multi-vaccine production facility to further accelerate vaccine development and contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world," Ella, Founder of Sapigen Biologix, said. She added, "We thank the Government of Odisha, the Government of India, regulators, and our team for making this world-class, global-scale vaccine production facility a reality. The Sapigen Biologix facility marks our commitment to global public health, affordable vaccines, and strengthening India's self-reliance and pandemic preparedness. There are no vaccine or biotech manufacturing plants between Hyderabad and Arunachal Pradesh. We are extremely proud to be bringing the knowledge-based industry and the first vaccine/biotech manufacturing plant to the eastern part of India. We hope to spur activities in knowledge-based industries in the eastern part of India instead of concentrating them in the southern and western parts of the country." Raches Ella, Managing Director of Sapigen Biologix, said, "On behalf of everyone at Sapigen Biologix, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Hon'ble President of Singapore for visiting our facility today. The significance of this project reaches far beyond Odisha. This facility will position Odisha and India on the global map as the largest vaccine production and supply hub--not only for global distribution but also in alignment with our broader vision of fostering regional economic growth, nurturing local talent, and providing sustainable preventive healthcare solutions to communities worldwide." Sapigen Biologix will focus on the production of key vaccines aimed at addressing global health challenges," added Raches Ella, "The first and most significant vaccine to be produced at Sapigen Biologix's cGMP production facility will be the world's second oral cholera vaccine, Hillchol (BBV131). This novel single-strain vaccine marks an important step forward in our efforts to combat cholera worldwide. The timing of this rollout is crucial, given the global shortage of oral cholera vaccines (OCVs), as evidenced by recent deaths in Angola due to pandemic cholera. Another important vaccine produced at this facility will be the world's first licensed malaria vaccine, RTS, S. Developed in partnership with GSK, this vaccine is part of a technology transfer agreement and will primarily be distributed to low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia, aiming to reduce the burden of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. "The third vaccine to be manufactured at Sapigen Biologix will be the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). In the future, the facility will also produce vaccines for Chikungunya and Zika." Raches added. Shanmugaratnam, the President of the Republic of Singapore, was accompanied by a delegation of ministers and dignitaries. A business delegation also accompanied the President during his visit to the Sapigen Plant. The visit marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations with India. Sapigen Biologix, the vaccine manufacturing plant was established in Odisha Biotech Park, with an investment of Rs 1,500 crore envisioned by Krishna Ella, Founder of Sapigen. This state-of-the-art plant is expected to create over 2,000 direct and over 1,500 indirect employment opportunities, further nurturing local talents in Odisha. The plant plans to produce more than 10 different vaccines for diseases like cholera, malaria, etc. The vaccines produced in Sapigen Biologix will be supplied to several parts of the world and will strengthen the name of Odisha and India in the vaccines and biotechnology prowess. (ANI) As Sunday night winter storm approaches, towns across Massachusetts have begun to issue emergencies and parking bans. MEDFORD The town of Medford has declared a snow emergency and parking ban that will go into effect at 5 P.M. on Sunday. Read more here: https://www.medfordma.org/for-residents/snow WORCESTER The town of Worcester has issued a parking ban that will go into effect at 10 A.M. on Sunday. Trash pickup will also not occur on Monday, January 20. Read more here: https://www.worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/snow-removal FRAMINGHAM The town of Framingham has declared a snow emergency, issuing a parking ban that will go into effect at midnight on Monday, January 20. Read more here: https://www.framinghamma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3148 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) Two adults, two children and a dog were displaced after a trailer fire in Currituck County Saturday afternoon. Fire crews received a call in reference to a single trailer fire at 130 Holly Cresent Drive around 4:25 p.m. All occupants were out of the structure when crews arrived. The fire was eventually marked out, and units left the scene at approximately 6 p.m. There were no injuries reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Red Cross was contacted to provide temporary housing assistance to the residents. The cause of the fire is underdetermined at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. In todays reading list, Atlantic journalists offer an intricate examination of those who swindle or hurt others, and those who must live with the fallout. The stories below follow a con man turned true-crime writer, a prison break facilitated by a dog crate, the spectacle of murder fandoms, and more. The Con Man Who Became a True-Crime Writer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his old life, Matthew Cox told stories to scam his way into millions of dollars. Now hes trying to sell tales that are true. By Rachel Monroe The True Story of the Married Woman Who Smuggled Her Boyfriend Out of Prison in a Dog Crate She wanted to escape her marriage. He wanted to escape his life sentence. By Michael J. Mooney They Stole Yogi Berras World Series Rings. Then They Did Something Really Crazy. The childhood friends behind the most audacious string of sports-memorabilia heists in American history By Ariel Sabar The Perfect Man Who Wasnt For years, he used fake identities to charm women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Then his victims banded together to take him down. By Rachel Monroe The Gross Spectacle of Murder Fandom After four University of Idaho students were killed, TikTok and Reddit sleuths swarmed the campus. The community is still struggling with the wreckage they left behind. By McKay Coppins The Mobster Who Bought His Son a Hockey Team A tale of goons, no-show jobs, and a legendary minor-league franchise that helped land its owner in prison By Rich Cohen The Tomb Raiders of the Upper East Side Inside the Manhattan DAs Antiquities Trafficking Unit By Ariel Sabar The Rise and Fall of an All-Star Crew of Jewel Thieves They were highly sophisticated. The local police seemed helpless. Then a retired septuagenarian detective stepped in. By Geoff Manaugh The Week Ahead Season 2 of The Night Agent, an action series about an FBI agent who is drawn into the mysterious world of the Night Action organization (streaming on Netflix on Thursday) We Do Not Part, a book by Han Kang that follows the friendship between two Korean women and the massacre on Jeju Island (out Tuesday) Presence, a horror film told from the perspective of a spirit bound to a familys suburban home (in theaters Friday) Essay America Just Kinda, Sorta Banned Cigarettes By Nicholas Florko No drug is quite like nicotine. When it hits your bloodstream, youre sent on a ride of double euphoria: an immediate jolt of adrenaline, like a strong cup of coffee injected directly into your brain, along with the calming effect of a beer. Nicotine is what gets people hooked on cigarettes, despite their health risks and putrid smell. It is, in essence, what cigarette companies are selling, and what theyve always been selling. Without nicotine, a cigarette is just smoldering leaves wrapped in some fancy paper. But if the Biden administration gets its way, thats essentially all cigarettes will be. Read the full article. More in Culture Catch Up on The Atlantic Photo Album A young child runs across a rectangle of light in a dreamlike image. (Mitja Kobal / Kolari Vision) Take a look at the top images in this years Life in Another Light biannual infrared-photography competition. When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic. Article originally published at The Atlantic I spoke with President-elect Donald Trump for a phone interview Saturday as he was preparing to depart for Washington for his inauguration. The president elect told me the three themes of his speech will be "unity, strength and fairness." Trump said he would "likely" give TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid a ban. (He posted on Sunday that he would do so on Monday.) The president-elect previewed the executive actions he plans to take on Day 1 -- telling me to expect a large focus on immigration and a rollback of what he called President Joe Biden's "electric mandates." PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump walks off an Air Force Special Mission airplane as he arrives at Dulles International Airport, Jan. 18, 2025, in Dulles, Va. (Alex Brandon/AP) MORE: Biden sees to peaceful transition of power with Trump after bitter campaign: ANALYSIS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also said he plans to travel to California as early as Friday, which will likely be part of his first trip as president. Finally, I asked the president-elect to reflect on that moment where he will stand to take the oath -- a comeback for his political career after impeachments, trials and attempted assassinations. He said he won't call it a "comeback" but takes the phrase as a compliment. He believes immigration ultimately helped get him elected -- he feels a responsibility to deliver on that. PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump watches fireworks at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Va., Jan. 18, 2025, ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration. (Matt Rourke/AP) MORE: Trump inauguration live updates: Incoming first family takes in fireworks show Inauguration speech When asked what the American people can expect to hear from his speech -- the president-elect said the themes will be unity, strength and fairness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think it will be unity. I think it will be strength. It will be fairness -- very important is fairness because some people are not treated fairly. It will be those three topics." MORE: Inauguration 2025: The tradition of presidents leaving letters for their successors TikTok ban extension Asked about what action his administration could take on TikTok, Trump said, "Well, I have the right as you know, I'm the one who is going to be calling the shots. Most likely, I'll extend for 90 days -- you have the extension for 90 days as you probably know. I'll do that until we figure something out." (He posted on Sunday that he would do so on Monday.) Executive actions on Day 1 Asked about what executive action he plans to take on Day 1, Trump said: "Much will have to do with illegal immigrants coming into our country from prisons and from mental institutions and we have to get them out and we're prepared to do so -- otherwise we're not going to have a country. And electric mandate, I think you'll see that rapidly disappear -- how ridiculous that was -- when people want to buy a car they want to have a choice -- they can buy electric -- they can buy a hybrid -- they buy whatever they want. So, you'll be seeing that and many many other things." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stated immigration will be a "very big" focus of executive actions on Day One and through the first 100 days. PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump, Melania Trump watch fireworks at Trump National Golf Club, Jan. 18, 2025, in Sterling, Va. (Alex Brandon/AP) Jan. 6 pardons Asked directly about whether he would move to pardon the rioters on Jan. 6 on his first day in office, Trump would not commit, saying only they would be coming "very shortly." "I'd rather not say right now -- those people were treated unfairly -- so it's going to be coming out very shorty." He did not want to discuss specifics on which rioters he's looking to pardon and whether those who attacked law enforcement officers would be pardoned. Planning to travel to California Trump told me he could be traveling to California as early as Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I could be doing it on Friday or sometime early next week," he said. MORE: Trump team now 'reviewing' plans for Chicago ICE raids: Incoming border czar Immigration raids Asked about ABC News reporting that his administration could carry out post-inauguration raids as early as Tuesday, Trump called the raids a "big priority." He did not want to discuss timing but vowed it "will happen." "It's a priority that we get the criminals out of our country. And it is for everybody else -- it's one of the reasons I won the election by such a big margin. And it is a priority." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if the American people should expect raids to begin Tuesday he said, "I don't comment on that but it will happen." He conveyed that he believes immigration is a big reason why he won this election, and he wants to deliver on that issue. (Later Saturday, ABC News reported that Trump's incoming "border czar" Tom Homan said the the Trump team was 'reviewing' plans for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Chicago.) PHOTO: Workers prepare a carpet with the presidential seal for the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center, Jan. 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inauguration weather, moving ceremony indoors "Well, I think it's great that frankly we don't have to worry about the weather. I think the weather is going to be very very biting cold as you probably know. And it certainly doesn't look like it's going to change very much by Monday. And so, it looks like it's going to be record-setting numbers. Nobody wants that. It's actually dangerous so we'll be having it inside." "I think it's going to be beautiful-- equally beautiful. I wish I could get more tickets. That's the only problem, we have limited seating so it's a little bit difficult from that standpoint but it will be very beautiful and it will be warm." Asked what he will be doing at the Capitol One Arena -- where the inaugural parade will be held, he said, "We think they're going to do a great job with it. It's going to be very personal -- very upfront and very warm," he said, laughing. "You can't have people sitting in a parade in zero temperatures." On CEOs attending inauguration The president-elect said the tech CEOs are "happier" about the change in plans because of the cold and said he expects all are still coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think they're happier about it. We have almost 700 seats -- it's not small by any means but it's small by comparison to being outside. We had tremendous numbers -- tremendous numbers of people. We just don't want people getting hurt. And you can get seriously hurt by that type of weather. They're all coming -- every one is coming from the companies." PHOTO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, attends the Vice President's Dinner at the National Gallery of Art, an. 18, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images) On Senate Republicans pushing through his Cabinet picks Trump told me wants Republicans to move to get his picks confirmed fast and said he was impressed by the hearings this week no signs of any shakeups. "As early as possible. They're great they're great people. I think they've all performed very well every single one of them." PHOTO: Organizers work to move the Inauguration Day swearing-in ceremony into the Capitol Rotunda due to expected frigid weather in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP) Reflects on returning to office "I don't view it so much as comeback because where was I? Where did I come back from?" he said. "But some people do, and I take that as a compliment. It certainly was a great campaign. We ran a great campaign -- we did very well with fake trials -- where they tried to hurt their political opponent, and I think it backfired on them. It backfired -- it actually backfired, who would've thought that was going to happen? They have not played their cards very well -- one of the reasons why our country is doing so badly." Trump to ABC's Rachel Scott: Inaugural address themes will be 'unity, strength and fairness' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com President-elect Trump landed in Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening for his inauguration. He landed at Dulles International Airport in Virginia just after 7 p.m. Trump, incoming first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron Trump, boarded an Air Force plane just after 4:30 p.m. at Palm Beach International Airport. Trump waved from the top of the stairs when he boarded and took off just after 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About a half hour earlier, Eric, Lara and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner and their kids boarded Trumps plane in Palm Beach for the trip. The President and First Lady are leaving Mar-a-Lago now for Washington, DC, on a great journey of success for our country! Trumps incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X, referring to Trumps Palm Beach residence. Trump will hold a rally at Capital One Arena in downtown D.C. on Sunday at 3 p.m. He is expected to then attend a service at St. Johns church, just by the White House, on Monday morning before the swearing-in ceremony and parade, both of which were moved indoors due to freezing temperatures in the nations capital. The decision to move the inauguration indoors on Friday means Trump will be sworn in in the Capitol rotunda and deliver his inaugural address from there. He will then join supporters at Capitol one Arena for the indoor parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect will attend the Liberty Ball and Commander in Chief ball on Monday evening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. When Donald Trump takes the oath at his inauguration on Monday, standing alongside him in an ostentatious display of support will be not just the usual roster of political hangers-on, but a star-studded array of tech oligarchs, business leaders and financiers that includes the three richest men in the world Teslas Elon Musk, Amazons Jeff Bezos and Metas Mark Zuckerberg. Itll be quite a spectacle, and one in marked contrast to Trumps first presidency, when he was widely cold-shouldered. There is, of course, nothing unusual about business attempting to cosy up to an incoming president in the hope of influence, favours and contracts. But normally its done in a low-profile, arms-length way behind closed doors, mindful of the perception of corruption if business and political elites get too close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Trumps second term, its different: its open, flamboyant and conspicuous, and theres a unity of purpose between the main repositories of political and economic power not seen since Dwight Eisenhowers military-industrial complex of the immediate post-war age. To the drumbeat of make America great again (Maga), they are today again marching together in lockstep. If not quite unprecedented, its rare to see the birth of a new plutocracy in such rampant and unashamed form. Not since Dwight Eisenhowers post-war military-industrial complex has there been such unity of purpose between political and economic power - NATO/HULTON ARCHIVE Joe Biden has already dubbed Trumps new contract with business leaders the tech industrial complex a deliberate reference to Eisenhowers description of the last time business interests were allowed to reach so powerfully into the heart of government. Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that really threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedom, Biden warned in his farewell address as president last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that is whats happening, it already looks unstoppable. Strong man regime In Trump, the new titans of the US business landscape have found a like-minded champion seemingly willing to implement an agenda so perfectly aligned with their own commercial interests that they could scarcely have believed it possible. In demanding curbs on the juggernaut of regulation that has supposedly imprisoned them these past four years, they seem to be pushing at an open door, and for many of them it feels like a liberation. Its also a two-way street in which something is demanded in return. For them, its the promise of business and finance unleashed, and for Musk and Bezos, of lucrative government contracts to feed their assault on outer space; for Trump the new tech oligarchy is the means by which he pursues his own place in history as the saviour of the Western world, pushing back on an ascendant China and cementing Americas position as the worlds unrivalled superpower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that end, he promotes a total rewiring of the US economy to make it match-fit for his wider, expansionary ambitions. Maintaining and enhancing Americas lead in the technologies of the future artificial intelligence, robotics, space, weaponry and bioscience is central to that vision. After decades of cowering in the wings, forced to bend to whatever fancy the politicians feel minded to pursue, the worm has turned. A new order in the worlds largest economy has been born: join in or prepare to lose out is the message to business owners and chief executives. The comparison is with Russia, China and other strong man regimes where great wealth and monopoly power in the hands of the few is tolerated, and even actively promoted, provided it supports the regimes wider ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Step out of line and expect to get frozen out or even persecuted, as has happened to many of the oligarchs of the Russian and Chinese economies. Its a world in which the traditional boundaries between economic wealth and political power become increasingly blurred and fungible. Earthquakes in Davos Standing alongside Trump on the podium on Monday will be not just the presidents new confidante, Musk, but a whole raft of Johnny-come-lately converts to the Maga cause, including Bezos and Zuckerberg. Just these three alone are collectively worth getting on for $1 trillion (820bn). Also cheering the new president on the podium will be the bosses of Google and TikTok. The contrast with Trumps first term in office, when the almost universal response of Silicon Valley was one of po-faced, self-righteous, liberally minded revulsion, could scarcely be greater. Call it cynical self-interest if you like. No doubt there is a strong element of it in the current outbreak of fawning adulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But amid growing frustration in the business community with the compromises and demands of the environmental, social and governance agenda, business support for Trump has long been in the ascendant. By coincidence, Trumps inauguration takes place on the same day as the opening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, where the rich, powerful, famous and merely opinionated gather to swap business cards, discuss the state of the world, exchange ideas, court customers and suppliers, and drink too much. Over the years the event has become synonymous with the sort of elite-driven globalism that Trump loves to hate, even if, always one to hog the limelight, he actually attended the event twice when last president. Like Russias Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping, Donald Trump seeks radical change in the world order - Sergey Guneyev/Pool Sputnik Kremlin Be that as it may, like some great wrecking ball, Trumps America First nationalism threatens rudely to interrupt the complacency of the Davos set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been quite a shock. Out goes multilateralism, free trade and shared solutions to common problems all things that the WEF has promoted and championed since its establishment five decades ago. In comes bully-boy unilateralism, some of the biggest protectionist measures since the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, and the unashamed pursuit of national self-interest whatever the collateral damage. Like Russias Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping, Trump seeks radical change in the world order, and he cares little about trampling over those who get in his way. You might think that this would be anathema to the multinational corporations that have come to dominate the US economy and its stock markets; their natural self-interest would seem to draw them closer to the Davos view of the world than the nativism of Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed it is they who helped forge the Davos consensus, with its focus on progressive values and social improvement through corporate responsibility. But the pendulum has swung, and the corporate backlash against woke diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) orthodoxy is everywhere to be seen. Big techs switch Part of Trumps cleverness as a politician is that he has rendered all such bleeding heart narratives unfashionable while simultaneously harnessing the new money of Americas tech revolution to his own electoral purposes, aggrandisement and vision for the US as an unrivalled superpower. Somehow or other, hes managed to make the idea of unbridled, red-in-tooth-and-claw capitalism into an all-powerful vote-winning machine, and for many business leaders, increasingly hemmed in as they see it by stifling social, environmental and anti-trust regulation, it has been like a breath of fresh air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No more having to worry about offending this, that or the other cause or minority, business can once more be aggressive, as Zuckerberg puts it, in pursuit of corporate self-interest and the bottom line. Some, such as Cantor Fitzgeralds Howard Lutnick, Trumps pick as commerce secretary, have long been supporters, but for most its been a more recent awakening, prompted in large measure by the growing realisation that Trump was likely to win. You could see the way the wind was blowing at Davos a year ago in remarks by Jamie Dimon, Americas pre-eminent banker and like much of Wall Street, traditionally a Democrat supporter. Take a step back, be honest, the JP Morgan Chase boss said in reevaluating the narrative around Trumps first term as president. [Trump] was kind of right about Nato, kind of right on immigration. He grew the economy quite well. Trade, tax reform worked. He was right about some of China. Trumps bellicose response to an assassination attempt won him admirers, Elon Musk among them - Evan Vucci/AP Even Musk wasnt always a Trump admirer. He supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election, and only began to come round to Trump whose drill, baby, drill affiliation with the oil and gas industry seemed to conflict with the Tesla bosss own ambitions as an environmental champion after Biden snubbed him over an auto industry event and the administration launched a series of probes into his business affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Musks frustration with regulatory intrusion long predated Bidens failure to invite him to the auto industry conflab, a slight widely attributed to Musks resistance to unionisation of his Tesla workforce. Trumps pugnacious fight, fight, fight response to an assassination attempt, which saw the presidential candidate narrowly escape death, appealed to Musks own sense of high-wire bravado, and seemed to seal the deal. In any case, Musks growing obsession with culture wars and what he calls the woke-mind virus made him a natural Trump bedfellow. For Biden, alienating Musk was a disastrous miscalculation. By pumping money into Trumps campaign and using X (formerly known as Twitter) as a platform for hardline Maga views, Musk played a pivotal role in Trumps eventual victory. Others were slower to climb aboard but no less enthusiastic once they had drunk the Kool Aid of Trumps promise to tear down regulatory checks on business, finance and technological development. I once met Bezos in the days when he still had some hair and was no more than a rather unassuming, socially sensitive online book retailer. He seemed quite the nicest capitalist you could ever hope to meet, a far cry from the ruthless entrepreneurial genius he was later to become. He held on to some of that aura even as his business achievements mounted, and when the Democrat-supporting Washington Post of Watergate fame came up for sale, he seemed a supremely well-suited buyer. Amazons Jeff Bezos has become a regular on the Mar-a-Lago pilgrimage of tech bros to pay homage to Trump - Isaiah Downing/REUTERS Yet despite Bezoss digital skills, the titles somewhat dull offering of centrist, politically consensual content has struggled to make headway in the polarised and febrile atmosphere of todays politics. By never missing an opportunity to attack Trump, the Post threatened to poison the well for the Amazon founders wider commercial interest. As Trumps chances of success grew, and Bezoss great rival in the private sector space race, Elon Musk, threw his weight behind the Maga campaign, the Post came to be seen as more of a liability than an asset. With the election looming, Bezos instructed his apparatchiks to insert an editorial that backed neither candidate for the presidency, trampling rough shod over the Posts decades long tradition of unquestioning support for the Democrats. It was the least he could do to appease Trump, and ensure that his Blue Origin space venture secured at least some of the government contracts likely to fall from Trumps table. Since then he has been a regular on the Mar-a-Lago pilgrimage of tech bros to pay homage at the feet of the president-elect and he has donated $1m (820,000) to Trumps inauguration fund. Facebooks Zuckerberg and OpenAIs Sam Altman have chipped in similar amounts. We are turning the page, said Marc Benioff, the chief executive of Salesforce, soon after the publication he owns, Time magazine, declared Trump person of the year. Of all these Damascene conversions to the president-elects cause, the most cringeworthy was perhaps that of Zuckerberg. You knew something was up when he sacked Sir Nick Clegg as his head of communications and replaced him with Joel Kaplan, an unrepentant Republican who had served as George W Bushs deputy chief of staff. Mark Zuckerbergs volte-face includes the appointment of Joel Kaplan, an unrepentant Republican who served as George W Bushs deputy chief of staff - Samuel Corum/Getty Images North America Clegg had been brought in to help sanitise Facebook after the Cambridge Analytica scandal and to answer what was then a fierce political backlash against big techs use and monetisation of private data. A former deputy prime minister in Britains coalition government of 2010-15, Clegg was widely seen perhaps unfairly as the very personification of DEI, woke culture. He was instrumental both in establishing Metas oversight board and in de-platforming Trump from Facebook following the 2021 attack on Capitol Hill. With Trump heading for the White House anew, Clegg had plainly outgrown his usefulness. Shortly afterwards, Zuckerberg ditched third-party fact-checking on his US platforms, and announced he was moving to the same system of community notes as used by Musk at X. The old approach had gone too far, he said: Too much harmless content gets censored, too many people find themselves wrongly locked up in Facebook jail, and we are often too slow to respond when they do. It was music to Trumps ears. The volte-face was so complete and sudden that one can only assume Zuckerberg never believed in Cleggs woke dressing approach to brand management in the first place, and only went along with it to fit in with the political zeitgeist of the time. As consolation, Clegg leaves $100m richer in Meta share options. No doubt he briefly served his purpose. A new Gilded Age? Part of Trumps fascination as a political leader is that he sells himself as an anti-establishment champion determined to sweep away the deep state influence of the Washington elites, yet he breaks bread with and glorifies the three richest industrialists of the age. Its a seeming contradiction, but one explained not just by Trumps weakness for flattery and attention, or even his own ascent to billionaire status; its also because these new corporate goliaths regard themselves as kindred spirits, disrupting and tearing down the walls of the presiding establishment in much the same way as Trump is demolishing traditional political elites. There have been several phases like this before in US history. The most obviously comparable was the so-called Gilded Age of the late 19th century, which was similarly a time of rapid economic change, social upheaval, political corruption and industrial growth. Rapid technological progress went hand in hand with the emergence of a new class of super-rich whose fortunes in todays money would have eclipsed even those of the current roster of tech bros. The Rockerfellers, Carnegies, Vanderbilts and the JP Morgans were the Musks and Zuckerbergs of their time. And like today, they were far from universally admired, despite the rapid growth in productivity and wages that they enabled. Looked at through the lens of todays world, the oil, steel, railroads, telecommunications, shipping and finance sectors on which these fortunes were founded look old, commoditised and mundane. But back then they were as much at the cutting-edge of industry as current developments in mass communications and artificial intelligence. They also gave rise to a pretty similar array of public interest complaints, not least abuse of monopoly power and political favouritism, and like todays tech giants, initially went substantially unregulated. Increasingly beset by scandal and allegations of political corruption, many of the robber barons of the Gilded Age eventually fell prey to the trust-busting of Teddy Roosevelt, and were broken up by competition regulators or otherwise out done by rivals. Thus began an abiding feature of the US political economy that those who grow too powerful and big for their boots always end up cut back to size, allowing the light and oxygen through for the next generation of industrial pioneers. This may in time be the fate of todays tech behemoths, but not yet, and not under this president. For that to happen, the weather vane of political power will have to turn again. While there are obvious similarities with the military industrial complex speech in 1961, the irony here was that Eisenhower was himself instrumental in creating the very economy he complained of one dominated by what he characterised as a scientific-technological elite feeding off the largesse of exorbitant deficit and military spending. The corporate winners of that time were the likes of Boeing and IBM, both today pale shadows of their former selves, forced to compete for lucrative government contracts alongside nimbler, more innovative rivals such as Musk, Peter Thiels Palantir Technologies, Oracle and Microsoft among others. Both have seen once mighty monopoly positions destroyed by competition and regulatory intervention as one industrial age morphs irresistibly into another. Eisenhowers concerns were echoed last week in Bidens valedictory as president when he warned that an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence. The similarities were uncanny. Already cracks are appearing in the latest marriage of technological and political power. Both Musk and Apple have extensive interests in China (as a market and manufacturing base), which would be badly damaged by Trumps proposed deluge of tariff protections. They want to see current tensions dialled down, not up, and are acutely aware of the damage to the bottom line that mounting superpower rivalry might inflict. Musk has likewise found himself at odds with the wider Maga agenda on immigration, which he fears might deny him access to the foreign software engineering talent that his many enterprises need. Steve Bannon, a one-time Trump adviser with deity-like status in the Maga movement, has called Musk a truly evil guy for promoting liberal immigration policies, and vowed to take him down. In any case, theres an underlying contradiction between the libertarian instincts of the tech oligarchs and the nativist leanings of the Maga base that makes many believe the current love-in cannot last. For now, however, the two are bound together tightly by mutual self-interest. Trump promises to give the new oligopoly all the freedom it wants, and in return the titans of tech promise a new industrial age that will drive the US to ever greater heights of economic and geopolitical prowess. Is it the end of American democracy, as Biden forewarns, or the beginnings of another giant leap forward in economic progress and prosperity? The tectonic plates of history are shifting violently; we know not how theyll settle. 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. Pakistan authorities registered another FIR against Mahrang Baloch, the central organizer of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and 80 participants in a gathering held in the Tepul area of Naseerabad. The event was a part of the BYC's awareness campaign across Balochistan in preparation for a national gathering on January 25 in Dalbandin, commemorating "Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day" as cited by The Balochistan Post. According to the FIR, the participants violated Section 144, which forbids public gatherings that are mandated by the government. The BYC, however, charged that authorities were selectively implementing these rules to stifle nonviolent protest. The group said that state agents abuse the law to target Baloch people because of their identity and resistance to what they call "ongoing repression," according to The Balochistan Post. In the last few weeks, Mahrang Baloch has been the subject of two FIRs. Other BYC members and she were accused of similar offences in a formal complaint that was filed in Mastung last week. The accusations, according to the BYC, are "baseless" and are part of a larger effort to suppress peaceful political activism and dissent in Balochistan. The most recent FIRs coincide with an increase in global concern over Mahrang's security. The Balochistan Post said that a special working group of the United Nations has issued a warning that her life and freedom are under "serious threat." UN specialists described claims of harassment, arbitrary travel restrictions, and false charges intended to deter Mahrang from her human rights activism in an official message to the Pakistani government, according to the Balochistan Post. The UN letter described several FIRs that were filed against her, claiming that they were intended to stifle her activities and included charges of sedition and terrorism. The letter also mentioned an incident at the Karachi Airport where Mahrang's passport was seized and she was allegedly denied access to New York for a TIME event honouring her work. According to the UN Working Group, these acts are part of a larger trend of harassment directed at Baloch activists, especially women. They urged Pakistani authorities to protect Mahrang Baloch and address the issues brought forth, warning that "her life, liberty, and personal safety remain at a heightened risk." (ANI) President-elect Donald Trump, who once supported banning TikTok and signed an executive order targeting its parent company, is now vowing he will issue an executive order attempting to save the social platform. But theres a major catch: he wants the app to operate under 50 percent U.S. ownership. Apparently reacting to Trumps promises, TikTok issued a statement saying, In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. Im asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! Trump wrote on Truth Social. I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump added that he would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture and that his executive order would protect from liability any companies that helped keep TikTok accessible before the order is issued. 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. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. U.S. users who accessed the app after it was restored were greeted with a Welcome back! message that said: Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trumps efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! But Sen. Tom Cotton issued a warning Sunday before TikTok started to resume service: Any company that hosts, distributes, services, or otherwise facilitates communist-controlled TikTok could face hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability under the law, not just from DOJ, but also under securities law, shareholder lawsuits, and state AGs, the Republican said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press that Congress will enforce the law banning the app. When President Trump issued the Truth post and said, Save TikTok, the way we read that is that hes going to try to force along a true divestiture, changing of hands, the ownership. Its not the platform that members of Congress are concerned about. Its the Chinese Communist Party and their manipulation of the algorithms. Trump is now scrambling to resurrect the app, showing that he wants to be viewed as a hero for saving it, even though he is largely responsible for jumpstarting momentum to ban the platform and Democrats will have played a large part in allowing that perception. President Joe Biden signed the TikTok ban into law last spring after it passed Congress with bipartisan support due to national security concerns regarding Chinas influence over the apps content and access to the data belonging to 170 million Americans on the app. The legislation gave ByteDance, the platforms Chinese owner, until Jan. 19 to sell TikTok or else it would be banned. TikTok as well as creators on the app attempted to challenge the ban in court, but the Supreme Court upheld it on Friday after the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld it last month Under the ban, companies like Google and Apple are prohibited from hosting TikTok in their app stores, but TikTok itself went a step further by cutting off U.S. users this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office, a message on the TikTok landing page read after approximately 10:30 p.m. Saturday, when U.S. users lost access to the app shortly before the law banning it went into effect. Trump claimed that his proposed deal for 50 percent U.S. ownership would be a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose and speculated that with our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars maybe trillions. Trump previously promised to grant TikTok a 90 day extension from the ban once he returned to office. Alan Rozenshtein, an associate professor at University of Minnesota Law School has written that one potential avenue is through the presidents ability to define what constitutes a qualified divestiture under the legislation. Rozenshtein wrote that ByteDance could go through the motions of reshuffling some details of its ownership stake in TikTok, allowing Trump to claim that the company has divested enough of its ownership to get around the ban. The Biden administration in a last minute reversal said it would not enforce the ban or fine companies that keep the app available for download, an attempt to punt enforcement to the Trump White House. Some Democrats in Congress also attempted to delay the ban, with Sen. Ed Markey introducing legislation that would push the ban back by 90 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the sheer fact of timing, this administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next administration, which takes office on Monday, Biden Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday. This breaking news story has been updated. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew appears to be currying favor with Trump. He reportedly will be a guest at Trumps inauguration and will join him for a victory rally reminiscent of Trumps campaign events at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. President-elect Donald Trump has an arsenal of trade laws he can use to make good on his campaign tariff promises. But advisers are still deliberating about how quickly and broadly to move, just days ahead of his inauguration for a second term. One possibility is that Trump will simply launch lots of investigations that raise the threat of tariffs, rather than immediately imposing them. My guess in the first week is that it will be a little bit more roadmap than action, said Michael Smart, managing director at Rock Creek Global Advisors, a business advisory firm. But the one exception could be China, which unlike Mexico and Canada, two other frequent Trump targets, is not rushing preemptively to offer concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the contrary, China continues to retaliate against the U.S. for other ongoing actions on economic security, Smart continued. So, the Trump team may move quickly to ratchet up tariffs by 10 percent on goods already subject to tariffs imposed by then-President Trump in 2018 and 2019. To me, that's quite plausible, because that's just kind of a down payment on where they're headed, said Smart. But I think they haven't made some of these decisions. They've just kind of got their inventory of authorities. That would be a walk back of sorts for Trump, who has threatened on multiple occasions to raise tariffs on key trading partners like Canada and Mexico as soon as he enters office. And he continues to claim his administration will raise billions of dollars from the increases, helping pay for the renewal of his 2017 tax cuts. Earlier this week, he proposed creating an External Revenue Service to collect a flood of new tariff revenue, although U.S. Customs and Border Protection already performs that function for the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a refresher course on some of the more potent tools Trump could wield on trade once he takes office on Monday: Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act This law gives the president broad authority to restrict imports of a particular good or set of goods to protect national security. Trump used his authorities under Section 232 during his first term to impose tariffs on billions of dollars worth of steel and aluminum imports from around the world and to threaten similar duties on autos. Its not well suited for speedy action since it requires the Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security to launch an investigation that can take up to 270 days. Once that is complete, the White House has another 90 days to decide what, if any, action to take. Still, one benefit of the 232 approach is that it gives them a lot of time for Trump to go wheel and deal on it, said Scott Lincicome, a former trade litigator now in charge of the Cato Institutes Center for Trade Policy Studies. They can hunt and peck for data that supports whatever finding they want, which is going to be a finding of national security threat, and then Trump can use that [to threaten tariffs] and they don't have to publish the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's kind of the best of all worlds for Trump World, Lincicome continued. They can go out and make a lot of headlines without actually damaging the manufacturing sector or and or seeing the stock market freak out. Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act Trump used this provision during his first term to impose duties on hundreds of billions worth of Chinese goods and could turn to it again to increase the duties in his second term. Lincicome said he doubted Trump will actually increase duties on China on his first day in office because that would raise concerns under the Administrative Procedure Act. But they can do it pretty quickly, Lincicome said. Issue the Federal Register notice, ask for comments, pretend to read the comments and boom, you get new tariffs 45 days later, maybe give or take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also could assert that China has not lived up to all of the provisions of the Phase One trade deal the two countries signed in early 2020. Unfortunately, the hard-fought Phase One deal was disrupted by some combination of Covid, the Biden Administrations disinterest, and Chinas unwillingness to follow through, Clete Willems, a former Trump administration official, said in an email. One action President Trump could take out of the gates is to test whether China really meant what it said by bringing an enforcement action, Willems said. Any completely brand-new Section 301 investigation against China or some other country could take up to a year to complete. However, the U.S. Trade Representatives office, which is responsible for conducting such an investigation, could act faster than that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a podcast interview last year with Newton Investment Management, Trumps nominee to head USTR, Jamieson Greer, said he expected the incoming administration would explore using both Section 232 and 301 to impose new duties. International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 During his campaign, Trump said he wanted to impose a tariff of either 10 or 20 percent on all imported goods. One way he might do that is by declaring that the large and persistent U.S. trade deficit is a national emergency. That would empower him to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose tariffs or other import restrictions to bring trade in balance. Lincicome said he would be stunned if Trump actually used IEEPA to invoke a universal tariff on his first day in office. But he might declare a national emergency since that would give him this Sword of Damocles to say I can invoke IEEPA whenever I want, Lincicome said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guys like me will scream bloody murder, but it doesn't really do much except then give Trump this kind of loaded weapon to run around the world, he added. Trump could also use IEEPA to make good on this threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico to pressure them to crack down on illegal immigration and cross-border shipments of fentanyl. Trump has also threatened a 10 percent tariff on China to pressure Beijing to do more to stop Chinese-made fentanyl from entering the United States. Congress can terminate a national emergency declared by the White House by passing a joint resolution. However, that would effectively need a two-thirds vote in both houses to overcome a presidential veto. Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 No president has used Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the nearly 95 years that its been on the books. But in theory, Trump could draw on the power to quickly impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on any country that discriminates against the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could potentially include countries that do not have a free trade agreement with the United States or that have a large trade surplus with the United States, Lincicome said. The big question, though, is to what extent 338 is still valid law, Lincicome said. Even though it was never repealed, many people believe it was supplanted by Section 301, he said. Opponents could also challenge the law in court as an overly broad delegation of Congress authority over trade to the White House, Lincicome added. But for someone like (Commerce secretary nominee Howard) Lutnick, who has said repeatedly that he loves using tariffs as threats, this is gold because it is so broad and ambiguous, Lincicome said. It allows tariffs up to 50 percent and the term discrimination is open ended. So you can find discrimination anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does require the U.S. International Trade Commission to issue a report on discriminatory treatment. But thats not really that much of a procedural check because the requirements are so vague, Lincicome said. Smart agreed Trumps team might find Section 338 provision appealing, despite its potential vulnerability to a legal challenge. The benefit of Section 338 from Trumps perspective is that, unlike Section 301 and Section 232, it does not require a lengthy investigation before tariffs can be imposed, Smart said. (The Conversation) Think Donald Trump cant be president after his second term is up in January 2029? Think again. When President-elect Donald Trump met with congressional Republicans shortly after his November 2024 election victory, he floated the idea of another term: I suspect I wont be running again unless you say, Hes so good weve got to figure something else out. At first glance, this seems like an obvious joke. The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is clear that Trump cant be elected again. The text of the amendment states: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. That amendment was passed in response to Franklin Roosevelts four elections to the presidency. Since George Washington had stepped down at the end of his second term, no president had sought a third term, much less a fourth. The amendment was clearly meant to prevent presidents from serving more than two terms in office. Former President Donald Trump gestures after speaking Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Because Trump has been elected president twice already, the plain language of the amendment bars him from being elected a third time. Some have argued that since Trumps terms were nonconsecutive, the amendment doesnt apply to him. But the amendment makes no distinction between consecutive and nonconsecutive terms in office. Though the 22nd Amendment prohibits Trump from being elected president again, it does not prohibit him from serving as president beyond Jan. 20, 2029. The reason for this is that the 22nd Amendment only prohibits someone from being elected more than twice. It says nothing about someone becoming president in some other way than being elected to the office. Skirting the rules There are a few potential alternate scenarios. Under normal circumstances, they would be next to impossible. But Donald Trump has never been a normal president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On issue after issue, Trump has pushed the outer limits of presidential power. Most importantly, he has already shown his willingness to bend or even break the law to stay in office. And while Trump claims hes only joking when he floats the idea of a third term, he has a long history of using jokes as a way of floating trial balloons. Furthermore, once he leaves office, Trump could once again face the prospect of criminal prosecution and possibly jail time, further motivating him to stay in power. As Trumps second term progresses, dont be surprised if Americans hear more about how he might try to stay in office. Here is what the Constitution says about that prospect. Other ways to become president Nine people have served as president without first being elected to that office. John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Chester Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson and Gerald Ford were all vice presidents who stepped into the office when their predecessors either died or resigned. The 22nd Amendment does not bar a term-limited president from being elected vice president. On the other hand, the 12th Amendment does state that no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of the President shall be eligible to that of the Vice-President of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear whether this restriction applies to a two-term president who is ineligible for a third term because of the 22nd Amendment or whether it merely imposes on the vice president the Constitutions other criteria for presidential eligibility, namely that they be a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least 35 years of age and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years. That question would have to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Should the justices decide in Trumps favor as they have recently on questions regarding the 14th Amendments insurrection clause and presidential immunity then the 2024 ticket of Trump-Vance could become the 2028 Vance-Trump ticket. If elected, Vance could then resign, making Trump president again. No resignation needed But Vance would not even have to resign in order for a Vice President Trump to exercise the power of the presidency. The 25th Amendment to the Constitution states that if a president declares that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President. In fact, the U.S. has had three such acting presidents George H.W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Kamala Harris. All of them held presidential power for a brief period when the sitting president underwent anesthesia during medical procedures; Cheney did it twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this scenario, shortly after taking office on Jan. 20, 2029, President Vance could invoke the 25th Amendment by notifying the speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate that he is unable to discharge the duties of president. He would not need to give any reason or proof of this incapacity. Vice President Trump would then become acting president and assume the powers of the presidency until such time as President Vance issued a new notification indicating that he was able to resume his duties as president. Tandemocracy But exercising the power of the presidency doesnt even necessarily require being president or acting president. Trump has repeatedly expressed his admiration for autocratic Russian President Vladimir Putin, so he might want to follow the example of the Medvedev-Putin tandemocracy. Russian leaders Vladimir Putin, left, and Dmitry Medvedev have collaborated to hold power for more than a quarter-century, despite laws imposing term limits or other restrictions. Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images In 2008, term limits in the Russian constitution prevented Putin from running for president after two consecutive terms. Instead, he selected a loyal subordinate, Dmitry Medvedev, to run for president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When elected, Medvedev appointed Putin as his prime minister. By most accounts, Putin remained firmly in power and made most of the important decisions. Following this example, a future Republican president could appoint Trump to an executive branch position from which he could still exercise power. In 2012, Putin was able to run for president again, and he and Medvedev once again swapped roles. Since then, Putin has succeeded in amending the Russian Constitution to effectively allow him to remain president for the rest of his life. Using a figurehead Then again, Trump might just want to avoid all of these legal subterfuges by following the example of George and Lurleen Wallace. In 1966, the Alabama Constitution prevented Wallace from running for a third consecutive term as governor. Still immensely popular and unwilling to give up power, Wallace chose to have his wife, Lurleen, run for governor. It was clear from the beginning that Lurleen was just a figurehead for George, who promised to be an adviser to his wife, at a salary of $1 a year. The campaigns slogan of Two Governors, One Cause, made it clear that a vote for Lurleen was really a vote for George. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lurleen won in a landslide. According to one account of her time in office, the Wallaces had something of a Queen-Prime Minister relationship: Mrs. Wallace handles the ceremonial and formal duties of state. Mr. Wallace draws the grand outlines of state policy and sees that it is carried out. Trumps wife was not born a U.S. citizen and therefore isnt eligible to be president. But as the head of the Republican Party, Trump could ensure that the next GOP presidential candidate was a member of his family or some other person who would be absolutely loyal and obedient to him. If that person went on to win the White House in 2028, Trump could serve as an unofficial adviser, allowing him to continue to wield the power of the presidency without the actual title. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in visiting China shortly after assuming office, potentially within his first 100 days, sources familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal. This potential trip would aim to stabilize relations with Beijing, strained by Trumps pledge to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports. While Trumps transition team has not commented, advisers have also discussed the possibility of inviting Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States to jump-start dialogue on critical issues. A possible meeting with Xi could come during a pivotal moment for U.S.-China relations, as both leaders navigate fraught economic and geopolitical challenges, including the war in Ukraine, trade disputes, and Taiwans status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Xi spoke by phone on Jan. 17 for the first time since the November election, addressing various topics including trade, the fentanyl crisis, and the social media platform TikTok. Trump shared his optimism about their collaboration, sharing on social media that he expects the two nations will "solve many problems together, starting immediately." During the conversation, however, Xi underscored the importance of handling Taiwan prudently, emphasizing its significance to China's sovereignty, according to the Wall Street Journal. Beijings official account of the call highlighted plans to establish a strategic communication channel between the two leaders. Trump reportedly conveyed his eagerness to meet Xi in person, though it remains unclear if a potential visit to China was explicitly discussed. Xi declined an invitation to Trumps inauguration, opting instead to send Vice President Han Zheng, a figure seen as a pragmatist in Washington and a signal of Beijings openness to future negotiations. Chinas role in Russias war against Ukraine looms large in the broader U.S.-China dynamic. Beijing has provided indirect support to Moscow, drawing criticism from American lawmakers. While Trump did not reference the war in his post-call remarks, he suggested a desire to work with Xi to promote global stability, saying: "President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Its not enough Ukrainians react to Bidens farewell speech Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Former Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross says President-elect Donald Trump will be buoyed in his second round at the White House by experience, a team in place, and both the Senate and House of Representatives supporting his policies. President-elect Trump is returning to the White House with some notable additions to his entourage. From Tesla CEO Elon Musk to Silicon Valley veteran Marc Andreessen, the Republican entrepreneur is bringing a new breed of power player directly to Capitol Hill. With that has come a new frontier of influence, whether it's Musk tweeting endorsements on his social media platform X or Andreessen sharing with podcasters what it's like to be hosted at Mar-a-Lago. Usually, the inner workings of the cabinet and Oval Office tend to be slightly more under wrapsat least until the team in charge has relinquished power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump is a new kind of politician, and his second administration looks set to be quite different than his first. One of those who worked closely with Trump in his first administrationand has a clear view of what his second will be likeis former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Speaking to Fortune, the 86-year-old banker turned D.C. power player explained that the incoming second-time Commander in Chief is a man willing to change his mind, prone to action, and emboldened by a House now bathed in red. Managing Trump As many Fortune readers will know, one of the defining characteristics of a successful employee is how they manage themselves and their teams, as well as how they manage their boss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Handling the expectations of the Commander in Chief is another ballpark entirelyespecially if you're dealing with a particularly large (and sometimes unpredictable) character. Before he received the call from the Trump team, Secretary Ross was no stranger to working with prominent bosses. A former investment banker, Secretary Ross worked with President Bill Clinton on the U.S.-Russia Investment Fund and as an advisor to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The man appointed to Secretary of Commerce in 2017 painted a complex picture of the President-elect: A man open to advice, willing to change his mindthough sometimes with an "initial inclination toward the more bold and dramatic." He uses Trump's position on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as one example. The then-president was a fierce critic of the deal with Mexico and Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary Ross explained: "Some of his people recommended that he drop out of NAFTA first and then begin the negotiation. I felt that that was not the correct strategythat it was better to use the threat of withdrawal in the negotiations rather than play that card. "After a very lively discussion involving not just me but Secretary Mnuchin, Secretary Perdue and others, we resolved not to pull out of NAFTA prior to the negotiations." "[Trump's] initial inclination always is toward the more bold and more dramatic activity," Secretary Ross added. "But he listened to the argument that the rest of us were making and ultimately came down in favor of it." Musk and Trump The addition of his relationship with the world's richest man, Musk, will be a closely scrutinized element of Trump's second presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already, critics are questioning whether Muskwho wields a great level of political and personal poweris something of a pseudo-President and how that influence might affect the man sitting in the Oval Office. Let's not forget that Trump and Musk haven't always enjoyed a cozy relationship. The Republican politician previously referred to the Tesla CEO as "another bullshit artist," insisting in 2022 that Musk would never buy Twitter. Musk responded directly to a clip of Trump, saying: "Its time for Trump to hang up his hat and sail into the sunset." He also urged Democrats to stop attacking Trump, adding: "Dont make it so that Trumps only way to survive is to regain the Presidency." I dont hate the man, but its time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset. Dems should also call off the attack dont make it so that Trumps only way to survive is to regain the Presidency. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 12, 2022 While it may not be such a stretch to question whether the Musk-Trump truce may flip again, the President-elect has said speculation about Musk's power over the White House is a "hoax" drummed up by rivals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No, hes [Musk] not taking the presidency," Trump said in December. "Anytime you have two really intelligent people with really big personalities interacting, the potential for friction is obviously considerable," Secretary Ross began. "So far, both sides seem very well to recognize the fundamental truth [of] a remark that Trump made when asked about Musk as co-president. "Trump said [Musk] is foreign-born and therefore knows he never could be president." Secretary Ross added that the statement was "very wise " because "let's pretend some other political leader was in the role of Musk and was taking as many strong opinions on as many different topics as Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There always would have been the potential for that person to challenge Trump in terms of politics. There is not that potential with Musk." A more confident Trump For those who watched Trump defiantly raise his fist to the skies after an assassination attempt on the campaign trail, it's hard to imagine the President-elect getting any more confident. Yet Secretary Ross said that's precisely what voters can expect on account of the fact this isn't Trump's first rodeo, and he has the luxury of a House of Representatives and Senate tipped towards the Republicans. "I think [Trump] feels very much more confident even in his decisions than he was back then," explained Secretary Ross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Back then, there were a lot of Republicans in the Congress, particularly in the Senate, who were free trade people. Many of those have now retired and been replaced by people who are very much America First people." He continued Trump is also returning to a role he now has experience in, explaining: "The first time [Trump] did not come to office with a large cadre of people whom he had worked with politically for years and years. He was a newcomer, as were most of us. "Now, he understands a lot better how Congress works, how how administrations work. His knowledge base is better. Moreover, "he's met with many of the people who still are world leaders, and therefore, he has a better ability to size them up than he did before." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most importantly, Secretary Ross adds: "No president, to my knowledge, has ever announced so many high appointments so far before even inauguration. And therefore, he will hit the groundnot just with a slim majority in both the House and the Senatebut he will hit the ground with his people very rapidly in place." This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Donald Trumps second presidency will restart a fight with California over water, and the first battles have already begun. We will no longer fight over what our best science is telling us. We are beginning to avoid science altogether, one endangered fish at a time. Consider that the administrations of Joe Biden and Gavin Newsom have done better than Trump in his first presidency at producing more water out of our two big projects in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in certain circumstances. Yet more water for San Joaquin Valley Republicans is no longer enough. Suddenly more water is a sign of mismanagement. This feels different. This feels dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californians thirst for water just as they long to maintain the beauty and the native life in our remarkable Sierra rivers and the Delta, fish large and small. Environmental protection has never been about choosing which native inhabitants of this state deserve protection or death. But Trump loves to deride a small native fish, the Delta smelt, whose migration patterns can force the slowdown of pumps that provide water to farms and cities. These first battles suggest that some California wildlife should be expendable. But where does it end? And how can planned extermination ever be okay in some future approach to water management when under both state and federal environmental law, its illegal? Opinion The recent catastrophic fires around Los Angeles have tragically ignited a partisan, political storm over movements from Northern California water southward, never mind that Southern California now has more water in reserve than at any time in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who takes office Monday, could launch a federal reboot of California water rules at any time. Any move, such as declaring the Delta smelt as extinct or removing it from environmental protection, would not happen overnight. The bottom line is that the more that Washingtons and Sacramentos approach to water begins to differ, the greater the chaos will result throughout a statewide, interconnected water system. Trump and Newsom are on a path to waters version of a civil war. Delta smelt loom as Target One This small fish that smells like a cucumber may not be the most important in the food chain, so it has become the easiest political target to eliminate. A far bigger water threat to farms and cities alike is climate change, and how rising temperatures are predicted to dramatically reduce our surface and groundwater supplies. Trump is trying to turn the attention to a very modest amount of water supply that is not pumped from the Delta in order to help save this one fish. The science on how to protect smelt and provide water supply is so much better than it once was, which makes this looming political fight over its future so meaningless and destructive. In the past 15 years, researchers have taught us precisely when to worry about smelt swimming toward the southern Delta pumps of the federal Central Valley Project and State Water Project. Its when the clear summer waters of the estuary get murky from winter storms or wind. Smelt wait for these turbid conditions to migrate to their winter spawning grounds. Ever since this discovery, the goal has been to prevent plumes of turbid water containing smelt from getting near the pumps in the first place. How Newsom came up with more water supply than Trump In his first term as president, Trump repeatedly stated he would provide more water to California farmers and directed his regulators to deliver. But his regulators did not ignore this science about the smelt and murky water. Instead, Trumps 2019 regulators came up with new winter pumping restrictions to slow the pumping during these moments of conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critical of Trumps Delta water regulations, Biden would rewrite these rules, known as biological opinions. The Newsom administration would update its rules as well to enforce the California Endangered Species Act. And then something defying conventional political wisdom happened. Bidens and Newsoms teams would fine-tune regulations to produce more water supply when things get downright murky in the Delta. This was not political. Rather, new science helped regulators get smarter at pinpointing precisely when to slow down the pumping, and for how long. The new firestorm of falsehood The same western weather pattern that caused the ferocious winds in Southern California also blew through the Delta. Clear waters turned brown. Plumes of muddy water began migrating toward the water projects. A potential pumping conflict was afoot. Sticking to its plan, the state and federal projects began slightly slowing the pumping. Little supply was reduced in recent days. The water operations of the Newsom/Biden era have produced more water supply since mid-December than if it had been operating under Trumps old management plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Republicans are acting outraged. The actions being taken right now by state and federal agencies to reduce water supplies is the starkest example of the mismanagement of Californias water supply that affects every Californian, said Republican Vince Fong of Bakersfield. The future of our farms, families and communities is at stake, said Republican Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo of Tulare. I fear that the new goal is to never slow Delta water pumping for the smelt. Once this endangered fish is gone, it will be onto the next fish on the brink with the same cries of mismanagement. This is how a system of laws, science and environmental protection begins to unravel. It all could begin in earnest as soon as Monday. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday made a frantic push to save TikTok in time for some of his inauguration festivities after the app went dark in the U.S for millions of users. Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations, Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday morning. Trump said he plans to issue an executive order after he is sworn in Monday that would buy the companys China-based parent company more time to explore a sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security, he wrote. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. Earlier on Sunday after TikTok became unavailable to its U.S. users, Trump wrote on TruthSocial, SAVE TIKTOK!' Google and Apple have pulled the app from their digital stores to comply with a U.S. law banning it on security grounds. TikTok also blocked its users from accessing its content Saturday night and flashed them a message that read, Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now. Trump signaled on Saturday that he would likely give the platform 90 days to find an approved buyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 told NBC News. This is a developing story. Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz said the Trump administration plans to take on the drug cartels that control significant portions of Mexico. "We cannot have a situation where we have paramilitary gangs that are shooting down aircraft with heavy weapons, controlling 30 percent of our neighbor, Mexico, and controlling whole swaths of our border," Waltz said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation." But Waltz demurred when host Margaret Brennan asked if President-elect Donald Trump will designate the cartels as terrorist organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't want to get ahead of the announcements," he said. The most powerful of the drug cartels, who benefit from significant demand in the United States, have committed widespread violence around Mexico for many years. Waltz said those cartels pose an international threat. "These are paramilitary organizations with billions at their disposal, with armored vehicles, heavy machine guns, that are fighting the Mexican army. Not police, army, to a standstill," Waltz told Brennan. "President Trump was clear on the campaign trail that we're going to take them on, and then we're going to use every resource that we need to defend the American people." Many areas have faced water cutoffs for over a year, with some enduring shortages for up to two years. Residents are forced to purchase water tankers at exorbitant prices or rely on contaminated underground water. Per The Express Tribune, corrupt water board officials have evaded accountability, while the Sindh government's flawed policies have hindered the initiation of new water supply projects. Locals, weary of Karachi's 16-year water crisis, warn that unresolved issues could escalate disputes. Block 13 D-2 residents report severe water shortages for the past eight years. Until 2016, they had "trouble-free access to water for a few hours per day." However, at the end of that year, "the water supply suddenly halted," they told The Express Tribune. Following complaints, Nabil Ahmed, an assistant executive engineer, inspected the pipeline and attributed the damage to iron rust. However, locals allege Ahmed "intentionally destroyed working pipelines to sell illicit connections." Despite informing higher officials, Ahmed was not held accountable. In 2017, Ahmed oversaw the installation of a second pipeline, which also failed. Residents accuse Ahmed, supported by Executive Engineer Wasif Farooqui, of deliberately damaging pipelines to secure new contracts. This alleged cycle has occurred repeatedly, allowing corrupt officials to demand bribes for water connections, claims The Express Tribune. The ongoing water crisis exemplifies broader governance failures. Pakistan, expected to be a beacon of progress, instead reflects poor administration and neglect. As authorities shift blame, Karachi residents are left grappling with a crisis showing no signs of resolution. (ANI) Ten years after being laid off from Disney, Leo Perrero still views a visa program for skilled international workers as deeply flawed, blaming it for disrupting his information technology career and putting him in the unsettling position of having to train his foreign replacement. The whole thing is just a terrible scam on Americans, said Perrero, who eventually was able to rebound and find another job in IT. After his layoff in 2015, the Central Florida resident met with a then-sympathetic Donald Trump, spoke on the issue at Trump rallies, testified to Congress and shared his story on 60 Minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that national attention, Perrero says politicians havent fixed critical loopholes in the H-1B visa program which a decade later is the subject of fierce debate that has divided members of Trumps MAGA movement as he prepares for his second term in the White House with vows to crack down swiftly on immigration abuses. High-profile Trump supporters like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy say H-1B visas are vital for Americas economic success, helping attract the worlds top talent and putting the United States ahead globally. The program allows companies and institutions to bring in educated foreign professionals for specialty occupations that are hard to fill with U.S. workers. But critics, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, MAGA guiding light Steve Bannon and some other GOP leaders, say it wrongly allows companies to outsource jobs to lower-paid foreigners. The debate played out in December on the X social media platform with Musk and Ramaswamy defending the program against criticism that it was taking U.S. jobs, and Trump himself surprisingly taking their side. Florida has a big stake in the outcome of this debate. Companies and institutions based here, from the University of Florida to AdventHealth to iconic brands like Publix and the cruise line operator Carnival Corp., have relied on the program to fill jobs, according to federal immigration data reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, Florida-based companies and institutions list about 9,500 H-1B visa holders as employees, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data. Nationwide, there were more than 386,000 approved H-1B visa holders in the 2023 budget year, including 119,000 initial approvals and about 267,000 extensions to existing visas. Those are the most recent numbers available from the federal government. How mass deportations might hit Orlando immigrant community GOP megadonor Kenneth Griffin a top DeSantis contributor runs the Citadel hedge fund, which has H-1B visa employees in Florida. Griffin said immigrants are an important part of Miami-based Citadels leadership team. These are people that have come to this country, they have left everything behind because they believe in the American dream and the opportunity that our country represents, Griffin said at a November event, explaining his view that lawful immigration should be supported while also addressing what he called chaos on the Southern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Immigration Council argues that H-1B visa holders fill critical needs in science, engineering and technology, and these foreign workers often go on to start their own businesses in America. But Perrero and other critics say the H-1B program has strayed from its objective of addressing shortages of skilled workers and now supports an offshoring business model that puts profits ahead of American workers. Compared with the broader job market, H-1B visa workers do well, earning a median salary of $118,000, federal data shows. Employers must offer a prevailing wage in line with what U.S. workers earn in comparable jobs. But some researchers have questioned whether that happens. A 2020 report from the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute found employers have wide latitude in classifying jobs and setting salaries, allowing them to pay H-1B workers less. For instance, salaries in computer occupations were 17% to 34% lower on average for visa holders, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criticism of the program has come from the political right and left. DeSantis wants reforms but so does left-wing U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. In his endorsement of Musks viewpoint, Trump called it a great program that he has used in his own businesses, although multiple media reports have suggested that is not true. Loopholes are destroying careers, critic says Perrero said he was among roughly 250 Disney employees who were told in October 2014 that their IT jobs would be eliminated and replaced by H-1B visa workers employed by the global consulting companies HCL and Cognizant. The laid-off employees spent their final three months at Disney training their foreign replacements, enticed by stay bonuses and the prospect that they could apply for new positions with the company. But Perrero said those new opportunities never materialized for him and many of his colleagues, leaving him feeling betrayed by a company that had given him good performance reviews. That is the business model that is really destroying careers and families and marriages, Perrero said, though it is very profitable for companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. workers in situations similar to Perreros have little legal recourse, said Sara Blackwell, a Sarasota employment lawyer who represented Perrero and other ex-Disney workers in lawsuits over the layoffs. A federal judge dismissed their legal challenge in 2016, ruling that Disney and its contractors did not run afoul of the visa requirements. Blackwell said companies use of such outsourcing firms is one way they can dodge the protections for U.S. workers in visa law and end up with lower-paid foreign labor. Disney did not respond to questions about its use of H-1B visas now. At the time, company officials defended the IT reorganization, saying it spurred innovation and produced a net gain of 70 jobs, with some of the affected employees being rehired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Train law officers to help immigration officials or face criminal charges, DeSantis says President Joe Bidens administration rolled out changes Friday that aim to streamline the H-1B visa approval process, but critics say a more extensive overhaul is needed. It needs to be fixed and done in a way that helps America and the workers, both American and foreign, and not a way to make CEOs richer, Blackwell said. H-1B visas in Florida In Florida, people on H-1B visas fill positions as software developers, financial analysts, professors and physicians, among others. Top state users of the program include the Tampa-based staffing company Kforce, UF, the Sunrise-based medical staffing firm Management Health Systems, Plantation-based online pet supply retailer Chewy, the hospital system AdventHealth, the University of Miami, and the Citadel hedge fund, which recently moved its headquarters from Chicago to Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The global consulting and accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers is listed as the top user of H-1B visas in Florida, according to federal immigration data. Foreign scholars rely on the program to teach and research in the United States, particularly in computer science, engineering, physics and chemistry departments, said Talat Rahman, a University of Central Florida physics professor who used the H-1B program as part of a move from Pakistan to the United States. UCF uses 40 workers on an H-1B visa, according to federal data. The University of Florida employs almost 250 workers on H-1B visas. American applicants likely aren't being overlooked for these academic positions because there are a limited number of U.S. graduates in many science and technology fields, Rahman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, for example, about 60% of those who earned Ph.Ds in computer science from U.S. universities were temporary visa holders, not citizens or permanent residents, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. This is the land of immigrants, right? Rahman said. These are very skilled people who are coming in. The medical field uses the H-1B visa program to help address physician and nursing shortages. AdventHealth is working with local colleges and universities to grow its pipeline of health care workers but also hiring international applicants for positions that cant be filled with domestic hires, said David Breen, a hospital spokesman. Nationwide, tech giants like Amazon, Google and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, are among the biggest recipients of H-1B visas. The list is also dominated by lesser-known consulting firms, such as Infosys, Cognizant and Tata, supplying companies with tech workers on contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The H-1B program is capped at 85,000 new visas a year. That cap, though, doesnt apply to some institutions, such as universities and nonprofit research organizations, so the actual number of visas issued is higher. Still, demand for the program typically far exceeds available visas, which are awarded via a lottery rather than a merit-based system. The H-1B visa is valid for up to six years. Workers are eligible to apply for a green card, which allows permanent residency in the United States, but such a path can be elusive given the backlog to process those applications. As a result, H-1B visa workers are beholden to their employer to stay in the United States, said Ron Hira, a Howard University professor who has written extensively on outsourcing and the H-1B visa program. If their employment ends, they must find another job within 60 days to remain in the U.S. Sanders, the firebrand senator from Vermont, has likened these workers to indentured servants. Hira said itll be difficult to disrupt the status quo, even with an incoming president who rode into the White House on an America First campaign. The Disney layoffs got widespread attention 10 years ago, but they didn't substantially move the needle in Washington, he said. It is really hard to get change, Hira said. There is no organized interest in Washington or Tallahassee that represents the interest of those workers. This is all about power and politics. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump's incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said on Sunday that if Hamas reneges on the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal, the United States will support Israel "in doing what it has to do." He added in an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," "Hamas will never govern Gaza. That is completely unacceptable." Waltz said Trump and his team have made clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding "I want the Israeli people to hear me loud and clear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Hamas reneges on this deal and Hamas backs out, moves the goalpost, what have you, we will support Israel in doing what it has to do," he said. Waltz was also optimistic about the Trump administration being able to broker a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia as part of the Abraham Accords. (Reporting By Steve Holland and Doina Chiacu) President-elect Donald Trump unveiled plans for an executive order to save TikTok from a federal ban Sunday, immediately raising questions about the legality of his proposal, which appears to involve nationalizing half of the app. I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security, Trump wrote on Truth Social. My initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose. TikTok announced it restored services for U.S. users hours after Trump's announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiating that kind of venture would likely involve approval from the Chinese government. Trumps incoming national security advisor, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), implied it might be Chinese President Xi Jinping who ultimately makes the call, when asked about TikTok and ByteDances lack of interest in a sale. He said China has a very top-down authoritarian system, and after Trump spoke with Xi, they agreed to work together on this. Chinese officials have reportedly discussed working with the Trump administration on selling TikTok to Musk, and the first buddy has some concessions for his own businesses that he hopes to extract from Beijing. Musk said on X Sunday that though he has opposed banning TikTok for a long time, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but X is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced. Something needs to change. Others including, billionaire Frank McCourt and "Shark Tank" star Kevin OLeary, previously said they have submitted offers to buy TikTok from Beijing-based ByteDance. OLeary has met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in an attempt to earn support for his bid. Trump also exerted pressure on the entire tech ecosystem that makes TikTok available to U.S. users, including app store operators and service providers like Oracle which hosts its servers. Apple and Google pulled TikTok from their storefronts Saturday night after the app itself went dark on users. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! said Trump. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. Trumps transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trumps team was talking directly to TikTok about ways to avert its shutdown ahead of the bans Sunday deadline. He has landed on a combination of two possibilities first, extending TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a provision in the law, and second, simply directing his attorney general to not enforce fines for companies that violate it. Its legally debatable if Trump can grant an extension now that the ban is in force. According to the law, Trump would need to certify to Congress that there is a path to divestiture, significant progress toward it, and the relevant binding legal agreements are in place. None of those conditions appear to be in place yet, as ByteDance has resisted a sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson said on NBC Sunday morning that language must be followed to a tee: The law is very precise, and the only way to extend that is if there is an actual deal in the works. But he didnt close the door on Trump making that happen and listed off Musk and OLeary as potential new owners. President Trump is probably intrigued by all this, and he likes to make deals. Now that the law has taken effect, theres no legal basis for any kind of extension of its effective date, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a staunch backer of the law, said in a statement with Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). For TikTok to come back online in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale. Waltz acknowledged that the Trump team is looking into a gray area. I know of at least one from Kevin O'Leary, that's been delivered to ByteDance The point is, what is a viable deal? he said. The president needs the time with the Department of Justice to evaluate what viable means. We can't do that if the thing is completely dark. Biden officials briefly considered the same option, before concluding that the president wouldnt have the authority to use it even ahead of the ban. Our interpretation of the law that Congress passed is that absent a credible plan from the company on how they will divest, the president does not have statutory authority to trigger the 90-day extension, a White House official told POLITICO then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, its questionable whether the other companies can legally rely on verbal promises from the president to protect them from potentially bankruptcy-inducing fines, if they help bring TikTok back. 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. The Biden White House also repeatedly indicated to those companies that it would not punish them on the outgoing presidents last day in office. But Apple said it decided to pull TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps anyway because its obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates. Sens. Cotton and Ricketts applauded Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft for following the law, and encouraged other companies to do the same the exact opposite of Trumps request after. Asked if Trump should enforce the law on Day One, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told POLITICO I would think so on Friday after the Supreme Court ruled the provision is constitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, notably refused to commit to enforcing the TikTok ban during her confirmation hearing drawing the ire of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) who called her response unacceptable. Similarly, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told reporters that U.S. app store providers like Google and Apple need to comply with the law, and simply said I expect the laws to be enforced when POLITICO asked about Bondis reluctance. Democrats have also been divided about what role they and Trump should play in the fate of TikTok. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), who has attempted to buy the platform more time for a sale, said Sunday morning Im deeply disappointed that TikTok went dark last night. I will not stop fighting to fix this mistake in the United States. What are we a bunch of chumps? asked former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel on CNN Sunday, criticizing those he said were as flexible as ballet dancers in their beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When TikTok suddenly took down its feed Saturday night, it sent 170 million U.S. users a clear message about who they should count on to restore access. You cant use TikTok for now, the company said in a pop-up at the time. We are fortunate that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Stay tuned! Many saw the message as a blatant appeal to Trump, noting the law did not compel TikTok itself to turn off, and instead punishes other companies that keep hosting it despite the ban. When the law was still being debated, TikTok sent push alerts to its expansive user base, directing it to call their Congressional offices, but the tactic ultimately backfired. The law doesn't require TikTok to shut down immediately. TikTok could switch to overseas servers and provide service to the 170M Americans who already have the app, Alan Rozenshtein, a former Justice Department official who teaches at the University of Minnesota Law School said Saturday night. TikTok is trying to put maximum pressure on Congress/Trump to undo the ban. Donald Trump said that he would issue an executive order to save TikTok when he takes office on Monday and that he plans to fly to China for a summit with Xi Jinping within 100 days. The president-elect announced the decision to give Bytedance, the social media platforms China-based parent company, more time to find an approved buyer after millions of Americans awoke on Sunday to discover they could no longer access the video-sharing app. Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social that his order would extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations, he said. The executive order will give Bytedance 90 days to find a buyer for the app, which has 170 million US users, with Mr Trump saying he would like the United States to have a 50 per cent ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up, Mr Trump said. Without US approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions. A federal law banning the Chinese social media app came into effect late on Saturday night. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanks Donald Trump in TikTok post Users who reported being unable to access the app online were told: Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now, alongside a message about Mr Trumps plan to work with us on a solution to reinstate the app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The app was banned over concerns that China could access the data of millions of American users. The president-elects position on TikTok marks a stark departure from his first term in office, when his attempts to ban the social media app were blocked by the courts. The softening of Mr Trumps stance will be viewed by some as a sign of more cordial relations between Washington and Beijing. Mr Trump and president Xi spoke on the phone on Friday, discussing trade, fentanyl and TikTok, according to a readout. The president-elect told president Xi he was looking forward to meeting [him] as soon as possible, according to Chinas account of the call, sources told the Wall Street Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking after the conversation, Mr Trump said: It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visited Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in 2017 - JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty A ban on TikTok was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday after Congress passed a law last April that said ByteDance must sell off the app within nine months. It comes as Mr Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday in a pared-back ceremony which has been moved inside to the Capitols rotunda because of freezing weather. Ahead of the event, around 5,000 protesters gathered in the nations capital on Saturday for a Peoples March opposing the election of Mr Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok, will join tech billionaires including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg as guests at the inauguration. The president-elect had invited president Xi to the ceremony, but Beijing will instead send vice president Han Zheng. Talk of a summit comes also amid reports that China has expressed interest in engaging in negotiations with the incoming administration over tariff hikes proposed by Mr Trump. The Republican leader has vowed to impose tariffs of up to 60 per cent on imports coming from China, significantly more than the duty imposed on Chinese goods during his first term. Fentanyl and Taiwan Mr Trump also urged president Xi to crack down on Chinese chemical producers that supply fentanyl ingredients to the Mexican cartel. Another issue expected to dominate the two countries relationship in the next two years is Taiwan, which Beijing claims is Chinese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Bidens administration had said the US would come to Taiwans defence were it to be invaded after president Xi failed to rule out military force. It is less clear how Mr Trump thinks. He has criticised the country for taking 100 per cent of our chip business and urged Taipei to spend more on defence. However, Mr Trump has also appointed Marco Rubio, notoriously hawkish on China, as his secretary of state. Mr Rubio told Republican politicians this week China was likely to invade Taiwan before the end of the decade. We need to wrap our heads around the fact that unless something dramatic changes, like an equilibrium where they conclude that the costs of intervening in Taiwan are too high, were going to have to deal with this before the end of this decade, Mr Rubio said. Uncertainty in new department Meanwhile, Mr Musks new government department was been thrown into turmoil amid reports his partner is considering quitting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vivek Ramaswamy could ditch plans to work with the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in order to focus on his bid to become Ohio governor, a source close to the matter told Politico. Mr Ramaswamy told members of the transition team about his plans to run for governor following the election, according to the outlet, and he is said to be planning to formally announce his candidacy by the end of January. The move could upend Doge, which plans to cut government spending by up to $2 trillion (1.64 trillion) by July 4, 2026, as Mr Ramaswamys time would likely be occupied by his gubernatorial race. Some in Mr Trumps circle have suggested Mr Ramswamys exit could provide a clear path for Mr Musk to carry out his own work uninterrupted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon basically runs the show, an informal adviser to Mr Trump told Politico. Time is their biggest enemy. Well see. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. President-elect Donald Trump and his team have drafted a slate of pardons for people convicted for their role in the January 6 Capitol attack to be issued on Day 1, shortly after Trump is sworn in as president, two sources familiar with the plans told CNN. Trump has repeatedly said he planned to swiftly pardon people who were convicted for their role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. During a December interview with Time Magazine, Trump said: Ill be looking at J6 early on, maybe the first nine minutes. The extent of the initial pardons is still unclear; however, one of the sources described them as enough to be seen as delivering on his long-held promise. About 1,270 people have been convicted of January 6-related crimes, and the vast majority of those defendants pleaded guilty. Only a couple hundred are currently behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President-elect JD Vance said in an interview last week that rioters accused of violence shouldnt be pardoned, while also arguing there was a bit of a gray area in some cases. Several Republican allies of Trump have said they expect him to approach the pardons on a case-by-case basis, but two key GOP lawmakers on Sunday refused to rule out Trump potentially issuing pardons for some of the roughly 174 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon against police officers. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday on Meet the Press that Trump and Vance agree peaceful protesters should be pardoned, but violent criminals should not. Pressed by NBCs Kristen Welker, whom Trump told last month that he was looking at every January 6 case and not ruling anything out when it came to pardons, Johnson refused to say whether rioters accused of attacking police officers should be pardoned, responding every case needs to be evaluated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What President Trump is getting at is the lack of faith that people have right now in our system of justice. It was abused for the last few years, under the last four years on the Biden administration, the Department of Justice itself was weaponized when the people lose their faith in our system of justice, said Johnson. That is what leads to all these other concerns, and President Trumps going to restore that were going to have new leadership The federal governments efforts to prosecute January 6 rioters began in the immediate aftermath of the 2021 riot, under the Trump administration and with Trump appointees at the helm of the Justice Department and FBI. One day after the insurrection, Trump said, to those who broke the law, you will pay, and later vowed that those who engaged in the attacks last week will be brought to justice. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, who repeatedly pushed false stolen election rhetoric in the lead-up to January 6 and voted against certifying the 2020 election results, told CNNs Dana Bash on Sunday that he agrees with Vance that the cases of those accused of violence shouldnt be viewed the same as others who did not inflict the same kind of damage. I think thats where the American people are. I think thats where the President is, Jordan said on State of the Union, adding that Trump should go case by case through the rioters when Bash pressed him about those accused of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan said he believes those accused of violent acts against police officers at the Capitol maybe shouldnt be pardoned. Its a power solely with the president, case by case, person by person, and the President has complete authority to pardon who he wants to pardon, Jordan said. But I think hes going to focus on those all the people who didnt commit any violence. Asked again by Bash whether he believes its OK for even one of the people accused of violence against police officers to be pardoned by the incoming president, Jordan responded, Thats up to the president. Jordan added that Trump, along with his legal counsel and Justice Department advisers, would look at all the facts, but then he will make the decision. And thats how it works in America. Its a power that is exclusively with the president of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 1,600 people have been charged in connection with the January 6 riot, including about 700 with serious felony offenses like assaulting police or using a weapon. About 80% of all cases have already resulted in guilty pleas or trial convictions, and a couple hundred defendants are currently in prison, according to the latest Justice Department estimates. Since his election victory in November, Trump has faced pressure from January 6 support groups and family members of convicted rioters to grant maximum clemency by pardoning everyone ever charged, including those convicted of assaulting police or seditious conspiracy. More targeted pardons for only nonviolent offenders, as signaled by Vance and the GOP lawmakers, could anger these groups that are part of his right-wing base and have staunchly stood by Trump over the past four years. More than 140 police officers were injured during the seven-hour siege, which also led directly and indirectly to the deaths of four Trump supporters in the mob and five police officers. The attack caused about $2.8 million in damages to the Capitol building and grounds. Some rioters charged or convicted in the Capitol attack are returning to Washington, DC, Trumps inauguration, CNN previously reported. But some federal judges also recently blocked a handful of other January 6 defendants from attending the inauguration, agreeing with Justice Department prosecutors who argued that letting the rioters return to the scene of the crime could put police officers in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pardons dont erase a defendants criminal record, and they dont overturn a conviction. But a pardon forgives the offense and restores the recipients civil rights, such as gun ownership and voting rights. CNNs Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- TikTok restored US services after Donald Trump pledged to delay enforcement of a ban. Yet its not clear whether the apps Chinese parent is able or willing to secure a US backer in time to avoid a permanent shutdown. Most Read from Bloomberg Most immediate is the question of whether such an extension would be legal after the ban kicked in Sunday. The President-elect over the weekend declared he will not let TikTok stay dark, promising to sign an executive order granting another 90 days for TikTok to find a US backer and defuse national security concerns. He proposed a joint venture under which American owners would purchase 50% of the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok restored service after that post. Yet while Trump gained praise from users for the reprieve, he faces long-time skeptics in his own Republican Party about what they see as the apps ongoing national security threat. Legally, he may need to demonstrate the likelihood of striking an agreement with TikTok-owner ByteDance Ltd. with few visible signs of progress. If full China control over TikTok is a security risk, co-control wont be better, said Brock Silvers, managing director at private equity firm Kaiyuan Capital, calling celebrations over the apps reprieve premature. It seems likely that, after the coming extension, TikTok will be under majority US control or it wont operate in the US. How Beijing and ByteDance respond could have implications not just for the worlds most popular social video service, but also Chinese companies from Temu to Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. with thriving American operations. Beijing and ByteDance have pondered a raft of options to keep the viral social media platform afloat for Chinese officials, thats included a deal with a friendly buyer such as Elon Musk. But its unclear if President Xi Jinpings government would even cede control of such a valuable asset in a forced sale. China has likened a forced TikTok sale to US plundering and criticized the US for politicizing business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps proposal is not the best solution,said Cui Hongjian, a former Chinese diplomat who teaches at Beijing Foreign Studies University. But it shows a willingness by the Trump administration to deal with the issue in a less political and more reasonable way. China will take some time to make a judgment on Trumps real purpose, and a possible transaction, Cui added. But it will keep an open mind to any constructive solution, Chinas Foreign Ministry stuck with their familiar stance, calling for market principles to dictate TikToks fate. We hope the US can listen to rational voices and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for companies from across the world, spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press briefing in Beijing. The solution brokered by Trump faces other challenges: The law still requires ByteDance to sell the services US business to a buyer approved by the American government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it does allow Trump to extend the deadline for such a deal by as many as 90 days, which hes said hell do on his first day in office. Its not clear that TikTok and ByteDance have taken the steps toward an acquisition that are required to merit such an extension. Under the national security law, which was signed by President Joe Biden in April, Trump can grant TikTok more time to finalize a deal only by certifying to Congress that a qualified divestiture is in motion. He must show theres a viable path forward, that significant progress has been made toward a deal and that legal agreements are in place to close a deal with ByteDance in that new time frame, according to the law. Though there are some parties interested in acquiring TikToks US business, there is no known front-runner or public evidence of significant progress on negotiations. ByteDance has maintained for the better part of a year that its unwilling to sell TikTok at all, though that calculus could change now that a ban is finally imminent. Key Republican leaders have made clear that that they still expect ByteDance to sell TikTok despite Trumps confidence in some type of solution. There must be a full divestiture from the Chinese Communist Party, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on NBCs Meet the Press. Senate intelligence chair Tom Cotton said in a post on X there was no legal basis for any kind of extension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Guide to TikToks Options If Its Banned in the US: QuickTake Unless Trump and ByteDance can prove a deal is in the works, its unclear if the president-elects executive order will succeed in keeping TikTok available. If Congress fails to certify Trumps proposed extension, it could put tech companies like Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc.s Google and Oracle Corp. in a legal limbo. They could face significant fines for technologically supporting the app and offering it in their stores. TikTok is back online, but the iOS store hasnt restored the app. That demonstrates the complexities here, said Jasmine Enberg, vice president and principal analyst at Emarketer. Its Apple and Google, and companies like Oracle, that are on the hook for non-compliance and its not clear if Trumps promise of an executive order will be enough to assure them they wont face penalties. Apple and Google also wiped a plethora of TikTok-affiliated apps including popular game Marvel Snap, video-editing tool Capcut and the TikTok-substitute Lemon8 from stores. That surprise pullback could spook executives and officials already worried about the precedent of allowing Washington to control a Chinese company abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also tried to ban Tencent Holdings Ltd.s WeChat during his first administration, wielding some of the same arguments leveled against TikTok. Other Chinese-owned or controlled businesses from Shein to PDD Holdings Inc.s Temu now rely on the US as a primary growth driver. The President-elects latest suggestion on TikTok echoes a 2020 deal he blessed when he tried to ban TikTok. Back then, ByteDance sought a valuation of $60 billion for TikTok as it tried to sell Oracle and Walmart Inc. a combined 20% stake in the apps business, after rejecting a buyout offer from Microsoft Corp. A minority stake sale would let ByteDance retain control of its prized algorithm the one that powers the now-famous scroll of addictive videos the sale of which Beijing is likely to block. No deal transpired because the Chinese company successfully challenged Trumps order in court. What Bloomberg Intelligence Says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikToks last-minute reprieve in the US doesnt spell an end to the rising geopolitical pressures in Chinas tech sector, following the US Department of Defenses recent move to blacklist Tencent. Though incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said he didnt rule out continued Chinese ownership of TikTok, if appropriate firewalls were put in place, we dont believe this marks a potential change in US policy toward Chinese-owned apps, given the ongoing concerns over national security. - Robert Lea and Jasmine Lyu, analysts Click here for the research. TikTok on Sunday displayed confidence to users who remain unsure of the apps future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what that solution is, whether it will be allowed by ByteDance and officials in China, and whether Congress will accept Trumps demand for more time remain unclear. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States, the company said in a statement. --With assistance from Newley Purnell, Zheping Huang, Colum Murphy, Lucille Liu, Jing Li, Wendy Benjaminson and Ian Fisher. (Updates with commentary from the eighth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (NewsNation) President-elect Donald Trump plans to help the popular social media app TikTok stay in operation under his presidency. And now, it looks like it is powering back up despite a shutdown in the United States late Saturday night before the ban upheld by the Supreme Court took effect on Sunday. In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service, TikTok said in a statement on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. Trump had said earlier Saturday that he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day extension but left no one in any doubt via Truth Social on Sunday morning. The president-elect kept it short initially, writing on his social media platform: SAVE TIKTOK! TikTok ban enforced: What happens now? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after, Trump said he would not let the app stay dark, saying he would issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. He proposed that the U.S. have 50% ownership in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars maybe trillions, he wrote. TikTok began to restore service to U.S. users Sunday afternoon and credited Trump again for pushing to keep the app operational. In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service, TikTok said in a statement posted to the social platform X. 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, it continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon opening the app shortly late last night, users were greeted with a message: A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! the notice continued. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-AK, and Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-NE, posted a joint statement to X on Sunday morning stating that there is no legal basis for an extension of any kind. Republicans set to give Trump big immigration win while dividing Democrats Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We commend Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft for following the law and halting operations with ByteDance and TikTok, and we encourage other companies to do the same. The law, after all, risks ruinous bankruptcy for any company who violates it, the statement read. Now that the law has taken effect, there is no legal basis for any kind of extension of its effective date. For TikTok to come back online in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale that satisfies the laws qualified-divestiture requirements by severing all ties between TikTok and Communist China. Only then will Americans be protected from the grave threat posed to their privacy and security by a communist-controlled TikTok. Elon Musk, who has become close with Trump, posted to his own social media app X: I have been against a TikTok ban for a long time, because it goes against freedom of speech. That said, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced. Something needs to change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, Trump tried to ban TikTok with an executive order, but two courts later shut his efforts down. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on Jan. 20, Ukraine's fate hangs in the balance. While some potential details of Trump's future peace proposals have been leaked, the overall plan still remains unclear. Since the Nov. 5 presidential election, Trump and his team have sent mixed signals on whether their potential peace proposals will be favorable to Ukraine. Based on their public statements, Trump and his team have realized the complexity of the conflict and revised the timeline for achieving a peace deal. Previously, Trump talked about a 24-hour deadline, but now it has become a six-month timeframe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over the past month and a half, they have realized that the contradictions between Ukraine and Russia are quite deep and complex," Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko told the Kyiv Independent. "This problem cannot be resolved quickly or with a simplistic approach. They are adjusting their approaches and deciding how to move forward." Jenny Mathers, a lecturer in international politics at the U.K.'s Aberystwyth University, said that "Trump wants an end to the war and he wants credit for achieving it." "So we should expect plenty of drama and bold statements, perhaps backed up by bold actions," she added. "But would those bold actions favor Russia or Ukraine? There are signs pointing both ways. Trump clearly admires (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and finds his statements persuasive. But Trump also wants to be seen as strong in his own right, so he might react badly to any suggestion that he is acting as Putin's pawn." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: How Trump could use sanctions in negotiations with Russia A mixed bag President-elect Trump has nominated people with polar views on Russia's war against Ukraine. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, has opposed U.S. support for Ukraine and had previously been accused of promoting Russian narratives. Peter Hegseth, Trump's pick for defense secretary, is an isolationist who has called for reducing the U.S. commitment to NATO. He backtracked on his statements during confirmation hearings on Jan. 14, saying that the U.S. won't leave the alliance and that "we know who the good guy is" in Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Waltz, who is expected to become Trump's national security advisor, and Marco Rubio, Trump's pick for secretary of state, are seen as more pro-Ukrainian and hawkish on Russia than other nominees. Keith Kellogg, Trump's nominee for special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, is also seen as more favorable to Kyiv. He has stated that Ukraine should negotiate from a position of strength. Read also: Trumps pick for Ukraine envoy backs peace through strength, security guarantees Potential peace plan Kellogg has co-authored a peace plan that would freeze the front line in Ukraine, take Ukraine's NATO accession off the table for an extended period, and partially lift sanctions imposed on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his proposals, the U.S. will continue sending military aid to Ukraine and provide security guarantees to Kyiv to prevent further Russian aggression. The Telegraph also reported on Nov. 7 that, under one of the peace plans being considered by Trump, he might call on British and other European troops to enforce a buffer zone that the president would attempt to establish in place of the current front line in Ukraine. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron (R), at the Elysee palace for a working meeting in Paris, France, on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2024 (Benjamin Girette/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Meanwhile, Rubio said on Jan. 15 that both Ukraine and Russia would have to make concessions to end the war. "Any quick deal (even over six months) would likely end the fighting along the current line of control while ensuring that Ukraine has long-term protections and that Russia has financial/economic incentives to stop fighting," Michael O'Hanlon, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Beyond that, I'm not sure what the Trump team plans." Read also: What do Trumps first team picks mean for Ukraine? Trump's shifting timeline As the specific details of Trump's peace plan remain unclear, its timeframe has been shifting. Trump said on Jan. 7 that peace would be achieved within six months. Kellogg said on Jan. 8 that a concrete plan needs to be established within the administration's first 100 days. Stephen Biddle, a defense policy expert at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), told the Kyiv Independent that "the longer six-month timeline is Trump's effort to weasel out of an unrealistic promise." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Graham, a distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, also said that "the team has just realized that it will take more time and effort to reach a deal." "The fact that (Trump) and his team have stepped back from insisting he will end the war in 24 hours to talking about a process that will take months is encouraging and in keeping with his and his team's practice of walking back some of his most flamboyant campaign promises to manage expectations among voters," Mathers said. The revised policy may also have had an impact on Trump's special envoy, Kellogg. Zelensky said on Dec. 19 that Kellogg would visit Ukraine before Trump's inauguration in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Kellogg postponed his visit until after the inauguration due to U.S. restrictions on unauthorized negotiations by private citizens with foreign governments, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on Jan. 10. "Kellogg postponed his visit because they may have started to realize that the idea of ending the war in 24 hours, or even within six months, is too ambitious and complicated," Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukrainian parliament's foreign affairs committee, told the Kyiv Independent. "They are now more realistic and are slightly adjusting their strategy." Read also: Ukraine aid key to battling Russian invasion Can Europe fill the gap if Trump pulls the plug? Positive developments Some statements made recently by Trump and his allies appear to point in the direction of a peace deal from a position of strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to reach an agreement and the only way you're going to reach an agreement is not to abandon Ukraine," Trump said in an interview with the Time magazine published on Dec. 12. Kellogg said on Jan. 8 that the president-elect's aim is not to "give something to Putin or the Russians" but to "save Ukraine and save their sovereignty." Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported on Jan. 9, citing two European officials, that U.S. assistance to Ukraine would persist following Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. "The whole (Trump) team is obsessed with strength and looking strong, so they're recalibrating the Ukraine approach," one official said. The official added that Trump's camp is cautious about avoiding comparisons with President Joe Biden's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, which they do not want to see replicated in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky pictured in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, on March 31, 2023. (Photo: President's Office) Trump advisors are also developing a comprehensive strategy to impose sanctions on Russia to pressure it towards a peace deal, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 16, citing anonymous sources familiar with the discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think Trump wants to appear weak relative to Putin, or to be responsible for 'losing Ukraine' the way Biden 'lost' Afghanistan," Roland Paris, a professor of international affairs at the University of Ottawa, told the Kyiv Independent. "He wants to be seen as a peacemaker who ends, rather than starts, wars and he wants to look 'strong' in doing so." Biddle said that "the only way (Trump) could end this war as quickly as he promised in his campaign is if he could get Ukraine to surrender." "I doubt that Trump fancies having an outright defeat in Ukraine get labeled as 'Trump's Afghanistan' not a good look for someone as obsessed with winning as he is," he added. Read also: Trump has opportunity to negotiate a good deal in Ukraine, Blinken says Negative developments But some of Trump's statements point in the opposite direction. He claimed on Jan. 7 that Biden's support for Ukraine's NATO membership had led to the war. He also claimed, without any evidence, that there had been a deal that Ukraine would not join the alliance. "They had a deal (not to let Ukraine into NATO), and then Biden broke it," Trump said. Mathers argued that "if Putin is able to persuade (Trump) that the only path to a stable peace is by Russia getting all of its demands met, there is a real danger that Trump will agree to support that position." "The experience of his first term as president suggests that he is impatient and not good at nurturing the kind of process that would be required to move from the current situation to a stable peace. This may not be good news for Ukraine," she added. Mathers also said that "Trump seems more attracted by the simple solution to a problem than trying to work through complexity, such as what kind of a meaningful security guarantee for Ukraine would the U.S. be willing to support." Biddle said that "to get a deal that doesn't look like a sellout, Trump will probably have to threaten a major expansion in U.S. support for Ukraine unless Putin compromises and that will be both risky and counter to the increasing anti-Ukrainian sentiment among Trump's base." "So, I suspect that Trump may stall and try to change the subject rather than facing the uncomfortable choice between midwifing an embarrassing defeat and threatening an expensive and unpopular escalation," he added. Read also: Trump advisers draft sanctions plan to pressure Moscow toward peace, Bloomberg reports Trump-Putin meeting But even if Trump's peace proposals favor Ukraine rather than Russia, a lot depends on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said on Jan. 10 that the Kremlin "welcomed" Trump's "readiness" for talks but added that plans for any face-to-face meeting would not be drawn up until after his inauguration. Trump also said on Jan. 13 that he planned to meet Putin "very quickly," adding that the Russian leader "wants to meet" as well. "I actually find the prospect of a face to face meeting between the two men very alarming, especially if no other comparable political figures are present," Mathers told the Kyiv Independent. "We know that Trump admires Putin as the archetype of the strong man leader that Trump himself aspires to be." U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russia's President Vladimir Putin during a news conference in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16, 2018. (Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images) She added that, after a meeting between Putin and Trump at the 2018 Helsinki summit, "Trump emerged looking beaten down and Putin was full of smiles." "Everything Trump said at the press conference immediately afterward suggested that Putin got whatever he asked for, or at least persuaded Trump to echo Russian talking points in public," she added. The Helsinki meeting, held against the backdrop of revelations that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Read also: Ahead of Trumps inauguration, Ukraines European partners cant afford to watch and wait for Washingtons next move Putin unwilling to reach a compromise Russia has so far refused to agree to any compromise. Putin said in June 2024 that Moscow would only agree to a ceasefire and enter peace talks if Ukrainian troops withdraw from Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. Ukraine maintains control of the regional capitals of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, holds a substantial part of Donetsk Oblast, and maintains a foothold in Luhansk Oblast. The Kremlin's other demands include the lifting of Western sanctions against Russia, Ukraine's refusal to join NATO, "demilitarization" most likely implying a decrease in the number of Ukrainian military personnel and "denazification" a likely reference to restrictions on nationalist parties and giving Russia the ability to bolster pro-Russian parties in the country. Meanwhile, Zelensky signed a decree on Jan. 19, imposing new sanctions on the country's pro-Russian politicians and propagandists. "We are blocking propagandists working for Russia, people who have gone over to the enemy's side, and those who help Russia continue the war," Zelensky said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Dec. 29 that the Kremlin was dissatisfied with the reported peace proposals on Ukraine from Trump's team. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) chairs a meeting regarding the situation in the Kursk region, in his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow, Russia on Aug. 12, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) "Experts... tend to concur that Russia will not begin to face extremely tough constraints on its war effort during 2025, certainly not over the six months we're talking about," William Wohlforth, a professor focusing on international relations at Dartmouth College, told the Kyiv Independent. "Hence, most do not expect Putin to be in the mood to make any kind of reasonable concessions." He said, "The real question is, what does the Trump administration do when it discovers this?" "I'm sure Trump really does want a deal, and I'm sure he's prepared to use U.S. aid conditionality as a lever with Kyiv to get one," Biddle said. "The problem here is Putin, who seems unlikely to accept anything that isn't actually tantamount to a Ukrainian surrender." Read also: Zelensky slaps sanctions on Ukraines top pro-Russian politicians Ukraine's stance must be taken into account Ukraine's position appears to be the opposite of Russia's demands. Zelensky's peace formula envisages punishing those responsible for war crimes, withdrawing all Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine, restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, and the release of all prisoners of war and deportees. Mathers said that "the most difficult element to resolve will be providing Ukraine with meaningful security guarantees, and without this in place, I assume that Kyiv would be very reluctant to agree to a peace deal." "It is also important to remember that Ukraine will have a voice in this process," Graham said. "There will be no deal without Kyiv's approval. While Washington might have leverage over Kyiv, it lacks the ability and I would imagine the will to impose a deal on Kyiv. What is (Ukraine) prepared to concede in order to achieve a lasting peace? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Donald Trump has privately told his advisers he wants to visit China after being sworn in to office, three sources familiar with the talks told CNN, as the president-elect seeks to facilitate an open dialogue with Beijing while also pursuing hardline stance on the country. Trump has expressed interest in visiting several countries once president, two of the sources said, including India to meet with the countrys prime minister, Narendra Modi, with whom he has long had a warm relationship. The Wall Street Journal first reported on Trump telling advisers he wants to travel to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who campaigned on aggressively targeting China through tariffs and other measures, spoke by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. The two discussed trade, fentanyl and TikTok, among other issues, the president-elect said. Trump also invited Xi to attend his inauguration on Monday, but China is instead sending Vice President Han Zheng. Trump has long argued that US presidents should speak directly with foreign adversaries, often boasting on the campaign trail that he had great relationships with leaders such as Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. One of the things that President Trump did so effectively in his first four years is that he knows that if you want to change something with the country, whether it be an adversary or whether it be a rival, or in the case of China you have to be able to talk to them and say, This is what we want to do, Trump adviser Jason Miller told CNNs Jessica Dean on Saturday. Does that mean that were going to be buddy-buddy? No, not at all. If anything, it means that President Trump can be tougher directly with them, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect wants to makes deals with Xi, one outside Trump adviser told CNN of the incoming presidents aims. He sees his relationship with the Chinese president as a stand-in for the American relationship with Beijing, the person said, pointing to Trumps efforts to cultivate Xi during his first term in office including an early invitation to Mar-a-Lago for talks over chocolate cake, and a visit to Beijing in 2017 that was meant to deepen their personal ties. President Donald Trump takes part in a welcoming ceremony with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on November 9, 2017. - Damir Sagolj/Reuters That trip included memorable scenes of the two presidents and their wives touring the Forbidden City and sitting inside the vast Great Hall of the People for talks. Trump took that to mean Xi wanted to show how much he respected him, said the adviser, who was involved in the trip. He wants to reignite that relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi has also signaled a more open approach to Trump, including congratulating the president-elect following his November victory and saying the US and China should find the right way to get along in the new era, so as to benefit both countries and the wider world, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Donald Trump is planning a revolution. Never mind FDRs 100 days; the new boss proposes 100 executive orders on day one, cutting the state, disarming woke and expelling illegal immigrants (all of them, he hopes). The scale of the plans makes a mockery of the milquetoast Tories trying to suck up to him. The UK Conservative Party has only belatedly decided its a bad idea to import rapists. Trump wants to deport nearly 4 per cent of his entire population. The difference between first term Trump and its sequel is reflected in the presidential photos. In the old one, hes grinning: a comedy caper. In the new, hes scowling. Trump II: this time its personal. Hes imitating his mugshot, of course, a reminder of the price hes paid to persist. The Democrats dragged him to court five times; two crazies tried to kill him; nearly a dozen of his associates went to jail. Mar-a-Lago, his Gatsby-esque home, became a court in exile, where loyalists gathered to plot their return and revenge. Rumour has it, Trump prefers to employ good-looking people, so the surgeons of Miami have made a mint carving the Mar-a-Lago Face typified by puffy lips and alarmed eyebrows. The women look like ducks. The men like Las Vegas illusionists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Trump is sworn in - indoors, he decided, to protect police dogs and horses from the Arctic chill - look out for the frozen faces of nearly-living presidents, fixed in shock as the orange man goes to war on everything they believe in. The tech giants have tickets, too. Elon and Jeff Bezos might be fans, but the rest are frightened because monopolies are big but also vulnerable to federal interference, as TikTok has learnt. When youve got them by the balls, sang Teddy Roosevelt, their hearts and minds will follow! Trump has TRs vigour and Cal Coolidges agenda. Expect a fiery speech followed by a dizzying round of executive orders to repeal the Biden years and deconstruct the administrative state. Close the border, revive travel bans, suspend refugee admissions, expel illegals, end birthright citizenship, pardon Jan 6 rioters, scrap climate subsidies, cease promoting electric cars, drill baby drill, audit regulations, ban transgender women from sports, shut down the federal diversity drive, and cut funding to schools that promote critical race theory. Oh, and bring peace to Ukraine within 24 hours. There will be opposition; some of this requires legislation. But Trump blows into office with conservative majorities on the Supreme Court and in Congress and though he had the latter at the start of his first term, his position today is stronger. Among the 241 Republican House members in 2017, only 31 had backed Trump and 16 openly opposed him. This year, all but two of the 202 elected representatives endorsed the president-elect. In 2017, the Republicans used Trump to pass their agenda and often undermined his. This year, the two are simpatico. Mike Johnson, an accidental Speaker who has proven rather good at the job, aided Trumps attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are challenges ahead, including the narrowness of congressional control. In the Senate, its 53 to 47 far from filibuster-proof and the few members once willing to reach across the aisle, just as Jon Tester or Joe Manchin did, are gone. In the House, following appointments to the administration, the majority is two votes, which means the Republicans are one rebellion or a nasty bout of flu from defeat. The good news is that revolts tend to come from the right, and those folks love Trump. The bad news is that though everyone is technically Maga, the consensus around what Maga means is ambiguous and might fracture when members debate spending cuts or immigration. To take the latter, were still waiting for a detailed plan. Trumps notion of finding and booting out literally every illegal would cost an estimated $315 billion, which is objectively insane. JD Vance has scaled this back to deporting one million a year... which still comes in at $88 billion, a tall order when another goal is to extend the 2017 tax cuts. Initially we were told there would be one, big beautiful bill to roll Trumps ideas together in a legislative thunder crack, but cooler heads now suggest a two-stage process to pass, say, energy and immigration proposals first, then talk taxes later. Republicans would like to do something sexy for the economy that leaves it booming come the 2026 midterms, for the best way to avoid a lame duck presidency is to flip more Democrat districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be in no doubt: this is the most radical Republican presidency since Ronald Reagan. It is revolutionary in the old-fashioned sense that it cycles things forward to where they used to be. Typically, conservative governments accept the liberal reforms they inherit and say no further. This administration seeks to repeal, undoing not just the accretions of Obama and Biden, but the activism of the Sixties, the internationalism of the Forties and the big-state, New Deal values of the Thirties. That would return us to the heady 1920s, when Old Right Republicans tried to transform America into a free market Eden, surrounded by walls to keep out foreign pests, like cheap goods and migrant labour. The Wall Street crash discredited the Old Right; for nearly a century, liberalism has dominated politics, busily regulating business and building a safety net. But the establishment pushed welfare and warfare to the brink of bust, and arthritic Joe Biden was overwhelmed by high prices and immigration. The status quo isnt delivering the goods anymore; it has split the country. In 2023, the foreign-born population of the US hit 14.3 per cent - a threefold increase since 1970. The New York Times, bastion of liberal manners, interviewed a handyman from Honduras who said he intended to cross the border into America with or without Trump. He had already been deported five times, noted the paper, most recently following a conviction in North Carolina for drunken driving. Another bit of luck: the border is already calming down after Biden revived some of Trumps policies. What seemed like an accidental presidential victory in 2016 easily overturned, thought the Dems, with legal jiggery-pokery is now regarded as common sense, mainstream and emulated from Rome to Buenos Aires. As goes America, so goes the world; beating against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. 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. Amnesty International South Asia unit, has condemned the "heavy-handed police crackdown" on Baloch protesters in Lyari, Karachi, during a peaceful mobilisation campaign organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). In a post on X, Amnesty International stated that the protest, which aimed to raise awareness for Baloch rights, was met with excessive force, as police detained several women for hours before releasing them. Nine male protesters, including Lala Wahab Baloch, the BYC's Central Deputy Organiser, remain in detention without any formal charges being filed. The human rights organisation has expressed alarm over the rising trend of harassment and intimidation targeting Baloch activists ahead of a planned rally in Dalbandin, Balochistan, on January 25, 2025. Authorities have escalated their efforts, filing criminal cases against BYC leaders in an apparent attempt to stifle peaceful dissent. Amnesty International has further highlighted, "We call on the authorities to immediately release all those detained during the gathering in Lyari and ensure that the right to protest is upheld by refraining from any arbitrary detentions, use of unlawful force and criminal cases against organisers and participants of peaceful assemblies." Recently, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee also criticised the crackdown and alleged that the area has been "besieged, with police targeting only Baloch citizens" "Several BYC members were illegally arrested, including Lala Wahab Baloch, the Central Deputy Organiser, and Sammi Deen Baloch, Fouzia Baloch, and Amna Baloch. The area has been besieged, with police targeting only Baloch citizens. Sammi Deen Baloch is being held at the Kharadar Police Station, while Lala Wahab Baloch is at the Chakiwara Police Station. The police are reportedly harassing and threatening Sammi Deen Baloch and kept in jail alone. She escaped an assassination attempt just yesterday. Her life is in danger and Sindh Police is responsible for that," the BYC stated in a post on X. BYC further lamented, "This incident is part of a broader pattern of repression against the Baloch people and human rights defenders. We appeal to the Baloch and other communities to urgently reach Kharadar and other police stations and stand with their sisters and brothers." (ANI) President-elect Donald Trump clarified his stance on TikTok, writing Sunday on Truth Social that hed like to bring it back online in the United States as soon as possible, even if theres no deal yet for a U.S.-based company to buy the app. Im asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! Trump wrote on Truth Social. I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations, Trump added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump posted a few hours after TikTok went offline for U.S.-based users overnight as a bipartisan law that effectively bans it went into effect. Just hours after Trump's post, it started coming back online for U.S. users. The company said in a statement: "In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties for providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive." It added, "We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States." The law, signed last year, gave TikToks owner, the Chinese-based company ByteDance, several months to sell to a U.S.-based company or face a ban. Lawmakers said they were concerned about the threats posed to users privacy and national security while TikTok remained under the ownership of a Chinese company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law also allows the president to grant a one-time extension of not more than 90 days before it kicks in, which Trump told NBC News on Saturday he would most likely seek to do. But the law also says the extension can be granted only if the President certifies to Congress that ... a path to executing a qualified divestiture has been identified and if there is evidence of significant progress toward executing such qualified divestiture has been produced. Follow live coverage TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Washington on March 23, 2023. The law, the Supreme Court which unanimously upheld Friday, leaves the interpretation of a qualified divestiture up to the president. In his latest post, Trump seemed to lay out what would satisfy that definition for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture and confirmed that the move would save TikTok. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for clarification about whether he meant ownership should be held by a U.S.-based company or the U.S. government itself. Even so, ByteDance has never indicated that TikTok is actually for sale and has never revealed a valuation for it. Since the company has been reluctant to sell, a 50% joint venture may be more palatable than losing 100% of the ownership of TikTok. A qualified divestiture would give TikToks service providers much more peace of mind than simply an extended period of nonenforcement. Trumps Truth Social post Sunday also seemed to contradict what House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said earlier Sunday when he told NBC News Meet the Press that he believed Trumps intention is that hes going to try to force along a true divestiture, changing of hands, the ownership, before TikTok is allowed back online in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think we will enforce the law, he said. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, echoed Johnson in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" but said he felt comfortable with a 90-day extension. "It seems to me if youre going to do something short of someone else purchasing TikTok and ByteDance no longer owning it, youre going to have to have a change in the law. And if thats whats warranted, then I think the Congress will look at that with the leadership from President Trump, he said. "How that gets resolved I guess were open, open to different scenarios. But right now, the law is the law, and of course, you get these companies abiding by the law of it," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also Sunday, Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., Trumps incoming national security adviser, told CNN that Trumps intention was to communicate with the various stakeholders and to get it back online and buy him some time to save the app. This is about giving the tech companies, the app stores, the providers, the cloud storage and others the confidence that we are going to work toward some type of deal to not make this go dark. And I think thats what youre going to see in the upcoming 24 hours, Waltz said. He added: Were working, literally real time, working with the various tech companies to get it back online and buy [Trump] some time to, one, save it, but protect Americans data and protect Americans from any type of foreign interference. Trump initially asked the Supreme Court for extra time last month, when he filed an amicus brief in TikTok's case against the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the brief, he urged the Supreme Court to hit pause on the ban, which went into effect one day before his inauguration, so he could work with the app to explore ways for it to stay online in the United States legally. The court upheld the law Friday, rejecting TikTok's challenge and Trump's plea. Following the court's decision, White House Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement, "Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday." Still, those assurances were not initially enough for TikTok, which said late Friday that it would still comply with the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's support for TikTok is an almost total reversal from his position during his first term, when he pledged to ban it. "As far as TikTok is concerned were banning them from the United States," he told reporters in July 2020. "I can do it with an executive order or that. On Aug. 6, 2020, Trump signed an executive order seeking to ban TikTok after 45 days. The order faced legal challenges, and TikTok won an injunction against it in late September of that year. When President Joe Biden took office four months later, he reversed the executive order. The anti-TikTok rhetoric came after months of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle sharing concerns about privacy and national security related to the app. And in December of the previous year, the Army and the Navy banned their members from using TikTok on their government-owned devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, House staffers and lawmakers were also barred from having TikTok on their government-issued devices. And just a few weeks before that, the Senate voted to bar all federal employees from using it on their government-owned devices. In an interview with CNBC last March, Trump downplayed concerns about TikTok's posing threats to national security because of its ties to China, saying U.S. social media companies posed the same risks. "We also have that problem with other you have that problem with Facebook and lots of other companies, too. I mean the information, they get plenty of information, and they deal with China, and theyll do whatever China wants," Trump said. "You know, you look at some of our American companies, when you talk about high, highly sophisticated companies that you think are American, theyre not so American. They deal in China, and China, if China wants anything from them, they will give it. So thats a national security risk also," he added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com US President-elect Donald Trump said he was considering giving TikTok a three-month reprieve from a ban due to come into force on Sunday. "I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at," Trump said in an interview with US broadcaster NBC published on Saturday. "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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday," he added. On Friday, the US Supreme Court 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, ByteDance. 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 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. President-elect Trump said he'll sign an executive order on Monday delaying the TikTok ban. The social media app went dark on Saturday just before a federal ban took effect. It is now being restored. Trump once sought to ban TikTok in the US. But over the past year, he has embraced the app. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday said he plans to issue an executive order after his inauguration on Monday to delay enforcement of the TikTok ban. Trump, who's just a day away from being sworn into office for his second term, made the statement on his Truth Social platform hours after the hugely popular social media app went dark. The president-elect said his executive order would "extend the period of time before the law's prohibitions take effect" and added that "there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark" prior to the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump didn't specify the length of time he'd give ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to find a non-Chinese buyer, but he said he'd like the United States to "have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture." "Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok," the president-elect wrote. "With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions." It wasn't immediately clear if Trump meant the US government or just a US entity. Shortly after Trump's remarks on Truth Social, TikTok, in a statement to Business Insider, said it was "in the process of restoring service" to its users in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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. TikTok's stoppage came after ByteDance spent months challenging a law that required the company to divest from its US app or effectively be cut off from operating in the country. Last year, the TikTok ban was easily passed in both the House and the Senate in bipartisan votes, with many lawmakers expressing national security concerns about ByteDance. Biden signed the TikTok ban bill into law in April 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After TikTok on Saturday said it would "go dark" in the US unless Biden intervened, the administration called the 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. Trump during his first term unsuccessfully sought to ban TikTok in the United States, but has since shied away from that position. During the 2024 presidential campaign, he said young people would "go crazy without it." Trump himself joined TikTok in advance of the 2024 race. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a Trump ally, said on X on Sunday that he's long been opposed to a TikTok ban, arguing that it infringed on "freedom of speech." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That said, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but X is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced. Something needs to change," Musk wrote. Read the original article on Business Insider (Corrects paragraph 3, position is not subject to Senate confirmation. Corrects paragraph 7 to credit NBC's "Meet the Press") By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President-elect Donald Trump would not rule out continued Chinese ownership of TikTok if steps were taken to ensure that American users' data was protected and stored in the U.S., incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told CNN on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok stopped working for its 170 million American users on Sunday after a law took effect banning the app's continued operation over U.S. politicians' concerns that Americans' data could be misused by Chinese officials. Waltz told CNN the president-elect is working to "save TikTok" and doesn't rule out continued Chinese ownership coupled with "firewalls to make sure that the data is protected here on U.S. soil." Trump has said he would "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app. Waltz also spoke to CBS News on Sunday and said Trump needed time to sort out issues related to TikTok, while adding that an extension was needed for TikTok to evaluate proposed buyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson sent contradictory signals, saying that he believed Trump would push for TikTok parent ByteDance to sell the app. "The way we read that is that he's going to try to force along a true divestiture, changing of hands, the ownership," Johnson told NBC's "Meet the Press". "It's not the platform that members of Congress were concerned about. It's the Chinese Communist Party." Some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress have opposed the idea of the extension for TikTok. Republican U.S. Senators Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Pete Ricketts said in a joint statement on Sunday that "there's no legal basis for any kind of 'extension' of (the ban's) effective date." (Reporting by Kanishka Singh, additional reporting by Doina Chiacu; editing by Mark Heinrich and Scott Malone) So, it looks as if we have a ceasefire at last in Gaza. What happens next? First of all, weve been here before. Every single conflict between Israel and Hamas over Gaza has ended in a ceasefire. This was generally sooner rather than later as after Operation Cast Lead over New Year 2008/9, when I was in New York with the then-Foreign Secretary David Miliband and engaged in often tense negotiations with Arab foreign ministers and with Israel. And they guaranteed conflict would resume at some point, because neither side had gained what they wanted. This war has been different. For a start, it has lasted far longer than any previous conflict with Hamas. The October 7 pogrom was unprecedented in its savagery and intent: Yahya Sinwar aimed to start a regional conflagration that would either weaken Israel to the point of surrender or destroy it as a functioning state, though neither happened. In fact, it is Hamas and Hezbollah that have been destroyed as functional military forces, the Iranian threat has been greatly reduced and the Assad regime in Syria a key enabler of both Hezbollah and Iranian expansionism in the Levant has collapsed. Sinwar transformed the region, just not in the way he wanted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that is positive. If you speak to many Syrians, Iraqis and Lebanese about the impact the war has had on their own countries, they are happy: they might not like Israel but they have no love for Islamists and want Iran cut down to size. Israel has shown a determination and internal cohesion that looked unlikely when thousands were demonstrating against the current governments plans for judicial reform. Hassan Nasrallah may have gloated that Israeli society was weaker than a spiders web but its Hezbollah that looks fragile. The new regime in Damascus is making nice with both the West and the Arab Gulf states, keenly aware that it needs the support of both to survive and to rebuild. The Abraham Accords did not collapse. And there is again talk that a Saudi-Israel deal can be revived. But there are real challenges ahead. The first of these will be maintaining the peace. Will Hamas keep its side of the bargain, really release all the remaining hostages, in the knowledge that this removes their only insurance they have, and allow power sharing or international supervision? Will Israel really allow Gazas border with Egypt to resume functioning, given that this was the conduit for all of Hamas logistics before the war? Will Israel stand by while Hamas tries to rebuild and, if not, can it simply resume the conflict from where it left off, as Netanyahu claims Trump assured him he could? As I set out in a recent Policy Exchange report, Iran, even in its weakened state, will try to cause trouble, as it is already doing in Syria, Lebanon and indeed the West Bank. The answer to all those questions is the same: its doubtful. And what about reconstruction and governance in Gaza? Before the conflict, there was a certain amount of prosperity there, built on Qatari cash: it is remarkable how many people who claimed Gaza was under siege now lament that so much was lost. That same money was also financing Hamas, which Israel will not allow to happen again. So where will all the cash needed to rebuild the infrastructure of the Strip come from? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Hamas want to reestablish political control over Gaza through a mixture of appeals to Islamist solidarity, revanchist nationalism and brutal intimidation, theyre going to have to do it without significant external support even from Iran, which has its own domestic political and economic problems and wasted billions of dollars on building up an infrastructure of terror in both Lebanon and Syria which has just gone up in smoke. If Israel wants to bank the significant gains it has made and use them to construct a new regional order within which it can at last take its rightful place, then part of the answer has to be a new political dispensation for Palestinians. If the decrepit Palestinian Authority is to be the means to achieve this, it will need to be reconstructed and properly funded. And Gaza cannot simply be left to stew. We need a plan which works for Israel as well as for Palestinians one which ensures Hamas can no longer exploit Palestinian distress to build a base from which to attack Israel again. The final unknown is Netanyahu. It may be that the Israeli Prime Minister sees a ceasefire as vital for his own political future. He may calculate it will enable him to turn his attention to the Iranian nuclear programme the head of the snake before perhaps resuming hostilities with Hamas. The two most senior representatives of the religious settler right Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir may pile pressure on Netanyahu to adopt this high risk-high reward approach. But the PM, who knows a ceasefire has majority support among Israeli voters, may opt to build a new coalition which is closer to the centre ground of Israeli politics. He could make the sort of concessions on Palestinian governance that the Saudis for example will need if they are to do a deal. And that may conceivably be something Trump might want to help deliver. After all, as Barack Obama could tell him, the Nobel Peace Prize is quite something. That really would be the start of a new order in the region. Sir John Jenkins is a senior fellow at Policy Exchange and former UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia 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. Tomorrows inauguration of Donald Trump for his second term as president will mark a seismic shift in the global political landscape. Small foreshocks are already being felt: the retreat of giant American companies from woke policies, the negotiated release of hostages from Gaza. But on Tuesday morning, we will wake to a new world. Mr Trumps presidency appears set to mark a new era in American politics, injecting the dynamism of Silicon Valley into efforts to cut government bureaucracy and unlock economic growth. His inauguration itself is set to symbolise this new fusion, with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk reported to be planning to attend. Mr Musk, preparing to head up a Department of Government Efficiency tasked with cutting costs and red tape, perhaps best embodies the likely spirit of this new government: intensely critical of woke overreach and relentlessly focused on the deployment of capital and technology in the pursuit of growth over stagnation. The agenda for Mr Trumps second term is beginning to take shape around the industries of the future, with his energy tsar Doug Burgum warning that the United States will lose the AI arms race to China if it cannot produce the vast quantities of energy required to power data centres in a reliable manner. As a result, net zero, and the shift to renewables that produce intermittent and unreliable power, is out of favour. Drilling for oil and gas is in alongside the pursuit of powerful artificial intelligence systems, while Mr Trump has spoken in rallies about his enthusiasm for space exploration and cryptocurrencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of these obsessions may come to fruition; others may not. But it is undeniable that the vibe in America has shifted. Growth, prosperity and what Harold Wilson called the white heat of technology are to the fore, and the forces of stagnation and progressive ideology are in retreat. It is difficult to think of a nearby period when politics and technology were so intertwined, with John F Kennedys expansion of the space programme perhaps the best recent example. And it is difficult, too, to think of a time when the US and the UK were less aligned. Mr Trump is aiming to slim the state and go for growth; Sir Keir Starmer, the bureaucrats bureaucrat, doing practically the opposite. It is a great misfortune that if the future is being built in America, Sir Keirs embrace of stagnation may see us left behind. 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. (NewsNation) President-elect Donald Trump wants to visit China once he returns to the White House in an attempt to strengthen ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping, per the Wall Street Journal. According to the report, Trump has told advisers he wishes to travel to the Eastern power within the first 100 days of his presidency, but no decision has been made. Trump last visited China in 2017. He spoke with Xi via phone on Friday, discussing fentanyl, trade and the TikTok ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect has vowed to impose tariffs and other mechanisms against China, along with Mexico and Canada, upon his return to the White House. Trump posts SAVE TIKTOK on Truth Social following app shutdown 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 reportedly said on 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, Trump wrote. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday morning, Vice President-elect JD Vance welcomed Chinese Vice President Han Zheng to the United States ahead of Trumps inauguration. Vance and Han discussed a variety of topics already broached by their bosses. including trade, fentanyl, and regional stability. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. The increasing number of elderly women in Japanese prisons highlights broader social challenges, including poverty and isolation among the aging population, CNN reported. According to government data, the number of prisoners aged 65 and older nearly quadrupled between 2003 and 2022, with women making up a significant portion of this demographic. In 2022, over 80 per cent of elderly female inmates were imprisoned for theft. At Tochigi Women's Prison, Japan's largest women's prison located north of Tokyo, the aging prison population mirrors the challenges faced by the elderly outside. "There are even people who say they will pay 20,000 or 30,000 yen (USD 130-190) a month (if they can) live here forever," said Takayoshi Shiranaga, a prison officer. Prison provides basic needs such as meals, eldercare, and healthcare, which some elderly individuals cannot access outside. This makes it an appealing alternative for those struggling with financial instability. "There are people who come here because it's cold, or because they're hungry," Shiranaga explained. He also noted that some elderly inmates prefer the prison environment, as it offers companionship and stability. Akiyo, an 81-year-old inmate serving time for shoplifting, described the conditions inside the prison. "There are very good people in this prison," she said. "Perhaps this life is the most stable for me." Akiyo, who was also imprisoned in her 60s for theft, explained her reasons for reoffending. Living on a small pension paid every two months, she struggled to cover basic expenses. "If I had been financially stable and had a comfortable lifestyle, I definitely wouldn't have done it," she said. Isolation also contributes to the problem. Akiyo shared that her son, who lived with her before her imprisonment, often expressed frustration with her presence. "I wish you'd just go away," he told her. Reflecting on her circumstances, she said, "I thought, 'There's no point in me living,' and 'I just want to die.'" Repeated incarceration is common among some elderly women. Yoko, a 51-year-old inmate at Tochigi, has been imprisoned five times for drug-related offenses over the past 25 years. She noted the growing number of elderly inmates. "(Some people) do bad things on purpose and get caught so that they can come to prison again, if they run out of money," Yoko said. The welfare ministry has acknowledged the need for better support systems for released inmates. In 2021, it reported that elderly prisoners who received post-release support were far less likely to reoffend. To address this issue, the government has introduced early intervention programs, community support centres, and housing benefits for vulnerable seniors. Ten municipalities are testing initiatives aimed at providing housing for elderly individuals without close relatives, as per reports by CNN. The Ministry of Justice has also implemented programs for female inmates, focusing on independent living, addiction recovery, and rebuilding family relationships. However, these efforts face significant challenges due to Japan's aging population. By 2040, the government estimates that 2.72 million care workers will be required to meet the needs of the elderly. Tochigi Women's Prison has adjusted its facilities to accommodate the growing number of elderly inmates. "Now we have to change their diapers, help them bathe, eat," Shiranaga said. "At this point, it feels more like a nursing home than a prison full of convicted criminals." The prison has also enlisted inmates with nursing qualifications to assist with caregiving. Yoko, who obtained her certification during a previous sentence, helps other inmates with tasks such as bathing and dressing. Akiyo completed her sentence in October 2023. Before her release, she expressed concerns about facing her son again. "I'm afraid of how he might perceive me," she said. She planned to apologise and ask for his forgiveness but felt uncertain about their future relationship, CNN reported. Japan continues to face challenges related to its aging population, including rising poverty rates among seniors. Approximately 20 per cent of people aged 65 and older live in poverty, compared to the OECD average of 14.2 per cent. The government's initiatives aim to address these issues, but the growing number of elderly prisoners underscores the need for further systemic changes. (ANI) President-elect Donald Trump says tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary. Its not clear where export controls and outbound investment restrictions fall in that ranking. But those tools may place higher on a different list: threats to Chinas economic trajectory. While tariffs matter more economically in the short term, American curbs on high-tech exports and on investments into key Chinese sectors have greater potential to ratchet up tensions with Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive spoken in recent days with more than half a dozen policymakers, business leaders, investors and policy experts who are connected to China. And in their telling, tariffs are likely not the American policy keeping top Chinese officials awake at night. Tariff threats, after all, have been a central part of U.S. trade policy for nearly a decade, and Chinese companies have been moving to strengthen their ties with third countries to soften the blow. But the Chinese government has fewer options to bypass restrictions that are intended to slow the development of its capacity to build semiconductors and artificial intelligence technology. And that development is at the heart of its global vision, according to both its words and its actions. Restrictions on technology and investment are seen as a threat to Chinas long-term goals they not only hinder economic growth but also challenge Chinas aspirations for technological self-sufficiency and global leadership, said Taiya Smith, who worked under former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson to develop formalized trade talks between Washington and Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing is already bristling at a raft of new export controls put in place by Joe Biden, including in the final days of his presidency, that restrict the flow into China of advanced computer chips used to develop AI. In a statement to me, the Chinese embassy in Washington said U.S. moves to restrict investment and technology exports disrupt global production and supply chains and hurt the common interests of companies around the world, including American companies. It needs to be emphasized that any sanctions and suppression cannot stop Chinas pace of development and progress, and any bullying and coercion cannot shake China's determination to be self-reliant, embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in an email. Its an open question how much Trump will lean into these kinds of measures, a stance that will no doubt depend in part on his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The incoming U.S. president has made reference to an A.I. arms race with China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an early sign that communication lines will remain open, Trump invited Xi to his inauguration. (Though Xi himself wont be attending, Beijing is sending an envoy, Vice President Han Zheng.) Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a close ally of the president-elect, also has deep business ties in China, raising the possibility he could be a check on China hawks close to Trump. But the hawks are there, too. Marco Rubio, Trumps nominee for secretary of State, has long been a vocal proponent of stricter rules on the flow of technology and investment into China. In a May 2023 letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Rubio accused American companies of creating downgraded versions of [their] products for the Chinese market to skirt rules that put up barriers to the export of advanced chips. He didnt mince words at his confirmation hearing this week, either. We welcomed the Chinese Communist Party into this global order, he said. They have lied, cheated, hacked and stolen their way to global superpower status, at our expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For their part, the U.S. tech industry has pushed for restrictions to be as targeted as possible to avoid hurting their competitiveness globally. Just as important to both economic security and national security is our ability to sell our stuff, and for there to be demand, an industry source told me. Its important to look at this from both sides of the coin. Nicholas Borst, director of China research at investment advisory firm Seafarer Capital Partners, told me that in his recent conversations with Chinese companies, they see 60 percent tariffs based on Trumps threats on the campaign trail as a baseline expectation. In contrast, the tech portion of this is a lot harder for them to manage. No one really knows what Beijing is thinking, but if we just interpret what the policy shows us building this self-reliant, technologically independent economy is the major focus, Borst said. Theyd much rather trade some short-term GDP growth to get the economy where they want it to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extent to which this conflict is based on economic security versus national security is murky at best, on both sides of the Pacific. Policymakers in Washington consider it a high priority to put up barriers to China infiltrating U.S. technology systems or improving its military capabilities. But being at the frontier of making key technologies is also inherently related to both countries prospects for future wealth. For Beijing, that means reaching a point where they are self-reliant and at the cutting edge when it comes to manufacturing advanced technology. Still, it might seem counterintuitive to think that the Chinese government wouldnt be first and foremost concerned with the potential for steep new tariffs from the U.S., particularly at a time when Chinese economic growth is flagging. (The analysis on this front varies: Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent claimed at his confirmation hearing that the Asian powerhouse is currently in a recession, while China told the International Monetary Fund this week that its economy grew 5 percent in 2024, but experts generally agree that conditions have worsened). Beijings options for boosting growth are much more limited than they used to be, absent a disruptive overhaul of their current economic system. China poured money into infrastructure spending in the years after the global financial crisis as a means to stimulate the economy, but those investments saddled local governments with high debt burdens and are at the root of some of the problems they face now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the world is already absorbing a high volume of Chinese goods, making it harder for them to significantly expand their export prospects. China has begun outsourcing some of its manufacturing in response to both tariff threats and the post-Covid push to diversify supply chains, which is costly and requires buy-in from those third countries. Many countries in the [Asia-Pacific] region are obviously more guarded about what gestures China may make on trade mean for their own economies and their own dependence on China as an engine for economic growth, said Michael Beeman, who was formerly a senior official at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative under both Trump and Biden. So, its not as though the tariffs arent an economic blow to China. They just might not be the center of the real political battle. President-elect Donald Trumps envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is considering a visit to the war-torn Gaza Strip as part of his efforts to keep a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on track, according to a transition official with direct knowledge of the ceasefire process. Underscoring just how fragile the president-elects team believes the ceasefire deal thats set to go into effect on Sunday is, Witkoff also plans to be a near-constant presence in the region over the coming weeks and months to troubleshoot flare-ups on the ground that he believes could unravel the agreement and halt the release of hostages held by Hamas at any moment, the official said. You have to be right on top of it, ready to snuff out a problem if it happens, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Witkoff is working to achieve long-term stability for the Israelis and 2 million displaced Palestinians, the path to which runs through the three phases of the deal reached this past week. The first phase, which begins on Sunday, is set to last about six weeks and involves the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians held by Israel. The second phase would be negotiated during the first and is supposed to result in the release of additional hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The goal of the final phase, which also still needs to be negotiated, is to end the war and begin rebuilding Gaza. During Hamas initial Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage. The attack shocked the nation and sent many Israelis who believed they had military superiority in the region reeling. Donald Trump in Flint, Mich., on Sept. 17, 2024. Since then, the conflict has added multiple fronts, with Israel seeking to root out Iranian and Iran-backed enemies in other countries around it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, a top concern for Trumps envoy is a rogue incident sparked by inevitable day-to-day interfacing between Israelis and Palestinians on the ground in and near Gaza, even given the ceasefire agreement. Remember, theres a lot of people, radicals, fanatics, not just from the Hamas side, from the right wing of the Israeli side, who are absolutely incentivized to blow this whole deal up, the transition official said. Visiting Gaza would allow Witkoff to see for himself what the dynamics are there, rather than taking Israels or the Palestinians word for it, the official said, adding: You got to see it, you got to feel it. While managing the current phase of the deal and negotiating the next, Trump and his team also are contending with longer-term solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont help the Gazans, if we dont make their life better, if we dont give them a sense of hope, theres going to be a rebellion, the transition official said. The question of how to rebuild Gaza remains, as well as where some 2 million Palestinians can be relocated in the meantime. Indonesia, for instance, is among the locations under discussion for where some of them could go, the transition official said. Even the question of whether Gazans would be willing to relocate is up in the air. The idea of relocation is deeply controversial among Palestinians and fellow Arabs. Many believe that relocating would be the first step in Israel forcing them off their land. At the moment, however, the issue of getting aid into Gaza thats required in the first phase of the ceasefire deal remains a challenge. Israel maintains concerns that Hamas takes a portion of any aid thats allowed into Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis there is dire. Hunger and disease are rampant and conditions are continuing to deteriorate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels offensive in Gaza over the last year and a half has killed more than 45,000 people in Gaza, most of whom were women and children, according to Palestinian health officials. The bombings have also decimated the enclaves health system and pushed people out of their homes and into squalid tent camps. Witkoff, a real estate developer who has known Trump for decades, went into negotiations for a deal joining President Joe Bidens team thats been working toward it for more than a year with a singular directive from Trump, the transition official said: Get the hostages home, and if you dont, come back and explain why. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations in New York City on Sept. 27, 2024. The window for achieving an agreement was narrower than it had ever been. Not only had Trump set a deadline Jan. 20, when hes set to be sworn in to office which had not been done in previous rounds of negotiation, several additional hostages had died in the preceding weeks as temperatures in the region got colder and conditions continued to deteriorate, the transition official said. Trumps close alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the threat that he would not stop Israel from further bombing Gaza if there was no deal, also hung over the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is a close American ally and the U.S. has given the nation at least $17.9 billion in military aid over the last year. Witkoff used Trumps history with Israel and dynamic with Netanyahu to pressure the Israelis. In one instance, he went to see the prime minister on the Sabbath to have a blunt exchange. Witkoff privately has told people his comments to Netanyahu that Saturday, Jan. 11, were not a threat, and that he had been invited to the prime ministers residence by one of Netanyahus closest aides, Ron Dermer. Witkoff was in search of a reality check from Netanyahu about what he was willing to do, and candidly told him what was needed to get to an agreement, including for Israel to send a high-level representative to the negotiations in Doha who could make decisions in real time, the transition official said. He essentially conveyed to the prime minister, If youre not intent on making a deal, then tell me, and Ill get on the plane and Ill go home. In discussions with Israeli officials, he also didnt hesitate to point out all that Trump had done for Israel. In his first term, Trump moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognized the Golan Heights as Israeli territory and cut U.S. aid for the Palestinians. At times in his discussions with Israeli officials, he also pointed to Trumps willingness to take political heat to get a deal and implored the Israelis to do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Hamas, the message, delivered through the Qataris, was: Unless youre prepared to die, tell me why you dont see this as the deal that could ultimately lead to the end of the war? Witkoff also developed close ties with the families of hostages. They expressed worry that their loved ones would be left behind in the second phase of the deal, when they are supposed to be released, specifically concerned whether there would be enough Palestinian prisoners held by Israel to exchange: The numbers were built into the framework deal agreed to last May, and if theres no Phase 1, there can be no Phase 2, which has yet to be negotiated. Phase 1 could fall apart at any time over the next six weeks. The first American hostage, Keith Siegel, is not scheduled to be released until Day 14 of the ceasefire, according to two officials familiar with the matter. Five other American families will not get their children home, alive or dead, unless the ceasefire holds into the second phase. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President-elect Donald Trumps promise of a mass deportation operation once he takes office has raised specters of open-air camps in the desert, troops patrolling streets and immigrants disappearing en masse from restaurants, farms and construction sites. The man Trump tasked with executing the deportation effort, his so-called border czar, Tom Homan, has given several interviews saying how the operation would work and how it would not. ICE to take the lead on mass deportation Homan, in various interviews, has said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would conduct deportations and that the process would happen systemically and professionally. Advertisement Advertisement Its not going to be massive sweeps of neighborhoods with military, he said on the Sara Carter Show on Nov. 11. Its not going to be putting people in so-called concentration camps. ... Its going to be a targeted enforcement operation. Mass deportations and tariffs: Here's how Sheinbaum has countered Trump's promises Homan said in the interviews that people in the country illegally who pose public safety or national security threats were the top priority. He said ICE agents would do detective work to find the locations of those people. Its going to be a mass deportation operation, but with common sense, Homan said Nov. 15 on the Triggered podcast, hosted by Donald Trump Jr. Take the worst first. Advertisement Advertisement However, he said, if anyone here illegally is found near a targeted person, they could be swept up, too. If youre in the country illegally, Homan said on the Carlson show, youve got a problem. Homan, on the Dr. Phil podcast Dec. 10, said there were approximately 20,000 ICE agents and another 20,000 Border Patrol agents. He said he would want 1 million ICE agents. The website USAJobs.com, the official portal for jobs within the federal government, listed in mid-January several positions open with ICE but none for the strictly law enforcement positions, including deportation officers or criminal investigators. Advertisement Advertisement The ICE website said the background check for applicants averaged three months but could take as long as a year. Could the US military get involved in immigration enforcement? Trump has said he would declare a national emergency and invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow the president to deploy the U.S. military within the United States. That would include federalized members of the National Guard. Trump could activate the 8,000 guardsmen in the Arizona National Guard, said Maj. Erin Hannigan, director of communications for the state guard. The members of the force are scattered throughout the state, she said. They could have a few days to muster into Phoenix, she said, depending on the mission and projected length of deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, guardsmen deployed in border operations are assigned support roles. Federal law doesnt allow for troops to enforce laws within the United States. But the exception is the Insurrection Act, which allows for the militia to "execute the laws of the Union. Arizona politics: Valley Democrats meet to pick leaders after disappointing losses in 2024 Police and sheriff's offices could assist feds with enforcement Homan discussed partnering with local law enforcement agencies but was not specific on how that would work. A program that allows law enforcement agencies to become quasi-immigration officers for limited purposes already exists. The program called 287(g) after the section of federal statute that defines it mainly allows local authorities to take action against people in their jails. Advertisement Advertisement The ICE website lists five agencies that have 287(g) agreements with ICE. They are: the Arizona Department of Corrections, the La Paz County Sheriffs Office, the Mesa Police Department, the Pinal County Sheriffs Office and the Yavapai County Sheriffs Office. Homan said on the Carlson podcast that mayors or governors who did not wish to participate with ICE should stand aside. He said that any officials who impede or harbor migrants pursued by ICE could face felony charges. Where might the government locate immigration detention centers? Homan also said he would not know how many migrants he could deport until he got a look at the budget. He said he would need beds to house migrants detained in the deportation process. Advertisement Advertisement If I dont have beds, he said on the Tucker Carlson podcast Dec. 18, its going to be hard to do this. In August, the Department of Homeland Security requested information from entities willing to provide detention facilities within a two-hour drive of Phoenix. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions about why the request was made or if it received responses. The August query that included Arizona also sought potential sites in Texas, Washington and California. Similar queries were sent for potential detention facility sites in, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico and New Jersey, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed a lawsuit seeking documents related to the queries. Advertisement Advertisement Reach Ruelas at 602-444-8473 or at richard.ruelas@arizonarepublic.com. Follow the reporter at @ruelaswritings on X. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ICE to take the lead on Trump's promised deportation plans South Dakota Board of Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes presents to the House Education Committee during the 2024 legislative session. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) South Dakotas era of public university tuition freezes is likely coming to an end. Students have benefited from three consecutive tuition freezes supported by the Legislature. The state Board of Regents absorbed some cost increases during that time and years prior to hold the line on tuition and fees, Executive Director Nathan Lukkes told lawmakers Thursday during a Senate Education Committee at the Capitol in Pierre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university system is not requesting any increases to its budget this year, acknowledging the states lower-than-anticipated revenue. Gov. Kristi Noem proposed cutting the systems funding by roughly $11 million, including a $2 million operational cut and a $9 million cut to the systems building maintenance fund. Were hoping not to lose anymore than we have to, Lukkes said. South Dakota has created a competitive advantage with the most affordable college costs compared to surrounding states, Lukkes said, based on the total cost for an in-state undergraduate degree. The total cost in South Dakota increased 5.2% in the last five years, while costs in neighboring states went up by 11.1% or more. A presentation slide compares South Dakota undergraduate costs to surrounding states from 2021 through 2025. (Courtesy of South Dakota Board of Regents) Thats primarily due to efforts by the Legislature and the system to keep tuition rates flat, including tuition freezes and work to trim redundancies in the system and cut under-attended classes and programs since 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was tough, Lukkes said, but it was the right thing to do. Montana has the closest undergraduate costs to South Dakota this year, about $100 more than a South Dakota in-state degree, but an 18% increase since 2021. Regental spokeswoman Shuree Mortenson said the system will watch how the fiscal year 2026 budget develops over the legislative session to plan and discuss potential tuition and fee increases for the next school year. That discussion will happen during the boards April meeting. We will continue to be mindful of our current and future students and will do our best to minimize any potential increases, Mortenson said in an emailed statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public university enrollment is increasing, due to efforts to recruit in-state and out-of-state students. As the number of college-age students decreases nationwide because of lower population numbers, Lukkes said, universities will have to be increasingly competitive to attract students within the state and across the country. Last fall, Lukkes touted the states low tuition rate compared to surrounding states to the Government Operations and Audit Committee. But he told lawmakers at the time that South Dakota falls behind once income-based financial aid programs are factored in. Those programs are more robust in other states. A 15% increase in funding for South Dakotas Opportunity Scholarship in 2023 and the launch of the Freedom Scholarship in 2022 have helped improve the options for students with lower incomes. Even though weve gotten a lot better, were way behind the competition, Lukkes said at the time. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CORNING, N.Y. (WETM) A nonprofit organization that provides Twin Tiers families in need with essential supplies received a $150,000 grant. The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier announced that the Twin Tiers Baby Bank is its most recent Empower Grant recipient. The baby bank will get $150,000 spread over the course of three years, and it will allow the organization to provide more resources to needy families. The Twin Tiers Baby Bank is located in Painted Post and provides local families with free diapers and wipes to help keep young children clean and healthy. WIC and SNAP benefits dont cover diapers, and according to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in two American families struggle to provide their children with enough diapers. Additionally, one in four parents have to miss work or school because they cant afford the required amount of diapers needed to send their kids to daycare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradford County family service center gets $125,000 grant The Twin Tiers Baby Bank truly addresses foundational needs for some of the most vulnerable of those we serve, said Amy Truxon, president of the Fund for Women of the Southern Tier. Diaper insecurity has a devastating impact on families, especially the single-income female-headed households in our area. The Twin Tiers Baby Bank provided about 4,000 children with more than 160,000 diapers in varying sizes in 2024. The baby bank helped 40% more people in 2024 than it did the previous year, and the Empower Grant is expected to help the organization continue this growth. The Fund for Women was created by volunteers in 2009 to help women and girls become economically self-sufficient. The Empower Grant was created to impact the lives of women and girls who have faced barriers that have prevented them from being self-sufficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Two people were arrested for sexual misconduct with a minor and neglect on Thursday in Sullivan County. According to Indiana State Police (ISP) Sergeant Matt Ames, ISP initiated a criminal investigation after receiving information about allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor. After investigation, Timothy R. Squire (63) of Jasonville, and Rebecca Squire (59) of Dugger were arrested on active warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation revealed Timothy R. Squire (63) has allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 14. Rebecca Squire (59) failed to report sexual misconduct to authorities. The incident took place in Sullivan County. Sullivan County Prosecutor Ann Mischler asked for a warrant for both Timothy and Rebecca Squires arrest. Sullivan County Circuit Court granted the warrant on Thursday, January 16th. Mr. and Mrs. Squire were arrested on active warrants and taken into custody at the Sullivan County Jail without incident. Timothy R. Squire, 63, Jasonville was arrested and charged with Child Molesting/Intercourse or Deviate Sex with Victim less than 14, a Class A Felony and 3 counts of Child Molesting, a level 1 Felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca Squire, 59, of Dugger was arrested and charged with Neglect of Dependent, a level 6 Felony. Sullivan County Sheriffs Department, Jasonville Police Department, Dugger Police Department, Sullivan County Department of Child Services, and Susies Place all assisted. Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Two people are hurt, with one facing serious injuries, following a motor vehicle crash in Roxbury. At 8:29 PM, police were dispatched to 1829 Washington Street for reports of a pedestrian struck. Upon arrival, officers located two people, one with serious injuries and another with minor injuries. Both individuals were transported to the hospital. Police believe that the two individuals were on a moped when they were hit by another vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspected vehicle that hit the moped was not on the scene. Due to injuries suffered by one of the individuals, the fatal accident reconstruction team and homicide detectives have been dispatched to the scene to investigate. No arrests have been made at this time. 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 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday that 21 Pakistani nationals have been identified as survivors of a tragic migrant boat incident off the coast of Morocco, Dawn reported. The incident occurred earlier this month in the Atlantic Ocean, in the waters between Mauritania and Morocco. Media reports indicate that out of the 65 Pakistani immigrants aboard the vessel, 44 either drowned or died due to alleged torture, and 10 bodies have been recovered. In response to the tragedy, the Pakistani government has dispatched a high-ranking team to Morocco to assess the situation and determine the full extent of the loss of Pakistani lives. The Foreign Ministry has been in constant contact with Moroccan authorities to ensure that the survivors and the deceased are properly assisted. The survivors, along with the recovered bodies, are currently in Dakhla, a coastal town in Morocco. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming that 21 Pakistani nationals were among the survivors. "Based on verified information, 21 Pakistani nationals have been identified among the survivors of a maritime incident near Dakhla, Morocco," the statement read, as per reports by Dawn. Through diplomatic channels, the Pakistani embassy in Rabat has already mobilised immediate assistance for the affected individuals. Essential provisions, including food, water, medicine, and clothing, have been provided, and local authorities in Dakhla are offering shelter and medical care in response to the embassy's outreach. The embassy's consular team is present in Dakhla, overseeing relief efforts and coordinating with local authorities. "The government remains in close coordination with relevant authorities in Morocco to ensure comprehensive support for our affected citizens and finalise repatriation procedures," the statement added. The Pakistani government emphasised its commitment to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely, Dawn reported. (ANI) A crime not to punish crime New York judge must do the unthinkable - and correct - thing to Donald Trump | Opinion, (modbee.com, Nov. 8) Judge Juan Merchans convoluted ruling essentially slapping President-elect Donald Trump on the wrist for 34 felony violations of state law has now left tens of millions of Americans dismayed and disgusted. After all, the nations justice system and the courts in particular are not merely vehicles for delivering vindication or punishment, they are theaters whereby the people can witness our laws in action. The fact that so many of Trumps January 6 soldiers could be swiftly brought to justice while their commander-in-chief avoided it is not lost on the American public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special counsel Jack Smiths report demonstrating that Trump would have been convicted of inciting an insurrection had the governments case gone forward is not merely maddening, its an admission that equal justice under the law is a sham. The multiple other cases against Trump represented a golden opportunity to demonstrate that no citizen is above the law and that our country is capable of convicting law-breaking leaders just as other democracies have. In failing to do so, our system has thereby aided and abetted our serial law-breaking felon-in-chief. Its a crime not to punish crime. Mark S. Haskett Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Modesto Opinion MoBand needs MoLove Huge change coming for Modestos beloved MoBand, (modbee.com, Feb. 7) Getting out of the house and enjoying fresh air; playing with water at the refurbished splash pad; clapping hands to an enchanting melody; laughing with friends; catching up with neighbors; and enjoying a picnic in Graceada Park. These and countless more are the memories that MoBand provides through its annual Concert in the Park. Concert in the Park is an all-inclusive, timeless Modesto tradition that has spanned over a century. There are hopes to expand the reach of MoBand with opportunities for students. And, recently, MoBand has worked with several entities to upgrade lighting in Mancini Bowl and replace the seating in the bowl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this event which is free for the community costs quite a bit of money each year to put on. After the six week free-to-the-public concert series has ended, the total cost is at least $30,000. To raise these much-needed funds, MoBands third annual crab feed, featuring a live auction and delicious food and drinks, will take place on Saturday, February 1 at St. Josephs Church. It is open to the public, and ticket information is available at the MoBand website. Julie Scherer Modesto Goodbye to decency From the archives: Jimmy Carter visits Modesto CA, (modbee.com, Dec. 31, 2024) It is ironic that within the space of a couple weeks we said goodbye to President Jimmy Carter, one of the most decent men to ever occupy the White House, and swear in one of the most indecent men who will again occupy that same office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President-elect Donald Trump is already on his way to converting our democracy to a dictatorship, following in the footsteps of his puppet-master, Vladimir Putin. Maybe Russia will send us arms when we invade Greenland. Jack Heinsius Modesto While Monday's inauguration ceremony for President-elect Donald Trump is set to break with tradition and take place inside the Capitol due to dangerously low temperatures, it's not the first presidential swearing in to take place in an unusual place one president was even sworn in aboard a plane. The first inaugurations in U.S. history didn't happen in Washington, D.C. President George Washington was sworn in for his first term on April 27, 1789, on a balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, which was serving as the temporary capital of the U.S., according to the Library of Congress. He was sworn in for his second term at the Senate Chamber of Congress Hall in Philadelphia. The first inauguration in Washington, D.C. John Adams was also sworn in as president in Philadelphia. It wasn't until Thomas Jefferson's inauguration that the swearing in ceremony was moved to Washington, D.C. Jefferson took the oath of office inside the U.S. Capitol in 1801. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Wanting to get away from pomp and circumstance associated with aristocracy, he simply walked the few blocks from his boarding house to the Senate, where he was sworn in by Justice John Marshall," according to the National Park Service. "When it was over, he simply walked back. Returning to the boarding house late for dinner, Jefferson took one of the only remaining seats at the far end of the table. Given the occasion, someone offered him a better seat near the fireplace. Staying true to his egalitarian platform, Jefferson refused." Being sworn in outside Washington While most inauguration ceremonies in the years since have taken place in Washington, not all of them have happened there. After President James Garfield was shot in 1881, then-Vice President Chester A. Arthur took the oath of office in New York City at his private residence shortly after Garfield's death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in following the assassination of President William McKinley, who was shot on Sept. 6, 1901. McKinley was expected to recover, so Roosevelt, then vice president, went camping in the Adirondacks. Roosevelt rushed to Buffalo, New York, when he heard that McKinley was not expected to survive. He was sworn in as president on Sept. 14, 1901 at the Ansley Wilcox residence in Buffalo. After President Warren G. Harding's unexpected August 1923 death following an apparent heart attack, President Calvin Coolidge was sworn in at the Coolidge family home in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. President Lyndon Baines Johnson was sworn in aboard Air Force One at Love Field in Dallas, Texas, after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It was the first time a woman administered the oath of office. It was also the first and and only time a president took the oath of office on an airplane. Inside the Capitol or outside, east or west Jefferson brought the inauguration to Washington, but his ceremony took place inside. President Andrew Jackson in 1829 became the first president whose inauguration was held outside on the Capitol's east portico. From Jackson's inauguration until President Jimmy Carter's in 1977, the ceremony largely took place outdoors in front of the Capitol's east portico, according to the Library of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inauguration was held in March until Franklin Delano Roosevelt's second inauguration in 1937, so the threat of freezing cold temperatures were not as dire. But in 1841, William Henry Harrison's inauguration was held on a bitterly cold day and he delivered the longest speech to date and he died one month later of pneumonia. President William Taft in 1909, amid heavy snow and strong winds, was sworn in at the Senate Chamber of the U.S. Capitol, although the parade still place outside. President Ronald Reagan's inauguration in 1981 was the first to happen on the west front of the Capitol, which has been the customary site in the years since. His inauguration for his second term, however, happened inside. Wind chills made it feel below zero on that day in 1985, so Reagan took the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda. First hostages released after Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal | Special Report Aid begins moving slowly into Gaza after ceasefire takes effect between Israel and Hamas Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine says Pete Hegseth would be a "very dangerous Secretary of Defense" U.S. Rep. and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) delivered a keynote speech to the 5000 Role Models of Excellence members that evoked the journey of Martin Luther King Jr. urging them to have the courage to continue even when times are tough. We know that this is a moment of great challenge here in our community, in the county and in the country, throughout the world, turbulent times are in front of us, Jeffries said with the cadence of a Baptist preacher. He continued, urging the young men to summon the strength and the resilience of a Dr. King and those civil rights heroes, the strength and resilience that Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, that your mentors and role models have shown, that you all have shown to get to this point on the brink of taking the next step in your higher education and professional journey to press on. House Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks during the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Foundations 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. scholarship breakfast in the Miami Beach Convention Center. Jeffries encouraged the young men to press on in the face of adversity at the 32nd Annual 5000 Role Models of Excellence Foundations Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Saturday. Jeffries recounted Martin Luther King Jr.s personal journey, connecting it to the civil rights Black residents now have as a result of Kings perseverance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The breakfast serves as the cornerstone event of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend in South Florida, honoring Black and brown youth and mentors in the region. Typically held on the King holiday, this years festivities were moved to Saturday, avoiding conflict with Inauguration Day. Zaccheus Smith, 10, adjusts his tie during the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Foundations 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. scholarship breakfast in the Miami Beach Convention Center. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson founded the organization in 1993, when she was a Miami-Dade County School Board member, out of a need to decrease the school-to-prison pipeline among young Black and brown boys. The program seeks to provide educational opportunities and mentorship to students in South Florida and has since expanded to other areas in the U.S., most recently in the Los Angeles. RELATED: This is the real impact. How Terron Armstead challenges students to be entrepreneurs Wilson touted the success of the program, saying that often mothers and grandmothers stop her and thank her for instituting the program. We steer little boys on a carefully chartered course and bring them up on that carefully chartered course to manhood, and then we send them to college, she said, donning a gold hat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization honored four elected officials, North Miami mayor Alix Desulme, North Miami Beach mayor Michael Joseph, Miami-Dade County commissioner and vice chair Kionne McGhee and Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert. Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust Chairman Ron Book and the Arc of the City Foundation founders Terry and Sherria Elliott were also honored at the event. The organization also received a check for $250,000 from CareerSource South Florida that will go toward scholarships. READ: Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in South Florida Also among the honorees Saturday was Wilsons son, Paul V. Wilson Jr. who followed in his mothers footsteps working as an educator before becoming a consultant. Wilson said it hadnt occurred to her to honor her son until recently. When I started the 5000 Role Models, he was a little boy and I used to come home at night out of my mind, she said, recalling a time when she wanted to stop her work with the organization to focus on him. He said, Mommy you cant do that. Do you think that the president cares about these little black boysnobody cares about them but you. You give this up, what are these boys going to do? Several of the 2025 Inductees are sworn in during the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Foundations 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. scholarship breakfast. Wilson told anecdotes of each of the honorees, but particularly recalled fondly how the program shaped each of the elected officials honored, rattling off memories of how the men joined the program in their youth or how she came to know them. Ive watched these children grow up, she said, affectionately. How do you think I feel? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the breakfast, Wilson said shes looking to continue expanding the program, which already has spread to other parts of Florida and Detroit. She has her eyes set on Nashville, Minneapolis and the Bahamas. She hopes the expansion helps continue to address the school-to-prison pipeline. U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., the House minority leader, helps inductee and Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead put on his tie during the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Foundations 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship breakfast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The difficulty with the 5000 Role Models is this: Unless you experience it, you dont get it. People dont understand prevention, she said. They understand criminal justice. Oh, I have a brother in prison or oh, I have a cousin in jail. They understand that, but they dont understand what they could have done for that brother and that cousin to prevent them from going to jail. Ukrainian forces shot down 43 Russian attack drones overnight, the Air Force reported on the morning of Jan. 19. Russia launched Shahed-type drones and decoy drones from bases in Millerovo, Oryol, and Bryansk, according to the report. The Air Force said it also lost track of 15 decoy drones Russia launched alongside the attack drones, saying that this resulted in no negative effects. The drones were shot down over Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk and Mykolaiv oblasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian drone attacks on Ukraine jumped to record levels at the end of 2024, with Moscow planning to ramp up its production or UAVs in 2025. Drone strikes have targeted Ukrainian residential neighborhoods and critical energy infrastructure. Ukraine has in turn stepped up its own drone attacks on Russia and has focused attacks on the country's oil industry. 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. Ukraine is working on developing its own air defense systems, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with the Ukrainian news outlet TSN on Jan. 19. Ukraine has lobbied international partners for more air defense capabilities in the wake of intensifying Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure. "Back in Soviet times, we actually produced all the control systems for anti-aircraft systems. That is, we have the capacities and capabilities to create, and we are working on creating, our own domestic air defense complex," Syrskyi told TSN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's homegrown system aims to match the U.S.-made Patriot air defenses, he said. Syrskyi said that the threat posed by Russia's new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, is strong motivation for Kyiv to produce its own anti-missile air defenses. Only a few air defense systems can repel the Oreshnik, Syrskyi said, and Ukraine does not yet possess these capabilities. "This encourages us to create our own air defense system, which would be not just an air defense system, but also an anti-missile system," he said. "This encourages us to actively negotiate with our allies to get such a system. And, of course, this should encourage us to create a modern missile system that could be a deterrent against the use of such weapons by the Russians." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Western air defense systems are incapable of intercepting Oreshnik missiles, even going so far as to propose a "high-tech duel" with the West that would involve launching the Oreshnik at Kyiv. The U.S. operates the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The system has not been supplied to Ukraine and, therefore, has never been tested against the Oreshnik. Syrskyi said in the interview that work had already begun on developing Ukraine's own anti-missile system. "The work is underway, it is being actively pursued in this direction. I hope that we will soon get the desired result for us," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine aims to spend a record $35 billion on weapons production in 2025, according to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The Ukrainian government intends to provide $17 billion, while the rest may be financed by allies. The U.K. has agreed to finance production of air defense systems and long-range weapons in Ukraine, Umerov announced on Jan. 13. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits 2 oil depots in Russia overnight; Zelensky sanctions top pro-Russian politicians Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Key developments on Jan. 19: Ukraine hits 2 oil depots in Russia overnight Zelensky slaps sanctions on Ukraine's top pro-Russian politicians Lack of medical treatment, problems with unit transfers most common causes of appeals, new military ombudsman says Ukrainian troops withdraw from, launch attack on Chasiv Yar refractory plant SBU detains metro engineer who allegedly directed Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, Kharkiv 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 Ukraine's drone attacks on Russia, as Kyiv aims at damaging Russia's oil industry, crucial for sustaining Moscow's war effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: As Trump prepares to take office, Kyiv awaits his teams next moves Zelensky slaps sanctions on Ukraine's top pro-Russian politicians President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing new sanctions on pro-Russian politicians and propagandists, he announced on Jan. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are blocking propagandists working for Russia, people who have gone over to the enemy's side, and those who help Russia continue the war," Zelensky said in a video address posted on Facebook. The decree puts into effect a decision made earlier by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. Eighteen people were listed on the formal decree. Among them are prominent pro-Russian politicians Yuriy Boyko, Nestor Shufrych, and Yevhen Muraiev. Boyko previously led the former pro-Russian political party Opposition Platform For Life, which was banned by the Supreme Court following Russia's full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shufrych was arrested last year on charges of subversive activities against Ukraine and financing Russia's National Guard in occupied Crimea. According to the investigation, Shufrych paid Russia's National Guard to guard his elite real estate in Crimea, illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. Muraiev, former leader of the now-banned pro-Russian Nashi party, was charged with treason in 2023. The Security Service noted that Muraiev used his media empire, including the Nash TV channel, to disseminate pro-Russian narratives. Shortly before the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.K. Foreign Office warnedthat the Kremlin intends to install Muraiev as the head of the Russian puppet regime in Kyiv. Media reports have stated that Muraiev left Ukraine in 2022. Zelensky also noted that the country is working to deprive pro-Russian figures of state awards, specifically mentioning the Hero of Ukraine title. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Ukraine's parliament voted to request that Zelensky strip the Hero of Ukraine award from Boyko. Boyko had days earlier repeated Russian propaganda talking points on social media about "radicals" controlling the streets in Ukraine. He was awarded the title Hero of Ukraine in 2004 during his tenure as head of Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz. Read also: How Trump could use sanctions in negotiations with Russia Lack of medical treatment, problems with unit transfers are most common causes of appeals, new military ombudsman says Twenty days into her new post as Ukraine's new military rights commissioner, Olha Reshetylova said that she had already received 3,876 appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what she described as a preliminary assessment in a Facebook post about her first days on the job, Reshetylova said that lack of treatment and referrals to military medical commissions and problems moving between military units are the two leading causes for the appeals she received. More than 3,500 of the appeals have been relevant to her post and concern protecting the rights of soldiers. A portion of these concerning advice or clarification, which she referred to lawyers working "almost around the clock." "The rest of the appeals are substantive. Although each of them has its own individual problems, in general, of course, you can already see trends and separate blocks of problematic issues," Reshetylova wrote. While acknowledging that requests for medical treatment can be abused and that commanders face a "catastrophic" personnel shortage, she noted cases where commanders had denied referrals for treatment of injuries, urgent and planned operations, acute PTSD or panic attacks, and symptoms of severe concussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding military unit transfers, servicemembers were promised in November a more efficient way for transfering between units using the Army+ app. However, she wrote, "very often commanders do not carry out the transfer order or specifically transfer servicemen against their will to other positions, which complicates the execution of the order." "Now we're also solving these issues manually, where we have time. But it's obvious that we need to look for a systemic solution," Reshetylova wrote. Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced in April that it would create the new military ombudsman position to ensure soldiers had a way to report violations of their rights. Read also: The flaws in Ukraines new brigades and foreign training programs Ukrainian troops withdraw from, launch attack on Chasiv Yar refractory plant 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. "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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SBU detains metro engineer who allegedly directed Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, Kharkiv 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 announcement coincides with multiple reports from Ukrainian law enforcement agencies on Jan. 18 exposing alleged instances of treason and plots to aid Russia's war against Ukraine. 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. 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. 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. Read also: As Trump prepares to take office, Kyiv awaits his teams next moves Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has held a phone conversation with Antony Blinken on his final day as US Secretary of State before transitioning power to the new administration. Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Sybiha shared that during the farewell call, he expressed gratitude to Antony Blinken "for his crucial role at a watershed moment in history that helped ensure Ukraine's survival as an independent, free and European nation". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We value our strategic partnership and rely on continued support from the new US administration." Background: Earlier this week, Blinken stated that the Trump administration has the necessary conditions to assist Ukraine in reaching a favourable agreement to end the war, should Kyiv decide to initiate such negotiations. He emphasised that any agreement must include effective deterrence to prevent Russia from launching another war. On the evening of 18 January, President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington ahead of his inauguration, scheduled for 20 January. Support UP or become our patron! Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has directed the military to initiate an investigation into the 156th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces announced on Jan. 19. The investigation comes on the heels of a state probe into the French-trained 155th "Anne of Kyiv" Mechanized Brigade. Deputy Commander-in-Chief Oleh Apostol will lead the investigation, the General Staff said in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The purpose of the work is to check the progress of the brigade's formation and provide comprehensive assistance in organizing and preparing for combat operations," the post read. Recent inspections of the 156th Brigade revealed "a number of significant shortcomings," according to the military. Plans to address these problems include replacing the brigade's leadership, appointing a commander with practical combat and command experience, and transferring combat-tested officers and sergeants into the unit. Read also: Putin is destroying Russia by not making a deal to end war, Trump says Other necessary steps involve improving practical training for personnel and increasing training for drone pilots and electronic warfare operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It should be noted that the mistakes that occurred during the formation and training of the 155th 'Anne of Kyiv' Brigade have been taken into account, and measures are being taken to prevent them in the future," the General Staff said. The 156th Brigade is one of 14 new brigades formed by Ukraine's Ground Forces in recent months. The newly formed brigades have faced front-line challenges and accusations of mismanagement particularly the 155th, the French-trained brigade at the center of a mass desertion scandal. Ground Forces Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi said on Jan. 8 that "inadequate management," "mistakes in recruitment," and "imperfect training planning" contributed to the problems with the 155th Brigade. The general's remarks followed a media investigation that claimed soldiers of the unit, deployed near the front-line hot spot Pokrovsk, suffered heavy losses and deserted in large numbers due to poor command and organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 155th Brigade was intended to be a flagship project for Ukrainian brigades trained and armed with the assistance of foreign partners. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in June that France would provide training and military supplies as part of this initiative. Read also: The flaws in Ukraines new brigades and foreign training programs Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Air defence units are responding to a Russian attack in Kyiv Oblast. The wreckage of downed Russian UAVs has caused damage to a residential building and two cars. Source: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Quote: "Kyiv Oblast! Drones have been reported in the airpace. Air defence forces are engaging targets." Details: At around 17:00, Mykola Kalashnyk, the acting head of the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, reported that wreckage from a downed Russian drone had damaged a private building and two cars in one of Kyiv Oblast's settlements. The building suffered minor damage, including a broken facade and crushed windows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No casualties have been reported, and no strikes on critical or residential infrastructure have occurred. Debris has been discovered outside the settlements, dropping on open land. Update. The all-clear was given at 18:45. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has announced that Ukraine is working on developing its own air defence and missile systems to deter and counter Russia's use of Oreshnik missiles. Source: Syrskyi in an interview with Ukrainian TV channel TSN, aired on the evening of 19 December Details: Syrskyi described the new Russian Oreshnik missile as "a threat, which only a few air defence systems can intercept at present". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that Ukraine currently lacks such systems but emphasised the importance of securing them. Quote: "This drives us to develop our own air defence system, which would not only address aerial threats but also act as an anti-missile system. It encourages us to actively engage in negotiations with allies to obtain such systems. Moreover, it compels us to create a modern missile system capable of serving as a deterrent against the use of such weapons by Russia." More details: When asked whether these Ukrainian anti-missile and missile systems are theoretical or practical, Syrskyi stated that "work in this direction is actively ongoing. I hope we will achieve the desired outcome in the near future". Background: Ukraines Air Force noted that during the 21 November (2024) missile attack on the city of Dnipro, Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile. Ukrainska Pravda sources reported that it could have been a Rubezh missile, a potential carrier of nuclear warheads. Later, in his address, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin indirectly confirmed US reports, stating that during the morning attack on Dnipro on 21 November, Russia used the Oreshnik medium-range missile. On 28 November, Putin announced the alleged start of mass production of the Oreshnik system. He said he could use the Oreshnik missile against "decision-making centres in Kyiv". Defence Express specialists reported that an analysis of the fragments of the medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik disproves Putin's claims that it is a cutting-edge development. One of the components bears a serial number and production date 12 April 2017. The fact that this missile includes a part over seven years old indicates that this specific Oreshnik was likely assembled around 2017-2018 and has been stored in a warehouse since then. The Financial Times has investigated which Western companies' equipment Russia uses to manufacture the medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik. Support UP or become our patron! US Senator Marco Rubio, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as Secretary of State, has promised to exert diplomatic pressure on Thailand to prevent the deportation of 48 Uyghur detainees who have been held in the country since 2014. These individuals fled alleged persecution in Xinjiang, China, seeking refuge in Thailand, Voice of America (VOA) reported. Rubio, a staunch critic of China, made the remarks during his Senate confirmation hearing, asserting that the US-Thailand relationship could play a pivotal role in resolving the issue. "Thailand is a very strong US partner, a strong historical ally," Rubio stated. "That is an area where I think diplomacy could really achieve results because of how important that relationship is and how close it is." He further elaborated on the harrowing plight of the Uyghurs, describing their persecution in China as "one of the most horrifying things that has ever happened." Rubio condemned China's actions, claiming that the Uyghurs are "basically being rounded up because of their ethnicity and religion, and they are being put into camps... stripped of their identity... and into forced labour -- literally, slave labour." Human rights advocates have long warned that sending the Uyghurs back to China would likely result in torture, long imprisonment, or even their disappearance. Rubio's stance is also reflected in his legislative actions. He co-sponsored the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act, which prohibits imports from Xinjiang unless they are certified free from forced labour. His criticism of China's human rights violations has led to Chinese sanctions against him since 2020. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have recognised China's actions in Xinjiang as genocide, with a 2022 United Nations report indicating that China's policies could amount to crimes against humanity. However, China denies these accusations, framing its actions as counter-terrorism efforts. The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok has contested the Uyghurs' status, claiming that some of them have links to terrorism. "A small number of individuals, enticed by external forces, fled abroad and even joined the 'East Turkestan Islamic Movement,' [ETIM] a terrorist organisation recognised by the United Nations, becoming terrorists themselves," the embassy stated. Despite these claims, there is no evidence linking the detained Uyghurs to terrorism. The US delisted ETIM as a terror group in 2020, citing a lack of clear evidence of its existence, according to Congressional Research Service. Julie Millsap, the government relations manager for the Washington-based group No Business With Genocide, dismissed China's allegations, pointing out that there is no evidence to support claims of terrorism against the Uyghurs. She argued, "The PRC cannot claim concurrently that it has a population of happy, dancing Uyghurs while labelling asylum seekers as extremists." Further developments on the issue include reports from Arslan Hidayat, team lead of the Save Uyghur campaign, who revealed that Thai immigration officers attempted to photograph 43 Uyghur detainees and have them sign documents similar to those used in a mass deportation of over 100 Uyghurs to China in 2015. Fearing another forced repatriation, the detainees launched a hunger strike, which is still ongoing, reported VOA. Hidayat stated, "Last week, I learned from the detainees that Thai immigration officers attempted to photograph 43 Uyghur detainees and have them sign documents similar to those used in 2015, when more than 100 Uyghurs were forcibly repatriated to China." In addition to the 43 Uyghurs, five are imprisoned after a failed escape attempt. A United Nations report has raised alarms about "degrading treatment or even torture" of the detainees, highlighting the death of five individuals, including two children. The UN urged Thai authorities to refrain from deportations without adequate legal processes or protections. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also called on Thailand to release the detained Uyghurs and ensure their safe passage to a third country. HRW Asia Director Elaine Pearson expressed concern, saying, "Successive Thai governments have kept the Uyghurs in inhumane detention, while under pressure from the Chinese government to send them to China." The organisation has urged Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government to halt the cycle of deportations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been monitoring the situation, with spokesperson Babar Baloch reiterating the agency's concerns. "We continue to remind the authorities of their obligations on non-refoulement and to advocate for alternatives to detention," Baloch said. Zumretay Arkin, Vice President of the World Uyghur Congress, raised concerns about Thailand's ongoing discussions with China about Uyghur deportations, particularly in light of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "We remain concerned about their fate and continue to increase public pressure," Arkin noted. The organisation has called for global protests outside Thai diplomatic missions to demand action. The story of Rahile, a 32-year-old Uyghur mother of three, further underscores the human toll of Thailand's handling of the detainees. Rahile, whose husband has been detained in Bangkok since 2014, described the emotional and physical strain her family has endured. "We had just built our home [in Xinjiang] and were living a normal life when everything turned into a nightmare 12 years ago," she recalled, as per reports by VOA. After fleeing with her children, her husband remained behind and was later detained in Thailand. Although she managed to reunite with her children in Turkey, her husband's fate remains uncertain. Rahile expressed the anguish of her children, who have never met their father, saying, "My children ask why their father isn't here. I have no answer for them." (ANI) Olha Reshetylova, the Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel and Their Families, reported receiving 3,876 complaints in 20 days, over 300 of which were unrelated to her office's mandate. Source: Reshetylova on Facebook Details: Reshetylova identified the leading issues among complaints as delays in referrals to military medical boards, treatment accessibility, and difficulties in transferring between units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted cases involving a lack of treatment referrals for injuries, urgent and planned surgeries, severe concussions, panic attacks, acute post-traumatic disorders, etc. Quote from Reshetylova: "Military personnel suffer from illnesses for months on end, and often end up deserting their military unit or place of service [which is a criminal offence ed.] just to receive medical assistance. For example, yesterday, I received a complaint from a soldier mobilized with HIV (voluntarily, at the start of the war). His health issues have worsened: bleeding ulcers, ENT complications, and a host of other conditions. His unit refuses to send him for treatment or a military medical board. He has a surgery scheduled for 24 January, yet the unit threatens to report him for unauthorised abandonment of the unit. Why? What is the unit trying to achieve? The death of this soldier? Effective performance of tasks in his condition?" Details: Reshetylova also revealed that, at times, she personally calls commanders to request them to sign the permits for time off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She pointed out that some commanders are not complying with orders for transfers to other units, despite prior commitments. The ombudswoman described the issue of desertion as a "complex problem" and shared instances where soldiers returned after it but remained unpaid and unassigned for over four months, in what is effectively slavery. She acknowledged, however, that progress had been made in some cases, and the issue of desertion was "practically resolved". Quote from Reshetylova: "The State Bureau of Investigations is delaying the processing of appeals by military personnel seeking reinstatement, necessary documents, or court petitions to lift criminal charges. Even after court rulings to close cases and exempt them from criminal liability, soldiers are not reinstated due to the lack of a mechanism for such reinstatement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Reshetylova added that the Office of the Military Ombudsperson is also working on cases involving missing soldiers from the 155th Separate Mechanised Brigade. Six complaints have been filed regarding torture, beatings, and ill-treatment. In one case, the Office identified a battalion commander responsible for such actions and submitted a report to the State Bureau of Investigations. Support UP or become our patron! The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said Sunday it has 4,000 truckloads of humanitarian aid ready to enter Gaza, with half of the shipments containing essential food supplies and flour. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed optimism that attacks on aid convoys within the Gaza Strip could decrease as humanitarian efforts are expected to intensify. Meanwhile, the Cairo-based Al Qahera News, said around 160 trucks have already moved via the Rafah crossing on the way to the Kerem Shalom crossing which is controlled by Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added that among the trucks, five or six loaded with fuel have moved from Rafah. The broadcaster did not say if the trucks have already reached Gaza. Hamas in a statement said "We are following up on the operations of bringing in aid and providing relief to our people with whatever is necessary." MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) A former quartermaster of a central Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars post was sentenced Wednesday after stealing funds from the agency. According to the Ohio Attorney Generals Office, the former quartermaster from VFW Post 4044 in Union County has been ordered to repay more than $35,000 in stolen funds. Court documents state that Guy Andonian engaged in a check-writing scheme and siphoned $35,007.30 from charitable accounts between October 2017 and September 2019. Investigators found that checks with notes in the memo reading help veterans in need were issued from the VFW posts charitable accounts to be cashed by co-conspirators in Union County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Union County Common Pleas Court, Andonian pleaded guilty to telecommunications fraud, a third-degree felony, and was sentenced to make full restitution of the stolen funds and serve five years of community control. Andonian is also barred from serving as a financial power of attorney or in any fiduciary capacity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The word historic is too often bandied around nowadays for inconsequential events. But the inauguration today of the 47th president of the United States certainly merits the accolade. Donald Trump will become the first occupant of the White House to be sworn in once again after a hiatus of four years since Grover Cleveland in 1893. With extreme cold forecast for the US capital, the ceremony has been moved indoors for the first time since Ronald Reagans second inauguration in 1985. This will deny Mr Trump what he had hoped would be a huge crowd to witness a moment that few except himself thought was possible. But it will also mean there is no dispute about the number of attendees as there was in 2017, when the new president claimed more than one million turned up. What can we expect from a second Trump presidency? His first term began with overblown predictions of chaos both at home and around the world. His detractors thought him capable of triggering a world war and yet global tensions have worsened under his successor Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceasefire in the Middle East was agreed only because Mr Trumps arrival made it an imperative for both sides. Whether it holds is another matter, but the president is clearly intent on seeing that it does. He has pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, though on what terms no-one yet knows. Kyiv is clearly concerned that he will give too much to Vladimir Putin, not least because some members of the new cabinet are ambivalent on the subject. But if there are doveish noises towards Moscow, China and Iran are feeling the full blast of hawkish rhetoric. Mr Trump is preparing to sign dozens of executive orders within days that will give an early indication of whether he will follow up on his campaign pledges. He has threatened tariffs against China of 60 per cent or more, yet one of his advisers, Elon Musk, is implacably opposed to measures that interfere with free trade and his own business interests in particular. A global trade war will help no-one except some US commercial interests and certainly not the UK. It is a paradox that some of Mr Trumps biggest cheerleaders profess themselves to be anti-protectionist. Perhaps they believe Britain will not be in the Trump sights but any impact on world trade will affect our economy and the Governments growth ambitions. History is being made but on which side of it are we? 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A group of UNLV nursing students turned a weeks worth of outreach and planning to stage a heartwarmingly successful donation drive Saturday to help first responders fighting and community members reeling and recovering from the deadly Los Angeles-area wildfires and the fires in the Pacific Palisades in particular. Every person that weve asked for help has said, How can I help more,' Caryn Ramsey, the fourth-year nursing student and a student government president who organized the event. And thats just very touching. Ramsey and about 30 other studentsalong with some 15 faculty membersput out the word that they planned on collecting clothing, nonperishables like water and canned food, and other necessities and delivering them by truck to first responders and those in Southern California who are rebuilding their homes and lives after weeks of historic burning in so many communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not going to give everybody everything, Ramsey said, echoing a sentiment conveyed to her by one of her colleagues. But it is going to make an impact. The impetus for the impressive drive was an email from a first-year nursing student, Kayla Oseguera, who left her home in Southern California for UNLV at the beginning of January. Within a few days of her arrival and of her new life in Las Vegas her homeland was on fire and she wrote an email to her fellow UNLV nursing school students for help. That email was her action, Ramsey said. I know that UNLV has such a supportive community for their students, Oseguera said. And I knew that I could call on them and that they would show up and they would help bring together a piece of my UNLV community back home where they need it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the community delivered. At the drive Saturday, volunteers unloaded cars full of donations at the UNLV Clinical Simulation Center on Charleston Boulevard at the intersection of Shadow Lane near UMC. Other volunteers throughout the UNLV community also delivered, including volunteers from the School of Dental Medicine, who packed by hand over 1,000 dental hygiene kits into plastic bags. I kind of want to cry because its so heartwarming, Oseguera said. Its so, so, so heartwarming. The organizers say they still have a need for high-protein energy bars and energy drinks to give to firefighters and first responders. They may hold another drive on Friday, January 24, on UNLVs main campus. For more information or to donate money electronically, please email sonstudentgov@unlv.edu. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A U.S. ban of TikTok began to take effect on Sunday, capping a high-stakes battle that pitted the federal government against one of the nation's most popular social media platforms. Congress passed the measure last spring with overwhelming bipartisan support, granting TikTok a 270-day window to cut its ties with China-based parent company ByteDance or face a ban. Instead of initiating a sale, however, TikTok pursued a legal challenge on First Amendment grounds that ended in failure at the Supreme Court on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unanimous ruling from the nation's highest court found merit in national security concerns regarding potential user data collection or content manipulation that the Chinese government might undertake. Yet the ultimate fate of TikTok remains uncertain. Rather than force TikTok to take the app dark, the ban targets third-party companies like cloud-service providers and app stores, meaning TikTok could circumvent such restrictions, at least temporarily. MORE: Will TikTok users be able to access the app after a potential ban? Experts explain The platform became unavailable for some users Saturday evening, with a popup message in the app saying, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now." By Sunday morning, App stores run by Apple, Google and Samsung began removing the app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration said earlier this week that it would not enforce the ban on Sunday, leaving implementation of the measure to President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Monday. Trump has vowed to reverse the ban. Here's what could be next for TikTok. TikTok's quality is expected to worsen TikTok could remain available for U.S. users over the coming days and weeks but the app would likely degrade in quality, experts previously told ABC News. The reason is because the ban would place restrictions on app stores and hosting companies, which provide the digital infrastructure on which web services like TikTok depend. Mandatory withdrawal of the app from major app stores would not only bar new users from downloading the app, it also would prevent existing users from updating it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple in a support update posted on Sunday said users who already installed ByteDance apps will be able to keep them on their device. "But they cant be redownloaded if deleted or restored if you move to a new device," Apple said. "In-app purchases and new subscriptions are no longer possible." Without updates, the app would worsen in quality over time, some experts said for example, through inconveniences such as video-loading delays and performance glitches. A separate stipulation in the ban would also make it illegal for hosting companies to provide services for TikTok. The measure offers a fairly broad characterization of such firms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok would stop functioning if the firm's U.S.-based hosting companies stopped providing services. However, the social media giant could establish partnerships with hosting companies outside the U.S., putting them out of reach of U.S. enforcement in theory, at least. Such a move would keep TikTok available to U.S. users, but the service would likely be slower and glitchier as the digital infrastructure moves farther away, experts said. PHOTO: In this Jan. 31, 2024, file photo, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE) Trump has vowed to reverse the ban Trump is considering what executive actions he has available to allow TikTok to keep operating, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. One option is an executive order that could attempt to direct the government to not enforce the law, but that avenue faces legal roadblocks, experts told ABC News, chief of which is that an executive order can't override a law that Congress has passed and that has now been upheld by the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's Justice Department could still opt against enforcement of the law, reassuring app stores and cloud-service providers that they wouldn't face prosecution in the event of a violation. While the Justice Department has enforcement discretion, app providers like Apple and Google could still be subject to hefty fines under a law that has a five-year statute of limitations, which would extend it beyond the length of Trump's presidential term. Pam Bondi, Trump's nominee for attorney general, declined to say during her confirmation hearing this week whether she would commit to enforcing the TikTok ban. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who will attend Trump's inauguration after receiving an invitation from the incoming administration, thanked Trump in a video posted to TikTok on Friday after the Supreme Court ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States. This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship," Chew said. MORE: Tech giants sounded the alarm about climate change. Now they're warming up to Trump Congress may take up the ban a second time TikTok may await a potential repeal of the law that banned the app in the first place. A repeal would require passage in both houses of Congress, landing the measure on Trump's desk for his signature. Congress voted in favor of the ban only nine months ago. In the House of Representatives, the ban passed by an overwhelming margin of 352-65. In the Senate, 79 members voted in favor of the measure, while 18 opposed and three abstained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, however, Trump has voiced his disapproval of the measure and Republicans have taken control of both chambers of Congress. Even so, whether such a repeal would make its way to the floor, and its fate should it do so, are impossible to forecast. ABC News' Selina Wang, Katherine Faulders, Steven Portnoy, Elizabeth Schulze and Devin Dwyer contributed to this report. US bans TikTok. Here's what could come next originally appeared on abcnews.go.com PHILADELPHIA (AP) As U.S. police departments release preliminary or finalized 2024 crime numbers, many are reporting historic declines in homicides and drops in other violent crimes compared to 2023. In many parts of the country, though, those decreases don't match the public perception. Experts say most cities are seeing a drop in crime levels that spiked during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. But they say misleading campaign rhetoric in the runup to the November elections and changes in how people interpret news about crime have led to a perception gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presence of even one murder has a great cost, said Kim Smith, the director of national programs at the University of Chicago's Crime Lab. Violence interruption and intervention programs have helped decrease gun violence and homicide numbers in Chicago and elsewhere, Smith said. But even with fewer crimes, people experiencing it in their neighborhood lowers their perception of being safe. "The presence of those crimes is the thing that people get the most distress from, and that has the biggest impact on people being able to enjoy their neighborhood and on quality of life, she said. Jeff Asher, cofounder of AH Datalytics, tracks crimes across the country using law enforcement data for the group's Real-Time Crime Index. He said the data, which lags by about 45 days rather than being reported quarterly or annually like a lot of crime statistics, allows communities and experts to evaluate and respond to trends as they are happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early in 2024, Asher noticed cities were largely seeing historic declines in homicide numbers, but much more muted declines in other violent crimes. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Houston, Detroit, Baltimore and dozens of other cities have reported drops in homicides last year compared to 2023. Some saw small decreases, including New York, which had 14 fewer homicides than the 391 reported in 2023. But others had large decreases, including Philadelphia, which had 255 in 2024 compared to 398 in 2023. Homicides did increase in a few cities, including Charlotte, North Carolina, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Asher said. Other crimes were a little more unpredictable. Robberies were down in all of the 10 largest U.S. cities that have released final or preliminary end-of-year figures for 2024. And across the board, car thefts were down by double-digit percentages. But sexual assaults and aggravated or felony physical assaults were up in several of those cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some ways, Is crime up? is a poorly defined question. Do you mean murder, do you mean the FBI definitions, are you talking about car theft, or are you talking about shoplifting or things that are difficult to measure? Asher said. Or maybe youre thinking of things that arent criminal at all. Maybe you see something happen downtown that makes you feel unsafe and gives you that perception. Mike Lawlor, an associate professor of criminology at the University of New Haven and a former legislator, said experience of crime can be skewed by neighborhood apps where anyone who has a package stolen or sees something that might not be criminal posts it for public consumption. He said it also can be skewed by intense media coverage of isolated incidents. You just become much more likely to hear about these things on local tv news and because of social media or these apps, Lawlor said. When in reality, but for the pandemic, we would have been at historic lows on crime. The pandemic put a hold on a lot of programs that have had success decreasing gun violence because a lot of that work requires face-to-face conversations to identify the most at-risk individuals and provide services or programs to them, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Lawlor said, politics plays a role in why the public perception hasnt matched the overall decades-long decreases in crime, or the decreases post pandemic. An October Gallup poll asking Americans to characterize whether they believe crime is up, and how serious of an issue crime is, saw a drop this year over last year in the percentage of respondents who thought crime was increasing, from 77% to 64%. But the disparity between Republicans and Democrats was still high, with 90% of Republicans compared to 29% of Democrats in the most recent poll believing there is more crime. Why do people think its worse now than its ever been? The person they just elected tells them its the worst ever. Those messages from politicians have an impact, Lawlor said, adding that politicians from both parties try to avoid being labeled soft on crime. Experts at the University of Chicago's Crime Lab have been diving deeper into the data to look beyond crime being up or down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an analysis released in December, researchers found that the lethality of shootings had increased by almost 45% since 2010, and the number of shell casings recovered per shooting victim has more than doubled in that time, meaning someone who heard a shooting in their neighborhood might hear volleys of gunfire rather than a shot or two, which can affect their perception of safety. Smith stressed that despite the homicide rate decreasing, Black residents are still much more likely to die of gun violence than their white counterparts, a staggering 22 times more likely in Chicago. It's a question of who is seeing the benefits of that progress because of the way violence is concentrated, she said. Even though they are safer, that burden still exists disproportionately in communities of color. That to me seems to be the perception difference. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Sunday, one day before he and President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office. Vance and Han discussed an array of topics including fentanyl, balancing trade and regional stability, the Trump-Vance transition team said in a statement. Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the inauguration after winning last year's presidential election. Xi has sent Han in his place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance's meeting with Han follows a recent phone call between Trump and Xi. During the call, the two leaders discussed issues including TikTok, trade and Taiwan. It was the first known phone call between the pair since Trump's election in November. The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that Trump has told advisers he wants to travel to China after he takes office. If the trip happens, it would mark his second visit to China as president. Trump traveled to Beijing in 2017 during a trip to Asia where he visited several other countries. (Reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Nia Williams) A journalist from Khairpur in Pakistan's Sindh, has been accused of faking his own kidnapping to create a false case against his cousins over a land dispute, police revealed on Sunday, as reported by Dawn. Fayyaz Solangi, a journalist based in the area, had earlier posted a distressing video on his Facebook account claiming that he had been abducted by dacoits demanding a ransom of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 10 million. The video, which also showed Solangi chained and tortured by a masked man, led to protests among journalists in several towns of upper Sindh. The video sparked public concern, prompting fellow journalists and police to search for Solangi after he was reported missing on January 12. His motorcycle was found abandoned along a link road at around 7:00 pm. The following day, Solangi's uncle reportedly received a ransom call from the supposed kidnappers, demanding the large sum for his release. This led to immediate action from the Sindh government, with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah instructing the police to recover Solangi and report back, reported Dawn. Following an operation in Kashmore, the police recovered Solangi and discovered that he had staged his kidnapping. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khairpur, Tawheed Memon, confirmed that Solangi had fabricated the entire ordeal as part of a plan to frame his cousins over an ongoing land dispute. Memon further revealed that Solangi's uncle, Mazhar Solangi, was arrested for his involvement in orchestrating the false kidnapping. In response to the incident, Solangi's employer, KTN News Group, announced his dismissal for faking the kidnapping. The organisation stated that it no longer had any professional ties with Solangi, condemning the act as a violation of journalistic integrity, as per reports by Dawn. The case has now drawn attention to the ethics of reporting and the impact of such staged incidents on the media community. (ANI) When Donald Trump takes office, his greatest challenge will be how he deals with the new axis of totalitarian states. This axis comprises China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, Myanmar and a growing number of others. With China at its heart, it poses the greatest threat the Free World has faced since the Cold War. China is a dictatorship, committing genocide in Xinjiang to eradicate the Uyghurs, it uses forced labour, persecutes religious groups and democracy campaigners. China is now building up its military and navy at an astonishing rate, to challenge the US. It has asserted ownership of disputed strategic territories in the South China Sea. Perhaps most critical is its threat to invade Taiwan. The interesting thing about brutal dictators is that they tell you in advance what their ambitions are, as in the 1930s. Leaders in the West failed to believe Hitler and tens of millions died. Vladimir Putin couldnt be clearer about his plans for greater Russia including Ukraine (as his seizure of Crimea demonstrated). Xi Jinping has made no secret of his plans to turn China into the dominant global superpower militarily and economically. He believes democracy and human rights are an aberration and that his form of autocracy is the historical norm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having betrayed the Sino-British treaty on Hong Kong and grabbed the South China Seas, with the West barely making a whimper, now he plans to annex Taiwan too. Yet China does not work alone. China is still a very close partner of Putins Russia. Both observed the chaotic withdrawal of western troops from Afghanistan and will have reached the same conclusion that the West lacks the leadership and perseverance to stay the course. It was that debacle that emboldened Putin to invade Ukraine. The resulting brutal war dominated by Russian barbed wire, mines and drones has led to hundreds of thousands of dead and wounded. Even now, Ukrainian men and women fight for every inch of their precious land, paying with their lives. The harsh reality is that most European countries ignored the signals and had hollowed out their defence capability, spending instead on what they saw as domestic priorities. Whilst the UK led the way early in supporting Ukraine, too many Western European countries were slow to act, dependent for their energy on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2023 I went to Washington with a small group of Conservative MPs to discuss the proposed funding for Ukraine, which at that time hung in the balance in Congress. This was not long after the October 7 massacre. Understandably, those Congressmen and women we met said their priority was to ensure the IDF defeated this terrorist group. Their two priorities were Israel and Taiwan. My response was that these three issues cannot be separated. The attack on Israel helped both Russia and China, by taking Americas attention off Ukraine and Taiwan. The resultant delay in approving vital military supplies cost Ukraine dear in lost territory. This axis will have suspected that Israels needs would outweigh Kyivs in the US, giving Russia time and isolating Ukraine at a critical moment. Trumps plans to achieve some kind of peace accord between Putin and President Zelensky are on the face of it laudable. However, as Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher knew, the lesson of the Second World War was that peace without justice never lasts. Remember how Hitler was given the Sudetenland by France and Britain in an attempt to appease him - a year later Hitler invaded the rest of the country. I have been to Ukraine on a number of occasions and seen first-hand the astonishing bravery of the Ukrainian people. Their fight should be seen as our fight in the West. Ukraine deserves more than a short-term settlement, in which Putin is rewarded for his brutality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope President Trump recognises that Ukraines predicament has come about because of weak leadership in the west and its appeasement of Russia and China. If Ukraine is forced to accept Russias hold over 20 per cent of their country, as part of a settlement, then in echoes of 1938 Putin will be back for the rest. And with China looking on, our weakness will mean Taiwan is next. I pray we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. 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. Hours after it went dark, TikTok appeared on the verge of a reprieve. Following his inauguration Monday, President-elect Donald Trump said he will issue an executive order to keep the popular social media site up and running for another 90 days -- in the hopes of finding a buyer acceptable to the U.S. government. TikTok is owned by the Beijing-based ByteDance --- and that is the beginning and end of its problematic U.S. presence. American officials feared the companys cozy relationship with the Chinese Communist Party represented a national security risk -- given it had access to data from 170 million Americans and counting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says he will issue an executive order Monday to get TikTok back up Last April, President Biden signed a law putting TikTok on notice that its days operating in the U.S. were numbered -- unless it could find an American buyer. TikTok sued on the basis of free speech. But last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the TikTok ban and by Sunday the site went down. Among those hurt most by the shutdown: The estimated 7 million Americans who conduct business over the site. Self-help author Ken Cadieux of Natick is one of them. I really thought there was a good chance it would go away, Cadieux said. There seemed to be a machine behind it to ban it. That being said, I thought people would look at it as a free speech issue, and that just didnt happen here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cadieux had no choice but to prepare for the end. I had to form a website, he said. I started an Instagram account, started a Facebook account. You check all the boxes just to get yourself out there. But just going to a different platform is not a quick solution, not an easy solution. It takes time. TikTok feared even a short shutdown would result in exactly that kind of migration to other sites. The fate of TikTok is making for strange political bedfellows. Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey was one of a group of Democratic lawmakers calling for an extension to the Biden legislation. Im urging that we create enough time to find a solution, Markey said. We cannot tell 170 million Americans, we cannot tell 7 million businesses that they no longer have this technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Markey said the political process did not work to find a solution in time. The court process took 268 of the 270-day time limit in the legislation to say that the banning of the TikTok app is constitutional, he said. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Multiple fire departments were called to a house fire on Tulip Street in the Village of Liverpool on Friday, Jan. 17. According to a Facebook post by the Mattydale Fire Department, the Liverpool Fire Department received a call just before midnight on Friday for a report of a possible fire in a vacant Liverpool home. The Liverpool Fire Department arrived quickly at the home where they found large amounts of smoke and flames coming from the house, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mattydale Fire Department said the house might have been under renovation. Courtesy of Shane Kisselstein. The Liverpool Fire Department, the Mattydale Fire Department, the Baldwinsville Volunteer Fire Company and other fire departments all responded to the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. Skim off the Top A company has brought a vile new twist on what a "payday" should be: now you, the lowly grunt, are the one that's paying. This, The Guardian's sister publication The Observer reports, is what retail assistants have accused the gig economy platform YoungOnes of doing. Effectively, they say, it's holding their wages hostage by charging the retail workers a fee to receive their money quickly or wait a whole month instead. Under YoungOne's new payment system, the workers must fork over 4.8 percent of the money they made to be paid in one minute, or 2.9 percent to be paid in three days. If they don't pay the fee, the UK- and Netherlands-based startup forces them to wait around 30 days to receive their wages. According to the Oberver's reporting, workers previously got paid within three days without an extra charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People do gig work for short-term cash," Tom Gilliam, a 37-year-old gig worker in Manchester, told The Observer. "It feels like we're being held to ransom. It's so immoral it's unreal." Gigsploitation The alleged payment scheme is a stunningly bleak example of the exploitation that gig workers, which also include roles like Uber and Lyft drivers, are vulnerable to, enjoying few-to-none of the protections that employees do. As freelancers, gig workers aren't considered to be actual employees of the companies they work for. That usually means poorer wages, less job security, and less say (not to mention no healthcare in the US). They're at the mercy of not only their bosses, but the platform that "connects" them to their work. Gillam said that some of his coworkers last week were still waiting to be paid for shifts in late November and early December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They can't really badger their managers because working as a freelancer you have no voice, you might not get any more shifts if you are seen as outspoken," Gillam told The Observer. "It is unfair for people working on a low wage with reduced rights to be charged to get their money quickly," added another colleague at Gillam's workplace. Can't Be Choosers YoungOnes CEO James Medd waved away the criticism by emphasizing that the freelancers aren't forced to pay the fees. "We deeply value the freelancers on our platform and understand the challenges they face, particularly when it comes to payment timelines," he told The Observer. "They have the freedom to decide when, where, and with whom they work." Some UK lawmakers, though, aren't buying it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're deeply concerned that companies will try to get around the law and continue to exploit vulnerable workers by pretending they are self-employed when they should enjoy the full protection of the law," Member of Parliament Liam Byrne, who serves on the Labour government's chair of the business and trade committee, told The Observer. Minister for employment rights Justin Madders said he would request an investigation into YoungOne's alleged practices. "We find it entirely unacceptable for employers to avoid their legal obligations by claiming someone is self-employed when they are not," Madders told The Observer. "Action that reeks of this exploitation is intolerable, and we will not hesitate to ask all relevant authorities to scrutinize such employers." More on gig economy: A Shocking Number of Gig App Workers Were Murdered on the Job Last Year Vivek Ramaswamy plans to bail on President-elect Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to focus on his ambitions to become Governor of Ohio, according to reports. Sources close to the situation told CBS News that his counterpart at the newly-formed panel, billionaire Elon Musk, has undercut Ramaswamy for much of the last few weeks. Vivek has worn out his welcome, a Trumpworld source told the network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026 and incumbent Republican Gov. Mike DeWine is term limited. President-elect Donald Trump picked Ramaswamy and MAGA billionaire Elon Musk to lead the advisory commission tasked with finding $2 trillion in spending cuts after winning the presidential election in November. If Cincinnati-born Ramaswamywho told Trumps transition team of his gubernatorial plans after the election, a source told Politicodoes move to run for the post, it will seriously alter the course of DOGE, which is supposed to report back to the President-elect with its recommendations by July 4, 2026. Citing multiple sources familiar with the meeting, Politico said Ramaswamy was at an all-hands DOGE meeting convened Saturday at SpaceXs Washington headquarters. Musk was not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramaswamy was tasked with the deregulation file, while big picture issues were left to Musk. With the Tesla and SpaceX CEO potentially on his own at the top of the DOGE hierarchy, some inside Trumpworld told the outlet Musk will be able to proceed unencumbered. Elon basically runs the show, one informal Trump adviser noted to Politico. Time is their biggest enemy. Well see. Musk has already rowed back expectations for DOGE, downplaying the hope of finding $2 trillion in cuts last week in an interview with political strategist Mark Penn. I think well try for $2 trillion, he said. I think thats the best-case outcome, but I do think that you kind of have to have some overage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramaswamys plans to lead Ohio, meanwhile, were given added fuel Friday when DeWine opted to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the Senate with his Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. Husted will serve at least until a special election in November 2026, and sources close to DeWine told ABC News that he chose someone he considered capable of winning the seat again that year and in the following election in 2028. His appointment clears one potential opponent from Ramaswamys way: Husted had been planning to run to replace DeWine next year. Trump had reportedly encouraged Ramaswamy in recent weeks to consider an appointment to Vances Senate seat, but Ramaswamy made clear he preferred the Governors office in Columbus. He had already tweeted in November that he was withdrawing his consideration from the Senate seat. Vouchers would just help the rich Sen. Lori Hartog, R-Meridian, and Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, are again bringing forward a bill to provide $50 million in state-funded tax rebates for students who are enrolled in private schools. Basically saying, if one doesnt use the public schools they shouldnt have to pay for it. I am just one of many Idaho residents with children no longer in the school system yet I pay more taxes than a large family of students. They get the per-child tax deduction. I dont. Im not using the tax funded school system. Can I get a rebate too? The average tuition for K-12 private schools in Idaho is $8,980. Even with a $5,000 tax credit, very few low to mid-income families could still afford the remaining $3000 to $5000, so the rebate would mostly benefit the upper-income families that currently have children enrolled in private schools who obviously can already afford it. The old, the rich get richer, again, at taxpayers expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert D. Seymour, Boise Slogans are designed to deceive The slogan money follows the student sells voucher-style school choice funding. Voucher-style funding isnt public school funding. It funds personal choices. Public funding of non-public school choices isnt proven to advance the educational outcomes of ALL children, as Mountain States Policy Center founder Chris Cargill, and others claim. Day 1 of this Legislative Session, Cargills audience of 160+ legislators, lobbyists, citizens and business owners may have swallowed the claim that school choice funding is a reform; its not. Its not for the benefit of ALL students, like our community public schools have always striven to achieve. Returning the focus of funding to that goal would be a real reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cargill proclaims public funds following privately-educated students creates a more flexible system. But its not a public system. Its a non-public system paid for by the public. It completes the mission of the slogan-turned-law No Child Left Behind, which funded [test-based] accountability, flexibility, and choice. The outcome? Generations left behind. Flexibility? Of public money. Choice? Its ours, through our representatives. Stop falling for slogans. Tell your representatives that money follows the student ideology is unacceptable. Reject it. Fully fund our constitutionally-mandated SINGLE system of common public schools. Victoria Young, Caldwell When will we act on climate? As Los Angeles burned for days on end, scientists made an announcement that 2024 was the hottest year on record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With temperatures rising around the globe scientists are warning that the world has entered a dangerous new era of chaotic floods, storms and fires made worse by human-caused Climate Change. The firestorms ravaging our countrys second-largest city are just the latest of extreme weather that is growing more furious as well as more unpredictable. Wildfires are highly unusual in Southern California in January, which is supposed to be the rainy season. The same is true for cyclones in Appalachia, where Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through mountain communities in October. Wildfires are burning hotter and moving faster. Storms are getting bigger and carrying more moisture. And soaring temperatures worldwide are leading to heat waves and drought, which can be devastating on their own. Around the globe, extreme weather and searing heat killed thousands of people last year and displaced millions. In Europe, extreme heat contributed to at least 47,000 deaths in 2023. In the United States, heat-related deaths have doubled in recent decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were in a new era now, said former Vice President Al Gore, who has warned of the threats of Global Warming for decades. These climate-related extreme events are increasing, both in frequency and intensity, quite rapidly. The question remains; when are we going to stop killing our planet from burning fossil fuels to power our homes, cars and industries? Ron Sadler, Salmon Child deaths too high Almost 5 million children worldwide will likely die before age 5 this year, with malnourishment as the underlying cause of half these deaths. While violent conflict and disease contribute to this grim reality, proper nutrition can mean the difference between life and death for countless vulnerable children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nutrition for Growth (N4G) is a global partnership that channels resources toward proven nutrition programs. This funding opportunity only arises every four years, aligning with the Olympics, and will take place again in 2025. I urge the Biden Administration to make a bold pledge to N4G as soon as possible and for Idaho Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher and Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch to advocate for this issue. Such a commitment will not only save lives but encourage other world leaders to follow our lead. We must prioritize child survival. Olivia Paulsen, Nampa A very strange day Jan. 20 is a day laden with a triple layer of irony. On that date, we honor Martin Luther King Jr., an icon of civil rights. On that date, we fly flags at half-staff to honor a former president of impeccable moral character whose presidential accomplishments are finally being recognized. And finally, on that date, we inaugurate a convicted felon, an adjudicated abuser of women, a man without discernible moral character, and a man whose primary ambition is dictatorial power, motivated by a desire for revenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walt Gammill, Boise Politician makes absurd claims John is a really bad plumber because he cannot pay the accordion. This statement is absurd because what does Johns ability as a plumber have anything to do with his ability to play the accordion? Rep. Bruce Skaugs statement that we need to FIX Idahos initiative process because of out-of-state money, is equally absurd. One does not relate in any way to the other. Politicians always complain about out-of-state money. Politicians also dont complain or take issue with out-of-state money donated to them. In checking with the Secretary of States Office I learned that Skaug received out-of-state donations from a company called Swedish Match, which sells vaping, tobacco and nicotine pouches. If out-of-state money is a problem, then lets ban out-of-state campaign donations altogether. That should fix the problem. Proposition 1 came about because over 90,000-plus registered voters, citizens of the state of Idaho felt that it was unfair, underhanded, immoral, wrong and unconstitutional that 170,00 registered voters, who are Idaho citizens, who are paying for an election, they cannot vote in, have been purposely been blocked out of the primary election to the benefit of one single political party. Blair Moncur, Idaho Falls As the ceasefire agreement with Hamas came into effect today, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, emphasised that it could help in bringing back the hostages and ensuring that Hamas is not able to repeat a "massacre" of Israelis like the October 7 attack. Highligthing the regional security dynamics, he stressed on the need to stop Iran's "quest" for nuclear weapons. Ambassador Azar also warned that "peace won't prevail" if Hamas is allowed to rearm and regroup. "The ceasefire Israel signed off to is the first phase of a gradual deal which has the potential of bringing back our hostages and also making sure Hamas won't be ever able to massacre Israelis like it did on October 7th," he said. "Peace won't prevail if Hamas is allowed to rearm and regroup. The Middle East has changed. The Iranian radical regime still constitutes the biggest threat to our region, but it has lost Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. With enough international pressure, we can make sure it stops its quest for nuclear weapons. " He thanked the Indian government as well as the Indian people for its constant and "overwhelming" support. "I'd like to thank the Indian government for supporting our right to self-defence, and we especially appreciate the overwhelming support of the Indian people," the envoy further said. Earlier in the day, the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, came into effect. Notably, the ceasefire deal suffered a delay hours before the implementation of the deal, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would not proceed with the agreed framework until Hamas provided the list of hostages to be released, adding that any violations of the agreement would "not be tolerated". Earlier, the Israel PM Office confirmed that it received the list of hostages who were expected to be released today by Hamas in accordance with the framework of the deal. It further informed that Brigadier General Gal Hirsch will act as the coordinator for hostages and the missing. The Israel PM Office also called for the protection of the privacy of the families of the hostages to the media and the public. Earlier this week, the Israeli government approved the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas by a vote of 24-8, according to a report by Times of Israel. 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. 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 attack on Israel. (ANI) TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A cold front is bringing wintry weather to Tampa Bay early this week, and the community is pulling out the stops to prepare for the low temperatures. Warming centers will open to provide comfort throughout the night for community members to have a safe place to stay warm. Hernando County A warming center will open at the Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gray Grubbs Boulevard in Brooksville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below are the overnight hours of operation: Sunday from 8 p.m. to Monday at 8 a.m. Monday from 8 p.m. to Tuesday at 8 a.m. Tuesday from 8 p.m. to Wednesday at 8 a.m. This center will not provide meals or cots and is not pet-friendly. Pinellas County Seven warming centers are opening across the county both Monday and Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. PSTA will offer free rides to and from these shelters from 5 p.m. through 7 a.m. both nights. Boys and Girls Club : 111 West Lime Street in Tarpon Springs (PSTA Route #19) First United Methodist Church : 411 Turner Street in Clearwater (PSTA Route #52) Boys and Girls Club : 7790 61st Street North in Pinellas Park (PSTA Route #74) First United Methodist Church : 9025 49th Street North in Pinellas Park (PSTA Route #52) WestCare Turning Point : 1801 5th Avenue North in St. Pete (PSTA Route #9) Salvation Army : 1400 4th Street South in St. Pete (PSTA Route #4) Unitarian Universalist Church: 100 Mirror Lake Drive North in St. Pete (PSTA Route #18, 23, 100X) This location requires the use of stairs To support Cold Night Shelters throughout Pinellas County, residents can donate, volunteer, and provide meals or services. Learn more here. As warming centers continue to open, WFLA.com will update the story with locations and times. Residents are encouraged to remain indoors and to bring any pets or plants inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. (Bloomberg) -- The legions of lobbyists who have long worked the halls of Congress and federal agencies to secure their policy priorities have a new target: A shadow federal department run by the worlds richest man, Elon Musk. Most Read from Bloomberg The Musk-run initiative, dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency, is supposed to advise President-elect Donald Trump on spending cuts and regulatory reform. It doesnt yet and may never have any formalized responsibilities or authority. So far, its recruits have been organizing in clandestine meetings blocks from the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But already, companies and industry groups have started looking to the DOGE, above the more traditional committees of Congress and federal agencies, to advance their agendas and protect their interests. The urgency to make inroads with Musks group underscores how special interests see the billionaire as a shortcut to Trump, a way to push their issues to the front of the line. It also shows how an entity ostensibly created to disrupt politics as usual is quickly becoming a target for Washingtons seasoned advocacy apparatus. The exact scope of the lobbying isnt known. As of now, the DOGEs most public structure is its social media account on X, and despite its name, it wont be a department. It might not even be a part of the federal government. That means lobbyists dont have to say if theyre in touch with the organization, an end run around standard disclosure rules. But a handful of companies have nevertheless filed federal reports that theyre either lobbying the group directly or talking with members of Congress about the effort and the issues the entity is likely to tackle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some are doing that work in plain sight. This week, defense contractor L3Harris Technologies Inc. sent a letter to Musk and his partner, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, and posted it on the companys website. L3Harris urged them to endorse four technical changes to the federal contracting process to unleash American industry and make defense acquisition more efficient. Kenneth Bedingfield, the companys chief financial officer, told an investor conference in December that the company was watching the DOGE closely and trying to understand what the focus will be. Were gathering as much information as possible, trying to stay nimble, and then be ready to support as the administration determines its path forward, the budget, the levels, and the mission capabilities that are needed, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The uncertainty surrounding DOGE includes the future of Ramaswamy himself, who views the effort as a springboard to run for governor of Ohio, according to a campaign operative familiar with his thinking. Others either lobbying DOGE or members of Congress with close ties to the effort include interests as varied as broadband internet, health care and retired union workers. The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine is lobbying members of Congress who have joined the DOGE Caucus, trying to get rid of a new Food and Drug Administration regulation on in-laboratory medical tests. RSM, the consulting firm formerly known as McGladrey LLP, is lobbying those caucus members on their roles & responsibilities in relation to the DOGE. The same lobbyist is also lobbying on broadband regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the Alliance for Retired Americans is playing defense, trying to convince Musk to keep his hands off the social safety net programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Richard Fiesta, the director of the union-backed lobbying group, said it would be foolish to focus solely on the traditional budget and appropriations committees in Congress, even if its not clear yet what the DOGE will be. We dont know what this is going to look like, but its being run by somebody who has the president-elects ear, he said. Were in uncharted territory. Its like, which shiny object are they going to pay attention to this week? For us, its all hands on deck to be alert and vigilant. Even members of Congress, typically on the receiving end of lobbying entreaties, are appealing to Musk to turn their policy proposals into reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after the election, Senator Joni Ernst sent Musk and Ramaswamy a seven-page list of ideas to give them a head start on their deliberations. Among the Iowa Republicans suggestions: Selling federal office buildings, auditing the Internal Revenue Service, canceling California transit projects and ending the production of pennies. (All of which are already within the authority of Congress itself.) Access Questions For those who arent members of Congress, lobbying the DOGE directly can be difficult. It has no permanent office and no public email address. Instead, Musk has encouraged people to submit cost-cutting ideas and job applications on his social media app X. To try to get the attention of the DOGE, Sam Geduldig, a Republican lobbyist, said he recently placed a story on behalf of a client with conservative media outlet Breitbart News. It ran with the headline Just DOGE IT! and Breitbarts editor-in-chief then posted the story on X and tagged Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I lobby on X these days, Geduldig said. The reason we gave this story to Breitbart is I thought Elon might see it. Ultimately, Musk and his business interests, and his worldview seem to be at the heart of the DOGE effort. Until it can find more permanent office space, the DOGE is being run out of the lobbying offices of SpaceX the space exploration company owned by Musk himself. In addition to Musks political views and opinions, SpaceX, Tesla Inc. and other of Musks companies have benefited from government contracts, loans, tax credits and other programs raising ethical questions about the billionaires ability to recommend which federal spending programs to cut and preserve. The ethics laws governing DOGE are murky, because its unclear whether it will be a private group or a federal agency. But Noah Bookbinder, of the left-leaning Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said the DOGE is acting like a federal advisory committee and should comply with conflict-of-interest laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have essentially governmental functions being performed apparently without the requirements and oversight that you normally have for government that creates some risks of improper influence or other ethical problems, he said. It creates a lack of transparency. --With assistance from Dana Hull and Emily Birnbaum. (Adds Ramaswamy considering run for Ohio governor in 11th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Every year, the third Monday of January is set aside as a federal holiday to remember and celebrate the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The civil rights icon is known for leading several protests and promoting nonviolent tactics to advance the cause. The Baptist minister was also known for his gift with words, using speeches and essays to inspire the masses. He delivered his most famous speech I Have a Dream on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as part of the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. But his D.C. performance wasnt the speechs premiere. King first delivered an early version of it two months earlier in Detroit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That year was an inflection point for the civil rights movement. Activists like King had popularized forms of nonviolent protest, including sit-ins, boycotts and mass demonstrations like marches. Grand Rapids Public Museum discovers rare slides of Tuskegee Institute in archives On June 23, 1963, King led one of those marches in Detroit. Dubbed the Walk to Freedom, King stood at the front of a throng of people estimated at more than 120,000 as they walked peacefully down Woodward Avenue. It was considered the largest civil rights demonstration in U.S. history before it was topped by the March on Washington two months later. Dorothy Aldridge, a lifelong activist who took part in the march, told Detroit PBS in 2023 that the streets were packed wall to wall with people. More than 100,000 people joined a protest on June 23, 1963, along Woodward Avenue in Detroit. During the Walk to Freedom, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered an early version of his I have a Dream speech for the first time. (Getty Images) There was (so much) excitement, Aldridge said. For one, it was a beautiful day, and no one expected this many people to show out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews break ground on $22M Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State Edith Lee-Payne was 11 years old when she attended the march with her mother. She told Detroit PBS that it did not sink in until much later that she was taking part in something so historic. I did not realize that those marches would be so huge, where we would be talking about it 50 years later, 60 years later, even 10 years later, Lee-Payne said. The march was organized by a group of local pastors and the Detroit Council for Human Rights. According to University of Michigan historians, the march was meant to highlight how racism impacts all people of color. Professor Matthew Lassiter wrote in Detroit Under Fire that the walk exemplified that the South was not alone in its racist treatment of African Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come a long way: A look at Americas fight for fair housing King highlighted several issues facing the Black community in Detroit, including housing discrimination, school segregation, unjust hiring practices and a poor relationship with local police. More than 100,000 people joined a protest on June 23, 1963, along Woodward Avenue in Detroit. During the Walk to Freedom, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered an early version of his I have a Dream speech for the first time. (Getty Images) The march started around 3 p.m. at Woodward and Adelaide Street, concluding 90 minutes later at Cobo Hall. There, approximately 25,000 people crammed into the arena, while the overflow crowd listened outside. Suburban dream, urban crisis: Redlinings affect on Grand Rapids Black community Former Michigan Gov. John Swainson, Congressman Charles Diggs and Cleage spoke at the event, but King was the big closer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His speech started with a nod to history, noting that the Emancipation Proclamation took affect a little over 100 years earlier. King said the order freed the Negro from the bondage of physical slavery. But 100 years later, the Negro in the United States of America still isnt free. Then and now: Finding the scars left by redlining in Grand Rapids The speech weaved through different issues, highlighting notable protests and fights, including the roiling tension in Birmingham, Alabama. He argued against the calls to slow down and cool off, saying gradualism is little more than escapism and do-nothingism, which ends up in stand-stillism. It was not until the final few minutes of the speech that King talked about his infamous dream where the American dream could be achievable for all Americans, not just those born with a certain skin tone. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks to an overflow crowd on June 23, 1963, at Cobo Hall In Detroit. (AP file) He reflected on those who lost their lives in the fight for civil rights: those who fought actively like Medgar Evers and those who were caught up in the maelstrom like Emmett Till. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King reflected on the future in Detroit and beyond one where racial animosity was retired, where the children of former slaves and those of former slave owners could coexist peacefully, and where people could be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin. Local historians call for national honor for GRs Auburn Hills neighborhood The speed ended with Kings dream that the brotherhood of man will become a reality in this day, concluding with a now iconic line that was tweaked for the D.C. version but hit home all the same. With this faith, we will be able to achieve this new day when all of Gods children, Black men and white men, Jews and gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing with the Negroes in the spiritual of old: Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than peanut butter: Why George Washington Carver has his own holiday Afterward, King and leaders of the American Civil Liberties Union praised the Detroit Police Department for its cooperation during the event, perhaps trying to mend a damaged relationship with the local Black community. A copy of a letter that Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. sent to Detroit Mayor Jerome Cavanagh, thanking him for the personal courtesies extended during the Walk to Freedom held days earlier. (Courtesy University of Michigan Department of History) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days after the march, King penned letters to Detroit Mayor Jerome Cavanagh and police Commissioner George Edwards for the smooth execution and peaceful demeanor of the event. Grand Rapids Black baseball history goes beyond the Black Sox As one who bears both the physical and psychological effects of brutal and inhuman police forces in the South, I was both uplifted and consoled to be with a police force that proved to be a genuine protector and a friend indeed, the letter states. Never have I participated in a demonstration for the cause of freedom and justice that was at one and the same time gigantic and disciplined. You can listen to a complete recording of Kings speech here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. After winning the 2024 Presidential Election, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Inauguration Day. The president-elect will take over the role alongside vice president-elect J.D. Vance, who will become the 50th vice president. The public festivities will start at 9:30 a.m. EST in Washington D.C. on Jan. 20 and will include musical performances and multiple speeches. However, due to extremely cold temperatures expected on Inauguration Day, the main swearing-in ceremony will be held inside the Capitol building. Country star Carrie Underwood will take the stage for the swearing-in ceremony. Trump himself will address the nation with the traditional inaugural address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony will be streamed by the White House as well as by major news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC and Fox News. From who will perform to who will attend, here's everything to know about the 2025 presidential inauguration. When is the presidential inauguration? Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty A worker walks along the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on Jan. 17, 2025, A worker walks along the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on Jan. 17, 2025, The 60th presidential inauguration ceremony will take place on Jan. 20, 2025, starting at 9:30 a.m. EST in Washington D.C. The ceremony will be held indoors due to extremely cold temperatures expected in the area, Trump announced on Truth Social on Jan. 17. According to the president-elect, the Inauguration Address, prayers and other speeches will be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, rather than on the West Front of the Capitol. The rotunda, which is enclosed by the dome of the Capitol, will be out of sight from the public. What happens at the presidential inauguration? Getty U.S. President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible on Jan. 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible on Jan. 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Inauguration Day is an American tradition in which the president-elect takes an oath to become the country's next leader and steps into the position immediately after. The day will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with musical performances, followed by opening remarks at 11:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Trump makes his public appearance, he will take part in a service at St. John's Church followed by tea at the White House. At 12 p.m., Trump will officially be sworn in as the next U.S. president when he places his hand on the Bible and takes the presidential oath of office, which per the Constitution reads, "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." Vance will also take an oath of office before he becomes vice president. Trump will then address the nation in his inaugural address, in which he will lay out his goals for the next four years of his presidency. Next, Trump will head into the President's Room, where he will sign key documents before attending a lunch hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Later, he will make his way to the White House to participate in the Oval Office signing ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He will then attend three separate balls the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball and give a speech at each. Who is attending the presidential inauguration? Getty(2); NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Barack Obama; Joe Biden; Jeff Bezos Barack Obama; Joe Biden; Jeff Bezos Per tradition, the outgoing president and their partner attend the inauguration, meaning President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are expected to attend, though Trump chose to forego Biden's inauguration in January 2021. In addition to the president-elect and vice president-elect's families, outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff are also expected at the ceremony. Additionally, many U.S. government officials will also make an appearance at the event, including former presidents and first ladies. However, this year, Michelle Obama confirmed she will not join her husband, former President Barack Obama, at the ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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 said of why the former first lady is forgoing the day. "Michelle doesn't do anything because it's expected or it's protocol or it's tradition." Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also confirmed she will not be present. Three tech billionaires Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos will also be joining around 200,000 attendees at the ceremony, per NBC. The outlet confirmed they will have a prominent spot seated alongside other notable guests such as Trumps Cabinet nominees and elected officials. Who is performing at the presidential inauguration? Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Carrie Underwood performs at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2023 Carrie Underwood performs at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The swearing-in ceremony will see three musical performances, including Underwood, Christopher Macchio and Lee Greenwood. Underwood will sing "America the Beautiful," while Macchio will perform the national anthem. I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event, the American Idol winner said in a statement to PEOPLE. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future. The Village People will perform at the Liberty Ball alongside Jason Aldean and a surprise musical guest. The Commander-in-Chief Ball will feature performances by Rascal Flatts and Parker McCollum, while the Starlight Ball will see Gavin DeGraw take the stage. Where can I watch the presidential inauguration? Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images Presidential Inaugural Parade The White House and various news channels will stream the inauguration live. Fox News and ABC will start airing their coverage as early as 9 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, NBC will kick off its programming with a special edition of the Today show starting at 7 a.m. EST. and a new program starting at 10 a.m. led by Savannah Guthrie and Lester Holt. CNN will start airing its The Inauguration of Donald Trump special live coverage starting at 7 a.m. with anchors Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper. Read the original article on People BAY VILLAGE, Ohio (WJW) Roads are closed in Bay Village Sunday afternoon as water main breaks are causing icy conditions. According to a post on the Bay Village Police Departments Facebook page, Lake Road between Bassett Road and Cahoon Road is closed, and Wolf Road between Fordham Parkway and Clague Road is closed. How cold does it have to be to cancel school? Police are asking people to avoid the areas as hazardous icy conditions are being created from the water pouring into the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents in some areas may also have low water pressure. Cleveland Water has been advised of the breaks but has not given an estimated time of repair, the post said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Former President Donald Trump speaks at a fundraiser for the Alabama Republican Party on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 in Montgomery, Ala. As president, Trump could take many actions to restrict access to reproductive health services. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector) This story originally appeared on The 19th. Sign up for their newsletters. President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration will restore sweeping power to anti-abortion activists staunchest ally, who many in the movement once deemed the most pro-life president in the nations history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years after Trump left office the first time, the state of access looks radically different. Since the 2022 fall of Roe v. Wade, voters across the political spectrum have repeatedly shown they favor reproductive rights, even while voting for GOP lawmakers. Its deterred some Republicans, Trump among them, from at least publicly endorsing restrictions that could be politically toxic. Still, once in office, Trump and his administration would have substantial power to further restrict abortion. And with Roe overturned, the avenues to do so are larger than they were last time. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Theres so many levers he could press, said Greer Donley, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh who tracks abortion policy. Despite his recent wavering, she added, Theres no world in which I think hes not going to do anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps previous actions offer some clues as to what he could do this term, even without help from Congress. Medication abortion Packages of Mifepristone tablets are displayed at a family planning clinic on April 13, 2023 in Rockville, Maryland. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Abortion opponents have urged Trump to impose new restrictions on mifepristone, one of the medications used in most abortions. The Food and Drug Administration, a subsidiary of HHS, has approved mifepristone for use in abortion and has said it can be prescribed over telemedicine and taken from home, decisions grounded in a large body of medical research. The FDA has historically acted with political independence. But that could change. Abortion opponents argue that the agency should be leveraged to limit when and how mifepristone can be used rescinding its telemedicine approval, or even moving to take the drug off the market. Such decisions would go against scientific evidence. Though medical abortion is still possible without mifepristone, using larger doses of a drug called misoprostol, that one-medication regimen is slightly less safe and effective. Some health care providers have said they are unsure if they would continue offering medication abortion without mifepristone. Telehealth abortions using medication now make up about 1 in 5 abortions in the country including many prescribed and provided across state lines, with health care providers in abortion-friendly states sending medication to those in states with bans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about whether he would direct the FDA to revoke mifepristones approval, Trump has been unclear. The Comstock Act Molly Gaebe, a performer and activist with Abortion Access Front, dressed like 19th century anti-vice crusader Anthony Comstock, in front of the U.S. Supreme Court the day of oral arguments in the abortion-pill case, March 26, 2024. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom) Some of the most extreme anti-abortion activists also want the new administration to revive an 1873 anti-vice law known as the Comstock Act, which prohibits the mailing of materials that can be used or applied for producing abortion, or for any indecent or immoral purpose. The law was never repealed, but has not been enforced for decades. Some abortion opponents believe it could be leveraged now to ban the distribution of all abortion medications, or even all abortions entirely. The Biden administrations DOJ has rejected this interpretation. In August, Trump said he would not enforce Comstock. But others in his orbit, including contributors to the conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025, have endorsed that approach. Planned Parenthood and Title X During his last presidency, Trump worked to boot clinics, including Planned Parenthood the nations largest provider of reproductive health care from a federal program that supports family planning clinics for low-income people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program, Title X, does not directly fund abortion; the money supports health care services such as contraception, cancer screenings and testing for sexually transmitted infections. But the reproductive health clinics supported through the program sometimes may refer patients for abortion. Planned Parenthood, a frequent target of abortion opponents, operates the bulk of clinics that qualify for Title X funds. Trumps previous administration forbade Title X clinics from telling patients about abortion options, even if they did not provide the service themselves. The rule resulted in more than 400 Planned Parenthood clinics losing federal funding, along with more than 600 clinics outside of the organization. The Guttmacher Institute, which tracks reproductive health policy, estimates that the change cut the Title X programs capacity in half, affecting about 1.6 million patients. The Biden administration reversed that policy. Trumps first administration also moved to let anti-abortion centers mostly non-medical facilities that focus on discouraging people from getting abortions apply for and receive Title X funds, another policy the Biden administration undid. On the 2024 campaign trail, Vice President-elect JD Vance said that once in office, Trump would support defunding Planned Parenthood suggesting he might bring back the rule upon returning to the White House. Medicaid By law, Medicaid, the public insurance program for low-income Americans, is not allowed to discriminate against qualified family planning providers, meaning beneficiaries should be allowed to use that coverage at Planned Parenthood clinics. Medicaid is jointly funded and run by the federal government and individual states, so it can only cover abortion when the state government has specifically put money toward doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Trumps previous presidency, HHS authorized states to have greater flexibility in determining which providers could participate in the program, a move that some interpreted as easing the way for states to bar Planned Parenthood from Medicaid. In 2024, the Biden administration issued guidance remaining states that they were required to let Medicaid-covered patients choose their family planning provider, and that they could not prohibit a qualified clinic from participating in the program. Currently, two states Arkansas and Missouri have actively enforced laws that prevent local Planned Parenthood clinics from participating in Medicaid. Similar laws in other states have been blocked by courts. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case weighing whether states can in fact kick Planned Parenthood out of their Medicaid programs, even when the insurance plan is not being used to cover abortion. The case concerns a 2018 executive order issued by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who sought to stop Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood. The Justice Department The U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. (File) The Biden administration has actively defended abortion rights in multiple cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One, concerning whether the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act protects abortion access in particular medical emergencies, is pending at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Another, concerning the legality of medication abortion, is making its way through the federal courts as well. After the transition, Trumps Justice Department could drop those cases, or similarly decline to defend abortion rights in court. The new DOJ could also eliminate abortion rights initiatives, such as its Reproductive Rights Task Force, which was established after Roes overturn and monitored state anti-abortion policies that could violate federal law . The incoming administration could take an opposite approach to the DOJ under Biden filing lawsuits that challenge state laws protecting abortion rights, rather than suing states with particular restrictions. Abortion for immigrants The Trump administration sought to deny abortions to pregnant immigrant minors in U.S. custody. That effort was led by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, a subsidiary of Health and Human Services (HHS). E. Scott Lloyd, who headed the office under Trump, personally worked to discourage detained teenagers from getting abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one such case, a 17-year-old woman sought an abortion while detained in Texas. The Trump administration attempted to deny her access, prompting a lawsuit from the ACLU. The young woman received her abortion after a federal appeals court ruling almost two months later. The global gag rule Trumps previous administration said recipients of American foreign aid could not perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning, a rule that weakened reproductive health providers well beyond the nations borders. The global gag rule applied to organizations that received money from government agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development to work in other countries. A version of that policy, which was swiftly reversed by President Joe Biden, had been enforced under previous Republican presidents; Democratic administrations have consistently undone it. The Trump administration took a more sweeping approach in preventing global aid providers from talking about abortion. Under previous GOP administrations, the gag rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy, had applied to organizations receiving funding related to family planning. During the Trump presidency, it affected all global health funding disbursed by the United States. The rules broad reach meant it affected about $12 billion and that covered work in contraception, HIV treatment, child nutrition, water sanitation, malaria and tuberculosis. The State Department under Trumps first term also expanded the policy to include subcontractors who worked with organizations that got American funding, even if they had not received any aid dollars individually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research shows that implementing the global gag rule typically results in family planning clinics shutting down, a decrease in contraceptive use and an increase in abortion. It is not clear whether the broader-reaching Trump rule increased the policys impact. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As Donald Trump returns to the White House, loyalty will be a key aspect of his second term. Unlike 2017, Trump is no longer a political outsider adjusting to Washington for the first time. On Inauguration Day, Trump will be sworn in with a firm grip on the Republican Party. When President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in for a second term on January 20, a lot will have changed since his 2017 inauguration, when he came into office as a political outsider who still elicited skepticism from many in Washington's Republican political class. "They just weren't expecting to win," Peter Loge, an associate professor and the director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, told Business Insider about Trump's victory in 2016. "This time, there's an entire infrastructure. He has plans. There's Project 2025. He's much more like a traditional candidate who's ready to start governing on Day One." Here's a look at how Trump and the country have entered a whole new era as the start of the president-elect's second term approaches: Trump has raked in post-election cash From Meta and Amazon to Ford and GM, a wide range of businesses and CEOs have contributed to Trump's inaugural fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, Trump raised $107 million for his inaugural committee, a staggering sum at the time. Just four years earlier, then-President Barack Obama's inaugural committee raised roughly $43 million. Trump has so far raised at least $170 million for his second inaugural, according to The Associated Press. A full accounting of his inaugural funds isn't due until after he takes office. Trump's business and tech support has grown Ahead of Trump's first term, there was optimism among many in the business community over what they saw as his pro-growth agenda. Trump's $1.5 trillion tax bill, which cut the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, was applauded by leaders who had been vocal about the need for American businesses to remain competitive in a global marketplace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Trump's relationships with many of these leaders fizzled after the August 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., where white nationalist groups unleashed a wave of violence . And many top leaders steered clear of Trump in the immediate aftermath of the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol, where legions of pro-Trump supporters stormed the complex in an effort to stop the certification of President Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory. Trump during the presidential campaign praised Musk's technological advances. Brandon Bell/Pool via AP After Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in November, though, many business and tech leaders actively began to renew or establish relationships with the incoming commander-in-chief. Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla, was ahead of the curve. He spent lavishly to help elect Trump and other GOP candidates last year, and Musk is now seemingly never too far away from the president-elect during major public appearances. Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Apple chief executive Tim Cook, and Musk will be guests at Trump's inaugural, according to NBC News and Bloomberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loge told BI that many businesses have decided that it's "better to be on the Trump train than under it," pointing to the president-elect's penchant for dismissing the traditional workings of Washington and the desire for business leaders to have access to power. "As a result, a lot of businesses are lining up behind Trump pretty rapidly," he said. A Cabinet evolution During Trump's first term, several high-profile members of his Cabinet, like onetime Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions, had turbulent tenures and were fired by the president. President-elect Donald Trump nominated longtime Fox News political commentator Pete Hegseth to serve as his secretary of defense. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images This time around, Trump is leaning heavily on loyalists and longtime supporters in selecting his second-term Cabinet picks and other high-level appointees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the names stand out. Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York has been tapped to serve as US Ambassador to the United Nations, pending Senate confirmation. Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth underwent a tough confirmation hearing but is likely to win enough GOP votes to secure the post. And ex-presidential candidate and Health and Human Services secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who backed Trump's campaign after ending his own candidacy has emerged as a popular figure in Trumpworld over his stances on food and vaccine policies. The million dollar question of Trump's second term is whether or not picking loyalists for his Cabinet will give him the sort of stability that he lacked in his first administration. A less shocking win compared to 2016 Many Americans, who saw the multitude of national polls showing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ahead of Trump in 2016, were genuinely surprised when he won that November. Dan Schnur, who teaches political communication at the University of Southern California and the University of California-Berkeley, told BI that Trump's first election "caused much more disruption" than it did in November 2024. Newspapers around the world showcased Trump's upset November 2016 victory on their front pages. Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images "The idea of Trump beating Clinton was inconceivable to most of the political universe," Schnur said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump's tumultuous first term and his lonely exit from Washington after losing to Biden in 2020, a large segment of the public saw the president-elect's political career as finished. Still, Trump retained his hold over the GOP base, which powered his dominant caucus and primary wins last year. This was the case despite his myriad legal problems, which threatened his general election campaign. Even as Harris' presidential candidacy spiked enthusiasm among Democrats after Biden stepped aside as the party's nominee, Trump still retained an advantage on the economy which was a top issue for voters last November. So when Trump won, it wasn't a shock to many. And the results showed that Trump broadened his appeal, as he won every major swing state and even secured a plurality of the national popular vote. Congress will be more obedient Trump is entering his second term with perhaps his strongest influence over Republicans to date. Lawmakers who may have been reluctant to align themselves with Trump in the past have largely put old feelings aside, embracing the fact that Republicans will now control the levers of power in Washington. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana will play a critical legislative role during the first two years of Trump's second term. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans who defy the party on critical votes are more likely to be met with swift repercussions this time around, mostly in the form of primary challenges and pressure campaigns on social media platforms like X. Trump is also going to be reliant on GOP leaders in Congress namely House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana and Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota to get his ambitious immigration and tax legislation passed. However, while Republicans will enjoy a 53-47 edge in the Senate, they currently have a razor-thin 219-215 House majority, which is set to shrink even further following the expected departures of two members for roles in the Trump administration. The wind is at Trump's back In 2017, Trump was still a political novice and leaned on the legislative relationships that then-Vice President Mike Pence had amassed during his years on Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Back then, he tended to rely on establishment figures whom he felt would give him the necessary credibility in Washington," Schnur told BI. "But he learned over the course of those four years that many of those figures weren't nearly as loyal to him as he had expected." "This time, he's put much more of a premium on personal relationships and loyalty. He's much more confident that the team around him is motivated toward the same goals as he is," Schnur added. Trump now has a unified Congress, and he won a second term on the strength of his prior economic record, giving him a level of public support that he lacked early on in his first term. Once he's is back in office, it'll clearly be a new day in Washington. Read the original article on Business Insider As many as five terrorists were killed by Pakistan security forces, while they were attempting to infiltrate Pakistan's Balochistan province from Afghanistan's Zhob district, Dawn reported citing Pak military's media wing. The ISPR report stated that a group of terrorists was detected attempting to cross the Afghan border into the Sambaza area of Zhob in the early hours of Sunday. The security forces engaged with the group and thwarted their infiltration attempt, a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated. "As a result, five Khwarij were sent to hell," the ISPR statement said, using the term "Khwarij" to refer to members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This encounter highlights the persistent threats from terrorist groups attempting to infiltrate from Afghan soil. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated due to a series of border clashes. Islamabad has consistently demanded Kabul to take action against the TTP, which is allegedly using Afghan territory to launch attacks on Pakistan. However, Afghanistan's interim government has denied these allegations. The ongoing situation along the border underscores the difficulty of managing the porous boundary between the two countries, with frequent skirmishes and violence occurring despite diplomatic efforts, reported Dawn. The TTP, which broke a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan in 2022, has escalated attacks on security forces and law enforcement agencies in recent months. The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan has persistently urged the Afghan government to take responsibility for securing its border and preventing the use of Afghan soil by terrorists targeting Pakistan. "The interim Afghan government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan," the ISPR stated. The military remains firm in its commitment to securing Pakistan's borders and countering terrorism within the country. Pakistan's armed forces continue to carry out operations against terrorist groups trying to cross the border, Dawn reported. In a similar operation last month, security forces killed four terrorists attempting to infiltrate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Khyber district. (ANI) Jan. 18Bundled in warm winter clothing, a couple hundred people Saturday in downtown Spokane joined thousands of others across the nation advocating for women's and LGBTQ rights that many worry will be threatened under President-elect Donald Trump's administration. "Today, we mark the progress of women and LGBTQ communities across our city," Margo Hill-Ferguson, an Eastern Washington University professor, told the cold crowd next to Riverfront Park's red Radio Flyer wagon. "We honor the progress of women who walked before us. Our grandmothers, our great-grandmothers, they did the work." The rally coincided with the People's March, formerly called the Women's March, which drew thousands of people Saturday to Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Spokane, speakers celebrated women's achievements and leadership advancements, voiced their support for abortion and LGBTQ rights and called for an end to violence against women. "We're not going back" was a popular sign and chant Saturday. Several others held signs that read, "LOVE," in white letters against a red background. At least one person held an "ABORTION IS HEALTHCARE" sign, and another carried one that said, "TRUMP VOTERS CONNED AGAIN." Pride and American flags were commonplace at the park. Some attendees held signs on the Spokane Falls Boulevard sidewalk for passing drivers, some of whom honked their horns. There did not appear to be counterprotesters or fights at the rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pat Hughes, 69, of Spokane, said she braved the frigid temperature because she cares about women and their reproductive rights. "I just care about people, and I don't want to go back to the fascist, Nazi-like dictatorship that I'm afraid we're going to have to endure soon," she said. "I want people to have rights, especially people who are a little bit different than the white males who are running everything and the billionaires." Pia Hallenberg, who helped organize the rally, also worried about Trump's presidency. "I have lived with many election results, but this one hurt," Hallenberg said. "This one hurt a lot, and I was really scared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are not going back," she continued. "We're going to have to support each other for the next four years." Zander Ziolkowski walked around carrying a colorful flag with a peace sign on it. His sign said, "Make Love, Not Hate & Love is Power." The 23-year-old Spokane resident said he wanted to spread peace and love at the rally. He said everyone is different, but we're all human. "I like to support who we are as human beings," he said. Hill-Ferguson acknowledged local female leaders like departing U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref, Spokane County Commissioner Amber Waldref and Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown. She said more women and minorities need to be elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill-Ferguson, a Spokane Tribe member, is a former Spokane Tribe attorney and Coeur d'Alene Tribal Court judge. She is now a professor of urban planning and director of Native American Studies at EWU. She called the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade an "assault" on women. She said some maternity doctors are leaving states with abortion restrictions. "This is creating maternity health care deserts, and this affects all of our access to women's health," Hill-Ferguson said. "It's our body, it's our choice. We must do the work." Emi Schwartz, community organizer for Planned Parenthood, told the stories of two women who died because of strict abortion bans and read the names of women across the country who lost their lives because of the bans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Schwartz read each name, the crowd shouted, "We fight for you." "Abortion bans are not just political fodder," Schwartz said. "They are a public health crisis." Rev. Gen Heywood, pastor at Veradale United Church of Christ, also called for reproductive health care rights and encouraged people to support each other. Heywood's church, which is attended by many members of the LGBTQ community, was vandalized in 2023. She said everyone needs to come together, regardless of gender, abilities, skin color or religion especially now. "The myth that we can only help those like ourselves needs to and must stop, stop, stop," Heywood said. The crowd then replied, "Restart together," a phrase Heywood encouraged them to yell after she ended her sentence with the repeated "stop" chant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She encouraged people to collaborate with different social justice groups, so they can help each other's cause. "We must stop, and start supporting each other in the many ways each of us are working on different facets of the diamond of justice," Heywood said. "The lie that some people have to wait for liberty and justice must stop, stop, stop." Jeanette Hauck, CEO of the YWCA Spokane, which strives to eliminate racism and empower women, asked the crowd to commit to making violence against women a thing of the past. "Too often, survivors of violence are blamed or silenced," she said. "That ends today." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Spokane County has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the state. "Let me make one thing clear: we are not powerless," Hauck said. "The time for awareness has passed, and the time for action is now." She urged the crowd to write to elected officials. "Let's raise our voices and hold our leaders accountable," Hauck said. "Strong laws mean nothing without enforcement. We need properly funded resources for survivors, we need legal support, we need shelters, and we need protection orders that work." Over coffee a little while ago, during one of her visits to London from her home in Israel, the British public commentator Melanie Phillips fixed me with her characteristic warm and penetrating gaze and remarked: As you know, Jake, in my career there hasnt been a hill I havent died on. Her penetrating mind is familiar to everybody who knows her work; but her warmth is most tangible in person. Nonetheless, both qualities come across strongly in her new book, The Builders Stone: How Jews and Christians built the West and why only they can save it, which reads like both an anguished letter to friends and a desperate map of blood-stained battlefields. Melanies basic thesis is that the West can only be saved by restoring to its rightful place its foundation stone of Judeo-Christian faith. Prescribing religion as a remedy for a sick society? In these days of arrests of people praying in silence outside abortion clinics, this is one of the least fashionable and most badly defended hills of all. We have arrived at Melanies Little Bighorn. Along the way, however, are many other hills and she defiantly circles the wagons on each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is risky writing. Melanie raises her musket at the destruction of childhood in a tsunami of all must win prizes and drag queen story hour, the liberalisation of drugs and the decline of the family. She also takes aim at the collapse of religion, demographic malaise, the decline of Western deterrence, the denial of Islamism, the weaponisation of human rights and conservatism itself, which has forgotten what it needs to conserve. Several gory hills will take you by surprise. The Greeks. Dawkins. Freud. Eastern religion (part of the Wests ongoing cultural tragedy). Tattoos (I ink therefore I am). Last but by no means least, the author kneels for seppuku on the most dangerous hill of all when she places Islam outside the spheres of progress and modernity, embracing the dagger with both hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are not isolated debates. To Melanie, all are battles in a greater war, one that will only be won when faith is restored in the debauched and arid heart of society. Is she shouting into the wind? Despite the widely publicised uptick in church attendance in recent years, this is little more than a blip in a wider trend of spiritual decline. At one point, Melanie calls for a PR makeover for religion. If the future of the West rests on the Alpha Course, Im packing my bags for Israel. Nonetheless, her call for society to learn lost resilience from the Jews is compelling and her plea for the West to rediscover its soul is both vital and poignant. Last Sunday, I accompanied my wife, who is Christian, to Winchester Cathedral for Evensong. We sat in the carved stalls of the 14th-century quire, between the nave and the sanctuary, and bathed in one of the most numinous choral performances that can be found in England. There were perhaps 30 people there. The population of Winchester is 128,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How can we have forgotten the balm and majesty of faith? I doubt a single reader would stand by Melanie in every skirmish, but there can be no arguing with her on this. Whatever your views on tattoos, or even of Islam, the consequences of spiritual hollowness can be seen all around us. This is not a book for the faint-hearted. But that is precisely why it matters. Melanie deserves our gratitude for the bravery she shows on distant hills; if the barbarians tumble into the lowlands, our culture is lost. In fact, this may have happened already. 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. WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Westfield Public Schools invited the community to visit their brand-new, state-of-the-art elementary school on Saturday. This project has been in the works since 2008 and is finally ready for the community to enjoy. Stolen Windsor fire vehicle found in Northampton, suspect arrested The way this building is designed is just for the future, said Superintendent of Westfield Public Schools Stefan Czaporowski. Its incredible, with the safety of students in mind, and also for our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impressive building included an innovation lab, gymnasium, library, and art and music rooms, all with new equipment. And, the hallway design has a hidden meaning. A painted river river runs through it and represents how the school got its name. The Pre-K through 4th grade school was named after the Westfield River that runs right behind it. The new name signifies the merging of Franklin Avenue and Abner Gibbs Elementary into one. This merge is a big change, but one that Westfield River Principal Jill Phelan says has been seamless and rewarding to see. Its so incredible to be here and be able to have everybody under one roof so that we can enjoy the space, Phelan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students have been in the school since January 6, but on Saturday families, elected officials, and community members got to join them to see all this new community resource has to offer. And Superintendent Czaporowski said theres more on the way. Phase two of the design will include the demolition of the old Franklin Avenue schools and the addition of green spaces, fields, a playground, and additional parking. A true community endeavor, this school can now help build the next generation of innovative leaders. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Political commentators have suggested that the drama surrounding TikTok is a scam to make President-elect Donald Trump look good after he has vowed to save it. The Chinese-owned social media app went dark in the U.S. on Saturday night and posted a message at about 10.30 p.m. Eastern time saying: Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! The Biden administration blasted TikToks statement as a stunt in a statement on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And on Sunday morning, Trump vowed to issue an executive order on Monday, the day of his inauguration, to give the apps parent company ByteDance more time to find a buyer. Early Sunday afternoon, TikTok announced it was in the process of restoring service to the app and thanked Trump for his support. 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, it said in a statement. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. Skeptics have highlighted how Trump was the one who initially called for the controversial Chinese-owned social media app to be banned in 2020. But since Trumps following on TikTok grew he has now amassed 14.8 million followers and he hinted it helped to clinch the election, the president-elect has changed his tune. I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points, Trump said in December. And there are those that say TikTok had something to do with that. Trump signed an executive order to impose sanctions on TikTok in August 2020 (REUTERS) This TikTok scam by Trump is really something, Ron Filipowski, a defense attorney and editor-in-chief of the left-leaning MeidasTouch news outlet said. In a few days, we will be hearing from Trump about how he saved Tik Tok & brought it back. He literally created the problem by calling for a ban. Rs pass a law. It gets banned. It goes dark for a day or 2, then Trump saves it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journalist Aaron Rupar said that Trump now has the big tech companies working on his behalf. Trump hated TikTok (because China) until it helped him win an election (as even he acknowledges) and now hes going to save it and take a victory lap, Rupar said. So hell have X, TikTok, Insta, and Facebook all working on his behalf. Thats a big difference between now and 2017. The message U.S. TikTok users were greeted with when the app went dark (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Heath Mayo, founder of the conservative group Principles First, added: Trump got China to place what amounts to a front-page ad on the phone of every American on TikTok. Selling out US national security to promote himself as some savior. Surprise, surprise. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Ct) said the move by Trump was terrifying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok tucking itself in with Trump. Twitter under control of the White House. Facebook making major changes to placate MAGA, doing PR campaign to align w Trump, Murphy wrote in a post on X. Does everyone not see whats happening here and how terrifying this is. Others shared dismay at the idea that Trump can effectively void a federal law. Im trying, and I hope other people will try, to hold onto the simple notion that a US president cannot simply declare a federal law that was passed last year and literally upheld this week to be a nullityeven if its a not-so-hot law, writer and lawyer Luppe B. Luppen said in a post on BlueSky. The Congress is the body that can amend or repeal federal laws. On August 6, 2020, Trump issued an executive order to impose sanctions on TikTok. The United States must take aggressive action against the owners of TikTok to protect our national security, Trump said in the order. It called for ByteDance to divest its U.S. interests or face sanctions, but Trumps effort to ban the app was then blocked by a federal judge. Trump has thrown his support behind the app more recently (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Since then, he has pledged support for the social media giant, even inviting TikToks CEO to his inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has contacted the Trump transition team for comment. Trumps incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz defended the president-elect on Sunday. He said that Trump was working in real time with tech companies to reach an agreement for new US ownership of TikTok something a number of his allies, including Canadas Kevin OLeary, have also been at work seeking to make a reality. Waltz also indicated that it was possible for TikTok to remain under Chinese ownership, albeit with firewalls (such as Americans data being stored in US-based servers) to guard against perceived national security threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union whether that meant "capitulating" to China by accepting a deal wherein the app was not sold, Waltz issued a denial. No, no, no, he told Bash. Both can be true at the same time. TikTok can continue to exist, and whether thats in American hands, owned by an American company, or whether the data and algorithms are fully protected from Chinese interference, theres a number of...formulas this can take. Not too long ago, Donald Trump was a big fan of banning TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media app that went offline in the U.S. early Sunday under a controversial ban. On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the law, passed by bipartisan majorities last April, largely due to concerns that the Chinese government used the platform to spy on Americans. President Joe Biden signed that law, but only four years after Trump, while still president, tried and failed to ban the app through executive order. TikTok allows "the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage," Trump said in the 2020 order. There's good reason to believe Trump's personal reasons weren't so noble. For one thing, he's racist against Chinese people and apparently believes COVID-19 was somehow their fault, instead of seeing them as the first victims of a mutated virus. However, while U.S. intelligence services are frustratingly tight-lipped about the specific evidence, both common sense and the testimony of more trustworthy politicians who have seen the intel including Biden suggest that the accusation of foreign spying is almost certainly true. Nor is this a "free speech" issue. The right to speak out, even online, has not changed. The government's authority here is to determine what foreign companies are allowed to operate within our borders, a nearly ironclad power. Trump, meanwhile, has changed his tune about TikTok, but not because he disbelieves the intelligence reports or because he is a free trade absolutist. (Hardly that, as his love of tariffs demonstrates.) No, it's because he's learned in the past four years that TikTok is a shockingly efficient disseminator of disinformation, which is Trump's main stock-in-trade. "Im now a big star on TikTok," he bragged in September, vowing to protect the site from being banned. He's also buddied up with the chief executive of the American division of TikTok, Shou Chew, inviting him to join the murder's row of tech billionaires attending the inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its been a great platform for him and his campaign to get his America first message out," Mike Waltz, an incoming national security advisor to Trump, said Thursday. "We will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark." Chew then took to TikTok to publicly credit Trump with working to save the platform. On Sunday, Tik Tok rewarded Trump for his support with blatant propaganda. The app went dark, as expected, but when users tried to open it, they got this message: We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office." Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only. TikTok is good for Trump, and for one simple reason: It is a maelstrom of disinformation so gargantuan that even Elon Musk-controlled Twitter fails to compete. It's a train wreck of B.S., from people claiming sunscreen and vaccines don't work to bizarre videos claiming demons infect everything to old-fashioned authoritarian lies. The company claims to stand for "free speech," but the Chinese government censors information that doesn't serve its political goals. The algorithm is hidden from public view, but it's easy to see it favors divisive, emotionally manipulative and misleading information. It ratchets up culture war tensions and stokes arguments while undermining people's mental ability to focus on developing solutions. Hundreds of millions of people willingly plug into an app that feeds them the demoralizing propaganda authoritarians have been trying to shove down our throats forever. It's a fascist's dream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surveillance aspect of TikTok has received more political and legal attention than its efficiency at hijacking people's thoughts and emotions. People don't like to hear they're being manipulated, especially when the manipulation is working. We all want to feel like we're properly skeptical and careful media consumers. Unfortunately, TikTok algorithms expertly exploit that desire, by pumping videos that promise viewers the "real story" and information "they" don't want you to hear. Conspiracy theorists love someone who thinks they're a skeptic. But even when people are rational enough to reject the constant drumbeat of disinformation, there are signs the site is undermining people in subtle ways that are bad for their mental health and the larger body politic. For Slate on Thursday, Scaachi Koul wrote about her attachment to TikTok, describing it as an app that "burned hours of my life" and echoing the refrain popular with users, "All I do on this app is cry for strangers." I have to quote for length to give justice to what sounds frankly overwhelming, though she appears to mean it as praise for the site: Koul defends an "algorithm [that] seemed to want to make me sob" for giving her "the brutality and the beauty of being a person in the world." From my more jaundiced view, however, the experience sounds more like an emotional roller coaster designed to sap constructive energy. That's a lot of people whose emotions she's digesting in 15-second bursts. Those emotions are detached from the context that gives our feelings deeper meaning. Having one long conversation with a good friend almost certainly grounds you deeper into your humanity than a mile-a-minute drivebys of disassociated, ping-ponging emotions from strangers. What is all the feeling for, if you're too drained to do anything about it? I'm not the only skeptic of how the shallow manipulations of TikTok are dissuading people from having more meaningful, if more slow-moving, experiences in the real world. In a long and disturbing Atlantic article about how Americans are spending more time alone than ever before in recorded history, Derek Thompson writes, "A popular trend on TikTok involves 20somethings celebrating in creative ways when a friend cancels plans, often because theyre too tired or anxious to leave the house." While he sympathizes with the occasional need to chill at home, he also notes it's unsettling that it's a wildly popular discourse. Apparently, a lot of folks feel seeing people in the real world is too taxing, and it's easier to refract your urge for connection to an app that offers only an inch-deep simulacrum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This, too, is an authoritarian's dream: people who exhaust all their emotions on an endless hamster wheel of random strangers, while becoming further disconnected from investment in their real-world community. Koul writes, "I cant think of a better use of all that time" than weeping over people whose names she doesn't know. And not to be a fuddy-duddy, but I can think of many better uses, including using that desire to connect with people to motivate charity work, political organizing, or just throwing a dinner party. These connections give us energy and move us to do more than cry, but to take action. I don't want to pick on Koul, who is a lovely person and clearly has a lot of empathy. That's why I'm so alarmed by TikTok. This isn't Twitter, which is awash in trolls responding to incentives that encourage antisocial emotions like bullying, and is losing users for it. TikTok manipulates people by exploiting their better selves, and repurposing it to ugly ends. The algorithm feeds people endless videos to turn their emotions up high, exhausting their empathy, so they have less to offer those they can actually help. It appeals to people's desire to think for themselves by redirecting that urge to disinformation. Places like Twitter mobilize the worst people, but TikTok does something even more sinister. It demobilizes, distracts, and depresses those who want to do better. No wonder Trump loves it. Mississippi GOP leadership over the years has touted a pro-universal school-choice agenda, but in and outside the Legislature there is doubt on just how popular using public dollars on private education really is. "School choice" is a term used to describe efforts to give parents the option of sending children to schools other than their assigned public school districts. Those who argue for school choice point to giving parents more options for education amid some failing public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of school choice often cite lack of accountability models, little regulation in pro-school-choice states on private schools, unfavorable polling and failed attempts by conservative groups and lawmakers in three states last year to start school-choice programs as reasons not to offer school choice in Mississippi. One thing both sides agree on? There isn't enough consensus inside the Legislature to pass a universal school bill. Those facts are not lost on people such as House Speaker Jason White, R-West, who has been an outspoken advocate of school choice and is pushing against its opposition this year through several school choice advancement bills. "I don't know that our state is ready for full universal choice," White said. "I don't know that the votes exist for that. I do know there is an appetite to get parents and children some meaningful choice when they are stuck in zip codes where they have no choice for whatever reason." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Mississippi lawmakers began their trips to the capitol on Jan. 6, White was revealing his plans for the upcoming 90-day session with reporters. He said the House would be advancing bills to give parents more options for the childs education, as well as loosen restrictions for charter schools to locate within failing or near-failing school districts. He also said he plans to push for legislation to allow parents in D- and F-rated school districts to send their children to private schools and use their child's portion of state K-12 education funding to pay for it ($6,995). Mississippi House Speaker Jason White, R-West, is shown during a September meeting of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee in downtown Jackson. This year, those pushing for school choice do not yet believe they have the support for a universal school program that would allow private education to be paid for with public education dollars. Two weeks later, Whites point man, House Education Chairman Rob Roberson, R-Starkville, told the Clarion Ledger he needs to see concrete data on how a program sending public money to private schools would work, who would benefit and its overall impact. In other words, he is still on the fence. "I'm just not fully convinced yet," Roberson said, noting he would like to continue discussing the topic with education advocates for both public and private schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School choice in 2025: How are Mississippi lawmakers advancing the school choice agenda in 2025? See here In 2024, Roberson let a bill die on the House calendar of bills that would have established a study committee on school choice. He would not confirm nor deny if he planned to refile similar legislation on the bill. In the Senate, Education Chairman Dennis DeBar, R-Leakesville, is totally opposed to expanding school choice beyond a program Mississippi already has for disabled children through an Education Savings Account program. Lance Evans, who was confirmed as the Mississippi State Superintendent last year, is also against a school-choice program for all students in Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If parents choose to put their children in a private school, then that's just a choice they made," Evans said. "I think it's completely inappropriate for us to take those public dollars and put them there." In a poll of 500 state voters conducted by White's office last year, 2% thought school choice was a major priority, and of all those who identified as Republicans within the pole, only 2.5% said it was a priority for them. Despite the pushback, Mississippi Center for Public Policy Director Douglas Carswell told the Clarion Ledger it's time to see who in the Legislature is and isn't for it. "Let's put it to a vote, and let's see which Republican lawmakers in the Senate, in the house are with Donald Trump and school choice and which lawmakers are on the side of the progressive left," Carswell said. "For too long, we've had lawmakers pretending that they're on the side of parents and never actually doing anything to give parents in Mississippi the choice that parents in the surrounding states now have." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Private School Review, as recently as the 2023-2024 school year, about 50,000 students in Mississippi attend private K-12 schools, while about 444,000 attend public schools. Nancy Loome, director of Jackson nonprofit, the Parents' Campaign, said the reason school choice won't happen is because it is an unpopular policy, citing most private school programs don't have accountability models to measure students' performance. "We have seen school-choice legislation introduced every year for years," Loome said. "We have no idea what they're doing with those dollars. We have no idea what their proficiency rates are, what they're even teaching in those schools, whether the children are absent or present, we don't have any idea." School choice in other states? Even though it's not a top priority for many voters in Mississippi, the state's most immediate neighbors have school choice programs for students wanting to attend private schools with public education dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Alabama, more than 7,000 families have already signed up for an education savings account program that went live in January. Dubbed the CHOOSE Act, it was heralded as a win from the Alabama GOP. Other states like Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee also have some variations of school programs sending public dollars to private schools. Education policies in 2025: What education issues are state lawmakers considering in 2025? See here Loome said that in those states and others, school choice programs have not significantly changed where public-school-educated children go to school, and in some school choice states, most of those participating in the program already go to private school. It's also expensive. The Alabama program is initially funded with $100 million for this school year. For the first two years, the program is limited to students with special needs, children of active-duty service member and those living in households with incomes under 300% of the federal poverty line. After that, it's open to any family in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Arkansas, this school year will see restrictions end on who can apply for its private school voucher program, meaning its program could grow rapidly. For the 2025-2026 school year in Arkansas, only 5% of the voucher recipients that have applied were moving from public to private school. In the 2024 school year, according to Arkansas Department of Education records, 82% of the students in the program were already private or home schooled. That same year, the state's program cost $90 million. For the coming school year, that funding is expected to more than double. "When you look at Arizona, for example, they had it on their ballot. Voters voted against it and the next year, the legislature came in and passed it anyway," Loome said. "It has blown a $1.4 billion hole in their budget. It is a tremendous additional burden on taxpayers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a program did exist in Mississippi, children in some of the lowest performing school districts would not even have access to a private institution, as identified by the Clarion Ledger. Voters say no to school choice in other states If White were to pursue bringing the idea of universal school choice to a vote of the people via a voter referendum, which he has not said he would do, it might not end well. Ballot initiatives in three states, Kentucky, Colorado and Nebraska, seeking to protect or establish a school choice program were voted down by decisive margins. Two of those states are also GOP-dominated state governments. Grant McLaughlin covers the Legislature and state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS school choice program not likely to pass legislature Tech multi-billionaire and aspiring macho man Mark Zuckerberg blew an opportunity to prove himself a stand-up guy during his three hour interview on the January 10 episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. The Meta CEO sounded manly enough as he chatted with Rogan about martial arts and masculine energy and hunting feral pigs on his Hawaii ranch. The test came when the topic turned to social media and free speech and President-elect Donald Trump. Trump was famously kicked off Twitter, Rogan said at this point. That was a huge issue like after January 6. They removed at the time the sitting president. It was kind of crazy to remove that person from social media because you have decided he incited a riot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the moment a stand-up guyor stand-up anyonewould have said, President Trump was not kicked off just Twitter. I kicked him off both Facebook and Instagram that same day for two years. And whether or not you believe he incited the attack on the Capitol, he did little to stop it as 174 police officers were injured. Instead, Zuckerberg said nothing at all as the discussion moved on to other manly concerns. Zuckerbergs newly added muscles and the thickening neck that caught Rogans attention were only part of his effort at transformation. Now the new Zuckerberg is now one of a half-dozen multi-billionaire honored guests invited to be seated along with the Trump family and former presidents during the Inaugural ceremony at the same temple of democracy the rioters stormed four years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An early public signal of Zuckerbergs impending change had come in July after Trump was shot. Trump is a TV guy before he is anything else and he was not going to let the Secret Service agents who threw themselves atop him to then just hustle him off the stage. That would have moved him out of news camera range as well as any more possible bullets. Zuckerberg praised Trump during an interview with Bloomberg in July 2024. / YouTube/BloombergOriginals Trump instead rose and raised his right hand in a fist to create an image that could not have been more powerful if it had been composed by Hollywoods best. The elevation of the stage resulted in a camera angle that made Trump look more heroic and the full tableau more iconic. His ear was bloodied and there were bright red rivulets on his defiant face. An outsized American flag was suspended behind him. He gave a cry as if in defiance of the dark forces he had often told his supporters that he was facing on their behalf. Fight! Fight! Fight! Zuckerberg was grabbed by Trumps macho as he had never been by MAGA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing Donald Trump get up after getting shot in the face and pump his fist in the air with the American flag is one of the most badass things Ive ever seen in my life, Zuckerberg said in a Bloomberg TV interview at Metas main office in Menlo Park, California. Zuckerberg added, On some level as an American, its like hard to not get kind of emotional about that spirit and that fight, and I think that thats why a lot of people like the guy. But Zuckerbergs badass declaration was eclipsed by Elon Musk when Trump returned to the scene of the shooting in October. Musk strode the stage in a black MAGA hat that distinguished him from all the followers wearing red ones. He upstaged Trump himself as he leapt with upraised arms in jubilation. He called for everybody to go all in from Trump. The true test of someones character is how they behave under fire, Musk said. We had one president who couldnt climb a flight of stairs and another who was fist pumping after getting shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on, America is the home of the brave, and theres no truer test than courage under fire, so who do you want representing America? Musk became known as the first buddy and joined in calls with foreign leaders and moved into a cottage at Mar-a-Lago, where he felt free to just walk in and sit down at the dinner table as Amazons Jeff Bezos made a post-election pilgrimage there. Zuckerbeg was not about to be left out and the third richest man in the world set out to become a number one suck-up. As The New York Times tells it , Zuckerberg remained suspect in MAGA world. From Left, Elon Musk, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, will all attend Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20th, 2025 as honored guests. / Getty Images A Trump book, Save America, released in September had called Facebook an enemy of the people and threatened ZUCKERBUCKS with life in prison for an electoral PLOT AGAINST THE PRESIDENT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He underwent a kind of vetting at Mar-a-Lago by top Trump aide Stpehen Miller. The Times says Zuckerberg blamed Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg for the companys DEI policies, which he was now ending. Zuckerberg subsequently posted a denial, dismissing the report as bogus. Sandberg posted an affirmation of their continuing friendship. Miller is set to be the Trump administrations lead person on mass deportations, and Zuckerberg could have proved himself a true stand-up bad ass if he had seized the meeting as an opportunity to advocate for undocumented students such as one he described during a commencement speech at Harvard in 2017. Zuckerberg had dropped out of Harvard, but returned there in the wake of his bigger than big success to receive an honorary doctor of laws degree and address the graduating class. He recounted teaching a middle school class on entrepreneurship at Boys and Girls Club in Menlo Park at the urging of his wife, Precilla Chan. I taught them lessons on product development and marketing, and they taught me what its like feeling targeted for your race and having a family member in prison, Zuckerberg told the commencement crowd. I shared stories from my time in school, and they shared their hope of one day going to college too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that for the past five years, he had been having dinner with those kids every month. One of them had thrown him and Pricilla their first baby shower. And next year theyre going to college, he reported. Every one of them. First in their families. He spoke of one student in particular. One day after class I was talking to them about college, and one of my top students raised his hand and said he wasnt sure he could go because hes undocumented. He didnt know if theyd let him in. Zuckerberg said he had taken the student out to breakfast for his birthday in 2016. I wanted to get him a present, so I asked him and he started talking about students he saw struggling and said. You know, Id really just like a book on social justice, Zuckerberg recalled. I was blown away. Heres a young guy who has every reason to be cynical. He didnt know if the country he calls home the only one hes known would deny him his dream of going to college. But he wasnt feeling sorry for himself. He wasnt even thinking of himself. He has a greater sense of purpose, and hes going to bring people along with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zuckerberg continued, It says something about our current situation that I cant even say his name because I dont want to put him at risk. But if a high school senior who doesnt know what the future holds can do his part to move the world forward, then we owe it to the world to do our part too. But nine years after he said that, Zuckerberg was now sucking up to Miller. And, on Monday, he will be an honored guest at the inauguration of a president who has called immigrants vermin. He will be co-hosting a black tie post Inauguration celebration. The ease and completeness of Zuckerbergs apparent transformation suggest that he simply becomes what best suits him in the particular circumstances. Imagine if he were enough of a stand-up guy to have told Miller and Trump about the kid who wanted a book on social justice. He might have added that his wifes family were migrants, Chinese-Vietnamese boat people and that she was the first person in her family to attend college and was now a pediatrician. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But to have stood up would have risked Trumps fury and cost Zuckerberg the invite to the inauguration along with any chance for further Trump favors. And it would have required something that drives human energy of whatever gender. This quality is at the heart of Mi Shebeirach, a prayer that Zuckerberg recited to the Harvard crowd, saying he sings it to his daughter when he is tucking her into bed and thinking of her future. May the source of strength, who blessed the ones before us, help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing. A 34-year-old Wichita man has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography while using the dark web while connected to his mothers internet protocol (IP) address, according to federal court documents. Alexander James Rosell was charged in November 2023 with three counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. After pleading guilty on Thursday, he now faces up to 20 years in prison at his April 4 sentencing on the one count of possessing child pornography. The pornographic image was associated with an IP address operated from the defendants mothers residence in Wichita, Kansas, the agreement says. The defendant possessed that image, which had traveled in interstate commerce via the internet. A search warrant at the defendants mothers home showed the presence of the defendants activities on a Samsung phone and HP and Dell laptops that he owned, the plea agreement says. Our planet in new, dangerous era As Los Angeles burned for days on end, scientists made an announcement that 2024 was the hottest year on record. With temperatures rising around the globe, scientists are warning that the world has entered a dangerous new era of chaotic floods, storms and fires made worse by human-caused climate change. The firestorms ravaging our countrys second-largest city are just the latest of extreme weather that is growing more furious as well as more unpredictable. Wildfires are highly unusual in Southern California in January, which is supposed to be the rainy season. The same is true for cyclones in Appalachia, where Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through mountain communities in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion Were in a new era now, said former Vice President Al Gore, who has warned of the threats of global warming for decades. These climate related extreme events are increasing, both in frequency and intensity, quite rapidly. The question remains; when are we going to stop killing our planet from burning fossil fuels to power our homes, cars and industries? Ron Sadler, Fresno Climate action is possible Its impossible to avoid news of devastation from the wildfires in Southern California. The stories feel personal, even though I no longer live in the Southland. Ive lived in Kingsburg since 1981. But the past decade has been striking for frequency and severity of fire. Its shocking that I know so many people who have fled fire and even lost homes in Santa Rosa, Paradise, Lake County and Auberry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warming climate makes these fires more frequent and severe. Hotter temperatures dry out vegetation, worsening a drought and extending fire season. Tinder-dry plant fuels, low humidity, and strong winds combine with terrible effect. Climate change is happening worldwide. Whether hurricanes, floods, fires, summer heat, sea level rise, these events affect us all: Its not if, it is when we will be affected. What to do: Get prepared. Check out the Red Cross or FEMA for information. Help out if you are able. There are many trustworthy groups providing support both here and abroad. Join a climate advocacy group. Ive recently joined Citizens Climate Lobby: (citizensclimatelobby.org). CCL is a nonpartisan group dedicated to finding common ground on climate solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, despite all, our actions can make a difference. Linda Sward, Fresno LA wildfires, Gaza bombing White people are losing their exclusive neighborhoods, and some of those neighborhoods are being erased. Historic Black neighborhoods are also being erased by this once-in-a generation urban and forest wildfire. It will be interesting to see what kinds of neighborhoods will replace these fire devastated communities, once these areas start to rebuild. If people are permitted to rebuild in these areas again, will they again be white elite areas, or will they become more culturally and economically diverse? Another view is that this is what the Palestinians are experiencing after an Israeli bombing raid wipes out poor and elite neighborhoods in Gaza. Their homes and neighborhoods are also gone in an instant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From a dialectical point of view, one neighborhood is wiped out by mans violent invasion into natural spaces with urban sprawl, and a historic wildfire in these spaces creates this human suffering. The other neighborhood is wiped out by mans violent invasion into anothers historical, political and cultural spaces because of a generational war based on religious interpretations of a theological text. Hopefully , the cathartic effect of these fires and bombings will create an answer for urban sprawl and the dismantling of a violent, nonproductive and nonpeace-loving ideology. Homer Gee Greene Jr., Fresno Democrats are a party of liars It is truly sad that the Democrat Party has become the party of liars. The Democrats have sabotaged the United States with their open borders, soft on crime, and covering up on the demented outgoing President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behind the scenes are Obama, Schumer, Schiff, and Pelosi. All of whom have enlisted the support of Hollywood socialists, innocent and undereducated fellow Democrats, George Soros, and the puppet Joe Biden, who continues to aid in the destruction of our country by signing into law bills and executive orders that he doesnt even understand. Biden and his cohorts have become the ultimate threat to our democratic previous way of life. The threat continues, but the truth will come out because the truth will prevail in Gods hands. Mike Der Manouel Sr., Fresno WINDSOR, Conn. (WTNH) Early Saturday morning, a marked Windsor Fire Department pickup truck conducting suspicious motor vehicle stops was reported in Northampton, Massachusetts, according to Massachusetts State Police. Officers say the man driving the pickup truck interacted with vehicles during each stop, activated the emergency lights and failed to properly identify himself. Massachusetts State Police issued a bulletin to officers in the area to be on the look out for the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upcoming snow storm causes parking bans MSP saw the marked pickup truck on I91 in Deerfield and initiated a stop. Officers say the operator briefly pulled over before starting a pursuit. Before 5 a.m., Troopers and Deerfield Police successfully stopped the vehicle with stop sticks at the Deerfield Crossover and the operator was taken into custody. Officers say the suspect allegedly broke into the Windsor firehouse, attempted to start a fire and stole the pickup truck Saturday morning. Police identified the suspect as 46-year-old Kristian Avery and said he will be facing charges in Massachusetts. This incident remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman has claimed that preparations are being made for carrying out a "terrorist operation" in Kurram, The Express Tribune reported. Addressing a graduation ceremony at Jamia Islamia Babuzi in Mardan, he also alleged that both the establishment and Western powers have targeted religious seminaries since Pakistan's inception. The JUI-F leader, who was the chief guest at the event, criticised the consistent pressure on religious institutions. He stated, "Religious institutions have been under pressure since Pakistan's creation," adding that the situation has been exacerbated by Western influence targeting religious parties. The ceremony was attended by prominent party leaders, including Ata-ul-Haq Darwish, District Amir Maulana Amanat Shah Haqani, Syed Ahmad Binori of Jamia Binoria Karachi, and Mufti Hamad Yousafzai, reported The Express Tribune. Fazl-ur Rehman also expressed his concerns about technological advancement, stating that while he is not opposed to new technology, it must serve humanity's benefit. He also referenced the tenure of former president General Musharraf, urging him to admit that "Pakistan had become a servant of the United States" under his rule, despite the country's struggle for independence. Highlighting the issue of seminaries' registration, the JUI-F chief asserted that his party is not against modern education but criticised divisions within the government for creating complications. He emphasised, "We will continue to defend religious seminaries and are not against modern knowledge." He further stressed his party's commitment to political dialogue, provided negotiations are conducted with sincerity. However, he also accused the provincial government of a lack of governance, claiming corruption and commission mafias were operating unchecked, The Express Tribune reported. In his concluding remarks, Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman alleged that efforts were being made to facilitate a military operation in Kurram. He highlighted his party's commitment to defending the interests of religious institutions and political stability in the region. (ANI) The losses keep stacking up for the U.S. wine industry. Wine sales in the U.S. last year tumbled approximately 6% from 2023, according to data from the industry data group SipSource. The drop is the latest in a long-term decline in wine demand in restaurants, bars and stores that some are calling an existential threat to the industry. Wine isnt the only alcoholic drink thats fallen on hard times; data from NIQ shows sales for beer, cider and spirits have also decreased. But wines fall is steeper, and the whole industry is aware of the shift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wines have been surging, surging, surging all these years, but the last few years they have dropped off, said Larry Duke, who has owned and operated Schumers Wine and Liquor in Manhattan since 1978. The wine industry got a boost in 2020 when Covid-fueled lockdowns and stay-at-home orders juiced demand. But that spike has proved to be fleeting. Wine industry scholar Mike Veseth, author of several books and The Wine Economist newsletter, pointed to generational trends to explain the drop in wine consumption. The baby boom generation embraced wine, Veseth said. We imagined that the generations that followed would keep doing that, but they havent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2023 Gallup poll backed up that theory, showing that younger Americans drank less than previous generations. The drop in demand comes as a second Gallup poll, from August, shows that more than 4 in 10 Americans now think alcohol is unhealthy. The U.S. surgeon general issued a report on Jan. 3 warning that alcoholic drinks should carry cancer warning labels. Experts say when younger consumers do indulge, they are choosing premixed, ready-to-drink options. In fact, premixed beverages are one of few areas in the alcohol industry to see growth. Wine, which comes in a large bottle and may require a corkscrew or extra glasses, is at a disadvantage compared to the convenience of premixed drinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not that they dislike wine, said Christian Miller, research director for the Wine Market Council, a research-focused nonprofit. Its that they are drinking a much wider variety of other things. Gary Decker, owner of Vinomania in Syracuse, New York, said legal marijuana has also drawn away demand for wine. Pot is taking a big chunk out of it because its just another part of the party puzzle, Decker said. Its one other thing that people can do. Adding to the list of obstacles: nonalcoholic beers and spirits. Industry data shows a marked recent uptick in sales in the sector. Nonalcoholic beverages are advantageous not just for those who are wary of the health risks of alcohol, but also for the businesses serving them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retailers love them, said Bump Williams, who runs an alcoholic beverage industry consulting business and has worked in the industry for at least three decades. If a retailer sees one of their patrons that has had too much to drink, they can give them a water and they dont make any money on that. Instead, they can give them a nonalcoholic mixed cocktail. Nonalcoholic wines have yet to catch up. De-alcoholized beer is booming, and the quality of the best de-alcoholized beer is excellent, Veseth said. Wine is lagging. How do you replicate the taste? asked Dale Stratton, an industry veteran who is a managing director at a consultancy that focuses on the wine business. I just havent seen a solution in the wine category that effectively does that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wine is one of the most expensive choices of alcohol and has been getting more expensive. Since the start of the century, the average cost per liter of wine has increased from $10 to $14. Peoples budgets are just really tight these days, Veseth said. So wine is feeling the crunch. These factors signal hard times for the wine industry, though experts are split on how bad the trouble will be. This is not business as usual, Veseth said. Its an existential problem. Although the industry will continue, there are big adjustments needed for that to happen. Wine has been here forever, Stratton said. The wine category is going to continue to be here. And while theres some challenges that were facing right now, the wine category has been here forever and will continue to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the industry may be slow to adjust to these challenges, winemakers arent ready to give in. Is it really time to retire an 8,000-year-old human beverage? said California winemaker Martha Stoumen, who owns Martha Stoumen Wines. Really? Are we gonna let it go extinct? That seems like we might want to think about that as a culture. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) The incoming winter storm in Western Massachusetts has many cities and towns in the area implementing parking bans beginning on Sunday, allowing snow plows to move through the streets without hindrance. Todays Springfield MA Weather Forecast To ensure that you dont leave your car in the street when the snow starts, keep an eye on your towns individual rules regarding parking bans. Chicopee The City of Chicopee issued a winter parking ban from 4:00 p.m. on Sunday to 7:00 a.m. on Monday. Springfield The City of Springfield issued a winter parking ban from 9:00 a.m. on Sunday until further notice. There will be no parking on the even side of the street from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and no parking on the odd side of the street from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be no restrictions between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. West Springfield The Town of West Springfield issued a winter parking ban from 6:00 p.m. on Sunday to 7:00 a.m. on Monday. Holyoke The City of Holyoke Department of Public Works issued a reverse winter parking ban. The regular ban ends at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The reverse parking ban starts at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday until further notice. Monson The Town of Monson issued a winter parking ban from 12:00 p.m. on Sunday to 12:00 p.m. on Monday. Palmer The town of Palmer has a winter parking ban in place, prohibiting street parking from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. until March. Granby The town of Granby issued a parking ban from 3:00 p.m. on Sunday to 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Belchertown The town of Belchertown has an ongoing winter parking ban that continues to be in effect until April. All on-street parking is prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Ludlow The Ludlow Department of Public Works issued a winter parking ban from 12:00 p.m. on Sunday to 12:00 p.m. on Monday. Wilbraham The Town of Wilbraham issued a winter parking ban from 2:00 p.m. on Sunday to 12:00 p.m. on Monday. Agawam The Town of Agawam issued a winter parking ban from 4:00 p.m. on Sunday to 12:00 p.m. on Monday. Southwick The Town of Southwick issued a winter parking ban from 4:00 p.m. on Sunday to 7:00 a.m. on Monday. Greenfield The city of Greenfield issued a winter parking ban from 7:00 p.m. on Sunday to 12:00 p.m. on Monday. The parking ban does not include on-street metered parking during regular business hours, and the first three floors of the parking garage will remain available for free overnight parking. Westfield The town of Westfield issued a parking ban from 12:00 p.m. on Sunday until further notice. Northampton The city of Northampton issued a parking ban from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Monday, except on Main Street where parking is prohibited from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Free parking is available during the snow emergency at the Armory Street Parking Lot, except from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday for the snow plow to clear the lot. Pittsfield The city of Pittsfield issued a parking ban from 7:00 a.m. on Monday to 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 22News will update this list as more information becomes available. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. A winter storm is expected to bring up to 9 inches of snow to parts of Massachusetts, from Sunday afternoon into Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, Western Franklin, Eastern Franklin, Northern Worcester, Central Middlesex County, Western Essex, Eastern Essex, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Eastern Hampshire, Eastern Hampden, Southern Worcester, Southeast Middlesex, and Northwest Middlesex counties through 7 a.m. Monday. Snow will begin between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and moderate snow will overtake the region with a period of rain in eastern Massachusetts before it changes over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well see steady snowfall through the overnight hours with a few bursts of heavy snow mixing closer to Cape Cod. The heaviest snow will fall between 6 p.m. and midnight. The National Weather Service has also issued a winter weather advisory for Northern Bristol, Western Plymouth, Eastern Plymouth, Southern Bristol, and Southern Plymouth counties through 7 a.m. Monday. Sunday PM Winter Storm Wind will be gusty, but not strong enough that power outages are of particular concern. Precip will come to an end between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Monday morning. In an updated snow map released Sunday morning, the Boston 25 Weather team said Boston and the South Shore are expected to see around 3 to 6 inches of snow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parts of the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, central Massachusetts, western Massachusetts, and southern New Hampshire are expected to see 6 to 9 inches of snow. Southeast Massachusetts including the cape will see a mix of snow and rain with 1-3 inches of accumulation. Sunday AM Snow Map A bitter blast of frigid air will take hold when the snow clears, with highs on Tuesday and Wednesday struggling to reach the teens. Stay connected with the Boston 25 Weather team online and on our mobile apps throughout the weekend as they continue to fine-tune the forecast. 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 NEW YORK (PIX11) A winter storm will affect New York and the surrounding area starting Sunday. From 1 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday, the tri-state area is expected to be hit with snow, according to the National Weather Service. More Local News If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, the NWS warned. Check local Department of Transportation information services for the latest road conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parts of New York, southern Connecticut, and northeast New Jersey are expected to receive the highest snow totals, with anywhere from 5 to 7 inches possible. Snowfall Forecast National Weather Service National Weather Service New York New York City 4 to 6 inches White Plains 4 to 6 inches Cold Spring 6 to 8 inches New City 6 to 8 inches Syosset 4 to 6 inches Islip 3 to 4 inches West Hampton 3 to 4 inches Montauk 2 to 3 inches New Jersey Paramus 4 to 6 inches Newark 4 to 6 inches West Milford 6 to 8 inches Middleton 6 to 8 inches Connecticut Danbury 6 to 8 inches Waterbury 6 to 8 inches East Haddam 4 to 6 inches New Haven 4 to 6 inches Norwich 4 to 6 inches New London 4 to 6 inches For more information on the winter storm warning, click here. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. South Mississippi remains under a winter storm warning from late Monday night through Tuesday evening, with 1 to 3 inches of snow possible on the ground Tuesday along the Coast. The National Weather Service forecast says 4 to 6 inches of snow could accumulate along and north of the Interstate 10 and I-12 corridor, with a slight chance for ice accumulations both north and south of the corridor. The chances of snow are 80% Tuesday, mostly beginning in the morning, according to the current forecast. Snow and freezing rain could linger until midnight Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing every night through Friday. This graphic from the National Weather Service shows anticipated accumulations of snow for South Mississippi and surrounding areas. A winter storm warning is in effect from late Monday night to Tuesday evening for portions of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi. Winds also are kicking up, with gusts up to 25 mph expected Sunday and Tuesday, and wind chill values into the teens. Temperatures in South Mississippi will dip into the low 20s by Tuesday, with a high that day in the mid-30s, the NWS forecasts. Hazardous weather conditions expected Plan on slippery road conditions, the NWS warns. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Hazardous driving conditions may last into or through Wednesday since all of the wintry precipitation that falls Tuesday may not melt through the day Wednesday. If this begins to look likely, winter weather headlines could be extended into or through Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preparations for the coming weeks deep freeze should be completed today, including protection for pipes and pets. Its also a good time to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. The NWS also advises residents to monitor the forecast and, if they must travel, to consider taking a winter storm kit that would include tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets, extra clothing. water, and a first aid kit. Emergency management agencies in South Mississippi were preparing Sunday for the cold weather, with Harrison County EMA meeting Sunday afternoon. Government offices and schools began announcing closings for Tuesday, some into Wednesday morning. Both Harrison and Hancock counties will close all nonessential offices on Tuesday, with Harrison Countys closing running through half a day Wednesday. Jackson County also was expected to announce closings. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A winter storm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for much of the Lowcountry heading into this week. The watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, meaning heavy snow is possible with accumulation totaling one to three inches. Arctic high pressure will move into the region Monday, bringing bitter cold weather to South Carolina. A low-pressure system is forecast to pass to the south and offshore by mid-week, which will bring winter precipitation to the area likely in the form of sleet and snow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The track of that low will determine what kind of precipitation we see and how much. The winter storm watch includes Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties. Forecasters say people should plan for dangerous road conditions, specifically on bridges and overpasses during the event. They say very cold temperatures Wednesday night could result in refreezing and black ice formation into Thursday morning. Can you spot black ice? What to do if you start sliding or skidding The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is urging residents to prepare now for extreme cold and winter weather by making sure have an emergency preparedness kit ready with essential items like non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights and batteries, and other items that could sustain your families for at least three days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip overnight to prevent freezing and bursting. Emergency management officials say to prepare pets by making sure they have enough food and water, and protect them by bringing them indoors if possible. Also, prepare alternative heating sources, such as ensuring you have enough dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace. Keep fire extinguishers accessible, and make sure everyone knows how to use them. Keep kerosene heaters and generators outside, properly vented, and away from flammable materials. Never use a portable generator indoors. Be sure to download the News 2 app for breaking news alerts, updates, and any possible changes to school schedules this week. You can also download the Storm Team 2 app for the latest forecast and weather alerts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. LINCOLN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) With another cold blast coming through, farmers across the region are taking on extra work to care for their livestock. Some of these farmers, they wont get to sleep for two or three days because theyll be out there every couple of hours checking things, said Ronnie Horn, Washington County agent for agriculture. Horn said the three things that really affect livestock are temperature, wind, and moisture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as the wind is not blowing north and it isnt wet, Horn said its easier for animals to maintain their body temperature. Walmart CEO, Gov. Sanders lead opening celebration of New Home Office campus He said farmers will relocate livestock like cattle to locations closer to the farmers so they can check on them more often and also increase their food intake Horn said the biggest job is likely water as the cold freezes the animal drinking water. Farmers will spend a lot of time on ponds chopping ice and making holes or watering them out of a tank to where they can still have an adequate amount of water, Horn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Lincoln, Blackberry Hill Farms is not only preparing for the cold, but they are also preparing for lambing season. Lambing season is really exciting for us even though the temperatures are dropping, said Jessica Jones, one of the farm owners. Last year, Jessica said the family welcomed their first lamb and is expecting quite a bit any day now. She said the family prepared for the lambs birth ahead of time, sanitizing pens, adding heat lamps and putting down bedding and straw. The good thing about sheep and goats and a lot of small ruminants like that, most people do it inside a barn where theyre more protected and they use heat lamps, said Horn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, according to Horn, it still poses difficulty which he has seen growing up raising sheep. Who are the 4 candidates for provost at the University of Arkansas? When its two degrees outside and youre still taking all these precautions and you can still, you know, lose lambs because an hour makes a big difference, Horn said. Jessica said when the family knows the freezing temperatures are coming, everyone has a part to play. Its definitely an all hands on deck, kind of family meeting and we know that the days leading up to that need to be our action days, said Jessica. Her husband, JD Jones, emphasizes the importance of the familys preparation as they might take hits otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you dont go into it prepared and you have losses, be it in fleece or an actual animal life, I mean, its impactful for the future growth of your programs, said JD. Farmers may lose opportunities to breed and have more livestock or have cash flow through selling animals. If farmers were to lose their livestock, Horn said there would also be an economic impact, hurting the farmers income and increasing prices in the market in the future. Horn believes there needs to be a level of understanding from the community as farmers are doing their best, but some losses cannot be controlled. He said farmers can always call the Washington County Extension office if they have questions and the group aims to help with resources and fact sheets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. EAU CLAIRE A woman accused by prosecutors of helping a man who evaded a manhunt in June of last year has pleaded not guilty. Candace Rogers, 55, Altoona, is charged with harboring or aiding a felon and obstructing an officer in connection with the hunt for Jerome Jacobs. Police in Eau Claire received a tip from Madison authorities saying they believed he was in the area. They were able to provide a description of the rental car he was using, which was spotted by a sheriffs deputy. That sighting was in the 900 block of Water Street. Jacobs drove away from the attempted stop before dumping the car in the 200 block of 9th Avenue and running. Multiple agencies responded and set up a perimeter around the site, but failed to find him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials now believe Jacobs went to a residence to meet Rogers, who hid him in the back seat of her vehicle and drove him out of the area. The escape took place within two minutes of the initial traffic stop, according to an official release. The incident led authorities to ask people in that area to stay in their homes, and a planned event in Carson Park with the governor was cancelled. The case appears headed for a plea agreement, with Rogers attorney telling the court last week they have an offer from prosecutors and all relevant discovery materials are in hand. A status conference is set for March 26. Harboring or aiding a felon is a Class I felony in Wisconsin, the lowest level of felony offense. It can bring up to 3.5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Rogers appears to be facing charges of attempted first degree intentional homicide and first degree recklessly endangering safety in Dane County. MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A woman has been charged with arson after intentionally setting her home on fire Sunday morning, authorities say. Brent Patterson with MCSO told News 19 Daphne T Southard McKinley was charged with first-degree arson Sunday morning after deputies responded to a home on Henson Drive for a house fire. Patterson said, per his morning email report, It appears a female who resides at the residence intentionally set her home on fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said she was taken to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) where she was then interrogated by major crimes detectives where she was then charged with first-degree arson. There were no reported injuries. She is currently being held in the Madison County Jail without bond. As of 8:30 a.m., there are no specific details regarding this investigation. News 19 has reached out to learn more on this incident and will update when more details are provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Dubai [UAE], January 19 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, launched the Media Leadership Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at shaping a new generation of media leaders. The initiative is part of the Dubai Media Council's comprehensive strategy to develop the media sector in the emirate. The programme seeks to raise Dubai's global media profile by fostering leadership talent capable of crafting innovative, impactful and compelling narratives that communicate the emirate's remarkable achievements and ambitious development agenda to audiences across the world. Aligned with Dubai's commitment to fostering comprehensive and sustainable growth, the programme will equip participants with advanced skills to build results-driven teams and develop media strategies that effectively communicate Dubai's role as a key player in shaping the future of multiple sectors. Ahmed reaffirmed Dubai's commitment to empowering the media sector by providing comprehensive support to enhance its capabilities and expand its contribution to the emirate's development journey. He also emphasised the significance of forging partnerships with leading global institutions and academic organisations, to leverage their expertise to realise Dubai's vision and strategic goals for the media sector. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, reaffirmed the Council's commitment to advancing Dubai's media sector through innovative programmes and initiatives. She said the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, continues to guide Dubai's progress in its development journey. Al Marri emphasised that His Highness's focus on competitiveness as a core principle is driving Dubai towards new levels of excellence. She underscored the importance of ensuring Dubai's media message remains impactful and aligned with the emirate's strategic priorities. The first cohort of the Media Leadership Programme comprises communication professionals from Dubai's government entities. The initiative is designed to enhance their leadership capabilities and professional expertise in strategic government communication, while equipping them to engage effectively with both Arab and international media. Ultimately, the programme aims to strengthen Dubai's global reputation and support the efforts of its government institutions. The programme's sessions will address key topics aligned with Dubai's rapid growth as a city of the future, while reflecting its economic and social objectives. The first session will focus on government communication, highlighting the latest global advancements and best practices. Participants will gain the expertise needed to lead government communication efforts with impact and precision. Nehal Badri, Secretary-General of the Dubai Media Council, said, "The first session of the Media Leadership Programme will bring together 24 participants representing 20 government and semi-government entities in Dubai. The programme features specialised sessions aimed at enhancing strategic thinking and leadership capabilities in government communication. These sessions will blend lectures, practical training, and insights from global experts. The programme will include international visits to study best practices in the field." Held in collaboration with top global universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), George Washington University, Columbia University, and other leading academic institutions, the programme offers participants a unique opportunity to learn from global best practices. Visits to countries with a record of excellence in the field will further enrich the learning experience. Participants will receive certifications from renowned global universities. The nine-month inaugural session of the programme is tailored to refine the skills of leadership teams in government communication, ensuring they have the competencies to deliver accurate, timely information about Dubai's government initiatives and achievements. By showcasing Dubai's successes across various sectors, the programme seeks to help consolidate the emirate's status as a global hub for business, sustainability, and innovation. (ANI/WAM) Meet Mac, the newest K-9 to join the Worcester Police Department. Mac, an 18-month-old Labrador retriever specializes in tracking missing people. Worcester police say Mac will help non-criminal searches, which include missing children, mental health episodes, and people with dementia. Its pretty unique, theres not many of them around the state, so its a new program here for Worcester, this will be the first friendly find dog we have, so this is kind of the pilot program for everything, said Macs Handler Officer Daniel Pennellatore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers have been working with Mac for over a year to add him to the force. Macs will also go back to school to learn how to detect explosives. 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 Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) harshly criticized President Biden for commuting the sentences of 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders including two men sentenced to life in prison for killing a local police officer. I am beyond outraged and in utter disbelief that President Biden would announce clemency for Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardsontwo men who admitted for being responsible to brutally killing Officer Allen Gibson, a hero and dedicated servant to our community, Youngkin wrote in a Saturday statement. What makes this even more unconscionable is the Biden U.S Attorney advised the White House not to commute these sentences as they are violent offenders. The pain and sorrow this clemency causes the Gibson family is unimaginable, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men were acquitted of the 1998 murder of Allen Gibson by a jury but still sentenced to life in prison by a judge according to The Appeal, a non-profit news outlet. Despite a lack of physical evidence linking the men to the crime scene, Youngkin remains convinced the two men shot Gibson. To know that the men who took Officer Gibsons life will walk free is not just a grave injusticeit is a heartbreaking blow to those who continue to mourn his sacrifice, the Republican wrote in his statement, citing President Obamas decision not to grant the two inmates clemency. This is despicable; a grim day for justice and for the families who trust that our system will hold the guilty accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claiborne and Richardson are expected to be released in July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A local coffee shop celebrated a milestone on Saturday. It was the one-year anniversary at Trek Coffee House in Youngstown. All coffee enthusiasts and locals were welcomed for the celebration. The community gathered for a full day of fun activities, including a coffee and tea workshop where guests could taste different flavors and participate in the roasting process of the beans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was also a Lattee Art Throwdown, where skilled baristas across the region could compete and create personalized masterpieces. Were just going to keep doing what we do, and thats curating the very best coffees, teas and other ingredients around the world to bring to the area, said the shops owner, Levi Binlsey Smith. We do have a really cool collaboration coming up at Birdfish. So, were doing an imperial stout with them probably the end of this month-early February it should release. Just keep an eye out for that, and were going to go continue to do fun stuff like that. Binsley Smith says the coffee shop is the perfect place for locals to begin their next coffee adventure. Tino DiCenso contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Ukrainian authorities on Saturday carried out actions against "traitors" President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his daily address. "Today, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have also performed very well: the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, the National Police, and our Prosecutor's Office," Zelensky said. "Traitors and various schemes that weakened our state and our Ukrainian society are being countered. And anyone who stands against Ukraine or defies the laws of Ukraine must remember that they will face a response." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president did not provide any details regarding the actions. However, Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency and the public prosecutor's office issued an unusually large number of statements during the day about suspected collaborators and agents of Russia who had been arrested. The statements could not be independently verified. The SBU, for example, reported the arrest of a department head at a state-owned bank. The bank manager is said to have been involved in financing Russia's war against Ukraine. In another case, the opposition-leaning TV presenter Max Nazarov was arrested for allegedly justifying Russia starting the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another report mentioned the uncovering of a spy network run by the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB. The group was said to have been active in the capital Kiev and in Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine. This could not be independently verified either. Finally, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the secret service claims to have uncovered a company that allegedly helped Russia build a laboratory for the development of nuclear weapons. Russia, which is a nuclear power and has a large number of nuclear weapons, in turn accuses Ukraine of seeking such weapons of mass destruction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a renewed appeal to the country's allies on Sunday to provide more US-made Patriot air defence systems following a week with more than 1,000 Russian air attacks. "We need the strong support of our partners," Zelensky posted on his Telegram channel. "More Patriots for Ukraine mean greater protection for life," he said. The Russian attacks caused multiple deaths and injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Zelensky, Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 660 glide bombs, around 550 drones and almost 60 missiles over the past week. Ukrainian air defences downed 33 missiles, including ballistic variants, and more than 300 drones. Zelensky published a video showing the devastation from the attacks, for example in Kiev and Zaporizhzhya over the weekend, and also in the Donbass region in the east of the country. Zelensky paid tribute to the armed forces, but added: "The task of continuing to protect our airspace remains." He called for Ukraine's Western allies to provide more air defence systems. Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian full-scale invasion since February 2022. Over the weekend, the Russian Defence Ministry said its forces had taken further ground in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a renewed appeal to the country's allies on Sunday to provide more US-made Patriot air defence systems following a week with more than 1,000 Russian air attacks. "We need the strong support of our partners," Zelensky posted on his Telegram channel. "More Patriots for Ukraine mean greater protection for life," he said. The Russian attacks caused multiple deaths and injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Zelensky, Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 660 glide bombs, around 550 drones and almost 60 missiles over the past week. Ukrainian air defences downed 33 missiles, including ballistic variants, and more than 300 drones. Zelensky published a video showing the devastation from the attacks, for example in Kiev and Zaporizhzhya over the weekend, and also in the Donbass region in the east of the country. Zelensky paid tribute to the armed forces, but added: "The task of continuing to protect our airspace remains." He called for Ukraine's Western allies to provide more air defence systems. Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian full-scale invasion since February 2022. Over the weekend, the Russian Defence Ministry said its forces had taken further ground in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine suffering from shortage of soldiers The Ukrainian military is suffering from a shortage of soldiers, commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need to increase the number of our mechanized brigades," he said on the radio. "But the mobilization capacity is unfortunately not sufficient to cover this need." In order to boost the front-line forces, Syrskyi said that personnel are now being withdrawn from logistics, supply and maintenance "within reasonable limits" in order to fill gaps and set up new units. Syrskyi's statement was prompted by complaints from air force units that highly qualified personnel were being re-deployed on the fronts. Army leadership had put a stop to these efforts, said Syrskyi. Those soldiers are experienced specialists "who cannot be replaced by anyone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine is suffering from a lack of personnel for the frontline troops, partly due to the age limit for reservists. Although all men must complete basic military service from the age of 18, soldiers only have to go into combat from the age of 25. Some of Ukraine's allies have called on Kiev to lower the age limit. Moscow accuses Ukraine of killing civilians Also on Sunday, Moscow accused Ukrainian forces of killing at least seven civilians in the Kursk region of southern Russia during their occupation of the area. The civilians were found in the basement of an apartment block in the village of Russkoye Porechnoye, which lies in the Sudzhansky district, the central investigation commission said in Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commission spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko termed the deaths "an act of terrorism against the peaceful population" and said that those responsible would face justice. Russian state media earlier published video images of a basement in which Russian soldiers pointed to the bodies of elderly victims who had apparently been tortured and then shot with their hands tied. The partially blurred video material could not be independently verified, and there was no initial reaction from the Ukrainian side. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Sakharova described the killings as a gross violation of international humanitarian law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These atrocities are further evidence of the terrorist and neo-Nazi attitudes of the Kiev regime," she said. She accused those responsible of carrying out a "cannibalistic massacre" in frustration at Ukrainian losses on the front. The West is also responsible for the crime after providing Kiev with arms and money, she said. Ukrainian forces launched a surprise counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk in August, occupying dozens of village. The aim of the operation is to improve the Ukrainian position ahead of possible negotiations to end the war, which began almost three years ago. Kiev has accused the Russian armed forces of hundreds of war crimes during the conflict, including the mass murder of civilians. President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska on Jan. 19 visited soldiers undergoing medical treatment after in Kyiv being wounded at the front and discussed issues related to mental health and disability access. The battlefield toll on Ukrainian soldiers has exacerbated mental health and accessibility challenges nationwide amid Russia's full-scale war. Zelensky met with soldiers that were injured while fighting in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv Oblast, and Russia's Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to thank you for defending our country and our people, for your service across different fronts," the president said. "Every front is important, and you served on the most challenging ones. You are our heroes, and we are deeply grateful to each of you." Wounded soldiers were presented with awards, including the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi. Zelensky and the first lady, alongside Veterans Affairs Minister Natalia Kalmykova, met with military medics and psychologists to discuss the steps the country has taken to combat the negative impact Russia's war has on mental well-being among Ukrainian soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These include introducing operational combat stress control groups, developing psychological rehabilitation departments within hospitals, and increasing access to education in the field of psychology. Mental health support should be comprehensive and extend beyond injured soldiers, the first lady said. "We need to ensure that support is comprehensive. For example, in hospitals, it should extend not only to wounded soldiers but also to their family members and the medical staff working in high-stress conditions," Zelenska said. Zelensky also highlighted the Movement Without Barriers project, an initiative piloting new wheelchair-accessible routes in 12 cities. The project is being implemented by the community and territorial development ministry as part of Zelenska's initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Zelensky slaps sanctions on Ukraines top pro-Russian politicians Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing new sanctions on pro-Russian politicians and propagandists, he announced on Jan. 19. "We are blocking propagandists working for Russia, people who have gone over to the enemy's side, and those who help Russia continue the war," Zelensky said in a video address posted on Facebook. The decree puts into effect a decision made earlier by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eighteen people were listed on the formal decree. Among them are prominent pro-Russian politicians Yuriy Boyko, Nestor Shufrych, and Yevhen Muraiev. Zelensky also noted that the country is working to deprive pro-Russian figures of state awards, specifically mentioning the Hero of Ukraine title. Last month, Ukraine's parliament voted to request that Zelensky to strip the Hero of Ukraine award from parliamentary member Yuriy Boyko. Boyko had days earlier repeated Russian propaganda talking points on social media about "radicals" controlling the streets in Ukraine. Boyko previously led the former pro-Russian political party Opposition Platform For Life, which was banned by the Supreme Court following Russia's full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was awarded the title Hero of Ukraine in 2004 during his tenure as head of Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz. "There are still many names in the request for the revocation of awards," lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said after the parliamentary vote. Shufrych was arrested last year on charges of subversive activities against Ukraine and financing Russia's National Guard in occupied Crimea. According to the investigation, Shufrych paid Russia's National Guard for guarding his elite real estate in Crimea, illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. Muraiev, former leader of the now-banned pro-Russian Nashi party, was charged with treason in 2023. The Security Service noted that Muraiev used his media empire, including the Nash TV channel, to disseminate pro-Russian narratives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.K. Foreign Office warned that the Kremlin intends to install Muraiev as the head of the Russian puppet regime in Kyiv. Media reports have stated that Muraiev left Ukraine in 2022. 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 19 January, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree implementing the National Security and Defence Council's decision on sanctions against propagandists working for Russia, as well as depriving a number of pro-Russian figures of state awards. Source: Zelenskyy in a video address Quote from Zelenskyy: "I have just signed a decree enacting the NSDCs decision on sanctions. We are blocking propagandists working for Russia, individuals who have sided with the enemy, and those aiding Russia in continuing the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, we are continuing to revoke state honours only those who truly dedicate their lives to Ukraine deserve the title of Hero of Ukraine. We are also preparing new sanctions, which will be announced soon." Details: The decree states that the president has stripped politicians and media professionals of their awards and frozen their assets, including politicians Nestor Shufrych, Yurii Boyko, Yevheniia Muraieva, Oleh Voloshyn, Petro Symonenko and the former deputy editor-in-chief of Strana.Ua Svitlana Kriukova. There are 18 sanctioned individuals in total. Support UP or become our patron! Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, gives a thumbs up while leaving after his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14. Alex Brandon/AP Trumped-up picks Regarding Trumps Cabinet picks are set for Senate hearings. Heres the schedule (Jan 12): Despite all the allegations against President-elect Donald Trumps pick for the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, about sexual assault, drinking on the job and other character issues, the real reason he shouldnt be confirmed is that he is singularly unqualified for the position. He has absolutely zero of the qualifications necessary for the job, and every one of the Senators knows that. His only shot is if all the Republicans bow down to the wannabe emperor and ignore that fact. Tom Hix, Houston Advertisement Article continues below this ad President Joe Biden has very accurately described the situation in which we find ourselves in his farewell address: the super-richest have seized power. We, the people, are under the rule of oligarchs. The plurality (not the majority; no mandate exists) have chosen to put a convicted criminal in charge of everything. His chosen henchmen (and henchwomen) have refused to answer questions in their confirmation hearings, in which the supplicants of Trump have protected the entirely unqualified applicants from actually answering any questions, and have encouraged off-topic discussions to run out the clock on the examinations into their non-existent qualifications for the important positions for which they have been nominated. As everyone knows, their only qualifications are their obsequious subservience to the criminal Trump. In my view, the Republicans have made it obvious that they intend to obey Trump rather than the law. The law, passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, says that the flag should be flown at half-staff because of the death of former President Jimmy Carter. Republicans refuse to obey the law, which is not mandatory but should be respected, and defer to the whims of the criminal Trump. Republicans have targeted the rule of law and intend to destroy it, replacing it with the rule of Trump. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bruce Ellis, Houston It should go without saying that the United States Secretary of Defense is one of the most important Cabinet-level positions in our government. The secretary is directly responsible for managing and directing the U.S. military, with over 2 million employees and an annual budget of nearly $1 trillion ($850 billion). Trumps nominee has absolutely no experience that would justify entrusting him with this vital position. No foreign policy experience, no security experience (much less security clearance), no knowledge of important treaties or their requirements, no senior military experience, no budget experience, no business experience, no qualifying experience whatsoever. Unfortunately, the coverage of the hearings mostly ignores these actual issues or at best mentions them as an aside. The focus is instead on the sensational noise about infidelity and drunkenness. There is no way these issues will ultimately matter in the determination. They are just serving as distractions which deflect attention from the utter lack of experience which is (or should be) the pivotal concern. I had hoped that the Senate would take its role more seriously. This appointment is about our nations security, and the hearings should be treated as such. Instead we got a sideshow better fitting an episode of Jerry Springer. Tanner Garth, Houston California fires Regarding What to know about the devastation from the Los Angeles-area fires (Jan 8): How can the Los Angeles fires be blamed on climate change? Many hydrants were reported to run dry,; the nearby reservoir was offline; millions of dollars were cut from the fire department budget. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even their fire chief expressed concerns about the cuts. Blame-shifting is what the California leaders are attempting to do in order to save their political skins. Fire prevention such as controlled burns, clearing underbrush that fuel fires and having a sufficient budget, water pressure and reservoirs is a good place to start in being prepared for the inevitable wildfire incidents that occur regularly in California. Poor leadership is to blame. Climate change rhetoric is just an easy excuse used to point fingers away from the obvious culprits of mismanagement. Thank you, Gov. Greg Abbott, for sending help to California. We pray for those whose lives have been lost and those displaced by the fires and have suffered immense losses from the ravages of this catastrophe. I hope this is a wake-up call to be better stewards of the land. Barbara Goodson, Kingwood There is an expression that the difference between a liberal and a conservative is that the liberal hasnt been mugged yet. Now that the fire victims in Democratic California have been mugged by their woke, progressive ideology and the incompetent politicians that they elected, I wonder what the result will be. Will they elect future leaders based on their qualifications or based on their skin color and sexual orientation? Will they realize the insanity of wokeness and become conservative? Will they become Republicans? Will they endure years of red tape and permits and try to rebuild, or just leave? Will they be able to acquire or afford homeowners insurance? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Joel Berry, Houston Fork it over, June! Regarding Family tradition (Dec 30): Letter writer June Brandt of Richmond wrote about her familys culinary Christmas tradition: asparagus casserole. Are you trying to drive me crazy? What kind of casserole-bearing Texan would give other readers every possible mouthwatering detail about a traditional family dish and then NOT provide the recipe? All Google search attempts have failed for myself and other now ravenous family members. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Miss June, FORK IT OVER! Must have your Acadian Cookbook recipe NOW! Do you hear me? Youre killing us, June. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, in Brussels from January 18-19, 2025, an official press release by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated. This marked their first in-person meeting following a video conference held in December 2024. The dialogue was a step forward in creating a commercially meaningful trade agenda between India and the European Union (EU), with the goal of working toward a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Goyal and Commissioner Sefcovic's meeting, conducted with respect and a focus on mutual sensitivities, was aimed at establishing a new framework for the India-EU strategic agenda in trade and investment. During the discussions, Goyal reaffirmed the Indian government's commitment to transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047. He outlined six key principles for strengthening the relationship between India and the EU. These principles emphasize democratic values, the rule of law, and a shared commitment to development. The first principle focused on building a robust partnership based on common values, with India and the EU aiming to integrate their combined USD 24 trillion market to provide opportunities for both regions. This would benefit more than 2 billion people across India and the EU. The second principle stressed the importance of creating a fair, equitable trade agenda that addresses both tariff and non-tariff barriers, making it simpler and more cost-effective for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, farmers, and fishermen, as per the official press release. Additionally, India aims to strengthen its manufacturing sector, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's call for "zero defect" and "zero effect" production. The third principle outlined plans for engaging the EU to exchange best practices, and harmonise standards and processes to ensure high-quality production. Goyal also emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing cutting-edge technologies, securing critical raw material supply chains, and building resilient economic ties between India and the EU to reduce dependence on non-market economies. The fourth principle focused on developing sustainable trade practices that align with both countries' levels of development, ensuring fairness in their cooperative efforts. Lastly, Goyal proposed that India, as a leader in harnessing scalable technologies, would act as a "living bridge" to partner with the EU for mutual growth and development. As part of their discussions, the two leaders outlined directions for both sides to work together on establishing a mutually beneficial trade and investment agenda, as well as a roadmap for a Free Trade Agreement. They also reviewed progress within the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and agreed to resolve any legacy issues, the press release stated. Both sides committed to continuous consultations at the senior official and ministerial levels, ensuring that global challenges are met with strong, aligned efforts. Senior officials from both sides were present at the meeting, underscoring the importance of ongoing collaboration. (ANI) Glenda began as a newspaper reporter at age 17. Now, as a freelance writer, she appreciates the time it allows her for travel, gardening and being a grandmother. Today Windy with showers. High 66F. Winds WSW 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. High 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Muscat [Oman], January 19 (ANI/WAM): Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), and Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council in the Sultanate of Oman, held a discussion session at the Shura Council headquarters in the Omani capital, Muscat. The session took place during an official visit to Oman, led by a parliamentary delegation. During the meeting, the two sides emphasised the strength of the fraternal and strategic relations between the leaderships and peoples of the two nations. They explored joint parliamentary cooperation on various issues and participations, reflecting the depth of bilateral collaboration across all fields. (ANI/WAM) 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. Attack On Kejriwals Car: Alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is conspiring to eliminate Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, the party claimed that one of the persons involved in an alleged attack on his car last evening is "frequently seen" with BJP leader Parvesh Verma. He is contesting the Delhi assembly polls against Kejriwal from the New Delhi constituency. AAPs fresh allegations against the saffron party came a day after the party alleged that stones were thrown at the AAP national conveners car while he was campaigning in the New Delhi constituency, raising concerns over his security. Hitting back at the AAP over allegations of the stone attack, Parvesh Verma claimed that the vehicle hit three youths who had been protesting against Kejriwal. He claimed it was the AAP chief who asked the driver to crush them. Speaking at a joint press conference in the national capital with party MP Sanjay Singh on Sunday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP of orchestrating the attack. "The people who attacked Arvind Kejriwal and threw stones at his car are serious offenders with cases registered against them, including of robbery and attempt to murder," she alleged. Atishi claimed the name of one of the alleged attackers is Rahul, alias Shanky, and he is "closely associated" with Parvesh Verma. "This individual who has multiple criminal cases against him was involved in the attack. He is frequently seen with Verma. They want to eliminate Arvind Kejriwal," she added. Addressing the press conference, Sanjay Singh said, "The BJP is unable to defeat us in the assembly polls, so they are resorting to such tactics to remove Arvind Kejriwal from their way." A heated war of words erupted between the two parties following the alleged attack. The latest clash between the BJP and the AAP comes as the national capital gears up for the February 5 elections. The polls are expected to be a close contest, with the AAP aiming for a third consecutive term and the BJP striving to return to power in Delhi after more than 25 years. The results will be declared on February 8. (With agency inputs) The central government is all set to meet with Punjab's protesting farmers on February 14 in Chandigarh to discuss their demands of calling for a legal guarantee on the MSP for crops. After the announcement of the proposed meeting, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose fast-unto-death reached its 54th day on Saturday, agreed to accept medical assistance. However, he will continue his indefinite fast until a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops is provided, said farmer leader Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande. Subsequently, photos of Dallewal receiving medical assistance with an intravenous drip were shared by the farmers. The breakthrough occurred after a delegation from the Union Agriculture Ministry, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met with Dallewal and held discussions with representatives from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), who have been leading the agitation for the past 11 months. After the Centre announced a meeting of protesting farmers on February 14, farmer leaders appealed to Dallewal to take medical aid so that he could join the proposed deliberations. The Centre's delegation also urged Dallewal to take medical aid so that he can participate in the proposed meeting, which will take place at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration at Chandigarh at 5 pm on February 14. Speaking to reporters at the Khanauri protest site, Ranjan stated that a high-level delegation was dispatched by the Centre, considering Dallewal's deteriorating health. "We enquired about his health and held a meeting with the representatives (of the protesting farmer bodies)," he said. Ranjan said the meeting will be held in Chandigarh on February 14. "We urged him (Dallewal) to break his fast and take medical aid, so that he can participate in the meeting," he said. (With PTI inputs) As the Delhi Assembly elections get closer, Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday released a list of 40 star campaigners. Party leaders, including Chief Minister Atishi, national convenors Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, former Delhi mayor Shelly Oberoi, AAP's RS MP Raghav Chadha have been included in the list. Various other leaders, such as Sandeep Pathak, Pankaj Gupta, Sateynder Jail, Harbhajan Singh, Saurabh Bhardawj, Imrain Hussain, Mukesh Ahlawat have been included. Delhi will go to polls in a single phase on February 5, with countring of votes to happen on February 8. However, the triangular Delhi Assembly election battle has intensified with just over two weeks left for the polls, as Congress, AAP and BJP have traded sharp words and criticised each other. Delhi CM Atishi alleged today that party's leader Arvind Kejriwal was attacked by "criminals and goons," and also said that they were associated with BJP. Atishi alleged that Kejriwal was attacked by three individuals, including Rohit Tyagi, who she claims is a close associate of BJP's New Delhi assembly seat candidate Parvesh Verma. Verma is going to contest against Kejriwal in the polls. "It is clear that criminals and goons were sent to kill Arvind Kejriwal. The second person involved in the attack is Rohit Tyagi, who constantly stays with Pravesh Verma and has been involved in campaigning for Pravesh Verma. He is also a criminal. There is a theft case in 2011 and a case of attempt to murder, which carries a punishment of 10 years...The third person who was present there is named Sumit, he too has a case of theft, robbery and attempt to murder going on," said Atishi. During a press conference held here, Atishi showed photographs of the alleged attacker with Parvesh Verma. Countering the allegation, BJP has demanded the arrest of Kejriwal, claiming that the national convenor "ran over" one of their party workers. "Whichever area you (Arvind Kejriwal) are going to, people are showing you black flags and demanding answers. So all of them are goons. This means that the entire public of Delhi are goons," Parvesh Verma replied to AAP's allegations. Verma also claimed that Arvind Kejriwal is not confident about victory in the Delhi assembly polls. "Arvind Kejriwal is losing...Three youths from the Valmiki community made just one mistake and that is asking Arvind Kejriwal for answers about jobs...If anyone asks them (Arvind Kejriwal) anything, beat them up and say that I (Arvind Kejriwal) was attacked," he alleged. Trading words, AAP's MP Sanjay Singh called BJP a "party of slogans," which cannot give a future to the people of Delhi. "The way Arvind Kejriwal is being attacked, all I can say on this is that the party of slogans can only attack. It cannot give any future to Delhi and its people," the AAP MP told reporters. The party also attempted to release their documentary named 'unbreakable,' and alleged that "BJP's police" and the Election Commission are working together to ensure that the documentary is not released. The film is based on the time when AAP leaders including former CM Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and others, went to jail. The election crowd funding campaign of Delhi CM Atishi also came to an end today as she completed her goal of reaching Rs 40 lakh, doing it in 1 week. She had started the campaign on January 12. "In just one week, over 740 of you came together to help me achieve the Rs40 lakh crowdfunding target! This isn't just financial support--it's a resounding endorsement of clean, honest, and transformative politics of the Aam Aadmi Party," CM Atishi wrote on X. "With the target now achieved, I am formally closing the #DonateForAtishi campaign. Thank you for believing in this journey. Your trust and generosity inspire me to continue working towards a better Delhi," she added. Several AAP leaders joined the BJP today, in the presence of party's state president Virendraa Sachdeva. Kapil Naagar, who had contested elections twice from Kamla Nagar ward of Model Town Legislative Assembly, joined the BJP. Along with him, more than 100 workers of Aam Aadmi Party also joined the BJP. Several AAP workers also joined the BJP in the presence of Ramesh Bidhuri, party's candidate from the Kalkaji assembly. Bidhuri is pitted against Delhi CM Atishi. Speaking at the occasion, Bidhuri said, "I would like to thank all of you for being a part of PM Modi ji's family. There is nothing more fortunate than this for us. Modi ji says only one thing. Everyone's support, everyone's development, everyone's faith, everyone's effort. You will all have to make an effort. In 2047, India will be recognized as a developed nation." Congress has also traded accusations and attacks against the ruling AAP, with party's candidate from Kasturba Nagar Assembly constituencyAbhishek Dutt saying that Kejriwal's life is "dedicated to liquor mafia." "Arvind Kejriwal's life is dedicated to the liquor mafia...How much development work has Arvind Kejriwal done in the last 11 years? Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi, Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai are going to lose the election. AAP's lie in Delhi has been exposed," Dutt told ANI. Congress candidate for New Delhi Assembly constituency Sandeep Dikshit, who is going against Kejriwal in a triangular fight also accused Kejriwal of not doing any work and just building a "luxurious building" for himself. "In the last 10 years, did you (Arvind Kejriwal) not remember that you could have written a letter?... He (Arvind Kejriwal) gets a luxurious building worth crores constructed for himself... What have you (Arvind Kejriwal) done in the last 10 years?... During Sheila Dikshit's time, DDA had given new land for 100 schools, out of which work started on only 10. Why has work not started on the remaining 90? Where are those lands?" Dikshit told ANI. An FIR has been lodged against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Guwahati, Assam, following his controversial remark about the 'Indian state.' The complaint, filed by Monjit Chetia, accuses the Leader of Opposition of inciting subversive activities, endangering national security, and undermining the unity and integrity of India. The FIR was registered at Pan Bazar Police station in Guwahati under sections 152 and 197(1)(d) of the Indian Penal Code. These sections pertain to actions that pose a threat to the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. The complaint filed by Chetia claims that Gandhis statement crosses the line of permissible free speech, and could potentially incite unrest or rebellion. The Controversial Remark Rahul Gandhis remark was made during the inauguration of the Congress party's new headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday. Reacting to comments made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on India's 'true independence,' Gandhi declared that his fight was against the 'Indian state itself.' This remark has sparked intense reactions, with critics alleging that it undermines the authority of the state and could fuel separatist sentiments. Allegations of Inciting Rebellion In his complaint, Chetia asserts that Gandhis words were intended to create a narrative that delegitimizes the government and portrays it as a hostile entity. The complaint further claims that Gandhis statement could provoke disaffection among the public, leading to potential unrest or rebellion against the Indian state. Chetia also suggests that Gandhis remark stems from his frustration over the Congress partys repeated electoral defeats. He argues that, unable to secure public trust through democratic means, Gandhi is now resorting to rhetoric that undermines the country's unity and sovereignty. The complainant expresses concern over Gandhis position as the Leader of the Opposition, emphasizing that such statements undermine public confidence in democratic institutions. Jamnagar: Vantara, a state-of-the-art animal rescue and rehabilitation organization founded by visionary philanthropist Anant Ambani, is set to welcome two cow elephants, 18-year-old Bishnupriya and 26- year-old Lakshmipriya, from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Mayapur, near Kolkata. This transfer follows a tragic incident last April when Bishnupriya fatally attacked her mahout, highlighting the urgent need for specialized care and a more suitable environment for their well-being. The transfer project, initiated by Vantara in partnership with ISKCON, has received full approval from the High-Powered Committee, constituted by the Tripura High Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court of India, which is entrusted with rescuing and ensuring safe, stress-free environments for wild animals in distress. At Vantara, Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya will settle into a permanent home thoughtfully designed to replicate an elephant's natural habitat. This chain-free environment will provide expert veterinary care, including psychological evaluations and treatments rooted in positive reinforcement trainingbuilding trust through rewards and non-coercive methods. They will also benefit from engaging enrichment activities, opportunities to socialize and bond with other elephants, and the compassionate attention of their caretakers, all of which are essential for them to thrive. ISKCON Mayapur has been keeping Lakshmipriya since 2007 and Bishnupriya since 2010, using them for temple rituals and various festival occasions. Animal protection organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and World Animal Protection, had advocated for the release of the ISKCON elephants to a trusted and renowned elephant care facility. PETA India even offered a mechanized elephant for temple rituals in exchange for their transfer to a rescue center. Hrimati Devi Dasi, a senior member of the ISKCON temple and manager for mahouts and elephants in Mayapur, said, According to our beliefs in ISKCON, everyone is the same spiritual soul inside their outer shell, or material body. We do not make any distinction between species or castes. The different bodies may have different natures; however, the soul within each body is of a spiritual nature and deserves compassion and respect. By treating animals with kindness and respect, we express our devotion to Lord Krishna, who teaches us that true service lies in protecting and nurturing all living creatures. Having visited Vantara myself, I could see that the same principles I believe in are followed there. I am confident that Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya will thrive at Vantara, will soon make new friends, and will live a fulfilling life, experiencing the freedom and joy elephants enjoy in the wild." Living in captivity causes significant mental suffering to elephants, who, in the wild, rely on their freedom to roam and bond socially, which ensures their overall well-being. In captivity, these fundamental needs are often unmet, leading to severe psychological distress that manifests in repetitive behavior, depression, and aggression. At Vantara, the care of rescued elephants extends beyond their physical health, placing equal importance on their mental and emotional recovery. Expert veterinarians and animal psychologists conduct detailed psychological evaluations to identify and address trauma. Vantaras state-of-the-art facilities, which includes the worlds largest elephant hospital are designed to offer personalized mental health support through positive reinforcement training, stimulating enrichments, and opportunities for social interaction that mimic their natural environment. This holistic approach ensures that rescued elephants not only regain their physical strength but also achieve emotional stability and mental well-being, embodying Vantaras commitment to their full rejuvenation and improved quality of life. (This article is part of India Dotcom Pvt Ltds consumer connect initiative, a paid publication program. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.) Kerala Lottery Results Sunday 19-01-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "AKSHAYA AK-686" Lucky Draw Result today Akshaya AK-686, January 19, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Akshaya AK-686" 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 Akshaya AK-686 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Akshaya AK-686 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 19-01-2025 January: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR AKSHAYA AK-686 Draw LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: AX 278750 LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: AS 706450 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: AN 529704 AO 852180 AP 126229 AR 819128 AS 555275 AT 338102 AU 696915 AV 541090 AW 557098 AX 966022 AY 699565 AZ 758912 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: AN 278750 AO 278750 AP 278750 AR 278750 AS 278750 AT 278750 AU 278750 AV 278750 AW 278750 AY 278750 AZ 278750 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0721 2270 2380 2900 3183 3262 4170 4931 6617 6734 7053 7103 7759 7816 9027 9567 9635 9839 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 0260 0276 1719 5669 5997 6350 6755 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0018 0050 0550 0709 0903 0938 1196 1935 1994 2820 3117 4318 4648 5290 5736 6039 6256 6346 7013 7108 7399 8008 9175 9355 9613 9712 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0012 0284 0579 0594 0855 0917 0937 0995 1165 1168 1410 1517 1610 1895 2090 2296 2429 2433 2499 2651 3034 3290 3354 3462 3483 3738 3840 3900 4090 4204 4393 4474 4500 4514 4582 4624 4837 4858 4907 5044 5124 5320 5351 6154 6290 6422 6678 6910 6987 7060 7190 7274 7309 7360 7414 7422 7466 7521 7780 7861 8170 8236 8709 8842 8967 9130 9198 9235 9721 9732 9738 9808 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0087 0098 0159 0601 0639 0761 0843 0869 0992 1025 1160 1247 1268 1317 1328 1381 1515 1519 1594 1777 1822 1880 1952 1967 2001 2125 2229 2302 2381 2449 2526 2726 2728 2766 2780 2943 3022 3063 3079 3166 3172 3226 3330 3457 3651 3707 3718 3808 3880 4121 4124 4150 4161 4166 4385 4528 4556 4797 4843 4924 5193 5278 5307 5425 5431 5571 5677 5795 5899 5940 6174 6201 6314 6444 6521 6558 6692 6745 6802 6804 6936 7009 7155 7183 7268 7290 7509 7689 7694 7731 7764 7966 8116 8125 8186 8223 8249 8411 8431 8494 8533 8558 8566 8695 8764 8769 8825 9091 9121 9137 9141 9332 9353 9366 9533 9584 9590 9605 9611 9678 9692 9869 9881 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 19-01-2025 January TODAY: AKSHAYA AK-686 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 2,000 6th Prize: Rs. 1,000 7th Prize: Rs. 500 8th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Highlights: On the eighth day of Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj continues to welcome millions of devotees at Triveni Sangam, the worlds largest religious gathering. Over 8.5 crore pilgrims have taken a holy dip at the sacred confluence in the first seven days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take stock of the situation after a fire gutted several tents in Sector 19 of the Mahakumbh venue in Prayagraj. No one was injured in the incident. The fire broke out reportedly following the explosion of two gas cylinders inside a tent at the Mahakumbh venue. CM Yogi has reviewed preparations for the cabinet meeting and Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan to take place on January 29. FSSAI has enforced robust measures on a large scale to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food for millions of devotees. In view of the number of vehicles entering the fair area, new traffic rules have been implemented, according to which, entry of vehicles into the fair area will be closed. Devotees can enter the fair area by parking their vehicles in the parking lot. Being held after 12 years, The Mahakumbh will continue in Prayagraj until February 26. Over its 45-day duration, this grand spiritual gathering is expected to draw more than 40 crore devotees, including pilgrims and visitors from across the globe. 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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 A high-level inter-ministerial team Sunday reached Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district where a mysterious illness is wreaking havoc, killing another person on Sunday and taking the death toll to 17. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had on Saturday ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial team to ascertain the causes of deaths that took place within weeks in three families linked to each other in the remote Badhaal village. Yasmeen Kousar, the last of the six children of Mohd Aslam undergoing treatment at SMGS hospital in Jammu, died this evening, officials said. Kousar's five siblings and grandparents died last week. Nine other members of two families had died in the village between December 7 and 12. "J&K health department and other departments probed the deaths but the exact cause has not be found yet. The Home Minister has constituted a team of inter-ministerial experts and they have reached here," Lt Governor Manoj Sinha told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. He said police have set up a special investigation team to probe the events from other angles. "We will brief you once the reality comes to the fore," Sinha said. Officials said the 16-member team arrived at Rajouri district headquarters this evening and is likely to visit the mountain village, 55km from the town, on Monday. The central team will work in collaboration with the local administration to provide immediate relief to the victims. Experts from some of the most reputable institutions in the country have been roped in to understand the causes of the deaths. The patients complained of fever, pain, nausea and loss of consciousness before dying within days of their admission to hospitals. Earlier, a Jammu and Kashmir government spokesperson said investigations and samples empirically indicated that the incidents were not due to a communicable disease of bacterial or viral origin and that there is no public health angle. Jan Suraj Party Chief Prashant Kishor on Sunday flagged off a statewide bike rally in Patna to raise the issues of Bihar Public Service Commission's students. Prashant Kishor said that the bike rally will be led by former IPS and Party's Youth President Anand Mishra and will cover 20,000 km across the state. Kishor added that the purpose of the journey is to raise his voice against the "injustice" against Bihar's youth. "We have decided to hold a bike rally which will cover 20,000 km all across Bihar. The purpose of the rally is to raise the issue of Bihar's youth. The injustice being done to them. At least 100 bikers along with the party's members will lead the rally for the next two-three months." Kishor said. Referring to his padayatra, he said that as I travelled on foot across Bihar, IPS Anand Mishra will also connect with the youth of Bihar by travelling on a bike. On Saturday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi met with the BPSC aspirants in Patna. Responding to that, Kishor urged the leaders to stand in support of Bihar's youth and appealed to provide legal aid to the students. "Be it Chirag Paswan, Rahul Gandhi or Tejashwi Yadav, all leaders should stand in support of the youth of Bihar. Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi was late in coming because the matter had already reached the court... Congress should also stand in support of the youth and I appeal to the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi to provide legal aid to the students to get justice," Kishor said. The students in Bihar are calling for the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024, conducted by the BPSC on December 13, due to alleged question paper leaks. Saif Ali Khan Attacked: A Mumbai court on Sunday remanded an accused arrested in the Saif Ali Khan assault case in police custody till January 24 after observing that the police's contention of an international conspiracy cannot be ruled out. The actor was repeatedly stabbed with a knife by the intruder inside his 12th-floor apartment in upscale Bandra early Thursday in a shocking attack that sent shockwaves across the film fraternity and raised intriguing questions about security, motive, and celebrity life. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Saif Ali Khan Attack case | Accused Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad taken from the Bandra Holiday Court in Mumbai. The Court has granted his 5-day police custody. pic.twitter.com/BQoVyyRcSm ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025 Ahead of this, police have confirmed that the person arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan is an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh. As per the police statement, various investigation teams were formed to investigate the crime, and a case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Police told the court that the alleged attacker was a Bangladeshi national and there was a need to find the motive behind his act. Police also told the court they needed to find out if there was an international conspiracy linked to the case, as reported by news agency PTI. Accepting the police's contention after perusing documents on record, the court said the prosecution's submission of international conspiracy "cannot be said to be impossible." Earlier in the day, police had told the media that alleged attacker Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad was a Bangladeshi national who had illegally entered India and changed his name to Bijoy Das. He was held from adjoining Thane city. As per a preliminary probe, he had entered the Bollywood star's home, in the Satguru Sharan building in Bandra, in the early hours of January 16 with the intention of theft, police had said. Khan (54) was stabbed multiple times in the attack, after which he underwent a five-hour surgery in nearby Lilavati Hospital. The case was reported by Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on January 16, during which Saif Ali Khan was attacked and sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is recovering 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. While the actor is now "out of danger," medical staff are closely monitoring his condition. (With PTI Inputs) Saif Ali Khan Attacker Arrested: In a major development in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing incident, Mumbai police said on Sunday that a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national who attacked the actor at his residence in Mumbais Bandra has been arrested. Further speaking to reporters about the arrest, a senior police official revealed that as per preliminary investigation, the man was unaware that he had entered a Bollywood star's house, and his intention was theft, as reported by news agency PTI. He said the attacker was apprehended from Hiranandani Estate on Ghodbandar Road, neighbouring Thane district. The official said the man had changed his name, Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, to Bijoy Das after entering India. He further said that the accused hails from Jhalokati in Bangladesh, and he had been living in Mumbai for more than five months, doing petty jobs. Police are trying to collect the documents the accused used to enter India illegally. The actor was repeatedly stabbed with a knife by the intruder inside his 12th-floor apartment in upscale Bandra early Thursday in a shocking attack that sent shockwaves across the film fraternity and raised intriguing questions about security, motive, and celebrity life. Saif Ali Khan, 54, underwent emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital, where he was rushed following the incident that took place around 2:30 am at his apartment in the 'Satguru Sharan' building. According to the hospital administration, the Kal Ho Naa Ho actor was 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. The doctors who performed an emergency surgery on the actor had removed a 2.5-inch piece of a broken knife from his spine afterwards. If the knife had pierced 2 mm deeper, it could have caused a severe injury, the doctors had noted. (With agency inputs) Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: In a major breakthrough in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case, the Mumbai Police arrested a man from Thane in the wee hours of Sunday for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan in his house, police said. According to an India Today report, the attacker was identified as Mohammad Alian alias BJ. He confessed to entering Saif Ali Khans house and committing the crime. Alian was brought to Bandra for questioning in connection with the case. He will be produced before the court for police remand this morning. The arrested accused, who kept his name Vijay Das, was working as a waiter at a restaurant. He has confessed to having committed the crime, Mumbai Police said, as reported by news agency ANI. He was arrested at a labour camp near a metro construction site at Hiranandani Estate in Thane, as per the India Today report. The officials of Vile Parle police station had achieved a breakthrough in making the arrest. Khan was stabbed multiple times in his Bandra apartment in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan was 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. Saif Ali Khan Attacked: Here Are Top Updates 1. Police have recovered a piece of a broken knife from Saif Ali Khan's house during the probe of Thursday's attack on him by an intruder, an official said on Saturday night, as reported by news agency PTI. The actor was stabbed multiple times by the attacker during the robbery attempt at his 12th floor residence in `Satguru Sharan' building in upscale Bandra. 2. The doctors who performed an emergency surgery on the actor had removed a 2.5-inch piece of a broken knife from his spine afterwards. If the knife had pierced 2 mm deeper, it could have caused a severe injury, the doctors had noted. Police are looking for the remaining part of the knife, the official said. 3. The 54-year-old actor is recovering from his injuries, as per the doctors at Lilavati Hospital. A suspect was detained in connection with the incident earlier on Saturday at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh. 4. The suspect was detained at the Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh, officials said. According to PTI, the person, whose photo had been shared by Mumbai Police with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), was traveling by the Jnaneshwari Express, which runs between Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Kolkata Shalimar. 5. Aakash Kailash Kannojia, the detained man, was "still a suspect," Mumbai police said in a statement later, adding that further action will be taken after due verification. 6. Earlier on Friday, a carpenter had been held as he resembled the screengrab of the suspected assailant from the CCTV footage at the actor's building, but he was released later as he was found to have no link to the crime. 7. Mumbai Police, who had formed 30 teams to nab the assailant and recovered CCTV footage showing a suspect's face, informed RPF at Durg around 12:30 pm on Saturday that a suspect was travelling by the Jnaneswari Express. 8. RPF Durg alerted its counterpart at Rajnandgaon station (which comes before Durg on the Mumbai-Howrah route), but the suspect could not be located when the train halted there, an RPF official said. He was found in the front general compartment at Durg station. 9. He was made to talk to police officials in Mumbai through video call. He was presently kept at RPF Post Durg, and a Mumbai police team would be reaching Chhattisgarh soon, officials said. 10. On Friday, Mumbai Police had collected CCTV footage from a mobile shop in Dadar visited by the alleged suspect following the incident. "He purchased a pair of earphones for Rs 50," said Hasan, who works at the shop `Iqra,' speaking to PTI Videos. (With agencies inputs) At least 70 people were killed after a gasoline tanker exploded in north-central Nigeria, AP reported citing the country's emergency response agency. 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 tragic incident of tanker explosion took place 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 explosion, triggered during the fuel transfer, resulted in the deaths of both those handling the gasoline and nearby bystanders, Hussaini Isah of the National Emergency Management Agency told the Associated Press, as reported by AP. Due to the lack of an efficient railway system for cargo transport, fatal truck accidents are frequent on major roads in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation. In September, a collision between a gasoline tanker and a truck carrying cattle in Niger state resulted in an explosion that killed at least 48 people. According to Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps, there were 1,531 gasoline tanker crashes in 2020, leading to 535 deaths and 1,142 injuries. Deir Al-Balah (Gaza Strip): A delayed ceasefire began in Gaza after Hamas identified three female hostages it plans to release on Sunday. Israel had insisted on receiving the names before halting its operations, marking a tense start to efforts aimed at ending the war. A Palestinian official stated that the ceasefire delay was due to mediators requesting 48 hours of "calm" before it could take effect. However, ongoing Israeli strikes until the deadline reportedly hindered the submission of the hostages' list. According to AP, celebrations broke out across the war-torn region as some Palestinians began returning to their homes, despite delays highlighting the fragile nature of the agreement. The truce, which took effect at 11:15 am local time, marks a step toward ending the conflict and securing the release of nearly 100 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Israeli media reported that 24-year-old Romi Gonen, abducted from a music festival, is on the Hamas list for release. The report cited her brother's social media. Israel has not confirmed the three names provided by Hamas, and the other two families have not commented yet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas failed to provide the names of three hostages it planned to release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The military stated it would continue strikes in Gaza until the names were received. An Israeli airstrike killed at least eight people in Khan Younis after the ceasefire was delayed. Nasser Hospital confirmed the casualties from the strike, which occurred about two hours after the truce was meant to begin. Gaza's Health Ministry reported three more deaths from strikes in Gaza City on Sunday. Hamas has handed over three hostages to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Sunday as per the ceasefire deal between the Tel Aviv and the Palestinian militant group. The three hostages include 24-year-old Romi Gonen, who was abducted from the Nova music festival, along with 28-year-old Emily Damari and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher, both taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Updating on the success of the truce pact, IDF posted a collage of all three Israelis returning home from captivity. The agency said in a post on X, They are home. Another statement from the Israeli military read, The 3 released hostages are currently being transferred to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza. They are accompanied by IDF and ISA special forces upon their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment. : The 3 released hostages are currently being transferred to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza. They are accompanied by IDF and ISA special forces upon their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment. Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 19, 2025 A deal has been reached for the gradual release of 33 captives over the next six weeks. In return, Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including detainees from Gaza. On Sunday, Israel is set to release approximately 90 Palestinian prisoners. Thousands of people from across the country gathered in the American Capital two days before the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on January 20. Trump, 78, succeeds Joe Biden, 82, on Tuesday as the new occupant of the White House. A coalition of nonprofit bodies, including Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, under the banner of Peoples March, held the demonstration here to protest against the policies of Trump. Displaying anti-Trump posters and banner, the protestors raised slogans against the next President and also against some of his close supporters including Tesla owner Elon Musk. The same group had also held a similar protest on January 2017, when Trump was inaugurated for the first time. There were a series of three protests which started from three different parks and culminated near the Lincoln Memorial. Mass protest is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate to our communities that we are not obeying in advance or bowing to fascism, and invites them to do the same, Peoples March said. Amongst the coalition members are Abortion Action Now, Time to Act, SisterSong, Womens March, Popular Democracy In Action, Harriets Wildest Dreams, The Feminist Front, NOW, Planned Parenthood, National Womens Law Center Action Fund, Sierra Club, and the Frontline. Womens March is anchoring the logistics of the mobilization. Similar marches, though at a smaller scale, were also held in various other cities including New York, Seattle and Chicago. We really wanted to come to support women, equality, immigration, everything that really feels like we don't have much of a say in right now," Brittany Martinez, one of the protesters, told USA TODAY. Law enforcement officials said protests and major events are being planned throughout the weekend ahead of the inauguration on Monday. The protestors condemned Trumps policies and values. Many of them chanted F**k Trump!", "Trans Lives Matter!", Stand up, fight back!, Trust Black women! and We cannot be silent. 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. They're joining 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 defence alliance. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweden's 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. Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl of the 71st Battalion said he felt great pride in contributing to the alliance's 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. U.S. troops stand during military drills at Adazi Military base in Kadaga, Latvia, Tuesday, March. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Roman Koksarov) - Roman Koksarov/Copyright 2022 The AP. All rights reserved 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. JUAREZ Gloria Lobos Guzman will be watching the inauguration of Donald Trump closely, waiting nervously to hear what will happen to the CBP One application. Lobos Guzman arrived in Juarez with her 33-year-old daughter 10 months ago after her daughter faced death threats from criminal groups in Chiapas, Mexico. This was the second time she had to flee for her life in the last 20 years, leaving her home country of Guatemala in 2006 because of threats before settling in the town of Mapastepec in the Southern Mexican state of Chiapas. She now hopes to get the chance to find security in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I cannot return to my country, I lived through something unpleasant there," Lobos Guzman said. "And now in Chiapas, a beautiful place, and where I thought I would be buried. But now it is the same situation." Every day since she arrived, Lobos Guzman has applied for an appointment to request asylum in the United States through the CBP One application. Now she worries that the Trump administration will close the application, which has become the only means to legally request asylum. Gloria Lobos Guzman, a Guatemalan migrant who has been living in Juarez for 10 months, sits to eat a meal with her family at a shelter in Juarez on Jan. 13, 2025. Lobos has been unable to get a CBP One appointment to seek asylum in the U.S. We will be waiting to see what is going to happen, Lobos Guzman said. She has seen other migrants with appointments arrive and leave the Buen Samaritano shelter in the western part of Juarez. However, appointments on the border have become increasingly scarce, and more people have arrived with appointments already scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The daily attempt to get an appointment has worn on Lobos Guzman. There are times that I would like to tell my daughter, Don't try anymore, she said. We were told it would take a month. But now it has been 10 months. Roxana Giron prays before a meal at a shelter in Juarez. Giron, originally from Chiapas, Mexico, is hoping to seek asylum in the U.S. after extreme narco violence caused her to flee southern Mexico. Still, they continue to try each day to get an appointment until they learn the application's fate. President-elect Trump has stated on several occasions that he will shut down the CBP One application upon taking office on Monday, Jan. 20. On the campaign trail, candidate Trump condemned the application, saying that it was a tool to smuggle people into the United States. "As President I will immediately end the migrant invasion of America. We will stop all migrant flights, end all illegal entries, terminate the Kamala phone app for smuggling illegals (CBP One App), revoke deportation immunity, suspend refugee resettlement, and return Kamalas illegal migrants to their home countries (also known as remigration)," Trump tweeted on X. "I will save our cities and towns in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and all across America. #MAGA2024!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBP One was launched in January 2023 to provide migrants with a way to receive a screening interview to petition for asylum at ports of entry at the United States border with Mexico. There are 1,450 appointments granted each day across the entire southern border. More: GSA selects design plan for Bridge of the Americas removing commercial traffic from port The Biden administration launched the application at a time when the southern border was experiencing a massive influx of migrants, overwhelming cities like El Paso and other border cities. The application was meant to ease the crisis clogging the asylum process and stop migrants from flooding the border. Migrants bearing freezing conditions await to be processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Paso del Norte International on Jan. 8, 2025. The migrants were part of a group who had been granted an appointment through the CBP One app. It permitted them to enter the country legally as their asylum cases advanced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, the application only offered appointments for migrants at the southern border with Mexico. But in August 2024, it was opened to migrants waiting in southern Mexico, allowing them time to travel to the U.S. border for their appointments. Previously, migrants were returned to Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as the "Remain in Mexico" program, which required asylum seekers to remain there as they petitioned their cases. The program was launched during the first Trump administration in 2019 but was formally ended in October 2022 after a series of court battles that went up to the Supreme Court. The closure of the application does not mean that a migrant's right to request asylum will end. Migrants try to keep warm using a gas heater at a shelter near the Paso Del Norte International Bridge in Juarez on Jan. 8, 2025. The migrants were attempting to get an appointment through the CBP One app to seek asylum in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But confusion about what will happen following the inauguration is spreading among immigrants. Lobos Guzman said rumors have swirled on social media about a new application or about the return of the Trump administrations Remain in Mexico program. There are many things that they said are going to happen, she said, and many things that are not going to happen. Across Juarez, Jimmy Bonilla is waiting with his family in a shelter near the border for their appointment through CBP One. The 35-year-old from Guayaquil, Ecuador, arrived in Juarez from Chiapas, Mexico, for his asylum screening appointment, scheduled for Jan. 23. He and his family are aware of the threats to close the application. But he has faith that his scheduled appointment will happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't think they will delete the application or that type of thing so quickly, Bonilla said. I hope that this continues for a long time and that many people can enter. More: Migrant encounters in El Paso sector at lowest levels in years The number of people seeking to illegally cross the border is at the lowest level in years, with the El Paso Sector seeing a dramatic decrease in crossings. Migrants have widely accepted the use of the CBP One application, contributing to the decrease in the number of people illegally crossing the border. However, volunteers at the shelter have noticed a change in the spirits of migrants arriving there since November, with migrants feeling more uneasy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the election of Trump, people have had a change in their mood, Pastor Gigio Heredia, who runs a shelter near the El Paso del Norte bridge, said. Some have somewhat lost hope. They will continue to try to enter the United States but with very little hope of being able to achieve it. Making 'Plan B' Migrants waiting in Juarez are having to think through their plans ahead of Trumps inauguration in a worst-case scenario. Bonilla said that he and his family will likely return home to Ecuador if the border is closed and appointments through CBP One are canceled. There is not much there for them to return to, as he had been forced to close his small business due to extortions, but Ecuador remains safer than Mexico. A migrant rests on a dining hall doorway at a Juarez shelter on Jan.14, 2015. The migrant has been unable to obtain an appointment through the CBP One app to seek asylum in the U.S. before Trump is to take office. If that type of situation happens, it is good to return to our country, because we have gone through a lot of things here in Mexico, Bonilla said. We would return to our country and fight and hope that things get better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Some Texas business leaders are apprehensive about Trumps pledged deportations Lobos Guzman and her daughter are in a more difficult situation, as they have nowhere to return to and do not want to remain in Juarez. We are still making a Plan B, she said. Because we are not going to be here the whole time. But she has put her faith in God that a door will open. Man may close the doors, but the ones that God opens are better, she said. God is the one who decides for us. We are hoping that God will touch the president's heart. Jeff Abbott covers the border for The El Paso Times and can be reached at: jdabbott@gannett.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Migrants in Juarez, Mexico hesitant ahead of Trump inauguration The incoming Trump administration has expressed support for a negotiated solution with Iran on all outstanding issues. When asked about a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President-elect Trump simply said, I wish him luck. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump indicated that his Iran policy in the second term would be very different than that in his first. He rejected the regime change policy and reiterated that he wants Iran to be successful, but also that he opposes the countrys acquisition of nuclear weapons. In September 2024, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran is ready for constructive dialogue and is ready to engage with the West about nuclear power, and willingness to improve relations with the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, the gaps between Washington and Tehran will be difficult to bridge. If Trump wishes to break the deadlock by negotiating with Iran, he will face fierce opposition within the U.S., in Iran, and in the region. Last month, Israels former war Cabinet member, Benny Gantz, called for Iran to be targeted directly. Assuming Trump wants an alternative to another endless conflict, the first step must be a new nuclear agreement with Iran. It is likely that Israel will want the dismantlement of Irans enrichment capabilities. When I was the spokesperson for Irans nuclear team (2003-05), however, in a private meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei told Rouhani then Irans top nuclear negotiator that if Iran is to abandon its right to enrich, it will either have to happen after my death, or I will have to resign from leadership. Forcing this option would therefore likely mean the failure of negotiations, just as they failed from 2003-13. If Trumps main objective is to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear bomb, however, he needs a plan that would permanently block the acquisition of nuclear bombs not only by Iran but also by other ambitious countries in the region. As President Biden warned, if Iran gets the bomb, then Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will follow. Here are the elements of such a plan: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, as in the Obama administrations Iran nuclear deal, Iran would agree to complete transparency of its nuclear programs and the most stringent level of International Atomic Energy Agency verification measures. Second, the key principles of the agreement would be that it applies to all the countries in the region, making it possible to make permanent the main nonproliferation limitations of the deal, including limiting uranium enrichment to below 5 percent and no separation of plutonium from spent fuel. Third, following the implementation of a new nuclear deal, Washington and Tehran would need to engage in discussions about regional security. Both countries should temporarily suspend all threats and hostilities as a first step and goodwill gesture. Some years ago, Robert Einhorn, then a U.S. nuclear negotiator told me that when we raise the necessity of regional talks, some Iranians mistakenly believe that we mean the dismantling of Irans missile and defense capabilities. All countries including Iran have the right to the defense capabilities they need. We understand that Iran, like us, has its own security concerns. Both sides must therefore engage in a serious and fair dialogue to address each others legitimate and lawful concerns and find a balanced solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ayatollah Khamenei is the ultimate decision-maker regarding Irans relations with the United States. On Jan. 8, 2024, he said that the U.S. is fundamentally hostile to the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic, wishing for the destruction of Iran. Based on the several decades of understanding I have of his views, I believe that the essence of his concerns regarding the relations with the U.S. can be summarized in three key points: the threat to Irans independence through interference in internal affairs, the regime change policy and the lack of respect for and recognition of Irans national interests. On the other side, during 15 years of research at Princeton University on U.S.-Iran relations, I believe that challenging and threatening the U.S. interests in the region is the most important concern the U.S. has regarding Irans policies after the 1979 revolution. If there is going to be a fair and balanced deal, both capitals should acknowledge each others legitimate regional interests and commit to not threatening those interests. This would require some realignment of their regional security and diplomacy strategies, especially with their key allies. Moreover, it would require a credible and sustainable model for regional stability and peace. Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the Persian Gulf, could achieve such an arrangement through a new collective security and economic framework modeled on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrangement would facilitate establishing balanced and normal relations with the Western and Eastern blocs; regional arms control arrangements including a nuclear weapons-free zone and the reduction of U.S. military forces and expenditures in the region. The agreement could also link a cessation of military conflict between Iran and Israel with a just and durable solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution as required by multiple UN resolutions. Finally, the deal could also include significant economic cooperation between the U.S. and Iran, potentially involving projects worth hundreds of billions of dollars in sectors such as petrochemicals, aviation and clean energy. This would create major economic stakes in the agreement within both countries, making the new arrangements more robust. On his first day in office at the White House, President Trump could agree in a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, President Pezeshkian, to have special envoys from both countries quickly initiate direct talks for such a fair, sustainable and historic agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seyed Hossein Mousavian is Middle East security and nuclear policy specialist at Princeton University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russia is struggling to get its new intercontinental ballistic missile working properly. Moscow has put a lot of money and propaganda behind the ICBM. Failures leave Russia reliant on older missiles that won't last forever, experts warn. Russia has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, but it's having trouble getting its newest intercontinental ballistic missile to work. The debacle leaves it dependent on capable but inferior missiles at a time when other major powers are modernizing their nuclear forces. Russia's new RS-28 Sarmat ICBM appeared to suffer a catastrophic failure during testing in September, with satellite imagery showing a big crater around the launchpad at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. That apparent failure followed what missile experts have described as a host of other issues. Ejection tests and its flight testing were repeatedly delayed, according to the Royal United Services Institute think tank in London, and it had at least two canceled flight tests and at least one other flight test failure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sarmat is meant to replace the Soviet-era R-36, which first entered service in 1988. NATO calls the long-range missile, which has been modified over the years, the SS-18 "Satan." Without the new Sarmat, Russia has to rely on older missiles, extending their lives, but that can't go on indefinitely. Stuck with inferior missiles Delays to the Sarmat, or even its cancellation, would mean Russia has to keep using older systems as nations like China field new DF-41 ICBMs and the US pushes forward with upgrades for its ICBM force as part of the Sentinel program. The R-36 is "already really, really past its service life," said Timothy Wright, a missile technology expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, yet the Russians keep having to extend it. Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the turn of the century they were going to be out of service by 2007, but here they are, still in operation nearly two decades later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's only so much they can do," Wright said. "Parts will start failing at some point." He said the R-36s "will eventually start failing because their parts just will need replacement, and they don't make the parts anymore." If Moscow tried to launch 40 R-36s, he said, "you might not get all 40 out the ground, frankly." Russia's Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile is launched in Russia's northwest region of Plesetsk in April 2022. Roscosmos Space Agency Press Service via AP, File Fabian Hoffmann, a missile expert at the Oslo Nuclear Project, said the R-36 has been "sitting there for a really long time." Russia was required to reduce the size of its arsenal of missiles under the New START treaty with the US. Hoffman said that Russia could use old parts from those missiles to keep its usable ones running. But the supply is not infinite, he said. "Who knows how much these missiles can still take, how many years?" There's the possibility Russia would "have to start cannibalizing existing missiles, taking them out of service or retiring them or taking them off what they call combat duty alert, which is where the missile is literally ready to go," Wright said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has other ICBMs, but the R-36 carries the largest and most strategically significant payload. The Sarmat, as its replacement, will likewise carry a substantial payload. Big missiles with lots of warheads The purpose of the Sarmat was "to constitute a big bulk of their warheads in the future," Wright said. The ICBM is a large, long-range weapon able to carry a heavy MIRV payload, meaning multiple independent re-entry vehicles. The Sarmat has an estimated maximum range of 18,000 miles. It has a ten-ton payload and can carry 10 large warheads or 16 smaller ones, per a Missile Threat fact sheet from the Center of Strategic and International Studies. The R-36 it is meant to replace has a shorter range but similar payload, able to carry 10 multiple independent re-entry vehicles. A disarmed R-36 intercontinental ballistic missile, which has the NATO reporting name SS-18 Satan. Mykhaylo Palinchak/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Other Russian ICBMs are "much smaller," Wright said. They can't carry the same heavy MIRV payload. Russia's RS-24 Yars ICBM, for example, can only carry three MIRV warheads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of May 2023, Russia had 1,674 warheads deployed, with a total stockpile of 4,489, per the CSIS. Many of these are deployed on other missiles and elements of the Russian nuclear triad, which provide it with deterrence, but Russia wants the big missile with the tremendous destructive capacity. Russia was understood to have 46 R-36s in April 2016. Wright said that "if they then took that missile out of service, then they have a bit of a gap." "And for Russia, it's important to ensure they have warhead parity with the Americans," he said. "Whatever number the Americans have, the Russians want it as well." Russia appears to be keeping its warheads limited in accordance with the New START treaty. But if that changes, and it may as Russia has suspended its involvement with the treaty, Russia may want to deploy more warheads. Without the Sarmat, Russia will need to find other places for its warheads. The Sarmat's problems Hoffman said the most recent Sarmat test was "catastrophic." He said that "it's not even like the missile failed to hit its target and you can say, 'Oh, the guidance system didn't really work.' No, the whole thing blew up." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means it was either a freak accident, or "there's something fundamentally wrong with the propulsion system, which is of course catastrophic," he said. "And so if I was Russia, I think at this point I would be concerned about that." Some experts have warned that Russia's struggles could make it desperate, making problems more likely. Wright said he can't see Russia deciding to cancel the Sarmat program. He said Putin "has invested a lot of propaganda into the system. When he unveiled it in 2018, it was all these fantastic reasons why it's so good." Russia's President Vladimir Putin. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Putin bragged in 2018 that "missile defense systems are useless against them, absolutely pointless" and that "no other country has developed anything like this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russians have also dumped a lot of money into this project, making cancellation unpalatable. Hoffman agreed, saying Russia had little choice given the state of its older missiles. It wants Sarmat for propaganda reasons, and "it's also just desperation in terms of: 'What else would there be?'" But big delays in getting Sarmat operational would likely cause problems for Russia, with nothing in line to replace the Sarmat. "Sarmat's designed to fulfill a very specific purpose, which is to essentially have lots of warheads on top of it," Wright said, and there is no direct replacement in Russia's arsenal or in the works. Read the original article on Business Insider 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In the 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' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Read the original article on People PIERRE Lawmakers are considering a resolution that would start the process of making it more difficult for voters to pass a constitutional amendment in South Dakota. The State House Affairs Committee heard testimony on House Joint Resolution 5003, a bill that would ask voters during the next general election whether to change the votes needed to pass a constitutional amendment from a simple majority to a 60% threshold. The joint resolution was amended to the 60% figure at the start of the bill's hearing on Friday. The prime sponsor of the bill, Republican Rep. John Hughes of Sioux Falls, had initially suggested a two-thirds majority in the initial version of his legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee passed the resolution on an 11-2 vote, sending it to the full House for consideration. Out-of-state interests have undue influence on South Dakota elections, resolution sponsor says Hughes argued South Dakota has become a "convergence point for out-of-state interests to take advantage and exploit" the state's simple majority requirement to pass constitutional amendments. The Sioux Falls lawmaker referenced several large donations made in the weeks before the 2024 general election to Dakotans for Health, a group pushing to enshrine the right to abortion in the South Dakota Constitution though Hughes did not directly name the group or the ballot question in his statements. Hughes pointed to a $500,000 donation made by Think Big America, a nonprofit backed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker made another donation of $250,000 to Dakotans for Health on Nov. 1, according to a report filed with the South Dakota Secretary of State. Another group backed by conservative activist Leonard Leo later matched the Pritzker nonprofit's donation with a $500,000 that went to No G for SD, a ballot question committee. That money went to pay for ads opposing Constitutional Amendment G, which was rejected by 59% of South Dakota voters in the election. "We have big checks coming in: $100,000 from a guy in California, $500,000 from the governor of Illinois. What on earth is the governor of Illinois doing to shape and mold the political and social values of South Dakota?" said Hughes, who failed to mention Leo's large donation. South Dakota law allows ballot question committees, or groups with a position on a specific ballot question, to receive unlimited amounts of money from individuals, political action committees, political parties, entities and other ballot question committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, spoke in support of the resolution, saying amending the constitution "should be more difficult" than amending a statute. Sanderson led the effort to oppose Initiated Measure 28, which was sponsored by Dakotans for Health co-founder Rick Weiland. But opponents contend the change would actually work to the benefit of wealthy groups and individuals. Opponents: Reforms to campaign finance laws, not majority requirements, is needed Chase Jensen, a lobbyist for Dakota Rural Action, told the committee he agreed with Hughes on part of his testimony, particularly regarding the influence of out-of-state money in the state's elections. But he argued the state's campaign finance laws need to be reformed, specifically when it comes to how outside money is allowed to be brought into state elections, rather than "changing the power of the people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the recent election, only one out of seven ballot questions passed the simple majority threshold (50% plus one vote). Constitutional Amendment F, which proposed to enforce work requirements on individuals who apply for expanded Medicaid benefits, passed with 56% of votes in November. Jensen said raising the bar would only make it more difficult for legislators and citizens to pass constitutional amendments in the future. "With the unprecedented concentration of wealth in our society, in our politics today, we believe raising the threshold of votes wouldn't deter out of state money. It would only open the tap even further," Jensen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zebediah Johnson, a lobbyist for the Voter Defense Association of South Dakota, told the Argus Leader the majority of constitutional amendments proposed over the last two decades have been referred to voters by legislators. South Dakota's early populist movement adopted the initiative and popular referendum process into the South Dakota Constitution in 1898, becoming the first state in the U.S. to do so. "There is no need for South Dakota, which created the American ballot initiative, to deviate from the norm in such an extreme manner," Johnson said. South Dakota voters have a recent history of rejecting changes to the state's majority requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, South Dakotans considered Amendment X, which proposed to raise the vote threshold to 55%. That failed after only receiving 46% of the vote. Voters also rejected Amendment C in 2022, which would have required any future ballot measure that increases taxes, or spends $10 million over five years, to pass by at least 60%. This proposed change was also defeated after only receiving 33% of votes. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota HJR 5003 raise threshold for constitutional amendments When my brothers and I were growing up atop the buckle on the Bible Belt aka Waco long ago, there was at least one thing we could count on. At church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday night, a small, dapper man, light reflecting nimbus-like off his bald head and gold-rimmed glasses, would station himself in the vestibule before services. A smile on his face, his hand outstretched, he would greet members and visitors alike, not to mention three little boys in their Sunday best. Brother Thurman, everyone called him. He was a church elder. What Kenny and Steve and I didnt know until Brother Thurman knocked on the front door of the Holley home one Saturday afternoon is that he made his living as a door-to-door salesman. He sold books, mainly Bibles and religious publications for children and adults. Men peddling products door to door they were almost always men were not uncommon in those days: the vacuum-cleaner salesman whod spill a cup of dirt on your carpet and then miraculously hoover it up with his machine; the Fuller Brush man with kitchen gadgets a housewife never knew she needed; the Watkins man, whod open small bottles of beguiling vanilla, cinnamon and spices more exotic. Brother Thurman on that long-ago afternoon settled into our living rooms one easy chair and reached into his leather sample case. Mom and Dad sat beside each other on the couch; my brothers and I 8, 5 and 3 sat cross-legged on the floor. Our visitor pulled out a thick, hardcover book, opened it and began reading to us. The book, nearly 800 pages long, was Hurlbuts Story of the Bible for Young and Old, originally published in 1932 by a minister named Jesse Lyman Hurlbut. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I still have the book after all these years. Its blue binding is tattered (like its owner), the gold lettering on the cover faded, but the full-color illustrations inside among them, young Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, Moses turning his shepherd's rod into a serpent in the presence of a shocked Pharaoh are as brilliant as ever. Flipping through the pages these days, Im the 10-year-old kid lying on his stomach on the living-room floor and reading adventure tales, particularly the Old Testament ones, tales that were earthier, bloodier and more fanciful than most of their New Testament counterparts. News of the Texas Board of Educations Bible-infused curriculum sent Joe Holley searching for the Bible tales that infused his own childhood. Above: His battered copy of Hurlbuts Bible Stories for Young and Old. Joe Holley/Houston Chronicle The late novelist Reynolds Price discovered Hurlbuts as a 4-year-old. In A Palpable God, published in 1978, he described the book as an essentially complete, surprisingly unlaundered version of Old and New Testaments, lavish with illustrations from nineteenth-century German art: none of your fumigated Sunday-school confections but credible ancient orientals, hairy and aromatic. Like Price, I was fascinated by those hairy and aromatic images and by stories written not in the archaic style of King James but in language accessible to a child. When I began reading the stories on my own, I would dip into Hurlbuts just as readily as my Hardy Boys mysteries or my books about the exotic adventures of boy explorer Don Sturdy. Recently, after the Texas Board of Education voted 8-7 to approve a public-school reading curriculum that includes Bible stories, I pulled Hurlbuts Story of the Bible out of a box of old books Ive carted around for years. The boards decision got me to wondering whether its members, whatever their stated intentions, know how Bible stories can affect young minds. One of Hurlbuts Old Testament stories that might intrigue todays young readers, just as it did me, is entitled What a Wise Man Learned from an Ass (Numbers 22). As the story goes, the Israelites, residing a little north of the Dead Sea, are feuding with the Moabites, living along the eastern shore. Balaam, a prophet, sees a way to make a little cash by also selling his services to the Moabites. His side gig displeases God, who dispatches an angel wielding a fiery sword to interrupt his jaunt over to Moab. Balaam doesnt see the angel standing in the road like a one-man construction crew a sword raised, not a handheld stop sign but his ass does. The startled little beast of burden detours into an open field, which earns him a beating from Balaam. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The angel appears again, at a place where the road narrowed between stone walls. Again, Balaam doesnt see him; again, the ass does. Veering away from the angel, he scrapes Balaams foot against the wall, resulting in another beating. The angel appears a third time, and this time the ass buckles in the middle of the road. Again, Balaam beats him. The Lord apparently tires of Balaams cruelty, so he allows the ass to speak. What have I done that you have struck me these three times? he wants to know. Joe Holley's parents didn't allow him to say ass. But his uncle owned a donkey, and he wondered whether Balaams talking ass brayed like that. (Pages from Hurlbuts Bible Stories for Young and Old.) Joe Holley/Houston Chronicle I struck you, an angry Balaam replies, because you will not walk as you should. I wish that I had a sword in my hand; then I would kill you. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Again, the ass speaks: Am I not your ass, the one that has always carried you? Did I ever disobey you before? Why do you treat me so cruelly? Before Balaam can answer, God opens his eyes and allows him to see the sword-wielding angel, who warns him not to consort with the Moabites. But for the ass, which saw me, I would have killed you, the angel says. The road that you are taking will lead you to death. As a 10-year-old, I wasnt really thinking about the God angle (or angel); I just thought it was a strange and interesting story. Our Uncle Morris kept a donkey we werent allowed to say ass on a little farm hed bought out on Wilson Road. I wondered, did the voice of Balaams ass sound like that little donkeys loud bray? I wondered, too, about a fellow named Lot. An angel warned him that his hometown of Sodom, competing with Gomorrah as the most wicked city in the land, was on Gods to-be-destroyed list. Leave and take your family with you, the angel tells Lot, before fire rains down from heaven. One other thing, the angel said; make sure no one looks back. But Lots wife does look back and instantaneously turns into a pillar of salt (Genesis 18, 19). When Mom first read that story to us, I thought she meant pillow of salt. (Pillar is how we pronounced pillow in Waco.) I wondered whether Lots wife, standing there upon the plain, became a pillowcase filled with salt or just a tall, rock-hard headrest. Strange, whichever it was, but hardly stranger than a conversational ass. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Speaking of words and reluctant to boast I have to say that, thanks to Hurlbuts, I may have been the first kid at La Vega Elementary to understand the common phrase writing on the wall. (Familiarity with biblical references in the common culture is one of the State Board of Educations stated objectives.) Inside his sumptuous Babylon palace, King Belshazzar is holding a great feast, his many wives and a thousand of his princes and noblemen cavorting like post-Oscar party celebrities. None of them know that Cyrus and his Persian troops have broken through the walls of the city and are streaming toward the palace. While they were all drinking wine together, suddenly a strange thing was seen, Hurlbut writes. On the wall appeared a great hand writing letters and words that no one could read. Every eye was drawn to the spot, and all saw the fingers moving on the wall and the letters written. (Daniel 5) The wise men of Babylon are unable to translate for the shaken king, but an Israelite prophet in exile named Daniel can. The writing Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin means Numbered, Numbered, Weighed, Divided. In short, The Medes and Persians are coming to get you. Almost before Daniel finishes translating, the enemy bursts into the palace and kills the king. As an 8-year-old, I wondered whether the writing on the wall was in print or cursive, which my left-handed self was trying to learn from Miss Wittner, my third-grade teacher. I wondered, too, about guys I read about in Hurlbuts who kept dropping by their girlfriends place and taking a nap. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Biblical violence and treachery, as shown in this page from Hurlbut's: Samson, buzz-cut, blind and betrayed, is beaten as he works in the mill. Joe Holley/Houston Chronicle Samson, the Hebrew Hercules, is the best known. Maybe I assumed he needed a nap after killing a thousand of the Israelites sworn enemy, the Philistines. A black-and-white illustration in Hurlbuts shows him wielding an asss jawbone he had picked up somewhere. (I hoped it wasnt the jawbone of Balaams talkative ass.) Longhaired Samson toys with the affections of his girlfriend Delilah, herself a Philistine, by pretending to share with her the secret of his superhuman strength. He finally reveals the truth that his strength comes from his long hair and then goes to sleep with his head upon her knees. As he snoozes, she takes a razor to his locks and then summons a platoon of Philistine soldiers. Samson, now buzz-cut and weak, offers little resistance when the soldiers chain him, gouge out his eyes and toss him into prison. For years hes forced to turn a heavy millstone to grind grain. (Judges 13-16) He gets his revenge, of course. The Philistines, holding a great feast in the temple of their fish god Dagon, lead in the blind, once mighty Israelite to taunt him. Left to stand between two load-bearing columns, his hair once again long, Samson wraps his arms around the columns and brings the temple down atop himself and about 3,000 Philistines. Jael, an Israelite, was another young woman who had the power to put mighty men to sleep. In the midst of a battle between the Israelites and the Canaanites, she entices a mighty Canaanite general named Sisera into her tent, plies him with milk and then urges him to nap. (Judges 4-5) While he was in a deep sleep, Hurlbut writes, Jael crept into the tent quietly with a tent pin and a hammer in her hand. She placed the point of the pin upon the side of his head, near his ear, and with the hammer gave blow after blow, driving it into his brain and through his head until it went into the ground underneath. (Thats not the Bible story Brother Thurman read to us that long-ago afternoon in Waco.) So what do conservative Christian members of the State Board of Education expect to happen when Texas school kids are exposed to what opponents of their decision are calling a Bible-infused curriculum? Presumably, they wont be reading about Jael the intrepid even though stories so bloody and bizarre could nurture the habit of reading but they will be exposed to numerous Bible allusions and digressions. In my view, these stories are on the education side and are establishing cultural literacy, board member Will Hickman, a Houston Republican, told the Texas Tribune. And there's religious concepts like the Good Samaritan and the Golden Rule and Moses that all students should be exposed to. As a kid, Joe Holley loved the drama of Hurlbuts Bible Stories for Young and Old such as this illustration showing Aaron, moments after he threw down his staff before the Pharoah and it turned into a snake. Joe Holley/Houston Chronicle The boards decision allows Texas schools to begin using the material in K-5 classrooms at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Although board members insist that the teachings from the Bible are meant primarily to underscore good deeds and the Judeo-Christian foundations of the nation, I suspect they imagine a subtle proselytizing taking place among the states more than 5 million public school students, youngsters from vastly diverse beliefs and traditions. David R. Brockman, a religious studies scholar at Rice Universitys Baker Institute, has similar concerns. In a review of the curriculum for the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund a concise review well worth reading he found that the lessons and textbooks to be used, known collectively as Bluebonnet Learning, overemphasize Christianity while downplaying other religious traditions and whitewash difficult historical truths (many Christians support of slavery, for example). The curriculum, he wrote, verges on Christian proselytism insofar as its extensive, lopsided coverage of Christianity and the Bible suggests that this is the only religious tradition of any importance, Brockman concludes. That is not a message that Texas public schools, which are called to serve a religiously diverse population, have any business conveying. BEDFORD If you clean it, they will come. It's a tweak to the popular, much-quoted Field of Dreams movie line but one that fits the Town of Bedford Economic Development Authoritys plans to resurrect the former Winoa foundry on Abrasive Avenue near U.S. 460 into a regional metal workforce training facility. The building part from that movie line has been done, as the 60,000-square-foot facility with high bays suitable for manufacturing was constructed in the 1970s. Cleaning and remediation work is underway to get it prepped and ready for a new lease on life. The town EDA received a $316,000 Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund grant, in partnership with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, to have cleanup work done on the site. Environmental Restoration, LLC, the company working on the remediation and cleanup work, started earlier this month and has 10 workers that will continue doing so over the next several weeks. Mary Zirkle, the towns director of planning and community development, said the buildings high bays are crucial. If a company is looking to build something for manufacturing space, they need high bays for big equipment to be able to move around, Zirkle said. Thats what makes this different. The former Winoa USA plant closed in 2020 and eliminated 38 jobs. Zirkle said the town EDA is determined to make it useful again. The project received a boost last summer when the Bedford Regional Water Authority approved a resolution accepting a private sewer lift system into its infrastructure that will serve the site. Jonathan Buttram, chair of the town EDAs board of directors, has told Bedford Town Council the Lynchburg and Roanoke region is in the top 10 in the nation for metal fabrication businesses. The Bedford area really needs something to attract companies back to our area, Buttram said. If you can provide skilled workers and you start filling the streets with people who know how to do stuff, companies will come here. Zirkle said another major asset is a rail spur that comes off the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks nearby. We love the rail spur, Zirkle said. They are so hard to come by. The town has one other rail spur, she said. "This is a huge marketing asset in Virginia, Zirkle said. Were putting the pieces together with a plan. We want someone who is going to use that rail spur, so we dont lose it. Environmental Restoration is pressure washing ceilings and floors, hand wiping in some areas and vacuuming what cannot be washed down, Zirkle said. This is a 1970s facility that has all that dust, Zirkle said. This is the first step in getting it prepped and ready for who we will put in it. The town EDA is using another $99,000 Go Virginia state grant to develop a feasibility study that is part of the marketing campaign, Zirkle said. The EDA in April 2021 met with Central Virginia Community College at the site to talk about how it could use the facility and CVCC is very excited about the facilitys revival because it can help expand their welding and fabrication programs, according to Zirkle. Thats kind of what were building this model around, is bringing CVCC in to grow their programs, were talking with the Manufacturing Skills Institute of Virginia Manufacturing Association, the Naval Welding Institute and Virginia Tech, Zirkle said. Were trying to find what educators can be in this facility and then matching them with the metal industry that can use those on-the-job certificate programs, training, whatever offsite they need, that can be put in this building. The towns EDA also has met with area educators and industries to discuss the project and its marketing efforts, she said. The regional metal workforce training center is part of three goals in the town EDAs strategic plan: the other two are developing a business-class hotel, a project that is moving dirt near the National D-Day Memorial off Burks Hill Road, and a business development center, or business incubator, an initiative that is under study through a Virginia Tobacco Commission grant, Zirkle said. The town EDA receives a portion of meals tax revenue that goes toward incentives outreach for businesses and helped it buy the former Winoa plant in August from Winoa USA, Zirkle said. A bill is going through the current session of the Virginia General Assembly that Zirkle said the town EDA is keeping a close watch on since it seeks to cap the amount of meals tax a town charges at the same level a county can charge, which could affect its meals tax funding stream. The vintage former Winoa plant site of about 15 acres is the town EDAs first land purchase since the former city of Bedford reverted to a town in July 2013, Zirkle said. This is a new venture for our EDA, she said. What were trying to do is be sustainable. We dont want to own the metal workforce center. We want to be a landlord that is able to get funds from that to be able to continue our incentive work. This is big news for us to be moving forward with something this big. The former Winoa plant had a niche workforce that knew how to do things with metal, she said. We want to bring that back to the Roanoke and Lynchburg region, Zirkle said. Thats the whole point of this, is keeping the metal industry in our region. We have businesses who are very excited and understand the need. Restoring the foundry and metal-melting aspect of the facility also is a big endeavor, she said. Foundries are hard to come by these days, Zirkle added. Having the lights turned back on and machinery operating also is in the interests of both the town and Bedford Countys tax coffers: the 2020 closure meant the county lost the machinery and tools tax, and the town electric department parted ways with one of its biggest customers, Zirkle said. Were just trying to get back to square one, just a base level of revenue loss for a service, Zirkle said. Buttram has told the town council a foundry training center could be the first of its kind in the country and a commercial-scale foundry has national significance. Zirkle praised his leadership and vision as a major part of the project. This means a lot to the town, Zirkle said, because it provides employment, it provides electric service, and its a big thing to be what it was again and serve the region. The Lynchburg City Council is scheduled to consider a yearlong extension of the citys nightly youth curfew at its Jan. 28 meeting. The curfew, for people 17 and younger, was put into place on May 26, 2023, following the fatal shooting of three young people, including a six-year-old who was shot in his room by someone firing a gun outside the home. After the previous citywide six-month youth curfew expired on Jan. 1, city officials are now hoping to implement a yearlong youth curfew that would expire in February 2026. The previous curfews lasted for six months and then were renewed by city council. Since the youth curfew began in May 2023, 49 individuals have been charged with violating it, according to the Lynchburg Police Department. But only three violations of the curfew have been reported by LPD since January 2024. Those three curfew violations over the past year could lead us to believe that the curfew is working, Deputy Chief of Police Ken Edwards said at city councils work session on Tuesday. The overall goal of the curfew is to assist youth who might be at risk of becoming offenders or becoming victims of crime during those hours, he said. At the work session, city councilmembers discussed renewing the youth curfew, a proposal that appears to have the support of at least five of the seven councilmembers. Mayor Larry Taylor said he has heard from residents, especially older ones, who support a permanent curfew for all of Lynchburgs young people. While he would prefer a permanent curfew, Taylor said he will support the proposal to extend it for one year. At-large Councilman Martin Misjuns, who voted for the curfew in May 2023 but voted against its renewal in 2024, said he understands the constitutional rights arguments against the curfew. But the councilman said he has heard from a lot of people in the community who support the curfew and that he will support extending it for a year. Fellow At-large Councilwoman Stephanie Reed, Ward II Councilman Sterling Wilder and Ward III Councilman Curt Diemer also support the plan for a yearlong youth curfew. Typically, my political leanings can go very libertarian, so I do have a concern when government tells parents how to raise their children, Diemer said at Tuesdays work session. But Diemer said he has heard from many parents who support the curfew and he will be voting to extend it for a full year. Ward IV Councilman Chris Faraldi said he opposes youth curfews as a matter of principle, while Ward I Councilwoman Jacqueline Timmer said she would support a three-month or six-month extension to the curfew, but likely not a yearlong extension. The ordinance that has been in place for almost two years restricts anyone 17 and younger in the Hill City from being outside their home between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., with some exceptions. When it was originally approved in 2023, City Attorney Matthew Freedman said the curfew closely tracked Charlottesvilles curfew ordinance, which has stood up to Virginia appellate court reviews. The Charlottesville curfew is slightly more lenient, applying to anyone 16 and younger and covering the hours of 12:01 a.m. through 5 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 a.m. through 5 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The City of Roanokes youth curfew states children 13 and younger are not allowed to be out between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Teens 14 to 16 are not allowed to be out between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, and midnight to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday. In her comments, Timmer said she is not directly opposed to the curfew itself per se. But I dont think its a tool that is meant to be a long-term tool with my understanding of what curfews are and how theyve been applied legally in the past, she said. Faraldi, who was the only councilmember to oppose the curfew ordinance when it was first voted on in May 2023, remains steadfast in his opposition to it. I dont like the idea of government telling parents when their children should or should not be wearing a mask, or when they should or should not be in their home, Faraldi said at Tuesdays work session. Thats the job of the guardian or the parent. If anyone is breaking the law, whether they are a young person or an adult, the LPD should stop them, he said. This is the local government stepping forward and saying we know better than the parents and were going to put our foot down, Faraldi said. People 17 or younger can get a note from their parent or guardian if they are running an errand and show it to the police if they are stopped after 11 p.m. The note must contain the name, signature, address and telephone number of the parent authorizing the errand, the name of the young person and a brief description of the errand. If the young person is accompanied by a parent, they wont be in violation of the curfew ordinance. Also, the young person can go to work or return from work, without detour or stop, and not be in violation of the curfew, according to the ordinance. At the work session, Edwards said police can legally stop a young person who they believe is younger than 18 under suspicion of violating the curfew. Most young people, between those hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. are where they should be at night, Edwards said. Theres a portion of young people who are not. According to LPD data, the number of property and violent crimes committed by juveniles between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. has fluctuated over the past five years. In 2020 and 2021, there was a relatively small number of these types of crimes committed by juveniles. In 2022, the number of these crimes between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. totaled 12, compared to 15 in 2023, the year the curfew started, and 11 in 2024. While many crimes are committed in overnight hours, violent crimes in Lynchburg also happen during the day. The Hill Citys first homicide of 2025, for example, occurred in broad daylight, when a 16-year-old was shot in the 200 block of Hillcrest Avenue on Jan. 9 at about 3:40 p.m. The teen died at the hospital the next morning. From the iconic Shirokuma dessert to the mouthwatering local dishes, this vibrant city is a food lover's dream. In this video, we'll take you on a delicious journey, highlighting the must-try foods and the best spots to enjoy them. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover why Kagoshima is a hidden gem in Japan's food scene! (TabiEats) TOKYO, Jan 19 (News On Japan) - The Japan Foundation has announced a joint research project with a UK research group to investigate the mysterious oxygen produced in the lightless depths of the ocean, known as 'dark oxygen,' which forms through methods other than photosynthesis. On January 17th, the Japan Foundation held a press conference in London, revealing plans to provide 2 million pounds (approximately 400 million yen) over three years to support a research team led by Professor Sweetman of the Scottish Association for Marine Science. The team's work focuses on studying "dark oxygen" in deep-sea areas such as the Pacific Ocean. Sweetmans research suggests that metallic nodules found in the deep sea, where light does not penetrate, may generate oxygen by electrolyzing seawater. However, much about this "dark oxygen" remains unexplained. The research project includes developing experimental equipment capable of reaching depths exceeding 11,000 meters to pinpoint the source of "dark oxygen" and examine its effects on deep-sea life. If oxygen production through non-photosynthetic methods is proven, the findings could provide insights into the origins of life on Earth. Source: ANN YAMAGATA, Jan 19 (News On Japan) - As overtourism becomes a pressing issue in Japan's tourist destinations, Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture has introduced vehicle and entry restrictions starting this month. Ginzan Onsen, a picturesque hot spring town in Yamagata Prefecture known for its Taisho-era charm, features wooden inns lining the riverside, creating a stunning view when combined with snow. It has gained popularity among foreign tourists. A visitor from Portugal described it as, Beautiful! Very nice! Another from Taiwan exclaimed, Its like Spirited Away! The scenery is just like the movie. At night, the illuminated snow-covered town becomes even more romantic, prompting a tourist from the Philippines to say, Amazing! Last year, approximately 330,000 tourists visited Ginzan Onsen22 times the population of Obanazawa City, where the town is located. As the Lunar New Year approaches, Yamagata Prefecture, home to Ginzan Onsen, was ranked first in a "fast-growing travel destinations" survey. While the enchanting snowy scenery attracts many visitors, the increase in tourists has brought challenges. Some tourists stop in the middle of roads to take photos, causing traffic jams at the town entrance. Others dangerously weave between cars, and littering has become an issue. To address these problems, Ginzan Onsen began overtourism countermeasures this month, including "private vehicle restrictions" and "entry restrictions" for day-trip visitors during the winter. Day-trip visitors must park their cars in a lot about two kilometers from the hot spring town and take a paid shuttle bus. Additionally, visitors wishing to see the popular illuminated night scenery must make advance reservations for entry. One week into the restrictions, the effects are becoming evident. Eiji Wakimoto, head of the Ginzan Onsen Association, commented, The town has become a place where visitors can feel at ease. With some space now available, everyone can enjoy their visit. Visitors also see the benefits. A tourist from Tokyo shared, Its great not to feel the stress of overcrowding. I think the restrictions make sense. A family from Aichi Prefecture, who had made advance reservations, enjoyed a relaxed evening in the hot spring town. One family member said, Its so peaceful and spacious that its easy to take photos and feel secure even with kids. The scenery was breathtaking enough to make visitors forget the time. At -2C, with snow falling steadily, one family rushed uphill to the bus stop, just managing to catch the final shuttle. They seemed to have made the most of their trip to Ginzan Onsen. While the restrictions are showing results, some day-trip visitors still drive into the town despite being prohibited from doing so. A bus driver noted, Cars that come down here cant make it back up. Since theres no parking here, visitors are supposed to park at the lot above. Raising awareness of the restrictions remains a challenge. Wakimoto stressed, If cars come all the way down to the hot spring town, it causes congestion and inconveniences other visitors. I hope people will use the shuttle bus and enjoy Ginzan Onsen at their leisure. Source: ANN By Matthew Atungwu Ukraine on Saturday said it launched a pair of attacks on oil depots in western Russia, the latest salvo in Kyivs air campaign against strategic targets on Russian soil. According to Kyivs General Staff, its forces had struck storage facilities overnight in the Kaluga and Tula regions. It said in statements on each attack that damages were still being assessed, adding that the depots supported Moscows war effort in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kalugas regional governor, Vladislav Shapsha, on Telegram said that a fire had broken out after an industrial site was hit in the city of Lyudinovo. He later said seven drones had been downed, with one landing in a non-residential area. On his part, Tulas regional governor, Dmitry Milyaev, via Telegram, said that a fuel and lubricant tank had caught fire at a facility in the region as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack. DAILY POST gathered that Ukrainian forces have stepped up strikes inside Russia, primarily on 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. Both sides in Russias almost three-year-old invasion of Ukraine have sought to improve their positions ahead of Mondays inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has said he would seek a swift end to the war. As US president-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration approaches, analysts weigh in on what his new term in The White House will mean for Africa and the continents relations with the United States. Analysts will closely analyze Trumps inaugural speech for any hints of his vision for US-Africa relations and subsequently will also monitor his executive orders and legislation from the Republican-majority Congress for what they purport for Africa, Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said in its latest report. Trumps America First agenda, notwithstanding, Africa matters, said Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, senior fellow and director of Africa Program at CSIS. As his administration sets out to deliver on his campaign promises at home and assert US leadership abroad, the United States cannot afford to ignore Africa. According to Edgar Githua, professor of international relations at Strathmore University in Kenya, Africa is a big market that plays a key role in the global economy, but Trump will come to Africa not so much because he cares about Africa but because hes coming to counter Chinese influence on the African soil. Trump administration has an opportunity to put its imprimatur on US foreign policy for decades by outlining a vision for a Strategic Economic Partnership with Africa (STEP), said Laird Treiber, senior associate at CSIS Africa Program. Doing so would recognize Africas growing importance as a global economic partner, spurred on by the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), while also leveling the playing field for U.S. companies with their many competitors from Europe and Asia, he added. Moroccos commitment to transforming its food system in order to boost its resilience and consolidate its achievements in matters of food security, its innovative practices and successful experiences in bioeconomy were highlighted in Berlin before 17th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA). Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed El Bouari, who represented Morocco at the Forum, held on the sidelines of Berlins Green Week (January 17-26), highlighted Moroccos sectoral strategies, Generation Green, Halieutis and Forests, as well as the Kingdoms commitment to transforming its food system in order to boost its resilience and consolidate its achievements in food security. Developing bioeconomy is one of the transformation paths adopted by the Kingdom as part of this process, the Minister said, stressing the importance given to food security in the transition towards a responsible bioeconomy. In this respect, El Bouari presented the innovative practices and successful experiences in circular bioeconomy, mainly the transformation of fishing subproducts into aquaculture feed and biofertilizers, the use of agro-food waste for gas production, and the conversion of olive oil processing residues into energy and biofertilizers. Regarding international cooperation, El Bouari emphasized the pivotal role of South-South collaboration in facilitating the exchange of technical innovations to benefit the African continent. The 17th GFFA edition, attended by more than 60 agriculture ministers, focused on the theme Shaping a Sustainable Bioeconomy, against a backdrop of climate, health, and geopolitical crises that pose significant threats to global food security. On the sidelines of the event, the Moroccan and German Agriculture Ministries sealed a declaration to create a Morocco-Germany working group to bolster cooperation in food and agriculture. The working group aims to launch a structured platform intended for boosting existing cooperation, intensifying exchanges between the two countries, consolidating ongoing partnerships, and providing an institutional framework for regularly discussing current issues and concerns. It also seeks to promote collaborative and sustainable approaches in the areas of food security, efficient management of natural resources, and the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of global challenges. The group will hold annual meetings to address shared issues and concerns, particularly regarding food security, sustainable management of natural resources, and agricultural resilience to global challenges. Morocco is an important partner for Germany as well as for the European Union (EU), mainly in agriculture, Germanys Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Ozdemir, told the media after the signing of the declaration. We henceforth want to elevate the ties [between Germany and Morocco] to a higher level and advance together, Ozdemir said. The initiative for a joint working group makes perfect sense, according to the German official, as both countries face common challenges such as the climate crisis, water resource management, and supporting farmers. Moroccos pavilion at Berlins Green Week (Grune Woche) featured 21 exhibitors representing 39 cooperatives from the Kingdoms 12 regions. It showcased quintessential Moroccan products, including argan oil and its derivatives, olive oil, saffron, dates, as well as aromatic and medicinal plants. A global benchmark for agriculture, Grune Woche brought together over 1,500 exhibitors from around 60 countries and attracted nearly 400,000 visitors. The event positions Berlin as a major hub for discussions on food, agriculture, and horticulture. Photo: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images The final hours are counting down before Donald Trump takes the oath of office at his (indoor) inauguration and then retakes office as Americas 47th president. On Sunday, after sort of saving TikTok, he paid a somber visit to Arlington National Cemetery before his big victory rally at the Capitol One Arena. Meanwhile, his team continues to talk up all the sweeping executive orders hell sign right after the inauguration. Below are live updates on the latest pre-inauguration news and events, as well as what to expect during and after the inauguration itself. This post has been updated. One week into the latest and most aggressive yet U.S. sanctions on Russian oil exports, the Asian buyers of Russian crude are scrambling for alternative supply, the price of oil has rallied, and analyses suggest that more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) of Moscows export volumes could be severely constrained, at least in the short term. The outgoing U.S. Administration on January 10 imposed the most severe sanctions on Russias oil yet, designating two major Russian oil companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as 183 vessels, dozens of oil traders, oilfield service providers, insurance companies, and energy officials. Many of the vessels, specialized tankers, and shuttle tankers transporting Russias oil from the Arctic and Far East Pacific fields and production clusters to Asia have now been sanctioned. This puts around 1.5 million bpd of Russias crude flows from its Pacific and Arctic ports at risk, according to a Bloomberg analysis of the tankers now designated by the U.S. Most of the flows from the Sakhalin projects require special ice-class tankersall of these have been sanctioned. The storage tankers and specialized vessels servicing shipments, storage, and loadings at Murmansk are also under sanctions now. The Gazprom Neft fields on the Yamal peninsula will also find it much harder to export crudethe company itself has been sanctioned, as have all its seven ice-class tankers handling shipments at and through the Arctic Gates terminal. Related: EU, Mexico Sign Trade Deal Ahead Of Trump Inauguration In the Arctic and Russias Far East, the crude grades most severely hit by the sanctions are expected to be Sokol, Sakhalin, and ESPO, according to Bloombergs analysis. The least affected shipments are likely to be those of the Urals crude grade from the Baltic and Black Sea, which are mostly going to India. Only a quarter of Russias shipments of Urals since October were carried on now-sanctioned tankers. Thats the smallest share of designated tankers of any Russian crude grade, Bloombergs analysis showed. The sanctions are already roiling the market. India and China are racing to procure alternative supply while studying the wider implications of the U.S. sanctions on Russian oil deliveries six months from now. The sanctions caught a few million barrels of crude oil en route to India in a precarious situation. There is a wind-down period until February 27 for parties to complete dealings with now-sanctioned entities and vessels. Indian state-held refiners are targeting to settle the payments for Russian oil in half the time they have taken so far, as part of efforts to complete the deals before the seven-week wind-down period in the latest U.S. sanctions ends. Indias refiners have stopped doing business with the Russian tankers and companies sanctioned by the U.S., a source at the Indian government told Reuters on Monday. India doesnt expect major disruptions during the wind-down period until March. But Going forward, it's early days yet to anticipate the impact, how discounts shape up, if somebody is willing to sell below the $60 price cap, a source with the Indian government told Reuters earlier this week. Indian officials and refiners held emergency meetings to discuss the implications of the sanctions on the exports of its single largest crude oil supplier. Chinas independent refiners have also held emergency meetings to discuss the fallout and a workaround for the sanctions, sources tell Bloomberg. Fleet capacity to service Russian exports is expected to tighten significantly, according to Mary Melton, a freight analyst at Vortexa. So far, U.S. sanctions on individual vessels have been very effective in limiting further employment in Russian trade, Melton said this week. According to Vortexa, the most likely scenario for Russian crude exports going forward is that they will most likely face serious logistical difficulty due to the lack of available tonnage. In order to keep export volumes at the same level, Russia will be forced to sell crude below the price cap. At that point, Western vessel operators would be able to get involved to lift Russian crude, Vortexas Melton noted. However, greater adherence to the Russian price cap will depend on Chinas stance on allowing sanctioned vessels to call in its ports, Vortexa reckons. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Two months ago, Nigerias beleaguered energy sector witnessed a very significant event: the Dangote Oil Refinery began producing gasoline and selling it domestically to Nigeria's state oil firm, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), marking the first time in decades Africas largest oil producer is refining its own crude. The state-of-the-art $20.5 billion refinery was launched in January 2024, but only began producing gasoline in September, expected to reach full operations in November. The giant refinery has a capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude per day, considerably bigger than any refinery in Europe and more than enough for Nigerias needs. To sweeten the deal further, the facility is buying crude and selling refined fuels in Nigeria in the local currency, saving the countrys much-needed foreign exchange, especially the US dollar. But now Africas largest refinery is beginning to disrupt Europes Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) markets. According to OPEC, the Dangote refinery has cut down Nigeria's imports of petroleum products from Europe. According to experts, the Dangote refinery might end the decades-long gasoline trade from Europe to Africa, valued at $17 billion per year. The ongoing operational ramp-up efforts at Nigerias new Dangote refinery and its gasoline (petrol) exports to the international market will likely weigh further on the European gasoline market, the report states. Continued gasoline production in Nigeria, a country that has relied heavily on imports to meet its domestic fuel needs in the past, will most likely continue to free up gasoline volumes in international markets which will call for new destinations and flow adjustments for the extra volumes going forward. Related: US Rig Count Falls in Strong Week for Oil Source: Business Insider The Oil Mafia Unfortunately for Aliko Dangote, Africas second richest man and owner of the Dangote refinery, his giant plant has also put him on a collision course with Nigeria's feared oil mafia. "I knew there would be a fight. But I didnt know that the mafia in oil, they are stronger than the mafia in drugs," Mr Dangote told an investment conference in June. "They dont want the trade to stop. Its a cartel. Dangote comes along and hes going to disrupt them entirely. Their business is at risk, says Mr Emmanuel, a Nigerian oil expert. According to the BBC, since oil was discovered in the West African nation in 1956, the countrys downstream sector has largely been a cesspit of shady deals with little accountability by the NNPC. For decades, Nigeria has been producing and exporting its crude which is then refined abroad. NNPC swaps Nigerias crude oil for refined products, including petrol, which are shipped back home. Incredibly, it only started publishing its accounts five years ago, despite the fact that oil revenue accounts for nearly 90% of Nigerias export earnings. In other words, until recently, only the NNPC knew exactly how much money changed hands and who was involved in these "oil swaps". Dangotes new refinery should definitely be a boon for the country. Unfortunately, its arrival has coincided with developments completely out of his control. Since the 1970s, the NNPC has been subsidizing fuel prices for local buyers. Every year, the state-owned firm has been gradually clawing this money back by depositing lower royalty payments with the Nigerian treasury. However, Nigerias new President Bola Tinubu was forced to scrap the subsidy in 2023 after it cost the government $10bn, more than 40% of the total money it collected in taxes. Further, he stopped the policy of artificially propping up the value of the naira, and let market forces determine its value. Nigerians are now paying ~$2.30 per gallon of gasoline, dirt-cheap by U.S. standards but triple what they were paying just a couple of years ago. Only time will tell whether the Dangote Refinery is able to achieve its full potential. Nigeria is the home of the famous Bonny Light crude, a light-sweet crude oil grade produced at the Bonny oil hub and an important benchmark crude for all West African crude production. Bonny Light has particularly good gasoline yields, which has made it a popular crude for U.S. refiners, particularly on the U.S. East Coast. Two years ago, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)CEO Melee Kyari revealed that Nigeria is losing nearly all the oil output at oil hub Bonny, As you may be aware, because of the very unfortunate acts of vandals along our major pipelines from Atlas Cove all the way to Ibadan, and all others connecting all the 37 depots that we have across the country, none of them can take delivery of products today. The reason is very simple. For some of the lines, for instance, from Warri to Benin, we havent operated for 15 years. Every molecule of product that we put gets lost. Do you remember the sad fire incident close to Sapele that killed so many people? We had to shut it down, and as we speak, we have a high level of losses on our product pipeline, he said. Oil theft remains a major problem for the Nigerian energy sector, and could hinder the refinery from buying all of its crude locally. NNPC doesnt have enough crude for Dangote. Despite all this instruction to give ample supply of crude to the refinery, NNPC cant supply Dangote with more than 300,000 barrels per day," Mr Akinosho of the Africa Oil+Gas Report told BBC. Meanwhile, the oil and gas multinational divestment from the Niger Delta that kicked off over a decade has hit a peak. Numerous oil and gas majors have exited the Nigerian market over the past few years despite Africas largest economy opening its doors for wider exploration courtesy of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. Nigerias oil production has declined to 1.3 million barrels per day currently from around 2.1 million barrels per day in 2018. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A mysterious connection between ancient volcanic eruptions and sun stone sacrifices has been uncovered on the Danish island of Bornholm, shedding light on the lives of Neolithic people 4,900 years ago. Archaeologists believe these rituals were a response to climate disasters triggered by a massive volcanic eruption that darkened the skies over Northern Europe. Neolithic Sun Stones: How Volcanic Eruption Shaped Rituals in Ancient Denmark Recent studies by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and the Museum of Bornholm suggest that a volcanic eruption around 2,900 BC released large amounts of sulfur into the atmosphere. According to PhysOrg, this caused a cooling effect, reducing sunlight and impacting agricultural yields. The findings, supported by ice core samples from Greenland, highlight how these catastrophic events may have pushed early societies to turn to ritual practices for survival. One of the key discoveries is the "sun stones" found at the Vasagard archaeological site. These flat shale pieces, engraved with sun and field patterns, symbolize fertility and the life-giving power of the sun. Researchers believe these stones were offered as sacrifices to ensure the sun's return and safeguard future harvests. Hundreds of these artifacts, along with remains of feasts and tools, were discovered in ditches that formed part of a ceremonial enclosure. How Neolithic Communities Battled Climate and Disease "Neolithic communities depended entirely on sunlight for their agricultural livelihood," said archaeologist Rune Iversen. "When the sun vanished behind volcanic mists, it would have been terrifying, prompting these sacrifices to restore balance." The study also reveals broader challenges faced by these communities. Alongside climate change, DNA analysis of human remains from the same period points to widespread outbreaks of the plague. This combination of environmental and health crises likely influenced the decline of the Funnel Beaker Culture, a dominant Neolithic society known for its pottery and passage graves, SciTechDaily said. In response to these upheavals, Bornholm's Neolithic people adapted their rituals and structures. Following the sunstone sacrifices, ceremonial enclosures were modified with palisades and cult houses, reflecting a shift in cultural practices. "This discovery demonstrates the ingenuity and resilience of ancient societies in the face of adversity," said Iversen. Today, four sunstones from Vasagard are on display at the National Museum of Denmark, offering a glimpse into one of Scandinavia's earliest known sun-worshiping cultures. M.N. Umenweke, a professor and Returning Officer for Anambra South Senatorial District in the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly election, said on Thursday he was not under pressure to declare Ifeanyi Ubah the winner of the senatorial contest. Mr Umenweke made the statement in a letter to the Resident Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) in Anambra, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akwa, the state capital. He said he was neither threatened with gun nor knife and did not declare under duress. He said the earlier letter where he declared the election inconclusive was to enable him debrief the seven local government collation officers on the issues raised in the petition of February 23. The Professor of Law said Election Tribunal remained the constitutionally recognised means for any aggrieved party in elections. Within this interval, I have made extensive inquiries and investigation from the seven local government collation officers and none received any report from the wards in the form of Form EC40. Consequently, none of them generated any Form EC 40 G1, no reports whatsoever were received by the Local Government Officers involved in the Anambra South Senatorial Elections, no such report was given to me. In the light of the above, there is no evidence to support the claims of the writer of the petition of February 23. By virtue of the foregoing, I hereby reaffirm my declaration that Mr Ifeanyi Ubah, the candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP) is the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial seat. My letter of February 25 is hereby withdrawn, he said. Ifeanyi Ubah was announced as winner of the contest with 87,081 votes after beating Chris Uba and the incumbent, Sen. Andy Uba to second and third places. (NAN) Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita has described as unrealistic the percentage increas being demanded by workers representatives in the Joint National Public Negotiation Council (JNPNC). The HoCSF blamed the delay in the payment of the 30,000 new minimum wage to workers of the payroll of the Federal Government on the rejection of the staggered increment being proposed by the federal team. She feared the kickoff in the payment might be delayed further if senior civil servants refuse to back down on their demand. President Muhammadu Buhari directed the implementation of the new wage for civil servants, earning below N30, 000 before the signing of the minimum wage bill into law on April 18. Negotiation between the Federal Government and the JNPNC broke down two weeks ago because of differences in the method to adopt for the consequential adjustment for civil servants on grade level seven and above. Read Also: N30, 000 minimum wage: Group mobilises for warning strike The federal team in the technical committee is proposing 9.5 per cent increase for workers on levels 07 to 14 and five per cent for those on levels 15 to 17 but labour is demanding a 30 per cent salary increase for workers on levels 07 to 14 and 25 per cent for workers on levels 15 to 17. Mrs. Oyo-Ita said in Abuja yesterday that the President Buhari-led government remained committed to the implementation of the new minimum wage Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Monday, that HoCSF urged Labour to review its demands. She said: President Buhari is keen on the implementation of new minimum wage and that is why the committee set up on the consequential adjustment arising from the new minimum wage has been meeting unions within Labour unions and public service to arrive at a consequential adjustment. There were a few, not very realistic demands, from the unions and so as not to continue delaying the implementation of the well thought out and dear policy of the President, we have to go ahead and seek his approval for the implementation while we continue discussion on the consequential adjustment. The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), the umbrella body for senior civil servants has said that its members would not accept the government circular on the implementation. It insisted that it will be left with no choice than to call its members out on a national strike if the government failed to meet their demand. Oke Adetola David A student of the Osun State University, Oke Adetola David has written an apology letter after accusing the Vice Chancellor of stripping him naked over a dress he wore to school. The student who apologized for portraying the school in a bad light, agreed to follow the rules set by the university in his further dealings. Read his apology letter below: President Muhammadu Buhari Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari has self-isolated after his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari tested positive to coroanvirus. According to Sahara Reporters , a top government source said that persistent coughing by the President raised fears in Aso Villa on Tuesday despite him earlier testing negative to Coronavirus. Since it emerged that Abba Kyari, Buharis Chief of Staff, tested positive for the deadly virus, all had not been the same in the Presidential Villa. The Presidential Intensive Care Unit inside Aso Villa has been activated and placed on standby after President Muhammadu Buhari went into self-isolation on Tuesday evening. Already activities had been suspended at the place while all those, who came in contact with Kyari since his return into the country after a trip to Germany earlier this month, had been asked to self-isolate. Germany has 29,056 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and 123 recorded deaths. On Tuesday, SaharaReporters broke the story of how three of Kyaris staff had tested positive for the virus. This was after the online publication had exclusively reported on Monday that Kyari was gravely ill and may had contacted Coronavirus after his latest trip abroad. According to SaharaReporters source, the Presidency was doing everything possible to protect Buhari and his immediate family hence the preparation of the Presidential ICU in case of an emergency. The source also said that Kyari was earlier denied the usage of the facility after Ministry of Health officials pointed out that crisis could arise should an emergency come up around Buhari. Since returning from the trip abroad, Kyari has had contacts with several prominent persons including Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Buhari, Babagana Kingibe, a prominent member of the cabal and Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello. Aliko Dangote, Governor Bello Masari of Katsina and Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, are among others that Kyari came in contact with after returning to Nigeria. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com The first major media story on newly elected Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield was his secret meeting with Governor Tina Kotek, newly elected Secretary of State Tobias Read and newly elected Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. The behind closed doors meeting was to discuss how to oppose President Trumps initiatives. The second major media story on Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield was his creation of a statewide cabinet to, once again, use Oregon government resources to fight political battles with the President of the United States. Chris Sewerd wrote a perfect response to this in The Oregonian when he said, Are these people paid for participating and if so, where does the funding come from the taxpayer? Will their communications be public or private? Is there a stated mission with defined goals and an end date? Perhaps The Oregonian/OregonLive can do a follow-up story two to three years into the Trump administration to see how productive this cabal is and how much it has cost. Oregon has suffered through a crime wave. Last year, several news stories broke about international drug cartels operating in Oregon (ringleader , drug smuggling in rural Oregon, drug cartels using Eugene AirBnBs). Nearly three dozen men were arrested for human trafficking in Portland just 100 days ago. Look at the recent gun bust in Portland We urge Oregon Attorney General to drop the politics and to make a priority the serious crime and violence issues facing Oregonians. Was this helpful? If so, Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). Blog Archive: Mar 2025 (65) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) 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: 'Cod logs' placed in the Mary River can give fish a safe place to shelter. Credit: Caitlin Jones, Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) Australia's natural environment is changing rapidly as the world warms, and many species are struggling to keep up. The pace of change is staggering, with 2024 declared Earth's hottest year, shattering the previous record set in 2023. Conservation managers recognize the need for new ways to help species and ecosystems adapt to climate change. But dreaming up new tactics and testing them out requires lots of time, effort andoftenmoney. So we decided to gather examples of new tactics from Australia and around the world and offer them up in one place. Our free new online tool is full of fresh ideas to help Australian conservation groups find out about what might be worth trying on their patch. The catalogue contains more than 400 interventions such as purpose-built shelters and cooling systems, or relocation programs moving species to areas where the future climate may be more suitable. Having a ready-made toolkit means we can respond more rapidly and effectively to the changing environment, helping preserve Australia's unique biodiversity. Replacing lost habitat: from cod logs to frog bogs Our project team searched through academic papers, reports and plans, and connected with dozens of different organizations undertaking climate change adaptation in Australia. We found many new tactics are being tested to help wildlife adapt to climate change. We fed this information into the new Adaptation Catalogue for Conservation we call "AdaptLog"a searchable public repository of conservation interventions for climate adaptation. We also invited conservation groups to add to the database. Here are just a few of the inspiring success stories. The Mary River (Moonaboola) in southeastern Queensland is a sanctuary for several threatened freshwater species, including the endangered Mary River cod. But recent floods have washed away many of the natural spawning habitats these fish need to breed. So "cod logs" are being trialed to house spawning native fish. These logs are made from local, hollowed-out timber. They are then placed in the river to provide shelter and nesting habitat for the endangered Mary River cod. Early results have been encouraging, with researchers monitoring large male cod using the logs as nesting sites, protecting their brood of eggs. Tailor-made frog habitat is being recreated after fires, or during dry times. More than half of East Gippsland in Victoria burned during the 201920 Black Summer Bushfires, forcing many frogs into urban areas. In response, the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority urged people to build temporary habitats for frogs in their backyards. A "frog hotel" can be built using a large container or pot, soil, native plants and PVC pipes. They allow frogs to take refuge during the heat of the day. They also provide protection from predators such as kookaburras, dogs and cats. The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority worked with the conservation group Greening Australia to create another type of tailor-made frog habitat they call "frog bogs." Frog bogs look deceptively simple, just like ordinary farm dams, but they contain multiple chambers at various depths, allowing tadpoles to grow, shelter and safely feed. Native vegetation is planted around the edges, water plants are added and rocks allows frogs to bask. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Keeping cool WWF-Australia responded to our invitation to share their conservation efforts, such as placing sprinklers in trees to help fruit bat colonies cool down and using irrigation to keep green turtle nests the right temperature. Many groups around Australia are testing atmospheric cooling systems for keeping heat-sensitive flying foxes cool after mass deaths during heat waves. One of these trials, jointly funded by WWF-Australia, the City of Greater Bendigo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, was a success in Bendigo's Rosalind Park. Hundreds of flying foxes had died in a record-breaking heat wave in the previous year, but despite temperatures climbing above 40C during the trial, no deaths were recorded. These systems need more testing and are a far cry from the scale needed to support functioning ecosystems and populations. But it is heartening to see lots of passionate people working so hard to support nature in these challenging times. The Turtle Cooling Projecta partnership between WWF-Australia, The University of Queensland and the Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative, with funding support from furniture company Koalatested ways to cool turtle nests on the beach, so more males would hatch. Further testing promises to identify which beaches need these interventions most, and how communities can get involved around Australia and the world. Sharing is caring By sharing these strategies, we can help conservation managers act quickly and decisively, drawing on evidence of what has worked elsewhere. We can also provide more opportunities for communities to get involved as volunteers helping out with different kinds of adaptation actions. Conservation managers in Australia and globally can now use this tool to share and find new ideas. They can also add more examples and tactics to the tool, to help with testing and learning what works in different settings. It is very early days for this field of climate adaptation research and practice, so there is still a long way to go to build an evidence base. But by collating what is happening already, we hope to encourage the development and dissemination of more innovative approaches to give wildlife a fighting chance. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This microscope photo provided by the McLean Hospital's Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center in January 2024 shows cells in the caudate nucleus structure of the brain in a person with Huntington's disease. Credit: McLean Hospital's Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center/NIH NeuroBioBank via AP Scientists are unraveling the mystery of what triggers Huntington's disease, a devastating and fatal hereditary disorder that strikes in the prime of life, causing nerve cells in parts of the brain to break down and die. The genetic mutation linked to Huntington's has long been known, but scientists haven't understood how people could have the mutation from birth, but not develop any problems until later in life. New research shows that the mutation is, surprisingly, harmless for decades. But it quietly grows into a larger mutationuntil it eventually crosses a threshold, generates toxic proteins, and kills the cells it has expanded in. "The conundrum in our field has been: Why do you have a genetic disorder that manifests later in life if the gene is present at conception?" said Dr. Mark Mehler, who directs the Institute for Brain Disorders and Neural Regeneration at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and was not involved in the research. He called the research a "landmark" study and said "it addresses a lot of the issues that have plagued the field for a long time." The brain cell death eventually leads to problems with movement, thinking and behavior. Huntington's symptomswhich include involuntary movement, unsteady gait, personality changes and impaired judgmenttypically begin between the ages of 30 and 50, gradually worsening over 10 to 25 years. Scientists at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, McLean Hospital in Massachusetts and Harvard Medical School studied brain tissue donated by 53 people with Huntington's and 50 without it, analyzing half a million cells. They focused on the Huntington's mutation, which involves a stretch of DNA in a particular gene where a three-letter sequenceCAGis repeated at least 40 times. In people without the disease this sequence is repeated just 15 to 35 times. They discovered that DNA tracts with 40 or more such "repeats" expand over time until they are hundreds of CAGs long. Once CAGs reach a threshold of about 150, certain types of neurons sicken and die. This microscope photo provided by the McLean Hospital's Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center in January 2024 shows cells in the caudate nucleus structure of the brain in a person with Huntington's disease. Credit: McLean Hospital's Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center/NIH NeuroBioBank via AP The findings "were really surprising, even to us," said Steve McCarroll, a Broad member and co-senior author of the study, which was published Thursday in the journal Cell. The research team estimated that repeat tracts grow slowly during the first two decades of life, then the rate accelerates dramatically when they reach about 80 CAGs. "The longer the repeats, the earlier in life the onset will happen," said neuroscience researcher Sabina Berretta, one of the study's senior authors. Researchers acknowledged that some scientists were initially skeptical when results were shared at conferences, since previous work found that repeat expansions in the range of 30 to 100 CAGs were necessarybut not sufficientto cause Huntington's. McCarroll agreed that 100 or fewer CAGs are not sufficient to trigger the disease, but said his study found that expansions with at least 150 CAGs are. Researchers hope their findings can help scientists come up with ways to delay or prevent the incurable condition, which afflicts about 41,000 Americans and is now treated with medications to manage the symptoms. Recently, experimental drugs designed to lower levels of the protein produced by the mutated Huntington's gene have struggled in trials. The new findings suggest that's because few cells have the toxic version of the protein at any given time. Slowing or stopping the expansion of DNA repeats may be a better way to target the disease, researchers said. Though there are no guarantees this would stave off Huntington's, McCarroll said "many companies are starting or expanding programs to try to do this." More information: Long somatic DNA-repeat expansion drives neurodegeneration in Huntington disease, Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.11.038. www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)01379-5 Journal information: Cell 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In his farewell address, outgoing US President Joe Biden warned "an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy." The comment suggests that, under Donald Trump's second term as president, it will be billionaires rather than the people who shape public policy. There is certainly some evidence Biden's ominous caution should be taken seriously. The world's richest man and the owner of X, Elon Musk, has been a vocal supporter of the Republican candidate. Other billionaire tech moguls to visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago mansion after his 2024 election victory include Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Apple's Tim Cook and Google chief executive Sundar Pichai. There is nothing unusual about business leaders wanting the ear of an incoming president. What has concerned Biden and others is that so many of Trump's influential backers also own media platforms and have the ability to sway public opinion. Should these new tech titans be thought of as oligarchs? What is an oligarchy? Like many of the academic and scientific categories we still use today, oligarchy was originally defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. In The Politics, he argued people are "political animals," social by nature, and instinctively want to live in a community. He studied different governments of the ancient world and concluded there were six essential types. A state could be ruled by a single leader, a small group of elites, or through mass participation of the people. If the leadership acted in the common advantage (koine sumpheron), he termed these constitutions to be monarchy, aristocracy or polity, respectively. If the constitutions became corrupt and the leadership acted only to advance their own self-interest, he labeled them tyranny, oligarchy and democracy. So for Aristotle, an oligarchy is a corrupt form of government. It is when power is in the hands of a small group of elites who advance their own interests rather than the common good. In Aristotelian terms, democracy is also a corrupt form of government in which the majority uses its power to abuse minorities. While the term democracy has been rehabilitated and is usually seen as a positive, the word oligarchy has retained its negative connotations. When the United States was created, the founding fathers looked back to Aristotle, Polybius, Cicero and other ancient thinkers to try and create the best kind of constitution. Following the Aristotelian tradition, they tried to design a mixed constitution where neither the one, the few nor the many could dominate the others. The president has great power. But their power is kept in check by Congress and the judiciary, which is in turn kept in check by the media and, ultimately, the people through regular elections. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Modern oligarchies In modern politics, the term oligarch is most often used in a Russian context. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, opportunistic tycoons made enormous fortunes from buying up state assets such as energy companies and financial institutions, which also brought them significant political influence as a result. Since Vladimir Putin became president in 2000, however, Russia has become increasingly authoritarian. While there is still an oligarchic class, their power has been reined in. They must not challenge Putin's power or vision for the state. Although China is ostensibly a communist state, the Gini index (the measure of social inequality) has blown out in recent years as a small group of elites become increasingly wealthy. Despite the state's official commitment to socialist principles, political scientist Ming Xia has argued China is now transitioning into a modern oligarchy. What about the United States and Australia? Despite Biden's warning of a potential oligarchy, political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page argued back in 2014 the US already was one. The US has the essential features of a liberal democracy (fair and regular elections, freedom of speech, and an independent press). But Gilens and Page worried large businesses and a small group of affluent citizens had a disproportionate influence on policy. In Australia also, it could be argued an oligarchy is either emerging or has already taken hold. Australia has a similar-sized economy to Russia and a growing list of billionaires who appear to have significant influence over government policy. The power of the Murdoch family and their media empire is well-documented. We have also seen increased political activity from other billionaires including Gina Rinehart, Andrew Forrest and Clive Palmerwho went as far as to start his own political party. There is no question billionaires in the US and Australia have enormous power and influence. But that in itself does not make an oligarchy. In Aristotelian terms, the defining feature of an oligarchy is the ruling elite blatantly use their status for their own personal gain rather than the public good. This is a moral judgment, and one that is increasingly hard to make when so many of the ultra-wealthy own traditional news media and social media platforms that can shape public opinion. Nevertheless, any shift towards oligarchy should be a cause of alarm to all who value the long democratic tradition in both the US and Australia. Whether it is a symptom of Trumpism, as Biden suggests, or part of a longer trend, strengthening our democratic institutions and curtailing the disinformation and misinformation that are all too prevalent on social media, is part of the solution. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Taormina Lepore, foreground, who has low vision, walks with a white cane during an accessible field trip to the San Andreas Fault organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun The path to Lost Lake was steep and unpaved, lined with sharp rocks and holes. A group of scientists and students gingerly made their way, using canes or a helping hand to guide them. For those who couldn't make the trek, a drone brought the lakeblue and narrowinto view. The field trip was designed to illustrate the challenges disabled researchers often face and how barriers can be overcome. "Just because you can't do it like someone else doesn't mean you can't do it," said Anita Marshall, a University of Florida geologist leading the outing. The group included scientists with sight, hearing and mobility disabilities. Marshall's organization ran the field trip to the lake along the San Andreas Fault, outside of San Bernadino. Her groupthe International Association for Geoscience Diversityand others are working to improve access to field and lab work so that those with disabilities feel welcome and stay. Taormina Lepore, a Western Michigan University paleontologist who went on the trip, said scientists tend to value a single, traditional way of getting things done. At Lost Lake, everyone got a vieweven if they couldn't physically get there. "It's really about empathy, as much as it is about science," said Lepore, who also researches science education. Kate Scharer, a research geologist with the Earthquake Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey, center, speaks in a meeting during an accessible field trip to the San Andreas Fault organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun Making research labs more accessible Disabled people make up about 3% of the science, technology, engineering and math workforce, according to 2021 data from the National Science Foundation. Scientists with disabilities say that's in part because labs, classrooms and field sites aren't designed to accommodate them. Students and faculty are still told that they can't work in a lab or do research safely, said Mark Leddy, who formerly managed disability-related grants for the National Science Foundation. The Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, sets minimum regulations for new buildings and labs, including ramps and wheelchair-accessible walkways. But modifying older labs can be a complicated and lengthy process. Alyssa Paparella is working on her doctorate in biology at Baylor College of Medicine and founded an online community for disabled scientists. She said a science building at one of her former schools had no automatic buttons to open doors. Grace Telfer, left, and Anita Marshall, a geoscience education researcher at the University of Florida, operate a drone allowing others to survey the San Andreas Fault during an accessible field trip organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun "What is that saying about who you want actually working in the laboratories?" she said. "That's the front door that they're not even able to get in." Leddy said researchers with disabilities are invaluable because of their life experiences. They have to constantly come up with creative ways to get past barriers in their livesa problem-solving skill that's indispensable in a lab. "If they don't feel welcome, if they don't get access, then how can they contribute that talent?" Leddy said. Venu Varanasi, a biomaterials engineer at the University of Texas at Arlington who has low vision, prints out signage using high-contrast color combinations and encourages his students to keep floors and counters clutter-free so he can navigate the lab more easily. He said those modifications also keep accidents to a minimum for non-disabled students. Bushra Hussaini, who works at the American Museum of Natural History, stands with Anita Marshall, a geoscience researcher at the University of Florida, as they operate a drone used to help others survey the San Andreas Fault during an accessible field trip organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun "When you realize that you have a person with a disability, you have an opportunity, not a problem," he said. At Purdue University in Indiana, engineering professor Brad Duerstock helped design an accessible biomedical lab years ago with support from the school and a National Institutes of Health grant, removing cabinets under sinks and fume hoods so that wheelchairs can easily pull up. The cost of making a lab more accessible varies depending on how extensive the changes are, Duerstock said. Some schools set aside money for improvements and science organizations can offer grants. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Accessibility in the outdoors On the California geology field trip, the group explored the lake carved into the landscape by the San Andreas Fault, where the grating of two tectonic plates can cause earthquakes. The group included rock enthusiasts at all different stages of their careers. A handful were students. Others were professors, eager to explore the outdoors in a group they could trust to look after them. Jennifer Piatek, a planetary geologist at Central Connecticut State University, is helped off the bus during an accessible field trip to the San Andreas Fault organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun Central Connecticut State University professor Jennifer Piatek, who uses a wheelchair, saw the lake through drone footage and used a pocket lens to examine rocks brought back by other participants. She said it was nice to be part of a community that anticipated her needs. For example, their bus pulled forward to park at a flatter location to make it easier for her to get off. You can learn a lot from images and maps, "but really you need to get to the space to be in it," said Piatek, who studies planetary geology. Lepore, a neurodivergent person with low vision, scanned rocks using an artificial intelligence app that described their color and shape out loud. "Nature is not inherently accessible," she said. "Nature just doesn't have ramps and the kinds of things that we might wish it had. But there are so many workarounds and ways that we as geoscientists can make things truly open." Shirley Jackson, an adjunct professor in general geology at York College, left, stands with Wilnelly Ventura-Valentin, and Jennifer Piatek, a planetary geologist at Central Connecticut State University as they watch a drone used to allow people to survey the San Andreas Fault during an accessible field trip organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun The shirt of Ian Castro, a doctoral candidate in geoscience education at the University of Cincinnati, is seen during an accessible field trip to the San Andreas Fault organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun Kate Scharer, a research geologist with the Earthquake Science Center of the US Geological Survey, left, walks with Shirley Jackson, an adjunct professor of general geology at York College, during an accessible field trip to the San Andreas Fault organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun Jennifer Piatek, a planetary geologist at Central Connecticut State University, speaks with attendees on stones found during an accessible field trip to the San Andreas Fault organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun Michele Cook, a professor and geoscientist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, speaks next to Kate Scharer, a research geologist with the Earthquake Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey while signing in American Sign Language during an accessible field trip to the San Andreas Fault organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Cooke is also partially deaf. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun Attendees walk during an accessible field trip to the San Andreas Fault organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun Attendees walk to board a tour bus during an accessible field trip to the San Andreas Fault organized by the International Association of Geoscience Diversity Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Bernadino, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Ryan Sun Bushra Hussaini uses tips from the field trips to support interns and volunteers with disabilities at New York's American Museum of Natural History, where she works. She said the supportive community of geologists is what keeps her coming back. "We learn from each other and we help each other," she said. Before heading out, Marshall urged the participants to ask for a hand or a shoulder to lean on if needed. She and others from the organization have been leading field trips every year as an offshoot from the Geological Society of America's annual meeting. As a doctoral student, Marshall would go on field trips with her peers only to wait back in the van, frustrated, because the organizers hadn't thought about how to accommodate her disabilities. She wants things to be different for the next generation of scientists. "The whole point of these little day trips is to just plant that seed out there," Marshall said, "that there's another way forward." 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The nurse charged with abusing a newborn baby at Henrico Doctors Hospital was put on leave by the hospital in 2023 as it investigated four infants who suffered unexplained fractures. Erin Strotman was one of two employees who treated all four children in the hospitals neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, which cares for infants born prematurely or with complications. Eventually, Henrico Countys Child Protective Services unit determined abuse occurred. But investigators were unable to ascertain who caused the fractures, and they closed the case. In 2024, Henrico Doctors allowed Strotman to return to work, a prosecutor said. Weeks later, three additional babies suffered unexplained broken bones, giving the hospital seven victims in total. Earlier this month, police arrested Strotman and charged her with felony malicious wounding and child abuse in one babys injuries. That the initial investigation led to no arrests raises questions about whether Henrico Doctors and Child Protective Services sufficiently examined the case. Asked whether officials did their due diligence, Shannon Taylor, commonwealths attorney for Henrico, declined to comment. Why Strotman, 26, was allowed to return is unclear. A spokesperson for the hospital declined to comment. The following account is based on an inspection report produced by Child Protective Services and obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Fractures were not common at all In August and September of 2023, staff at the NICU discovered four babies had suffered unexplainable fractures to their arms, legs and ribs. Sometimes, a nurse can accidentally break an infants bone, one doctor told investigators. Nurses must put tension on arms or legs in order to insert intravenous fluids. But when three babies suffered injuries in a short time frame, doctors suspected something was awry. One doctors antennas went up, the report noted. One fracture occurred in the wide end of the femur. Fractures such as these are often caused by force, such as shaking a baby, a doctor said. Another newborn had a buckle fracture, which can happen when a child falls down the stairs or off a bike. For it to happen to a baby who never left the hospital, who was too young to move or crawl, was strange. A string of injuries like these, in a short period of time, was not common at all, the report noted. Staffers said they had never seen anything like this. Doctors suspected the injuries were caused by nonaccidental trauma, a term used when a caregiver abuses a patient. Many of the providers did not know state law requires them to report potential abuse within 24 hours. Instead, the hospital conducted its own investigation and determined two staffers had contact with all four babies Strotman and a veteran respiratory therapist. The hospital placed Strotman on paid administrative leave. The other staffer had worked at the NICU for nearly 30 years without any incidents and was allowed to keep working. Strotman denied hurting babies In September 2023, Child Protective Services began asking questions and reviewing records. Investigator Sarah Wilson and Henrico detective Matt Fitzer from the Special Victims Unit interviewed about 15 health care providers who worked at the NICU or had reviewed the babies injuries. They quickly determined this was an emergency or crisis situation. On Oct. 30, they interviewed Strotman in person. A registered nurse, she had worked for the hospital for four years, starting in the unit that treats brain conditions. She arrived at the NICU in 2022. Each morning at 8 a.m., she and other nurses would conduct head-to-toe checks of their patients. Strotman was typically assigned one to four babies each shift, and she was responsible for changing diapers, checking temperatures and feeding the newborns. Strotman told investigators she never saw an injury during those checks, but Strotman said rumors were swirling that four babies had fractures. She denied doing anything accidentally or intentionally to hurt them. Strotmans parents declined to comment through their lawyer. Most of the time, only nurses and parents were in the room with the babies, Strotman said. Sometimes, coworkers would enter to assist, even if they were not assigned to that particular baby. The state health department determined in a separate investigation that NICU staffers did not properly document which nurses drew blood from each baby, making it difficult to determine who was responsible. Respiratory therapists also intubated babies and provided breathing treatments. They were often in the room at the same time as nurses but occasionally would treat patients by themselves. Two of them said they had never seen a nurse be too rough with a baby, and several staffers said they had no concerns with any of the nurses. Staffers denied hurting the babies. Doctors suspected there was abuse, but did not know who was responsible. He reported he thought that abuse was going on, investigators wrote after speaking with a doctor. He stated there is a pattern of abuse here, whether its accidental or gross negligence. A doctor for the state health department, Dr. Douglas Middlebrooks, said his best guess was that one or more staffers improperly handled the premature babies. No perpetrator identified In April 2024, six months after the investigation began, Child Protective Services closed the case. There was enough evidence to show a person or people at Henrico Doctors caused the injuries, investigators said. They labeled the situation a Level 1 finding for physical abuse, meaning the abuse caused serious harm. But the identity of the perpetrator was never determined. A spokesperson for Henrico declined to comment. As part of its response, Henrico Doctors Hospital installed security cameras in NICU rooms. It also added extra checks of babies and implemented new training for how staffers should handle newborns. In September 2024, Strotman was allowed back to work, said Alison Martin, a prosecutor for Henrico. Weeks later, three more babies suffered fractures and, on Jan. 2, police arrested and charged Strotman in connection with a baby who had suffered fractures to the tibia and ribs. Its not a single child, Martin told a judge last week. We have a pattern of behavior. This time, authorities had surveillance video available. Prosecutors say the video shows Strotman bending the legs of the baby to its head as Strotman put her weight down on the crying child. Prosecutors described the behavior as intentional and outside the standard of care. Strotman, who no longer works at the hospital, told police she may have been too rough with the newborn. Authorities have not charged her in connection with any of the other injured babies, but Martin said Strotman is the one common thread among three infants who suffered broken bones in 2024. Asked if the investigation by Child Protective Services went far enough, Taylor, commonwealths attorney for Henrico, declined to comment. The four cases from 2023 have been reopened as police investigate all seven injured babies. Just because a matter has been investigated and what we call closed does not prohibit it from being reopened, Taylor added. Nine transferred to Cancun hospitals from two vehicle crash Cancun, Q.R. Nine people were transferred to Cancun hospitals Saturday after being injured in a two vehicle crash. The accident happened just after 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning when a public combi and private SUV collided. The two vehicles collided on Ninos Heroes Avenue and 71st Street when, according to early information, the driver of the private vehicle accidently swerved into the opposite lane and into the oncoming combi. The impact caused her vehicle to roll onto its side. The female driver and her five year old daughter inside the SUV were taken to hospital. According to Cancun Transit, seven people from inside the combi were injured and transferred to city hospitals by ambulance. Paramedics and firefighters assisted the injured who were taken to different hospitals. Traffic personnel implemented partial road closures to facilitate rescue and emergency response efforts. Traffic was affected for several hours due to the magnitude of the accident and the number of injured involved. Playa del Carmen hotel evacuated after refrigerant gas leak poisons six Playa del Carmen, Q.R. UPDATED: Six people were hospitalized for gas poisoning while inside a Playa del Carmen hotel. Solidaridad firemen and Civil Protection were part of the responding emergency team at the 12th Street North and Fifth Ave. location Saturday night. Area residents reported the strong smell of gas to emergency services who sent the response team. At the scene, personnel found people with dizziness, burning eyes and difficulty breathing due to the buildup of gas. The hotel was evacuated and the effected transferred to hospital by ambulance. A total of four minors and two adult women were treated and since released. Authorities have not said if the six effected were hotel guests, but have confirmed that they were Mexican nationals. Personnel proceeded to close the area while they investigated the official source of the leak. According to available information, an air conditioning leak of refrigerant gas was responsible for the poisoning. Solidaridad authorities have not issued a statement or made any public comment on the leak. UPDATED: Solidaridad Civil Protection and fire department confirmed a refrigerant gas leak inside a room of a Fifth Avenue Playa del Carmen hotel. According to municipal authorities, a total of eight people were poisoned and 65 guests evacuated Saturday night. In a statement, they Civil Protection and Firefighters evacuated a hotel and provided assistance to 8 people who were poisoned by a possible refrigerant gas leak. In response to the report of a gas leak at the In Fashion hotel located on 5th Avenue, rescue personnel attended, who provided medical attention and transport to the hospital to the people who showed symptoms of poisoning, and as a preventive measure they evacuated 65 people. After taking atmospheric readings, a possible refrigerant gas leak was determined, so access was restricted and the area delimited for the corresponding work. Self-defense: Cancun restaurant workers arrested after assailant dies released Cancun, Q.R. Cancun authorities have released three people who were arrested after their assailant died during a robbery. A man, who entered the restaurant where they worked, died after the workers fought back. According to Cancun police, five men entered the taco eatery around 2:00 a.m. January 16 with the intention of robbing it. One of the men threatened customers and, with three others, robbed them of their personal belongings. Two others pushed the three staff members into the back where they demanded the employees hand over the days cash. While in the back, the employees fought their attackers, stabbing two of the assailants, one of whom later died. The three employees were arrested. On Sunday, the State Attorney General reported that after an investigation, all four were released since it was determined the restaurant workers acted in self-defense. The State Attorney Generals Office reports that after criminal and field investigations, as well as a legal autopsy, it was determined that the homicide that occurred during a violent robbery in an establishment in SM 516, in the early morning of January 16, was in self-defense, the agency reported. The detainees have been released. The people who were released are Francisco N, Alfonso N and Jose Manuel N. The fourth detainee, identified as Alexi Adrian N, is one of the alleged assailants who remains hospitalized due to the injuries received, they said. The three employees were released since the corresponding investigations determined that they acted in self-defense. On the other hand, investigations will continue to establish responsibility of Alexis Adrian N and to find the whereabouts of the other accomplices for the violent robbery, Cancun police said. Suspect wanted for extorting Cozumel resident arrested Cozumel, Q.R. A suspect wanted in connection with extortion in Cozumel has been arrested. A man, who reportedly worked with several others, is accused of extorting a man for more than a year. Hugo Nerbey N, an alleged member of a criminal group, who, along with other people, contacted the victim through various telephone lines to demand payment for right of entry, under the threat that if he did not comply he would have to leave Cozumel permanently. The demands for money and threats, according to initial investigations, began in November 2023 and continued until 2024, police said in a statement. After the judge issued the arrest warrant, it was executed by Investigative Police from the Specialized Prosecutors Office for Combating Kidnapping and Extortion Crimes, they said. 2025 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #03 Posted on 19 January 2025 by BaerbelW, Doug Bostrom A listing of 25 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, January 12, 2025 thru Sat, January 18, 2025. This week's roundup is again published soleley by category. We are still interested in feedback to hone the categorization, so if you spot any clear misses and/or have suggestions for additional categories, please let us know in the comments. Thanks! Stories we promoted this week, by category: Climate Change Impacts Climate education and communication Ignoring Climate Change Education Risks Students Future Climate change affects students and our future. Climate is intertwined with education, the economy, immigration, housing, health, and other policy areas. by Andres Hernandez, Jr., edtrust, Jan 10, 2025 Climate law and justice Supreme Court Clears a Path for Lawsuits Against Oil Companies to Proceed The high court declined to hear a challenge to a major case in which Honolulu is suing energy companies over climate change. by Karen Zraick, New York Times, Jan 13, 2025 Climate Policy and Politics Climate Science and Research Moving away from high-end emissions scenarios I have a new commentary in Dialogues on Climate Change exploring climate outcomes in current policy scenarios by Zeke Hausfather, The Climate Brink, Jan 15, 2025 I have a new commentary in Dialogues on Climate Change exploring climate outcomes in current policy scenarios by Zeke Hausfather, The Climate Brink, Jan 15, 2025 Skeptical Science New Research for Week #3 2025 Skeptical Science's weekly survey of newly published climate research, including both academic papers and government/NGO reports. by Doug Bostrom & Marc Kodack, Skeptical Science, Jan 16, 2025 Skeptical Science's weekly survey of newly published climate research, including both academic papers and government/NGO reports. by Doug Bostrom & Marc Kodack, Skeptical Science, Jan 16, 2025 From Wildfires to Courtrooms: How Attribution Science Fuels Climate Justice by Vishal Yashoda Manve, State of the Planet, Jan 17, 2025 Public Misunderstandings about Climate Science Public Misunderstandings about Climate Solutions Sabin 33 #11 - Is solar energy more expensive than energy from fossil fuels? by Sabin Center Team, Skeptical Science, Jan 14, 2025 Miscellaneous (Other) Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. As President Donald Trump takes office yet again, many Americans are wondering whether they can sustain another four years in this countryand are looking for ways to get out. But moving abroad is no easy feat. There are visas, bank accounts, housing, and many other logistics to figure out. Thats where people like Jen Barnett come in. A few years ago, Barnett and her husband moved to Merida, a city in the Mexican state of Yucatan. After taking the leap themselves, they founded the company Expatsi to help people wrap their heads around where and how they could live abroad. Since the election, 50,000 new people have signed up for their newsletter. One destination that many consider is Portugal. Due to the countrys friendly visa programs, there are about 10,000 Americans living there. On a recent episode of Slates podcast How To!, host Carvell Wallace talked to Barnett about Portugal and other foreign visa options, the implications for taxes and international travel, and how expat-curious listeners can take the first step. This transcript has been condensed and edited for clarity. Carvell Wallace: Tell us a bit about what your life in the Yucatan is like. Jen Barnett: When we first got here, it was 2022, the tail end of the pandemic. One of the big things that stressed us at home was all the drama over masking and social distancing. And we came down here, and 100 percent of people had their masks on. What I saw was that everyone was in it together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did come down here without a lick of Spanish, and we take classes. We go to in-person school, and were learning. But people are really patient with us while we learn, and weve made a lot of friends. Its very easy to move to Mexico, and we can still visit Spain, Portugal, Vietnam, Uruguay, and anywhere else we want to go. But we can do it at half the cost of living and without this constant pressure of living in the U.S. Advertisement If youre thinking about moving to another country, you should be thinking not only about which countries you want to move to, but also which countries want you to move there. Which inevitably brings us to the subject of visas. What kinds of visas are available for Americans looking to move abroad? To get a retirement visa in Portugalcalled the D7you only need about $900 a month in passive income, and you actually can still work on it. So if you were able to work from anywhere at your job, but you were able to show $900 a month in investment returns or things like that, then you could move on the D7. Advertisement Alternatively, you could go as a digital nomad. That visa is called the D8, and you need to show about $3,000 a month in income. Spain also has a digital nomad visa. You do have to be a 1099 worker to get it. You can also be self-employed. What other countries should people consider? Another option is the Netherlands. They have a visa there called the DAFT, or Dutch American Friendship Treaty, and its a visa that they released just for Americans as a thank you after World War II. It is only for self-employed Americans. But all you have to do is deposit 4,500 euros in a local bank account and be self-employed. You do have to have a lease, which is true, of course, in Portugal, too, before you get your visa. Advertisement Advertisement The nice thing about Spain and the Netherlands is that you can move first for a digital nomad or self-employment visa or a DAFT visa, and then apply from within the country, which you cannot do in Portugal. I would consider Mexico. One thing I like about Mexico is that as Americans, you can spend six months there without a visa at all. So you can always go there and continue to visit Portugal or Spain or the Netherlands. Or if youre waiting for a visa to be approved, its a great place to go. Advertisement Advertisement But keep in mind that when youre on your scouting trip, you can travel as much as you want in and around Europe for up to 90 days out of any 180 days. Then you have to leave the Schengen zone for three months. We have a lot of clients who are traveling around as they decide where they want to land. And so theyll do three months in a Schengen country and then spend three months in Albania, which is not in the Schengen zone. Americans can go to Albania for a year with no visa at all. So thats another popular option for people who want to leave quickly, especially when theyre on limited funds. Advertisement If you moved to Portugal, does the question of EU citizenship come on the table? One thing about getting citizenship in the EU is that you can then move anywhere in the EU. There are a lot of Americans who have Irish or Italian or Hungarian heritage. And with those countries in particular, you can get citizenship by going back two or three generations and showing that you had an Irish great-grandmother, and potentially get citizenship. But then people may not want to live in Ireland or Italy, so they take that citizenship, and then they move to the country in the EU that they prefer. You can apply for citizenship after five years of residency in Portugal, and there is a language test. Advertisement Advertisement No matter what category you fall into, you should be thinking about taxes, right? I am not a tax professional by any means, but it is important to note that you will always file in the U.S. unless you renounce citizenship. So you will file in both countries, but most often you dont get double taxed. So if Portugal decides that you need to have paid 30 percent on your income, and you paid the U.S. 24 percent, then they might charge you 6 percent. Advertisement And in Portugal, you do qualify for public [health] care after three months, which is incredible. The public care there is excellent. You have to have private insurance for those first three months before that time, and most Americans tend to maintain private health insurance because it helps them not have to wait in any lines or things like that. I also think its great to have private health insurance because it helps subsidize the public system for locals, which I think is another way to contribute to the community. An influx of Americans can change the local economy, and not for the better, for locals, particularly if you move to a place where the currency is weaker. Its kind of a gentrification effect. How do you think about that? Advertisement Advertisement What we found is that expats lift up the economy everywhere they go, and governments have the ability to release the right kind of visas. So countries that need money, they release spaces that are for digital nomads, retirees, and investors. But in general, when you look at a retiree or digital nomad, youre talking about someone who is bringing their whole life savings, spending it in your country, and not taking a job or voting. Its literally the opposite of colonization. Now, that said, anti-immigrant sentiments, theyre going to be everywhere on some level. For populist politicians, its a very popular thing to be anti-immigrant. Sometimes if its left-wing populists, its against immigrants from wealthier countries, and if its right-wing populists, immigrants from poorer countries. But on the ground, face to face, we have found people in every country to be incredibly kind. Advertisement Advertisement What advice would you give to any Americans considering a big move? The most important thing to me is to give yourself grace. Be patient with yourself. It is a lot of change. You dont have to do it all at once. You dont have to learn the whole language overnight. People are kind. They want to get to know you. Theyre excited. Advertisement Youll have to go through all of these steps. Sometimes you might go through steps twice. We say you go through ideation, then planning, then exploration, and then youll get into paperwork, logistics, and settling in. And if you get to Portugal and you decide its not right for you, then thats OK. Youll start back at exploration and try another place. But just be as patient and kind with yourself as you can. Its hard to make these decisions when your blood pressure and your heart rate are through the roof and you feel threatened in a place thats supposed to be your home. And keep in mind that once you get to this safe, warm, community-oriented place, you are just going to blossom. Its going to change your life. To hear Barnett walk a couple through their options for moving abroad, listen to the episode by clicking the player below or subscribing to How To! wherever you get your podcasts. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250119/bidens-last-minute-oil-sanctions-target-russia-but-will-hurt-us-heres-mathematical-proof-1121465274.html Biden's Last-Minute Oil Sanctions Target Russia But Will Hurt US: Here's Mathematical Proof Biden's Last-Minute Oil Sanctions Target Russia But Will Hurt US: Here's Mathematical Proof Sputnik International "Im not going to be out of sight or out of mind," Joe Biden quipped at one of his final conversations with reporters as president last week. He's not wrong. If the Treasury sanctions targeting Russian maritime oil exports are successful, Americans will remember Biden for a long, long time to come. Here's why. 2025-01-19T17:49+0000 2025-01-19T17:49+0000 2025-01-19T17:52+0000 economy russia joe biden donald trump americans treasury bank of america brent oil oil prices https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/13/1121465114_38:0:3380:1880_1920x0_80_0_0_b45368b1899df9e39003a60018f75c09.jpg The outgoing administrations recent decisions suggest that their overarching goal is to create as many problems as possible for its successor in every area. This applies both to foreign policy, where a policy of maximum escalation has been observed in virtually every conflict zone, as well as the domestic front.With mere hours now left in Bidens term, the most effective tool in the waning days of his presidency has been sanctions, which can be quickly imposed but are difficult to revoke, given their political justifications."Today, the US Department of the Treasury took sweeping action to fulfill the G7 commitment to reduce Russian revenues from energy, including blocking two major Russian oil producers. Todays actions also impose sanctions on an unprecedented number of oil-carrying vessels, many of which are part of the 'shadow fleet,' opaque traders of Russian oil, Russia-based oilfield service providers, and Russian energy officials," the Treasury said in a press release last week announcing new sanctions against Russia's oil and gas sector."The United States is taking sweeping action against Russias key source of revenue for funding its brutal and illegal war against Ukraine," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.But Team Biden's sloganeering about the sanctions' purpose being continuing support for Ukraine is just cynical ideological cover for their true goal: disrupting the president-elect's plans, primarily in the economic and social sphere. As for hurting Russia, that won't work, and here's why.Russian Maritime Oil Exports: The MathUS sanctions will result in a significant bump in global oil prices, simultaneously offsetting the drop in production volumes by making up revenues into the Russian budget.A complete halt to Russian maritime exports of oil and petroleum products (that is, a reduction in Russian oil production by that volume) would cause one of the largest-ever deficits in the global oil market in history (assuming oil production dynamics in other countries remain consistent with forecasts).Consequently, the loss of such a significant volume of Russian exports (5.8 million barrels per day) from the global balance would lead to an increase in oil prices by $80$90 per barrel, to $150$160 per barrel.The loss of far smaller amounts of Russian oil from the world market has already had devastating and immediate impact. In 2022, for example, when Russian oil and petroleum product exports dropped by 1.5 million barrels per day, oil prices rose to over $120 per barrel.Crunching the numbers, with Brent crude priced at $158 per barrel, the export price of Russian oil for taxation purposes would be between $147 and $156 per barrel (depending on the size of the discount for Russian oil delivered via pipelines) compared to the roughly $70 per barrel assumed in the 2025 budget plan.That means that under conditions of a full embargo on maritime oil exports, Russia's state budget revenues would increase (to $88.2 billion, compared to $82.3 billion under the current plan), despite a reduction in production and various associated costs.Consequences for Trump's MAGA Energy PlansOne of President-Elect Trumps key campaign promises has been to turn the United States into an oil superpower, and dominate global markets by removing all barriers to production, thereby lowering the price of oil to $50 per barrel or less.Driving the point home that Biden's energy sanctions were aimed at Trump, rather than Russia, just five days before their announcement, the president imposed what could be described as "anti-American" restrictions on energy by officially banning oil and gas drilling along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States.Trump called the decision "ridiculous" and promised to "unban it immediately" after returning to the Oval Office.What he does regarding the sanctions targeting Russian maritime oil sales, which this analysis has demonstrated will also harm the US, remains to be seen. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250110/bidens-last-minute-russia-sanctions-designed-to-trip-up-trump-shoot-europe-in-the-foot-again-1121404878.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250114/did-anti-russian-sanctions-become-bidens-poison-chalice-for-trump-1121429139.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250111/latest-us-anti-russian-energy-sanctions-threaten-to-destabilize-global-markets-heres-how-1121409189.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International who will oil sanctions hurt more us or russia, will biden's sanctions hurt russia, are biden's oil sanctions hurting russia, are biden's oil sanctions designed to target trump https://sputnikglobe.com/20250119/hamas-agrees-to-release-hostages-on-saturdays-as-ceasefire-takes-hold---reports-1121463591.html Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages on Saturdays as Ceasefire Takes Hold - Reports Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages on Saturdays as Ceasefire Takes Hold - Reports Sputnik International Palestinian movement Hamas has agreed to release hostages in groups on Saturdays, 24 hours after presenting lists of their names to Israel, Israeli media reported on Sunday. 2025-01-19T12:42+0000 2025-01-19T12:42+0000 2025-01-19T12:42+0000 world benjamin netanyahu israel gaza strip palestine otzma yehudit hamas palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/13/1121459514_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_5a20100dfb07388987a1d8dadd7bd166.jpg The Keshet 12 television channel reported, citing Israeli sources, that Hamas would hand over the lists of those to be exchanged on Fridays. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum confirmed the names of the three women to be released on Sunday. Sunday marked the entry into force of a landmark ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip that will see Israel release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas. Al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas' military wing, said it would release three Israeli hostages on the first day of the ceasefire. Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Sunday that he had submitted his resignation in protest against the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip.His far-right party Otzma Yehudit announced its withdrawal from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition, the minister added.Two other Otzma Yehudit members, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu and Minister for the Development of the Periphery, Negev and the Galilee Yitzhak Wasserlauf, submitted their resignation letters, effective within 48 hours.Ben-Gvir said that the ceasefire represents "a complete victory for terrorism," adding that "we will not return to the government table without a complete victory against Hamas and full realization of the goals of the war."On January 14, Ben-Gvir called on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to quit the government together if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signs a Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas in its current form, arguing that it threatens national security.Israel and Hamas, with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, agreed on January 15 to a 42-day ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages and declared their intention to finally end the hostilities that lasted over 15 months, spreading to Lebanon and Yemen and provoking an exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Iran. The first stage provides for a partial exchange of prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli troops to the Gaza borders and humanitarian aid. The second and third stages are yet to be agreed upon. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/gaza-ceasefire-to-begin-on-january-19-at-530-am-gmt---qatars-foreign-ministry-1121455133.html israel gaza strip palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International hamas agrees, release hostages, palestinian movement hamas, release hostages in groups https://sputnikglobe.com/20250119/israel-army-leaves-city-of-rafah-in-gaza-strip---reports-1121459785.html Israel Army Leaves City of Rafah in Gaza Strip Israel Army Leaves City of Rafah in Gaza Strip Sputnik International The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began to withdraw troops and equipment from the center of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera reported, citing its correspondent. 2025-01-19T04:43+0000 2025-01-19T04:43+0000 2025-01-19T04:44+0000 world palestine-israel conflict palestinians middle east israel gaza strip egypt hamas israel defense forces (idf) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/14/1119844232_0:133:2570:1579_1920x0_80_0_0_b32355789aab1b7f9308b5b12dc1e051.jpg According to the channel, the Israeli military is "retreating to the Philadelphi Corridor," which is located on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that, contrary to media reports about the alleged withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphi Corridor on the border of the Gaza Strip and Egypt as part of a deal with the Hamas movement, Israel planned not only to maintain a military presence in this area, but even to strengthen it. The parties to the conflict in the Palestinian Gaza Strip Israel and the Hamas movement with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt and the United States agreed to a ceasefire from January 19 for 42 days and declared their desire to finally end the hostilities that have claimed the lives of 46,000 Palestinians and about 1,500 Israelis in 15 months, spread to Lebanon and Yemen, and provoked an exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Iran. The first stage of the deal involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for about a thousand Palestinian prisoners. Israeli troops must withdraw to the borders of the Gaza Strip, although they will remain within them for now. From the first day of the truce, humanitarian aid deliveries will increase to 600 trucks per day, including 50 with fuel. The Palestinians will receive 200,000 tents and 60,000 mobile homes. The guarantors of the agreement are Qatar, Egypt and the United States, which will create a coordination center in Cairo. On the 16th day of the ceasefire, Israel and Hamas committed to begin talks on a second phase of the deal, which would presumably include the release of the remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal. The guarantors of the peace process are also talking about a third phase, which would include an exchange of remains, the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and an end to its blockade. This is the second ceasefire in the conflict: the first was concluded in November 2023 and lasted only six days. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250118/israeli-government-reaffirms-implementation-of-gaza-ceasefire-deal-will-begin-january-19-1121452937.html israel gaza strip egypt Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israel army, israel defense forces, city of rafah, gaza strip https://sputnikglobe.com/20250119/romanian-opposition-rallying-over-presidential-elections-cancellation-1121460515.html Romanian Opposition Rallying Over Presidential Elections Cancellation Romanian Opposition Rallying Over Presidential Elections Cancellation Sputnik International Supporters of the opposition Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party have taken to the streets in several cities in Romania due to the actions of the authorities and the cancellation of the presidential elections, Romanian publication reported. 2025-01-19T05:01+0000 2025-01-19T05:01+0000 2025-01-19T05:01+0000 world romania bucharest rally protest rally opposition party opposition opposition rally https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/07/1110974585_0:241:3072:1968_1920x0_80_0_0_460058d682c5049d95227f8e4e757e7c.jpg AUR supporters were taking part in protests in major cities against the current political authorities, against the cancellation of the elections and against the continuation of the powers of President Klaus Iohannis. Rallies were organized in front of the prefecture buildings, the publication reported. On December 12, AUR supporters and representatives held a rally in Bucharest, opposing the cancellation of the second round of the presidential elections. According to the organizers, about 100,000 people took part in the protest. On November 24, presidential elections were held in Romania, following which independent candidate Calin Georgescu gained most votes in the first round 22.94%, thanks to an active campaign on TikTok. Elena Lasconi, who advocates for strengthening the partnership with NATO and the United States, took second place with 19.18%. However, on December 6, the Constitutional Court annulled the election results, pointing to serious violations confirmed by declassified documents of the Supreme Security Council. The decision was made after considering complaints from public organizations, candidates and government agencies. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241209/romanian-opposition-leader-calls-on-allies-to-create-new-united-political-bloc-1121137064.html romania bucharest Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International alliance for the union of romanians, romanian opposition rallying, presidential elections cancellation https://sputnikglobe.com/20250119/supporters-of-south-korean-president-cause-mayhem-in-court-that-detained-him-1121460137.html Supporters of South Korean President Cause Mayhem in Court That Detained Him Supporters of South Korean President Cause Mayhem in Court That Detained Him Sputnik International Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is accused of attempting to violently seize power, caused mayhem in the court that decided to detain the president, the Yonhap news agency reported. 2025-01-19T04:54+0000 2025-01-19T04:54+0000 2025-01-19T04:54+0000 asia seoul court arrest martial law south korea yoon suk yeol https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/13/1121459967_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_d23d7a54f8c4e77f93da25b66980eac1.jpg After Yoon was put in custody early in the morning of January 19 (around 18:00 GMT Saturday) on charges of leading a rebellion, his supporters entered the Seoul Western District Court and caused mayhem there, the agency said. According to the agency, the angry crowd overcame police resistance and broke into the courthouse through the gate behind the building, and some of the president's supporters climbed over the fence. They began to break windows and managed to get inside the building, where they also smashed glass and furniture with fire extinguishers and other improvised means, shouting "President Yoon Suk-yeol." Some also tried to find the judges who ordered his detention, threw plastic chairs at police officers, took away their shields and rubber batons and used them against the police officers themselves. Other supporters of Yoon Seok-yeol tried to calm their comrades, convincing them that this was "not what the president wanted." Law enforcement reinforcements that soon arrived began detaining rioters, calling on those remaining in the building to immediately leave it, and everyone in front of the court to disperse, stop the unauthorized rally and other illegal actions. Earlier on Saturday, the court granted the request of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) to detain the country's president Yoon, suspected of attempting to violently seize power. The court supported the investigators' opinion that if released, the president might try to destroy evidence pointing to his guilt. The maximum period of detention requested by the investigators is 20 days, including the two days that Yoon has already spent in a pretrial detention center after his arrest on December 15 for repeatedly ignoring requests to appear for questioning. However, the CIO plans to soon hand over the results of the investigation to the prosecutor's office, which will forward the president's case to the court in early February. The court has the right to order the suspect's detention for two months, with a subsequent extension of up to six months on each count. In this regard, it is expected that the court of first instance will make a decision on the rebellion charges as early as August.Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol have caused a disturbance in the Seoul court that ordered Yoon's detention, South Korean media reported.After the Seoul Western District Court ruled that Yoon should be detained, his supporters overcame police resistance and entered the court building through the back gate, Yonhap News Agency said. The protesters broke glass and furniture using fire extinguishers and chanting the president's name, the report said.The protesters also threw plastic chairs at the police, took away their shields and rubber batons and used them against the officers, Yonhap said, adding, however, that some protesters also tried to stop their associates, saying that "this is not what the president would have wanted."After reinforcements arrived, the police arrested some of the rioters, calling on those still in the building to leave immediately and on the crowd around it to disperse, according to the report.On December 3, President Yoon declared martial law, claiming that the opposition was sympathizing with North Korea and plotting a "rebellion." The parliament defied the presidential declaration and voted to lift martial law hours later. Yoon obeyed and apologized to the nation. On December 14, the South Korean parliament voted to impeach Yoon over his controversial declaration of martial law. The Constitutional Court will make a final decision on the matter by June 11, 2025. Yoon will be suspended from office pending the ruling and will not be able to leave the country, while an interim president will be in charge until the final verdict is passed. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250103/s-korean-investigators-decide-to-stop-trying-to-execute-arrest-warrant-for-yoon-1121340577.html seoul south korea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International south korean president, south korean president yoon suk-yeol, violently seize power https://sputnikglobe.com/20250119/trump-may-visit-china-within-first-100-days-in-office-1121460324.html Trump May Visit China Within First 100 Days in Office Trump May Visit China Within First 100 Days in Office Sputnik International US President-elect Donald Trump may visit China within his first 100 days in office, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources. 2025-01-19T04:57+0000 2025-01-19T04:57+0000 2025-01-19T04:57+0000 world donald trump us joe biden china republican xi jinping https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/06/1120797517_0:0:3068:1727_1920x0_80_0_0_3a6dec9c97bbf208d1b6b59c1bf8b9e4.jpg According to one of the people familiar with the discussions, Trump has expressed interest in traveling to China in his first 100 days in office, the publication said. Trump's transition team did not respond to a request for comment, it added. The newspaper noted that the trip might be dictated by the Republican's desire to strengthen relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which had worsened between Washington and Beijing during the presidency of Joe Biden. A final decision on the trip at the beginning of his second term has not yet been made, the publication said. Trump visited China in 2017 during his first term, after nearly a year in office. On Friday, Trump and Xi Jinping spoke by phone, discussing peace and security efforts, trade, and TikTok. The Republican said after the call that both leaders intended to do everything possible to make the world a more peaceful and secure place. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250110/xi-to-send-top-ranking-official-to-trumps-inauguration---reports-1121397290.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us president-elect donald trump, visit china, trump may visit china [This is part of the series: The Complete Guide To Economics 101.] What is a bank? A Bank is an entity that accepts monetary deposits from the public. In this, the bank issues the customer an account where deposited funds can be withdrawn on demand at a later date. Banks also lend money to customers based on creditworthiness and regulated short-term interest rates. I thought it was interesting that the word bank comes from the Italian word banco. Banco translates as table or bench the very surface where the banking business took root in the 14th century. The Mumbai Police on Sunday said that a man, identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, has been arrested from Maharashtra's Thane in the Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan attack case, adding that he could be originally from Bangladesh. Dikshit Gedam, DCP, Crime Branch Mumbai, while addressing a press conference here said, "There is primary evidence to anticipate that the accused is a Bangladeshi. He does not have valid Indian documents. Some seizures indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national..." He said that on January 16, at 2 a.m., actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his residence. "FIR was registered and one accused has been arrested. His name is Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, he is 30 years old. He entered the house with the intention of robbery. He will be produced in the court and custody will be demanded," said the DCP. Further investigation will take place. He further said, "The accused came to Mumbai 5 to 6 months ago. After that, he started living in various other areas and came to Mumbai 15 days ago He was using Vijay Das as his current name." "He used to work in a housekeeping agency. After entering India illegally he changed his name," the DCP said. The accused was caught near the Hiranandani Estate in Kasarvadavali, about 35 kilometres from Saif's residence. Initially, he said his name was Vijay Das and later grilling revealed his real name. He had changed his name out of fear of getting caught. The arrest by the Mumbai Police was made in a joint operation conducted by DCP Zone-6 Navnath Dhavale's team and the Kasarvadavali police at a labour camp near the metro construction site, behind the TCS Call Center in Hiranandani Estate, Thane West. Actor Saif Ali Khan suffered six stab wounds while struggling with the intruder who broke into his Bandra residence early on Thursday with the intent of robbery. The attacker had fled the scene. The actor was rushed to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Saif Ali Khan, who was said to be out of danger, is recovering at the hospital. The prime accused was previously employed at a pub in Mumbai. Now that he has been arrested, police will present before the court later on Sunday for remand, the Mumbai crime branch said. Mumbai Police have said that the accused had multiple names, including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammad Ilyas, media reported. The attacker was caught in CCTV footage of the Satguru Sharan building, which houses actor Saif Ali Khan and his family. DCP Zone-9 Dikshit Gedam revealed that the attacker used the staircase to get upstairs to Saif's 12th-floor apartment. Saif Ali Khan's home staff Eliyamma Philips alias Lima was present in the house at the time of the incident and was the first one to spot the accused. In a bid to stop him, she engaged in a scuffle with him which resulted in the injuries on her hand. Hearing Lima's scream, Saif Ali Khan got alarmed and stepped out of his room. As he struggled with the accused, he struck the actor with a sharp knife around six times. Following this, the attacker fled the scene. In her statement to the Mumbai Police, Lima had described the attacker as a slim, dark-complexioned man in his late thirties, around 5 feet 5 inches tall. Almost six hours after this incident, the accused was caught on CCTV camera buying headphones at a store in Dadar in a blue shirt around 9 a.m. on Thursday. Earlier, he was also seen at Bandra railway station, where he is believed to have boarded a train. Saif Ali Khan's wife and actress Kareena Kapoor Khan had told the police that the accused got 'very aggressive' during his scuffle with Saif and stabbed the actor repeatedly. However, she said, he did not touch any of the jewellery kept in the open. Saif Ali Khan was grievously injured in the scuffle with the attacker at his home. Admitted with six injuries to the hospital, which included two deep wounds on his left hand and neck, Saif Ali Khan underwent multiple surgeries and was said to be "out of danger". He was moved to the intensive care unit to be kept under observation. On Friday, Niraj Uttamani, the chief operating officer of the Hospital, told reporters that Saif was shifted to a special room and was under recovery. "He is completely cheerful. In fact, we are planning a discharge in the next two to three days," he added. Doctors praised Saif Ali Khan's courage and said that they have kept the visitors in check to ensure that he gets enough rest. 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. TikTok disconnected access to its users in the United States late Saturday shortly before a national ban on the app was to take effect, with President-elect Donald Trump unable to intervene until he takes office. "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US," said a message to users attempting to use the app. "Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now." "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office," the message added. "Please stay tuned!" 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 a deal to sell it to non-Chinese buyers by Sunday. 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 also has a fan in Trump, who has credited the app with connecting him to younger voters, contributing to his election victory in November. After discussing TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump told NBC News on Saturday that he could activate a 90-day reprieve after he reclaims the Oval 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 it's appropriate," he said, ahead of Monday's inauguration. "If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday." 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. The administration of outgoing President Joe Biden has said it will leave the matter to Trump, and White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre qualified TikTok's latest statements as a "stunt." 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. Chew is also 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 legally obligated to enforce the ban. None of the companies responded to requests for comment on Saturday. Offers for TikTok A last-minute proposal made Saturday by the highly-valued start-up Perplexity AI offered a merger with the US subsidiary of TikTok, a source with knowledge of the deal told AFP. That deal could allow parent company ByteDance a possible solution without selling off the app entirely. The plan, first reported by US broadcaster CNBC, would create a new joint venture combining the assets of US TikTok and Perplexity AI, which has been backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The proposal did not include a price for the transaction, but the source estimated it would be at least $50 billion. Frank McCourt, the former Los Angeles Dodgers owner, has also 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, a professor of government and law at Cornell University, said that "if an executive order conflicts with an existing law, the law takes precedence, and the order can be struck down by the courts." With TikTok forced into a shutdown, its US-based rivals Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts could reap benefits. 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 Kumbh celebrates festival of unity in diversity: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised people's participation in the Maha Kumbh, being organised in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, as a celebration of India's "unity in diversity." Addressing the 118th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi referred to the Maha Kumbh as the "Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh" (Maha Kumbh of Unity). "Maha Kumbh has started in Prayagraj. The scenes are extraordinary --memorable crowds and an incredible confluence of equality and harmony. This time, the festival has been enriched with divine planetary alignments. The Kumbh celebrates the festival of unity in diversity," he said. Highlighting the inclusivity of the event, PM Modi stated, "People from across the world gather at the sands of Sangam. This age-old tradition knows no discrimination or casteism. People from southern, eastern, and western India come together. Rich and poor unite at the Kumbh, taking a dip in the Sangam, sharing community feasts, and receiving prasad. That is why Kumbh is truly the Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh." He emphasised that the Kumbh demonstrates how traditions bind the entire nation together, saying, "From Prayagraj, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nasik in the north to Pushkaram festivals along the Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, and Kaveri rivers in the south, all are connected by shared beliefs. Similarly, from Kumbakonam to Thirukadaiyur, Kudavasal to Tirucherai, countless temples reflect traditions linked to the Kumbh." Noting the increasing involvement of youth in the festival, the Prime Minister said, "When the younger generation proudly connects with its civilisation, its roots grow stronger, ensuring a golden future." He also lauded the digital advancements seen in the Kumbh, calling its global popularity "a matter of pride for every Indian." PM Modi further mentioned the massive participation in the Gangasagar Mela held in West Bengal during Makar Sankranti, noting, "Festivals like Kumbh, Pushkaram, and Gangasagar Mela encourage social harmony, unity, and traditions that connect the people of India." He reflected on how India's festivals reinforce spiritual, social, cultural, and economic aspects, drawing parallels with the emphasis on religion, wealth, desire, and scriptures in Indian philosophy. The Prime Minister also marked the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling it "a day of the rebirth of India's cultural consciousness." "As we progress on the path of development, preserving our heritage and drawing inspiration from it is essential," he stressed. The Maha Kumbh 2025 officially began on Paush Purnima, with thousands of saints and devotees braving the cold to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. A pop-up message welcomes U.S. TikTok users back Sunday after the apps shutdown Saturday. Photo illustration by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images Popular social media platform TikTok praised President-elect Donald Trump as it restored U.S. service Sunday, a day after its shutdown led to withdrawals and police warnings against calling 911 to report it. The video sharing app had gone dark Saturday night, catching users by surprise hours before a federal ban was set to take effect. A message on its landing page read: Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now, along with reassurances that Trump is working on a solution. On Sunday morning, TikTok said it was in the process of restoring service after reassurances by Trump, who takes over the White House on Monday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 posted on X. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. U.S. users began to report the app was working Sunday morning and displayed the message: Thank you for your patience and support. As a result of President Trumps efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S! The app, however, remained unavailable for download on Apples app store Sunday evening. In response to the shutdown, the Santa Clara Police Department posted Saturday night on Facebook: Were checking in to make sure everyones okay during this difficult Tik-Tok(less) night. We know its tough when you cant scroll through dance challenges, recipe hacks, or that one guy trying to make a tortilla with a hair dryer. Stay strong, Santa Clara. Think positive, TikTok MAY be back, and so will your ability to lose two hours watching a raccoon build a treehouse. Facebook users expressed their appreciation for the post, with one writing: Whoever is writing this stuff for SCPD social media deserves a community service award. You always make me laugh. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. TikTok users encountered a message saying the app was shut down Saturday night and part of Sunday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The Supreme Court upheld a federal law Friday banning TikTok unless its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sold the platform. The law was originally set to take effect Sunday, though under its terms, a sitting president can extend the deadline by 90 days if a sale is in progress. Trump said Sunday on Truth Social that he plans to immediately issue an executive order giving TikToks parent company more time to find an approved buyer before the popular video-sharing platform is subject to a permanent U.S. ban. He said he wants the U.S. to have 50% ownership in a joint venture. In the meantime, TikTok users scrambled Sunday to find alternative uses for their time, with police departments in Oregon, Ohio, Minnesota and Alabama warning against 911 calls from distressed users, mostly children and teens. In Fond du Lac, Wis., a man accused of setting fire early Sunday to a strip mall in Wisconsin where a congressmans office is located told authorities he was motivated by the federal ban on TikTok. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republican Rep. Glenn Grothman had voted last April for a bill that mandated TikToks parent company, ByteDance, sell its U.S. operation by Sunday. Santa Clara police continued to reassure users: Stay calm. Take a deep breath. And remember, were here if you need us, but please dont call 911 to report TikTok being down. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Robert Jones is not sure he wants to rebuild after losing the home he shared with his wife, Ing, in Altadena (Los Angeles County) during the Eaton Fire. Jenna Schoenefeld/Special to the Chronicle ALTADENA, Los Angeles County Ask Ing Jones whether she plans to rebuild her Los Angeles home burned down in the Eaton Fire, and the 70-year-old will give a resounding yes. But pose the same question to her husband, Robert, and hell reply: What for? After thousands of Los Angeles homes and businesses were reduced to rubble in the Palisades and Eaton fires, people such as Ing and Robert will be forced to make a crucial choice: to rebuild or not to rebuild. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many people in Altadena, a tight-knit community where about 5,000 structures were destroyed, have already vowed to rebuild. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom both pledged to help streamline the permitting and building process for fire victims. But other factors, including lengthy cleanup operations, costly building code requirements, high demand for contractors and insufficient insurance coverage, could pose challenges for those hoping to replace what was lost. Ing Jones says she hopes to sell any items the couple are able to recover from their Altadena home to help them rebuild after the Eaton Fire. Jenna Schoenefeld/Special to the Chronicle In the Sierra Nevada community of Grizzly Flats, two-thirds of its more than 600 homes, as well as a handful of civic buildings, were destroyed in the August 2021 Caldor Fire. More than three years later, Grizzly Flats resident Matthew Nunley estimates that just 15% of the homes that were decimated have been rebuilt. It took 2 years to get a new post office, and the community is still without a school or church. Some Grizzly Flats residents are still living in RVs on their properties, while others have decided not to return. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With all the red tape thats involved in rebuilding, the cost is just enormous, said Nunley, who has spent the past few years advocating for help on behalf of his neighbors after his home narrowly survived the fire. Nunley said many residents were either uninsured or underinsured, and after the fire, they realized they didnt have close to the money necessary to build a new home, especially one in compliance with updated building requirements. Others, he said, felt the area no longer held the same appeal. Without the trees, its not the same place, Nunley said. So some people decided its not worth living up here anymore. When Aurora Barboza Flores, 49, purchased her home in Los Angeles Altadena area in 2019, she felt lucky to be there. Known as a hidden gem of Los Angeles, Altadena was a peaceful and diverse community where Barboza Flores, a public school teacher on a single income, could still afford to buy a home. Public school teacher Aurora Barboza Flores, shown in her classroom at Glendale High School, says she wants to rebuild her Altadena home, which was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Jenna Schoenefeld/Special to the Chronicle So when it burned down in the Eaton Fire last week, Barboza Flores said she was devastated, but that she was drawing from the strength around her from friends, family and everyone in the community working to help her and the other victims. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My urgency right now is educating myself about this whole process, Barboza Flores said. Thats the part I feel like I can control. Barboza Flores said Thursday that shes planning to try to rebuild, but shes worried shell be dropped by her insurance company and forced to join the expensive California FAIR Plan, the states insurer of last resort. The FAIR Plan covers only damage due to fire, lightning and explosions. Homeowners on the FAIR Plan are forced to pay a separate premium to a different insurer to get coverage for other potential losses. I dont want to walk away not having made the effort to rebuild, Barboza Flores said. But whether I can afford to build the house as it should be and afford to live in it afterward, Im not sure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ing and Robert Jones were dropped by their insurer a few years ago and said their coverage from the FAIR Plan wont be nearly enough to rebuild their home. Robert Jones digs through the rubble of his Altadena home, which was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. Jenna Schoenefeld/Special to the Chronicle On Thursday, Robert sat in the rubble of their home with gloves and a dustpan, sifting for his wifes jewelry and gold bars the pair stashed under their bed years earlier. He defied orders by law enforcement officers who said it was not safe to return, as well as public health officials who have advised people not to handle debris from their incinerated homes because it may contain toxic materials. A little over a week after their home was engulfed in flames, the couple havent decided whether theyll rebuild. Robert said hes set on moving to Florida, where the pair own a rental unit they plan to live in at least temporarily. California is going to lose us, he said. Theyre chasing us off. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ing, on the other hand, said she hopes to sell any jewelry and gold theyre able to recover to help them afford to reconstruct their home. (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. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, seen here in 2023, said he is closely monitoring the FAIR Plan as it fields large claims from the Los Angeles-area wildfires. Adam Beam/Associated Press The Los Angeles County fires have cast uncertainty over when the insurance crisis buffeting the entire state will ease, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara told the Chronicle during an interview Saturday in Santa Monica, where he was attending a workshop for wildfire survivors. Asked whether a slate of reforms that his office just pushed through would still bring relief this year, as he had previously anticipated, Lara said, I dont know now, because my greatest fear was that we were going to have a catastrophe of this nature. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The reforms took effect across California at the beginning of this year. They include two provisions that insurers have urgently sought: allowing forward-looking catastrophe models (rather than relying simply on what happened in previous disasters) to help price risk in an era of climate change and big-budget catastrophes; and allowing insurers to factor the cost of reinsurance insurance for insurers into customer prices. The primary goal of the reforms was to persuade insurers to stay and even increase their presence in the California market including in areas at higher risk for wildfires, which the reforms also sought to guarantee. In other words, the measures aimed to stanch the insurance departures and pullbacks that have characterized the past few years, though experts anticipated that carriers would raise prices sharply as a result increases that are still expected to happen. Lara said that the picture should be clearer once data on losses and claims comes in from the fires, which damaged or destroyed more than 13,000 structures. Lara also said that the FAIR Plan, the state-created insurer of last resort that is backed by private industry, should be able to meet its obligations to fire victims. Right now, as of today, we feel very confident that (the FAIR Plan) can pay out the claims, Lara said, noting that he is meeting with FAIR Plan leadership twice a week and monitoring its operations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even before the fires, state policymakers worried about the FAIR Plans financial stability. With significant exposure in the fire areas, the plan is likely to be on the hook for payouts in the low billions, forcing it to tap into reinsurance as its reserves are less than $400 million. All eyes are on the (FAIR Plan) right now, including mine, Lara said. He added: Were watching them to make sure theyre paying out the claims, how long its taking them to pay out claims and making sure theyre following every consumer protection law that we have. At the workshop, which was held at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center and had close to 300 signups, Lara and his staff fielded questions about insurance policies and warned about unscrupulous contractors, public adjusters and others seeking to capitalize on survivors misfortune. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Few insurance executives appeared to be in attendance not surprising, given the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson though an entourage of blue-jacketed Allstate representatives (and Americorps members) were present to assist Department of Insurance employees. Noting that catastrophes are likely to keep happening, Lara said his focus is on keeping insurers in the state, which he said is a prerequisite for keeping premiums affordable. If were ever going to get to affordability, we have to get to availability, and we want to make sure that the insurance companies are available and are coming back and expanding so that we can bring down the cost, Lara said. Lara is also seeking legislative changes to shore up the FAIR Plans ability to respond to future blazes and to give homeowners grants to make their homes more wildfire resistant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The one thing we can do as government and consumers is bring down the risk and work to mitigate, Lara said. The problem is people cant afford to do it. Outside the insurance workshop, law enforcement blanketed the plaza, a police presence resulting from safety concerns following last months killing of Thompson, Lara said. Invest Qatar has announced the launch of the inaugural Invest Qatar Pavilion at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. The pavilion at the forum, from January 20 to 24, will showcase Qatars dynamic business ecosystem, innovation-driven economy and diverse opportunities. It will serve as a platform, bringing together national stakeholders and global industry leaders, underscoring Qatars unwavering commitment to advancing the future of business and technological progress. The Invest Qatar Pavilion has been thoughtfully designed to offer a captivating blend of vibrant design and innovative interactive features. It enables visitors to explore the countrys rich culture and thriving business landscape, while discovering the future of innovation and new opportunities. Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, said: The debut of the Invest Qatar Pavilion at the World Economic Forum in Davos marks a significant milestone in our efforts to position Qatar as a premier destination for investment and innovation. This initiative enables us to forge meaningful connections with global leaders, highlighting Qatars vibrant business landscape, cultural richness and ambitious vision for driving future growth. The carefully curated programming of the pavilion delves into the key themes of this years World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age." In partnership with The Economist Impact, Invest Qatar will host two events discussing the themes of innovation, logistics and global connectivity. The first event, titled Future Pathways for Logistics: Resilience, Innovation, and Global Connectivity, will explore how emerging technologies, geopolitical trends and sustainability are shaping the future of global logistics and supply chains. The second panel, titled From Sandboxes to Success: The Middle Easts New Innovation Ecosystems, will examine how policies, regulatory sandboxes and advanced technologies are fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems and attracting global talent and investment. These events will feature renowned regional and international speakers, including Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology; Eng.Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ; Yousuf Al-Jaida, CEO of QFC; Ann Dunkin, Chief Information Officer, US Department of Energy; Alex Manson, CEO of SC Ventures, Standard Chartered; Volker Ratzmann, Executive Vice President of Corporate Public Affairs, DHL Group; Ernest Nicolas, Chief Supply Chain Officer, HP; Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner, Global Ventures; and Alex Manson, CEO of SC Ventures, Standard Chartered. - TradeArabia News Service A major report unveiled at the recent Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) has identified seven key challenge areas in scaling climate technologies in the UAE. According to the whitepaper titled "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week: Scaling climate tech deployment in the UAE", they challenge areas are: fragmented regulatory frameworks; limited financial support, including restricted research, development and innovation funding; insufficient infrastructure for piloting and testing; barriers to corporate integration of innovative technologies; gaps in skilled talent and resources; a lack of collaborative innovation networks; and limited market access through structured agreements. For each, the report provides practical recommendations to address these obstacles and create an enabling environment that supports climate tech development and deployment. The paper, prepared by Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), in collaboration with PwC Middle East and the Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC), also highlights successful initiatives, such as Masdar's Ghantoot desalination plant and regulatory sandboxes developed by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai Future Foundation, as examples of effective infrastructure and regulatory support that can drive this climate tech scale up. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said: As a global leader in clean energy, Masdar is proud to support initiatives that drive the deployment of climate technologies across the UAE and beyond. This report highlights the critical role of collaboration, advanced technology and local investment in accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. By addressing challenges and unlocking opportunities in climate tech, the UAE is demonstrating its commitment to not only meeting but leading global sustainability goals, to deliver practical solutions that create lasting impact for our communities and the planet. Jon Blackburn, Partner, part of the Energy, Resources and Sustainability practice at PwC Middle East, said: The UAEs progress in climate tech, particularly its ability to drive innovation amidst challenges, showcases the countrys growing leadership in this sector. However, as outlined in our white paper, addressing barriers in regulatory frameworks and talent development is essential for continued progress. At PwC Middle East, we are committed to bringing together our community of solvers to collaborate with governments, businesses and international stakeholders to tackle these challenges and support the UAEs ambitions in climate innovation. Mercedes Vela Monserrate, CEO of the Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC), said: The launch of this white paper marks an important step in scaling climate tech in the UAE. By bringing together start-ups, investors, corporations, and government officials, we aim to outline a collaborative roadmap that not only addresses todays challenges but also anticipates the future needs of the climate tech sector. Through GCFCs efforts to unify the UAEs climate-tech ecosystem, we are fostering the partnerships and innovation needed to position the UAE as a global leader in climate technology, delivering impactful solutions for the nation, the region, and the world. The white paper sets out recommendations for how start-ups, investors, corporations, and government officials can collaborate on scaling climate tech in the UAE and prepare for future needs. By fostering innovation and partnerships, the UAE can strengthen its climate tech ecosystem and drive regional and global impact. - TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has announced the signing of three major contracts worth a total of $922 million related to the development of its third phosphate fertilizer manufacturing project. The company has signed a contract for general construction works at Ras Al Khair with China National Chemical Engineering Company branch for approximately $325 million (SAR1.22 billion) for a period of 22 months. It has signed the second contract, for general construction works at Wa'ad Al Shamal (SAP/PAP & OSBL), with branch of Sinopec Nanjing Engineering & Construction for approximately $363 million (SAR1.361 billion) for a period of 18 months The third contract is for general construction works at Wa'ad Al Shamal (Benefitiation) with Tekfen Construction and Installation Company for approximately $234 million (SAR877 million) for a period of 18 months. The project is expected to be implemented in phases and eventually will add a further 3 million tonnes per year of production capacity. Costs are currently estimated approximately SAR24 billion ($6.4 billion). Zahraa Taher (right) and others during the panel discussion The strategic significance of the Indian diaspora in enhancing trade, investment, and cultural ties between GCC and India was highlighted during a key conference in Kochi, India, last week. Speaking at the Kochi Dialogue 2025, a premier Track 1.5 diplomacy conference, Zahraa Taher, Managing Director of FinMark Communications and Secretary General of the Bahrain-India Society, stressed the importance of the Indian diaspora in Bahrains economy, noting their contributions across finance, trade, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. She called for stronger business networks and policy frameworks to ensure Bahrain remains a key hub for Indian businesses looking to expand in the GCC. Kochi Dialogue 2025 brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and policy experts from India and the GCC nations. Organized by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the dialogue focused on strengthening India-GCC relations under the theme Indias Look West Policy in Action: People, Prosperity and Progress. Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, gave a special address in the forum highlighting the India-GCC cooperation as a catalyst of global peace, innovation and economic growth. During her participation in the session titled India & the GCC: Leveraging the Diaspora Connect, Taher emphasised several key areas where Bahrain and India can strengthen their collaboration. She highlighted the importance of encouraging Indian investment in Bahrains finance, technology, and industrial sectors, enhancing bilateral trade relations through stronger business networks, and positioning Bahrain as a strategic entry point for Indian businesses in the GCC. The session, moderated by Ambassador Venu Rajamony, included senior figures from the Indian and GCC business and policy sectors, including Dr Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem, President of IBPC Qatar; Ajith Kolassery, CEO, NoRKA Roots; James Mathew, CEO & Managing Partner of UHY James; and Shihab Kottukad, a distinguished Indian social worker. Commenting on her participation, Taher stated: Bahrain has long been a thriving centre for the Indian diaspora, playing a pivotal role in business, trade, and cultural exchange. Strengthening these connections through structured policies and initiatives can unlock new economic opportunities for both regions. It is an honour to contribute to this distinguished forum, which highlights the strategic importance of collaboration between India and the GCC region. Through dialogues like these, we can explore new opportunities to advance economic and cultural partnerships while fostering mutual growth and prosperity. The Kochi Dialogue 2025 served as a vital platform for discussions on policy, business networking, and international cooperation, covering key sectors such as trade, investment, education, healthcare, energy, and maritime security. - TradeArabia News Service Big 5 Construct Saudi will return in February featuring more than 2,000 local and international exhibitors from around 60 countries showcasing over 20,000 products across eight specialised events. The 13th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi, organised by dmg events, is the largest construction event in the kingdom. The exhibition space will span 140,000 sq m this year, doubling from 2024. Taking place across two weeks, from February 15 to 18 and February 24 to 27, at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, Roshn Front, Riyadh, the event aligns with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, reflecting market demand and opportunities in Saudi Arabias multi-trillion-dollar pipeline of mega and giga projects. Once again, Big 5 Construct Saudi will feature the International Contracting Conference (ICC) organised by Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) and dmg events. In its 5th edition, ICC will gather the top contractors and international contracting experts in the Kingdom for two days of insightful dialogues and discussions. Building on industrys strong momentum A gateway to Saudi Arabias $1.7 trillion construction industry, supporting the ambitious Vision 2030 goals, Big 5 Construct Saudi is expected to attracts more than 75,000 visitors. The eight specialised events are: First Week -- HVAC R Saudi Arabia, Totally Concrete Saudi Arabia, Heavy Saudi Arabia. Second Week -- Windows, Doors & Facades Saudi Arabia, Marble & Stone Saudi Arabia, Saudi FM & Clean, Urban Design & Landscape Saudi Arabia and Saudi Hospital Design & Build. The 13th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi marks a monumental step forward in supporting the kingdoms dynamic construction sector. This two-week format provides an unparalleled platform for exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge innovations, sustainable solutions and transformative technologies, said Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President Construction, dmg events. By aligning with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, the event enables local and international industry leaders to connect, collaborate and contribute to the Kingdoms giga projects and economic diversification goals. Two weeks of focused engagement Expanding its footprint, Big 5 Construct Saudi will spotlight the Kingdoms vibrant construction landscape and will build on its legacy as a platform for significant business engagements and partnerships. The events two-week format is tailored to meet the specific needs of construction industrys various phases. In the First Week (February 1518), the event will focus on heavy construction, concrete, HVAC and related sectors, under the theme of Strong foundations from design to build. This week will feature the launch of specialised shows such as Heavy Saudi Arabia and Totally Concrete Saudi Arabia, addressing the foundational aspects of construction. In the Second Week (February 2427), the event will shift focus to the finishing phases of construction, including windows, doors, facades, urban planning, hospital construction and facilities management, under the theme of Transforming projects from fit-out to services. New additions to this week include Urban Design & Landscape Saudi Arabia and Saudi Hospital Design & Build, catering to emerging sectors within the Kingdoms construction ecosystem. Across both weeks, eight specialised events will provide a comprehensive overview of the construction value chain, offering tailored solutions and insights to meet the demands of Saudi Arabias ambitious giga projects. Big 5 Construct Saudi has established itself as a critical trade platform, facilitating over $1 billion in business engagements during its previous editions. With its refreshed format and expanded scope, the 2025 edition aims to enhance opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation and partnerships, strengthening its role in driving the Kingdom's construction development priorities, Kazi concluded. Big 5 Construct Saudi is free to attend for industry professionals. Visitor registrations are open at www.big5constructsaudi.com. Qatar's Msheireb Museums will soon open Memory of the Land," a collective art exhibition that celebrates Palestinian identity through a collection of artworks donated by regional creatives. The exhibition is organised in collaboration with Bachir Mohammed, Al Markhiya Gallery, and Qatar Charity, reflecting a collective effort to preserve and celebrate Palestinian cultural heritage while supporting humanitarian causes. It will be open to visitors during regular museum hours from January 22. The project brings together 12 artists from Palestine, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, and Syria, who contributed an artwork representing one month of the year in a visual narrative that spans traditional Palestinian life. Through various artistic interpretations, from folk songs and embroidery to imagery of bustling markets and historic architecture, the works portray Palestinian resilience, with each piece telling a story that connects past and present. Abdulla Al-Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, emphasised the ongoing commitment to cultural dialogue: "Following the impactful 'For the Children of Gaza' exhibition, which garnered significant international attention for the plight of Palestinian children, 'Memory of the Land' speaks to the need to preserve and rebuild, calling on institutions across all sectors to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue. This exhibition speaks to the power of art in preserving heritage and cultural understanding, while celebrating the richness of Palestinian identity." The exhibition features works by renowned artists including Safaa Salama and Mohammad Akleek from Jordan/Palestine, Asala Shouk and Noha Al Habib from Tunisia, Tawfiq Mubarki from Algeria, and Mohammad Kakhi from Syria, among others. As part of this cultural initiative, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase special calendar editions featuring the exhibited artworks, with all proceeds directed to charitable causes through Qatar Charity. - TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabia has announced the first Saudi House pavilion for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, which takes place from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland. It will be the second time Saudi House features at the WEF Annual Meeting, and the first time it will host a standalone pavilion. Hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP), Saudi House provides a platform where global thought leaders convene to discuss and dissect the challenges, opportunities and solutions defining the present and shaping the future of the global economy. The global dialogues hosted at the Saudi House pavilion will also explore the impact of the social and economic transformation underway across the Kingdom, and the unprecedented opportunities to grow, innovate and invest in Saudi Arabia that continue to emerge under Saudi Vision 2030, said a statement. Set to host industry-leading entities from a broad spectrum of sectors to its dedicated space in Davos, the Saudi House pavilion marks a significant expansion of the Kingdoms long-standing presence and participation at the World Economic Forums Annual Meeting. Alongside MEP, the entities represented and participating in Saudi House include the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Investment, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Royal Commission of AlUla, the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), the Research Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Saudi Arabia (C4IR), and Diriyah Company. Representatives from the Saudi entities will participate in more than 15 sessions, including 10 WEF-accredited sessions on topics including the future of the global economy, the future of trade and logistics, investment, aviation and sustainable tourism. The 55th WEF Annual Meeting is taking place under the theme of Collaboration for the Intelligent Age, and will convene global leaders to explore how to address geopolitical shocks, stimulate growth to improve living standards, and steward a just and inclusive energy transition. The meeting will convene the foremost leaders from government, business and civil society, as well as preeminent scientific and cultural thinkers. The Forum brings together representatives from more than 100 governments, major international organizations, and more than 1,000 major private sector players, in addition to young changemakers and representatives of civil society and academic institutions. - TradeArabia News Service Adnoc has signed a third Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the lower-carbon Ruwais liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, with Germanys EnBW Energie Baden-Wurttemberg AG (EnBW), one of the largest operators of energy infrastructure in Germany and across Europe. The 15-year SPA for supplying 0.6 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG converts a previous Heads of Agreement between Adnoc and EnBW into a definitive agreement. The LNG will primarily be sourced from the Ruwais LNG project, which is currently under development in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi. Deliveries are expected to start in 2028 upon commencement of its commercial operations. To date, over 8 mtpa of the projects 9.6 mtpa production capacity has been committed to international customers through long-term agreements. The agreement with EnBW is Adnocs second SPA with a German company for Ruwais LNG, following a 15-year, 1 mtpa agreement signed in November with SEFE Marketing and Trading Singapore, a subsidiary of Germanys SEFE Securing Energy for Europe GmbH. Fatema Al Nuaimi, Adnoc Executive Vice President, Downstream Business Management, said: We are very pleased to partner with EnBW, one of the largest energy supply companies in Germany, in our second Sales and Purchase Agreement to the country from the Ruwais LNG project. This partnership underscores Adnocs dedication to fostering sustainable and strategic energy collaborations. By supplying lower-carbon LNG to EnBW, we are not only enhancing our partners energy security but also contributing to decarbonisation efforts, reaffirming Adnocs position as a trusted partner in the evolving energy landscape. The agreement builds on the UAE-Germany Energy Security and Industry Accelerator (ESIA) agreement, signed by the UAE and Germany in 2022, which aims to advance cooperation in energy security, decarbonisation and lower-carbon fuels. The agreement also further advances the Joint Declaration of Intent for Sustainable Energy Cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE and the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg signed in February 2024. Peter Heydecker, EnBW Board Member for Sustainable Generation Infrastructure, said: We are very pleased to establish a long-term LNG contract with Adnoc. Finalising this contract is a significant step in furthering our relationship and expanding our LNG portfolio. We will continue to work with our esteemed partner Adnoc to develop other opportunities in LNG and adjacent businesses and look forward to a mutually beneficial long-term relationship and joint business success. Adnoc Gas announced in November 2024 that it expects to acquire Adnocs 60 per cent stake in the Ruwais LNG project at cost, estimated at around $5 billion, in the second half of 2028. Upon completion, the project, comprising two 4.8 mtpa liquefaction trains with a combined capacity of 9.6 mtpa, will more than double Adnoc Gas existing operated LNG production capacity to around 15 mtpa. -TradeArabia News Service Flames and smoke from a fire fill the sky Thursday above the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County. Shmuel Thaler/Associated Press Monterey County officials said Saturday that they will demand answers from an energy company whose facility caught fire, though they added that the blaze does not present an air quality hazard to nearby homes. Smoke from the fire, reported Thursday at the Moss Landing Power Plant, had died down Friday night, Monterey County Supervisor Glen Church said at a news conference. But heat was still detected at the facility, causing fire authorities to keep roads closed as they made sure the fire has burned itself out. No one was injured or killed by the blaze, though North County Fire Protection District Chief Joel Mendoza said about 80% of the battery facility, including the batteries inside, had been consumed. Moss Landing residents who had been evacuated from their homes were allowed to return Friday, though some community members have expressed concern about the impacts of the fire on local air quality. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is checking for hazardous pollutants in and around the facility, which is operated by Texas-based company Vistra Energy. Specifically, the agency is monitoring for hydrogen fluoride a highly toxic chemical that can be released in a gas form during lithium battery fires as well as particulate matter. Olivia Trombadore, a coordinator with the EPA, said those monitors have not detected contaminants at a level that would prove dangerous to the surrounding community, including in the neighborhoods that were evacuated, and that the hydrogen fluoride was pretty fully consumed by the flames. Smoke rises Thursday from a fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County. Shmuel Thaler/Associated Press Still, county officials advised residents to stay indoors, keep their windows closed and limit their time spent outdoors. Im cautiously optimistic that the worst of this is over, Church said at the news conference. But, he added, Im hoping this facility will not be turned back on until we have some answers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The facility is one of the largest battery plants in the world, sitting adjacent to a gas-fueled power plant that is also operated by Vistra. The company has experienced other incidents at its Moss Landing site, including two overheating events in 2021 and 2022, which the company said both occurred after its sprinklers got some of their batteries wet. Brad Watson, director of community affairs at Vistra, apologized again Saturday for the impact the fire has had on the Moss Landing Community. He said the company will investigate the cause of the fire and share its findings with officials, though he didnt answer a question from a reporter regarding whether Vistra plans to rebuild the facility. We will put the best technology and human minds to work to make sure we can get the highest probability it wont happen again, Watson said. Casa Brera, a Milan-based Luxury Collection Hotel, will join Marriott International's Luxury Collection brand in January 2025, following its recent opening in autumn. Casa Brera is located in the heart of the city, near Teatro alla Scala and the lively Brera neighborhood. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel is a meticulous restoration of the historic Rationalists building by Pietro Lingeri. Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan is an exciting addition to brands portfolio, further enhancing our presence in one of Europes most dynamic and stylish cities, says Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. Milan is a city renowned for its rich history, fashion, and design, and Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan reflects the citys unique spirit and sophisticated style. We look forward to welcoming global explorers to this exceptional property. A CELEBRATION OF RATIONALIST HERITAGE AND DESIGN Patricia Urquiola has curated a hotel that seamlessly blends colorful and sophisticated design with Rationalist architecture. The hotel's interior design is elegant and timeless, establishing a strong connection with the 'Milanese' style. The building, originally designed by Italian architect Pietro Lingeri in the 1950s, features geometric graphics on walls, floors, and ceilings. The choice of finishings and stones, particularly Italian marbles, is a reflection of the Rationalist inspiration. The project also features contemporary artworks, such as a mesmerising artwork by fashion photographer Tim Walker, which showcases Milan's expertise in design, fashion, art, architecture, and fashion. The lobby and lounge floor and ceiling also reference Rationalist geometries and checkerboards, creating a warm yet glossy atmosphere. The lobby features a shiny mirror ceiling, large semicircular sofas, high leather stools, and dark blue and light green armchairs. All furniture pieces are harmonically chosen with rigorous and contemporary lines, most designed by Urquiola for Cassina, Andreu World, and Moroso. AN EPICUREAN EXPLORATION The hotel's culinary direction is led by Michelin-starred Italian Chef Andrea Berton, who curates the offerings for Living lounge, Scena restaurant, and Etereo skybar and restaurant. Chef Haruo Ichikawa, the first Japanese chef to earn a Michelin star in Italy, oversees the Japanese cuisine of Odachi restaurant. The Living lounge features an all-day dining experience with a marble green rectangular bar counter, a tribute to architect Piero Portaluppi, and a lush terrace with views of Piazzetta Bossi. Odachi, on the opposite side, offers a unique dining experience evoked by Japanese tradition, featuring floors and walls crafted from rich Canaletto walnut. The restaurant also offers an exclusive omakase experience by reservation only. Scena, at the heart of the hotel, focuses on authentic and innovative Italian and Milanese cuisine, featuring Executive Chef Francesco Bonato's timeless dishes paired with a selection of wines from great Maisons to refined and niche labels. On the eighth and top floor, Etereo skybar and restaurant offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Milan's rooftops, a rooftop outdoor pool and terrace area, and a red arabesque Orobic marble interior bar counter. Open daily from 5pm to 1am, the bar offers a gastronomic experience with a delectable selection of Italian seafood specialties. The drinks menu is inspired by Milan's art, design, and fashion, offering signature cocktails and unique creations at the table. STAY IN STYLE: GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES The hotel offers 101 guestrooms and 15 suites, blending timeless elegance with contemporary touches. Materials like walnut wood, Fior di Pesco marble, backlit brass, and printed glass reflect Milan's colors and character. Deluxe and Premiere rooms feature modular Poliform furniture, cozy seating, and custom artworks. The Studio with Balcony offers stylish accommodation with interconnecting rooms, featuring green ceramic mushroom lamps, geometric wool rugs, Poliform seating, and terracotta vases. Junior Suites have balconies or terraces, and each Junior Suite features a modular corner sofa and mirror-topped drink bar. The Brera Suite is a high-end decor apartment with a large bedroom, separate lounge, and 121 sqm furnished terrace with a stunning view of Brera streets. The Presidential Milanese Suite features an expansive living room with a dining area, Dudet armchairs, and two connecting terraces. The en-suite bathroom features a walk-in shower, egg bathtub, and double vanity area, providing a luxurious retreat. The hotel's Milanese style is a masterpiece in Milanese style. -TradeArabia News Service FOR nearly two years, one of the chief financiers of the Seven gang based in the United King Berkeley police investigate at the corner of Burnett and Acton streets Saturday night after a triple stabbing killed a woman and wounded two men in the citys first homicide of 2025. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle The corner of Burnett and Acton streets in Berkeley is sanitized after a triple stabbing Saturday. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Berkeley police block off the area of Burnett and Acton streets Saturday night after a triple stabbing. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle A woman died and two men were wounded after a triple stabbing in West Berkeley on Saturday afternoon, police said. Police initially responded to the 1300 block of Russell Street around 12:22 p.m. to investigate a stolen vehicle, but officers pivoted after multiple people called police dispatchers to report that several people were lying on the ground nearby and bleeding, officials at the Berkeley Police Department said. Once they arrived at the scene, officers found two men and one woman suffering from stab wounds and transported all three to an area hospital, police said. The men were in stable condition as of Saturday afternoon, but the woman was pronounced dead at the hospital. Her identity was not immediately available. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police did not immediately name any suspects in the case but said they are investigating the incident as a homicide, Berkeleys first this year. In an alert sent out at 1:36 p.m., police asked the public to avoid the area and closed nearby streets. At least six police cruisers remained at the scene Saturday night as two men in sanitation suits cleaned up the area around Acton and Burnett streets. By Sunday morning, police reopened streets in the area and said there were no outstanding threats to the public. Few other details were available as homicide detectives continued to investigate the stabbing. Police asked anyone with information to call investigators at 510-981-5741. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The sharpest images yet of a supermassive black hole have been captured by University of Arizona astronomers at the Steward Observatory. The team described how they captured the infrared image of the supermassive black hole using a Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI), in their study published Friday. The LBTI is unique for its structure, containing two 8.4-meter mirrors that function separately. This is the first time constructive interference was used, which combines the mirrors to produce a higher resolution image, to capture not only the black hole, but the entities around it. Supermassive black holes are referred to as active galactic nuclei (AGN) when they are in the center of a galaxy and active. The more they consume, the brighter they are. Most galaxies have supermassive black holes, but the one in the Milky Way is inactive, meaning the galaxy is as well. The extragalactic AGN captured by the researchers belongs to a neighboring active galaxy named NGC 1068. The details visible in the sharp images will help discover more about the Milky Way because AGNs play a role in the creation of galaxies, said Jacob Isbell, a team member and post-doctoral researcher. Fundamentally, were trying to understand how the Milky Way formed, and how our sun and our planet came to be here, Isbell said. By looking at how nearby galaxies grow up, we get a good picture of how ours did the same. In the images, researchers were able to see how different forces around this AGN interact. Isbell said they can see material that feeds the AGN and interacts with the galaxy in greater detail, providing insight into specific impact. Prior to this discovery, feedback from radio jet and dusty wind would be indistinguishable in images of AGNs. Now, researchers can study them separately. The intricate detail that the LBTI and imaging technique reveal will also help study other objects in space outside of AGNs. This will open doors to study interactions, objects and galaxies in more detail. We could basically look at any astronomical object thats bright enough, and get the same quality of results, Isbell said. Once a week, usually on Tuesdays, the Mother Road Market kiosk operated by the Figueira family closes to the public early. But the real work is just beginning. On these nights, the business known as Doctor Kustom which ordinarily serves up examples of popular Brazilian street foods (such as the pastry pockets filled with meats and cheeses called pastels) as well as one of the most sought-after sandwiches in town, made with a cut of steak known as picanha transforms into a place that is a combination of haute cuisine restaurant and family dinner table. These are the Doctor Kustom Chefs Table dinners, where chef Alexandre Figueira, assisted by his wife, Gislaine, and elder daughter, Maria Eduarda, known to all as Duda, create multi-course meals for between four and eight diners, preparing and serving the dishes to them at a wooden table in the shops kitchen. Alex Figueira said the dinners began as a way to meet with, and learn from, other chefs, as the day-to-day grind of running a restaurant gives one little spare time. Those chefs meeting events expanded in number and popularity the dinners are now booked through the end of 2025, and attendees often are those from the community, many of whom are fans of Doctor Kustoms regular menu and are curious to learn more about Brazils wide-ranging cuisine and about the family in Tulsa that works to prepare and share that cuisine. These dinners were also a major reason Alex Figueira was named a semi-finalist for Best Chef Southwest at the 2024 James Beard Awards. My companion and I were invited last September to be part of one of these dinners. One characteristic of Doctor Kustom Chefs Table meals is that each menu is unique to that particular evening, so the meal I and the others with whom we shared the table was one that no one else will ever be able to have. That, and the fact that this was a personal invitation rather than an assignment for work, was why I did not write about it at the time. But when it came time to compile the Tulsa Worlds annual list of the Best New Restaurants of the year, the Chefs Table dinner at Doctor Kustom was, undoubtedly, the single best meal I had all year. Part of the reason, of course, was the food. The five courses began with Bolinho de Bacalhau, a spherical fritter made with salt cod that was a symphony of salinity, from the tender salted cod to the slightly sweet hackleback sturgeon caviar on top. It was followed by Abobora com Carne Seca, a slice of kabocha squash that had been grilled and glazed with sugar cane molasses, topped with salt-cured picanha steak and popcorn made from queijo coalho, a firm white cheese similar in taste and texture to cheese curds. Next was a truly rare dish, Pato no Tucupi. Tucupi is a sauce made from the root of the cassava or yucca plant, which in its raw state can be poisonous. Once strained, fermented and cooked properly, it becomes a bright yellow, citrusy sauce that here was paired with perfectly grilled breast of duck. Steak and potatoes came next in this case, a piece of Wagyu rib-eye that had been dry-aged for 90 days, grilled to medium rare and served with a cheese stuffed wedge of crispy potatoes, along with a topping of a chimichurri sauce loaded with garlic. Dessert, which at Doctor Kustom is created by Duda, was a piece of brioche cooked in a style similar to French toast, in a doce de leite cream (a light caramel sauce), paired with cumaru ice cream and a crumble of spice cookies and Brazil nuts. Another reason this meal was so memorable is that it was shared with my companion and three people who are deeply involved in the citys food scene: chef and cookbook author Shannon Smith; chef and owner of Bohemia catering company Teri Fermo; and Brian Schwartz, author and food columnist for Oklahoma magazine all of whom were as impressed with what was set before them as was I. But a greater reason this evening continues to resonate is that it was a chance to be a part of the Figueira family for an evening. While this was a meal that by any standards would be considered haute cuisine, the atmosphere that evening was more familial than anything else. The Figueira family went about the work of grilling, carving, plating and serving with great seriousness and attention to detail. But it was all in the service of sharing not just their food but the heritage from which these flavors and ingredients spring, and why they mean so much to them. And they do so with an eagerness, enthusiasm and obvious love that is infectious and inspiring. Those who visit Doctor Kustom during its regular business hours can get a taste of the artistry that was on display with such dishes as the picanha sandwich, available on Thursdays; the picanha bites (bits of steak stuffed into cheese-filled bread rolls), typically available on Saturdays; the passion fruit mousse, a blend of creamy textures and tangy flavors available daily; and the feijoada, a stew of black beans, various grilled meats and sausages, rice and seasonings, which is an occasional Saturday special. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is enacting reforms to stabilize Californias market, which will likely raise rates for policyholders. Russell Yip/The Chronicle 2018 Were barely a few months out from the November 2024 election and theres already a long list of candidates clamoring to become Californias next governor in 2026 when Gavin Newsom terms out of office. Yet while everyone from Vice President Kamala Harris to former Rep. Katie Porter are weighing potential bids for the states top job, another key open role isnt seeing the same level of interest: California insurance commissioner. Once a relatively chill launching pad for ambitious politicians eager to boost their statewide profile, insurance commissioner is now arguably the states least desirable job and that was before historically destructive wildfires blazed across Southern California this month. As of Thursday, the conflagrations had killed at least 25 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yet the decidedly unglamorous role of insurance commissioner is now one of the most important in California. Without a healthy insurance market, California will struggle to make meaningful progress on any of its goals from rebuilding Los Angeles County to constructing millions more housing units to preparing the state to withstand the ravages of climate change. But the pathway to a stable market is strewn with enough pitfalls to destroy a politicians career. Chief among them: The necessity of raising rates. California ratepayers were never going to welcome more expensive insurance premiums with open arms, especially after an election in which voters loudly expressed their discontent with the rising cost of living. State Democratic legislative leaders including Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, whos opened a fundraising account for a potential 2026 insurance commissioner run have vowed to make affordability a top priority this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yet while theres no question that officials need to bring down housing and energy costs, insurance rates, at least in the short term, are going to need to increase. Youd have to be a glutton for punishment to run for insurance commissioner amid these political landmines, as Amy Bach, executive director of the consumer advocacy group United Policyholders, put it to me. Before the destructive 2017 and 2018 wildfires that supercharged Californias insurance crisis, being insurance commissioner was a little bit like being lieutenant governor, Michael Wara, director of Stanfords Climate and Energy Policy Program, told me in that the job was often seen as more of a ceremonial vehicle for political posturing than for crafting serious policy. Indeed, many used it as a media opportunity to brag about how they were protecting consumers from greedy insurance companies. Proposition 103, the 1988 ballot measure that created the role, gave the commissioner power to review and approve any rate changes. These reforms were well-intentioned, but they also kept insurance rates artificially low in California for years despite the mounting threat of climate change, increased development in high-risk areas and inadequate forest management practices. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bill has now come due. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, who terms out in 2026, learned that the hard way. Lara took office in January 2019, right after two of Californias worst wildfire years on record, for which insurers paid out about $24 billion in claims. This prompted insurance companies which had long complained about California regulations that they said prevented them from charging adequate rates to begin shrinking their footprint in the state or pulling out altogether. This forced more Californians to buy costly, bare-bones coverage from the states insurer of last resort, the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan. But the explosive growth of the FAIR Plan only worsened Californias vicious insurance cycle. Private insurers and their ratepayers are on the hook for claims the FAIR Plan cant pay. As the FAIR Plans liability ballooned it had more than $458 billion in exposure as of September 2024, compared to about $153 billion in September 2020 insurers were forced to reduce their coverage elsewhere, which in turn forced more people onto the FAIR Plan. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yet despite this obvious ticking time bomb, officials were slow to act. The reforms end only-in-California rules that block insurers from using forward-looking climate catastrophe models to help determine rates and that prevent them from passing some costs to customers for reinsurance insurance for insurance companies. The reforms also clarify that private insurers arent 100% on the hook if the FAIR Plan doesnt have enough money to pay all its claims; if certain conditions are met, they can share some of the costs with ratepayers. In exchange, insurers have to write policies in distressed areas equal to 85% of their share of the California market. In other words, they cant just cherry-pick coverage in the least risky, most lucrative parts of the state. To his credit, Lara has since moved quickly to implement the reforms. The final details should be hammered out by midyear, according to Deputy Insurance Commissioner Michael Soller. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theres no doubt the new rules are going to cause premiums to go up. But theyre also the only realistic approach for getting the market back to where it needs to be, said Rex Frazier, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of California. And theyre a key reason why insurers are beginning to show interest in writing new policies in California. Still, explaining the necessity of higher insurance costs to Californians and emphasizing that availability is as important as affordability is going to be a huge communications challenge for the next insurance commissioner, Wara said. Another wild card is the FAIR Plan. Its still far too early to gauge whether it will have enough money to cover claims from the Southern California fires. If it doesnt, residents who live far from the wreckage could get stuck with a big bill. Whatever commissioner signs off on that is not going to be long for this political world, Bach told me. Yet California needs a steward whos clear-eyed about what needs to be done even if its unpopular. 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 We no longer have the luxury of treating the insurance commissioner as a placeholder office. The job is now one of a wartime leader, as Wara put it. The inmates at the federal prison in Texarkana, Texas, were a little skeptical when Casey Cusick checked in to the low-security facility to serve his 10-day sentence. Cusicks wife had dropped off the 39-year-old Bixby resident in mid-November 2023 after a judge ordered him to serve the prison term. Earlier that year, a jury convicted Cusick, his father and another Florida man of nonviolent misdemeanor crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. The funny thing is they thought I was a fed because they have never heard of someone serving 10 days in prison, Cusick recalled in an interview with the Tulsa World. Once they figured out I was not a fed, they began opening up and telling me things. What he learned during his 10-day stay about the prison system shook him to his core, Cusick said. While he experienced no maltreatment, he said conditions in the facility are deplorable. They wouldnt treat animals that way, Cusick said. After going through the system, I understand now. Its unfair for the average American. The Florida native said he is now on a mission to push for criminal justice reform, all the while hoping President-elect Donald Trump makes good on his promise to pardon him and others charged in connection with the Capitol breach. Like many, Cusick, his father and another man traveled from their homes in Florida to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, to hear Trump and others speak at the Stop the Steal rally held at the Ellipse, near the White House. Cusick said his group stayed for the entire rally and decided to walk to the U.S. Capitol at the last minute because Trump said he was going to join them. President Trump said about 10 minutes into his speech, After this we are all going to go down to the Capitol, and Im going to go with you, Cusick said. I said, OK. I had nothing else to do. The trio walked to the Capitol, despite Trumps not joining the crowd. Cusick said he saw no police presence outside as he approached just a flood of people on the Capitol grounds, he recalled. People singing hymns and praying. Walking up to the one of the entrances, Cusick said he asked a woman exiting the building whether it was OK to enter. Oh, they are letting people come in, but dont touch anything, Cusick said the woman responded. After finding the restroom line too long inside the Capitol, Cusick said, his group left the building. He said he and the others in his group never touched or damaged anything during his 15-minute stay. He said he and others in his group didnt learn about the battles law enforcement had with protesters at the Capitol until later. We didnt see any of the violence until that night when we got to the hotel, Cusick said. When we got back to the hotel and turned on the TV (and they said) insurrectionists, we were like, What? Cusick said his group was never asked to leave the grounds or told they couldnt be there. Five months later, he was arrested at his then-Florida home in connection with his presence at the Capitol. He and the other two in his party, one his semi-retired pastor father, were charged with the same four misdemeanors many others have faced and are still facing: Entering and remaining in a restricted building Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building Violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building Parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building The local news was all over the story of their arrests, Cusick said. Pastors arrested and turned in by their parishioner, he recalled of the news of the time. In an interview with the Tulsa World, Cusick downplayed his involvement in the ministry, denying that he was ever a pastor of the church, which he described more as a small Bible study led by his father rather than a brick-and-mortar facility. Rather, Cusick said, he was dabbling in real estate at the time, flipping homes with some success. But he said all of that work dried up as word of the Jan. 6 riot began to dominate the news. They pretty much ghosted me, Cusick recalled, referring to business clients. After that, he found it hard to get a decent job. Air-conditioning work for $16 an hour wasnt cutting it, he said. I couldnt find a regular job because at that point in time, J-6 was looked at as the worst day in American history, Cusick said. It was really tough. He said his family opted to sell their Florida home and move to the Tulsa area in November 2022, where he had gone to college seven years earlier and met his future wife. He described the Tulsa metro area as more peaceful, more quiet, with a lower cost of living than Florida. But still, Cusick said he found it difficult to land a decent job due to his pending trial. Since he didnt know what the outcome would be, he couldnt say to would-be employers whether he would have to serve time. After a one-month delay, Cusick and the other two in his party were tried before a jury in July 2023. Cusick testified in his own defense before a jury found him and the other two guilty on all four misdemeanor counts. At his sentencing, prosecutors pushed for a nine-month prison term, claiming that Cusick had ignored several clues that should have told him to not enter the Capitol the day Congress was supposed to certify the Electoral College vote. Those clues included seeing rioters scaling a wall leading to the upper west terrace, noticing shattered door windows, hearing a blaring alarm and smelling pepper spray. Prosecutors also pointed out that Cusick and his party stayed on the Capitol grounds for about an hour after leaving the building until police officers in riot gear began clearing the area. A judge sentenced Cusick to prison in October. He was released one day before Thanksgiving 2023. After living off some of the Florida home sale proceeds, Cusick said he now sells cars and is trying to move on with his life. He still maintains that 100% there is no doubt in my mind that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump. Now in hindsight, I dont regret anything about it, Cusick said of his refusal to plead guilty. They wanted me to plea so bad. I wasnt going to plead guilty to something that I didnt do. I didnt violently enter. I walked through an open door, standing right next to the police officers. I didnt chant. I wasnt disruptive or disorderly. If we had known what it was going to be like at the Capitol, we probably wouldnt have gone down there. Today, Cusick said he hopes, along with hundreds of others, that Trump remembers his pardon promise after he is inaugurated as president on Monday. We are in line to get a pardon, but we will see, he said. He said he has not applied for relief, adding that he genuinely (doesnt) know how it works, referring to the pardon and commutation process. One thing Ive learned by this whole thing is dont believe what people say watch what they do, Cusick said. It will be very disappointing that if come Jan. 20, we are not one of the first ones to receive the pardon, because we were not charged with violent crimes, but we will see. While he awaits a pardon, Cusick said he is moving on with his life. Im not going to let it beat me up for the rest of my life, he said. I will say that once the truth is all out, I genuinely believe that the Jan. 6 community were victims of a crime that was entrapment set up by the federal government. I genuinely believe that. Meanwhile, Cusick has launched a podcast called The Watchmen on the website Rumble.com, which is described on the site as A Biblical outlook on whats going on politically in the world today. He said he is also trying to launch a prison reform coalition, but he admits that raising funds for the effort is hard. Cusick said he tries to maintain a positive outlook through it all. Again, Im a Christian, and Im not trying to be a Bible thumper, but Ill just say, I mean, Romans 8:28 says, All things work together for good to them who love God and those who are called according to His purpose, Cusick said. And I believe that all of this is going to work together for my good. I know it is going to. I really believe the best is yet to come for this country and my life. The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has required lenders VPBank and HDBank to take over the underperforming GPBank and DongA Bank, respectively. The SBV held a ceremony on Friday to announce the mandatory transfers of Global Petro Sole Member Limited Commercial Bank (GPBank) and DongA Commercial Joint Stock Bank (DongA Bank) to Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank) and Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank), respectively. After the transfers, GPBank and DongA Bank will become single-member limited liability commercial banks, fully owned by VPBank and HDBank. The legal rights of customers at GPBank and DongA Bank will be guaranteed in line with agreements and the law, said an SBV representative. VPBank and HDBank have sufficient capacity, experience, and a solid foundation to ensure the success of the mandatory takeovers of the two underperforming banks, according to the SBV. VPBank evaluated that the takeover presents an opportunity for it and HDBank to expand operations and launch new, modern business models. "The compulsory transfer of weak credit institutions is one of the solutions to contribute to ensuring macroeconomic stability, national financial and monetary security, political stability, and social order and safety," the central bank said. The transfers will also help poorly-performing banks overcome difficulties, ensure safety, and comply with regulations. "Before, during, and after the transfer process, the deposits of depositors are fully guaranteed," said Nguyen Duc Long, deputy chief inspector of the SBVs Banking Supervision Agency. To date, three banks that the SBV had acquired for zero dong -- GPBank, CBBank, and Oceanbank -- and the under-special-control DongA Bank have been transferred to four financially sound banks. In mid-October last year, the SBV announced the compulsory transfer of Construction Bank (CBBank) to Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) and Ocean Commercial One Member Limited Liability Bank (OceanBank) to Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MBBank). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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 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. 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. TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Sunday requiring the shutdown of the platform used by 170 million Americans. President-elect Donald Trump has said he would "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app. "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned," the message notified users trying to use the app late on Saturday night. Even if temporary, the unprecedented shutdown of TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, is set to have a wide-ranging impact on U.S.-China relations, U.S. domestic politics, the social media marketplace and millions of Americans who depend on the app economically and culturally. TikToker and 'newsfluencer' Joe Andaloro, who goes by the TikTok handle @joy.of.everything, films a TikTok video outside the U.S. headquarters of the social media company TikTok in Culver City, California, U.S. January 18, 2025. Photo: Reuters The United States has never banned a major social media platform. The law passed overwhelmingly by Congress gives the incoming Trump administration sweeping authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps. Other apps owned by ByteDance, including video editing app CapCut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, were also offline and unavailable in U.S. app stores as of late Saturday. "The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate," Trump told NBC. "If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday." It was not clear if any U.S. users could still access the app, but it was no longer working for many users, and people seeking to access it through a web application were met with the same message that TikTok was no longer working. TikTok, which has captivated nearly half of all Americans, powered small businesses and shaped online culture, warned on Friday it would go dark in the U.S. on Sunday unless President Joe Biden's administration provided assurances to companies such as Apple and Google that they will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect. Move to alternatives Under the law passed last year and upheld on Friday by a unanimous Supreme Court, the platform had until Sunday to cut ties with its China-based parent or shut down its U.S. operation to resolve concerns it poses a threat to national security. Biden's White House reiterated on Saturday that it was up to the incoming administration to take action. "We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday," press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. TikTok did not respond to a request for comment on the White House statement. The Chinese embassy in Washington on Friday accused the U.S. of using unfair state power to suppress TikTok. "China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," a spokesperson said. TikTok logo is pictured on the U.S. headquarters of the social media company in Culver City, California, U.S. January 18, 2025. Photo: Reuters Uncertainty over the app's future had sent users - mostly younger people - scrambling to alternatives including China-based RedNote. Rivals Meta and Snap have seen their share prices rise this month ahead of the ban, as investors bet on an influx of users and advertising dollars. "This is my new home now," wrote a user in a RedNote post, tagged with the words "tiktokrefugee" and "sad". Minutes after TikTok's U.S. shutdown, other users took to X, formerly called Twitter. "I didnt really think that they would cut off TikTok. Now Im sad and I miss the friends I made there. Hoping it all comes back in just a few days," wrote @RavenclawJedi. 'Hair on fire' moment NordVPN, a popular virtual private network, or VPN, allowing users to access the internet from servers around the world, said it was "experiencing temporary technical difficulties." Web searches for "VPN" spiked in the minutes after U.S. users lost access to TikTok, according to Google Trends. Users on Instagram fretted about whether they would still receive merchandise they had bought on TikTok Shop, the video platform's e-commerce arm. Marketing firms reliant on TikTok have rushed to prepare contingency plans in what one executive described as a "hair on fire" moment after months of conventional wisdom saying that a solution would materialize to keep the app running. There have been signs TikTok could make a comeback under Trump, who has said he wants to pursue a "political resolution" of the issue and last month urged the Supreme Court to pause implementation of the ban. Times Square in New York City, January 16, 2025. Photo: Reuters TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend the U.S. presidential inauguration and attend a rally with Trump on Sunday, a source told Reuters. Suitors including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt have expressed interest in the fast-growing business that analysts estimate could be worth as much as $50 billion. Media reports say Beijing has also held talks about selling TikTok's U.S. operations to billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk, though the company has denied that. U.S. search engine startup Perplexity AI submitted a bid on Saturday to ByteDance for Perplexity to merge with TikTok U.S., a source familiar with the company's plans told Reuters. Perplexity would merge with TikTok U.S. and create a new entity by combining the merged company with other partners, the person added. Privately held ByteDance is about 60% owned by institutional investors such as BlackRock and General Atlantic, while its founders and employees own 20% each. It has more than 7,000 employees in the U.S. 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. 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. 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. "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. 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. Vietnam and Chinas top leaders on Saturday exchanged congratulatory messages to mark 75 years of their diplomatic relations, underscoring a long-standing partnership built on friendship, cooperation, and shared goals. Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong sent their congratulatory messages to Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping. Similarly, Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh exchanged letters with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang, while Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Chinas National People's Congress Zhao Leji also shared their congratulations. Additionally, Do Van Chien, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, communicated with Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference. In their messages, the Vietnamese leaders emphasized the enduring stability and development of Vietnam-China relations over the past 75 years. They highlighted growing political trust, stronger bonds between the peoples, and deepening cooperation in various fields that have yielded tangible benefits for both nations. The Vietnamese Party, state, and people expressed gratitude for the valuable support provided by China during critical periods in history. Vietnam reaffirmed its consistent policy of prioritizing the development of traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with China. This commitment aligns with Vietnam's broader foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversification of international relations. As the world undergoes profound changes, and both nations enter crucial stages of their socialist development, leaders from both countries have agreed to strengthen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This partnership includes building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future of strategic significance, aimed at fostering the happiness of their peoples and contributing to global peace and progress. The Vietnamese side affirmed that this is an honorable responsibility and an objective necessity, in accordance with the aspirations and interests of the two Parties and two peoples. In their messages, the Chinese leaders described Vietnam and China as friendly socialist neighbors and a community with a shared future of strategic importance. Since establishing diplomatic ties 75 years ago, the two nations have supported each other in their struggles for national independence and liberation. The Vietnam-China friendship, characterized by the bond of comrades and brothers, remains a vivid symbol of their relationship. The messages also emphasized the importance of mutual learning and cooperation in socialist development, with both countries striving to advance together and deepen their bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. On this occasion, other senior officials from both sides, including Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also exchanged messages to reaffirm their commitment to fostering strong bilateral ties. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! What you need to know today in Vietnam: Politics -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation wrapped up a visit to Poland and arrived in Prague on Saturday, beginning an official visit to Czechia through Monday at the invitation of his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala. -- Top Vietnamese and Chinese leaders on Saturday exchanged their messages of congratulations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (January 18, 1950 - 2025). Society -- A 52-year-old man was arrested for allegedly murdering his mother, wife, son, and daughter in Hanoi this week. He said the motive for his crime was to free his family from extreme poverty, local police reported on Saturday. -- Vietnamese air carriers will add 586 flights, equivalent to about 134,800 seats, from January 17 to February 12, the peak period of the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. -- Police in Hanoi announced on Saturday that they were uncovering the cause of a fire that resulted in two fatalities at a house containing a poultry egg incubator on the same day. Business -- The ecosystem of Vietnamese entrepreneur Nguyen Ba Duong, which includes contractors of the Long Thanh International Airport project in southern Dong Nai Province and the T3 terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, generated revenue of VND27.8 trillion (US$1.1 billion) in 2024. Lifestyle -- A team from Hoi An City in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam won the Ocean International Lantern Contest, the first of its kind in the world, which gathered 16 teams and artisans from five countries, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. The contest is part of the Oriental Light Festival taking place from January 18 to March 26 in northern Hung Yen Province. World News -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday he would 'most likely' give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban after he takes office on Monday, as the app with 170 million American users buzzed with nervous anticipation ahead of a shutdown set for Sunday, according to 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, Reuters reported, citing the country's national emergency agency. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A 52-year-old man was arrested for allegedly murdering his mother, wife, son, and daughter in Hanoi this week, local police reported on Saturday. He said the motive for his crime was to free his family from extreme poverty. Police in Hanoi said they had coordinated with units under the Ministry of Public Security and police in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province to apprehend Vu Van Vuong, a resident of the capital. Vuong confessed that he used a crab pestle to bludgeon his 19-year-old daughter, Vu Thu H., and then strangled her to death at about 10:00 am on January 15. He later hid the body under a bed in his house. Later that day, he turned his attention to his 17-year-old son, Vu Thanh T., whom he killed with a hammer and also concealed the body under the bed. On the evening of that day, Vuong murdered his wife, Do Thi T.. He hit her with a hammer and strangled her to death. Her body was added to the growing pile beneath the bed. Finally, in the early hours of January 16, he suffocated his bedridden mother. Following the murders, Vuong attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills but failed. He then fled Hanoi for Da Nang City in central Vietnam and eventually made his way to Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, where he visited a pagoda to pray for the victims' souls. At 2:00 pm on Friday, the gruesome discovery was made when a family member found Vuong's mother deceased in the living room. She then discovered the bodies of the other family members under the bed. Police in Hanoi launched a massive manhunt for Vuong and, with the assistance of various law enforcement agencies, apprehended him at a pagoda in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Police officers and relevant units are further investigating the case. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A 37-month-old girl from Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam required hospitalization after she swallowed a button battery from an electronic toy. Dr. Huynh Van Hon from Cai Lay Regional General Hospital confirmed on Saturday that they successfully treated the baby, noting that their timely intervention prevented any serious complications. The child, identified as P.H.M.A., was playing alone when the battery dislodged from her toy. Upon discovering the missing battery and realizing the child had swallowed it, her family rushed her to the hospitals emergency department. Dr. Hon reported that the girl was alert and stable upon admission. After one day of intensive treatment, the battery was successfully removed, and follow-up exams confirmed the childs full recovery. She experienced no nausea, abdominal pain, or eating difficulties and was cleared to go home after an additional X-ray confirmed her safety. Dr. Hon emphasized the importance of preventative measures to avoid similar accidents. He advised parents to keep small, easily swallowed items such as seeds, nuts, and detachable toy parts out of childrens reach. They should select toys that are safe and suitable for the childs age, avoiding items with removable or loose parts. Parents need to monitor their kids during play and mealtimes, ensuring they do not talk, run, or jump while eating. The doctor also underlined the need to regularly inspect devices with button batteries and store them securely to prevent access by children. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Donald Trumps return to the White House will likely make billionaires like Elon Musk even richer. Musks money and social media influence helped Trump win the presidential election. Brandon Bell/Getty Images 2024 The tech billionaire shift to MAGA isnt some kind of post-election acquiescence. It began long ago and was instrumental in the election outcome. The shift began when it became apparent that if the Democrats remained in power, billionaires would be required to pay more taxes, and, more importantly, artificial intelligence development would, if necessary heaven forbid be regulated. When was this? I think a useful marker would be Elon Musks acquisition of Twitter. Whether or not paying $40 billion for what looks like a $10 billion company makes economic sense, the move was bizarre even in Musks increasingly bizarre worldview. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But viewed as a means of converting this strategic media platform into a MAGA bandwagon, where the return of Donald Trump to power means potentially hundreds of billions for Musk, it makes astonishing sense, and a tip of the cap to him for channeling his inner Machiavelli. The editorial board of the Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post ordered to not endorse Kamala Harris, Peter Thiel putting his thumb on the scales for MAGA the list goes on. For these individuals, like the German industrialists who supported Hitlers rise to power, politics is purely a financial calculation morality does not appear anywhere on a balance sheet. Bill Koopman, Palo Alto Simple fix Is Social Security going broke? Sure sounds like it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But we have 535 members of Congress who can solve our problem. Maybe Im being nostalgic and thinking back to the days when our lawmakers worked together. Simple question: Who pays more Social Security taxes, Stephen Curry or me, who makes $174,900 a year? The answer: We pay the same. Thats right Steph makes more than $55 million a year and pays no Social Security taxes on most of his income because of the limit on taxable earnings. You want to fix Social Security? Id start there. Roger Lema, Castro Valley Advertisement Article continues below this ad Let goodness prevail A dear friend from Altadena who lost her house in the Eaton Fire told me she and her teenage daughter going to the Santa Anita Park racetrack, where people displaced by wildfires could receive donations of clothing. I am moved by the poignant irony. 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 Thirty years ago, my family lived in San Gabriel, a lovely, diverse little Los Angeles County town just south of Pasadena. A neighbor of Japanese ancestry told me that her mother had never been to the upscale Santa Anita Mall, only 15 minutes away. Her mother couldnt stomach a glimpse of the adjacent racetrack where she, her family and many other Japanese Americans were incarcerated in horse stalls until they were transported to detention camps for the duration of World War II. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Santa Anita racetrack has hosted the best and the worst of human impulses. Given the renewed demand for detention camps coming from Washington, D.C., I hope the forces of compassion and generosity shown at Santa Anita will prevail. The Norwegian Parliament (Storting) has expressed positive signals regarding the long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) under negotiation since 2012 between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Norway. From January 20 to 23, a Storting delegation led by Aslaug Sem-Jacobsen of the Centre Party will visit Vietnam. Comprising representatives from various parties within the Storting, this delegation represents the collective voice of the Norwegian Parliament in the discussions. In an exclusive interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Sem-Jacobsen shared insights on two key topics: the progress of FTA negotiations between Vietnam and EFTA, and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), in which Norway plays an active role. Ready to quickly ratify FTA with Vietnam The negotiation period has been quite long but the accord has not been signed yet. What is the Storting's view on this negotiation? What role does the Storting play during this negotiation? Bilateral trade between Norway and Vietnam has increased steadily over the last 10 years. It currently stands at approximately US$1.35 billion in total, but the potential to grow further is significant. This is why the Norwegian Parliament very much welcomes a comprehensive, modern, and ambitious free trade agreement between EFTA and Vietnam. We hope the negotiations will speed up and be concluded soon. Vietnam is an important trading partner for Norway and an important partner within ASEAN. The conclusion of a free trade agreement with Vietnam is a priority for our government and for the Norwegian Parliament. When the agreement is concluded and signed, it is the role of our parliament to give its consent before the agreement can enter into force. We foresee a smooth and quick ratification process as soon as an agreement is concluded and signed. The negotiations have the full support of our parliament. We believe that a free trade agreement will increase the trade potential between Vietnam and Norway, and at the same time create a long-term, stable, and predictable framework for broad economic cooperation. We hope this will open doors to new and fruitful cooperation within the green and blue economy. We believe the focus on the green transition and the blue economy will only increase in the years to come. A free trade agreement would create a win-win situation for both our countries, fostering partnerships where both sides can collaborate and mutually benefit. We believe that strengthening our parliamentary relations will also contribute positively to this cooperation. Unloading containers onto a 200,000DWT ship at Gemalink International Port in Phu My Town, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Vietnam News Agency According to Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, there are three main remaining issues in the Vietnam-EFTA negotiations. Those are market access for trade in goods, intellectual property, and government procurement. In addition, a new issue has arisen, which is renegotiation of the Trade and Sustainable Development Chapter. From the perspective of the Storting, what should Vietnam do to facilitate the progress? Unfortunately, there seems to have been little progress in the negotiations since negotiators last met for a full round in 2018. From the view of the Norwegian Parliament, we hope that this situation can be turned around and that negotiations can resume very soon. Norway and EFTA stand ready to resume the process when there is willingness on both sides to move forward with an ambition to conclude a modern and comprehensive free trade agreement. This position has the full support of the Norwegian Parliament. EFTA has recently concluded an FTA with Thailand and expects to be able to conclude negotiations with Malaysia before summer 2025. Vietnam will then soon be the only ASEAN country with a significant economy without an agreement with EFTA. We hope to see this situation altered with a comprehensive and ambitious trade agreement being concluded also with Vietnam in the near future. EFTA is giving priority to developing its relations with ASEAN and its member countries. Last year a joint declaration on cooperation between ASEAN and EFTA was adopted. We believe concluding trade agreements with individual ASEAN countries like Vietnam is an important step on the way to broader cooperation with ASEAN as a bloc. Strategic partnership on energy transition Norway is one of the international partner groups for JETP in Vietnam. After Vietnam announced its resource mobilization plan to implement JETP, what will Norway do to realize its commitment to Vietnam? Are there any pilot projects to be announced in Vietnam soon? Through JETP, Norway has committed up to $250 million in investments through the Climate Investment Fund managed by NORFUND, the Norwegian governments investment fund for developing countries. NORFUND is actively looking for investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector in Vietnam, as well as other projects that could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Finalizing relevant energy and investment policy reforms and regulatory frameworks will be important to provide the necessary predictability for investors and hence unlock capital flows. In addition, Norway is supporting two of the first eight projects under JETP. First, together with UNDP, Norway has supported the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environments work to develop a framework for marine spatial planning, which was approved by the National Assembly last year. The marine spatial planning will be critical to enable zoning for offshore wind. Pilot programs in Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Khanh Hoa will start this year. Second, Norway is collaborating with the cement industry to scale up co-processing technology, leveraging expertise from the Norwegian research institute SINTEF. This could help reduce total GHGs emissions in Vietnam by nearly 20 percent. Co-processing makes it possible to replace coal with non-recyclable plastic as fuel in the cement industry, hence significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as reducing plastic waste and pollution. Last year, when the vice-president of Vietnam paid a visit to Norway, the two sides discussed the possibility of establishing a strategic partnership in the field of green energy transition and sustainable ocean economy. From the perspective of the Storting, could you please give some updates on those issues? In addition to the above fields, in which areas can Vietnam and Norway further strengthen cooperation for mutual benefits? We are very pleased about the decision to establish a strategic partnership in the field of green energy transition, which was reached in a meeting between Vice-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre in Oslo in November 2023. We know that modalities are being discussed between the relevant ministries on both sides, and hope that the partnership can be established soon. Vietnam's Vice-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (L) shakes hands with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo on November 23, 2024 as part of her official visit to the Kingdom of Norway. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Norway and Vietnam share common interests in addressing climate change and preserving clean, healthy, and productive oceans. A significant portion of our current collaboration focuses on these objectives, both through bilateral initiatives and within multilateral frameworks. Norway is a global leader in sustainable solutions in renewable energy and green shipping, as well as aquaculture and circular economy. More than 40 Norwegian companies are already engaged in Vietnam, most of them in these sectors. We believe there are further opportunities for business cooperation that brings advanced sustainable solutions and know-how as well as mutual economic benefits. A strategic partnership for green energy transition and sustainable ocean economy would give Norway and Vietnam a platform to enhance our cooperation in these high-priority sectors. Erna Solberg, former Norwegian prime minister and deputy head of the Storting delegation, shared her thoughts with Tuoi Tre on returning to Vietnam after a decade. I have very fond memories of my visit to Vietnam as prime minister in 2015. The political meetings that we held back then centred around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I am pleased to see that the focus on sustainable development remains so strong in Vietnam and I am very impressed by developments since 2015. I am glad that Norway engages with Vietnam on energy transition through the multilateral JETP and that Norway and Vietnam are now working toward a strategic partnership on energy transition, circular economy, and ocean management. I am sure we will discuss this in our political meetings in Hanoi and Hue during our visit. Former Norwegian prime minister Erna Solberg. Photo: Facebook page of Erna Solberg I also remember a train journey back in 2015 to the northern part of the country. This left a great impression on me of your beautiful country. I look forward to seeing different parts also this time around. Finally, I recall the meaningful discussions we had about your efforts to promote diversity in society and uphold the rights of minorities. In 2015, we also addressed the critical issue of combating human trafficking, particularly the trafficking of women. Im eager to learn about the progress that has been made in these areas since then. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! A total of 52 officers and soldiers from highly elite firefighting and rescue police units across 10 Vietnamese localities have successfully completed a 10-day training course in Hanoi. This initiative was designed to enhance their professional skills and prepare them for challenging rescue operations. The training, conducted by the Ministry of Public Securitys Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department, from January 8 to 17 at the ministrys training and response center for fire safety and rescue for 52 police officers and soldiers who were chosen from elite firefighting and rescue teams from 10 provinces and cities. Major Vu Duy Hung, one of the trainers, highlighted that the trainees were responsible for critical tasks such as extinguishing fires, conducting search and rescue operations during emergencies, including fires in townhouses, tanker truck fires, rescuing victims from deep pits, and rescuing individuals trapped on high floors, among other scenarios. Captain Bui Nguyen Nghi, another instructor from the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Training and Response Center, emphasized that the trainees were selected for their exceptional skills in firefighting and rescue operations, as well as their physical fitness. The 10-day course provided in-depth instruction on firefighting and rescue techniques, with contributions from both domestic and international experts. The main goal of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary for dealing with complex, long-lasting fires, explosions, and other emergencies. Furthermore, the training also focused on boosting the physical fitness of the trainees and teaching them the fundamental tasks and principles involved in the operations of an elite fire and rescue police force. Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Dinh Phu from Son La Province shared a memorable experience from five years ago when he helped rescue four people trapped in the Nui Hai cave. The rescue was particularly challenging due to the nearly-300-meter-high cliffs and slippery terrain. After many hours of planning and executing various measures, the team successfully brought the victims to safety. This experience was later used by Major Hung in the training, illustrating how to approach similar rescue situations in high altitudes or caves. Captain Pham Truong Tuan Anh from the Hanoi police department also shared his experience, stating that in the capital, they often face incidents involving painters, air conditioner repairmen, and glass installers who become trapped in high-rise buildings. These rescue operations require careful planning, which was put into practice during a related exercise in the training course. During a firefighting drill, the trainees wore protective suits and gas masks weighing up to 20kg, simulating real firefighting scenarios to hone their skills in responding to emergencies effectively. Major Nguyen Huu Dao, with over 22 years of service from the Ho Chi Minh City police department, reflected on his experience handling both large and small fires Vietnams largest city. His dedication to constantly improving his rescue skills aligns with his commitment to the core value that "people's lives are above all." According to the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department, a special elite firefighting and rescue police force has been established across 10 central-run provincial and municipal police departments on a trial basis, with the aim of building a force of highly trained personnel capable of responding swiftly to both land and water fire emergencies. These elite units not only carry out local tasks but also serve as core teams in international rescue and relief missions, the department said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Young people in Vietnam and Singapore exhibit the highest levels of optimism regarding their countries' political and economic situations within the ASEAN region, according to a survey recently released by Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. The 'Youth and Civic Engagement in Southeast Asia' survey polled 3,081 undergraduates aged 1824 across six countries, including Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The study revealed that 72.4 percent of the respondents from Singapore and 68.2 percent from Vietnam rated their political situation as 'very good' or 'good.' In stark contrast, only 15.1 percent of the respondents in Indonesia and 16.4 percent in Thailand shared a similarly positive view of their countries' political situations. Among the young Malaysians and Filipinos, 31.9 percent and 25.9 percent of the respondents viewed their political climate favorably. The study also discovered that Southeast Asian youth are generally optimistic about their countries' economies, with 76.5 percent expecting positive economic developments over the next five years. Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore stood out, with nearly nine in 10 expressing an optimistic outlook. The report noted that countries with stable political systems and robust economic growth, such as Vietnam and Singapore, tend to foster greater optimism among their youth. Meanwhile, countries grappling with economic or political instability, like Indonesia, saw higher levels of skepticism. This survey is part of a three-year project aiming to study youth perspectives across all 10 ASEAN member states. Future analyses will examine differences between urban and rural youth, as well as those with and without formal education. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam's largest private conglomerate Vingroup has requested the administration in Ho Chi Minh City to allow them to research and propose an investment plan for a subway line connecting downtown Ho Chi Minh City with coastal Can Gio District, using its own fund. The municipal Department of Transport has responded to Vingroups proposal regarding the metro line development. According to the department, it held a meeting on January 6 with relevant departments and agencies to discuss Vingroups proposal. At the meeting, Vingroup said it would submit to the Department of Transport a development plan for the metro line, including technical solutions, investment forms, funds for research, and the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. Vingroup noted that Ho Chi Minh City authorities are currently completing procedures related to the development, appraisal, and approval of the adjusted general planning for the city through 2040, with a vision to 2060. As part of the planning, the city has tasked relevant departments and agencies with studying a metro line project from the downtown area to Can Gio. The city is also planning the construction of the Can Gio Bridge from April 30 this year to 2028. Once finished, the bridge will take over from the Binh Khanh Ferry, currently the sole link between Can Gio and Ho Chi Minh City's center. Vingroup has stated that the planned metro line from the downtown area to Can Gio aligns perfectly with the city's transportation development trends and requirements. This project would guarantee a robust connection between the city center and Can Gio District, which is emerging as a new development hub for the city. The concurrent investment in the metro line and the Can Gio Bridge will ensure technical synchronization, saving both time and cost, Vingroup stated. Vingroup requested that the municipal authorities allow it to collaborate with the Department of Transport and the consulting unit of the Can Gio Bridge project to research, survey, and find suitable technical and investment solutions to integrate the metro line project with the Can Gio Bridge project. If it gets the approval, the group will work closely with departments and agencies as well as consultants to complete the research and propose a feasible and effective plan. During a conference held by the municipal administration to unveil the Ho Chi Minh City Master Plan for 2021-30, with a vision extending to 2050, on January 4, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hailed the citys efforts to put its first metro line into operation last month. I recently suggested to Vingroup chairman [Pham Nhat] Vuong the idea of constructing a metro line linking the city center to Can Gio District, and he enthusiastically supported the initiative," the PM then said. Vuong is Vietnam's richest person and ranked 833rd on Forbes magazines global rich list with a net worth of US$4.1 billion as of late 2024. The prime minister said it is important to involve major enterprises with substantial resources in projects critical to Vietnams social and economic progress. I am offering initiatives to businesses and encouraging them to develop innovative approaches, Chinh said at the conference. Resources stem from our ideas, and motivation arises from our innovation. This mindset must guide us as we implement the citys master plan. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Hanois Ho Tay (West Lake) was the backdrop for an awe-inspiring event on Saturday evening, marking Vietnams Lunar New Year (Tet) with a dazzling 2,025-drone light show synchronized with traditional Vietnamese music. The event drew thousands of attendees, making it an unforgettable highlight of the New Year festivities. The show served as the opening event for the Hanoi International Light Festival 2025. Organized by the Hanoi administration, Tay Ho District Peoples Committee, and Nhan Dan (People) newspaper, the show was aimed at promoting joy, unity, and hope for a prosperous new year while celebrating Hanois cultural heritage. The event featured a groundbreaking combination of cutting-edge drone light technology and traditional Vietnamese symphonic music, creating a mesmerizing artistic spectacle. Dang Le Minh Tri, the program's chief director, described this event as an unprecedented fusion of a drone light show and a modern symphony orchestra set against the backdrop of West Lake, bringing a new, fascinating, and exciting experience to the audience, according to the Vietnam News Agency. The program brought together top artists from Vietnam, representing a blend of tradition and modernity. Alongside other performers, they delivered outstanding musical and dance performances, guiding the audience through a wide range of emotions throughout the show. Crowds began gathering early in the evening, with tens of thousands of residents and tourists converging at the intersection of Nguyen Hoang Ton and Lac Long Quan Streets in Tay Ho District to secure prime viewing spots. At approximately 8:40 pm, following an array of captivating musical and artistic performances, the much-anticipated drone show began. Against a musical backdrop, 2,025 drones ascended into the sky, forming intricate images and vibrant text that illuminated Hanois night sky. The display narrated stories of Hanois millennia-old history and rich cultural heritage, evoking profound emotions among the spectators. One audience member, Thanh Huyen from Ba Dinh District, expressed her amazement at witnessing the drone show live for the first time. Compared to videos Ive seen before, experiencing it in person was far more emotional and impactful, she shared. Another attendee, Pham Dao from Bac Tu Liem District, praised the event as a visually stunning experience for her family. She noted the increasing number of artistic events held at West Lake in recent years, adding vibrancy to the citys Lunar New Year celebrations. Le Quoc Minh, editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan, described the event as more than just a feast of music and lights, highlighting its role in fostering pride in Hanois cultural heritage and enhancing the citys status as a leading cultural and creative hub in the region, according to the Vietnam News Agency. The event is also meant to boost tourism and contribute to the development of Hanois night-time economy, he added. With free admission, the Light Concert Welcoming New Year 2025 ensured accessibility for all, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in an artistic celebration of the Lunar New Year vibes. The shows resounding success and widespread appeal have fueled hopes that it will become an annual tradition eagerly anticipated by the public. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! A team from Hoi An City in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam won the Ocean International Lantern Contest, the first of its kind in the world, which gathered 16 teams and artisans from five countries, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. The contest is part of the Oriental Light Festival, which is scheduled for January 18 to March 26 in northern Hung Yen Province. The festival showcases the best lanterns from the Ocean International Lantern Contest and features the longest lantern street in Vietnam. It is considered a 'super festival' with 580 activities, taking place through the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, which is due on Jaunary 29. The highlight of the festival is the Ocean International Lantern Contest and Chinas Yuyuan Lantern Festival, which UNESCO recognized as intangible cultural heritage. A representative of Hoi An Craft Vietnam (C) receives the first prize of the Ocean International Lantern Contest for the Hon Thieng Dat Viet (The Sacred Soul of Vietnam) lantern. At the Ocean International Lantern Contest, the first prize was awarded to Hoi An Craft Vietnam for their 'Hon Thieng Dat Viet' (The Sacred Soul of Vietnam) lantern, which is 70 meters long and 20 meters wide. The latern was completed in over two months by 12 artisans. They used paper made from the bark of coconut trees in the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest in Hoi An for this artwork. Part of the Hon Thieng Dat Viet (The Sacred Soul of Vietnam) lantern This is what moved the judges, said Chen Jia, cultural director of Yuyuan INC, a member of Chinas Fosun Group and a judge of the contest. According to Chen, Hoi An artisans infused the culture and long history of Vietnam into the lantern, using light to convey love and pride for the nations history and to honor traditional Vietnamese culture. The artwork also demonstrated the high creativity of Vietnamese artisans by using environmentally friendly materials. With coconut tree bark, the lantern remains a complete piece of fine art during the day. At night, when illuminated, it looks like a sculpture, offering viewers two entirely different experiences. Chen said she had seen many creative methods in lantern art from around the world, but the creativity of Vietnamese artisans is entirely new to her. Representatives of teams receive honorable mentions of the Ocean International Lantern Contest. The second prize went to 'The God of Fortune' of South Korea, while the third prizes were awarded to Vietnams 'Sac Mau Cuoc Song' (The Colors of Life) and 'Long Phuong Sum Vay' (Dragon and Phoenix Gathering). Vietnams 'Lac Long Quan Tro Ve' (Lac Long Quan Returns), Chinas 'Wings of the Future,' and South Koreas 'Sajik & Nongak Ceremony' earned honorable mentions. The Lac Long Quan Tro Ve (Lac Long Quan Returns) lantern by the youngest contestant of the Ocean International Lantern Contest, who was born in 2007 in northern Tuyen Quang Province. Nguyen Thu Hang, CEO of Vinhomes and a representative of the festival's organizing committee, stated that the Oriental Light Festival is more than just a regular cultural event. "It's designed to elevate the art of light, blending traditional culture with modern art," she said. "This festival will draw tourists right at the start of the year, helping to cement Vietnam's place on the world's cultural and tourism map. "It also showcases Vietnam's capability to host top-tier cultural events." The Ran Hong Choi Xuan (A Pink Snake Enjoys the Springtime) lantern During the event, the Vietnam Records Organization officially recognized the Ocean International Lantern Contest within the Oriental Light Festival as both the largest international lantern festival in Vietnam and the site of the longest lantern street, adorned with symbols from Vietnamese and international cultures. Additionally, 'Hon Thieng Dat Viet' was acknowledged as the largest lantern cluster in Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Many international students in Vietnam were excited to write calligraphy, wrap banh chung (square sticky rice cakes), join year-end parties, and play traditional folk games in central Da Nang City to learn about and welcome the approaching Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday. The international students shared that despite living far from home, they could still feel the special cultural atmosphere and the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. At the 'Explore the Vietnamese Tet - Connect and Share' program held on Saturday at the University of Science and Education dormitory in Da Nang, Vilasan Sommixay, a student from Laos, eagerly joined a group of students learning to wrap banh chung and requested calligraphic works. The experience left him feeling thrilled, as if he were celebrating Tet in his own country. "As the holiday approaches, I can feel the vibrant and warm atmosphere of the Vietnamese Tet," Sommixay shared with excitement. Many international students wait to ask for calligraphic works. He added that he had been studying in Da Nang for nearly a year and this year would be the first time he celebrates the Vietnamese Tet. Taking a stroll around the dorm, Sommixay seemed to shed his usual shyness to fully immerse himself in the activities. Sommixay said that just the day before, he was surprised when his foster parents invited him over to join the year-end dinner with their family. "It was my first time attending a Vietnamese year-end meal. Everyone gathered around, chatting, inquiring about each other, and enjoying traditional dishes," Sommixay said. I could feel the deep values of the Vietnamese Tet and the family bonds." Vilasan Sommixay (R) from Laos waits for a calligrapher to complete a calligraphic work. Several days earlier, the University of Science and Education in Da Nang organized the 'Experience the Vietnamese Tet' program for international students at the school. The event attracted nearly 200 students from 24 countries. At the program, many students from Laos and Thailand wore ao dai (Vietnam's traditional long gown) and learned to make banh chung. Muki, 20, an exchange student from Thailand, said that she loves cooking, so she is fond of wrapping banh chung. Vietnamese students provided her with detailed instructions about ingredients, how to wrap the cakes, and the steaming process. Muki (in a pink 'ao dai'), from Thailand, learns to wrap banh chung.' For Muki, the most challenging part was to ensure the cakes were square and leaves did not tear. International students were also curious and excited about calligraphy. Many faced challenges when trying to write calligraphy for the first time. Nathan, from Austria, said he preferred to observe the calligraphy process rather than writing calligraphic works as the job was difficult. He proudly showed off a piece of calligraphy presented by a local calligrapher and repeatedly said lucky, referring to the word "Loc" on the calligraphic work. Some international students have become skilled at wrapping banh chung.' Two foreign students show off banh chung and 'banh tet' (cylindrical glutinous rice cakes) wrapped beautifully by themselves. The Explore the Vietnamese Tet - Connect and Share program at the dorm of the University of Science and Education in Da Nang attracts tens of international students, January 18, 2025. The organizing committee of the program presents gifts to international students. Nathan, a student from Austria, is interested in a piece of calligraphy presented by a Vietnamese calligrapher. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net Okhla, a Muslim majority assembly segment in Southeast Delhi, is a constituency that mirrors the stark contrast between the citys booming growth and the invisible corners left to languish. While it boasts notable landmarks such as Jamia Millia Islamia and thriving food hubs like Shaheen Bagh, its residents live in the shadows of urban progress and grapple with chronic infrastructural deficiencies. From crumbling roads and overflowing drains to a severe lack of green spaces and reliable healthcare, the locality stands as a testament to how political neglect has left its people to face enduring hardships. Support TwoCircles Overflowing Drains and Exposed Manholes A simple walk through Okhla is enough to reveal the depth of its infrastructural woes. Overflowing drains, exposed manholes and pothole-riddled roads are the painful everyday reality for locals. During the monsoon, the situation becomes even more unbearable as stagnant sewage floods the streets, forcing residents to navigate through unpleasant and hazardous conditions. Areas like Pahalwan Chowk in Batla House are notorious for their chronic drainage problems, leaving residents to deal with waterlogging, stench and the threat of diseases. We have repeatedly complained to the municipal authorities about the overflowing drains and manholes, but no one listens, said Amjad Masoodi, a resident of Okhla village. Even the e-rickshaw drivers, who provide essential local transportation, are forced to work amidst these conditions battling dangerous road conditions that can lead to breakdowns or accidents. A Growing Health Crisis The area surrounding Al Shifa Hospital is one of the most glaring examples of Okhlas neglect. A massive, unaddressed drain runs right outside the hospital, exuding foul odors and contributing to unsanitary conditions. Despite repeated promises from political leaders during election seasons, no action has been taken. This unsightly drain not only poses a health risk but also disrupts the patients experience, making it almost impossible to recover in such an environment. Every election, they come with promises to fix this drain, but nothing changes, said Abdul Rahman, a shopkeeper in the vicinity. Residents are left wondering why basic hygiene and maintenance seem like an afterthought, especially in a locality housing an important healthcare facility. The Absence of Green Spaces For a densely populated constituency, Okhla lacks one vital aspect of urban development: green spaces. Parks and recreational areas are virtually non-existent, forcing children to play on dangerous roads and leaving adults with nowhere to relax or exercise. Zainab Khan, a student, says, We are surrounded only by concrete. There is no park where we can exercise or just relax. It is suffocating. Parents, too, worry about their childrens safety, knowing the risks posed by the damaged roads and uncovered manholes. The absence of designated play areas and safe spaces for outdoor activities reflects a glaring oversight in the areas planning and development. Waste Management Woes The lack of a proper waste management system only exacerbates the situation. With no designated garbage dump yards, residents are forced to dispose of their waste in public spaces, leading to unhygienic conditions and health hazards. Local business owners, like Raju, a tea stall owner at Tikona Park, lament the worsening situation, People dump garbage here, and the smell is unbearable. Efforts to resolve these issues have been met with indifference from local authorities. Despite multiple complaints, the situation has remained largely unchanged, leading to growing frustration among the locals. Shaheen Bagh: A Growing Safety Hazard Shaheen Bagh, once a quiet residential area, has transformed into one of Delhis most popular street food hubs. While the area has become a vibrant centre for food lovers, it has also become a safety nightmare. Overcrowded streets filled with vendors, vehicles and pedestrians have created traffic congestion and fire hazards, with many shops lacking proper fire safety measures. The area is so crowded, and the shops are packed together so tightly that it feels like an accident waiting to happen, said a local resident, highlighting the dangers that accompany the areas rapid expansion. Healthcare, Education: A Glaring Gap Despite the large population, Okhlas healthcare infrastructure remains grossly inadequate. The few Mohalla Clinics that exist are often closed or ill-equipped, leaving residents to rely on private clinics. The educational facilities are equally underdeveloped, with many local schools lacking basic infrastructure and qualified teaching staff. Salma Parveen, a concerned parent, summed up the situation, saying, Our children study in overcrowded classrooms with no proper education being provided. Narrow Roads and Overpopulation The growing population and narrow roads of Okhla exacerbate daily commuting struggles. Traffic congestion is a constant issue, and while e-rickshaws are an essential mode of transport, their unregulated presence often results in traffic jams and unsafe conditions. As Sameer Ahmed, a local shopkeeper, points out, E-rickshaws park haphazardly, blocking roads and causing jams. They are essential, but there needs to be some regulation. A Call for Change Amid Election Promises As the 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections approach, Okhlas residents are once again confronting a familiar pattern political promises that never materialise. With candidates like Amanatullah Khan from the Aam Aadmi Party, Manish Chaudhary from the Bhartiya Janata Party and Ariba Khan from the Congress vying for the constituency, the people of Okhla are left wondering when the issues that plague their daily lives will be addressed. Politicians only remember us when it is time to ask for votes, says Rizwan, a local restaurant owner. The systemic neglect of Okhla demands a renewed focus on infrastructure, healthcare and basic amenities. Only with political will, administrative efficiency and community involvement can Okhla begin to reclaim its rightful place in the citys development narrative. HCM CITY The price of Vietnamese pepper is expected to continue increasing in 2025 due to a global supply decline, while demand in major markets such as the US and Europe remains stable and China may start purchasing pepper from Viet Nam after the Lunar New Year. Industry insiders said as much at the annual meeting of the Viet Nam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) in HCM City late last week. According to the International Pepper Community (IPC), global pepper production in 2024 decreased by about 4 per cent (22,000 tonnes) compared to 2023, mainly due to a decline in production in Brazil and Viet Nam. The IPC forecasts that global pepper production in 2025 will continue to decline, due in part to the lower economic efficiency of pepper compared to other crops, leading many farmers to no longer choose pepper as a primary crop. Climate change has also reduced pepper yields, while production costs have risen significantly. Hoang Thi Lien, chairwoman of VPSA, said that last year, Viet Nam exported 250,600 tonnes of pepper of all kinds worth a total value of more than US$1.3 billion, with exports of black pepper accounting for $1.1 billion and white pepper $200 million. Although the pepper export volume in 2024 decreased by 5.1 per cent compared to 2023, the export value surged by 45.4 per cent thanks to a substantial increase in export prices, she said. The US was Viet Nam's largest pepper export market in 2024, with 72,311 tonnes accounting for 28.9 per cent of the total, marking a 33.2 per cent increase from 2023. The US was followed by the UAE, Germany, the Netherlands and India, she said. Ho Tri Nhuan, director of Gohan Co., Ltd., said that in 2024, demand for pepper in the US market was initially expected to grow by only 5 per cent. However, due to concerns over rising prices, importers started stockpiling, increasing their purchases by up to 40 per cent. He noted that based on assessments of supply and demand, pepper exports in 2025 were expected to face both opportunities and uncertainties. Stable market demand and reduced output in some regions would help maintain high pepper prices. However, the extent of price increases would depend on the purchasing pace of key markets like the US and China, he said. Viet Nams pepper exports to China decreased by 82.4 per cent last year. This was attributed to China's economic slowdown in the early months of the year, leading to reduced consumer spending, the association said. At the same time, China increased its purchases from other countries, such as Indonesia, due to more competitive prices compared to Viet Nam. However, the VPSA noted pepper inventory in China was now at a low level, and the market would likely increase its purchases again. According to Nhuan, pepper prices in 2025 are expected to rise further. However, the pace of the increasewhether fast or slowremains uncertain due to a variety of potential factors. Nhuan said China was expected to increase its purchases as soon as Viet Nam begins its main harvest season this spring, while the US might buy at a slower pace due to high inventory levels carried over from 2024. Vietnamese pepper would also face competitive pressure from other pepper-producing countries. Businesses needed to closely monitor market trends and purchases from partners to develop appropriate plans for procurement, stockpiling and cash flow management. This approach would help increase export volumes and revenues while ensuring business efficiency, he added. VNS Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the United States of America, Khazar Ibrahim, presented a Certificate of Appreciation from President Ilham Aliyev to IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop, Azernews reports, citing the post on X. In his post, the Ambassador says: This honor reflects our sincere gratitude for his valuable contributions and active participation in COP29, held from Nov 1122 in Baku. A palm tree and debris litter a backyard on Jan. 10 at a home in Altadena that burned down in the Eaton Fire. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle If youre going to live the California dream, youll never escape the nightmares. Im a boy-dreamer from Pasadena. The second morning after the firestorm, I put on my press pass and headed up to Altadena, the unincorporated Los Angeles County foothill town on my hometowns northern border. Its a journey Ive made a thousand times. I drove through my life. Past the Pasadena Jewish Temple, where my three boys went to preschool, now destroyed. Past the Altadena Town & Country Club, where my sister got married, now a ruin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Past Eaton Canyon where I hiked on my honeymoon and countless field trips which is now synonymous with one of the most devastating fires in state history. The higher I ascended the mountain, the more burnt-out houses I saw. Many belonged to friends. By the time I reached Loma Alta Drive, almost everything was rubble. Overwhelmed, I parked next to a little road. The little roads sign read, Zane Grey Terrace. I laughed through the tears. What would Zane Grey say about all this? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zane Grey is now forgotten. But in the first half of the 20th century, he was perhaps the countrys best-selling author. He produced dozens of pulpy novels about the American West. Many were about urban peoples struggles to settle in the canyons and hills of unforgiving environments. His books could be clunkily written, but Hollywood turned so many Grey stories into films that they became stock images of Western life. Greys personal journey resembled his novels. He was a depressed New York City dentist when he started selling stories. Then he moved to California, settling in a Myron Hunt-designed estate on Mariposa Street in Altadena. There he lived the California dream, with easy access to hiking and climbing the hills. In Altadena, I have found those qualities that make life worth living, he wrote. In public, Grey was a font of progressive piety, inveighing against alcohol, sex, the jiggle and toddle and wiggle of dancing and fortune-seeking. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Money is God in the older countries, he wrote in The Call of the Canyon. But it should never become God in America. But Grey himself never stopped making books and money. He relentlessly fulfilled his own desires for homes, travel, women. He met one mistress in Eaton Canyon. I saw her flowing raven mane against the rocks of the canyon, he wrote. She seemed to be the embodiment of the West I portray in my books, open and wild. In his hypocrisy and self-centeredness, Grey was like todays prosperous Californians moralizing to the world about living responsibly, while denying themselves nothing. When our homes burn up, we tell ourselves that this is the price we pay for all the beauty and bounty of everyday life. And in this age of climate change, we make resolutions to retreat from firelands, to accept limits. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But do we really intend to keep any of our promises? Do we believe ourselves? We know the honest answer. We never dare say it. Except when we watch billionaires beach homes burn on TV. Or drive down Mariposa Street and find that the Eaton Fire has destroyed the Zane Grey Estate. Only then do we blurt out the truth. Unbelievable, we say. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Of course, its not the fires that are unbelievable. We are unbelievable. In our defense, we Californians must be unbelievable to survive. We cant acknowledge that death and destruction apocalypse are routine, or wed never be able to live here. So, we conjure our own worlds. As the outlaw Bess says in Greys novel, Riders of the Purple Sage, You dream or youre driven mad. But we can only defend ourselves with dreams for so long. Eventually, the nightmares awaken us. The biggest nightmares, the disasters that shake us, are considered a California curse. But they also might be our states greatest gift. Because they rouse us from our distracting dreams. They make us look away from all that California beauty and compel us to see one another. When we awake to the nightmare, we are at our most generous. We make new plans. We are, however fleetingly, believable. 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 Even Zane Grey knew this truth. In his Recipe for Greatness, he advised us: HA NOI Three cars that were used to serve late President Ho Chi Minh have been recognised as national treasures for their historical significance. The decision, made by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 1712/Q-TTg dated December 31, 2024, was announced during the Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) programme for overseas Vietnamese on January 19 in Ha Noi. According to the organising committee, President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Vietnamese people, was not only a symbol of passionate patriotism and resilient revolutionary spirit but also an example of national and international solidarity. During his 15 years at the Presidential Palace Relic Site, President Ho Chi Minh left behind many documents and artefacts that showed the most vivid and authentic reflection of his life, career, thoughts, ethics and style. Among them are three cars, a Pobeda, a Peugeot 404, and ZIS 115, that served him from 1954 to 1969. Each treasured vehicle carries a historical story that holds a particularly profound value for the country, people and international friendship. They are currently on display at the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace Relic Site in Ha Noi. The first car, a ZIS 115 with licence plate number HN 481, was presented to the President by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1954. This four-seater armored car, painted black and built with bulletproof steel and 8cm-thick glass, weighed over two tonnes. It was produced as a limited edition, mainly intended for heads of state and symbolised the strong friendship between Viet Nam and the then Soviet Union. During his time at the Presidential Palace, this car was used on special occasions such as when receiving international delegations or heads of state who needed to ensure absolute safety. During the US bombing campaigns in North Viet Nam in the 1960s, the ZIS 115 was kept on standby to ensure the safety of President Ho Chi Minh and members of the Politburo. It travelled a total of 15,788km. The Pobeda, with plate number HN 158, was also a gift from the Soviet Government to Viet Nam in 1955. This car was transferred to the Presidential Palace in 1957 and served President Ho Chi Minh until 1969. Known for its spacious interior, high ground clearance and robust engine, it was well-suited for long-distance travel and often accompanied the President on trips to distant provinces. The Pobeda travelled with the President through 39,436km. During the 1960s, when the Soviet Government offered newer models with superior designs and features, President Ho Chi Minh declined to use them, reserving the advanced vehicles for diplomats and government officials. The third car, a Peugeot 404 with licence number HNC 232, was donated by Vietnamese expatriates in March 1964. This vehicle became indispensable during the later years of President Ho Chi Minhs life as his health began to decline. Its comfort and reliability made it a practical choice for his transportation needs during this period. It carried the President a total of 16,575km. The three cars took President Ho Chi Minh on nearly 2,000 trips to many localities, as well as daily activities in the capital city. According to the managers of the Presidential Palace, the national treasures - three cars - were not only a means of transportation of the President but also a symbolic value of international friendship, solidarity and patriotism of overseas Vietnamese towards the national leader. The three cars were vivid evidence of a historical period full of hardships, perseverance, determination to gain independence, freedom and unification of the country while conveying profound lessons about President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and lifestyle. VNS NEW YORK Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations (UN), has met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix to discuss cooperation between Viet Nam and the UN in the field of peacekeeping. During the meeting, Ambassador Giang expressed his thanks to the UN and Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for their support and assistance, which have enabled Viet Nam to effectively contribute to peacekeeping operations over the past decade. Highlighting the significant achievements and contributions of Viet Nams peacekeeping forces, the ambassador emphasised that peacekeeping remains a top priority in the Viet Nam-UN partnership. He affirmed the countrys readiness to deploy additional forces at the UNs request, including both military and police personnel, with a particular focus on increasing the participation of female officers and peacekeepers. The diplomat also reiterated Viet Nams intention to pursue candidacy for relevant positions in the UN Secretariat. Giang called on UN agencies and functional units to continue to support Viet Nam in training and building the capacity of its military and police peacekeeping forces to better meet operational demands and contribute more effectively to UN peacekeeping missions in the new context. For his part, Lacroix emphasised that peacekeeping remains an indispensable tool for the UN to address global security challenges in an increasingly complex world. He praised Viet Nam for its supportive policies and its active, effective participation in UN peacekeeping operations over recent years. The UN official affirmed his support and readiness to assist Viet Nam in building its capacity and contributing further to peacekeeping, particularly ensuring its readiness to deploy its first peacekeeping police unit when requested by the UN. He also encouraged Viet Nam to pursue senior positions within the UN Secretariat and peacekeeping missions, and welcomed the countrys commitments to the UNs related goals and targets, particularly in increasing the participation of female personnel in peacekeeping operations. VNS PRAGUE Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Chairwoman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) Katerina Konecna in Prague on January 18 afternoon (local time) as part of his official visit to the Czech Republic. The PM expressed his gratitude to the Czech government, people, and political parties, particularly the KSCM, for their steadfast support for Viet Nam throughout its past struggle for national independence and its ongoing process of national construction and development. He said that Viet Nam treasured and wanted to foster its traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with the Czech Republic, while supporting the spirit of solidarity among the Czech people and parties, aiming to contribute to peace, stability, and development in the two regions and the world. Highlighting Viet Nam's approach to engaging with ruling parties worldwide, PM Chinh encouraged increased information and delegation exchanges between the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the KSCM to enhance mutual understanding and political trust, and share experiences in Party building and development. The Government leader also sought the continued support of the KSCM in Viet Nam's process of socialist fatherland construction and protection, and in fortifying the traditional friendship between the two nations. Expressing his gratitude for the Czech Republics recognition of the Vietnamese community as a minority group, he urged the KSCM to advocate for policies that further facilitate their integration and contributions to the Czech society as well as their bridging role in the bilateral relations. Additionally, PM Chinh called for the partys support in easing visa policies for Vietnamese citizens. He proposed Konecna push for the ratification of the EU Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by remaining EU member states and for the European Commission to lift its illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing yellow card imposed on Vietnamese seafood exports. For her part, Konecna affirmed her support for the Czech Republics policy towards Viet Nam and pledged to promote stronger friendship and cooperation between the two Parties, helping to deepen and develop the Czech Republic Viet Nam relationship across all fields for the sake of the Vietnamese and Czech people, and for peace, cooperation, and development in the regions and the world. Agreeing with the PM's ideas, Konecna affirmed her willingness to assist Viet Nam within her capacity, including expediting the EVIPA ratification and addressing the IUU yellow card issue. Extending her greetings to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, the KSCM chairwoman unveiled her intention to visit Viet Nam soon at his invitation. VNS PRAGUE Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Prague on January 18 afternoon (local time) for Chairman of the Czech Viet Nam Friendship Association Milos Kusy as part of his official visit to the European country. PM Chinh said he was pleased to meet Kusy and friends who have close connections with Viet Nam. He affirmed that the Vietnamese people always appreciate the sentiments, and valuable support and wholehearted help of the Czech people for Viet Nam in the past struggle for national independence and reunification as well as in the current process of national construction and development. Appreciating the activities of the Czech Viet Nam Friendship Association and Kusy himself for supporting the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, as well as their activities to connect the people of the two countries, PM Chinh affirmed that the Vietnamese State always supported and created favourable conditions for the association to continue to operate and stand side by side with the Vietnamese people. Informing Kusy and the Czech friends about the socio-economic situation of Viet Nam, PM Chinh said that his visit to the Czech Republic this time aimed to strengthen the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic in all fields and further tighten the friendship between the two countries people. He proposed the association to continue supporting and promoting the Viet Nam-Czech relationship to make it more profound, substantive and effective. Thanking PM Chinh for his reception, Kusy recalled PM Pham Van ong's visit to the Czech Republic in 1957 with many important milestones. He believed that PM Chinh's visit to the Czech Republic this time would open a new phase in the relationship between the two countries. Expressing his admiration for Viet Nam's outstanding development, Kusy said that the association had coordinated very closely with the Vietnamese Embassy and associations of Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic and the Viet Nam - Czech Friendship Association, thus contributing to promoting the Viet Nam - Czech relations in general and between ministries, branches and localities of the two countries. Kusy proposed Viet Nam coordinate with the Czech Republic to promote people-to-people exchanges, creating conditions for the people of the two countries to better understand each other's country, people, and culture, including building a Viet Nam culture centre in the Czech Republic. He affirmed that the Czech Viet Nam Friendship Association would do its best to stand side by side with Viet Nam in the process of developing and cultivating relations between the two countries. Agreeing with the proposal of Kusy, PM Chinh said he would assign the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant ministries and agencies to research and build a Vietnamese culture centre in the Czech Republic. VNS PRAGUE Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his wife Le Thi Bich Tran and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic on January 18 evening (local time) within the framework of their official visit to the European nation. At the meeting, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam reported that in recent times, the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic developed positively. The Czech Republic currently considers Viet Nam a priority partner and a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. Bilateral trade has increased very quickly, doubling after five years, reaching US$2.9 billion in 2023 and $3.8 billion last year, of which Viet Nam exported $3.3 billion worth of products to the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is the first country in the EU to ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). Education is a very potential field of cooperation, accprding to the ambassdor, more and more Vietnamese students are coming to study in the Czech Republic with European educational standards but the university study period is only three years and the cost is affordable. The two sides also have great opportunities to promote cooperation in tourism, culture, and labour, especially the Vietnamese Government's decision to exempt visas for Czech citizens entering the Southeast Asian country in groups for tourism purposes regardless of passport types will be a big boost. The Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic currently has about 100,000 people, the 3rd largest ethnic minority community in the Czech Republic and also the 3rd largest Vietnamese community in Europe, the diplomat noted. Hoang inh Thang, member of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, Chairman of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, said that the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic is considered to be industrious and hard-working, actively contributing to the development of the host country and bilateral relations, being one of the Vietnamese communities in the world with a very unified and regulated organisation. Thang and people attending the meeting raised a number of recommendations and suggestions related to participating and organising the Great National Solidarity Festival abroad; regaining Vietnamese citizenship; and opening the direct flight route between Prague and Ha Noi. PM Chinh expressed his joy at the continuous growth and maturity of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, affirming its position and role in the host country, proving the capacity and intelligence of Vietnamese people, living and working according to the law. Many people have become rich and the Vietnamese intellectual contingent has also developed. In particular, the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic was the first Vietnamese community in the world to be recognised by countries as a minority group, he said, this was thanks to the efforts of the political system under the leadership of the Party, diplomatic representative agencies and the community. The PM said that this visit aimed to raise relations between the two countries to a new level and kick off the year celebrating the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1950-2025); and promote cooperation in the fields of politics - diplomacy, trade, investment, culture, education, defence, security, and people-to-people exchanges. He emphasised that the world had changed a lot, but the relationship between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic had not been affected, and long-standing traditions were increasingly consolidated and strengthened. It is expected that during the visit, the PM will ask authorities at all levels of the Czech Republic to continue creating more favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live, study, work, and further integrate into the host society, maximise their abilities, and contribute to the development of the Czech Republic and the friendship relations between the two countries. PM Chinh affirmed that the Party and State always cared about and identify the Vietnamese community abroad as an integral part of the great national unity bloc. Institutionalising the Party's guidelines, Viet Nam had been and were continuing to amend, supplement and perfect laws and regulations related to nationality, identification, land and housing to ensure legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese people abroad. In the new context, the leader said that it would be necessary to change the way of doing things to maximise the potential, development space, different potential, outstanding opportunities, and competitive advantages in the relationship between the two countries. Along with promoting the EU Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), it was a must to accelerate the ratification of the EU Viet Nam Investment Promotion Agreement (EVIPA), have appropriate visa policies, labour policies and nationality regulations, and promote transport connectivity. Responding to participants' suggestions and recommendations, PM Chinh said that the Government would report and propose to competent authorities to amend and supplement the Law on Vietnamese Nationality; discuss with the Viet Nam Fatherland Front on recommendations related to organising the Great National Solidarity Festival; and direct agencies and units to promote aviation connections between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic, including studying forms of connecting flights. He requested the embassy to closely follow and firmly grasp the correct and timely situation to advise the Party and State, propose clear people, clear tasks, clear time, clear responsibilities, and clear product; thus contributing to promoting the relationship between the two countries, which has a 75-year tradition with core values that are increasingly developing well. VNS WARSAW Leaders of Viet Nam and Poland issued a joint statement on advancing towards an upgrade of bilateral relations at the end of the official visit to Poland by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh from January 15-18. Following is the full text of the joint statement At the invitation of Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Pham Minh Chinh paid an official visit to the Republic of Poland from January 16 to January 18, 2025. The visit marked 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the states. 1. The two leaders concurred that over the years, both countries have achieved significant socio-economic development milestones. The traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and Poland have witnessed rapid and effective development across various areas. 2. Building on past achievements and recognising the vast potential for further collaboration, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasised the need to foster deeper and more effective political, economic, sectoral, locality-to-locality and people-to-people cooperation with the aim of elevating Viet Nam - Poland relations to strategic level in the future. Political and Diplomatic Relations 3. Both sides agreed to further increase bilateral high-level visits and contacts across all channels between the Communist Party, the State, the Government, the National Assembly, and local authorities of Viet Nam and the Authorities of Poland in order to strengthen political cooperation and mutual understanding. They indicated the annual political consultations as the primary mechanism for reviewing and updating activities. 4. Both sides agreed to intensify dialogue between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and expressed interest in expanding collaboration on international and regional issues, including policy planning and coordination of positions at multilateral forums, particularly within the United Nations, ASEAN - EU and ASEM frameworks. They expressed the commitment to supporting interregional cooperation by promoting the Viet Nam - EU and Poland - ASEAN relations. The Vietnamese side expressed its support for Polands application to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). 5. Both sides reaffirmed their support for multilateralism and the international system with the United Nations at its core, and an international order based on fundamental principles of international law, including the UN Charter. These include non-use of force or threat of force, respect for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all nations, and resolution of disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law. 6. Both sides emphasised the need to address the global challenges, including climate change, water, energy, and food security, pandemics, disinformation and misinformation, migration, and deteriorating international and regional security. 7. Prime Minister of Poland briefed Prime Minister of Viet Nam on the war in Ukraine. Both sides emphasised the need for establishing a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in accordance with international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. 8. Both sides reaffirmed their support for ASEAN principles on the South China Sea, emphasised the rule of law, resolving disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Economic, Trade, Agriculture and Development Cooperation 9. Both sides emphasised that economic and trade cooperation is one of the key pillars of bilateral relations, and agreed to work toward balancing bilateral trade. In this context, they recognised the role of the consultation mechanism for economic cooperation between the competent ministries of Viet Nam and Poland and agreed to facilitate cooperation between the business communities. In order to balance bilateral trade, they agreed to foster exchange in line with the EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Poland informed about its readiness to proceed with the ratification process of the EU - Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). 10. Both sides expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation in areas of complementary advantages, such as digitalisation, green transition, renewable energy, processing and manufacturing industries, exploration, extraction and processing of natural resources, infrastructure development, rail industry, transport, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, labour, environment, water management, and the marine economy. 11. Both sides agreed to intensify agricultural cooperation and confirmed their interest in continuing efforts to strengthen mutually beneficial bilateral trade exchanges in the agri-food sector, taking into account the obligations arising from Viet Nam's membership in the ASEAN and Polands membership in the EU. 12. Both sides agreed to continue development cooperation by aligning Polands support with Viet Nam's needs and existing EU initiatives to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They agreed to intensify dialogue regarding the search and rescue vessels construction project due to be financed under the intergovernmental credit agreement. Defence - Security cooperation 13. Both sides agreed to deepen the cooperation within the framework of the current agreement on defence cooperation, specifically in the field of officer training and issues related to defense industries as well as to explore possibilities of cooperation in cybersecurity. 14. Both sides expressed their will to enhance experience sharing and coordination in crime prevention, particularly organised and transnational crimes, illegal immigration and human trafficking and continue cooperation in the area of border protection and migration issues, including the implementation of training programmes for Vietnamese migration service by the Polish side, and amending the existing agreements to reflect the current and future migration-related needs. Education, Science, Technology, Culture, Tourism and People-to-people Exchange 15. Both sides expressed their will to expand the cooperation in education, science and vocational training - traditional areas of cooperation - as well as in research and development, culture and heritage protection, tourism and people-to-people exchange. 16. Both sides encourage airlines to cooperate and consider reopening direct flights between the two countries to promote tourism, cargo and people-to-people exchange. Poland welcomed the Vietnamese decision to wave visa requirements for Polish organised groups of travellers. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue on this issue. 17. Both sides reaffirmed their continued cooperation to facilitate the development and integration of the Vietnamese community in Poland, which actively contributes to strengthening relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh thanked Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the leaders and people of Poland for the hospitality extended to him and the high-level delegation of the Vietnamese Government, and respectfully invited Prime Minister Donald Tusk to pay an official visit to Viet Nam. VNS KUALAR LUMPUR A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Langkawi, Malaysia, on Sunday. It was the first key event under Malaysias ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, which was chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan and attended by foreign ministers from ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste as an observer. Son praised the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)s achievements in 2024 under the chairmanship of Laos, calling them a solid foundation for the region to further enhance cooperation in 2025. He also expressed strong support for the theme and priorities proposed by Malaysia, and reaffirmed Viet Nam's commitment to close coordination in performing the outlined tasks and initiatives. He underlined the importance of maintaining unity within ASEAN and reinforcing the bloc's central role. Highlighting the progress in ASEANs external relations, he stressed the need for the region to deepen its partnerships, while expanding mutually beneficial and practical cooperation with new partners. Viet Nam, in its role as coordinator for ASEAN-New Zealand and ASEAN-UK relations from 2024 to 2027, would continue with active and proactive contributions to relations between the two sides in the coming years, he said. On the global and regional issues, Son expected that the situation in Myanmar would stabilise soon, while also highlighting Viet Nams readiness to cooperate with the 2025 ASEAN Chair and Special Envoy in following the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and decisions on the Myanmar issue reached by ASEAN leaders. He highlighted the importance of maintaining ASEANs unity and principled stance, reaffirming Viet Nams commitment to implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and advancing substantive and effective negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aiming to build the East Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation and sustainable development. On the occasion, Son met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Bin Haji, during which both sides vowed to continue stepping up the implementation of cooperation agreements already adopted by leaders, develop an action plan to realise the new phase of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and soon hold the 8th meeting of the Viet Nam-Malaysia Joint Committee at the ministerial level to fulfil the commitments. With priorities on energy transition and digital transformation, Malaysia considered Viet Nam a key partner, said Mohamad Bin Haji, reaffirming the countrys commitment to fostering close bilateral cooperation to achieve concrete and substantial results. On the sidelines of the AMM Retreat, Son held a meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Sunday during which both officials expressed satisfaction with the robust development of the Viet Nam-Singapore Strategic Partnership, marked by substantive and effective advancements across various areas. Key strategic sectors such as economic connectivity, education, finance, and digital transformation have significantly elevated the relationship in the new phase of development. The two sides agreed to closely coordinate preparations for upcoming high-level visits to ensure their practical and effective outcomes. They underscored the importance of engaging relevant Vietnamese and Singaporean ministries and agencies to actively implement the outcomes of previous high-level visits, particularly regarding the two countries green economy-digital economy partnership and economic connectivity agreement. These initiatives aim to drive tangible progress in areas such as digital transformation, innovation, energy connectivity, and data centre development. The officials committed to continuing close cooperation in other key areas, including security and defence, and high-quality human resources development. They affirmed mutual support for each country's candidacies in international organisations. Additionally, both sides pledged to collaborate and support Malaysia in successfully chairing ASEAN in 2025. They discussed measures to strengthen the blocs solidarity and sustainable development, with a focus on advancing regional power grid connectivity. VNS HA NOI National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Sunday met with 100 delegates from 32 countries and territories representing overseas Vietnamese returning home to attend the 2025 Xuan Que huong (Homeland Spring) programme organised by the State Commission for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV). The NA leader stated that approximately 6 million overseas Vietnamese living in over 130 countries and territories formed an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation and served as an essential bridge between Viet Nam and the rest of the world. He said the Party and State had consistently prioritised OV and issued directives, resolutions, and laws regarding the group, with the Government translating these policies into actionable programmes aimed at mobilising the strengths of Vietnamese abroad to contribute to national development. Reflecting on 2024, the top legislator noted Viet Nams significant achievements across various sectors, attributing a vital part of this success to contributions from the OV community. Man called on the group to continue leveraging their knowledge, expertise, and insights to support the growth of the home country, while encouraging their active participation in policymaking, particularly on laws relevant to them. He also highlighted the communitys role as a bridge in fostering international cooperation, urging them to pioneer investment, technology transfer, and innovative startups in Viet Nam. Additionally, he encouraged the community to connect with international organisations and enterprises to accelerate sustainable economic growth in the homeland. The NA Chairman also stressed the importance of preserving and promoting Vietnamese cultural identity, urging OV to maintain the Vietnamese language and spread traditional cultural values globally. Acknowledging challenges facing Viet Nam such as climate change, national sovereignty protection, energy security, and digital transformation, he expressed his hope that the group would offer practical suggestions and initiatives to support the NA in its inspection and decision-making responsibilities. Participating delegates expressed gratitude for the Partys and States consistent support for OV. They affirmed their commitment to contributing more to the homeland and helping realise Viet Nams aspirations for progress in a new era of national rise. VNS HA NOI Over 1,000 overseas Vietnamese (OVs) are attending the Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) programme 2025 from Saturday to Monday in Ha Noi under the theme "Viet Nam - Rising in a New Era". The programme is co-sponsored by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ha Noi People's Committee. It demonstrates the sentiments and responsibilities of the Party and State in caring for the OVs community, promoting patriotism and encouraging OVs to preserve the cultural identity, traditions and language of the nation. State President Luong Cuong and his wife, along with representatives from central agencies and Ha Noi authorities and nearly 100 OVs delegates, offered incense at the Kinh Thien Palace in Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Ha Noi on Sunday morning. They expressed their sincere prayers for national peace and prosperity, and for the country to enter the new year with more breakthrough successes on the path of development. Cuong and his wife also joined overseas Vietnamese in a traditional ritual of releasing carp at Uncle Hos fish pond in the Presidential Palace Relic Site for Ong Cong, Ong Tao (Land Genie and Kitchen God). The event took place just a few days before the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, the day to send the Kitchen God to heaven, implying the carp jumps over the gate to become dragon", symbolising perseverance and endurance towards development and success. President Cuong delivered his thankfulness to the Vietnamese community around the world for always turning their hearts towards their homeland. He wished all OVs a new year of peace, prosperity and success. Meeting with nearly 100 outstanding OVs attending the Homeland Spring programme on Sunday afternoon, Party General Secretary To Lam spoke highly of the contributions of OVs to the homeland. He expressed pride in witnessing the OVs community growing rapidly in both number and quality, and the associations of OV businesspeople, experts and intellectuals regularly hosting activities to connect with the country, forming a widespread network to link Vietnamese people at home and abroad. The Party chief informed the OVs about Viet Nams socio-economic developments in 2024, noting that the goal of "the era of the nations rise" is to build a strong country with wealthy citizens and a socialist society on par with the world's powers. All Vietnamese people as a whole, under the leadership of the Party, will unite and work together to make the most of opportunities and advantages and push back against risks and challenges, prompting the country to develop rapidly. He confirmed that the Party and State highly valued the contributions of the Vietnamese community around the world to national development. The Politburo recently issued Resolution 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and the national digital transformation. It puts forward major policies in attracting talent and developing a network of experts and scientists at home and abroad to contribute their enthusiasm and intelligence to key projects serving national development. The OV delegates expressed their wish to actively engage in realising the country's aspirations for national development in the new era. Meeting with the 100 outstanding OVs the same day, the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF)'s o Van Chien reiterated that the OVs community was an inseparable part of the country and the great national unity bloc. Representatives of the OVs community expressed their respect and gratitude to the leaders of the Party, the State and the VFF for their affection and for creating conditions for OVs around the world to have the opportunity to engage in domestic activities. They confirmed that OVs always turned towards the Fatherland and remained ready to make every effort for the growth of the OVs community and for the prosperity of the homeland. The community also welcomed the National Assembly's passing of the 2024 Land Law, which allows Vietnamese people residing abroad but without Vietnamese nationality to enjoy full rights related to land and housing, just like citizens within the country. At the meeting, a number of OVs shared their thoughts and aspirations and expressed their opinions on promoting national solidarity. Venerable Thich uc Tuan, an OVs in the US, proposed establishing an official Vietnamese radio station and building a Vietnamese temple in the US to develop the Vietnamese culture and language there. Nguyen Thi Lien, president of the Vietnamese Language Club in Malaysia, shared experiences of teaching and learning Vietnamese in Malaysia. She said that thanks to the efforts of teachers, the community and the clubs members, the club had not only been a place to pass on the mother tongue to generations of Vietnamese people born and raised in Malaysia, but had also introduced and preserved traditional culture and nurtured Vietnamese identity. The support of the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia and the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese as well as the attention of the Party and State would continue to be a motivation for the Vietnamese community and especially the Vietnamese language club in Malaysia to work even harder in the future, she said. VNS SEOUL Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early yesterday after a court issued a warrant to detain him for an extended period over his botched martial law bid last month, marking the first such detention of a sitting South Korean president in the country's modern history. Citing the risks of destroying evidence, a judge at the Seoul Western District Court granted the warrant on charges Yoon led an insurrection and abused his power when he declared martial law on December 3 and allegedly sent troops to the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. With the warrant's issuance, investigators can keep Yoon in custody for up to 20 days, including the days he has already spent at a detention center following his apprehension at his residence in Seoul on Wednesday. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) plans to transfer custody of Yoon to the prosecution after 10 days. The prosecution is then expected to investigate him further and indict him before the 20 days are up. CIO officials said that they will carry out a probe into the president "in accordance with the law and procedures." Yoon's 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. After the warrant was issued, angry supporters of the president broke windows of the court and pushed their way into the court in protest, creating a commotion. Some threw a plastic chair, trash and other items at police officers surrounding the court building. "President Yoon Suk Yeol!, President Yoon!" they shouted. Citizens in support of Yoon's detention rejoiced when Yoon's warrant was granted. "Indeed, legal justice lives on," one person said. Police authorities have mobilised hundreds of personnel to ensure safety in areas where Yoon's supporters and critics staged rallies. The court's issuance of the warrant marked a face-saving moment for the CIO as questions have persisted over its investigation capabilities, with critics underscoring the absence of substantial achievements since the launch of the body four years ago. The CIO's ability to lead major cases was called into question when its first attempt to detain Yoon got bogged down due to the Presidential Security Service's defiant move to block the execution of the warrant earlier this month. Yoon's presidential powers were suspended after the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on December 14. The Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to reinstate or remove Yoon from office. In a related move, acting President Choi Sang-mok yesterday expressed strong regret over the violence at a court following the court's decision to formally arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Cho ordered police to "sternly investigate the incident, which undermines democracy and the rule of law, in accordance with the law and principles" and to "hold those responsible accountable." Choi also directed authorities to tighten security around government facilities amid the ongoing investigation into Yoon, who faces accusations of insurrection and abuse of power through the short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3. Yoon's supporters stormed the Seoul Western District Court, vandalising facilities, throwing objects and threatening police officers. Police apprehended 45 protesters at the scene. YONHAP Elon Musk carries his son on shoulders while walking with Vivek Ramaswamy and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 5. Yuri Gripas/TNS WASHINGTON Republican legislators have wasted little time appealing to the most powerful new figure in Washington: Tesla and SpaceX leader Elon Musk. Several pieces of legislation are in the pipeline that appear to be written with the wealthiest man in the world in mind, from potential tax breaks that could stack millions more onto his estimated wealth of $426 billion to others that could benefit his electric car or rocket technology businesses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other lawmakers name-check his new unpaid job in Trumps administration, the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the latest effort from Washington designed to reform government, though it has no formal power. Last week, Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin (Placer County), introduced legislation designed to curb the power of the California Coastal Commission after it rejected the Air Forces plan to give Musks SpaceX company permission to launch up to 50 rockets annually from Vandenberg Air Force Base on the Central California coast. During the agencys deliberations, Commissioner Gretchen Newsom (no relation to Gov. Gavin Newsom) said, Elon Musk is hopping about the country, spewing and tweeting political falsehoods and attacking FEMA while claiming his desire to help the hurricane victims with free Starlink access to the internet. Musk is suing the commission in federal court over its decision, saying it violated his First Amendment rights. Gavin Newsom criticized the commission for politicizing the issue at the time, saying, Im with Elon. The Coastal Zone Management Act was never intended to allow state agencies to prioritize partisan considerations over national security and economic progress, Kiley said in a statement. My legislation will ensure that critical projects are not held hostage by unnecessary red tape or political bias. That measure was the second SpaceX-linked bill Kiley has introduced in the wake of Trumps election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In December, Kiley introduced the New Space Age Act, which would enable the Office of Commercial Space Transportation (or AST) to report directly to the Secretary of Transportation and streamline the oversight process for the commercial space industry, Kiley said in a statement. Kiley, who attended a SpaceX launch in November, said the legislation eliminates the middleman in the reporting process and enables AST to keep pace with a rapidly growing industry. The lawmakers news release announcing the bill also included positive comments from a SpaceX official. Kiley has also volunteered to destroy the GOPs poster child for government boondoggles, Californias high-speed rail project. Voters approved $9.95 billion of bonds for the project in 2008, with a promise that the first riders would be on board in 2020. Not only has the start date been pushed back to 2030, but the cost of the rail line has ballooned to more than $128 billion. Under a social media post from the DOGE group about the rail projects failures, Kiley, a member of the Houses Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, wrote in November: The Department of Government Efficiency has homed in on the single greatest example of waste and inefficiency in American history: Californias High Speed Rail. I look forward to killing this project, once and for all. Rep. Pete Aguilar of San Bernardino, the third highest-ranked Democrat in the House, said that while he was unfamiliar with the new proposal that affects the Coastal Commission, clearly there is a strong feeling among House Republicans that they need to do everything they can to curry favor with Donald Trump and Donald Trumps friends. And so some of these might be efforts to build off of that. Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Big Bear Lake, name-checked DOGE in announcing proposals designed to rein in government spending. Obernolte is concerned that the national debt is more than $36 trillion and could grow even more if Trumps massive tax cut plan is approved. Congress and DOGE must prioritize cutting underperforming and nonessential federal programs to bring spending back under control and work together to finally balance the federal budget, Obernolte said in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But one advocacy group noted that Obernoltes proposal to set up a bipartisan commission to review government programs called Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs does not define nonessential program, which could mean virtually anything would be vulnerable to cuts or elimination, including Social Security and Medicare. Plus, the 16-member commission would be required to include only three Democrats, potentially giving it the sheen of bipartisanship, said Dan Adcock, director of government relations and policy for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, an advocacy group that works to protect the social safety net. This seems like a vehicle to rush program cuts through the House before anyone knows what they are cutting and to rope Democrats into being part of the charade, Adcock said. Obernolte spokesman Connor Chapinski brushed aside the notion that the bill was a nod to Musk, noting that this is the third time Rep. Obernolte has introduced his Obernolte Balanced Budget and the Finding Federal Savings Commission. These have been issues on the top of his mind since he was elected to Congress. Tax policy legislation being discussed would also potentially provide a boon to Musk and his business. Reuters reported that Republicans want to kill a $7,500 consumer tax credit for electric vehicle purchases. Musk has said that cutting the credit would hurt Tesla, his electric vehicle company, but it would devastate his competitors in the EV market. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Take away the subsidies, it will only help Tesla, Musk posted in July on X, the social media site he owns. Republicans also want to extend the 2017 tax plan that Trump signed, which included massive benefits for billionaires like Musk. He experienced the greatest wealth boom, his fortune growing over eleven-fold, or 1,222%, during the life of the tax plan, thanks in part to the tax breaks, according to a 2023 report from Americans for Tax Fairness, which advocates for the wealthy to pay their fair share in taxes. More potential good news arrived for Musk when Senate Republicans elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune as their leader to replace Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell. Thune has been a longtime advocate of repealing the estate tax, a move Thune said would help family-run farms, ranches and businesses in his home state. But it would also benefit billionaires like Musk. With his current net worth of $420 billion, eliminating the estate tax would save his heirs up to $168 billion, said Pablo Willis, a spokesman for Americans for Tax Fairness. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Walking Dead. Season finale. The walking dead Biden, now consigned to oblivion, is a telling example of how an experienced and overall smart politician (and he is experienced, having held top government jobs back in the Soviet period) gradually turned into a senile old dude divorced from reality. When I had meetings with him, he didnt yet have dementia. What did catch my attention was his unhealthy interest in Ukraine, even though he explained it to me by acting on Obamas instructions. Over time, those instructions turned into an obsession the transformation facilitated by political mistakes, plain corruption, and poor judgement stemming from historical ignorance and failure to appreciate the nature of Ukraineness. At some point, the old man went off the rails and essentially unleashed a war between the collective West and Russia, which almost led to a nuclear exchange with NATO. Hes been clearly out of it lately. While its true that this war benefits the US economically, political costs and the real danger of a fatal conflict are far more important. It is something the old dude was not prepared for. This is a case where the head of a major world power lost control of the situation completely, resulting in a crushing electoral defeat for the Democrats. While Bidens problem was his confused state of mind, the fault of his Administration was deliberately leaving a terrible legacy of crisis on the Russian track to their successors. The time bombs of Biden-era decisions will keep ticking for a very long time, which is why communication will be extremely difficult. The normalization of Russian-American relations will take decades. As things stand, I think it is fundamentally impossible. And frankly speaking, its unclear whether we actually need it. https://t.me/medvedev_telegramE/46 Medvedev *** No Medvedev, you do not need communication with the USA on any political level. Just militarily to keep the nukes from flying WtR The response of the official representative of the Russian MFA M.V. Zakharova to a question from the media in connection with the newly revealed atrocities of neo-Nazis in the Kursk region https://t.me/MariaVladimirovnaZakharova/9641 Question: Yesterday it became known that Russian troops had found bodies of civilians in a basement in the village of Russkoye Porechnoye in the Kursk region, who had been tortured and mercilessly killed by neo-Nazi occupiers. We are talking about the mutilated bodies of elderly people who obviously could not resist. The footage published by the media shows bruises and bullet wounds, and bound hands. Can this be assessed from a human point of view? Do you have any words on this matter? M.V. Zakharova: The heartbreaking footage that appeared in the media is really difficult to comment on from a universal human point of view. Naturally, this defies any logical explanation or understanding. These atrocities are yet another blatant statement of the terrorist and neo-Nazi nature of the Kiev regime, which once again, in its evil military and political impotence against the backdrop of defeats at the front, carried out a cannibalistic massacre of civilians. This is exactly what the states of the collective West and their politicians personally, who cover up and encourage the Kiev Nazis, expect from the Banderites. They cynically look away from their criminal acts, continue to sanction the supply of weapons to the Kiev regime and block attempts at international investigations of its crimes. They unanimously and disciplinedly pretend that nothing terrible is happening, although this is a gross violation of international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions. All this once again confirms that the extermination of everything Russian is among those very European values that, as the civilized sponsors of the Banderites rant, the Kiev regime defends. Therefore, it is obvious that this time too we will not hear any clear reaction from international structures such as the OSCE, the UN and its specialized departments to these brutal murders of peaceful citizens. Their Western-controlled secretariats continue to deliberately remain silent or get away with meaningless general phrases about being against violence, in fact covering up those guilty of murdering residents of peaceful villages and cities and becoming accomplices to these atrocities. We understand that it is already pointless to appeal to those who are firmly stuck in the Western grip and are not going to do anything to establish justice or find and punish the guilty. We will do it ourselves. The investigative bodies of the Russian Federation will carry out all necessary actions to identify the perpetrators, and in the future they will suffer deserved and inevitable punishment, receive real prison terms, as is already happening for many other identified crimes of the Kiev regime. WtR https://oversight.house.gov/release/breaking-hhs-formally-debars-ecohealth-alliance-dr-peter-daszak-after-covid-select-reveals-pandemic-era-wrongdoing/ BREAKING: HHS Formally Debars EcoHealth Alliance, Dr. Peter Daszak After COVID Select Reveals Pandemic-Era Wrongdoing WASHINGTON Today, after an eight-month investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cut off all funding and formally debarred EcoHealth Alliance Inc. (EcoHealth) and its former President, Dr. Peter Daszak, for five years based on evidence uncovered by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. In a new letter, HHS states that a period of debarment for Dr. Daszak is necessary to protect the Federal Governments business interests. This letter also confirms that EcoHealth terminated Dr. Daszaks employment effective January 6, 2025. EcoHealth and Dr. Daszak facilitated gain-of-function research in Wuhan, China without proper oversight and willingly violated multiple requirements of its multimillion-dollar National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) issued the following statement in response to the formal debarment: Justice for the American people was served today. Bad actor EcoHealth Alliance and its corrupt former President, Dr. Peter Daszak, were formally debarred by HHS for using taxpayer funds to facilitate dangerous gain-of-function research in China. Todays decision is not only a victory for the U.S. taxpayer, but also for American national security and the safety of citizens worldwide. In May 2024, Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup released evidence that EcoHealth repeatedly violated the terms of its NIH grant. EcoHealth routinely ignored government oversight requests, failed to report dangerous gain-of-function experiments conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and produced a required research report two years late. HHS cited all of these discoveries as key reasons for formally debarring EcoHealth and Dr. Daszak. Given that a lab-related incident involving gain-of-function research is the most likely origin of COVID-19, EcoHealth and its former President should never again receive a single cent from the U.S. taxpayer. Read the letter from HHS to Dr. Peter Daszak here. Read the letter from HHS to EcoHealth Alliance Inc. here. Read HHSs Action Referral Memorandum for Dr. Peter Daszak here. Read HHSs Action Referral Memorandum for EcoHealth Alliance Inc. here. Read More: New Select Subcommittee Report Recommends EcoHealth Alliance President Debarred and Criminally Investigated, Exposes Failures in NIH Grant Procedures Hearing Wrap Up: EcoHealth Alliance Should be Criminally Investigated, Formally Debarred BREAKING: HHS Suspends Funding and Proposes Formal Debarment of EcoHealth Alliance, Cites Evidence from COVID Select Report BREAKING: HHS to Debar Dr. Peter Daszak, President of EcoHealth Alliance EcoHealth Alliance President Peter Daszak to Appear for Public Hearing FINAL REPORT: COVID Select Concludes 2-Year Investigation, Issues 500+ Page Final Report on Lessons Learned and the Path Forward Time to jump ship and save asses WtR Protesters rally along 24th street Saturday during the Peoples March San Francisco, part of a nationwide day of action protesting President-elect Donald Trumps second term. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A group holds signs as Danza Azteca dancers perform along 24th Street during the Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Danza Azteca dancers perform along 24th Street during the Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Demonstrators rally along 24th Street during the Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A protester holds a depicting Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during the Peoples March San Francisco in Dolores Park on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Danza Azteca dancer Gigi Munoz hugs Guadalupe Benitez on 24th Street during the Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Demonstrators rally along 24th Street on Saturday during the Peoples March San Francisco. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Manuel Silva holds a sign on 24th Street during the Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A People's March attendee sits near a sign in Dolores Park on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Protesters gather at Dolores Park during Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A demonstrator at the Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday holds a 3 Branches sign signifying the governments system of checks and balances. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Zair Gonzalez hold his 6-year-old daughter, Sophie, at the Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Annabelle Tinoco holds a sign next to her daughter, Mireya Tinoco, before the Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A group gathers Saturday before the Peoples March San Francisco. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A sign depicts Donald Trump at the Peoples March San Francisco on Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A weekend of protests ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration kicked off Saturday with a march through San Franciscos Mission District. The Peoples March San Francisco began at 24th and Bryant streets with a morning rally, after which protesters marched to Dolores Park for an afternoon rally. Along with anti-Trump speeches and signs, the event featured performances by Danza Azteca. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Peoples March, rebranded from the 2017 Womens March protesting Trumps first term, was part of a nationwide day of protests against the Republican, who retakes office Monday after defeating Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the November election. Danza Azteca members perform a routine Saturday before the Peoples March San Francisco. Benjamin Fanjoy Special to the Chronicle Thousands gathered for the main Peoples March in Washington, D.C., with more than 350 similar protests across the U.S., including some in every state. Other Bay Area marches, organized by a coalition of organizations, were held in Alameda, Pacifica, Sonoma, Petaluma, Monterey, Marin County and Mountain View. As Democratic leaders struggle to reconnect with voters, Peoples March organizers are seeking to broaden their base of support, focusing on immigration, racial justice and climate change in addition to womens rights. The Washington Peoples March, which came amid feelings of exhaustion and despair among many progressive voters, attracted a fraction of the crowd that attended the 2017 Womens March. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Concerns over poor quality over some private rented sector homes Senedd members called for social housing standards to be extended to the private rented sector amid widespread concerns about poor quality homes. John Griffiths, who chairs the local government committee, led a debate in the Senedd following an inquiry on the private rented sector in Wales. Setting out the recommendations of the committees report, he said much of the evidence heard focused on the quality of accommodation, with damp and disrepair the main issues. Mr Griffiths told the Senedd: We know living in such conditions can have a detrimental impact on peoples health and wellbeing. It was concerning to hear of many instances of poor quality housing tackling this must be a priority for the Welsh Government. He supported expanding the Welsh housing quality standard to cover the private sector, saying it is difficult to justify why some tenants should be entitled to any less quality. Property MOTs Mr Griffiths acknowledged the challenge in extending the standard beyond social housing and the Welsh Government was non-committal in its formal response to the report. Leading a debate in the Senedd on January 15, he said: Our recommendations relating to housing quality were accepted in principle but we are disappointed the Welsh Governments response does not indicate any immediate actions to remedy the concerns we heard. Mr Griffiths, who represents Newport East, added: We recommended the development of a property MOT for fitness for human habitation and the cabinet secretary referred to the consultation thats under way on introducing an annual property condition record. This could be a step forward, but theres no certainty of that yet. Propertymark, which represents letting agents, has voiced support we note that landlords would self-certify but Im not sure whether that goes far enough to address our concerns. Exodus Mr Griffiths said another theme from the inquiry was the continuing existence of no-fault evictions in Wales despite a ban in Scotland since 2017 and similar proposals in England. Peter Fox, for the Conservatives, said statistics for October 2023 show private rental prices have risen by 6.9%, higher than in England and Scotland. He told the Senedd: The simple fact is that successive Labour governments in Wales have failed to build enough homes, resulting in increased competition for tenants. Mr Fox, who led Monmouthshire council for a decade before being elected to the Senedd in 2021, claimed anti-landlord policies have led to an exodus from the market. Plaid Cymrus Sian Gwenllian emphasised the need for timely action, warning Wales could fall behind England following the introduction of the UK Governments renters rights bill. No-pet policies Labours Carolyn Thomas raised concerns about no-pet policies, with a survey showing only 8% of rented properties in Wales advertised as pet friendly. She said the committee heard people are becoming homeless after opting to stay with their pets rather than give up their companion to take shelter. Jayne Bryant, who was appointed housing secretary in September, said ministers would take the same insurance cover approach to renting with pets as proposed in England. She pointed to protections for private tenants under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and Rent Smart Wales data showing a steady increase in property registrations. Ms Bryant said many of the committees calls are covered in the Welsh Governments white paper on housing, with a consultation on the proposals set to close on January 31. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Dispersal order remains in place as police urge parents to know where their children area and what they are up to Local police are reminding residents that dispersal order and an increased police presence remains in place to deter Anti-Social Behaviour in the Rhos, Ponciau and Johnstown areas. The order has been in place since late Friday and will be enacted through tomorrow evening. They say it is due to the rise in the number of incidents since the end of October. Local officers added, We have received a number of reports of a large group of youths intimidating members of the public and causing a nuisance at retail premises. It gives Officers and PCSOs the power to direct anybody engaging in Anti-Social Behaviour to leave the area and NOT return. North Wales Police once again urge parents to discuss this with their children and ensure that parents know where their children area and what they are up to. Hundreds attend college events to promote LGBTQ+ awareness in North Wales Hundreds of college students joined events to celebrate and promote LGBTQ+ awareness. As part of Coleg Cambrias successful Culture Collective series, more than 230 learners attended workshops and guest presentations at the colleges sites in Deeside and Wrexham. Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Coordinator Judith Alexander said: We had a very inspiring two days, filled with incredible guest speakers, an exhibition and thought-provoking conversations with learners. Culture Collectives are centred around dialogue and connection, encouraging openness to diverse perspectives, experiences, and values. We have explored the historical context and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities from the 1800s to the 1980s and into today, while also highlighting the economic benefits and growth opportunities within LGBTQ+ inclusive businesses. The feedback has been very interesting, and we hope to hold similar events from this year onwards. Among those presenting at the college were Emma Holland, a Heritage Assistant from Grade II-listed Plas Newydd in Denbighshire who spoke on the famous Ladies of Llangollen Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, independent women and members of wealthy Irish families who left the country together before retiring to North Wales where they would live as a couple for almost half a century. There was also a discussion with lecturer Jayne Francis-Headon, who gave an inspirational talk about the LGBTQ+ collaboration during the miners strikes in the mid-1980s and her links to the award-winning movie, Pride, starring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton. The next day featured a session with Richard Euston, CEO of Chester Pride, and The Hair and Beauty Equity specialists hosted a stand at Deeside, supported by Hair and Beauty learners and lecturers who provided guidance on makeovers, skin tips and make-up techniques. Supported by Cambrias Learner Experience and Inclusion teams, college chaplain Tim Feak says the events were well received and praised learners for the commitment and engagement which has reached new levels post-pandemic. These talks and activities were a wonderful example of celebration and learning, and what made them so special was that they were organised and led by students as well as staff, he added. Working with our amazing learners is a privilege and adds a level of depth and significance to the Culture Collectives. Im really proud of everyone involved and it feels as if we have achieved something quite significant again through their work, which has gone from strength to strength over the last three years. Judith and Tim congratulated student representatives Max Williams and Jacob Sterio who worked with staff members to organise the programme and promoted the Student Voice LGBTQ+ clubs and organisations. Wales to join UK wide pandemic response exercise this Autumn Wales is set to participate in the largest UK-wide pandemic response exercise this Autumn, marking a significant step in strengthening the countrys preparedness for future emergencies. The commitment comes as part of the Welsh Governments response to the first module of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, which examined the nations resilience and preparedness before the pandemic. Welsh Government Action First Minister Eluned Morgan highlighted the governments dedication to improving emergency preparedness: Our priority is to keep the people of Wales safe. We are committed to learning lessons from the pandemic and building on the existing foundations to ensure Wales is prepared for future emergencies. Over the past six months, we have worked with other devolved governments and the UK Government to carefully consider and begin implementing these important recommendations from the inquiry. This will include Wales playing a full role in the major exercise this Autumn to test the UKs capabilities, plans, and procedures to prepare for possible future pandemics. To oversee Wales involvement, a new Wales Coordination Group will be established. The group will include representatives from key organisations at national and local levels, reflecting the exercises broad scope. Strengthened Preparedness in Wales The Welsh Government has made significant changes to enhance emergency response capabilities, including: Seeking independent advice to improve civil contingencies systems. Establishing new emergency response structures and data systems. Introducing Wales first comprehensive risk register to guide emergency services and responders. Conducting regular preparedness exercises and enhancing collaboration with the UK Government and devolved administrations. UK-Wide Pandemic Response Exercise The pandemic exercise, the first of its kind in nearly a decade, will test the UKs readiness to respond to future pandemics. It will involve thousands of participants, including senior ministers, local resilience forums as well as the devolved governments. The exercise will take place over several months in Autumn 2025 and will focus on testing protocols, plans, and procedures. Lessons learned from the exercise will be shared publicly, as recommended by the Covid-19 Inquiry. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, emphasised the importance of preparedness: We must learn lessons from the Covid pandemic as we cannot afford to make the same mistakes again. But we will plan in a way that recognises the next crisis may not be the same as the last. Support for Vulnerable Groups The UK Government is introducing measures to better support vulnerable groups, many of whom were disproportionately impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic. A new Risk Vulnerability Tool, developed by the Cabinet Office and the Office for National Statistics, will map the UKs most vulnerable populations based on data such as age, disability, and care needs. This tool will help target local support before and during emergencies. Training and Emergency Alerts Over 4,000 resilience and emergency workers will be trained annually through the UK Resilience Academy, beginning in April. The training will focus on managing a range of crises, including pandemics, using updated National Occupational Standards. Additionally, a national test of the Emergency Alert System will take place later in 2025. The test, which will reach approximately 87 million devices, will ensure the system remains operational and effective in emergencies. slot free 100 new member philippines thanh pho Ha Long Tro choi nho: Mot the gioi tro choi mo rong tam mat Trong xa hoi phat trien nhanh chong nay, tro choi a tro thanh mot cach quan trong e moi nguoi thu gian co the va tam tri. Hom nay, chung toi se gioi thieu voi ban mot tro choi nho ac biet se mang en cho ban trai nghiem choi game hoan toan moi. Ten cua tro choi nay la Tro choi nho. slot free 100 new member philippinesGetSlots Gambling establishment 20 Totally free Revolves No deposit Added bonus casino shogun of time ArticlesIt is very important be aware of such standards and then make more of the extra. All the gambling establishment bonus codes, promotions, and you will internet sites we recommend has introduced all of our tight testing. We merely focus on workers promising a secure and enjoyable on line betting sense. Historical and the brand new gambling enterprise incentive requirements exactly the same feature terms and requirements connected with the advertisements.Its also important examine the brand new betting standards for each incentive, since these is somewhat affect the chance and you will requested worth of the benefit. Of these considering dipping their slot free 100 new member philippines base on the field of on the internet playing otherwise searching for a new system to test, Bovada happens highly recommended. Their history talks to have by itself, along with the right method of bonuses and you can gaming, professionals will get plenty of really worth and you may exhilaration on the website. Unlock the newest gates so you can a rewarding sense during the BOVADA with an excellent type of extra rules geared to all sorts from user. A no deposit added bonus password is actually a code you should use to turn on the deal. Not all the bonus also offers provides a password however when they do, they should be simple to find during the local casino webpages otherwise here at Gambling enterprise.org.Although not, specific profile, such as SoFi Examining And you can Savings, be able to give a premier give from return to your dumps and you can a robust signal-up added bonus.Yet, you can inquire which position video game you might enjoy using these types of benefits.That could be anything you start with specific 100 percent free potato chips and you can end with revolves.Nevertheless when it comes to web based casinos inside Delaware, it will be the just condition where the web based casinos is monitored from the state Lotto (in partnership with 888), so options are more restricted.When you are there are many different sign-right up incentives for brand new membership available to choose from, never assume all are practical.When you are a faithful user, we offer an excellent Steel & Tube Holdings Limited (NZX: STU ) intends to announce its financial results for the six months ending 31 December 2024 (1H25) on Monday 24 February 2025. An investor and analyst briefing will be held at NZST 10.00am to review the 1H25 result and discuss the Companys performance and outlook. Please follow the instructions outlined below to access the event. To register for and watch the live webcast: https://ccmediaframe.com/?id=RM8SbBJm We recommend pre-registering for the webcast to receive a calendar reminder and ensure swift entry to the event. A full replay of the presentation will be available at the same link shortly after the conclusion of the live presentation. To register for the conference call: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10044244-7qhfyg.html Upon registering for the conference call, participants will receive dial-in details and a personal pin to allow swift entry to the call. The results presentation will be available to download from the NZX. Media are invited to contact the company directly for an interview with management. If you have any queries regarding the results announcement or the conference call, please contact Jackie Ellis on 027 246 2505 or jackie@ellisandco.co.nz. ENDS Steel & Tube - 1H25 Interim results to be announced on 24 February 2025 Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: SKT - Sky secures iconic sports rights RYM - Ryman completes Retail Entitlement Offer TEM - Transaction in Own Shares FPH launches F&P Nova Nasal mask in NZ and AU Fonterra announces changes to management team March 12th Morning Report WHS FY25 Interim Results teleconference details VGL - Odeon Cinemas Group signs for Vista Cloud DGL - T&G appoints new Director TEM - Transaction in Own Shares With a balloon elf perched on his head and a hearty Ho, ho, ho, Greg Taunton charged into the churning Gulf of Mexico, proving that even Santas helpers arent afraid to make a splash at the annual Cotton State Santas Polar Plunge. Ive got a dive buddy to go with me, Taunton, 58, of Millbrook said with a smile, pointing to the creative headgear. Known as Twist Kringle because of his balloon twisting skills, Taunton temporarily lost the hat as he plunged into the Gulf and had to chase it down. Undeterred, he chased it down like a true Santa on a mission, ultimately retrieving it and gifting it to a delighted youngster who had watched the spectacle with a smile. The scene was a highlight of a weekend gathering on the Alabama Gulf Coast of Santa Clauses, Mrs. Clauses, and other Christmas season performers. Approximately 60 attended Saturdays annual post-holiday season luncheon at the Gift Horse Restaurant in Foley. The plungers included a group of eight that included even Santas and one female participant, Emily Wells, whose father is one of the Santas. They all gathered outside the Hampton Inn in Orange Beach and ran into the Gulf of Mexico. Other weekend highlights included smaller networking gatherings at local restaurants, and an evening of Christmas caroling inside the Hampton Inn lobby. Fellowship and networking, its a good thing, Taunton said about his experiences meeting with the Santas and Mrs. Clauses. It was the first time Taunton had attended the Gulf Coast gathering. This is about chilling and having fun, he said. The Cotton State Santas are a group that, when together, are hard to miss, given that almost every Santa Claus is sporting a white, bushy beard. The group has been around for the past 12 years, and is an affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IRBRS), the worlds largest organization of professional Santas, Mrs. Clauses and supporting spouses. Rich Patsios, president of Cotton State Santas, said the group has about 320 Christmas performers from Alabama and is looking to add more to their ranks as the Santa business continues to be in high demand following the pandemic. For prospective Santas, as long as someone has a beard and has a few years on them, Cotton State Santas are willing to provide training and mentorship, Patsios said. In fact, the group is preparing for its first Cotton State Santas Academy, taking place June 21-22 at the Holiday Inn Express in Fultondale. Rich Patsios, "Santa Rich," is the president of Cotton State Santas.John Sharp Patsios, 78, of Trussville and who has been a Santa for five years, said the academy will help offset costs for Cotton State Santas seeking to get training and advice. He said the training he received outside of Alabama cost him $650, for a weekend course. The academy will cost Cotton State Santa members $50, he said. The training costs are on top of the climbing expenses of outfitting as Santa. A good Santa suit can cost at least $1,200, with more elaborate outfits climbing well over $2,000. Cal and Diane Brown of Huntsville said the training it essential. The two have been a professional Santa and Mrs. Claus for the past seven years in the Huntsville area and believe that weekends like the one on the Gulf Coast are important for maintaining a level of Kris Kringle professionalism. One of the key things about this weekend is the mentoring process, said Cal Brown, 72. The new experiences from the other Santas is that they learn some things and pass them on to the other Santas. We are trying to make the Cotton State Santas a very professional organization so that when someone gets a Cotton State Santa, they know they will get a professional who does a good job and is one we can recommend to their friends. But the fun can be infectious and draw plenty of sightseers like at the Polar Plunge where visitors to the Hampton Inn applauded and waved at the brave Santas during their watery adventure. It was just happenstance we saw this, said Stephanie Infalt of Atlanta, said after her son, Brady, was presented with Tauntons balloon twist following the plunge. We just loved it. This story was updated at 1:36 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2025, to identify the female participant in the Polar Plunge, who is a daughter to one of the Santas. Two people were killed and a teen injured when fire swept through an east Alabama mobile home early Sunday. Oxford firefighters and police responded at 5:48 a.m. to a report of a fire with people trapped at 327 Athens Street. Fire Chief Gary Sparks said fire crews arrived on the scene at 5:53 a.m. to find the home engulfed in flames. A 16-year-old boy told firefighters his mother and sister were still inside the mobile home. The mother and daughter were removed from the residence but pronounced dead on the scene, Sparks said. He identified them as Dynasty Chivers, 40, and Navia Martinex, 19. The teen boy was taken to Regional Medical Center in Anniston. His injuries are not life-threatening. Sparks said the fire is under investigation by Oxford police, Oxford fire officials and the Alabama State Fire Marshals office. A rare southern winter storm will target south Alabama on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Winter storm watches have been issued for much of south and south-central Alabama starting on Tuesday morning in anticipation of what could be several inches of snow. Theres also the possibility of sleet and some ice. Here are the areas in Alabama under winter storm watches as of Sunday morning: The Alabama counties in blue will be under winter storm watches on Tuesday.Alabama Emergency Management Agency The National Weather Service in Mobile said south Alabama could get several varieties of winter precipitation, but most of it could come in the form of snow. Heres the forecast for snow (which could change) as of Sunday morning from the National Weather Service: A winter storm is expected for parts of Alabama on Tuesday. Above are the expected snow totals for Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the National Weather Service noted that these numbers could change. Very cold temperatures are expected statewide from today through at least Thursday.National Weather Service Snow is not unheard of in south Alabama, but its a very rare thing for sure. According to the weather service Mobile has had 3 inches or more of snow 10 times since 1895. However, you have to go all the way back to 1963 for the last time the city got that much. Whats the most snow Mobile has ever gotten? According to the weather service the record is 6 inches on Feb. 15, 1895. According to weather service data the city also had 5 inches in late January of 1881. A woman walks in the snow in Mobile, Alabama on February 9, 1973. Alabama Media GroupAlabama Media Group/ADAH Five inches of snow was also recorded on Feb. 9-10 of 1973. Mobile most likely will get less than those amounts on Tuesday, though with Alabama winter storms you can never totally rule anything out. As of Sunday morning the weather service said there is a high chance (70-80 percent) of accumulating winter precipitation on Tuesday, with amounts of 1 to 3 inches the most likely. Forecasters added that there is a low (10 percent) chance of 3 to 5 inches of snow. Snow falling on a float in the Crewe of Columbus parade in downtown Mobile, Alabama in Feb. 1968.Alabama Department of Archives and History/AMG Its been a while since south Alabama has seen significant winter precipitation. The last major brush with snow, according to the weather service, was the winter of 2017-2018, when the Mobile area had not one but two winter weather events. The first was on Dec. 8-9, 2017, and the second on Jan. 16-17, 2018. The Mobile area got about 1 inch of snow in early December, while other areas to the north got more than 5 inches: Parts of south Alabama got an inch or more of snow on Dec. 8-9, 2017.NWS According to the weather service Mobile got 0.1 inch or sleet and snow in January of 2018. That was only the second time in recorded history that two measurable snow events were recorded in the same winter (December through February) in Mobile. A fraternity chapter in Birmingham is looking to distribute coats and socks to the citys homeless on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as freezing temperatures are expected Monday. Dr. Kings call to serve inspires us to meet people where they are and address their most immediate needs, Art Franklin, Basileus of the Alpha Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., said in a news release. On a day dedicated to his memory, we aim to provide not just warmth but also hope and compassion to those facing lifes toughest challenges. The Alpha Phi chapter, based in Birmingham, will collect coats and warm socks from its members. On Monday, the chapter will then distribute the goods to those experiencing homelessness in Linn Park. Distribution is set to start at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, according to a news release from the chapter. Following distribution in the park, the chapter will go to the Jimmie Hale Mission and donate any remaining coats and socks. Birmingham is under an extreme cold warning ahead of frigid temperatures that are expected in most of the state. A Weather Channel forecast calls for a high of 32 degrees Fahrenheit Monday, and a low of 19 degrees. Snow is expected in central and south Alabama on Tuesday. The Alpha Phi chapter of Omega Psi Phi was chartered in Birmingham in 1924 and is one of the largest chapters in the fraternity, according to the news release. Omega Psi Phi was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1911. This story was updated at 9:13 p.m. on Jan. 19 with updated information on the distribution of coats and socks. How does Birmingham compare to the cities its Crime Commission studied in hopes of bringing down the citys record murder numbers? The Birmingham Crime Commission, launched last year to address the citys homicide crisis, released its initial report this month, calling for a multi-faceted crime-fighting strategy focusing on both immediate and long-term solutions. The 19-member advisory commission, made up of business, criminal justice and community leaders, examined several U.S. cities in crafting the report - Boston, New Orleans, Newark, St. Louis and Memphis. But the lessons drawn from each city were different. Read the full report here. Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides, the highest number of killings in the city in more than nine decades. Revenge, machine gun conversion devices and mass shootings drove the number of people killed to heights not seen since 1933, when there were 148 violent deaths. According to the report, members of the commission looked specifically at gun violence reduction efforts in Boston, New Orleans, Newark and St. Louis. Boston Population: 653,833 (49% white, 23% black, 10% Asian) Percentage in poverty: 18%. 2023 homicides: 38 2024 homicides: 24 Boston recorded 57 homicides in 2020, 72 in 2010 and 37 in 2000. What happened: Boston has garnered national headlines for its drop in violent crime. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has touted coordination between Boston police and community groups, and a city program that provides 10,000 summer jobs. New Orleans Population: 364,136 (57% black, 32% white) Percentage in poverty: 23% 2023 homicides: 198 2024 homicides: 134 The Crescent City tallied 195 homicides in 2020, 175 in 2010 and 204 in 2000. What happened: New Orleans was the nations murder capital in 2022, and the dive in homicides since tracks with decreases in other major cities. Community action groups say advocating for police officer pay raises and raising money for local non-profits has accomplished some of the decrease. Newark Population: 304,960 (47% black, 20% white) Percentage in poverty: 24% 2023 homicides: 53 2024 homicides: 37 Newark recorded 51 homicides in 2020, 91 in 2010, and 58 in 2000. What happened: Murders this past year hit a historic low, as well as declines in non-fatal shootings and rapes, but authorities said violent crime was up. Newark has seen a 50% drop in homicides since the adoption of a Community Violence Intervention Action Plan, according to the crime commissions report. In addition, Newark hosts weekly public safety meetings with city department heads, including police, public works, housing, and health. These meetings foster collaboration, accountability and strategic alignment, according to the report. St. Louis Population: 281,754 (46% white, 44% black) Percentage in poverty: 20% 2023 homicides: 169 2024 homicides: 150 St. Louis had 263 homicides in 2020, 144 in 2010, and 124 in 2000. What happened: St. Louis has seen a decrease in murders every year since 2020. Last year, it also recorded a decrease of 2.2% in violent crimes, a decrease of 12.6% in property crime, and a decrease of 6.3% in drug and weapons crimes. All of these cities show decreases in homicides over the last year and have seen murders fall over the last 25 years, with fluctuations in between. The Council on Criminal Justice reported that from 2019 through 2024, the percentage drop in homicides in St. Louis was 23%. From 2022 to 2023, New Orleans homicides dropped 25%, and 23% in St. Louis. The Birmingham Crime Commission recommended some of the same techniques used in these cities, from increase police pay to after school and educational programs, and community action groups working with police. The commission also looked at comparisons to Memphis police. Memphis Population: 613,110 (64% black, 26% white) Percentage in poverty: 22.6% 2023 homicides: 341 2024 homicides: 296 By comparison with the other cities, Birmingham has a population of 196,644, with 69% black, 25% white, and 26% of the population living in poverty. As the Birmingham mayoral election approaches on August 26, three candidates have let their interest in the job be known to the public. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, State Representative Juandalynn Givan, and activist Kamau Afrika have officially announced their intentions to run. Candidates have a full year to campaign, and although the mayor has not made a traditional campaign declaration, hes made it clear hes running for a third term. Since the campaign window opened in 2024, the Woodfin for Mayor campaign has sent out text messages and emails to potential supporters urging them to support his campaign. Hes already raised over $480,752 according to Alabama Secretary of State reports. Givan opened the year with her announcement that she was going to run for Birminghams highest office. The city of Birmingham needs to go back to being the Magic City. It is no longer the Magic City. It has lost its luster, Givan said. After Givan announced her intent to run, Woodfin sent supporters an email saying ...the race for Birminghams future just got real. We officially have our first opponent, and that means one thing: the fight to keep pushing our city forward starts right now. The Birmingham-based state representative said she is running to address crime, decay and population decline in Birmingham. Givan has also been very critical of the Woodfin administration and how theyre handling the citys ongoing homicide issue. Givan previously ran for Congressional District 2, but lost in the Democratic primary election in March 2024 after receiving two percent of the vote. Afrika, a long-time Birmingham activist, talked with AL.com to discuss his third run for the mayors office. He claims that what he sees can be described as stagnant and deteriorating conditions in the city that have not been addressed by the people in power. Randall didnt keep his word, and I believe in keeping my word, he said. Although these are current official candidates, theres a chance other people will come forward to announce their candidacy to be the next mayor of Birmingham. Givan and Afrika have not yet disclosed their financial records that are required to run for office with the secretary of state. Who else could be running for mayor? Earlier this month, Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson said she had been asked about running but has no plans to. She made the comments in an interview with AL.com condemning Givans comments about the police being able to control homicides. Another Jefferson County Commissioner, Lashunda Scales, who ran for mayor in 2021 and placed second to Woodfin, thus far has not said whether she will make another run for mayor. Frank Woodson told AL.com that hes been asked by several people to run for Birminghams mayor. But he hasnt announced anything official. Woodson recently made a series of Facebook posts criticizing the current political leadership in the city. He previously ran for House District 52 seat, but was defeated by former city of Birmingham deputy director, Kelvin Datcher, in August 2024. Darryl Williams, a community organizer, also ran for mayor of Birmingham in 2021, and received less than one percent of the vote. Instead of running for mayor this year, he is planning to run for Birmingham City Council in District 4. The Birmingham mayoral election will take place August 26, 2025. A barista in Mobile needed stitches and vaccinations earlier this month after a monkey jumped through a drive-thru window, climbed up her arm and bit her, according to an article from Lagniappe Mobile. According to the report, Mobile Police Department officers were dispatched to a Starbucks in Tillmans Corner on Jan. 10, where they learned that a customers pet monkey had jumped from a vehicle into the coffee shop through the drive-thru window. The Starbucks employee, who asked to remain unnamed, sustained bites to her hands and a laceration to her ear that required stitches, she told Lagniappe. Another employee was able to pull the monkey off the employee that was attacked, MPD Public Information Officer Blake Brown told Lagniappe. The monkey then got back into the customers vehicle and the customer drove away. The owner of the animal could face charges, Brown wrote in an email to Lagniappe. This remains an active Animal Services investigation. The employee said the customer had two monkeys in the vehicle when she pulled up to the drive-thru window. The customer later came into the Starbucks to discuss the incident, the employee said, but did not provide her name or information. Lagniappe identified the customer as Tammy Elaine Gardner, who declined to comment on the incident to Lagniappe. Mobile Animal Services contacted the employee the same day, she said, and Mobile County Health Department contacted her Jan. 13. MCHD was able to provide the employee with Gardners name and contact information by Wednesday so she could learn about the animals test results. Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels told Lagniappe the monkey, which is an Aotus Monkey (Night or Owl Monkey), had a detailed health history and was evaluated by a specialist veterinarian. The monkey was determined not to have any illnesses. According to information provided to Lagniappe by the citys animal services department, Gardner received citations for two municipal violations: Duty to restrain animals and potentially vicious or dangerous animals under restraint. Both citations carry a $25 fine. Another Alabama native could hold a senior position in the executive branch once President Donald Trump returns to office. Last week, Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social his intent to nominate Wells Griffith, of Mobile, to be undersecretary of energy. Griffith is currently part of the incoming Trump administrations landing team at the Department of Energy, according to Politico. Wells will now work with our highly respected Secretary of Energy Nominee, Chris Wright, to DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and unleash American Energy Dominance, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Griffith currently works as managing director of FTI Consulting in Washington, D.C., according to his LinkedIn page. He also held several roles in the Department of Energy and the White House during Trumps first term in office. He was the senior director for energy and environment on the National Security Council and National Economic Council from 2018 to 2019, according to LinkedIn. I am truly honored for the opportunity from @realDonaldTrump to serve the American people and work with his amazing team to unleash American Energy Dominance! Griffith wrote in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, last week. I am truly honored for the opportunity from @realDonaldTrump to serve the American people and work with his amazing team to unleash American Energy Dominance! pic.twitter.com/jUPk0dz7OC Wells Griffith (@WellsGriffith) January 16, 2025 Griffith is a native of Mobile and graduated from St. Pauls Episcopal School before going on to the Virginia Military Institute. He attended Mississippi College School of Law, according to his LinkedIn. Hes also a veteran of numerous Republican political campaigns, including working for Trumps first presidential campaign as battleground states director. Griffith himself ran for Alabamas first congressional district seat in 2013 following former U.S. Rep. Jo Bonners resignation. He was defeated in the Republican primary by former U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Fairhope). Griffith would need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. If confirmed, he would replace David Crane, appointed by President Joe Biden, according to a news release from the American Institute of Physics. English News China home to most automated terminals completed and under construction Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 16 Janvier 2025 In recent years, Chinese ports have been vigorously promoting the specialization and intelligent transformation of terminals, further enhancing port service capabilities. From January to November 2024, China's total port cargo throughput reached approximately 16.04 billion tons, showing a year-on-year increase of around 3.4 percent. The container throughput reached 300 million TEUs, with a year-on-year growth of 7.3 percent, maintaining a steady increase. By Han Xin, People's Daily At around 9 am, a ship laden with cargo arrived at a fully automated container terminal of Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong province. As the ship docked, intelligent operation promptly commenced. Several gantry cranes descended from a height of tens of meters, their "arms" expertly grabbing and positioning the large containers onto automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Nearby, high-speed rail-mounted gantry cranes swiftly navigated the yard, accurately stacking and organizing the incoming containers. The smooth loading and unloading operations were made possible by automation. "Construction of the fully automated terminal began in 2015, divided into three phases, with the third phase terminal becoming operational by the end of 2023," said an employee with Qingdao Port. According to the employee, the terminal has lifted operational efficiency by six percent and throughput by 15 percent. On Jan. 1, 2025, the automated container terminal at Qingdao Port achieved an average single-crane productivity of 60.9 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per hour during a loading task. This marks the 12th time that the terminal has set a world record for automated terminal efficiency. Heading north along the coastline from the port, there is a bulk cargo terminal that has been revitalized. At the ore terminal in the west port area of Yantai Port, the work site was totally unmanned, but as an orange ship unloader swung its mechanical arm, cargos were grabbed out of the hold. Conveyor belts, rotating fast, worked in close coordination with reclaimers and loaders, handling cargos with high efficiency. Thanks to fully automated terminal control technology, the ore terminal at Yantai Port has achieved unmanned operations throughout the entire work process. Compared to traditional operating modes, both the comprehensive unloading efficiency and bulk cargo loading efficiency have increased by over 20 percent. The two ports in the north and south of the Shandong Peninsula are vivid examples of the accelerated construction of intelligent ports across China. According to data from China's Ministry of Transport, the country has built 52 automated container and bulk cargo terminals so far, ranking first in the world in terms of both completed and under-construction scales. Chinese ports also rank at the forefront globally in the level and application of automation technology. In recent years, China has successively formulated and released a series of industry technical standards such as the design specifications for automated container terminals and automated coal and ore terminals, which have driven and supported the development of smart port construction. Some technical solutions for automated container terminals have been introduced overseas and applied in ports in some countries. "To achieve full-process unmanned operation for ship loading and unloading, container transfer, and yard handling at a container terminal, a complete set of automated port machinery equipment and loading/unloading systems are indispensable," said Li Yiming, director of a design and research institute of Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC). Li took the Yangshan phase IV automated terminal in Shanghai as an example. When a large vessel docks, the quay crane is the primary equipment for loading and unloading containers at the terminal. By introducing dual-trolley automated quay cranes, it is possible to achieve a relay operation with two trolleys, increasing the efficiency of loading and unloading operations by 50 percent. After the containers are unloaded, AGVs will efficiently transport the containers to the yard. Following this, the world's first dual-container automated rail-mounted gantry cranes come into play, capable of lifting two containers at one go, doubling the efficiency of yard operations. "Up to now, ZPMC has provided a total of 28 automated quay cranes, 121 automated rail-mounted gantry cranes, 145 AGVs, and a complete set of loading and unloading systems, helping the Yangshan phase IV automated terminal become the largest and most intelligent fully automated container terminal in the world," said Li. In recent years, the company has been involved in over 70 percent of automated terminal construction projects around the world, he added. The smooth and efficient operation of various port machinery, including shore cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes, and AGVs, depends on a robust automation software system. In the Meishan port area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in East China's Zhejiang province, real-time scenes of ship loading and unloading, automated operations of quay cranes and gantry cranes, and unmanned container trucks shuttling back and forth were displayed on a large screen. With the support of an independently developed automation software system, hundreds of port machinery equipment have achieved precise and orderly scheduling, underpinning the formulation of production plans and complex task management for tens of millions of TEUs. "The large-scale application of intelligent equipment has laid a solid foundation for the efficient operation of the port area, contributing to new highs of the port's throughput," said an executive of Ningbo Zhoushan Port Company Limited. In the first 11 months of 2024, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port reported a cargo throughput of 1.268 billion tons, a year-on-year increase of 3.27 percent, and completed a container throughput of 36.145 million TEUs, up 10.2 percent from a year ago. In recent years, Chinese ports have been vigorously promoting the specialization and intelligent transformation of terminals, further enhancing port service capabilities. From January to November 2024, China's total port cargo throughput reached approximately 16.04 billion tons, showing a year-on-year increase of around 3.4 percent. The container throughput reached 300 million TEUs, with a year-on-year growth of 7.3 percent, maintaining a steady increase. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Technological cooperation leads to closer China-Africa economic, trade ties China's economic resilience, vitality in four sets of data Virtual anchors and hosts on the rise Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News China steps up efforts to build digital twin systems in water conservancy sector Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 16 Janvier 2025 In the rural water resources and hydropower information management system, basic and operational information for 520,000 centralized water supply projects, 42,000 small hydropower stations, and 7,326 large and medium-sized irrigation areas are updated annually, with a daily average of over 3,000 visits. By Wang Hao, People's Daily In a farm in northwest China's Gansu province, sensors are inserted into the soil to monitor humidity, while a miniature weather station tracks wind and light conditions. "Last year, the sunflower yield per mu (about 667 square meters) exceeded 280 kilograms, an increase of 15 percent," said Zou Changsheng, head of the project department of the farm. With the use of smart irrigation, bountiful harvests were guaranteed, and the water usage per mu has decreased from 650 cubic meters to 300 cubic meters, Zou added. The irrigation water comes from the Shule River, which flows through the desert, nurturing oasis along its path. The Shule River provides irrigation water for a total of 1.34 million mu of farmland spread across 22 townships in Jiuquan, Yumen, and Guazhou county, as well as six farms. The Shule River basin receives less than 70 millimeters of precipitation annually, while the evaporation is as high as 2,800 millimeters. How can this water-deficient river achieve intensive water conservation while ensuring proper irrigation? "We have 'digitized' the Shule River," said Zhang Farong, deputy director of the planning department of the Shule River basin water resources utilization center in Gansu province. By leveraging geographic information systems and building information modeling, a virtual model has been constructed to simulate the river channel, canal system, reservoirs, and water gates in equal proportion, creating a "digital twin" of the river, Zhang explained. Through large model simulation, water resource scheduling plans have been continuously optimized. Manual gate operations have been automated, enabling precise water release based on demand. The construction of high-standard farmland is advancing in sync, with integrated water and fertilizer technologies such as drip irrigation and precision fertilization, saving both labor and water. By combining data, algorithms, and computing power, the Shule River irrigation area is gradually becoming a leading example of water conservation. These efforts to use digital technology to promote water-saving agriculture in the Shule River basin reflect China's rapid progress in developing a digital twin system for water resources management. "In simple terms, digital twin water resources management refers to the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and large models to virtually replicate natural water systems and hydraulic engineering structures on the internet. This enables the simulation of interactions between physical and virtual objects, facilitating precise forecasting, early warnings, rapid scenario simulations, and the development of contingency plans," said Sun Chunpeng, director of the hydrological information forecasting center at the Ministry of Water Resources. In recent years, China's water resources sector has completed 94 construction tasks of digital twin for water resource management . The construction of a comprehensive water monitoring system covering the Yangtze River basin has commenced, accelerating the formation of a prototype digital twin of the Yangtze River. A digital twin Yellow River project is advancing in an orderly manner, which aims at promoting the deep integration of the real-world Yellow River, Yellow River models, and a digital twin of the Yellow River. In the development of digital twin water networks, a framework for constructing a national backbone digital twin water network has been completed. Progress has been made in the preliminary establishment of a digital twin for the first phase of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project's central route, and 10 provincial-level pilot areas have achieved practical results in building their digital twin water networks. Efforts are also underway to advance the construction of digital twin water networks at the municipal and county levels. Regarding digital twin projects, continuous iterative optimization is being carried out for key sites such as the Three Gorges Dam, Xiaolangdi Dam, Danjiangkou Reservoir, and Yuecheng Reservoir. From 2023 to 2025, 49 digital twin irrigation areas will be piloted. Besides, large and key medium-sized water conservancy projects newly constructed in 2025 will launch information infrastructure, digital twin platforms, and business application systems. Digital twin in water conservancy enable more targeted management of rivers and lakes. China's Ministry of Water Resources has established a national key rivers and lakes ecological flow monitoring and early warning platform. This platform gathers monitoring data such as water levels and flow rates from 283 ecological flow sections of key rivers and lakes. It enables real-time monitoring and early warning for 235 ecological flow control sections across 165 key rivers and lakes, as well as 65 water allocation sections. A national water use management platform has been set up, allowing for dynamic monitoring of violations such as excessive water use, exceeding control limits, and lack of measurement for water users with permits. Up to now, 131,000 online monitoring points and 551,500 offline monitoring points nationwide have been connected to the platform. Digital twin in water conservancy enable more science-based management of water conservancy projects. In water conservancy engineering construction management system, information from over 40,000 enterprises, more than 1.07 million professionals, and over 420,000 project performance records and credit evaluations in the water resources industry have been consolidated. In the water resources project operation management information system, electronic archives of over 90,000 reservoirs across nine industries, including water conservancy, energy, and transportation, have been shared. In the rural water resources and hydropower information management system, basic and operational information for 520,000 centralized water supply projects, 42,000 small hydropower stations, and 7,326 large and medium-sized irrigation areas are updated annually, with a daily average of over 3,000 visits. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Technological cooperation leads to closer China-Africa economic, trade ties China's economic resilience, vitality in four sets of data Virtual anchors and hosts on the rise Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) Once thieving vultures have picked the carcass of Los Angeles clean and the debris left by the Great Fire of Los Angeles has been cleared, the question arises: Who will govern and rebuild the city? One thing is certain: Los Angeles as it was before the fire will not be the L.A. after the fire. The city will rise from the ashes, but what that rebirth will look like remains to be seen. The rebirth cannot and will not be led by Gavin Newsom and the mayor of L.A. and their attendant apparatchiks of woke. Their tiresome ideological narrative, now characterized by blame-shifting and finger-pointing, is gutted. It was their ideology that enforced useless and even harmful COVID directives onto the proletariat. It was their devotion to DIE policies, to environmental stupidity, and to anarchical dogmas promoting defunding of police and firefighters, both of whom are necessary for the publics safety and protection, that proved incendiary. The fires have ensured that woke ideology is about to go up in smoke. The political house of cards is in flames. That is the way it is when an apocalyptic event happens. A great fire provokes great societal changes. Such a reassessment, culturally and materially, happened after the 1666 Great Fire of London, which consumed most of the city. The novelist Victor Hugo described the cause of the conflagration in his novel The Laughing Man: At that period London had but one bridge London Bridge, with houses built upon it. This bridge united London to Southware, a suburb which ... was divided into small streets and alleys, very compact in parts, and like the city consisting of a great number of buildings, houses, dwellings, and wooden huts jammed together, a pell-mell mixture of combustible matter, amid which fire might take its pleasure, as 1666 had proved. As Donald Trump and others noted concerning Californias mismanagement of fires, a great deal of combustible matter, along with disastrous water policies, has resulted in many fires in Californias forests and now one of its premiere cities. He rebuked the states mismanagement as well as its tendency to demand that the federal government bear the expenses attendant to the fires. Though the historical parallels are not exact, Englands Charles II had similar problems. Since four fifths of London was consumed by the fire, he had to divert funds from the nations coffers to rebuild its capital city. Further, as Kurt List noted in The Social and Political Consequences of the Great Fire of London, more than practical matters were affected. Because of the fire, issues like unresolved political and religious tensions, insufficient government revenue, and an ongoing war with the Dutch became intractable. This was because the fire diverted resources and weakened the governments resolve at a critical moment. As a result, the fires damage was far more extensive than the list of properties burned, because many of these issues would continue to plague Charles II for the remainder of his reign. In other words, the foundational beliefs of Englands government were shaken by the Great Fire of 1666. The governments of California and Los Angeles have continually endangered their citizens by their promotion and effectuation of irrational policies that have ruined the state and its cities. The citys and states leaders mindset created the conditions for the current apocalypse. Policies based on their ideology would continue to consume the city even after the physical fires die out. The ideology itself is a wildfire. The state machinery is too embedded, too corrupt, and too self-serving to reform. Leaders have not taken the lessons of the fires to heart. They show no sign of changing their ways. Rebuilding the ruined city requires people who are not embedded in the current system. The city and state need adventurous outsiders with innovative solutions for both the material and ideological reconstruction of the city and state. They should have absolutely no interest in maintaining the status and influence of the current elite. After every great city fire, be it in London in 1666 or Chicago in 1871, new construction was built in ways that resisted fire. In London, for instance, brick and stone replaced wood. Crowded streets were widened, and dangerously rickety medieval dwellings or what was left of them were pulled down. A new vision for the city was effectuated by architects such as Christopher Wren, whose cathedral of St. Paul still stands today. But more than new construction materials and new architecture happened. Shifts in leadership and ideology also happened. Societal disorder as well as unhealthy ideas were revealed. Fire is a teacher. In the case of Los Angeles and California, the ideology that warred against divine and natural law, a belief system that (for example) inverted the societal hierarchy by putting a small fish above the welfare of human beings, deserves utter repudiation. The state and the city need outsiders who know what real reconstruction and true reform entail. California and Los Angeles require visionaries like those arriving in Washington tomorrow. The incoming Trump administration can and should be a valuable source of ideas for reconstruction and reform. As someone who transformed the skyline of New York City, whose life has been occupied with building, renovation, and now reform, Trump has commonsense ideas and expertise in building cities. He has mentioned the construction of new cities on federal lands. His likeminded associate Elon Musk is already building new cities in Texas. Both men are visionaries who have the expertise and the mindset required for the rebuilding of Los Angeles and California. Both men as well as many others who share their worldview have innovative, people-centered viewpoints based on reality, ideas and applications that could begin a renaissance of Americas destroyed cities and states. Private individuals cooperating with government have in times past put similar ideas into effect. London was revitalized. Chicago was restored. In my former home city of Wilmington, Delaware, a private captain of industry named William Bancroft established a complex devoted to the welfare of those who worked in his factory on the Brandywine River. A devout Quaker who was concerned for the welfare of his fellow human beings, Bancroft wanted affordable housing for workers. The Flats, designed in 1903 by architect William Draper Brinckle, were built with state-of-the-art materials. Bancroft was a visionary whose plans were inspired by his biblical belief that one should express love of God by loving ones neighbor. He had a vision for the city based on prioritizing human welfare. In so doing, he followed the example set by the prophet and leader Nehemiah, who rebuilt Jerusalem after Babylon destroyed it by fire in 586 B.C. Nehemiah saw the spiritual welfare of his people as being as foundational for enduring restoration. The incoming Trump team includes visionaries determined to prioritize the welfare of Americans. They reject the essentially dystopian and anti-human ideology that has ruined many of our cities and states. Let us hope and pray that the incoming administrations vision will begin to restore the country, including Los Angeles and California. Fay Voshell holds a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Her thoughts have appeared in many online magazines. She may be reached at fvoshell@yahoo.com. Image via Pxhere. The French king Louis XV is credited with saying apres moi le deluge, meaning he didnt care what happens after he was gone. Biden has not said the same, but his actions make clear that hes perfectly happy to see the country weak and bankrupt and the Constitution torched when he leaves office and Donald Trump takes over for a remarkable second term. The press, which has covered for Biden most of his term, is now trying to hide their obvious airbrushing of the worst president in modern history and stay afloat. While much of the civil service seems ready to sabotage Trump once again, the very thought of Bidens departure already has brought some welcome changes. If you paid the slightest bit of attention, it has been obvious for years that Biden, always a mendacious back-bencher hack, was suffering from mental and physical disabilities and was merely a puppet for those pulling the strings. Speaker Mike Johnson related his experience in an interview on Free Press. When he was finally able to push back Bidens protective phalanx for a one-on-one discussion, he asked Biden why three days before he had halted LNG exports to Europe, a move which made no political or economic sense. Biden denied having done that. (Did the twerps on his staff simply set the automatic signature device on and shove executive orders into it?) The New York Times wants us to believe their togas remain pristine -- that they had no idea the Oval Office was occupied by a marionette whose strings were pulled by unnamed puppet masters. They admit what we saw and what the legacy press so long denied: how his staff arranged meetings around his moods, delayed sharing information with him (like negative polling data), surrounded him as he walked to his helicopter to hide the fact he couldnt walk normally, had him use a teleprompter for even small gatherings, and replaced the steps to his plane with a shorter set. Mark Halperin is not giving them a pass: They print the claims of Biden aides and Biden friends as if theyre true, And there are so many examples of public loss of mental acuity they dont even mention. This should never happen again, We should never have an emperors new clothes conspiracy between an administration of either party and the press corps. The loss of credibility has been a significant factor in the loss of readers and viewers, but the media are now facing additional setbacks. Courts no longer give them the presumption of good faith when they engage in defamation. Trump sued ABC for defamation and received $15 million and an apology from George Stephanopoulos; this week CNN was ordered to pay $5 million for defaming a man who helped people out of Afghanistan during our disastrous withdrawal and apparently will pay out additional sums in punitive damages in a settlement the terms of which are not yet public; and the WSJ indicated CBS may settle Trumps $10 billion suit against it for election interference based on a doctored tape of an interview with Kamala Harris, apparently to make her seem more coherent than she was. Fingers to the wind, the owners of the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post are making efforts at fair coverage in a belated attempt to rise from the depths to the waterline. Misusing his pardon powers, besides pardoning his son Hunter for a multitude of crimes, he commuted the death sentences of 37 men who had been convicted of child rape, serial murders, and cop killing. He just issued 2500 new commutations, ostensibly for those with drug convictions, many of whom were drug dealers of the worst sort. He and his administration have been shoveling money out the door as fast as they can, among others to people with student loans (despite repeated court setbacks), to Ukraine and to favored companies -- this week it was a $6.7 billion low-cost loan to Rivian, a company that manufactures luxury electric vehicles. Since 2020, the national debt under Biden has ballooned to $36 trillion. On her way out of office Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellin indicated the U.S. debt limit will be reached on Tuesday, a day after the inauguration. This means that the federal government after Tuesday will not be able to borrow to pay already-authorized spending, and that Treasury will have to adopt extraordinary measures" to temporarily finance government expenditures and obligations. In other words, the profligate spending will leave the incoming Trump with a fiscal crisis. If the debt ceiling is not increased and rapid expenditure cuts prove impossible, we may be in default or recession. So far only one of Bidens team has dared break ranks -- tardily. Alejandro Mayorkas, as he left the office of Secretary of Homeland Security, attempted to whitewash his role in failing to secure the southern border, claiming that he faced internal resistance. He probably did, but he covered that up very well when he still held office and repeatedly insisted the border was secure. Surely, hes not the only snake in Bidens cabinet and I expect to hear more about the internal resistance of yet unnamed persons in the Oval Office staff. The very thought of Bidens departure has resulted in some changes. HHS has cut off all funding and barred EcoHealth Alliance and its former President Dr. Peter Daszak for five years for their work on the Wuhan Labs gain-of-function research, because they acted without proper oversight and violated the terms of its multi-million NIH grant. Some illegal immigrants have begun self-deporting and it looks like the incoming administration has its preparations in order to begin more massive deportations. Be prepared for sob stories about separating families by the same people who have ignored that 340,000 migrant children were in the custody of the Biden administration and nobody knows where they are and what happened to them. (Theres a great exchange to remind you that all this moaning is partisanship cloaked in humanitarian concerns. Heres Senator Tom Tillis grilling an anti-deportation witness who says deporting a million people would be a disaster and deporting 2 million would have severe negative ramifications only to be shamed and silenced when Tillis pointed out that those deportations took place under the Obama administration.) Professor Glenn Reynolds, in his substack, notes some shifts are already taking place. Its like a spell has broken around the world. As Ive noted before, its a preference cascade. Through nonstop lying, gaslighting, and bullying, various left groups have for decades forced people to believe -- or, more accurately, to pretend to believe -- in all sorts of crazy stuff.[snip] But while the normies are over it, our ruling class is doubling down on fantasyland. Joe Biden today tweeted that he was declaring the Equal Rights Amendment ratified, in spite of the clearly established fact that it wasnt. Well, when I say Joe Biden tweeted, I mean whichever nameless White House guy with a lanyard controls Bidens social media accounts tweeted. Bidens tweet falls into the old man yells at cloud category, and is properly being ignored. Well, mostly ignored. Among the people taking it seriously are (checks notes) Harvard Law professors Laurence Tribe and Kathleen Sullivan, proving once again Orwells observation that there are some ideas so stupid that only intellectuals will believe them. But theyre being mocked too. Harvard Law school professor Stephen E. Sachs adds: If he has 'long believed' this, why did he not say so until three days before the end of his term? Why have his own Justice Department argued otherwise? Law Professor Jonathan Adler also mocked this nonsense: "White House Aide 1: 'What can we do in our final days to preemptively undercut criticisms of Trump actions that violate norms and undermine the rule of law?' Aide 2: 'I've got an idea.'" Im optimistic about the second Trump administration even though we must acknowledge that it will have to overcome significant Deep State obstacles. To fully understand the depth of the perfidy Trump faced from the civil service the first time he was in office, I urge you to read this wonderfully detailed account. This time hes well aware of their disloyalty and obfuscations, and so are the capable people hes nominated to carry out his agenda. As for the Biden conviction that he can add amendments to the Constitution by his own say-so, I am just relieved he did not take a page from the dictator in Woody Allens movie Bananas who ordered everyone to change their underwear every hour and to wear it on the outside so we can check. Correction: Nationa debt corrected to 36 billion. The lone man of principle faces down a menace. The stakes are high; the odds of success are not. Yet, bolstered by that principle, he defeats the menace. That motif runs through our culture, our history, and our mythology, and especially our cinema. Americans in particular so strongly identify with versions of these morality tales that we invented an entire genre the Western. The Western world, however, has failed to live up to the integrity, honor, and duty standards so prominent in the world of film. In displays of spectacular cowardice, cynicism, and mendacity, Western governments and institutions have left Israel alone on the battlefield against civilizations enemies in the Middle East or worse, sandbagged Israel and aided those enemies. One cannot help but see parallels to the iconic 1952 classic High Noon, in which Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper) has just married and is about to retire and leave the western town of Hadleyville to start a new pastoral life with his Quaker bride, Amy (Grace Kelly). But news arrives that Frank Miller, a murderer whom Kane put in prison years earlier, has been pardoned, and he is arriving in town on the noon train, one day before the new marshal arrives. Miller will reunite with his outlaw gang to take revenge against the lawman who had put him away. Kane could leave his pacifist wife threatens to leave town on that same noon train, with or without him but decides to stay out of a sense of duty. Kane visits friends and allies, attempting to round up a posse. Together, they could seriously outnumber the Miller gang. But, tired and worn down by frontier life, none can or will help. The sentencing judge flees town; the mayor urges Kane to flee; Kanes deputy, bitter that Kane did not recommend him for promotion, turns in his badge and gun rather than help. Some townspeople, worried that a gunfight would damage the towns reputation, urge Kane to de-escalate and evade the confrontation; others argue that Kanes fight is not the towns responsibility. Only one neighbor agrees to be deputized but backs out when he realizes he is the sole volunteer. The clock ticks toward noon; the marshal comes to realize that the same neighbors he has served and protected for years are too cowardly or self-interested to stand with him in his hour of greatest need. But Kane and only Kane understands: the threat is not just to him, but to the order and safety of the town. If values of honor, duty, law, and justice are to prevail, he must face the Miller gang. Even alone. Even facing depressing odds. He writes out his will. Spoiler alert: Its a Hollywood movie. Gary Cooper prevails through resourcefulness, luck, and his wifes change of heart. And the strength of his idealism and willingness to stand for something supremely important. Once he eliminates the entire Miller gang, out from hiding come his celebrating neighbors. But Kane doesnt celebrate: he throws down his badge at the feet of his neighbors in disgust, and then he leaves with Amy. Probably 99% of High Noons viewers, including the leaders of Western nations, think that they, too, would act with Cooper-esque honor and principle. And yet, for the past 16 months, weve watched as most of the world has shown itself to be more like the cowering townsfolk. Or worse. For the Western world, high noon was at 6:30 A.M. on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and Gazan civilians massacred Israelis by the hundreds with such unspeakable depravity as to mark a civilizational low point. The Miller gang of Iran and its proxy armies, particularly Hamas and Hezballah, targeted Israel on seven fronts, loaded with offensive weaponry designed to bleed Israels civilians and drive them from Israeli territory. To a disturbing degree, they succeeded. From the moment Israel was so gruesomely attacked, its democratic allies turned tail. But, worse than Hadleyville, they didnt simply hide: fearful of Islamists in their own countries, gutless governments abandoned Israel diplomatically, sandbagged Israels military effort, and let antisemitism run rampant in their streets and media. Worldwide, masses of antisemitic (and anti-American) thugs marched, occupied campuses, wreaked violence and vandalism, and intimidated entire Jewish communities. Authorities cravenly abdicated their duties to their Jewish citizens and genuflected to the mob screaming for the destruction of Israel. Seldom was heard a discouraging word about Hamas or Irans other terror proxies. One friendly country after another (including, embarrassingly, the United States) embargoed various arms sold to Israel. The U.K. once stood alone against the Nazi genocidal juggernaut with the help of American arms; now it suspended arms export licenses to embattled Israel. While Russian troops raped and massacred their way through Ukrainian towns, the ICC (International Cangaroo Court) sought farcical war crimes prosecutions for genocide by starvation against the leaders of Israel the first country in warfare history to feed and supply its enemy throughout a war (while, at the same time, that enemy fed its Israeli hostages just one half-pita per day), and which protected enemy civilians in urban warfare better than any country, ever while Hamas is held blameless, even for stealing aid intended for those civilians and embedding its military among its civilian human shields. The Biden administration, to Americas shame, has played a double-game with Israel. It supplied arms but slow-walked their shipment; it visited the Knesset but undermined Israels elected leader; it helped coordinate defense against Iranian missile attacks but leaked Israeli military plans and intel. It paid lip service to Israels right to defend itself but politically pandered to Israels enemies by coming right up to the line of accusing Israel of genocide and micromanaged Israels military operations but demanded adherence to its terrible advice reflecting horrible judgment, if not a calculated desire to neither upset Iran nor let Israel win convincingly. This has been the clearest clash of good and evil since WWII, and the West copped out. No matter that the Iranian-axis military power is no match for an alliance of even hollowed out Western militaries; no matter that international shipping and commerce are endangered; no matter that Israeli intelligence tips have prevented bloody terror attacks in most of these countries. Israel faces multiple lethal military and terror threats, and the world hands it nothing but a hostile diplomatic environment. Israel, like Marshal Kane, stands alone and abandoned. It, too, must face down its adversaries not counting on receiving help from others, but with the knowledge that its survival depends on its own actions. Existential dangers do have a way of providing clarity and inspiring resourcefulness. Israels clarity is in its solid commitments to identity, security, and sovereignty. That will to defend itself results partly from the secret weapon Golda Meir made famous we have nowhere else to go and partly from the positive flip-side to the negative biblical characterization of Israel as a stiff-necked people and partly from self-preservation. But at its core, as the Hatikva anthem says, is the drive to be a free people in our own land preservation of the nation and national home. Those are all things healthy nations of the world once knew and valued. Western governments may, one day, learn from Israels principled self-defense. But for now, the Western world shames itself, jettisoning and dishonoring any principle it pretends to uphold, if that is the price of appeasement and de-escalation. As a result, the Western nations have become harmless enemies but treacherous allies. Just as the Hadleyvillains rationalized, and made a virtue of, their self-interested non-involvement, the world preens and virtue-signals but lacks the fortitude to defend and protect the liberties it enjoys and purportedly values. Who takes a Gary Cooperlike stand? Kamala Harris? The U.N.? The ICC? Justin Trudeau? Israel has stood alone at its High Noon moment, and alone taken on world-menacing, anti-Western forces of terror and Islamism. Alone, Israel has dealt these forces severe blows, one after another. One other advantage for Israel: The Jewish people have seen this movie before, and they know in advance that the world does not exactly race to their rescue. Like the people of Hadleyville, Western nations will now shamelessly reap the benefits from the very acts and sacrifices by Israel they have obstructed and undermined. And like the people of Hadleyville, they dont deserve those benefits, either. There is one key bright spot for Israel in all this: just as the new marshal of Hadleyville was due the next day, Israel and other defenders of Western civilization are counting the hours until the duplicitous Biden team leaves and the Trump administration takes charge. At least for the near future, Israel will not be entirely alone starting from high noon, January 20. Image via Pixabay. A couple of nights ago, as I was following the latest on the L.A. fires, I ran across a satellite picture of the tragedy. I could see the vastness of the conflagration, not closeups, not here and there a burning house or car, but the hugeness of this catastrophe. It looked like a monster had just taken a bite out of America. It brought me to tears. I realized that a big chunk of American culture was being destroyed. So much of what was burning was symbolic of our civilization -- the motion picture industry, Sunset Boulevard, the Zane Grey and Will Rogers estates, to say nothing of the thousands of anonymous homes and scenarios weve all absorbed as scenes in movies and television shows -- the 1920s glamour, the Spanish tiled stucco houses, the swaying palm trees, the surfers on the beach. Los Angeles is a big piece of Americana. Its where dreams came to either blossom or die. Note the past tense. I pray that isnt over. I have long maintained that Jesus Christ, as the second person of the Trinity, controls history. I can hear the skeptics shouting --What kind of a god would let something like this happen?!?! Ill tell you -- a righteous God, a God that deals with us individually and corporately. A God who demands justice. A God who wants California to survive, to once again be a safe, fair, prosperous place to live. California, L.A. especially, has been the epicenter of much that is culturally amiss in our society and has been so for decades. Right now, the nexus is P. Diddy and the horrors that surround his, and his friends behaviors, but he and his were preceded by Weinstein and Cosby -- behaviors that would have been right at home in Sodom and Gomorrah or in the harem of some sheik. Why would a righteous God tolerate American debauchery any more than ancient Middle Eastern nastiness? Not only were so many of the big names in Hollywood guilty of shocking practices in their private lives, but Hollywood has promoted all kinds of sexual immorality and has done so for decades. Remember when The Graduate (1967) was shocking? Fast forward to Brokeback Mountain (2005) and this last year to a flick titled Queer. Societies that accept and applaud sexual deviation and general immorality suffer accordingly. The panorama of the LA fires clicked into my mind the remembrance of Jonathan Edwards famous sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (1741). What I saw in that photo was indeed an angry God. Now days churches dont often preach about Gods justice -- His love, yes; His grace, of course; His benevolence, naturally. But His uncompromising justice? Rarely. But there it is -- so uncompromising that His only Son came to pay off the sin debt we all owe. So, Im still hearing the skeptics horror. Yes. Thousands of good people have been swept up in this catastrophe -- how is that fair? We must remember that God also deals with us individually, and as individuals we are affected differently by circumstances. Many will find unexpected and astounding blessing in the midst of all this suffering. I think of Daniel and his three friends who were swept up in the deportation of the Jews to Babylon in 597 B.C. Horrifying in the extreme, but for the rest of their lives (with two short-lived exceptions -- the fiery furnace and the lions den) they were amazingly blessed, holding down positions of power in the Babylonian government under two different kings. Many will find this fire to be the catalyst for a positive change in their lives -- a change they may not realize right away, but will grasp the magnitude of eventually. Others will meet people who turn out to be angelic blessings. Many will return to the God who now has their attention. But all that doesnt mitigate the suffering, the grieving, the trauma of what has happened, which brings up another aspect of the biblical worldview. We can recognize the punitive aspect of this tragedy and still pour out our love toward our fellow Americans who face the most difficult time -- and likely for a long time -- of their lives. The stories of bravery and loving kindness are just starting to trickle in -- people who saved their own homes by fighting back the flames by themselves; folks passing out food and water; Musk sending in Wifi and battery-charging stations so that communication can be restored. Of course, few of us have the resources or proximity necessary to be of immediate help, but as time passes, I know we will see Americans stepping up to assist -- as we have seen with the Amish house builders in North Carolina. (We still have those hurricane folks to pray for.) My own little valley suffered a similar catastrophe several years ago when wildfires, pushed by unusual winds, drove the fires through several small towns wiping out 2,500 residential structures. And these were not million-dollar mansions, but rather small tract homes, manufactured homes, rentals. The folks who lived in those dwellings didnt always have the resources to find shelter, but the community -- a largely Christian community -- stepped up and opened our homes and our B&Bs to those displaced. Our local hospital set up a space close by that it filled with RVs for the hospitals employees who found themselves homeless. Things are slowly being rebuilt. The scorched tree trunks still stand sentinel along the creek that the fire followed, so we wont forget. My point is that we all learned how tenuous life is, how much we need to care for our fellow man, and how little our possessions really mean. Now is the time for Christians to reach out to those who need a special dose of loving kindness. Yes, this may have happened because God has just had enough. It may have happened because of incompetent leadership. It may have happened because it often does in California. Probably all of the above. But regardless of the cause, the effect requires our prayers, (which is the most powerful thing Christians can do) our contributions, our physical effort when thats feasible. I was pleased to see that Oregon sent 300 firefighters and several dozen fire trucks down to help. My point is that nothing happens without a reason -- the hurricane catastrophe included -- and lets not be deaf to the messages being sent. Lets realize that, if L.A. is being punished for its immorality, that we are also to blame. We bought tickets to those movies, we oohed and ahhhed over those celebrities. We accepted their views. This is going to affect us all, so lets roll up our sleeves, kneel in supplication and confession, and do what we can for our American brothers and sisters. Image: Public Domain Over at Gateway Pundit, Margaret Flavin suggests that Elizabeth Warren continues to display her ignorance, revealing that she does not understand how Social Security works. She references this post by Warren on X: When Elon Musk, the richest man on earth, is set to pay the same amount in taxes as your neighborhood dentist, weve got a problem. Im fighting to get the wealthy to pay their fair share into Social Security so we can increase benefits. Flavin suggests that Warren seems unaware that Social Security earnings and payouts are both capped. Im not so sure about that. In fact, the sheer vagueness of the statement strikes me as rather clever. Warren fails to mention, of course, that the neighborhood dentist, who may earn, say, $200K annually, would also have his Social Security taxes increased by eliminating the payroll tax cap. And there seems to be a purposefully absent specificity about just whose benefits would be increased. There wouldnt be much upside, after all, to mentioning that some higher income earners, like the neighborhood dentist, would be excluded from any Social Security benefit increases alongside Elon Musk. Its far likelier, in my opinion, that socialists like Warren simply have a knack for crafting bite-sized statements that lack any precise details. In this example, Warren makes a suggestion that the wealthy should be forced to pay their fair share, whatever that means. After all, the top 25% of income earners in the U.S. pay 90% of federal income taxes. While that arrangement certainly does appear to be unfair, it doesnt seem that socialists like Liz Warren are framing the victims of that unlevel playing field appropriately. The truth is that Democrats have been dreaming of eliminating the caps for contributions into the Social Security system while maintaining caps for high-earning beneficiaries like the neighborhood dentist and Elon Musk for a long time. They have dreamed about doing that because it will finally and fully transform Social Security into what theyve always wanted it to be: a government welfare program. And while setting up a government welfare program was almost certainly what FDR had in mind when he pitched his old age insurance to Americans back in 1935, he certainly didnt pitch it as a welfare program. Lets step back, for a moment, to May of 1935. America was in the thick of a Depression which was made Greater by the intervention of FDR and his brains trust of Soviet-admiring central planners. At a time when life expectancy was about 62, they brilliantly devised a government-administrated pension program which would pay a benefit of retirement income at age 65. This was a morally dubious proposition, for various reasons beyond the fact that most Americans at the time werent projected to live long enough to collect any benefit at all. It was widely understood, in 1935 anyway, that the federal government had no right to coerce Americans into any pension arrangement, or into any annuity (i.e., insurance) contract. And make no mistake, Social Security very much functions as compelled contributions into a deferred fixed income annuity with no return-of-premium upon death. The beneficiary of the potential income benefit has no option to avoid making the required contributions, and has no control over the assets that he is contributing -- only the promise of a future income if the rigid conditions of the contract allow it. In May of 1935, the Railroad Retirement Act of 1934 was shot down by the Supreme Court in Railroad Retirement Board v. Alton Railroad Co., with Justice Owen J. Roberts brilliantly describing the slippery slope of how Congress was attempting to assume for itself powers which it has not be given by the Constitution: The petitioners [for a compulsory pension, interchangeably referred to as an annuity in the opinions language, for railroad workers], in effect, say: the carriers with certain objects and purposes have adopted voluntary systems; this proves that pensions are germane to the railroad business; Congress may legislate on any subject germane to interstate transportation; therefore Congress may for any reason or with any motive impose any type of pension plan. The contention comes very near to this, - that whatever some carriers choose to do voluntarily in the management of their business, at once invests Congress to compel all carriers to do. The fallacy is obvious. The meaning of the commerce and due process clauses of the Constitution is not so easily enlarged by the voluntary acts of individuals or corporations. The message was simple, brilliant, and ultimately, prescient, given that the Social Security Act was passed a few months after Roberts gave this warning some private companies adopting voluntary systems for the benefit of their employees does not automatically imbue Congress with the power to compel all companies to adopt such systems. In other words, the voluntary acts of individuals or corporations do not enlarge the federal governments ability to exercise its authority over Americans lives. And yet, months after this decision, the Social Security Act was passed. Not only did it compel all private companies in the United States to participate in a federally-administrated pension program, but it compelled all Americans at the individual-level to pay old-age insurance premiums into Social Security. But a funny thing happened between 1935 and 1937. Pension contributions and old-age insurance premiums had become taxes by 1937. The federally compelled old-age insurance premiums to Social Security by individuals were declared a special income tax (see: United States v. Hudson, 1936), and the compelled contributions to the Social Security pension by employers was deemed an excise tax. (see: Helvering v. Davis, 1937). If you were paying attention to the Obamacare debate in 2012, this language shift should sound entirely familiar to you. The individual mandate to purchase health insurance, a long-touted feature of Obamacare, should have always been understood as an infringement on individual rights under the Constitution. But this federal mandate to purchase health insurance was later declared a tax by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in order to maintain a fiction that the law was somehow constitutional. FDR, personally, went from talking about premiums and contributions into Americans old age insurance in 1935, to later talking about the taxes that would guarantee the future of his government program. Sometimes, his language would get muddled within the same thoughts. In 1941, for example, he addressed criticism suggesting that it didnt make economic sense to levy additional taxes during a depression, as he did. FDR responded: I guess youre right on the economics. Those taxes are politics all the way through. We put those pay roll contributions there so as to give the contributors a legal, moral, and political right to collect their pensions and unemployment benefits. With those taxes in there, no damn politician can ever scrap my social security program. Those taxes arent a matter of economics, theyre straight politics. [emphasis added] To most Americans, those sentences are still entirely incoherent. One makes voluntary contributions to a pension, for example, in exchange for an eventual return-on-investment in the form of an income benefit in retirement. Taxes are something else. They do not exist to provide any tangible return-on-investment for an individual, but are a coerced payment that exists to generate revenue for the government. In the end, Social Security is already arguably a welfare program. It is progressive by design, and lower income Americans will generally receive far more than they ever contribute to the program, while higher income earners will generally receive far less than they contributed. So why is Liz Warren hiding the fact that she wants Elon Musk and dentists and engineers and doctors to pay more while collecting disproportionately less from the system they are contributing to? It's because there remains a lingering belief among Americans that ones right to property means something, and there is some value relative to ones personal earning potential and contributions that should be associated with an individuals Social Security benefits. If we allow Democrats to completely disassociate those contributions and benefits, the Left will have further chipped away at that foundational belief in Americans rights to private property, separate of the government and the collective, which will leave the door is open for a level of tyranny yet unseen in this country. Image: DonkeyHotey, via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 Deed If youre wondering why Americas Democrat-run cities are collapsing, a couple of stories out of Worcester, Massachusetts, which is less than an hour west of Boston, offer some explanation. English settlers first came to whats now Worcester in 1673, intending to provide a Christian settlement for Native Americans. The town played a significant early role in the American Revolution, with over 4,000 patriots shutting down the Crown Court without firing a shot in 1774. It was so important that the Constitution was first read publicly from the porch of Worcesters Old South Church. Worcester eventually became an important industrial city, attracting immigrants from around the world (at a time when assimilation was king). It was home to both commercial Valentine cards and, appropriately, the first envelope-folding machine. The city hit a bad patch in the years after WWII but has recently seen a resurgence as a biotechnology and healthcare hub. X screen grab. Id never actually thought much about Worcester, but today, two stories came my way, both of which show the toll that statism and wokism are taking on Americas Democrat-run cities. (Residents gave Biden almost 63% of their votes, while Trump got 35%.) First, theres a Reason Foundation report that lists Public pension debt rankings for state and local governments. It turns out that, out of all 19,502 incorporated cities, towns, and villages in the United States, Worcester holds the fourth most per capita government employee retirement debt. Thus, the per capita public employee debt (which I believe means what each citizen is technically responsible for) is $7.34K, while the total amount of public employee benefit debt is $1.52 billion. That seems like a lot for a city that has only 206,500 people with a median income of $74,679 And what about the employees? Well, we know about at least one, one of Worcesters 11 city council members, earning a salary of just over $36,000 for this part-time job. Thu Nguyen, who identifies as a proud queer, Vietnamese, nonbinary refugee, has some seriously hard-left political goals: Councilor Nguyen believes in a political reimagination of Worcester and nationally, where our government uplifts and holistically serves everyone. Invested in the notion of social justice, they commit their time and efforts in community (re)building, advocacy and enjoying sunsets while investigating and navigating the intersectionality of identity, systems and openings for collective care and healing. Unsurprisingly, Nguyen is a very fragile person. Thats why it announced that it needs to take a months leave from weekly council meetings to deal with the stress of having been misgendered. The first openly nonbinary lawmaker in Massachusetts history is taking a leave of absence after they allegedly dealt with transphobia from colleagues, including Worcester's mayor. Thu Nguyen, who has served as an at-large councilor since 2022, says their hiatus is to prioritize their mental health and emotional safety after they were allegedly subjected to a discriminatory and toxic culture on the Worcester City Council. Nguyen also said this month off will be to forge a path to address this support, asking for support in holding Worcester to a moral and legal standard that feels like the bare minimum. An older white woman who serves on the council shame-facedly confessed that she had indeed misgendered Nguyen, but said it was an honest mistake that happened early in their relationship: With regard to Councilor Ngyuen's statement, early on when the Councilor was elected, I did make an honest error in addressing the councilor and may have done so a few times, for which I apologized. There has never been any intentional or consistent misgendering. Kate Toomey, Worcester City Councilor (@CouncilorKate) January 15, 2025 On the other hand, I like the cut of Councilor Mero-Carlsons jib, for she allegedly Nguyen it, the grammatically correct term for someone who disclaims any biological gender. Mero-Carlson also revealed the probable real problem here, which is that Nguyen is prickly and doesnt bother to show up for work: Thu Nguyen, a nonbinary city councilor for Worcester, Massachusetts with they/them pronouns, announced she is taking a month-long leave due to the unsafe and toxic culture after she was misgendered. She also filed official complaints with the city. pic.twitter.com/GHAK8CufuB Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 16, 2025 By claiming victimhood, Nguyen has seamlessly transitioned from someone who should be voted out for failing residents to becoming someone with an unchallengeable excuse and a basis for an expensive claim against an already debt-burdened city. So it goes in Americas broken leftist enclaves. Worcesters founders, most of whom fought for legitimate causes, weep. Ill wrap up with one more Nguyen tidbit. In both its pictures on the city website and in its statement about its hurt feelings, Nguyen wears a keffiyeh. Nguyen is seemingly unaware that Islam doesnt tolerate the LGBTQ+ movement. Under Hamass control and in other parts of the Muslim world, homosexuals are routinely tortured and executed. So much for social justice. The Justice Department did little, if anything, to stop the millions of illegals that the Biden administration openly allowed to come across the border. The illegals crossing included gangs, terrorists, killers, rapists, and tens of thousands of young Chinese men. And now, on Joe Biden's, Merrick Garland's and Christopher Wray's way out, we learn that Chinese "transactional criminal organizations" are getting licenses to sell marijuana in Maine. Anyone who would think this is only going on in Maine needs to have his head examined. The Chinese have been allowed to essentially infiltrate America in many ways, including the Biden administration allowing them to send a spy balloon over America. Biden stamped his feet when he started getting complaints about it from the public and sent China a stern warning to stop. The money quote in this Breitbart News article is Wray responded saying the FBI was actively conducting several investigations into the connections between illegal grow operations and the Chinese government itself. Still, no clear connections had been established at the time. Wray did, however, acknowledge the agency is seeing more ties between the growing operations and Chinese organized crime. China is communist and controls everything in that country, yet Wray can't find the connection Wray responded saying the FBI was actively conducting several investigations into the connections between illegal grow operations and the Chinese government itself. Still, no clear connections had been established at the time. Wray did, however, acknowledge the agency is seeing more ties between the growing operations and Chinese organized crime. As for why the Chinese TCOs are choosing to engage in illicit marijuana cultivation, Wray went on to say, Our assessment is that its a combination of the fact that it is activity that can be done relatively cheaply, and by comparison to other drugs in the United States, the consequences that they face from a legal perspective are not as severe as that they might be in other countries where they might also want to operate. Here are some things the Justice Department, including the FBI, has done the last nine years instead of keeping Chinese and other gang members out of the country: Not charging Hillary no matter how many crimes she committed. She was above the law. Lying to the FISA court so they could illegally spy on people surrounding Trump. Of course the FBI officials involved were above the law. Having a two-year investigation into Russian collusion with Trump even though there was never any evidence there was. Focusing on DEI instead of hiring and promoting based on merit. Targeting pro-life people. Ignoring the violent people who targeted crisis pregnancy centers and churches. Jailing as many protesters, mostly peaceful, of an election because they supported Trump. Letting go of most of the violent protesters that destroyed buildings, and cities in 2020. They were special. Having endless investigations of Trump. Making sure the public wasn't allowed to see the interview of Biden about classified documents. Of course, Garland allowed the public to see the political hit job on Trump by Jack Smith where he pretended Trump was guilty. Making sure Biden was above the law no matter how many crimes he committed. Not charging Hunter with the crime of taking kickbacks and registering as a foreign agent. Lying to the media to bury the Biden laptop story because they were campaigning for Biden. Targeting Catholics who liked to go to traditional Latin Masses. Targeting parents who dared disagree with schools who shut the doors because of the lies of Fauci And the CDC. Letting go of the terrorists from GITMO. Sending them to another country so they can commit more terrorist acts is brilliant. Commuting sentences of death row inmates. Garland is and has been a puppet. Basically, the Justice Department, including the FBI, has been politicized to destroy Trump and his supporters to protect Democrats. Sadly, most of the media has been involved. They have lied continuously that Joe Biden didn't do anything wrong, that Trump colluded with Russia, that the Hunter laptop was Russian disinformation, that Fauci is honest, that Biden was sharp as a tack, that the Justice Department ws independent and that they are worried that Trump will politicize it even though he didn't during his first four years in office. It's hogwash. We all know what their credibility looks like in the wake of that show. As a kid in a Spanish-speaking household, I remember all of those folk stories about el coco. He is like the Spanish version of the Boogeyman, or the monster you are afraid of when you are a kid. Down in Mexico, el coco is President Trump. The left is going crazy and preparing for an invasion of Mexico. The right doesnt know what to make of him, but its members do share some of his concerns about the cartels. Senator Rubios confirmation hearings for secretary of state are the latest in the el coco episodes, especially all of the talk about cartels controlling territory south of the border. This is from Pulse News Mexico: On Thursday, Jan. 16, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (CSP) responded to U.S. Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubios statements that Mexico and the United States should work together on combating organized crime, saying in her daily morning press conference that Mexico is ready to collaborate. During his U.S. Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Jan.15, Rubio publicly said he would prefer to work hand-in-hand with Mexico against drug cartels rather than use military force to combat the organized crime groups. These sophisticated transnational terrorist organizations have operational and functional control over huge swaths of areas that border the United States of America, Rubio said at the time. It is important for us not just to go after these groups but to identify them and call them for what they are, which is terroristic in their nature. I think theres a lot we can and well continue to do in close partnership with our allies in Mexico, continued the nominee. I think theres more they can do as well to confront this challenge, and my preference would be, from the Department of States perspective, my preference would be that we can work with the Mexicans on this issue cooperatively because it is impacting their nation as much as ours. However, Rubio did not rule out the possibility of the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump designating Mexican drug trafficking organizations as terrorist groups while noting the potential complications that would come with said action. Well, its the not ruling out part that got them excited. Its a complicated issue because most Mexicans actually agree that there are too many cartels, or too much crimen organizado, as they call them. They live down there and see the violence with their own eyes. They dont need to read in the U.S. press that their country is violent. Its what everyone is talking about in social circles. Just this week, President Sheinbaum sent more troops to Tabasco. In Culiacan, in the super-violent state of Sinaloa, there was a massive explosion of a casino. According to some local media, it was a hub for a sophisticated money laundering network used to funnel illicit proceeds from the sale of fentanyl and other narcotics. There is no official explanation, but most locals think it was one cartel attacking another. So Mexicans know that the violence is out of control and privately tell you that Trump is right in calling out their government. At the same time, no one wants to come out and publicly give Trump the credit. So Trump is el coco, whom everyone fears. Well, they fear el coco but know that there is a bigger monster making their lives miserable. PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Hal Lindseys recent death resulted in little mention from the conservative press; perhaps its an indication of how hes regarded in conservative circles and if so, its a shame. I think the guy who in the early 1970s predicted the Apocalypse would happen in the 1980s in his book The Late Great Planet Earth is getting shorted. He deserves a bigger historical footnote, because the man was right. Right? How so, you ask. There was no showdown between Gog and Magog in Israel, no final battle prior to Christs return to reign for 1,000 years. There was no Antichrist, right? Perhaps not on the antichrist, agreed on the rest. That said, Lindseys doomsaying book was fundamentally right, in that he reminded us all (especially those of us who were from evangelical families and were kids when his hit book and movie came out) that time is short. Like an old newspaper comic strip in which a bearded hippie in a toga waves a sign saying, The End Is Near, Hal Lindsey was that comical hippie in a way, warning us to get right with Heaven or else. Make straight your ways, for the Lord is coming, is sort of boilerplate biblical messaging, because it works. And because its always true, since every human has the same problem of their (unclearly) impending mortality, and the need to come to terms with their actions, make amends, repent, and try to clean their slate before death. But how can you do so if youre not paying attention? That is, why do it when theres so much else to focus on? Being reminded that the end is near, that is, death could be a year, hour or minutes away, tends to focus a person. And if Lindsey made some wrong predictions and it helped people to focus on what is good, and on doing good, then I think he was right enough to deserve a lot of credit. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, is never a bad message and always a good idea. And we have Hal Lindsey in part to thank for that Biblical messaging in America that in the 1970s wove its way into several motion pictures including In Search Of Noahs Ark. Lindsey was one of the authors who gave momentum to those movies and related books. Looking back, it may have laid the groundwork for the so-called conservative 1980s. But I digress, a lot. I remember as a kid, and even into my 20s, I thought we were living in the End Times and that things would conclude a lot sooner than we think. That fatalistic thinking wasnt exactly helpful, and I wouldnt pin it on Lindsey any more than Id blame my Presbyterian Sunday School teacher at my childhood church. But these days, with the conflagration in the Middle East, a Gog and Magog showdown seems far more possible to me than it felt in the 1980s. Still, in a very personal way, it does not matter; though of course it matters a lot how Jews, Christians, and Muslims are treating each other in the Middle East. Spirituality is ultimately a game of one, though. We all must meet our Maker on our own, when we die. And if we want that meeting to be all it might be, were going to have to fess up and straighten up as much as possible, promptly. Well have to wise up enough to fear the Lord and the consequences of our actions. In his rather flashy way, Hal Lindsey was telling us: Straighten your path, kid, your time could be short. Hal Lindsey was right. A journalist for 30 years, Jonathan Barnes has written and reported for Reuters, Fortune, Wall Street Journal and many other legacy media. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. It is Senate confirmation season and as expected we witnessed grandstanding, virtue signaling, amateur theatrics, unintentional hilarity, partisan hackery, pettiness, and insanity. The cringe-inducing display would embarrass the crassest of carnival barkers. This was the D.C. Democrat establishment at its unrepentant worst. The silver lining is that Trump's nominees seemed thoroughly prepared. They were armed with facts about potential questions from the worst partisan Democrats. They also seemed emotionally ready to withstand the most vicious torrent of baseless slander which enabled them to get the better of their verbal assaulters and calumniators. The display was so abominable it was impossible to decide which exchange was the most revolting. So here's a look at some of the most cringe-inducing moments, in no partial order of worthlessness. Here's the loathesome lightweight, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) at her worst: Hirono used discredited reports to slander Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth. She baselessly claimed President Trump ordered guards to "shoot protesters in the legs" during a protest at Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., in 2020. She even asked Hegseth whether he would invade Greenland or take over the Panama Canal. The only good that came from this exchange was from the creative minds on social media: Mazie Hirono asked Pete Hegseth if he was drunk at work Wait for it This might be the greatest AI video Ive ever seen. pic.twitter.com/MwA3a2rNT0 Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) January 14, 2025 Hirono used discredited reports to slander Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth. She baselessly claimed President Trump ordered guards to "shoot protesters in the legs" during a protest at Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., in 2020. She even asked Hegseth whether he would invade Greenland or take over the Panama Canal.The only good that came from this exchange was from the creative minds on social media: Hirono wasn't done. She also attempted to compel Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi to attack Trump by asking a series of questions about the 2020 elections, the January 6th protests, and the role of the DOJ. During the exchange, Bondi, who was cool as a cucumber, revealed that Hirono was the only Senator who didn't meet with her before the confirmation. An animated Senator Elizabeth Warren was condescending in her questioning of Hegseth about the role of women in combat and eventually made a laughing stock of herself Echoing Warren was an unhinged Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: Senator Tim Kaine focused on Hegseth's personal life, particularly the salacious claims Next was Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) who humiliated himself while questioning Bondi. Bondi was prepared for Schiff and mentioned Schiff being censured by Congress for making false statements and leaking Devin Nunes's Memo: It was also discovered that Schiff was following the inglorious Bidenian tradition of dozing off at key event Note how @PamBondi calls out Sleeper Cells in America, particularly In the hearing room. @SenAdamSchiff pic.twitter.com/J2o4hXbOrd Ivan Raiklin (@IvanRaiklin) January 15, 2025 Next was Senator Alex Padilla's (D-CA) turn to be outclassed by Bondi Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who famously falsified his military record, attempted to grandstand before Bondi and failed. Then there was Democrat Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois who unsuccessfully attempted to trap Bondi about the 2020 elections. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) bafflingly asked Bondi if Trump was eligible to run for another term To summarize, this was an absolute disgrace. Next was Senator Alex Padilla's (D-CA) turn to be outclassed by BondiSen. Richard Blumenthal, who famously falsified his military record, attempted to grandstand before Bondi and failed.Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) bafflingly asked Bondi if Trump was eligible to run for another term Both Republicans and Democrats behaved predictably and viewers learned nothing. This raises questions about the process itself. Why should Senators who receive mandates from half of their state be allowed to obstruct the choices of a president who received a national mandate? Let's look at a state Trump won but elected Democrat senators. The state of Arizona is a perfect example, which President Trump won, but which has two Democrat senators. What have the Senators been up to? Here's Arizona Senator Mark Kelly slandered Pete Hegseth during his exchange. Here's the other Arizona senator, Ruben Gallego, who seems to be against the deportation of illegal immigrants. Both senators are likely to vote against Trump's nominees. Won't this undermine Trump's Arizona mandate? The Senators did receive a mandate from Arizonans, but to make laws and not to undermine the vote they gave to President Trump. Let's think of a hypothetical scenario where Democrats had an overwhelming majority in the Senate. They wouldn't have rejected most of Trump's nominees which would undermine Trump's mandate. Another reason to abandon this confirmation phase is that cabinet secretaries aren't policymakers, all they can do is advise the president on policy. Their function is to execute the president's vision for the nation for which he received a mandate. They are subordinates who are supposed to follow orders. They are supposed to run their department efficiently to implement the president's policies. The only vetting needed is for a criminal record and conflict of interest. In parliamentary democracies, the head of state, the prime minister, appoints his cabinet without any confirmation. A Senate confirmation may work for judicial appointments since those are lifetime appointments and because their rulings can change the course of the nation. But the problem isn't necessarily about the idea behind confirmations, but rather the way is being exploited. Ideally, this phase should be like a panel interview, i.e., a thorough and fact-based probe of the nominee. Unfortunately, Senate confirmation and hearings have devolved into amateur theatrics and partisan skullduggery. The fact that the nominees usually have prolonged meetings with Senators before the hearing makes the process even more gratuitous. If transparency is the aim, the entire meeting should be broadcast. Why would these meetings be reduced to staged time-restricted interactions that prevent thorough answers and follow-up questions? The content of the exchange also makes the phase pointless, some questions are often on disproven claims, irrelevant topics, and voyeuristic curiosity. Let's remember the individuals who were confirmed in the recent past. The likes of Attorney General Merrick Garland, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, etc. aren't even fit to manage a weekend picnic. We must also remember that the confirmation phase can also be circumvented. When Susan Rice withdrew her Secretary of State nomination, Obama appointed her National Security Adviser, which does not require Senate confirmation. The idea of Senate confirmation hearings was conceived in an era when D.C. had honor and when Senators wanted the best for their country. As we all know, that era is now in our very distant past. The current display is focused on creating a viral moment on social media which improves career prospects and facilitates fundraising, all of this at the expense of an individual who has stepped up to serve their country. It is time to rethink, and perhaps even DOGE, this phase. Image: Screen shot from YouTube video Americas higher education system is in freefall, for young adults are indoctrinated, not educated. It doesnt have to be that way. Imagine you are a mouse in the corner of the conference room when the Board of Trustees of a small Midwest college trying to bring education back to the classroom conducts its monthly meeting. The chairman of the board gavels the meeting open, looks around the room with a grave countenance, and offers brief introductory remarks. We meet today in an atmosphere of crisis, with which I know you are all familiar and which we have discussed in depth at past board meetings. This crisis is the widespread crisis of confidence in the value of higher education in general and, more specifically, in the value of a diploma from our college, whether seen through the publics eyes or through those of our students, their parents, and their future employers. The focus of todays meeting is to determine what action we shall take to weather this crisis. Our college president and I have had numerous discussions over the past several weeks, and he holds some definite ideas regarding the course of action appropriate for us to take at this time. I have invited him to share his ideas with us today. For that purpose I give you now our college president. Image by Grok. The college president arose from his chair and walked briskly to the speakers podium, scanned the room with a smile, and began his talk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for that introduction. I assure you and all the members of the board that my remarks today will be brief and to the point. Our objective as an institution of higher education must be to prepare our students for the various roles in life they may undertake, including the roles of citizen, parent, scientist, engineer, educator, and whatever role of productive work they may elect. Most specifically, we want our students prospective employers to feel a warm glow of confidence in applicants' competency and reliability when they see our college cited in a resume. To reach this objective during the current crisis we must boldly seize the initiative and undertake two fundamental changes to our college culture and curriculum. First, we must rescue our beloved institution from the death grip of the Woke ideology by obliterating all vestiges of that ideology from our campus. The Woke obsessions with race, gender, and sexual identity must end. To be sure, there will be some drama among faculty and staff as we divest the college of those obsessions, joining Toyota, Ford, John Deere, Lowes, and many others in the long and growing list of our students future employers who have repudiated the Woke ideology. However, notwithstanding the drama, this struggle must be won for the future of our students and our college. Second, there are specific upgrades that must be made to the course offerings and graduation requirements of four specific curriculum departments. (1) English: Reinstate grammar, reading, and writing, and add speech with an emphasis on diction. Employers want workers who can read English with understanding, write English competently, and speak English fluently with correct and understandable pronunciation. (2) Philosophy: Make Introduction to Logic a graduation requirement, including a section on the logic of science. Employers want employees who can marshal arguments supporting or opposing measures under consideration with plausible grounds and conclusions. (3) Mathematics: Require every student to take algebra through pre-calculus. In addition, those getting business, social science, and statistics majors must also take an additional calculus light class. Employers want employees capable of following the argumentation of basic algebra, elementary calculus, and statistics. (4) Political Science: Make American Government a graduation requirement. The course must be redesigned to go far beyond the shopworn how a bill becomes law. The redesigned course must give students a full understanding of how our national, state, and local governments work and of the individuals role as a citizen. This course must present the Teutonic origin of self-government, trace the history of the English Common Law, present the American post-declaration adoption of the common law as our fundamental law, and explain the legal nature of our federal republic. Finally, we must regard it as probable that the process of implementing these changes will bring to light other changes that highly recommend themselves. When confronted with this reality, we must not shrink from further innovation. The Board, which cared about the college and its students, responded to these recommendations with rousing applause. During my police career, there was no such thing as DEI. We were happy to hire police officers of either gender and of any race so long as they were well qualified. Nobody got or kept their job because of their gender, pretend gender or race. In fact, anyone claiming to be trans would have been very unlikely to have made it past a written application on account of mental incapacity. To be sure, a wide variety of wildly unqualified people applied, but none made the grade. It would seem since 2012, that was not the way things worked with the FBI, the agency that would have us believe it is the worlds premier law enforcement agency. As I noted in Taking the DEI out of the FBI on January 7, DEI, established in 2012 during Obamas term, has been rampant in that agency, forcing obviously incompetent, even dangerous, DEI hires on qualified and capable FBI field offices, people who cant be fired despite, among other failings, being functionally illiterate. Now were learning the FBI isnt firing incompetent and dangerous DEI hires, but it is, at the last minute before Donald Trump takes office, shutting down its DEI apparatus: The FBI has closed its DEI office, Fox News can confirm. "In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024," the agency told Fox News Digital on Thursday. The agency didn't specify why it had closed the office, although many Republicans have been critical of it prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion, saying that had overshadowed national security. The FBIs DEI focus became an embarrassment the FBI couldnt hide when after the Islamist attack on New Orleans on New Years Day, an Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Office, a young, black woman resplendent in a nose ring, claimed the attack had nothing to do with terrorism, a nonsensical proclamation the FBI had to walk back within an hour. That apparent DEI hire was replaced by a Deputy Director from the DC office who looked like an FBI supervisor and flew in as fast as he could. The FBI page on diversity and inclusion that was still on its website as of Thursday says the agency is "committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. In 2015, the FBI added diversity as one of the organization's core values. It continued: "We believe that differences in thought and belief, in race and religion, in orientation, and in ability contribute to more effective decision making, drive innovation, and enhance the employee experience. We know that a more diverse workforce allows us to connect with and maintain the trust of the American people. We also understand we have work to do. We stand committed, as todays FBI, to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity." Interesting that the FBI, most obviously during Bidens handlers term, didnt much care for diversity of thought and speech among Normal Americans. So, the FBI is supposedly shutting down its DEI efforts, but are they, like most other government agencies, merely rebranding those organizations and shifting their DEI employees to those rebranded cells? Former Special Agent Nicole Parker notes theres a lot of rebranding to do: Parker also noted that there are numerous other groups within the FBI aside from the DEI office, including the American Indian and Alaska Native Advisory Committee, Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee, Black Affairs Diversity Committee, Bureau Equality, Hispanic Advisory Board, Near and Middle East Advisory Committee, Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and the Women's Advisory Committee. And thats not all. There are other resource groups: ...including Blacks in Government, FBI African American Millennials, FBI Family, FBI Jewish Americans, FBI Latinos for Empowerment Advancement and Development, FBI Pride, Federal Asian Pacific American Counsel, Federally Employed Women The FBIs attempt to hide its DEI focus has an obvious motivation: The scramble to hide evidence comes as President-elect Donald Trumps transition team has begun gathering names of senior officers who pushed DEI. One source familiar with the plan told Breitbart News that an executive order has been drafted to create a panel to recommend those senior officers for elimination and that the EO is definitely going to Trumps desk. Noting the FBIs attempt to avoid scrutiny, President-elect Trump issued this demand: Graphic: Truth Social Screenshot Its clear Trump is determined to eliminate DEI in the federal government, and also eliminate those responsible for allowing it to degrade the focus and effectiveness of those agencies, including the FBI. Its also highly likely the shredders at FBI headquarters have been working overtime from the moment Trump was elected. With any luck, Mr. Trump will ensure the FBI is returned to a law enforcement and national security focus, and those responsible for damaging it and America through DEI, or trying to hide their DEI involvement, will soon be looking for honest work. On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Western Europe is squandering its Enlightenment. It appears dead set on returning to darkness (emphasis on dead). Consider this: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is apparently onboard with threatening to arrest Americans -- thousands of miles away across the Atlantic Ocean -- if they dare to criticize, or even speak of, the Pakistani/Muslim rape gangs that have been assaulting the little girls of his nation for many years now. Can anyone, or anything, be more batsh*t crazy than that? Starmer is apparently the product of modern-day public schooling and has forgotten that Englands erstwhile colonies declared independence way back in 1776. He may also be unaware that, though England still has a king, he does not have power over the rest of the world -- and, also, he isn't one, anyway. Nonetheless, the prime minister is on record as essentially saying that those criticizing the actions and policies of his government will face the full force of the law. He stressed that the criminal law applies online as well as offline. Britains police, Home Office, National Crime Agency, and Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) are all working to ensure people are prosecuted for online criminal activity, according to reports. And these unapproved online comments may lead to prison time, if Englands finest have their way. When science is used to quell inquiry, dissent, and speech, a nation is effectively done for. Starmtrooper should focus on trying to keep England from further sliding into irrelevancy, rather than on antagonizing what turned out to be the best friend and partner it has ever had. If British citizens -- like those of California -- weren't lobotomized by progressive propaganda and enervated by a creeping Marxism, they would force the crazy treasonous moron to resign. London's Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told Sky News back in August that British officials would not only be cracking down on British citizens for unfavored commentary on the anti-rape gang riots then occurring in the United Kingdom but would go after American citizens as well. Rowley stated, "We will throw the full force of the law at people. And whether youre in this country committing crimes on the streets or committing crimes from further afield online, we will come after you. Who the hell does he think he is? Does he think Rule Britannia is still a thing and that the sun never sets on the British empire? And that it is now a Marxist police state? (O.K., that last part seems accurate.) As it happens, I myself have written several pieces extremely critical of British politicians malfeasance as regards these rape gangs. Am I to be on the receiving end of British justice? Excuse me, there is someone at my door. I see a couple of black Rolls-Royces bearing Union Jacks in the driveway. Wonder what they want? If so, bring me my guns. There are reasons we once revolted against this crew. They called it the American Revolution. Image: Liz West, via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 Deed The anticipation of President Trump's inauguration has driven the highest hopers and the biggest haters off the deep end. That doesn't happen for insignificant events, particularly if they involve Joe Biden. So here we are with President Trump's inaugural plans, according to the New York Post: President-elect Donald Trump started his official return to Washington Saturday afternoon to prepare for his historic inauguration. The Republican, along with wife Melania and youngest son Barron, waved to a crowd of supporters as he boarded a US military airplane supplied by President Biden in West Palm Beach, Fla. His daughter Ivanka, 43, and her husband Jared Kushner, 44, were spotted boarding that aircraft Saturday afternoon. Trumps arrival marks the start of a weekend of preparations for his Monday inauguration, which is set to take place in the Capitol Rotunda for the first time in 40 years due to extreme cold weather conditions. No detail is too small in the report, such is the public interest. What's gotten people rattled though, is that they made the common-sense decision to move the event inside the Capitol rotunda, owing to the icy cold weather out in Washington: #BREAKING: President Trump explains that the Inaugural Address and Swearing In Ceremony has been moved inside the Capitol Rotunda due to temperatures and windchills dipping to "severe record lows." Charlie Kirk Reads the official Letter from Donald Trump regarding why he pic.twitter.com/MIkuVAaQiU Culture War (@CultureWar2020) January 17, 2025 Which is sad for all the attendees, many of whom spent thousands of dollars to come to Washington for the big event, lots of them little guys. Preparations, after all, had been made: Imagine being the guy who just set up 100,000 chairs on the National Mall and they announce theyre moving the inauguration indoors pic.twitter.com/ddH1k4tBYT Geiger Capital (@Geiger_Capital) January 17, 2025 But cold is genuninely risky, and more people die of cold than heat. You don't want out-of-town families with little kids out in that kind of weather, sitting and freezing, especially if they aren't used to it and don't have proper cold weather gear. Here is the latest update on the 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump. Officially, due to severe cold weather, the ceremony has been relocated to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The traditional Inaugural Parade along Pennsylvania Avenue has been canceled. Tickets issued for the outdoor Spence Rogers (@SpenceRogers) January 18, 2025 Instead of recognizing that it's cold out -- and maybe citing history of cold inaugurations that didn't end well -- ask William Henry Harrison -- Democrat operatives immediately decided it was because Trump feared the crowds would be too small. In '61, John F. Kennedy was Inaugurated on the Capitol steps, in windchills of 7 degrees. It was almost as cold for Obama in '09. In fairness, Trump IS more than 3 decades older than JFK & Obama were. Or did he just fear small crowds? pic.twitter.com/3TFJil3HqF David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) January 17, 2025 I guess Jerry Nadler's abundant absence would have left a hole in the crowd, right, Dave? It's ridiculous. Why would the Post be reporting the details of the inaugural in such detail -- who's coming, where Trump is staying, what his pre-event plans are -- if there was low public interest in the matter? Oh, and, Trump has a history of drawing crowds, particularly when he is winning. They also brought up the crowd-control incident on Jan. 6, 2021, and howled at the outrage of Trump walking back into that sacred institution. File under 'barf alert.' On the right, there is concern that security would be inadequate, which, given the history of Trump's security and the history of all the fringe leftists who's made strikes against Trump, the last one less than three weeks ago in Las Vegas, is a valid concern, but it doesn't entirely cancel out the weather concerns. When the decision was made to move the event inside, the jockeying among the Washington denizens was so intense to get a seat inside that the Trump team made this announcement: BREAKING: ONLY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND SENATE WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE ROTUNDA FOR TRUMPS SWEARING-IN. @thebeaudavidson pic.twitter.com/Hhq0YAza2F Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) January 17, 2025 BREAKING: Only members of US House & Senate will be allowed in the Rotunda for Trumps swearing in. Something is definitely going on, the only question, what is actually going on here? pic.twitter.com/29WMW5meJX Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) January 18, 2025 Paranoia for some runs deep: RUMOR: The Secret Service cannot guarantee the president-elect's safety and has cancelled the swearing in ceremony at the Rotunda. They are considering cancelling the watching party at Capital One Arena. The post inauguration events have not been cancelled. These 'rumors' are not pic.twitter.com/dfGZyshOa2 @amuse (@amuse) January 18, 2025 The U.S. Secret Service has expanded their Initial Security Perimeter around the National Mall and other Sites in Washington D.C. for the Inauguration on Monday of President-Elect Donald J. Trump. This comes as Rumors arise that the decision to move the Inauguration from outside pic.twitter.com/8OzD2Y9aQA OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 18, 2025 Susan Crabtree at RealClearPolitics credibly tied the matter together with her sources, showing that weather, combined with history and security concerns do coincide: Decision to Cancel Outdoor Inauguration Events -- Weather or Security Related? + other Security Concerns: Over the last 24 hrs numerous colleagues and friends have asked me what Secret Service sources are saying about the cancellation of outdoor events for President-elect pic.twitter.com/I6HBkAcmrD Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) January 18, 2025 It makes sense. Now there's talk that the event will be moved to the White House. Like a lot of us, that's fine, so long as it's done. We just want Trump safely in office. Let's pray for his safety and the well-being of those who in good faith came to see the inaugural of the century. It wouldn't be such a story if Trump's return weren't so intensely wanted by so many people. Image: Screen shot of meme from X T S Elliot wrote The Hollow Man 100 years ago, in 1925. It encapsulates so much of whats wrong with us: This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends Not with a bang but a whimper. In losing our core American ethos, our end appears much closer than our commencement. Its not preordained, though. We still have a chance to reverse our slide through the application of will sufficient to overcome both bureaucratic inertia and the Deep States tendency to fight change that threatens its existence. Perhaps Trumps most challenging task will be to reverse the damage done by 65 years of government unionization. The unionization of the government workforce has led to inefficiencies, divided loyalties, and complicated management processes. Most succinctly, unionization moved We The People into third place behind the unions and their government overlords. When John F. Kennedy unionized the federal workforce, the governments bad traits became protected activities. Like tenured school teachers and professors, federal government employees became empowered to wag their superior finger in the face of those who pay their exorbitant salaries and benefits without fear or consequence. Image: American Federation of Government Employees strike. AFGE. CC BY 2.0. Our government consists of ordinary people with the same vices, proclivities, and drivers that most have. Many who work in government like the collegial vibe, security, and remuneration of government work, which demands less on average and rewards more on average than the private sector. These factors make the government an ideal employer, engendering strong loyalty in the employees. That same loyalty means that government workers, rather than feeling honor-bound toward the taxpayers who fund their work, frequently develop an us against them attitude. With Trumps second term, however, federal workers, perhaps for the first time, are facing the possibility of being RIFED (Reduction in Force), which scares them. Good! President Kennedy unionized the federal workforce through Executive Order 10988. Its continued existence is not cast in stone. President Ronald Reagan was responsible for dissolving the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) in 1981 following a devastating strike that threatened to cause incalculable harm to the American economy. I could make the same argument today that the federal bureaucracy has run amok and is also causing incalculable harm to America. Reining it in would provide better service to our citizens while saving us tens of billions of dollars and de-politicizing the bureaucracy. That political aspect is significant, for federal employees made approximately 84% of their donations to Democrat party candidates in the 2024 election cycle. If I were President Trump, Id take my fellow Republican senators into a room, lock the doors, and remind them that only once in the last 30 years have the Republicans possessed the opportunity they hold at this moment. For those who have forgotten, in 1934, the most focused, disciplined leader in the Republican party in the last generation was Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, my Representative in Cobb County. Newts Contract with America was a brilliant masterstroke of marketing that resonated with the American people and bound Republicans to a shared vision, one that superseded a lot of the typical personal boosterism politicians employ to stand out from the crowd. We need that shared vision once again. That kind of vision is a powerful forceone powerful enough, perhaps, to end the government union hold over America. Lets grasp this rare opportunity. Its a chance to return America to its constitutional, small-government roots, made possible in part through the virtues of a non-partisan, responsive bureaucracy. Without the yoke of government around their necks, Americans fall in love all over again with what our Founders intended: freedom with responsibility, family, love of country, God-centered, and that shining beacon of light and hope that the entire world can aspire to. Thats a legacy Trump and all our fellow countrymen should be proud of. God bless America. Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com In 1973, Sen. Howard Baker Jr. (R-TN) asked a now famous question about Richard Nixon and the Watergate break-in: What did the president know, and when did he know it? If Speaker Mike Johnson is reporting accurately about a meeting with Joe Biden last year, the important question is, What didnt the president know, and when didnt he know it? Conservatives have been saying since the 2020 presidential race that Joe Biden was in the early stages of dementia. His performance during the Democrat party debates was dismal (who can forget his advice to parents that they should have the record player on at night for their children?), and his presidency was marked by one bizarre, disconnected, blank-minded gaffe after another. By March 2021, six weeks after Bidens inauguration, Sally Zelikovsky already had enough material to say with confidence that Joe was in the early stages of dementia. In the years since then, American Thinker and other conservative outlets have hammered home that point, only to have Democrat politicians and media figures assure us that he was as sharp as a tack. Image by Andrea Widburg That lie imploded when Donald Trump turned to Biden after the latter gave a particularly bafflegab answer during their one debate and said, I really dont know what he said at the end of that sentence. I dont think he knows what he said either. The Emperor stood naked before America. What was obvious to conservatives all along and became obvious to the rest of America was that Joe Biden was not running his administration. Instead, unknown people were calling the shots. A recent meme perfectly illustrates what happened during the Biden administration: Heres a closeup of that last row: Now, Speaker Johnson reports on a very disturbing interaction he had with Joe Biden roughly a year ago, shortly after Biden issued an executive order announcing a temporary pause on pending decisions on exports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to non-FTA countries until the Department of Energy can update the underlying analyses for authorizations. It was only thanks to a judge putting a pause on the pause that LNG exporters were saved. Moving forward, President Trump promises to reverse the executive order entirely. According to Mike Johnson, though, Biden never intended to pause LNG exports. In the video below, Johnson describes his increasingly desperate efforts in early 2024 to meet with Biden about a national security issue. Eventually, Bidens praetorian guard allowed Johnson into Bidens presence. However, the guard refused to leave until Biden finally gave the nod, at which point they reluctantly filed out. Once alone with Biden, Johnson quizzed Biden about the pause on LNG exports. Shockingly, Biden had no idea what Johnson was talking about, although the conversation occurred a mere three weeks or so after Biden issued the order: Speaker Mike Johnson reveals just how out of the loop and cognitively impaired Joe Biden was as President after meeting with Biden and discussing his LNG Executive Order: Biden was not lying to me. He genuinely did not know what he had signed. Scary. pic.twitter.com/Clbytug8e3 Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) January 18, 2025 ...I said, Mr. President, thanks for the moments. You know, this is very important. Ive got some big national security things I need to talk to you about that Ive heard, and I think you know, and what do you do, but first, real quickly, Mr. President, can I ask you a question? I cannot answer this for my constituents in Louisiana. Sir, why did you pause LNG exports? I dont understand. Liquefied natural gas is in great demand by our allies. Why would you do that? Cause you understand, we just talked about Ukraine. You understand youre fueling Vladimir Putins war machine because theyve [our allies] got to get their gas from him? And he looks at me, stunned, and he said, I didnt do that. And I said, Mr. President, yes you did, it was an executive order like three weeks ago. He said, No, I didnt do that, and he was arguing with me. I said, Mr. President, respectfully, could I go out here and ask your secretary to print it out? Well read it together. You definitely did that. And he goes, Oh, you talk about natural gas? Yes, sir. He said, No, no. You misunderstand, he said. What I did is I signed this thing [because] were going to conduct a study on the effects of LNG. I said, No, youre not, sir. You paused it. I know. I have the terminal, the export terminals in my state, I talked to those people this morning. This is doing massive damage to our economy...to our national security. It occurred to me, Barry, he was not lying to me. He genuinely did not know what he had signed. And I walked out of that meeting with fear and loathing because I thought, We are in serious trouble. Whos running the country? I dont know who put the paper in front of him, but he didnt know. Aside from revealing how the American people were victims of a truly terrifying lie, one that goes to the very roots of our representative government, there are other things that need to be considered. Only the president has the power to do certain things, including issuing executive orders. Does the fact that Biden was so senile he had no idea what he was doing, allowing unelected shadow figures to push their policies through him, mean that all of his executive ordersor at least those since January 2024, should be declared void? Given all the actions that Biden (actually, whoever is pulling the strings) has taken since the election (and that hell probably still take tomorrow and Monday morning, given the chance), voiding his acts would be a good thing. Bidens orders in the last three months have been deliberately aimed at thwarting the will of the American people by making it impossible for Trump to fulfill his promises. If a few people can be guaranteed immunity for admitting that they knew all along that Biden was senile (and yes, it will be painful to give them a pass), perhaps Trump can start his administration with a clean slate. Under normal circumstances, the demise of Syrias dictator, Bashar Assad, would have brought Ankara and Jerusalem closer, given their mutual interest in the fall of Assad and the removal of the Iranian presence and influence in Syria. Israel was, in fact, a catalyst that enabled the rebel groups, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, to take Damascus. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) degraded Hezballah and weakened the Islamic Republic of Iran, which made Assads army incapable of fighting the rebels without the support from Iran, Hezballah, and the Russians (who moved their forces out of Syria to fight in Ukraine). Julani was therefore able to march into Damascus virtually unopposed. Israel and Turkey, however, are currently in the midst of one of their most bitter crises in their recent history. As an Islamist, and a leading figure in the Muslim Brotherhood movement, president of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is committed more to his Islamist ideology than to a realistic policy that seeks the betterment of Turkeys population. Erdogans abusive behavior toward Israel began at the Davos conference in February 2009, when he lashed out at Shimon Peres, Israels president, for launching the 200809 Operation Cast Lead against Hamas in Gaza. A year later, Turkey dispatched a flotilla led by the Navi Marmara to breach the Israeli blockade of Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Israels 2023 Iron Swords war, launched in response to Hamass unprovoked attack on Israel with the massacre of 1,200 mostly Israelis and civilians, and the kidnapping of 251 Israelis as hostages in Gaza tunnels engendered a vicious and antisemitic reaction from Erdogan. He has rallied the Muslim world to wage war on Israel, and Turkey has been active in denouncing Israel in international forums. Perhaps the one thing that no one expected to happen was Erdogans decision to sever trade and commercial relations between the two countries especially given Turkeys economic troubles. Erdogans ambitions are grandiose. He believes himself to be something of a caliph and sultan of the believers in other words, the leader of the Sunni Muslim world. And, in Syria under Turkeys control, he sees the beginning of the Neo-Ottoman Empire. Jerusalem views the rebels, including Julanis Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as agents of Erdogan, who funded them, armed them, and is using them as his new proxies in Syria. Erdogan might also demand military bases in Syria. For many in Israel, Turkey might become a new Iran by forming a Sunni crescent that would replace the Shiite crescent led by Iran. Such a Sunni crescent might eventually include Jordan. Israel must prepare itself for such a scenario a virtual border with Turkey in Syria. At the same time, we cannot and mustnt exaggerate the threat from Turkey. Turkey is a member of NATO and, seemingly, part of the Western alliance. Erdogan has a relationship with President-Elect Donald Trump. In fact, Trump called Erdogan my friend. Also, as far as we know, Turkey is not developing nuclear weapons. Hence, Turkey is not yet akin to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Turkey also differs from Iran, at least currently, in that there are no Turkish personnel in Syria. While Turkey, under Erdogan, is not exactly a Western democracy, and is more open than Iran, its leader is certainly an authoritarian figure. Finally, Turkey, despite its provocative anti-Israel stance and antisemitic statements, maintains political relations with Israel, although at a low level. It is hard to imagine what kind of Erdogan will emerge during the Trump presidency. Should Erdogan be allowed military bases in Syria, next to Israel, an explosive situation might erupt. Israels support for the Kurds and its call for Kurdish independence irk Erdogan. Members of the Turkish air force along with proxy forces of the National Syrian Army (NSA) have killed hundreds of Kurdish fighters and civilians. Erdogans lavish support of Hamas, a fellow Muslim Brotherhood branch, will keep relations with Israel tense, if not more volatile. Erdogan seeks to secure a new term in office in 2028, which would be impossible under the current constitution. He needs the Kurdish representatives in the Turkish parliament to amend the constitution for him to run and be re-elected. About 20% of Turkeys population is Kurdish. Erdogan is therefore seeking to improve his relationship with the Kurdish representatives in Turkeys parliament. Similarly, although Erdogans relations with Israel are currently in a deep freeze and may stay that way as long as the war in Gaza continues, he is known to make sudden, sharp political turns. Erdogans and his supporters statements about the liberation of Palestine have caused great concern in Jerusalem. Conversely, Turks consider Israels attitude toward Turkey a threat, including Israels support for the Kurds and the talk of strengthening relations with Greece and Cyprus. Turks are afraid that Israel is building an international coalition against them. Yet, even while political relations between the two countries dipped, the Turkish and Israeli militaries and intelligent communities have kept cordial, if not close, relations. The business communities in both countries likewise enjoyed close working relationships. And one can be sure that Turkeys businesses yearn for the return of Israeli tourists, bringing back the substantial lost revenue. The power dynamics between the two states have changed as well. Before the Abraham Accords, Israel was seen as fairly isolated, and thus it was more dependent on Turkey. Israels cooperation with Mediterranean and Arab Gulf states, and its recent military successes against Iran and its proxies, has changed the dynamics. Finally, the return of Trump to the White House may also be a positive factor for Israel in its dealings with Turkey. For now, however, Erdogan and Turkey appear to many Israelis as a potential existential threat, and the talk of a Sunni Muslim crescent has arisen in many quarters. Image: www.kremlin.ru via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Following the rejection of its requests by lower courts, ByteDance turned to the US Supreme Court to try to stop or delay the implementation of the anti-TikTok law in the American market. This was the last legal recourse the company could resort to. However, things have not gone well for ByteDance, as the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the US TikTok ban, to which Trump has issued a statement. The TikTok shutdown in the US is getting closer January 19 is the deadline set for the bill signed by Joe Biden in April 2024. Its noteworthy that, at the time, the bill had overwhelming bipartisan support. The majority of the US Congress considered the app to be a potential danger to national security. The DOJs arguments, which asserted that China could use TikTok to steal data from American users and manipulate young people through the content recommendation algorithm, successfully convinced them. However, in recent days, some US officials who supported the law have come out in favor of a deadline extension. Such is the case of Democratic senators Ed Markey and Chuck Schumer. Meanwhile, ByteDance said that it will close the app for the US market if a solution does not emerge. Its possible that this is an attempt to put pressure on US officials to change their minds. A report claimed that Trumps cabinet plans to offer a 60 to 90 day extension to TikTok via executive order. The original bill permits this if certain conditions associated with the companys ongoing sale process are satisfied. However, TikTok is still not for sale, says ByteDance, even denying alleged conversations with Elon Musk. So, it is still unknown what exact method the Trump administration will use. Trumps statement after the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the TikTok ban Donald Trump confirmed that the Biden administration left the implementation of the law in his hands. It ultimately goes up to me, so youre going to see what Im going to do, he said in an interview with CNN. Congress has given me the decision, so Ill be making the decision, he added. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP John McDonnell agreed to be interviewed under caution by police following a pro-Palestinian rally in central London on Saturday, it has been reported. The BBC first reported that Mr Corbyn, 75, the MP for Islington North, and Mr McDonnell, 73, who represents Hayes and Harlington, would be interviewed. The MPs, who were pictured at the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) protest on Saturday, both sit in Parliament as independents. The Metropolitan Police said three men, aged 75, 73 and 61, had agreed to attend voluntarily at a police station in central London to be interviewed under caution on Sunday afternoon. Mr Corbyn declined to comment when contacted by the PA news agency. Mr McDonnell has also been approached for comment. Nine other people have been charged with public order offences following the protest. The Metropolitan Police announced on Saturday that 77 people had been arrested the highest number across more than 20 national PSC protests since October 2023. Some 65 people were 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. The force said on Sunday that 24 people have been bailed and 48 remain in custody. Mr Corbyns brother Piers Corbyn, 77, of Elephant and Castle, south-east London, has been charged with a public order offence. The eight other people charged with public order offences are: Angela Zelter, 73, of Knighton, Powys; Tessa Roe-Stanton, 20, Starr Thomas, 20, Christian Adair, 23, all from Brockley, south-east London; Monday Rosenfeld, 21, of Limehouse, east London; Matthew Brennan, 44, of St George, Bristol; David Ok, 40, of Kilburn, north-west London; and Christopher Nineham, 62, of Bow, east London. They will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in the coming days, police said. Commander Adam Slonecki said: Yesterday we saw a deliberate effort, including by protest organisers, to breach conditions and attempt to march out of Whitehall. This was a serious escalation in criminality and one which we are taking incredibly seriously. Officers have worked around the clock to pursue those involved. Fianna Fail members will vote later on the draft programme for government for Irelands next ruling coalition. Party leader and deputy premier Micheal Martin will address the ard fheis conference in Dublin ahead of a debate on the proposed governance plan. The event is taking place just days before Tanaiste Mr Martin is due to become taoiseach for the second time. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, which led the last government in Dublin, are set to continue their coalition partnership, this time with the support of several independent TDs. Micheal Martin (left) is due to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as taoiseach on Wednesday (PA). The new administration will be formally appointed in the Dail on Wednesday if, as expected, the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael memberships ratify the programme for government. After weeks of negotiations following Novembers general election, the two parties put together a workable majority with the backing of the Regional Independents grouping of TDs and two independent TDs from Co Kerry, brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae. While Fianna Fail has organised a one-off conference to rubber stamp the programme for government, with the vote result to be announced on Sunday evening, Fine Gael is holding a series of five regional meetings, the last two of which will take place in Meath and Cork on Sunday afternoon. The results of the secret ballots held at the Fine Gael meetings will be announced on Monday. The 162-page programme for government, published during the week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardai among its priorities. Mr Martin is expected to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as taoiseach when the Dail meets on Wednesday. He will hold the premiers office for three years before it reverts back to Mr Harris for the final two years of the mandate. Mr Martins longer turn in the rotating taoiseach arrangement is reflective of the fact Fianna Fail emerged from the election with 10 more seats than Fine Gael (48 to 38). The ratification process is taking place amid a row over the prospect of some of the independent TDs who support the new government being allowed to take speaking time usually allocated to opposition parties and groups. New Dail Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy in her office at Leinster House (Brian Lawless/PA). Ceann Comhairle (speaker) Verona Murphy wrote to TDs on Friday clarifying that standing orders in the Dail parliament allow for the members of the Regional Independents group who are not government ministers or ministers of state to be part of a technical group on the opposition benches. 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. Both Sinn Fein and Labour have described the prospect of TDs who negotiated the programme for government availing of opposition speaking rights as a farce. Ms Murphy has asked TDs who do not agree with the advice she has received to make submissions outlining a proposed alternative process. The Irish President has rejected calls from Israels outgoing ambassador to the country to cancel a planned speech to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day. Dana Erlich accused Michael D Higgins of making anti-Israeli statements and said he should stay away from the event planned for the Mansion House in Dublin next Sunday in light of the concerns of the Jewish community. In December, the Israeli government announced plans to close its embassy in Ireland as it accused the Irish government of antisemitic rhetoric and pursing extreme anti-Israel policies. The move came after Ireland formally recognised the state of Palestine and amid moves by the government to ban imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In response to the Israeli governments move, President Higgins said it was a deep slander and gross defamation to accuse Irish people of being antisemitic and said it was part of a pattern to damage Ireland. Israels ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich accused Michael D Higgins of making anti-Israeli statements (Niall Carson/PA) In an interview with the Independent on Sunday newspaper, Ms Erlich said Mr Higgins presence at the memorial event would overshadow it. The fact that, right now, we are not talking about the event, but we are talking about his presence. I think it distracts from the event, she said. If there were many events it would have been different, but I think the president has many opportunities to speak about and echo his opinions I think on that event it should be something solemn, focusing on Holocaust remembrance, Holocaust education, and preventing antisemitism from rising again. In response, a statement on behalf of President Higgins said: All of President Higgins statements will show, through this work in politics and as President, that he has again and again strongly condemned antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism. Evidence of this is clear on the public record, in print and on the public website of the President of Ireland. Throughout his life, President Higgins has stressed the importance of values that respect the fullness, importance and dignity of all of humanity in its diversity. Included in the Presidents statements is, for example, the clear suggestion that any targeting of Jewish or Israeli people in Ireland is completely wrong and should be addressed immediately by the State and non-State actors. The statement went on to highlight public comments in which the president had expressed support for the Jewish community. It continued: As to the horrific circumstances of the present, the President has strongly expressed the hope that a hostage release and ceasefire agreement such as will bring the release of all hostages and an end to the horrific loss of life and destruction which has taken place can be agreed, and his hope that it can be the beginning of a meaningful discussion and sustained diplomatic initiative from the international community to bring a lasting peace and security to Israel, Palestine and the greater region a peace for which so many have hoped for so long. The President received an invitation from Holocaust Education Ireland to address what it an important, solemn and public occasion commemorating a genocide which we must never forget and from which we must learn the National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration, which will take place in the Mansion House on 26 January. This will be the seventh time that President Higgins has accepted an invitation and spoken at this event. Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin said it was right that President Higgins addressed the event. I think the presidency is the highest office in the land and I think our president is a very wise, well-rounded individual, the Tanaiste told reporters in Dublin on Sunday. He has studied politics and history, and I think he is in a position to deliver an appropriate and well-balanced contribution to that event. I think hes been consistent throughout his life in respect of being against antisemitism and being pro-tolerance and inclusivity, and so I do think its appropriate, as our head of state, that he would deliver that, particularly in the context of the world that we are in today. The last British hostage in Gaza has been released by Hamas after more than 15 months of captivity in what was described as ongoing torture for her family. British-Israeli Emily Damari was named as one of three hostages Hamas promised to free on Sunday after there were delays to a ceasefire deal which secured the phased release of those in captivity as well as a pause in the Israel-Hamas war. The 28-year-olds mother, Mandy Damari, who grew up in Beckenham, south-east London, has fiercely campaigned for her daughters freedom, and those close to the family have told of her unending torment. STATEMENT FROM ADAM ROSE AND ADAM WAGNER, LAWYERS ACTING FOR THE BRITISH HOSTAGE FAMILIES We are delighted that our client, Emily Damari, has finally been released, after over 15 months of captivity by Hamas terrorists. We cannot wait to meet her. We are thankful to everyone Adam Wagner (@AdamWagner1) January 19, 2025 Lawyers for the families of British and British-linked hostages confirmed the news of Ms Damaris release. In a post on X, Adam Wagner and Adam Rose said: We are delighted that our client, Emily Damari, has finally been released, after over 15 months of captivity by Hamas terrorists. We cannot wait to meet her. We are thankful to everyone who has played parts in campaigning for her release, including the British government who have provided support over the past 15 months. We request now that the family is allowed some peace and space. We continue to call for the speedy return of the other four hostages with strong British connections and for whom we act, Eli Sharabi, Yossi Sharabi (deceased), Oded Lifshitz and Avinatan Or, and of all of the other hostages. Two other hostages, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were also released and the trio are now in Israel. Emily Damari has been freed (Family/PA) Israel is expect to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners later on Sunday. Emily Cohen, who represents Ms Damaris family, said earlier in the afternoon: These final few hours have been the most agonising that you can imagine, after nearly 500 days of unending torment for Mandy and all the other families. She reiterated pleas to respect Mandy Damaris privacy, adding: I know she wants everyone to know how deeply grateful she is to the British public, MPs, football supporters and strangers from around the world, who have been praying and campaigning for Emilys release. Stephen Brisley, whose brother-in-law is also a hostage, bonded with Ms Damaris family over their shared experiences, and said he cried when he saw she had been named as one of the hostages to be released. Mr Brisley, who is originally from Bristol but lives in South Wales, told the PA news agency: Im not ashamed to say that I shed more than a few tears a couple of hours ago when it was confirmed, particularly that Emily was coming out, because I have that personal connection with Mandy, her mum, and have spent time with her and with members of her wider family, her aunt and uncle. Mandy Damari has campaigned for her daughters freedom (Jonathan Brady/PA) I know what this means to them, and so Im incredibly pleased and joyous for them. The release of the three hostages marks the first step in a ceasefire deal that UK politicians have described as fragile. Cabinet minister Darren Jones said the UK is hopeful about the ceasefire, but added: Theres much more work to be done. Asked how confident he is that it will hold, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury told Times Radio: Were certainly very hopeful. Its great that weve gotten to this position where a ceasefire has begun. Clearly its fragile, clearly theres much more work to be done. We want the hostages released back to Israel, for the fighting to stop, as we said, from the very start of this conflict. Then the most immediate priority will be making sure that the aid that has been put together is able to be released into Gaza to support the people who desperately are in need of it. Emily Damari was taken by force from her home on October 7 last year (Jonathan Brady/PA) Then we have that small window of opportunity, that hope that we might be able to get all the parties around the table once again, to focus on a permanent, two-state solution that could prevent this type of war and terrorism from returning to the region in the future. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urged all parties to stick with the plan that has been outlined. She told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News: The three hostages, Emily is clearly one of them, and her mother, Mandy many of us have met Mandy, we know the family but just the sheer anxiety and apprehension that theyll be feeling, its just extraordinary. Dame Priti went on to describe the ceasefire deal as vital, adding: All parties are calling for it. Countries are calling for it. Theres a lot of hope that is really linked to this new deal and framework. I think everyone will urge both sides to stick with the plan that has been outlined, recognising its difficult, its very sensitive. We need to see the hostages released in this first phase, others to come out and clearly then work together in a constructive way for a better future for the region. The last remaining British hostage in Gaza has been named by Hamas as one of three people set to be released on Sunday, after 470 days of captivity in what has been described as ongoing torture for her family. A ceasefire deal, which promises the phased release of hostages as well as a pause in the 15-month Israel-Hamas war, was delayed on Sunday morning but came into force at 9.15am UK time. The agreement came into effect after Hamas named three hostages it plans to release from 2pm UK time, including British-Israeli Emily Damari. The 28-year-olds mother Mandy Damari, who grew up in Beckenham, south-east London, has fiercely campaigned for her daughters freedom, and the release of all Israeli hostages. Emily Cohen, who represents the family, said in a statement how deeply grateful Mandy Damari is to the British public, MPs and football supporters for supporting calls for her daughters freedom. Emily Damari has been in captivity for 470 days (family handout/PA) Ms Cohen said: These final few hours have been the most agonising that you can imagine, after nearly 500 days of unending torment for Mandy and all the other families. Obviously this is amazing news for Mandy and Emilys entire family, but she will only believe it when she actually gets to see Emily alive and give her that hug shes been dreaming of. Given how unbearable the last few hours have been, and the rollercoaster of emotions, please respect Mandys privacy at this very critical time. I know she wants everyone to know how deeply grateful she is to the British public, MPs, football supporters and strangers from around the world, who have been praying and campaigning for Emilys release. Stephen Brisley, whose brother-in-law is also a hostage, bonded with Ms Damaris family over their shared experiences, and said he has heard they are excited and encouraged. Mr Brisley, who is originally from Bristol but lives in South Wales, told the PA news agency: Im not ashamed to say that I shed more than a few tears a couple of hours ago when it was confirmed, particularly that Emily was coming out, because I have that personal connection with Mandy, her mum, and have spent time with her and with members of her wider family, her aunt and uncle. I know what this means to them, and so Im incredibly pleased and joyous for them. Mandy Damari has campaigned for her daughters freedom (Jonathan Brady/PA) Weve heard from them via our legal team, who have been representing all of the British or British-linked hostages, just to say obviously theyre excited and encouraged thats me paraphrasing but obviously its what theyve been waiting for. But similarly, the same as the rest of us, theyre tempering that with, lets wait until shes on Israeli soil and in the hands of the medical professionals before getting too ahead of themselves. We know that she was shot in the original attack, so we dont know what her physical state will be, let alone her mental state after all this time. A lawyer for Ms Damaris family told of the unimaginable position they have been in. Adam Rose told Times Radio: I visited Emilys little house on the kibbutz, bullet-ridden and burnt, last January and its pretty unimaginable to think the terror she went through and the ongoing torture that her family has been put through for 470 days, almost 500 days now. He said he has warned her loved ones to prepare for the worst. He told BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: Our advice has always been until somebody is in your arms and being hugged and theyre alive and well, you have to assume that nothing is happening. And, I suppose, prepare for the worst. But hopefully Emily is well. Hopefully Emily will come out this afternoon. Hopefully shell be given medical care and then shell be hugged. The families of other British-linked hostages wait to hear about their loved ones. Mr Brisley, whose brother-in-law Eli Sharabi was on the original list of 33 hostages to be released in the opening phase of the ceasefire deal, described the prospect of waiting to hear news as an exquisite torture. He told PA: As we understand it, if the deal progresses as its supposed to then Saturdays will be release days, so we should hear by the Friday whether Eli is to be released. So its an exquisite torture. Every week its going to be counting down to Friday afternoon to see whether Elis name is on the new list of those to be released and then either crushing disappointment or tempered joy. Mr Brisley and his family do not even know whether Mr Sharabi is still alive. London-based film-maker Sharone Lifschitz said she knew her father, Oded, was alive in Gaza in late October 2023 but has heard no news of him since. He was frail and he was shot in the hand, she told BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg. His chances are not great but we will know. Emily Damari was taken by force from her home on October 7 last year (Jonathan Brady/PA) She reacted to the news of Ms Damaris expected release, telling the programme: Its incredible to imagine that Emily will be hugging her mum Mandy today. Thats wonderful. Two other hostages, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher, are set to be released on Sunday. The UK Government welcomed news of Ms Damaris expected freedom, with a Foreign Office spokesperson adding: We stand ready to support her upon her release. They also said: We urge both sides to implement all phases of the deal in full and for all hostages to be returned. Politicians described the situation in the Middle East as fragile. Cabinet minister Darren Jones said the UK is hopeful about the ceasefire, but added: Theres much more work to be done. Asked how confident he is that it will hold, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury told Times Radio: Were certainly very hopeful. Its great that weve gotten to this position where a ceasefire has begun. Clearly its fragile, clearly theres much more work to be done. We want the hostages released back to Israel for the fighting to stop, as we said, from the very start of this conflict. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said the UK is hopeful about the ceasefire (Ben Whitley/PA) Then the most immediate priority will be making sure that the aid that has been put together is able to be released into Gaza to support the people who desperately are in need of it. Then we have that small window of opportunity, that hope that we might be able to get all the parties around the table once again, to focus on a permanent, two-state solution that could prevent this type of war and terrorism from returning to the region in the future. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urged all parties to stick with the plan that has been outlined. She told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News: The three hostages, Emily is clearly one of them, and her mother, Mandy many of us have met Mandy, we know the family but just the sheer anxiety and apprehension that theyll be feeling, its just extraordinary. Dame Priti went on to describe the ceasefire deal as vital, adding: All parties are calling for it. Countries are calling for it. Theres a lot of hope that is really linked to this new deal and framework. I think everyone will urge both sides to stick with the plan that has been outlined, recognising its difficult, its very sensitive. We need to see the hostages released in this first phase, others to come out and clearly then work together in a constructive way for a better future for the region. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said the ceasefire deal marks a crucial step towards ending the devastation of the conflict since October 2023. Micheal Martin has vowed to prove the naysayers wrong and show that Irelands next ruling coalition can deliver on its ambitious programme for government. The Fianna Fail leader, who is poised to become taoiseach for the second time on Wednesday, bemoaned what he described as negativity around the new government before it has even been formally appointed. Irelands deputy premier was commenting ahead of a vote by his partys membership to ratify the draft programme for government he has agreed with Fine Gael and several independent TDs. Mr Martin was given a standing ovation as he was introduced to the ard fheis conference in Dublin ahead of the party faithfuls internal debate on the proposed governance plan. The event is taking place just days before the Tanaiste is due to become taoiseach again on Wednesday. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, which led the last government in Dublin, are set to continue their coalition partnership, this time with the support of a number of independent TDs. The new administration will be formally appointed in the Dail on Wednesday if, as expected, the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael memberships ratify the programme for government. After weeks of negotiations following Novembers general election, the two parties put together a workable Dail majority with the backing of the Regional Independents grouping of TDs and two independent TDs from Co Kerry, brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae. While Fianna Fail has organised a one-off conference to rubber-stamp the programme for government, with the vote result to be announced on Sunday evening, Fine Gael is holding a series of five regional meetings, the last two of which will take place in Meath and Cork on Sunday afternoon. The results of the secret ballots held at the Fine Gael meetings will be announced on Monday. Mr Martin insisted the coalition would be judged on actions and not words as he addressed the media ahead of the ard fheis. Its an exciting day for the party in launching and in approving an exciting and comprehensive programme for government, which reflects the mandate we received during the last general election, he said. It will deal with the critical issues and challenges facing the country, and will also protect Irelands future, both economically and in terms of our position within the European Union and in the context of the geopolitical turbulence that is impacting on countries all over the world. Its very ambitious, but again, like all programmes for government, its the actions of government and the delivery by government is what really will matter. Theres a certain negativity has emerged in terms of the commentary on this government. Its as if certain people are disappointed with the result of the general election. And I picked that up from the day of the election count itself, when I observed various columnists and media analysis almost bemoaning the fact that those who got elected to form a government got elected to form a government. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and deputy leader Jack Chambers during the Fianna Fail ard fheis conference at the Radisson Hotel, Dublin (Gareth Chaney/PA) The fundamental point is action does speak louder than words ultimately, and if you look at the last government, for example, some of the more radical things we decided on were not in the programme for government. Mr Martin said the government would be robust in responding to its critics. The Government isnt even formed yet, hasnt been approved by the Dail, and the naysayers are out in large numbers, he said. Our job will be to prove them wrong over the next five years. The 162-page programme for government, published during the week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardai among its priorities. Mr Martin is expected to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as taoiseach when the Dail meets on Wednesday. He will hold the premiers office for three years before it reverts back to Mr Harris for the final two years of the mandate. Mr Martins longer turn in the rotating taoiseach arrangement is reflective of the fact Fianna Fail emerged from the election with 10 more seats than Fine Gael (48 to 38). Micheal Martin is set to become taoiseach for the second time on Wednesday (Gareth Chaney/PA) The ratification process is taking place amid a row over the prospect of some of the independent TDs who support the new government being allowed to take speaking time usually allocated to opposition parties and groups. Ceann Comhairle (speaker) Verona Murphy wrote to TDs on Friday clarifying that standing orders in the Dail parliament allow for the members of the Regional Independents group who are not government ministers or ministers of state to be part of a technical group on the opposition benches. 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. Both Sinn Fein and Labour have described the prospect of TDs who negotiated the programme for government availing of opposition speaking rights as a farce. Ms Murphy has asked TDs who do not agree with the advice she has received to make submissions outlining a proposed alternative process. Asked about the controversy, Mr Martin claimed the public were not excited about the issue. Theyre clearly TDs that are supporting the government, which has happened in the past by the way, he said of the group. Its not for me to adjudicate on that. Thats a matter for the Dail itself. Im a member of government, and Ill assess the situation and form my own opinion in terms of the legal precedents that apparently may be there. Im just saying that the public arent as excited about an issue like that. The public are interested in the fundamentals that are facing us in terms of critical challenges facing this country. Dom Sylvester Houedard in 1964. Photograph: Clay Perry, England & Co The typewriter drawings of a British Benedictine monk in the swinging 60s are so startling they deserve a sheaf of exclamation marks (although he himself barely used them). Dom Sylvester Houedard (1924-92) was always sparing with the punctuation, and so modest of spirit that on his artworks his name invariably appears in lower case. Sometimes it is typed in a vertical configuration dsh running down the page like a tiny Japanese inscription. Which is apt, for all of dshs typewritings amount to a foreign language. Which is to say that although his works are composed of the letters and punctuation marks of an old manual Olivetti, they are not meant to be read so much as viewed. And what you see, on the framed A4 pages he liked to use, can be almost entirely abstract. A shifting pattern of dots, whirling constellations of commas, a vibration of hyphens that is something like visual interference. There is a beautiful work in the Estorick Collection in which a dense field of oblique strokes is interrupted by a single line of brackets, running diagonally up the sheet, which might be read as a ripple in water or time. Marks not bound by word, sentence, rhythm or line, they are simply beautiful images in their own right What is so surprising is the way Houedards images hold the page so powerfully as to suppress all curiosity about which letters he is using. A figure seems to be walking upstairs, or perhaps it is downstairs. There is no figure; there are no stairs. In fact there are only innumerable hyphens. But so superb, and subtle, is the configuration of all these fractional lines that it seems as if someone is ascending, or descending, through a body of air. Only imagine how on earth Houedard did this. He is not drawing with a pencil, painting with a brush, or etching with a needle. The interplay between his fingers pressing down on the keys, turning the page this way and that and the final image on the wall is frankly fantastical. It requires him to establish every mark in his minds eye, long in advance of typing. The obvious, if remote, analogy is with weaving on the warp and weft of a loom. Take a beautiful work in this show (as so often, untitled). Three overlapping discs shimmer like planets seen through mist. The effect is at first purely visual: of a glimmering and filmic translucency, ultimately evocative of moonlight. And the method may appear entirely simple. Lines of intermittent length, and stepped positions, reach across the page: it might almost be a drawing. But each line is composed of complex variations of typewriter keys hyphens, underscores, equal signs, and a most refined overlay of full stops. And Houedard uses black over blue, here and there, to deepen or darken the light. The artist, who spent most of his life at Prinknash Abbey in Gloucestershire, with sporadic trips to the London gallery scene, was a theologian and poet as well as a monk. He is shown here within the context of concrete poetry. There are word works by Ian Hamilton Finlay, Bob Cobbing and Edwin Morgan alongside, and they all have in common that notion that the form of a poem its typograph structure and appearance could carry as much impact as the words themselves. Cobbings 1967 Chamber Music, with its dozen starbursts of words, perfectly regular at a distance, explosively disparate on closer inspection, is a famous instance. But listen to it as an archived performance and it is immediately apparent that the sound was easily as significant as the visual arrangement. And so it seems with the opening room of this fascinating show, which is dedicated to the ultra-radical word works of the futurists in prewar Italy. Here is Filippo Tommaso Marinettis shrieking manifesto, with its bold, upper case exclamations, and the marvellous graphics of the slogan Parole in Liberta (words in freedom) as they appeared in newspapers and magazines. Letters making faces, buildings or planets, snaking round and round, clambering up and down pyramids. Everything is urgent, emphatic, gunfire-direct; black on white, these words dazzle and shock, and one can imagine them shouted in blasts. But they are, fundamentally, written words. Whereas Houedard is making something more enigmatic and silent, often and evidently contemplative. Some of his works feature only one dot, repeated in spirals that seem to expand the space of the page. Others have spiritual titles, referring to the religions of India or ancient Greece. i see my typestracts as icons depicting sacred questions dual space-probes of inner & outer, he wrote in 1972. But they might also be viewed like cloud-tracks & tide-ripples bracken-patterns & gull flights or simply as horizons & spirit levels. Houedard could be droll and epigrammatic. A work titled elitist observation (no capitals, no quote marks) presents a vertical polyhedron bearing down on a flattened blue counterpart, at a distinct angle and in abrasive scarlet. You get the point, so to speak. Indeed it is wonderful to see how brilliantly Houedard deployed the limited colours of Olivetti ink ribbons, in juxtaposition, alone or in overlay. He even used the soft and slightly blurred register of carbon copies to introduce a more ancient or spectral appearance. Collages, cut-ups and concrete poems: dsh made them all at one time or another. But the works in this show are more original and austere. Marks not bound by word, sentence, rhythm or line, they are simply beautiful images in their own right a constant interplay between mind, hand and eye; between man and typewriting machine. Chrystia Freeland holds a press conference in Ottawa, Ontario, on 16 April 2024. Photograph: Sean Kilpatrick/AP Chrystia Freeland, Canadas former deputy prime minister, kicked off her bid to lead Canada by boasting: Donald Trump doesnt like me very much in a campaign video that quickly went viral. For Freeland, who led Canadas re-negotiation of the North American Free Trade agreement (Nafta) with the United States and Mexico during Trumps first term, video of Trump disparaging her for being a tough negotiator is a selling point. Trumps plans to impose massive tariffs, and open musing about incorporating Canada into the United States, has stirred nationalist resentment across the political spectrum in the country, with even the Conservative leader of Ontario, Doug Ford, recently photographed wearing a Canada Is Not For Sale cap. Continuing the theme, Freeland said later in the video that Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader she would face as Liberal party leader in a general election this year, would bow down to Trump, and sell us out. Freeland, a former journalist who also led Canadas tough trade talks with the European Union, in English and French, made her anti-Trump humblebrag the centerpiece of her case to French-speaking Canadian voters as well. Both the English and French versions of the campaign video amplify the patriotic theme by closing with a graphic that renders the candidates name as Free Land in the red and white of the Canadian flag, with the shadow of a maple leaf over the letter A. Visa office Companies should be forced into bidding wars for visas to stem unskilled migration, a think tank has said. A report for Policy Exchange by a former director in the Home Office has proposed a cap on the number of visas to maintain the downward pressure on net migration. It hit a record high of 906,000 in the year to June 2023 but is now falling due to measures introduced under the Tories. Former senior civil servant Stephen Webb, now head of government reform at Policy Exchange, said this should be combined with auctions of visas at regular intervals during the year to combat the current systems dependency on low skill, low productivity labour. An auction process will enable the most efficient allocation of a limited number of visas towards employers who really need them, either because of the value they can add, or because of the severity of the skills shortage they would address, he said. This would replace the current rag-tag of special arrangements for different skill areas, leaving only a limited number of categories not driven by economic needs. He said employers currently paid very little to sponsor workers, typically 1,000 in the first year. Auctions would not only raise cash for the Government but also force employers to consider whether it would be cheaper to employ and train a British candidate instead. He proposed an annual cap of about 5,000 visas for overseas doctors and 8,000 for nurses a third of the current total with the proceeds from auctions recycled into the health service. Foreign students would face similar caps and auctions. Foreign visa holders should also be forced to pay sureties on arrival in the UK which they would have to forfeit if they overstayed, Mr Webb suggested. The number of people overstaying their visas is a major source of illegal migration. Illegal migrants on Ascension Island Countries which failed to take back illegal migrants from the UK should also face the withdrawal of visa rights and UK international aid to help boost returns. As an alternative to the Rwanda scheme, Mr Webb said illegal migrants should not be allowed to settle in the UK, but should be transferred to safe accommodation on Ascension Island, a British overseas territory in the south Atlantic previously floated by ministers as such a holding centre. He also urged the Government to seek radical reform of the European Convention on Human Rights, which has restricted deportations. Failing agreement at Strasbourg, the Government could either leave, or consider creating with allies an alternative court to deliver a strict reading of the original, he said. In a foreword to the report, Alexander Downer, the former Australian foreign minister, said: You cannot look at the position we have now reached with Strasbourg rulings, described in this paper, and think the status quo is satisfactory. A British government will have sooner or later to get control of the immigration program. If they fail to do so, we can be sure populists and extremists will get elected who promise to do it. Hamas fighters escort a Red Cross vehicle to collect Israeli hostages It was well known that Hamas supporters both in Gaza and their useful idiots in the West would use the ceasefire with Israel to their own propaganda advantage. But even tonight, during the hostage exchange and release, grim footage is being circulated purporting to show Hamass strength through cruelty. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher are the first of the hostages mercifully now safe in Israel. But as their unimaginably horrific 471-day ordeal was coming to an end, some Palestinians were openly waving Hamas flags, jeering and whistling aggressively during their return. Fighters carried rifles and declared victory. Such scenes illustrate the harsh reality we already knew. Having spent 15 months hiding beneath hospitals, in underground tunnels dressed as civilians, at times dressed as women, Hamas fighters now emerge, safe in the knowledge that, whilst the IDF may have left the Strip, the terrorists have not. Critics of Israels just war routinely declared that a professional army cannot destroy an ideology and that to crush Hamas militarily would not bring an end to its spread. But look at the destruction of Isis, which was not achieved through a ceasefire. The eradication of al-Qaeda was not achieved by ceasefire. Military destruction requires a 50 per cent casualty rate to have been inflicted on the enemy. This can broadly be applied to Hamas, who have seen half of their fighters killed or wounded. But they can rearm and regroup an ambition that will be facilitated by this brazen, intimidating marching on the streets of Gaza. Soon after the ceasefire was announced, eliciting immense relief that those held captive after October 7 would be returned to their families, doubts began to creep in over what it would mean for Israel. Up to 30 Palestinian prisoners will be released per Israeli hostage. Hamas has been handed a legitimacy they lacked before. Israels strategic aims have not been reached. Genocidal ideologies must be crushed through isolation, containment, and attrition. As the hostages were handed by Hamas to the Red Cross, a crowd of several thousand reportedly surged forward to surround them. The fighters protecting the swarmed convoy had to force people back. It was the image that made painfully clear: Israel has not yet slain this monster. Itamar Ben-Gvir. His departure does not mean the collapse of Benjamin Netanyahus Right-wing coalition - ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Israels national security minister quit the Cabinet on Sunday over the ceasefire with Hamas, labelling the deal a catastrophe. Itamar Ben-Gvir had threatened to leave on Thursday after details of the agreement with the terror group were announced. The deal will see almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners released during phase one of the ceasefire, in return for 33 of the 97 Israeli hostages held in Gaza. While his departure does not mean the collapse of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus Right-wing coalition, the move leaves the premier with just 62 seats in the 120-seat parliament, in which he must maintain the majority. Mr Ben-Gvir criticised the conditions of the reckless deal, which he said includes the release of thousands of terrorists, 737 from Israeli prisons, mostly incarcerated on terror charges, and 1,167 detained during Israels ground operations in Gaza. If the war against Hamas resumes with full force toward achieving its decisive goals and objectives that remain unmet, we will return to the government, he said after his resignation. Mr Ben-Gvir, himself charged eight times for offences that include racism and supporting a terrorist organisation, has long stirred anger across the region by his defiant visits to the holy Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, one of Islams most sacred sites. He has now called on Betzalel Smotrich, the Right-wing finance minister, to follow him. However, while Mr Smotrich has also criticised the deal, on Sunday, he warned that the overthrow of the government would inevitably lead to a halt to the war and open the door to the countrys more centrist and Left-wing parties. He said: The Left would provide Netanyahu with a safety net for a few months, only in exchange for a commitment to continue with the remaining stages of the deal and end the war without destroying Hamas and overthrowing its rule in Gaza, referring to Yair Lapid, the Opposition leader, and Benny Gantz, the National Unity party leader. On Thursday, amid the threats from Mr Ben-Gvir, Mr Lapid, who has called for Israels longest-serving PM to step down in the wake of the war, said old rivalries would be swept aside for the sake of the ceasefire deal. I say to Benjamin Netanyahu, dont be afraid or intimidated, you will get every safety net you need to make the hostage deal. This is more important than any disagreement weve ever had, the Yesh Atid leader said. Mr Gantz, Israels former defence chief, also gave his backing on Tuesday, saying the return of the hostages must come before anything else, voicing support for Mr Netanyahu to push ahead with the deal in spite of resistance from the coalition. Reaching a plan to return our abductees is a supreme value and a strategic necessity failing to return them and abandoning them is a national catastrophe. The state camp will give full political backing to the plan for their return, he said. On Sunday, Mr Smotrich said the risks associated with not ensuring the hostages return, would be far greater for Jews around the world than going ahead with a deal which has a clause giving Israel the right to resume fighting. Oct 7 was the most deadly single day for Jews since the Holocaust with at least 1,100 mostly civilians killed and over 250 more taken hostage. Beyond the great risks of releasing terrorists, returning Gazans to the northern Gaza Strip, etc, the greatest strategic damage in this deal lies in the fact that the message it resonates with is that kidnapping Israelis brings the State of Israel to its knees. This is a danger to every Jew around the world. The only way to repair this damage and turn the deal into a tactical loss in battle rather than a strategic defeat in war is to return to fighting until Hamas is destroyed, he added. Bezalel Smotrich criticises the deal - Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg Last week, the Tivka Forum of Hostages Families also criticised the deal. This deal leaves dozens of hostages behind in Gaza. It also sets the stage for the next massacre and future kidnappings of Israelis, they said in a statement. Mr Netanyahu has long felt the fragility of the coalition in which Mr Ben-Gvir has frequently caused friction at home and abroad with Israels allies. In May, Mr Ben-Gvir criticised Joe Biden when the US president threatened to withhold military aid if Israel invaded Rafah, writing on X, formerly Twitter, that Hamas loves Biden. The series of flare-ups led Mr Netanyahu to bring back an old political rival, Gideon Saar, in September. The two fell out four years ago and former Likud member Mr Saar never since found the success of his days alongside Mr Netanyahu heading a small conservative party. The agreement saw Mr Saar become a minister without portfolio, an opportunity to revive his political career amid hopes to one day be the next PM, while expanding Netanyahus majority coalition to 68 seats in the 120-seat parliament. Organisers hoped to draw around 50,000 people to the protest, but the number was likely closer to 25,000 - Benedict Smith Shortly after Donald Trumps inauguration eight years ago, half a million people headed onto the streets of Washington DC to protest the new president. Now, as Mr Trump prepares for his return to office, an attempt to repeat the event and stir up mass resistance to the Republican fell flat. One unimpressed attendee described it as disappointingly tiny, while another said turnout was unfortunate. For an event that billed itself as the Peoples March, not a lot of people ended up marching. Protesters lined the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday to listen to speakers who branded Mr Trump a Nazi, condemned the evils of colonisation, and declared that anti-Semitism had been weaponised. The location, which faces onto the Washington Monument and beyond that, the rotunda of the US Capitol where the president-elect will be inaugurated on Monday, was unquestionably busier than usual. But compared to the Womens March of 2017, which is estimated to have drawn three times more people than the audience for Mr Trumps first inauguration, it was positively serene. Its disappointingly tiny the energy is very different this time, a woman handing out a communist newspaper to the dwindling crowds told The Telegraph. As she spoke, one of a succession of speakers who had been charged with geeing up the audience called Mr Trump a fascist and announced: We will not be silent. She got a limp cheer from those still hanging about by the frozen waters of the reflecting pool. About halfway into the speeches, an abortion rights sign that had been folded in half and thrown into a bin could be seen. Next to it, in a second bin, was a Peoples March sign. An abortion rights sign was thrown into a bin - Benedict Smith Even a Ben & Jerrys tent the liberal ice cream company sponsored the event where treats were being handed out seemed to be struggling to boost numbers. Renato Terramore, a street theatre performer dressed in a blue dressing gown and keffiyeh, said the crowd seemed to be about 10 times smaller than the 2017 march. That was amazing. It was so packed. You could not move I stood in one place for a couple of hours, people were jammed against me, he said. This ones smaller than that one. Mr Terramore, wearing a papier-mache hat in the shape of a dead fish and a pair of John Lennon-style glasses, said he was in favour of deporting Mr Trump to Germany because they have a lot of neo-Nazis. His familys from Germany originally. Deport him back there - he wants to deport immigrants, get rid of him number one, he said. Renato Terramore held a sign saying Deport Trump back to Germany - Benedict Smith Mr Terramore was not the only attendee who had a radical plan to stop the Republican taking the oath of office just days later. Glynis McCorkle, a vet who said she was there to support the cause of peace and love, called the 78-year-old president a bigot and said he should be castrated. I am really, really worried that Donald Trump has been elected president, she said as she left the protest early, awkwardly navigating amongst the others also heading for an exit with a pair of eight-foot wings strapped to her back. Vet Glynis McCorkle, who wore a pair of wings strapped to her back, said she was worried about Mr Trumps election win - Benedict Smith Gary Lin, a former computer programmer waving the Stars and Stripes alongside a rainbow flag, said the event was not as big or proud as the one eight years ago, and suggested that Mr Trumps re-election had not caused the same shock to the system. In 2016 against Hillary Clinton, the Republican won the electoral college but lost the popular vote. Against Kamala Harris he swept both. Mr Lin said the low turnout was unfortunate but that it did not mean that hardly anybody is concerned, adding: I think its just that theyre going to do their resisting and protesting online, at home. Organisers had hoped to draw around 50,000 people to the protest on Saturday and have not yet released their estimates of how many appeared. Police expected the number to be closer to 25,000. Whatever the real figure, it will likely have been boosted by several baffled Trump supporters wandering into the crowd, having arrived in town for the inauguration on Monday. Merchants laden with anti-Trump merchandise some of it recycled from Mr Trumps first term in office also wove amongst the audience, dragging a trolley of their wares behind them. Merchants were selling a range of anti-Trump merchandise - Benedict Smith At the start of the demonstration, they were charging $15 for a T-shirt. By the end, you could pick one up for a third of the price. Get your f your Trump right here, one man yelled, displaying a board full of badges bearing the slogan. F your Trump, five dollars! In just a matter of hours, Mr Trump will take the oath of office for a second time and will move back into the White House. By that point, his protesters will have moved on, the Peoples March will be a dim memory, and the merchants will be selling Trump inauguration T-shirts instead. Oldies were keen. Strangely, so were 43% of 16 to 24-year-olds, according to one poll: peacetime conscription in the UK, which ended in 1960. Photograph: Adrian Flowers In 1970, 10 years on from the last National Service callup, long hair and less discipline were the order of the day. Cold War tension continued but, on the home front, three in five adults favoured the return of National Service. The last callup was remembered as having straightened out the non-conforming elements, wrote Alan Road in the Observer on 18 November 1970, serving as a kind of vast borstal institution for those whose only crime was youth. They learned to salute anything that moved and to paint anything that didnt Oldies were keen. Strangely, so were 43% of 16 to 24-year-olds, according to one poll. But most conscripts saw little action and were subjected instead to what British journalist Gilbert Harding summed up at the time as a tedious, squalid and regimented discharge of an imaginary duty They learned to keep in step, both literally and metaphorically, and to salute anything that moved and to paint anything that didnt. After three years deferment, Fred Turner, 21, was the last National Serviceman to be called up. He reported for a two-year tour of duty on 17 November 1960. He recalls feeling browned off. Hed got married only a week before the conscript letter arrived. His wife, left with 5 a week to bring up their baby, had to claim National Assistance. Turner, who worked as a cook, is invited to go and visit his military haunts for the 10-year anniversary, including the School of Army Catering. Here, eclairs and flans have replaced semolina and fried eggs. Some National Servicemen won real medals and 350 died on active service Most of these were killed in Korea fighting with the UN force to defend a country that many of them had never heard about in their school geography lessons Others died in Malaya, Kenya or Cyprus defending they werent quite sure what. Fred Turner had been made to stay on for an extra six months because the Army couldnt manage without National Servicemen. Of course John Profumo, then Minister for War, put it a different way to parliament, blaming international tension and the transition to an all-Regular Army. For Turner, the extra stint For Turner, National Service was a bombshell. As for other conscripts, today surprisingly few seem to regret it. Pension funds now have cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, in their portfolios. Pension funds are known to be quite conservative. Pension funds, therefore, diversified their portfolios and started putting small percentages of their investment in Bitcoin as a result of the tremendous growth potential and volatility in the market that this cryptocurrency offers. This is how pension schemes integrate Bitcoin and how this impacts retirement savings. Pension Funds Finally Dip into Bitcoin In general, pension funds are considered conservative so this means they only have a low-risk appetite. However, the cautious investors finally decided to start testing the water with Bitcoin due to the asset's remarkable growth in the previous years. According to Financial Times, two particular pension schemes out of Wisconsin and Michigan emerged as some of the biggest owners of crypto-based US stock market funds. Those dollars would then be reinvested in a regulated US exchange-traded fund, which watched the price of widely recognized cryptos like Bitcoins and Ethereum and their movements. Many conservative fund managers recently realized that prices of Bitcoin will go to very high levels even to $100,000 per unit in the year 2023. Record-Breaking Bitcoin Performance Drives Pension Funds This performance has been attributed to the rising popularity of Bitcoin among pension funds. For example, by the end of September, the Wisconsin State Investment Board had become the 12th largest shareholder in BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF with a stake valued at an impressive $155 million. Michigan has also made tremendous strides by becoming the sixth-largest holder in Grayscale's Ethereum ETF, valued at more than $12 million. These investments have become more valuable due to a 50% increase in Bitcoin prices over the past few months. The US is not the only country where pension fund managers are interested in Bitcoin. Pension funds in the UK and Australia have also allocated their funds. AMP, a major Australian pension fund manager, recently entered Bitcoin futures to boost returns on its portfolios. The Risks and Rewards of Bitcoin for Pension Funds Of course, investment in Bitcoin is also attractive because of the potential for high returns. Pension funds, however, are well aware of the volatility and regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies. Dangers were shown by past failures, like the collapse of the FTX exchange in 2022 when its investment worth $95 million was lost to the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan. However, the current crypto boom, fueled by the possibility of a pro-crypto US administration, has renewed interest in the space. With a potential doubling of Bitcoin's value, some analysts predict that the trend of pension funds investing in crypto will continue to grow. Conservative Approach to Bitcoin: Cautious But Curious Even as more people begin to take interest in Bitcoin, pension funds remain extremely cautious with regard to the cryptocurrency market. Several funds opt for investing in Bitcoin through ETFs or derivatives that provide access to the asset class without necessarily exposing themselves to the volatility associated with it. Pension fund managers have even begun establishing Bitcoin-specific funds that aim to address the demands of investors interested in exposure to crypto assets but at lower risks. Sam Roberts, director of investment consulting at Cartwright, notes that while the pensions industry has been "slow-moving," more pension schemes are considering crypto as a viable investment. In fact, Cartwright has been advising on Bitcoin allocations for smaller schemes, with some opting to allocate a portion of their funds directly to Bitcoin, in hopes of achieving better returns. While Bitcoin is still a speculative and volatile asset, the interest from pension funds is a sign that retirement portfolios are being managed differently. The growing adoption of cryptocurrencies by conservative investment bodies reflects their potential as high-return assets, despite the risks. So pension funds seeking to balance growth with stability are most likely to look further for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as part of their portfolios. Technology may mature and regulatory frameworks most probably change and develop, but crypto may indeed become a part of the pension strategy in the following years. Police were called to a home in Kingston Court where they found a woman with burns to her body. A 36-year-old man has been charged. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP A Queensland man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly setting fire to a woman in a horrific act of domestic violence in a home south of Brisbane. After being treated by paramedics at the scene in the Logan suburb of Kingston on Saturday morning, the 34-year-old woman was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Womens hospital in a serious condition. Police say she sustained serious burns. The 36-year-old Kingston man was charged with attempted murder on Saturday night, as well as common assault and breach of domestic violence. Police said authorities were called to the Kingston Court house at about 7.45am with reports of an altercation between a man and a woman, where they found the woman with burns to her body. They will allege the man had produced a lighter and lit [her] on fire. The property where the woman was found was declared a crime scene, police said, with secondary crime scenes at Gould Adams Park on Kingston Road and the Kingston train station. Police opposed bail and the man is expected to appear in Beenleigh magistrates court on Monday. Related: Wild NSW weather expected to ease as WAs Pilbara region braces for cyclone The Queensland premier, David Crisafulli, addressed the alleged murder attempt, telling reporters on Sunday that while the allegations may yet be contested before court, Queensland was in a state of sorrow for the young woman who remains in hospital. To everyone, to her family, to her neighbours, to the first responders, to every Queenslander: these are the kind of incidents that rock communities, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved, Crisafulli said. The alleged attempted murder came as the Queensland government announced a number of measures aimed at cracking down on domestic violence, including GPS tracking of perpetrators with a history of breaching domestic violence orders. The prevention of domestic and family violence minister, Amanda Camm, stood beside the premier at Parliament House on Sunday morning to announce that work had begun on that pledge the LNP government took to the October election, which it won on the back of a tough on crime campaign. Camm committed to rolling out 150 GPS trackers this year before meeting its target of up to 500 ankle monitors on the highest risk offenders in the state. It is used to really front-load the system to ensure that there are 24/7 eyes on perpetrators so that they know that there is constant accountability to their whereabouts, to their interactions with victims and to make sure that they are following the letter of the law, the minister said. She said the system was modelled on a Tasmanian program and would help Queensland police who were overwhelmed with the demand in domestic violence. Camm said the states DV connect crisis line was also not meeting the demand, with reports of calls going unanswered or not being followed up. The minister said she had commissioned a report into the service with an interim report due in March, as well as an expert panel to oversee and guide domestic and family violence reforms that sought to put a focus on perpetrators and perpetrator accountability. Marcus Rashford looks on during the UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United and PAOK in Manchester on 7 November 2024. Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA Ministers are to safeguard the Marcus Rashford-inspired scheme providing food and activities to vulnerable children during school holidays for another year, following concerns it could fall victim to a desperate search for savings across Whitehall. More than a million people signed a petition from the Manchester United star calling for the scheme after a huge grassroots campaign in 2020. The previous government eventually rolled out the 200m-a-year holiday activities and food (HAF) programme after pressure from Keir Starmer and his shadow ministers. Concerns over its future had been escalating in recent weeks. Funding was set to expire this spring, with local authorities left in the dark by the government about its future. Public health chiefs have been among those raising the alarm, warning that removing the programme would lead to greater poverty, hit school attendance and damage child nutrition. Among those who expressed concerns was Henry Dimbleby, the founder of Leon restaurants, who oversaw the previous governments national food strategy. The strategy included a demand for the national holiday programme. He told the Observer that axing it would have been a political miscalculation that would make the row over winter fuel payments look like a storm in a teacup. However, after the Observers inquiries about the programme, the Department for Education said that it was to be extended for another year. The existing Holidays Activities and Food offer is hugely valuable in making sure disadvantaged children get a hot meal and social activities during the holidays, a spokesperson said. The programme has had a huge impact on hundreds of children, which is why we are committing over 200m for the next year ensuring children have access to high-quality holiday clubs and food so they can achieve the best possible life chances. It comes as departments across Whitehall are expecting to be told to find savings at the forthcoming spending review, as chancellor Rachel Reeves grapples with tightening public finances. While spending limits have been set for the coming year, ministers have complained that it has become hard to make longer-term decisions about any programmes until a pivotal public spending review in June. Rashford, whose mother Melanie had multiple jobs to support her family during his childhood in Wythenshawe, Manchester, won national acclaim after campaigning for the school holiday provision during the pandemic. He said the programme was needed because he did not want any child to go through what I went through, and any parent to experience what my mother experienced. Activities arranged under the scheme have included a variety of sports, as well as crafts, photography, cooking, coding and drama. Hot lunches were included, with some providers opting to provide breakfast or dinners instead. Local concerns about the schemes future had been growing for weeks. A letter from Southwark council to youth service providers, reported by the London Centric website, said there was currently no indication from central government that more money will be made available. Arooj Shah, Labour leader of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and chair of the Local Government Associations children and young people board, said the programme had already proved highly effective, successfully reaching pupils who are persistent school absentees or at risk of absence. Councils cannot afford to replace this funding if it is discontinued and are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on the most vulnerable children in their communities, along with the risk of losing experienced staff without adequate time to plan ahead for future provision, she said. Extending this funding for at least another year would provide immediate certainty and safeguard valuable support and expertise. Shona Goudie, from the Food Foundation, said the programme had been one of the major successes of Marcus Rashfords campaign to end child food poverty that had become a lifeline to some of Englands poorest families. Beyond just providing critical nourishment, the scheme offers enriching activities to combat learning loss and provides childcare to help hardworking parents who cant afford to take time off work, she said. Benjamin Netanyahu made the warning in a televised address on Saturday 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Many people have clothes that they dont wear - Guerilla It is the unwanted experience that everyone has had at least once: opening a wardrobe full of clothes and finding nothing to wear. But new research suggests that we should all look again, because around a third of the suits, dresses, jackets and trousers carefully hung and folded for the next perfect occasion are not being worn at all. The study has found the scale of neglect of outfits equates to 439 worth of clothing effectively going to waste. While more than three quarters of people (77 per cent) have admitted that the reason for hanging onto unused garments is down to the hope they will make the perfect choice for an occasion in the future, one in five people (21 per cent) said they were too emotionally attached to pieces of clothing to let them go. The research, conducted by second-hand fashion platform Loopi, suggested the true scale of the issue means around 23 billion worth of clothes across the UK are left hanging and unused. It has sparked calls to get back on board with decluttering, as the poll found that 39 per cent of people feel relief, accomplishment, and happiness after doing so. Decluttering trend Decluttering was all the rage in 2019 when Marie Kondo, a Japanese organising consultant, shot to fame with her Netflix series Tidying Up, which encouraged people only to keep things that spark joy and saw fans around the world commit to getting rid of their unwanted goods. But those who struggle to part with their favourite outfit as ruthlessly as Kondo can take comfort in the knowledge they are in stylish company. Celine Dion once revealed she had a warehouse space filled with old outfits and 10,000 pairs of shoes as she cannot bear to let anything go, while Successions Brian Cox has admitted to having more clothes than his wife, saying it stems from insecurity following his impoverished youth. Catherine Zeta-Jones proved how useful it can be to hold onto a killer outfit, even if it goes unworn for years, when her daughter Carys Douglas celebrated her 21st birthday last year wearing the same pink slip dress the actress had worn to the 1999 MTV Movie Awards. One of the reasons people shy away from clearing clothes out is because selling them online feels more challenging than intuitive. A third of people said they wouldnt know where to sell anything, while others cited a lack of time or raised fears over being scammed, according to the poll. This is despite a boom in the second-hand clothing market, which was valued at 144 billion globally last year. Unnecessary stress Using online platforms to help declutter a neglected wardrobe is not always about money, said financial expert Makala Green: Its about clearing mental clutter and regaining control. Many of us hold onto unworn clothes simply because we dont have the time or energy to sell them. But this can lead to unnecessary stress, both mentally and financially. Keeping hold of clothes or even buying second hand to give garments a new lease of life can also be part of a commitment to properly re-use items instead of allowing them to gather dust, with the best examples often set by royalty. The Princess of Wales was once dubbed thrifty Kate by the tabloid press for her habit of rewearing outfits, with one favourite being a blue Stella McCartney shift dress that she wore on four occasions between 2012 and 2016. Prince William, who has made a habit of donning sustainable brands, has also been seen in vintage items. It is a far cry from the fast-fashion habits of many young shoppers known as serial returners, who often over-order clothes online with a view to returning the unwanted items. This sits alongside a rise of TikTok haul trends, where social media users post videos of themselves trying items on and asking viewers which items they should keep and which they should return, leaving retailers with billions of pounds worth of unwanted clothing, according to Retail Economics. Rachel Reeves will hold a series of private meetings with business leaders at the World Economic Forum - Kirsty O'Connor/Treasury Rachel Reeves will hold talks with allies of Donald Trump in Davos next week in an attempt to woo the new US administration. The Chancellor is set to meet business leaders including Larry Fink, the chief executive of BlackRock, who is known to have a close relationship with the incoming president. The Treasury said she would be telling global investors attending the World Economic Forums (WEFs) annual meeting that Britain was on the up and at the start of a decade of national renewal. The trip to Switzerland comes after a difficult fortnight for the Chancellor, during which her future has been called into doubt amid economic turmoil. Ms Reeves will hold a series of private meetings with business leaders on Wednesday and Thursday at the forum, which takes place every year at the Swiss ski resort of Davos. She will attend a round table organised by the financial services firm JP Morgan. Among those present will be Mr Fink, a trusted adviser of Mr Trump whose global investment management firm, BlackRock, has managed the president-elects fortune. Ted Pick, from Morgan Stanley, who has spoken highly of Mr Trumps pro-growth agenda of reducing regulation, will also attend. Ms Reeves will also meet David Livingstone of Citi, Filippo Gori of JP Morgan, along with representatives of Lazard, BNP, KKR and others. Elsewhere during her two-day stay she will hold bilateral meetings with Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JP Morgan and Jo Taylor, president of the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan. Mr Dimon is reported to have acted as a sounding board to Mr Trump over his economic plans. Mr Trump is due to make an online appearance at Davos on Thursday, three days after his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States. The Treasury denied reports that the Chancellor was not invited to public events on the WEF programme at which her Tory predecessor Jeremy Hunt made a speech last year. A spokesman for the Treasury said she was invited to make a speech but instead chose to focus her time on private events. Ms Reeves will however speak at an event called Country Strategic Dialogue with up to 100 global chief executives and business leaders, alongside a CBI lunch panel, a Wall Street journal event and Bloomberg fireside chat. The Chancellor will be speaking at a series of WEF-led events with top-level attendees from across business and government as well as attending a wide range of side events and meeting a wide range of CEOs and business leaders in bilaterals, the spokesman said. She wants the CEOs and global investors representing some of the biggest global companies to know that the UK is on the up. We have talented people, a stable economy and are already welcoming investors from around the world to our shores. We have begun a decade of renewal and now is not the time to miss out. Ms Reeves will also attend the informal gathering of world economic leaders at the event. She has been under fire over rising borrowing costs and sluggish growth, leading to predictions of deep spending cuts to bring the economy back on track. The Government came to office vowing to make economic growth a top priority. However, it has instead slowed sharply since Labour took power and there are growing fears of a possible recession this year. A raft of surveys have suggested falling confidence among businesses and households since Ms Reeves used her maiden Budget to unveil a record 40 billion of tax rises. State borrowing costs jumped earlier in January, amid fears that even this would not be enough to fund the Treasurys spending plans, and there is now speculation that the Chancellor will be forced to increase taxes or cut public services as soon as March to avoid breaking her own fiscal rules. Analysts at JP Morgan on Friday became the latest to raise the alarm, saying that Ms Reeves was facing a black hole of as much as 20 billion and would be forced to announce emergency measures in March. Last week, Downing Street was forced to clarify that she would be remaining at the Treasury until the next election, after Sir Keir Starmer refused to guarantee her position. On Friday she fought back, telling the BBC Im not going to let them get me down and vowing she was in the job for the long haul. On Sunday it was reported that Ms Reeves is looking to raid a sewage clean-up fund in a bid to claw back savings following a rise in the cost of borrowing. According to The Guardian, the Treasury is in discussions about keeping millions of pounds raised from fines levied on water companies that were earmarked for restoring Britains polluted waterways. The 11 million water restoration fund, launched by the last Tory government, was set up to help farmers, community groups and councils protect and improve the UKs rivers, lakes, and streams. But the Chancellor is now said to be looking at holding onto the money in an attempt to ease pressure on the public finances. It is likely to spark a backlash from environmental campaigners who have been assured by Labour ministers that they will tackle the sewage crisis head on. Tim Farron, the Lib Dem environment spokesman, demanded clarity on where the funding was going, saying: The Government must publish its plans for the water restoration fund now, to reassure the public that polluters fines will be used to restore clean water to Britain not to plug holes in the Treasurys purse. Asked about the Treasury potentially keeping the money from the restoration fund, a government spokesman told The Guardian: For too long, water companies have pumped record levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas. This Government has wasted no time in placing water companies under special measures through the water Bill, which includes new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against lawbreakers. Were also carrying out a full review of the water sector to shape further legislation that will transform how our water system works and clean up our waterways for good. Agreement with Switzerland Meanwhile, Britain has reached an agreement that will enable UK-qualified professionals such as lawyers and ski instructors to work in Switzerland. The UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement will mean Britons qualifications in more than 200 professions are recognised in Switzerland. Ms Reeves will be accompanied at Davos by Jonathan Reynolds, Business Secretary. As a resolutely pro-business Government, we want to make it as seamless as possible for UK businesses to operate abroad, Mr Reynolds said. With the UK and Switzerland being two global leaders in services trade, this agreement is testament to our unwavering commitment to economic growth. Emily Damari embraces her mother Mandy after being released as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal - AFP At 2.44pm this afternoon, I got a WhatsApp from Mandy Damari. It contained a single symbol: a yellow heart emoji. Oh, thank God. The yellow heart the same colour as the Bring Them Home hostage ribbons could only mean one thing. Mandys daughter Emily so cruelly taken, so desperately loved, so terrifyingly missed was safe and nearly back where she belongs. Every morning for 471 mornings, Mandy has woken up and said the same thing to her daughter: Keep strong and keep alive. You know I love you. Sending you a hug, a virtual hug. In the end, it would take one year, three months and 12 and three-quarter days for that hug to be delivered in person. Few reunions can ever have been sweeter. Or more filled with drama and elation: for Hamas, those monsters, told Emily that her mother and her brother were dead. Emily, the last British-Israeli dual-national hostage, was in the first batch of three to be released as part of the new ceasefire deal, which also sees the release of far too many Palestinian killers. The others are Doron Steinbrecher, 31, Emilys near-neighbour at kibbutz Kfar Aza (Dorons mother, Simona, is Mandy Damaris best friend) and Romi Gonen, a 24-year-old dancer who was kidnapped as she tried to flee the Nova music festival in a car with friends (all of them murdered). Along with more than a hundred other Israelis, the young women have endured unimaginable torment at the hands of Hamas in the dark, airless tunnels under Gaza. (Even in the very final moments of their captivity, as the traumatised trio were loaded into a minibus, the barbarians in their green headbands exulted in terrorising Emily, Doron and Romi with a show of force, guns held aloft while they shouted threats to the Jews.) Meanwhile, their families tried desperately to keep the faith that their girls would come home while Mandy and Romis mum, Meirav Gonen, and other parents campaigned to raise awareness internationally, often in the face of damning indifference and blatant anti-Semitism. Its very hard to breathe right now, Emily Cohen, who has represented the Damari family, told me at 10am this morning. Obviously, Emilys alive because theyre not going to release a dead hostage in the first round, but the past 24 hours have been so unbelievably tortuous with all the delays... Nobody wanted to get excited until she was actually free. Emily had been on the list to come out in November 2023, but there was a last-minute hitch and Hamas reneged on the deal. But, finally, this afternoon, there she was. It was Emilys face, Emilys dark hair, the bright, dark eyes she looked gaunter certainly but it was unmistakably her, getting out of the minibus and heading for the happiest word in this world: home. What an epic ordeal it has been. The last time Mandy Damari heard from her daughter was in a text at 10 past eight on the morning of October 7 2023. It contained a heart emoji. Emily, a famously strong and optimistic girl, told her mum she was petrified. Hamas terrorists had over-run kibbutz Kfar Aza, where the exceptionally close mother and daughter (Emily has My mum is always right tattooed on her right arm) lived two streets away from each other, and embarked on a merciless killing spree. The 27-year-old (she turned 28 in June) was shot in the hand, losing two fingers, and got shrapnel from a blast in her leg before being bundled into a car and taken over the border. Reports from hostages who were released back in November 2023 suggested that Emily started taking care of everyone. One freed young girl told Mandy that, every day, Emily used to wake up and start singing, Its a great morning. A really terrible song, her mother says, but it was Emilys way to get the group singing along and reassure the children. It took real character to be the one who sustained morale, and acted as a go-between with the guards, especially when conditions were so horrendous. Emily had lice in her hair and on her body. There was only cold water to wash in and a bucket to go to the toilet. And Mandy suspects that Emily must have met girls in Gaza who had been sexually assaulted because one released hostage recalled a conversation Emily had with a guard in which she said to him, You know what has happened to these women? You know this is not your religion why are you doing it? But understandably, there has been widespread rejoicing today, although more than 90 hostages still remain in dungeons with the monsters. There have been times when it felt like Israel would never get her hostages back. Last September, six young captives were executed in a tunnel under Rafah in southern Gaza with bullets to the back of the head. The appalling conditions in which they were held and the failure to broker a deal or a ceasefire to rescue them weighed heavily on all of Israeli society. It reopened agonising wounds barely scabbed over since October 7, and it brought further heavy criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. There was a bigger existential question: what country is Israel if rescuing her citizens is no longer a sacred duty? Mandy and Emily Damari on a video call with family members following Emilys release on Sunday To see Emily, Doron and Romi back with their beaming mothers, the women who fought like lionesses to get them home, is a starburst of pure joy. But this is not Walt Disney; happy endings can be complicated. The journey back to normality is hard and bumpy and many hostages have struggled, even gone under in the effort. Survivors guilt is intense. Some 62 people on the Kfar Aza kibbutz friends and neighbours of the Damaris were slaughtered on October 7. I visited the youth quarter where Emily Damari and the other young people lived so blissfully and it looked like a tornado had hit it; such a place of destruction and desolation. Emilys close friends, the twins Ziv and Gali Berman who lived across the street, are still held hostage, and they didnt even make the list of 33 to be released over the next few weeks. Why did I live when so many didnt? is one of the deeper questions Emily, Romi and Doron are doomed to ask themselves. But not today. Emily wont be the only one changed by this monumental experience. Her mother has morphed from a tiny kindergarten teacher who knows about potty training two-year-olds and had never done any public speaking to a fierce campaigner of real stature who can rebuke the Red Cross, the UN and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy for being entirely hopeless and negligent. Her beloved child, she saw quite clearly, was a pawn in a bigger political game. When I interviewed Mandy in December, she admitted she thought about what kind of state Emily would be in if she was released. Even for a strong person like Emily its going to be a lot. The conditions there are dreadful physically and mentally, well, its mental terror, isnt it? Its not like theyre in jail. They are in danger every second of their life. So what kind of toll is that taking on her brain? Mandy told me that when Israeli soldiers recovered the body of another young female hostage, Eden Yerushalmi, Hamas had starved her so she weighed 79lb - 22lb less than before her abduction. I mean, Emily was thin to begin with. She used to go running all the time so at least shes very fit, so maybe shed be OK. But the hostages were getting like half a pitta bread and a date to eat. They werent getting enough food definitely. So shes probably starving. Unbidden, Mandy came up with the most painful example of all. They came out of Auschwitz and they looked like skeletons. So it doesnt matter what Emily looks like. Well, it does matter. But, I mean, as long as shes alive, thats, you know, thats the hope - that shes alive. Well, after 471 days in hell she most certainly and miraculously is alive. And Emily now knows for sure that Hamas was lying: her mother is not dead. Imagine the relief. The politics may be ugly and complicated, but the human emotion is not. A glorious photo shows the pair at the reception centre, twined in each others arms smiling and talking on Facetime to one of Emilys big brothers. They look lit from within. A hundred years of worry and fear has fallen off Mandys face: she is a new woman. Every morning for 471 mornings: Keep strong and keep alive. You know I love you. This is not just an emotional homecoming, but a kind of rebirth. And the life she gave her child 28 years ago begins anew. Darlings of Chelsea says its strength is in customisation, offering bespoke sofas handcrafted to order in the UK. Entrepreneur John Darling moved house recently when his next-door neighbour asked what he did for a living. "It turns out that he sat on a Darlings of Chelsea sofa, so that was quite amusing," he smiles. Given that his semi-eponymous designer sofa and bed business has produced 140m in turnover since launching in 2005 celebrating its 20th anniversary this month there is a good chance another neighbour could be in possession of one too. Entrepreneurial spirit has been etched in Darlings DNA since growing up on a family farm in North Yorkshire. I bought an incubator, hatched out 20 duck eggs and started selling ducklings, he recalls. I also had 20 lambs at one point in the field and so I've always been dabbling. Read More: How Carolines Circuits became a midlife fitness empire After graduating from Newcastle University he moved to London in 2000 and started work for now-defunct search engine Excite, then as an affiliate manager for Debenhams, before launching his first overseas property business. Three years later, he ordered a sofa for his flat after a showroom visit and, six months on, was still waiting for it to arrive. They told me it was on the ship from China and to be patient. It just got me thinking, why is this just not made in the UK and shipped quickly?" John Darling founded Darlings of Chelsea after experiencing six-month wait for a sofa purchase. Darling researched suppliers and manufacturers, one in Manchester he still works with today, and then started selling online. I had a small office, put a few sofas in and called it a showroom, but really it was only an office big enough for three sofas, he says. People started turning up wanting to view and sit on them, so pretty quickly I had to get a proper showroom on a high street. It was popular from the start because I imagined other people had the same problem waiting for furniture that was coming from China and far-off places. Read More: The rise of Hair Syrup: 'I never set out thinking I would be the next LOreal' Darlings of Chelseas first shop was on Fulham High Street, while there are now branches in Surrey, Hertford and Birmingham. The business turned over 70,000 in the first month of trading and accrued close to 1m in its first year. Despite the initial uptick, Darling says being a sole founder was a big learning curve as he juggled sales, accounting, marketing and deliveries. Ive put my life and soul into building Darlings of Chelsea and played every role along the way, he admits. John Darling has experienced every facet of the business, including as delivery driver in the early days. It took Darling around 15 years to exit the operations side when he employed a COO for the first time, the business having already become a success online thanks to the founders digital advertising acumen from his days at Excite. During COVID, the brand invested 800,000 in augmented reality (AR) which meant customers could view sofas in their choice of fabric, style and colour from a 360-degree spin. Further, revenue has tripled in the last three years to around 20m after investing in AR. We're trying to make what is a big purchase as easily accessible as possible," adds Darling, "so you're now able to configure it so you can drop it into your space using your phone. Read More: How premium tea brand Birchall has shunned price war for quality Its a game changer which has made sofa shopping simpler than ever. Our returns rate definitely dropped once we introduced it because people aren't guessing as much. With Darling now employing 40 staff, the growing business has in recent years turned to a learning and development consultancy, eLamb, to help train employees. It is is like an online exam and helps you learn as you go, says Darling. There's multiple choice, there's videos to watch so when they go on the shop floor after week one they've got some knowledge about where the leather is made, how do you care for it, what colours go with what colours. With the introduction of augmented reality, Darlings of Chelsea tripled revenue in the last three years. We try to give them a bit of an interior design crash course and that helps when customers are asking those kinds of questions. The business also keeps in sync with Google trends and Pinboards for colours. Currently. recliner and deeper sofas are proving popular with consumers, while all of the products sold are handmade in the UK. We definitely shout about it now and we're asked about it more and more, adds the founder. I think it fits with the Darlings of Chelsea brand. It feels quite English. Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Authorities reinstall a statue of Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in Lima, Peru, on Saturday. Photograph: Alessandro Cinque/Reuters An imposing bronze statue of Francisco Pizarro, Perus Spanish conqueror, has been returned to a spot near its former location in Limas main square, 22 years after it was removed, in an apparent attempt to rehabilitate the conquistadors controversial legacy. Weighing 7 tonnes and standing 5 metres tall, the Italian Renaissance-inspired sculpture of Pizarro astride a horse with his sword drawn was re-inaugurated on Saturday as part of celebrations marking the 490th anniversary of the Peruvian capital citys foundation. The main square was closed off to the public and guarded by police as the statue covered in a white cloth was unveiled by Limas far-right mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga and the regional president of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso. The Spanish politician from the conservative Peoples party (PP) had been invited to the Peruvian capital to mark the citys anniversary. The symbolic vindication of Pizarro, the conquistador who led 167 Spaniards to defeat the Inca Empire, has provoked mixed reactions in a country still deeply divided along racial and class lines. Pizarro notoriously captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa in 1532 and held him to ransom until the room in which he was held was filled with gold and silver. He then had him executed the following year. After sacking Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire, Pizarro founded Lima in 1535. Originally known as the City of Kings, the city was the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty in South America until Perus independence in 1821. Related: Indigenous Americans demand a reckoning with brutal colonial history Speaking at the ceremony which was also attended by Pizarros descendants, Diaz Ayuso said the statue commemorated not only the birth of a city, but the beginning of a historic encounter that forever transformed the world. She added that the statues relocation meant the reunion of the statue of Pizarro with the historical heart of Lima and showed respect for the citys history. But a small group of protesters blew traditional Andean wind instruments made from conch shells and shouted: Out with Pizarro and genocide as the speeches were being made. Peruvians do not want it, said former presidential candidate Yonhy Lescano on Twitter/X. We admire Tupac Amaru, Micaela Bastidas [who led a rebellion against the Spanish in the 1700s] and other heroes. We stopped being a colony long ago. Steve Bannon at a Turning Point event in Detroit, Michigan, on 15 June 2024. Photograph: Rebecca Cook/Reuters Steve Bannon, the former Trump White House chief strategist, has described the tech titans gathering at Mondays inauguration as supplicants to Donald Trump making an official surrender, akin to the Japanese surrender to allied forces on the deck of the USS Missouri in September 1945. Bannon, who served as architect of Trumps 2016 presidential win but later fell out with the president-elect after he criticized his intellect and members of his family, told ABC News in an interview airing Sunday that Trump broke the oligarchs who had previously been aligned against him. Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Metas Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Googles Sundar Pichai and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew are expected to be at Trumps second inauguration, having already visited him at Mar-a-Lago. They, or the firms they founded or represent, have given generously to Trumps inaugural fund. Jeff Bezos came, Trump said last week. Bill Gates came. Mark Zuckerberg came. Many of them came numerous times. The bankers have all come. Everybody is coming. Bannon, who served four months in jail for defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating January 6, told the outlet that the tech power-players lined up after Mark Zuckerberg visited Trump and said he would attend the inauguration. Zuckerberg had previously barred Trump from Metas Facebook and Instagram after the 2021 US Capitol riots. Zuckerberg later said he was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming administration. Bannon said after Zuckerbergs visit, the floodgates opened up and they were all there trying to be supplicants. I look at this, and I think most people in our movement look at this, as President Trump broke the oligarchs. He broke them and they surrendered. Bannon added, with a laugh: They came and said: Oh, well take off any constraints, no more checkings, everything. I view this as September of 1945, the Missouri, and you have the [Japanese] imperial high command, and hes like Douglas MacArthur. That is an official surrender, OK, and I think its powerful, Bannon added. The comments come as Joe Biden warned that an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy and of the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a few ultra-wealthy people. But according to the White House archives, Biden had not uttered the word oligarchy in the context of American politics until last week. Progressive Democrats called out Biden for being an imperfect messenger having courted and relied on big-ticket donors during his 50-year career. Its cowardly that after representing the oligarchs for 50 years in office, he calls out this threat to our nation with just days left in his presidency, said Nina Turner, a national co-chair for the senator Bernie Sanders last presidential campaign. Biden, Turner added, enabled, benefited from and emboldened the system that threatens us all, while he will ride off into the sunset and wont feel the harms of whats been built. Bidens comments came in the shade of Zuckerbergs announcement that Facebook and Instagram were dropping their factchecking services and would rely on a system of community-contributed notes. Zuckerberg said the decision was made because Facebooks factchecking, brought in in December 2016, had done more harm than good in terms of public trust. The recent elections also feel like a cultural tipping point towards, once again, prioritizing speech, Zuckerberg said. So were going to get back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms. Biden hit back, calling the decision a really shameful choice. Zuckerberg also accused the Biden White House of pressuring Facebook to censor certain topics and posts, particularly around Covid vaccines. Basically, these people from the Biden administration would call up our team and, like, scream at them and curse, he told the podcaster Joe Rogan. It just got to this point where we were like: No, were not gonna, were not gonna take down things that are true. Thats ridiculous. Zuckerberg said he was not against vaccines per se. But he told Rogan that while the Biden administration was trying to push the Covid-19 vaccination program, they also tried to censor anyone who is basically arguing against it. TikTok stopped working in the US late on Saturday. Photograph: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock TikTok stopped working in the US late on Saturday, shortly before a federal ban on the Chinese-owned short-video app was due to take effect. The app was no longer available on Apples iOS App Store or Googles Play Store. The US Congress passed a law in April mandating that parent company ByteDance either sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face a total shutdown. It chose the latter. Related: US supreme court seems likely to uphold TikTok ban-or-sale law in hearing TikTok said that divestment is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally. The company held that line until the very end. The apps disappearance has been five years in the making. Donald Trump first proposed a ban on TikTok in mid-2020 via executive order, which did not succeed. Various members of Congress proposed measures that would do the same, only one passed. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act became law, mandating TikTok be sold or be banned. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, a message to users attempting to use the app said. TikToks attorney told the supreme court that the app would go dark on 19 January. After TikTok disappears from app stores, preventing new downloads and updates, it will gradually obsolesce while the ban remains in place. Without regular maintenance, the apps smooth functionality will suffer glitches and may become vulnerable to cyber-attacks. TikTok fought the act tooth and nail in court, arguing that blocking an app beloved by so many would violate their free speech rights, a losing argument. It seemed the bill might disappear before enacted, as a similar provision did in Montana, which banned TikTok within its borders in 2023, the first in the US to do so. The states law was overturned before it took effect. Two days before the deadline for ByteDance to sell the popular app, used by 170 million Americans, the US supreme court ruled that the law was constitutional and that its provisions should stand. Biden said he will leave enforcement of the bill up to Trump. The White House said in a statement on Friday that TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership. In response to the ruling, TikTok chief Shou Chew angled for the president-elect to save his app. On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States, he said in a video posted to TikTok. Trump tried to intervene on TikToks behalf in its supreme court case at the 11th hour, though he himself is the father of the ban. He took a shine to the app during his 2024 presidential campaign after finding a large audience there. He will be inaugurated on Monday and may order the justice department not to enforce the bill, though he said the supreme court decision should be respected. It is unclear whether he can totally circumvent a TikTok ban. Trump said on Saturday he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban after he takes office on Monday. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate, he told NBC. If I decide to do that, Ill probably announce it on Monday. TikTok users in the US have been defecting not to YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels, though both of those products will likely see a post-ban boost, but to Xiaohongshu, otherwise known as RedNote, a Chinese video-sharing app. As one user put it: Id drop-ship my DNA to the front door of the Chinese Communist party before I watch an Instagram Reel. Reuters contributed reporting Horny Americans are fleeing to TikTok to the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu, known to many as RedNote, where they are teaching users already there how to be thirsty. On TikTok, users creating videos showing off their looks are often referred to as "thirst traps," and leaving suggestive and flirty comments under those videos to convey that users are attracted to them are common. Now, former TikTok users are bringing that behavior with them to RedNote. As Americans began seeing posts from Chinese users they found attractive, they quickly took to the comments to ask other users how to translate common compliments they used on TikTok. Westerners women simping for Chinese guys hottie pic.twitter.com/Eogcrg74mw (@RedBolshevik2) January 14, 2025 "How do I say 'this is my type' in Mandarin?" one user commented under a post of a man at the gym. "How do you say 'boom shakalaka yes god' in Mandarin?" another commented on a post of a shirtless guy. Some of the slang phases Chinese users were unfamiliar with, so some Americans tried to explain it to them. In turn, users began making videos teaching Americans how to say their favorite thirsty phrases. Now THESE are the translations we NEED for RedNote pic.twitter.com/PePUvqkywJ Ichigo Niggasake (@SomaKazima) January 15, 2025 Why my gf just call me and say I learned MANDARIN in 10 minutes, you better get on REDNOTE !!! . She said I learned how to say raw next. Im really ctfu. Raven Alexis (@RavennAlexiss_) January 14, 2025 One of the compliments that has gotten the most attention is "Raw, next question." As several users made videos offering lessons on how to say the phrase in Mandarin, several users began laughing at the who exchange and mocking Americans. "You gotta start with the important foundational things," one user joked. "Us americans [are] so funny because why are we thirsting over strangers on rednote and now they're out here asking what 'raw' means," another user tweeted. in my brief time on RedNote, the first sentence Ive learned in Mandarin is raw, next question cause you gotta start with the important foundational things Rachel J Thompson (@vhs_kitten) January 14, 2025 us americans r so funny because why are we thirsting over strangers on rednote and now theyre out here asking what raw means ary (@arycapybary) January 14, 2025 The Americans are asking how do you say raw in Chinese on rednote Jonelle Samai (@jonellesamai) January 13, 2025 Originally published by Latin Times. Trump TikTok As the first act of his second term, Donald Trump may bring the dead back to life. Not Lazarus but TikTok, which abruptly shut down in the US this weekend, with collateral damage to video addicts in the UK. Even for a figure as capricious as Trump, resurrecting TikTok would represent a shameless 180-degree pivot. As president last time around, he made rebuilding Americas economic and military security his signature foreign policy issue. His China strategy was the one that Biden left unchanged, as the US woke up and realised it couldnt defend itself, let alone prosper, without Chinese goodwill. So it was entirely consistent with America First to issue an executive order in August 2020 declaring war on apps and services that threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. While Trump was away, Congress continued the mission, passing the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act last year that sanctioned US companies who distribute and support apps like TikTok. How things have changed. These days, The Don only has nice things to say about TikTok. If its good for president-elect Trump, then its good for America. Im now a big star on TikTok!, he boasted on the campaign trail. For all those that want to save Tik Tok in America, vote for Trump!, he said in September. Last week, he confirmed that he is likely to rescind the ban, at least for the 90-day grace period built into the Act, allowing for a potential divestiture. TikTok clearly got the message, for its shutdown notice hints that Trump may restore the service. And that might be very soon. President-elect Trump said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday - Andy Bao/AP Trump has joked that he may have a little tiny desk put up there so we can sign [executive orders] right away. Music to the ears of TikToks US chief executive, Shou Chew, who will enjoy a prime seat at the inauguration ceremony later today. So why the pivot? More Americans now use TikTok than ever, some 170 million. And far fewer Americans want it banned down from half polled in 2023 to a third last year, according to Pew Research Center. In addition, Trumps wealthy new supporters in Silicon Valley are very keen to get their hands on something that has eluded them, as well as remove a competitor. TikTok is the first new global platform to emerge in over a decade. Advertisers love it. TikTok was eating Silicon Valleys lunch, says the former new media ad executive and podcasting pioneer, Adam Curry. Speaking to Joe Rogan last year, he said: They were taking all the money from Instagram, Facebook, Google, and really knocking it out of the park. Instead of competing [with TikTok], theyre taking them down to get rid of the competition. Its a deeply cynical view, but he may have a point. TikTok was carefully engineered to be addictive, and it was quickly dubbed digital crack cocaine after it first exploded in popularity in the first Covid lockdowns. Although rivals Google and Meta rapidly introduced short-form videos with their YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, they have been unable to replicate the simplicity and the addictive appeal of its algorithm. Nothing has dented TikToks rise. And here in the UK, were also addicted. TikTok users spend more time than on the next three social media platforms combined almost 50 hours a month. How remarkable it is that Silicon Valley cant quite repeat the formula. We are told that the brainiest computer and behavioural scientists of their generation are beavering away in Silicon Valley. The venture capital class wants to replace the worlds financial systems with their sketchy crypto software, and has even begun to tell our generals how they should fight wars. But the best boffins cant seem to replicate TikToks winning formula of cute pets and dancing NHS nurses. How hard can that be? Very, apparently. Currys theory is that there is so much technical debt built into the systems at Facebook and Google that so much of their infrastructure is built around specific advertising systems they have forgotten how to compete anymore. The Schumpeterian cycle of destruction and renewal has been stalled by a lack of competition, and years of windfall profits. Of course there is a bitter irony to America wanting to get its hands on Chinese intellectual property, after China has systematically been stealing Americas for decades, including key dual use military technologies. Regardless of how much attention Trump gives the subject, the state apparatus has begun to fortify itself against the threat posed by a bellicose new superpower, to which it outsourced so much activity. Sanctions in key areas such as microchips continue to be extended, and critical mineral mines and reprocessing facilities reopened. Four years ago, one think tank had called TikTok a Huawei-sized problem, which may be exaggerating the threat but there are more Huaweis to address. For example, cheap Chinese networking devices are in many American homes, and these pose more of a genuine threat to economic life than a viral video site. The Commerce, Defence and Justice departments have their eyes set on banning the ubiquitous TP-Link routers and switches as soon as they can. About time. Donald Trump met with president Xi Jinping during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, in 2019 - Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS Donald Trump said that he would issue an executive order to save TikTok when he takes office on Monday and that he plans to fly to China for a summit with Xi Jinping within 100 days. The president-elect announced the decision to give Bytedance, the social media platforms China-based parent company, more time to find an approved buyer after millions of Americans awoke on Sunday to discover they could no longer access the video-sharing app. Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social that his order would extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect. Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations, he said. The executive order will give Bytedance 90 days to find a buyer for the app, which has 170 million US users, with Mr Trump saying he would like the United States to have a 50 per cent ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up, Mr Trump said. Without US approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions. A federal law banning the Chinese social media app came into effect late on Saturday night. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanks Donald Trump in TikTok post Users who reported being unable to access the app online were told: Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now, alongside a message about Mr Trumps plan to work with us on a solution to reinstate the app. The app was banned over concerns that China could access the data of millions of American users. The president-elects position on TikTok marks a stark departure from his first term in office, when his attempts to ban the social media app were blocked by the courts. The softening of Mr Trumps stance will be viewed by some as a sign of more cordial relations between Washington and Beijing. Mr Trump and president Xi spoke on the phone on Friday, discussing trade, fentanyl and TikTok, according to a readout. The president-elect told president Xi he was looking forward to meeting [him] as soon as possible, according to Chinas account of the call, sources told the Wall Street Journal Speaking after the conversation, Mr Trump said: It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visited Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in 2017 - JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty A ban on TikTok was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday after Congress passed a law last April that said ByteDance must sell off the app within nine months. It comes as Mr Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday in a pared-back ceremony which has been moved inside to the Capitols rotunda because of freezing weather. Ahead of the event, around 5,000 protesters gathered in the nations capital on Saturday for a Peoples March opposing the election of Mr Trump. Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok, will join tech billionaires including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg as guests at the inauguration. The president-elect had invited president Xi to the ceremony, but Beijing will instead send vice president Han Zheng. Talk of a summit comes also amid reports that China has expressed interest in engaging in negotiations with the incoming administration over tariff hikes proposed by Mr Trump. The Republican leader has vowed to impose tariffs of up to 60 per cent on imports coming from China, significantly more than the duty imposed on Chinese goods during his first term. Fentanyl and Taiwan Mr Trump also urged president Xi to crack down on Chinese chemical producers that supply fentanyl ingredients to the Mexican cartel. Another issue expected to dominate the two countries relationship in the next two years is Taiwan, which Beijing claims is Chinese. Joe Bidens administration had said the US would come to Taiwans defence were it to be invaded after president Xi failed to rule out military force. It is less clear how Mr Trump thinks. He has criticised the country for taking 100 per cent of our chip business and urged Taipei to spend more on defence. However, Mr Trump has also appointed Marco Rubio, notoriously hawkish on China, as his secretary of state. Mr Rubio told Republican politicians this week China was likely to invade Taiwan before the end of the decade. We need to wrap our heads around the fact that unless something dramatic changes, like an equilibrium where they conclude that the costs of intervening in Taiwan are too high, were going to have to deal with this before the end of this decade, Mr Rubio said. Uncertainty in new department Meanwhile, Mr Musks new government department was been thrown into turmoil amid reports his partner is considering quitting. Vivek Ramaswamy could ditch plans to work with the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in order to focus on his bid to become Ohio governor, a source close to the matter told Politico. Mr Ramaswamy told members of the transition team about his plans to run for governor following the election, according to the outlet, and he is said to be planning to formally announce his candidacy by the end of January. The move could upend Doge, which plans to cut government spending by up to $2 trillion (1.64 trillion) by July 4, 2026, as Mr Ramaswamys time would likely be occupied by his gubernatorial race. Some in Mr Trumps circle have suggested Mr Ramswamys exit could provide a clear path for Mr Musk to carry out his own work uninterrupted. Elon basically runs the show, an informal adviser to Mr Trump told Politico. Time is their biggest enemy. Well see. A fallen tree in the Sydney suburb of Five Dock on Saturday. Photograph: Rounak Amini/AAP The skies above New South Wales are expected to clear this week, bringing relief to thousands who have been left sitting in the dark as massive storms swept the state and knocked power offline. The Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the NSW capital and parts of the state suggests calmer skies in the week ahead, with light winds and a chance of a thunderstorm over Sydney on Tuesday. BoM senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said the storms were caused by a cold front which developed into a low that sat just off the coast through Thursday and Friday, bringing heavy rainfall. Its all weakened now, Narramore said. Definitely a wild and woolly few days, but thankfully its all over. Its pretty dry for everyone across eastern NSW, and not too hot either, but heating up as we get into next week. Related: Australias wild weather continues with more storms forecast for NSW and cyclone forming off WA The easing conditions should offer a chance for recovery efforts to get under way in areas severely affected by the storms such as Maitland, Port Stephens and the Snowy Valleys region, where a natural disaster has been declared. Emergency service workers were on Sunday working to reconnect about 18,500 customers after felled trees cut power lines across much of NSW. Some communities across the New South Wales mid north coast and Central Coast, as well as Cowra and Wagga Wagga, have yet to receive a disaster declaration, which would entitle residents quick access to financial support. An emergency declaration may be expanded to include these areas as state agencies including the Reconstruction Authority assess the storm damage alongside councils and emergency response organisations. The NSW State Emergency Service received almost 8,300 calls for help between Wednesday and Sunday, with more than half coming from outside Sydney. A car was swept off a causeway at Limpinwood near the border with Queensland about 9.30pm on Saturday. No one was inside the vehicle when it was found in flood waters, prompting a search which resumed on Sunday morning. Police and emergency services have got grave fears, but a search is currently under way, the premier, Chris Minns, told reporters on Sunday. Elsewhere two people were trapped in a vehicle as flood waters rose and two others requested evacuation when they became isolated. Ten cows were rescued after entering flood waters at Bulahdelah on the states mid north coast. One man died when his car was hit by a tree on Wednesday while others were injured on Friday when a large tree hit pedestrians in Sydneys CBD. Meanwhile, strong winds lifted sand off Bondi beach, blanketing the promenade and car park on Saturday. Further north in Queensland, heavy rain on Saturday night in the states south-east caused swollen dams to spill, sparking flood warnings. Upper Springbrook on the Gold Coast recorded 141mm of rain in 24 hours while Mount Cotton south of Brisbane was battered by 110mm. Cooloolabin Dam on the Sunshine Coast, Little Nerang Dam on the Gold Coast, Leslie Harrison Dam east of Brisbane and Maroon Dam in the Scenic Rim all increased outflows following the rain. Residents downstream of the dam were advised to avoid hazardous crossings where there was fast flowing or deep water. It was a different story in Western Australias Pilbara region, where a tropical low was expected on Sunday to develop into a cyclone, bringing heavy rain between Port Hedland and Ningaloo. The cyclone will track west south-west parallel to the Pilbara coast, and though the worst conditions are expected to stay offshore, coastal areas will experience heavy rain and strong to damaging wind gusts. Offshore island communities may experience destructive wind gusts. Coastal areas could see a storm surge that, combined with large waves, may lead to flooding along the foreshore in places conditions that have shut down the Pilbaras iron exports. The Pilbara ports see off about 43% of the global iron ore trade and 7.5% of the global natural gas trade. These conditions will ease off from Tuesday with a chance of a thunderstorm on Wednesday and daytime maximums in the range of 38C to 43C expected. The cyclone will also bring severe to extreme heatwave conditions to Perth and much of WA south-west of the cyclone, as easterly winds drag heat from inland Australia towards the western coast. Conditions across the other state capitals were expected to remain mostly stable, with a heatwave building across Queensland and parts of NSW towards the end of the week. Here he comes Donald Trump has become more candid that unpredictability is his modus operandi. Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP Western allies of the US are braced for the return of Donald Trump, still hoping for the best, but largely unprepared for what may prove to be a chaotic and disorientating worst. The run-up to his inauguration has sent out a catherine wheel of signals as Trump turned up the volume on tariffs against Canada, China and Mexico, vowed to buy and if not, invade Greenland and the Panama canal, and used his leverage to press Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a Gaza ceasefire that the Israeli PM had resisted since May. At the same time his pick as secretary of state, Marco Rubio, gave four and a half hours of evidence at the Senate foreign relations committee, which in the breadth of his knowledge and views resembled less Steve Bannon and more James Baker III in his heyday. Whether Rubio and the state department will hold sway on foreign policy over the other agencies, court favourites and a plethora of special envoys is already the question in Europe and will depend heavily on the chief of staff, Susie Wiles, and the national security adviser, Mike Waltz. Seeking signals amid all this noise, distinguishing the threats that presage action, as opposed to bargaining bluster, and locating the rationale for an administration decision is already keeping confounded foreign diplomats in Washington up at night. Trump has become more candid that unpredictability is his modus operandi. He told the Wall Street Journal, for instance, he was pleased that President Xi Jinping of China respects me because he knows I am fucking crazy. Unfortunately, fear of the madman recedes if he does not occasionally do something truly deranged. For that reason, many expect Trump to start his administration fast, trying to unsettle his opponents and prove his America First approach has substance. On day one, he cannot hope to end the Ukraine war in 24 hours, start mass deportations or slap 25% tariffs across the world, but he is expected to reveal which foreign countries are in his sights, starting with Canada, China and Mexico. Canadian diplomats, stunned to be thrust into the frontline alongside China, spent much of last week camped in Washington trying to bend the ear of Republican senators. Despite its internal divisions, Canada claims to have three tiers of reprisals drawn up to put on $150bn worth of US imports if Trump launches his trade war. Mexicos president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who conferred with Latin American foreign ministers on Friday to devise a common Trump strategy, says the country has consular plans in place if mass deportations begin. China has been preparing its reprisals for a year, and looking for allies. Dr Chietigj Bajpaee, a south Asia research fellow at the Chatham House thinktank, predicts that allies will attempt a mix of appeasement, strengthening resilience and retaliation, as well as middle powers stepping up to try to preserve free trade as they did in [Trumps] first term. But in Europe, where popular hostility to Trump is greater than elsewhere, the foreboding is great. The German economy minister, Robert Habeck, gloomily predicts the US tariffs against the EU will be framed to damage German industry. Even transatlanticists such as Friedrich Merz, widely predicted to be the next chancellor, argue that EU unity is the prerequisite if the opportunities for a successful relationship are to be exploited. More generally, European diplomats insist they are not clutching at straws when they say the Trump administrations policies may be more nuanced than his rhetoric. In 2016 Trump threatened 30% tariffs on Mexico but settled for renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement. The EU eventually avoided tariffs on cars by agreeing in 2018 to buy more US liquid gas and soya beans. Similar offers will be drafted this time. The transcript of Rubios Senate confirmation hearing is also being cited as a sign that the US is not about to pull up the drawbridge. His evidence repeatedly referred to the USs global role and the importance of cultivating alliances, even admitting a preference to cooperate with Mexico over fighting drug cartels. On Ukraine it is true that he said the official administration position was that the war had to be brought to an end, and that required territorial concessions by both sides. But before a ceasefire started, Ukraine needed to be in a strong bargaining position, Rubio said, adding that what Vladimir Putin had done by invading Ukraine was unacceptable. He added: Putins goal now is to have maximum leverage so that he can basically impose neutrality on Ukraine, retrofit and come back and do this again in four or five years. And thats not an outcome I think any of us would favour. Pressed to say that Ukraine had to offer military neutrality, he refused to agree, saying: Even if the conflict were to end, there needs to be the capability of Ukraine to defend itself. A British official said: That does not sound like a neutral Ukraine left without security guarantees. On Nato, Rubio said he stood by the 2023 Kaine Rubio Act that prohibits the US president from withdrawing from Nato without Senate approval. Overall, his demand that Europe contribute more to its own defence is the utterly familiar refrain of any US politician over the past two decades. Only once did he hint at a bigger security recasting when he asked: Should the role of the United States and Nato in the 21st century be the primary defence role or as a backstop to aggression, with countries in the region assuming more of that responsibility by contributing more? Rubio, famed as a China hawk, said he did not believe Beijing wanted military conflict, saying: The Chinese have basically concluded that America is sort of a tired, great power in decline. That they are on a path over the next 20 or 30 years to naturally supplant us, irrespective of what happens. And I think their preference is to not have any trade and/or armed conflict in the interim, because I think they might interrupt what they believe is a natural progression. In seeking alliances against China in the Indo-Pacific, for instance, he said: It would be a mistake to go in with a cold war mentality of pick a side and pick a side now. Overall he framed the conflict with China in terms of making the US economy and those of its allies less dependent on China. Nor did he advocate simple withdrawal from the Middle East, rejecting abandonment of the Syrian Kurds to the Turks, a position that will be welcome in Europe. Referring to the Syrian Democratic Forces, he said: There are implications to abandoning partners who, at great sacrifice and threat, actually jailed the Isis [Islamic State] fighters. One of the reasons why we were able to dismantle Isis was because they were willing to host them in jails, at great personal threat to them. Even on Iran, he took a nuanced view, arguing there was one school in Iran that recognised they were in a great deal of trouble and needed an off ramp, while another school saw immunity from foreign interference would best come through acquiring a nuclear weapon. Rubio unsurprisingly said the Trump administration would be the most pro-Israeli in history, but even so rejected Israels return to controlling Gaza, saying: The real open question for the Palestinians is who will govern in Gaza in the short term and who will ultimately govern? Will it be the Palestinian Authority or some other entity? Because it has to be someone. He also agreed with the outgoing Democratic administration that a genocide was under way in Sudan and that meant the US needed to raise with the United Arab Emirates that they are openly supporting an entity that is carrying out a genocide. But do Rubios views matter? The former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has warned that in the new US administration there will be only be one decision maker: Donald Trump. Turnbull advises that as the executive orders pour out of the White House next week many of them hostile to the USs allies the test will be first to stand up to the bullying, but then to convince him there is common ground, for there is only one question commercial and political that Trump ever asks: Whats in it for me? A supporter wearing a President-elect Donald Trump mask holds an American Flag up to passing vehicles near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP What is the view of US democracy from abroad, and what can Americans learn from other nations with a history of political tumult? During his first term Donald Trump tested democratic norms by undermining trust in fair elections, encouraging political violence and demonizing the media and public servants. He has promised to be a dictator on day one of his second term. As Trump is inaugurated for a second time, we asked political correspondents at newspapers around the world from Hungary to El Salvador to share their view of whats happening in America. Related: Giorgia Meloni to Javier Milei: far-right leaders flock to Trump inauguration These are countries who have endured strongmen leaders and challenges to democracy. Do they see analogies with what is happening in the US today and if so, what do they think the future holds for the worlds most powerful democracy? Andras Petho, Direkt36 (Hungary) Americans should stop telling themselves this can never happen here. You have to brace yourself for the worst scenarios, because anything can happen. In the first couple of years of the Orban regime, when they proposed curbing the powers of the constitutional court and they appointed a member of Fidesz, Orbans party, to the state audit office, which is very important in controlling how spending public money is spent, I thought: This would never happen in a democracy. And then we learned that actually anything can happen, because if they have the power, they can and will [do] whatever they want. All these institutions, whether we are talking about governments or agencies or the press, are very, very fragile. Its very easy to dismantle them. The American news media scene is still much more vibrant and robust than Hungarys, so I think it would be harder for Trump or whoever, to take it over. In Hungary, a pro-government investor bought up all the local newspapers there were only about 19 of them. That wont happen in the US, but of course, a media crackdown or the spread of propaganda can happen in different ways. It might happen through X or through Facebook thats something that Im paying attention to. Glenda Gloria, Rappler (Philippines) The campaign and outcome was very much like our 2022 presidential election. Leni Robredo and Kamala Harris decided late in the day to run, but when they did they galvanized a democratic base that we all thought had grown too cynical to be involved in any election. But the narratives of [Bongbong] Marcos and Trump have had a head-start online, spreading so exponentially and viciously that no amount of groundwork could match them. Combine with a climate of fear and you can bend anything and anyone. Weve seen that in the Duterte, years and we expect to see it as we are beginning to under Trump. People who have a lot to lose and who once valued due process, freedom and accountability can easily do the bidding of authoritarian leaders. Institutions that once protected public interest can turn against it in an instant. America is in for a daily shock-to-the-system period. We know this from the Duterte years; the first two years were marked with disbelief the daily attacks on media, the killings every night, the harassment of big business, the co-optation of the police and the military, the embrace of China despite intrusions into our territory. They seemed unreal. Has our world gone mad? It has. We look at America now and joke: should we do workshops for our [journalism] colleagues? Its utterly sad. Were paying close attention to how disinformation, and the networks that sustain it, will continue to prop up the Trump administration and Trumpism. Thats the belly of the beast. Because even the worst policies can be made right in a world of manufactured realities. How should US citizens counter or address that? We need to surface real-world experiences and initiatives that illustrate good citizenship. Islands of hope. Carlos Dada, El Faro (El Salvador) If you can draw any conclusions about Mr Trump from his first term, it is obvious that he has very little respect for institutions, and that his personality has an extraordinary weight over the exercise of the presidency. I dont see anything that indicates his second term will be different. In the case of El Salvador, Nayyib Bukele is exactly the kind of leader that Mr Trump loves. Trump embraces autocrats and derides democratic leaders, and Bukele is an autocrat. World leaders in the style of Mr Bukele Im talking about Orban, Modi, Putin, of course will just feel much more comfortable in their dismantling of democracy with Mr Trump and the presidency. For Mr Trump, besides the personal affinities that he may have with Mr Bukele, his agenda for Central America is basically migration and security. Thats it. The traditional, post cold-war US agenda, which had a strong emphasis on democracy and human rights, is gone. So I think as long as Mr Bukele is stopping migrants [from passing through El Salvador en route to the United States] and keeps the gangs effectively dismembered, then Washington wont be an obstacle for Mr Bukele in his process of completely dismantling democracy and turning El Salvador into his own dictatorship. Vinod K Jose, former editor of the Caravan and author of a forthcoming book on Indian democracy (India) Trumps strategy, like that of all strongmen autocrats, was to engage with voters at the level of emotion, not reason, and fiction, not facts. These are some rules in the playbook that autocratic leaders use all the time to get to power. With Trump returning to White House, we are seeing a decisive moment in history. The third anti-democracy wave is here. The first two anti-democracy waves being the victory of Mussolini in the 1920s and Hitler coming to power in the 1930s culminating in the second world war, and the second anti-democracy wave in the 1960s with the rise of military juntas and the cold war bringing down elected governments. Now, with countries like India, Turkey and the Philippines already under anti-democracy forces, Trumps victory empowers the hands of the autocrats world over. Bidens spell in office was the time given by the divine to systematically alter world history, [an opportunity] to look inward to see how Trumpism had so much support in 2016, [and to] fix the holes that drifted votes to Trump. In that sense, the lost opportunity of the Biden years are comparable to the ten years that the Congress party had in India between the two spells of the Hindu right governments, Atal Bihari Vajpayees (1998 and 2004) and Narendra Modi, who came to power in 2014. The Congress party came to power in 2004 and did nothing to tackle the base of the right, or to win over the sympathetic fence-sitters, or to make cultural and social allies. The result? Modi, a leader who was even more radical than Vajpayee came to power, with more popular support. The 10 valuable years in history were lost. I fear that 10, 20 years from now, people could turn back and say the Biden years did not achieve anything to stop Trump from returning. Fernando Peinado, El Pais and author of Trumpistas: Quien llevo a Trump al poder? (Spain) A lot of coverage about the rise of Trump and the far-right elsewhere has focused on the economy, but I wonder if we are talking enough about a huge transformation that happened in the last decade the earthquake within our media ecosystem. In 2016, smartphones and social media played an outsized role as compared to previous elections. That accelerated everything. The news cycle turned into a news cyclone. That helped candidates who relied on viscerality. Since that election weve seen wins by populists and far-right candidates elsewhere. In Spain, the far-right Vox emerged in 2018, having previously been very fringe. Something deep has changed and perhaps the US, and UK, with Brexit, were just two early examples of what was to come. The canaries in the coal mine. This year marks the 50th anniversary of [Francisco] Francos death and the legacy of Franquismo is a very polarizing topic now. Whats new is how divisive the issue of Franco has become. For decades, there seemed to be a consensus that Francoism was a dark period for Spain. But now you have the [Conservative Partido Popular] unwilling to commemorate his death, and Vox is making an outspoken defense of his legacy. Their statements in support of Franco havent damaged their approval rating, and that connects with all the weird things happening in the US Trump doing unprecedented things that would have been taboo in a previous era. Responses have been edited and condensed Pep Guardiola accepts Erling Haalands bumper new contract could prevent Manchester City signing any more top-level strikers. The City managers comments come as the club appear to be closing in on a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush. The prolific Haaland, who has scored 111 goals in just 126 appearances for City, committed himself to the reigning Premier League champions until 2034 when he signed a remarkable new nine-and-a-half year deal this week. City are hoping to sign Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt (PA Wire via DPA) His long-term presence in the squad will limit opportunities for others up front, meaning any new recruits will have to accept a back-up role or potentially like Marmoush offer something different to get into the team. Guardiola said: The bigger strikers will not come to be a replacement for Erling, so we have to find them young to accept the role. Or theyre different players like Oscar (Bobb), (James) McAtee, Phil (Foden), and maybe without Erling well play a different way, with a false nine, with alternatives, with more runners from outside, more runners for the channels inside. We will find solutions. We could not go to sign (Kylian) Mbappe, for example, as a top-class player because normally we play with just one striker. But of course we have alternatives just in case Erling cannot play all the minutes. We have other options. City are understood to have agreed a fee with Frankfurt for Egypt international Marmoush, who can operate across the front line. He will effectively replace Julian Alvarez in the squad after the Argentinian left for Atletico Madrid last summer. Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract this summer (Joe Giddens/PA) Haalands new deal locks down one cornerstone of the team at a time when other members of an ageing squad are likely to be moving on. Captain Kyle Walker has asked to leave the club and, after being left out of the last two games, could again be absent as City travel to Ipswich on Sunday. Another veteran star, 33-year-old playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, is now into the final six months of his contract and could be open to approaches from elsewhere. Guardiola said: Of course it can happen. Im pretty sure when Kevin was 22-23 and could offer 10 years maybe we wouldnt accept it, but now its different. But Im not thinking about what will happen next season. Im thinking about Ipswich and, three days later, Paris. And three days later, Chelsea. Then we have a tough month in February. This is what Im thinking. Next season Im not thinking about for one second. Tariffs and relations with China could be first questions to arise over Trump Tariffs and relationships with China could be among the first issues up for discussion when Donald Trump re-enters the White House, according to the director of the Chatham House foreign affairs think tank. Bronwen Maddox said she believes the US administration has become the big question for UK foreign policy, and the UK will be faced with having to make some decisions about its positions on certain issues. She also said Lord Peter Mandelson, Britains incoming ambassador to the US, will be helpful and a plus to the Government. President-elect Trump will be sworn in for his second term in the White House on Monday, four years after he lost the 2020 election to President Joe Biden. There have been concerns about the potential impact of Mr Trumps pledged tariffs on US imports on economies around the world, as well as questions about what his return to Washington could mean in other areas such as support for Ukraine. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the Financial Times that tariffs arent in anybodys interests and that the UK ambition is to have a deal of some sorts with the US, a trade deal. Thats where our focus is. Bronwen Maddox said Lord Mandelson will be helpful (Jonathan Brady/PA) The incoming Trump administration has become the big question for UK foreign policy, Ms Maddox told the PA news agency. She said: Trump is going to ask things that amount to are you with us or against us and UK is going to have to make some decisions. The hardest one is going to be China and the Chancellor Rachel Reeves may find that her trip and the professions of support for engagement with China she gave was premature, she added, if there are requests from the US in relation to China. The UK will have a choice on that, but it is going to be hard for it to make a choice in favour of China against the US, at any point I think. Preparations are continuing for Inauguration Day in Washington (J Scott Applewhite/AP) Asked which discussions she thought could arise first, she said tariffs and China. It was confirmed in December that former Labour minister Lord Mandelson will become the UKs new ambassador to the US, however, some of his past criticism of the incoming president provoked concern about what he could mean for the transatlantic relationship. Ms Maddox said his role in Washington will be helpful despite the criticism, and he is very experienced on trade. I think hes very worldly and very experienced in how to find a middle ground where one may not be apparent, she said. Very experienced on trade, he wasnt always but he put a lot of effort into mastering the trade brief when he became trade commissioner and I think is really very surefooted on the small differences between countries on these and how to play for agreement again where its elusive. A number of UK figures will be in Washington ahead of Mondays ceremonies. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has confirmed that he will be attending the inauguration. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Mr Farage described some members of Mr Trumps incoming cabinet as genuine friends on speed dial and reiterated his offer to work with the Labour government when it comes to the new US administration. He told the paper that if he were able to help behind the scenes he would because it is in the national interest. Former prime minister Liz Truss posted on X on Friday to say that she was in Washington, DC. In DC. The new @realDonaldTrump term can't come soon enough. The West needs it. pic.twitter.com/mlzJuUPGxt Liz Truss (@trussliz) January 17, 2025 The outgoing UK ambassador to the US Dame Karen Pierce is also expected at the ceremony. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel also shared on social media on Saturday that she would be representing the Conservative Party at the inauguration. Former UK ambassador to the US Lord Kim Darroch who served during Mr Trumps first term has said that the UK will have to prioritise in its dealings with Mr Trump, and pointed to tariffs as being near the top of the list. Lord Darroch left the role in 2019 after his messages criticising the administration were leaked to the press. Writing in The Guardian, Lord Darroch said the Prime Minister should press Trump directly on why he discounts the view of many eminent US economists that, while tariffs would damage everyone, America would suffer the most. Meanwhile, mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan warned against reactionary populists, writing in The Observer that these are deeply worrying times, especially if youre a member of a minority community. Pointing to the AfD in Germany, National Rally in France and Mr Trump in the US, he called for a renewed and concerted effort to confront these forces and expose them for what they are: opportunists who seek to divide people for personal and political gain. Credit - Getty ImagesPamelaJoeMcFarlane On Monday, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. For some, its a highly anticipated day of celebration. Others have been dreading itand would happily finagle a deal with the universe to skip to some other day four years down the road instead. Why so much distress after months of processing the outcome of this divisive election? Many people are probably catastrophizing, experts say, a cognitive distortion that involves fixating on the worst possible outcome and believing its bound to happen. The thinking goes like this: Oh my God, if everything is going to have to be that way, and follow that thread, then were all going to die, says Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at the University of California at Berkeleys Greater Good Science Center. Yet thats not a helpful or productive way to pass Inauguration Day (and all the days that follow). I'm very far from the kind of excessively optimistic person who just tries to put their head in the clouds and pretend it's not happening, Simon-Thomas says. But I do think its worth remembering that this is one momentthis is one four-year term, and things change both quickly and very slowly. That kind of perspective can diminish that sense of hopelessness. We asked experts to share their favorite science-backed suggestions for how to spend Inauguration Day if you happen to be dreading it. Give back The fact that Inauguration Day falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Daya federal holiday, granting many people the day off workis serendipitous, says Anindita Bhaumik, a therapist and certified trauma professional in Boston. Take advantage of your empty calendar by participating in a local service project, she suggests. Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress and depression, boost happiness, and enhance life satisfaction, motivation, social support, and sense of community. The cause of anxiety is often a desire to control the outcome, she says. We can't control the outcome all the time, but what we can do is control what we do: Im going to go to a shelter and brush a horse or bathe a dog, and that will bring me joy for an hour and help someone else. This, I can control. Work out Even if youre not typically a gymgoer, consider taking a jog or hopping on a bike as the new president is sworn in. Research suggests its one of the most powerful and reliable ways to unlock a more uplifted, positive emotional statenot only as youre doing it, but also afterward. Exercise is a challenge, and you succeed, Simon-Thomas says. After people exercise, they just feel emotionally better, and of course it's physically healthy and it's an accomplishment. Plus, it can help you wrest back a sense of power that you might feel is missing on Inauguration Day, she adds. You might not be able to do anything about the new Administrations policies, but you know what you can do? Fifteen perfect-form jumping jacks. Get creative Spending time on creative pursuitslike singing, painting, ceramics, or cookingis an excellent way to get out of your head, Simon-Thomas says. For those who have the impulse, This is going to be terrible. Im so angry, I feel so violated, or whatever unpleasant emotion, can you sit quietly and do something or marvel or wonder or be curious or just extend your mind into something aesthetic?" No ones able to pay attention to everything all at once, she points out, and if you focus deeply on something like drawing a picture, youll have less space in your brain to devote to the days events. Read More: For Better Well-Being, Just Breathe One idea that might appeal to even non-artsy types: Make a vision board, suggests Julia Barzizza, a visual artist and sociology researcher in San Francisco. Brainstorm how you envision a peaceful, improved democracy: For the queer community, it might be more queer representation; for BIPOC folks, it might be a different Inauguration, she says. Then collect images that represent your vision, whether theyre your own drawings or cutouts from magazines or the internet. The process is really about solidifying your ideas and getting clear on your perspective, Barzozza says. Once that perspective feels really solid and concrete, you should absolutely share it either on social media, with friends, or maybe up in your office. Do some forest bathing Bhaumik just spent a week in New Hampshires White Mountains, where she enjoyed counting the trees and observing their long, bare branches. She knows theyll look different a few months from now, when green buds reappear, and again when their leaves turn yellow, red, and then brown. On Inauguration Day, do your own forest bathing, Bhaumik suggests: Spend time in nature using your senses to connect with the environment. Even better, silence your phone while youre doing it. Youll feel humbled, she says. This mountain is going to be there forever and ever, and youre one human being standing here. Everything comes and goes, but nature is still there. Its an important reminder that trying times will eventually pass, she adds. Spend five minutes journaling Squeeze a short brain dump into your day, suggests Nicolle Osequeda, a therapist at Lincoln Park Therapy Group in Chicago. Set a five-minute timer and write down everything swirling around in your mind, no matter how scattered it might feel. Putting your thoughts on paper helps reduce mental clutter and quiet spiraling thoughts, she says. It can also help you identify patterns in your worrieswhich allows you to start brainstorming solutions. Osequeda likes ending journaling sessions with a simple affirmation: I can take breaks from the news, or I choose to protect my peace. Go see a performance Check the listings for your favorite local theater or concert venue. If anything piques your interest, snag tickets for Inauguration Day. Research suggests experiences that spark awe, like inspiring performances, boost your mood and lead to greater well-being in the moment, among other benefits. Awe makes you feel humbled, Simon-Thomas says. It makes you feel connected to other humans, to the arc of humanity and human interest. Instead of seething with animosity, you can kind of back off from that and have a sense that were all in this together. Do something kind Carve out a couple hours to write letters to friendsperhaps expressing your gratitude toward themor take a gift to your neighbors, like a slice of banana bread. Theres lots of evidence about the so-called warm glow, which is how your nervous system signals pleasure and reward when you see that something youve done uplifts the welfare of another person, Simon-Thomas says. Read More: The Daily Habits of Happiness Experts Kind gestures also offer a sense of empowerment on a day when such a feeling might otherwise be lacking. Its proof that youre still able to do things that benefit your community, no matter how big or small: It can reawaken that sense that, OK, I can continue to move forward and advocate for what matters to me, she says. Smile at other people Your nervous system is wired to quickly ascertain whether someone is a friend, stranger, or enemy. Back in the hunter-gatherer era, it made sense to assume you were encountering a foe who might try to steal your food or take your land. That's not usually the case in modern society, yet you might not be in the habit of smiling at people you pass on the street, Simon-Thomas says. On Inauguration Day, challenge yourself to greet others in a friendly way. Forming a smile expression makes you more poised to experience a positive state, she says. Sharing that with strangers and people in your community evokes a sense of collective trust and togetherness. Dance it out Let the politicians in Washington enjoy their Inauguration balls. Youll be busy at your own dance party. Make a playlist of songs that instantly boost your mood, Osequeda suggests, like Shake It Off by Taylor Swift or Happy by Pharrell. When stress creeps in, take a break from what youre doing and dance like its going out of style. Music shifts your energy quickly, she says. Plus, upbeat songs trigger the release of dopamine and endorphins, while dancing relieves physical tensionall of which can help counteract anxiety. Cry with a friend It might seem counterintuitive, but if you need to shed a few tears on Inauguration Day, its healthy to let them out with one caveat: You shouldnt do it alone. The grace and speed with which somebody recovers from grief if they have an opportunity to cry with the support of another personsomeone who they trust and who they believe cares about themis orders of magnitude improved, Simon-Thomas says. Read More: The Science of Crying While research suggests crying alone isnt overly helpful, crying around others often leads to comfort, support, empathy, and stronger social bonds. Its really, really beneficial to have that emotion in an honest, authentic way, and to reap the benefits were endowed with interpersonally. Zoom out Inauguration Day is a good time to focus on gaining perspectiveand to decide whether you want to merely withstand the next four years, or treat them like an opportunity. Switching up your mindset can feel daunting, Simon-Thomas acknowledges, but its a great way to overcome feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness. She recommends a mental exercise that can help you zoom out: Start by imagining a trail marker on a long, winding path. Back out a little bit and go, Well, where is that marker, and where is the trail starting and where is the trail ending? she says. You might even travel back in time and think about where the idea for the trail originated and who actually created it, clearing brush and heaving piles of dirt. Doing an exercise like this can help put other situations in perspective and change the way you perceive them. This kind of higher and wider and more global perspective makes the precise moment a little bit less heavy, Simon-Thomas says, because its part of something bigger. Contact us at letters@time.com. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Whipping up light and fluffy scrambled eggs is one of the best and easiest ways to start your day. But despite the simplicity of this protein-packed quick and simple breakfast, theres an ongoing debate among chefs, home cooks, and food scientists alike on the right time to salt them. Some think that adding salt to eggs before they cook will thin out the whites and result in a tough and rubbery final product. Still, others believe that adding salt before cooking makes for a better-seasoned, more flavorful scramble. You may have been taught never to add salt to raw eggs as the sodium will change the texture and make them tough. Or perhaps it was an influential celebrity chef who made us all wait until scrambled eggs were just finished before sprinkling them with salt. But whoever helped spread this theory may actually be wrong. Related: We Tried 8 Celebrity Scrambled Egg Methods and Found Some Breakfast Champions When to Add Salt to Scrambled Eggs To finally answer this question, we reached out to some national egg brands for their perspectives. It turns out that adding salt while whisking together raw eggs can make the best, most flavorful scramble. We hear this debate a lot between our Michelin chef partners and even from our at-home chefs about when to salt eggs, says Whitney Fortin, vice president of marketing at Happy Egg, a free-range commercial egg producer headquartered in Arkansas. Adding salt to your egg scramble prior to cooking acts as a buffer that prevents the yolks proteins from getting too tight and losing their moisture. When you add salt prior to the eggs hitting heat, it results in a fluffier scramble. Erin Krenek, manager of communications at Vital Farms, a company that sells pasture-raised eggs nationally, agreed that its best to salt eggs at the whisking step before cooking. We believe that salt helps break up the white to create a more homogenous mixture, makes them more tender, and creates a more well-rounded taste in every bite, he says. Does Adding Salt Before Cooking Scrambled Eggs Change the Flavor? Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Vital Farms actually brought up this topic to their staff in a taste test, but the results didnt necessarily make answering this question that much easier. However, when we put the question up in a crew taste test a few years ago, we didnt notice a significant taste difference based on when you salted the eggs, Krenek says. Whether you [add salt] before or after, you should always season your eggs with a bit of salt to concentrate and enhance the delicious egg flavor." Sarah Beth Tanner, recipe developer for Pete & Gerrys, a commercial egg company headquartered in New Hampshire, agrees that its important not to skip the salt when making scrambled eggs. "In our experience, the difference in texture when salting before, during, or after cooking scrambled eggs is very subtle, Tanner says. As long as youre salting them at some point, youll be just fine. The Science of Salt and Eggs While egg companies generally recommend adding salt to scrambled eggs before cooking (even if its only subtly better than salting after cooking), food science can help explain why you should, in fact, sprinkle your scramble with salt before cooking. This may take you back to science class, but stick with us! The tenderness of cooked eggs has to do, in large part, with the coagulation of protein, especially the speed of coagulation. Light, tender, and moist scrambled eggs require moderately low heat to gently trap some of the water naturally found in eggs as the curds setand salt can actually be an ally in this process. In his book On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, Harold McGee explains that theres actually no truth to the idea that salt toughens egg proteins. Most egg proteins carry a negative electrical charge and salt dissolves into positively and negatively charged ions that cluster around the charged portions of the proteins and effectively neutralize them. As a result, the proteins bond earlier in the cooking process, so eggs end up more tender when salted, McGee writes. So how much salt should you add to scrambled eggs before cooking? We recommend a big pinch of salt for every couple of eggs you plan to cook. And its best to slightly under-season the eggs before cooking as once you add that sodium, theres no going back. Related: How to Make Scrambled Eggs, Step by Step Read the original article on ALLRECIPES Departing cheaply? That all depends on how keen other people are on a seat on your plane (Simon Calder) Personally I can think of many places I would rather be on 11 July this year than Heaton Park in Manchester. But tens of thousands of Oasis fans are collectively spending millions on tickets for the first night of their reunion tour. Viagogo currently has a ticket on sale that, according to the site, has a face value of 2,000. All yours for 5,000 an uplift of 150 per cent plus a handling and booking fee of 755 and the VAT that applies, taking the total to 5,906. Lets call it three times the number you first thought of. An outrage? The government seems to think so. Ministers are consulting on introducing a cap on the price of ticket resales. The consultation is seeking views on a range from the original price to up to a 30 per cent uplift. On social media, Derek Edwards contacted the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, saying: If you are looking at this then you also need to look at the airline industry? The implication: airlines are capitalising on strong demand to charge outlandish prices. Mr Edwards then contacted me, asking: Would you add your voice to this? No. Sorry to be blunt, but dynamic pricing where the price is set according to aggregate demand works wonders in aviation. I have no comment on gig tickets beyond observing that if there are willing buyers at almost 6,000 for an Oasis ticket, then the market will find a way to deliver. In a similar vein, if you will excuse the phrase, heroin is illegal but there seems a ready supply and an alarming demand. Dynamic pricing is extremely well-suited to a commodity with a finite supply, whether that is space in Heaton Park or a seat on Ryanairs flight on Saturday 18 January from Manchester to Shannon in Ireland. I havent picked that particular departure at random; I bought a ticket for flight RK4776 a day ahead. The price: 19.99. Once Rachel Reeves has helped herself to 13 in Air Passenger Duty, and Manchester airport has applied its passenger charges, Ryanair will not be in an advantageous position, financially. But Europes biggest budget airline is betting that most passengers will also pay around 20 to bring a wheelie bag on board and/or check in luggage. Many travellers will also book car rental through the site and/or buy food and drink on board. Taken together, Ryanair expects me to pay more than the marginal cost of supplying that seat. 20 for 300 miles of air travel is absurdly cheap. But by the afternoon of departure, the price had gone up five-fold to 99.99. That is because anyone seeking a ticket on the day probably has a distress reason for buying the flight. Distress in this context need not involve, say, a family emergency it could just be that a passenger has missed their earlier flight due to a traffic jam or simple incompetence. Whatever the reason, there is a market at that price. That same seat on the same plane on Monday is currently priced at 250. Yes, one-way, including only a small piece of cabin baggage. Exploitation? Price gouging? Outrageous profiteering? People apply those labels and many others to describe the way airlines raise their prices in tune with demand. But all Ryanair is doing is offering a service. If you dont want to pay 250 for an hours flight, thats fine (and understandable). Those with a need to get from northwest England to the west of Ireland on Monday can choose from plenty of other options: a cheaper flight to Dublin, then the bus, for example. Better still, the newly reopened Holyhead-Dublin ferry link has excellent rail-and-sail deals. But if you need to be beside the River Shannon in a hurry, the plane may be the only one for you and there will be people relieved that Ryanair has laid on the flight. Dynamic pricing is an excellent way to allocate scarce resources. Yes, airlines will make the most they possibly can when demand is strong. Suppose the government tried to cap fares: no one would be happy except for a few people who get in early at a particular price. Travellers desperate to leave in a few hours deserve an option that allows them to pay hundreds of pounds for the privilege. And airlines deserve the right to make hay while the sun shines. Which, often, it doesnt. Whatever you are prepared to pay for a flight or a gig, dont look back in anger. Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue and what it means for you. President Ilham Aliyev shares post on 20 January tragedy 19 January 2025 [21:03] - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev shared a post on his social media accounts to commemorate the 20 January tragedy. Azernews presents the photo shared by the President. Views: 870 Dave Chappelle took the stage at Studio 8H for the new years inaugural episode of Saturday Night Live, marking his fourth time hosting the show. He walked out onstage wearing a suit and smoking a cigarette and said, Boy, I tell you something. Im being very honest. I am in quite the pickle tonight. And it started in October. Lorne Michaels called me. More from Variety Chappelle recounted how he asked him to host the show. The first episode after the election, recalls Chappelle. And I was like, nah, Im cool. He describes how he then asked Michaels to save the date closest to Jan. 6. You know what? I could just get rid of all these old Trump jokes. Ill do it! The comedian paused and said, The moment I said yes, L.A. burst into flames! Chappelle, who is known for controversial jokes, including those about trans people, said, Im tired of being controversial. Im trying to turn over a new leaf. It is way too soon to try to joke about a catastrophe like that. This one is close to home. Chappelle rattled off the names of actors hed worked with, like Dennis Quaid, who have been impacted by the ongoing fires in L.A. It broke my heart, said Chappelle. He noted all the negative comments online about celebrities losing their homes. You see that right there? Thats why I hate poor people, said Chappelle to laughter. Because they cant see past their own pain. The other day on the news, they said these fires were the most expensive tragedy that ever happened in the United States history. I think thats because people in L.A. have nice stuff. I could burn 40,000 acres in Mississippi for like six or seven dollars, said Chappelle. He also speculated on the different conspiracy theories about what started the fires. If you were a rational, thinking person, youd have to at least consider the possibility that God hates these people, joked Chappelle. Seated on a stool and smoking, Chappelle continued, A lot of poor people were affected, too. A lot of these people found out the week of the fires that they lost their fire insurance. Luigi is like, Youre welcome. Rounding in on Luigi Mangione, he said, That kid did almost plan the perfect crime. Only thing he forgot was to shave his eyebrows. Chappelle, who lives in Ohio, spoke about Donald Trumps comments about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, last year. Trumps a wild guy. He said the Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, were eating peoples dogs and cats. I live one town over from Springfield. Thats not what happened in Springfield at all. Chappelle shares how he wanted to lend his support after those comments. Every day Id drive over to Springfield and eat lunch at the Haitian restaurant. He paused, And to be honest with you, I dont know what that meat was. But whatever it was, it fell right off the bone. Its no fun being famous anymore, said the comic, who likened being famous to storming the beaches of Normandy and losing comrades in battle. He talked about Puffy and the allegations surrounding Diddy. A lot of my friends ask me, they say, Dave, did you know anything about those Freak Off parties [Diddy hosted]? Chappelle smirked. Later, he said he wasnt invited to the parties because, Oh my god, Im ugly! Thats a tough way to find out. He went on, Can you imagine if you were me reading the newspaper finding out: everyone in Hollywood had an orgy behind your back? Noting Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, Chapelle said, Heres the thing: On Monday, Donald Trump is coming back. Its going to be the 47th president. All the flags at half-mast because Jimmy Carter died. Chappelle then told a story about seeing a photo of Carter in Palestine with people cheering on the former president, and he said, The picture brought tears to my eyes. Chappelle said while he wasnt sure Carter was a good president, He was a good man. It made me feel proud to see that. Concluding the unusually long monologue, Chappelle said, The presidency is no place for petty people. Donald Trump, I know you watch the show, man; remember whether people voted for you or not, theyre all counting on you. Wishing Trump luck, he said, The whole world is counting on you. Please do better next time. Packing an emotional punch, Chappelle concluded, Do not forget your humanity for displaced people whether theyre in the Palisades or Palestine. Watch his monologue below: Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Taylor: he possessed avuncular friendliness flavoured with a quiet dash of menace Bob Taylor, who has died aged 75, was Detective Chief Superintendent of West Yorkshire Police from 1991 to 1999, then head of operations in the National Crime Squad, Britains equivalent to the FBI, until 2001. Over more than 30 years in the police Taylor was involved in more than 150 murder hunts and led nearly 50 major investigations into murderers, kidnappers and rapists in which he achieved a conviction rate of 100 per cent, earning the nickname Lucky Bob. His most famous case was that of Michael Sams, the Keighley-born tool repairer and trainspotter who kidnapped the Leeds teenager Julie Dart on July 9 1991, the day after Taylor was promoted to detective chief superintendent. Sams took his victim to his warehouse in Newark, Nottinghamshire, where he kept her in a coffin-like box, and sent ransom letters to the police. Ten days after she went missing her body was discovered dumped in a field in Lincolnshire. Sams claimed later that he had murdered her when she tried to escape. The following January, Sams kidnapped Stephanie Slater, a Birmingham estate agent, as she showed him around a house, held her captive in a makeshift wooden coffin inside a wheelie bin for eight days at his workshop then released her after her employer paid a 175,000 ransom. In February 1992 BBC Crimewatch broadcast a telephoned ransom demand and Samss voice was recognised by his ex-wife, who named him. When Sams was arrested it was a moment of triumph, but for Taylor the hard work of assembling the evidence that would stand up in court was only just beginning. Sams made it personal the way he turned it into a game, he recalled. I just wanted to wipe that smile from his face. Sams was a vain man, who, Taylor recalled, wanted to be the centre of attention. So I decided to play mind games with him. Sams assumed he would be questioned by a senior detective and was irritated that he was only interviewed by policemen he regarded as underlings. In the hope of gaining access to the top man, Sams kept adding details to his story. I was this shadowy figure in the background, while colleagues did the interviews, Taylor recalled. Sams kept wanting to see the boss, but I wasnt ready to see him until he was ready to confess. The mind games extended to having Sams described in the press as a fiend: I knew that would wind him up; he didnt mind being called a killer, but not a fiend. Bob Taylor in 2003 on the BBC reality TV show The Murder Game - Television Stills/BBC The killer also suffered from dyslexia, which Taylor exploited to trap him. In the ransom letters he sent after Julies disappearance, he kept referring to Millgate police station, rather than Millgarth. When we were bringing him up to Leeds for interview, we asked him where he was going. He said Millgate. As Stephanie Slater had been kidnapped in the West Midlands, the investigation was a joint exercise with the West Midlands force, and the experience made Taylor a firm believer in establishing a national police force: Whenever you got anything that crossed a force boundary, you could have been going into France because of the competition going on, he recalled. The relationship between the two forces was not helped by the fact that West Yorkshire had earlier been called in to investigate alleged corruption in the West Midlands force. Taylor was critical of the rival forces approach. Sams had only one leg, the other having been amputated due to cancer. Because of his disability, Birmingham detectives dismissed him as the potential killer; it was Taylor who sent his detectives to arrest Sams at his warehouse because so many other factors fitted the profile he had built up. Sams was convicted of murder at Nottingham Crown Court in 1993 and sentenced to life in jail. A few days after his conviction, Taylor met him in prison. His solicitor told me: He thinks the world of you Bob, because nobody but the countrys finest could have caught him. But if I had a fan club, I wouldnt want him in it. An only son, Robert Taylor was born in Leeds on July 17 1949 to Eric and Marion Taylor. He left Osmondthorpe Secondary School to work for his parents small plumbing business, and it was this experience that motivated him to join the police. [My father] fell victim to an unscrupulous builder, who, despite knowing he was going bankrupt, contracted us to do the work he knew we would never get paid for. The money he owed my father was equivalent to over a years wages for me. My dad eventually got 12 from the Official Receiver. The unfairness and sheer crookedness of it all shocked me. He joined Leeds City Police (later to merge into West Yorkshire Police) in January 1970, and it was a proud day when he became PC 1008 Robert Taylor. He spent two years in uniform, patrolling the streets of Gipton Estate in Leeds, but he always wanted to be a detective. He spent 27 years in the CID, rising steadily through the ranks and gaining a law degree on the way. Taylor worked as a detective sergeant on the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry, an experience which, like the Sams case, confirmed his belief in the need for a national force rather than 43 separate forces. Detectives led by Assistant Chief Constable George Oldfield had been deceived by hoax tapes made by a man with a north-east accent, he recalled: They never looked at the people who survived the attacks, all of whom described the attacker as a dark-haired man with a soft Yorkshire accent. Oldfield, he said, failed to communicate with junior staff: If you did manage to talk to him, he was usually drunk... It was a case of lions being led by donkeys. So many mistakes were made that I was determined to learn from them if I was ever put in charge of a murder inquiry. By the time Taylor was appointed head of operations at the National Crime Squad in 1999, his only unsolved murder was the case of a 51-year-old receptionist, Wendy Speakes, who had been raped and killed in her Wakefield home in 1994. Then, nearly six years later, a phone call from West Yorkshires fingerprints specialist confirmed a match with one found on her door handle, and Christopher John Farrow was arrested. Dubbed the shoe fetish killer because, after tying up his victim, he had forced her to wear a pair of blue mule shoes before subjecting her to a sex attack and stabbing her to death, was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment, completing Taylors 100 per cent detection and conviction record. During his time in the force, Taylor was often seen on BBCs Crimewatch. After his retirement he appeared in documentaries and an eight-part BBC series, The Murder Game, a reality drama show in which detectives worked together to solve crimes under Taylors supervision. He also wrote an autobiography, Crime Buster (2002), in which he recalled the highlights of his career and set out a trenchant case for a national police force, an end to trial by jury and a national DNA register. A former colleague of Taylors described him as an old-school detective possessing an avuncular friendliness flavoured with a quiet dash of menace. Universally respected by colleagues and junior officers, he was particularly known for the unstinting compassion he showed towards victims and their families. He received numerous commendations, including seven from judges, and became the first detective chief superintendent to receive the Dennis Hoban Trophy for outstanding detective work. But Taylor was highly critical of modern trends in policing, telling an interviewer in 2002 that the service was all about cost-cutting, not providing a better service... We have a new age of managers trying to reinvent the wheel, instead of seeing whats worked in the past and dealing with the basics. I wouldnt last two minutes if I joined today, he observed, adding: probably wouldnt be politically correct enough. Bob Taylors two marriages were both dissolved, though he remained good friends with his second wife, Sheron Boyle. She survives him with their twin sons and with two sons and a daughter from his first marriage. Bob Taylor, born July 17 1949, died December 28 2024 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. AI is now able to recognize depression in CEOs based on vocal analysis of earnings calls. (Getty Images) Researchers debuted a new measure of identifying CEO depression by using AI learning models to analyze vocal features from earnings call recordings. This research has helped identify factors that may contribute to mental health challenges among executives. CEOs might be able to give away mental health challenges just by how they talk about their companies' earnings to investors. A study published this month in the Journal of Accounting Research used artificial intelligence to analyze chief executives speech recordings to identify depression. Researchers from Indiana Universitys Kelley School of Business and the University of Kentucky debuted a measure of identifying the severity and prevalence of depression among chief executives by training AI language models to analyze vocal patterns of CEOs. They analyzed data from more than 14,500 earnings calls from S&P 500 companies from 2010 to 2021. CEOs with depression tend to face additional workplaces challenges, evidence from the study suggested. Specifically, a CEOs mental health struggles were associated with a company facing greater risks, such as litigation or volatile stock returns. There was also limited evidence showing CEOs with depression were more likely to have larger compensation packages and have a higher percentage of those packages based on performance. They were less likely to be older and women. We want to really highlight mental health in leadership roles and how prevalent it is, Nargess Golshan, assistant professor of accounting at Indiana University and the studys co-author, told Fortune. Of course, it is important for the personal health of these executives, but also has far-reaching implications for the organization, the employees, the investors, and the broader economy. How AI learns to identify depression Researchers have long used voice analysis as a tool for assessing chronic illnesses, such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease, and measuring depression through a similar analysis is no exception. Rather than look at more rudimentary speech components previously used to assess health conditionssuch as pauses and uses of filler words, which are associated with depressionresearchers are now turning to AI to pick up on patterns too small for the human ear to notice. These machine learning models [are] more complicated than that, Golshan said. They use numerical embeddings of pieces of the audio file that are not really perceptible by humans. Golshan collected vocal analysis data from a sample of non-CEOs who took mental health assessments, cross-referencing that data with scores from reliable tools for determining depression, like the Patient Health Questionnaire. She used that data set to train her machine learning model, which could identify small pieces of data from CEOs speeches that could indicate depression. Earnings calls are an optimal way to collect data because they feature long, uninterrupted periods of talking and usually arent confounded by visual communication cues like hand gestures. Among more than 14,500 CEOs studied, More than 9,500 were classified as having depression using analysis from the machine learning model. The relationship between business and mental health AI-powered mental health assessments have already allowed researchers to identify correlations between CEO depression and business risks, though Golshan warns that no causal connections can be made. She found among the companies in the study, having a CEO with depression was associated with greater risks to a firm, including facing lawsuits or unpredictable stock returns. Golshan hypothesizes this could have something to do with how individuals with depression interrupt feedback. Those with depression are more likely to deeply internalize negative feedback, but are less sensitive to positive feedback. Dwelling on a worse-than-expected fiscal quarter could cause further negative self-talk, worsening depression symptoms. The study also found, albeit limited, evidence of a relationship between a CEOs mental health score and their compensation package, such that executives with depression had larger payouts. This might be a result of a board wanting to support or incentivize a struggling executive, Golshan said. Researchers are already diving deeper into the potential causal relationships between depression and factors such as compensation, turnover, and company performance. The associations between depression and business risk point to areas of future research, but they mostly validate the new AI model as a useful tool in measuring depression. Golshan asserted there are also intangible impacts of the future of this mental health research. Depression has always been attached with the stigmaWe hope, with this study, to really bring some light to it, especially how prevalent it is, she said. We want to start a conversation and help executives to be aware about it, and also companies, to support their executives in these roles. Mental health is still stigmatized for CEOs Mental health troubles dont magically dissolve outside the corner office. Three-quarters of the C-suite said they would seriously consider quitting their jobs in order to seek out a workplace that would better support their wellbeing, according to Deloittes 2023 Well-Being at Work Survey, which polled 3,150 employees across the United States, UK, Canada, and Australia. But despite the high prioritization of mental health among executives, discussing and seeking help for improving mental wellbeing has been tamped down by the continued stigma about those struggles. Eight in 10 CEOs and 67% of employees believe someone with a mental illness is weak or burdensome, BusinesSolvers 2024 State of Workplace Empathy surveying 20,000 employees found. These mental health challenges can result in material changes for a business. Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms, the slip-on shoe brand with a philanthropic bent, sold 50% of the company to Bain Capital in 2014, citing depression and loneliness. I lost a lot of my clear meaning and purpose, Mycoskie told Fortune in April. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Shes buying a stairway to budgetary hell. Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration quietly doubled the price tag to renovate the crumbling grand staircase to the state Capitol building jacking it up to a whopping $80 million, The Post has learned. The price tag of the repairs has skyrocketed from $17 million in 2014 to $41 million in 2022 to upwards of $80 million last fall, amounting to more than quadruple of the projects cost as questions swirl over its opening date, documents show. The eastern approach steps to the state capitol have been blocked off by fencing and no trespassing signs for the last decade. Getty Images for UltraViolet, Women's March, Girls for Gender Equity Its unclear where the additional funding will come or if its included within Hochuls Albany upcoming budget plan. Governor Hochul is committed to investing in the City of Albany and making our States Capitol a place all New Yorkers are proud of, a spokesperson for Hochul told The Post in a statement. The Office of General Services has initiated a competitive procurement process to responsibly identify a contractor to make much-needed renovations to the Eastern Approach of the Capitol, the spokesperson sadded. By law, we cannot comment further while the procurement process is ongoing. The 77 steps and promenade adjoining the grand Romanesque entrance known as the Capitols eastern approach have been closed since 2015. Poor drainage and significant structural issues have left the stairs sliding downhill towards the Hudson almost as long as theyve been in existence. A 2014 study quietly commissioned by Gov. Andrew Cuomos administration led to emergency repairs after finding bulging walls and loose bricks in the structure that could be removed by hand. That study estimated the repair costs at $17 million. In Hochuls first budget after taking over as governor, she and the legislature set aside $41 million to fix the approach, but in typical Albany fashion, the project has still lagged behind. The state capitol steps have played host to many historical greats, including John F. Kennedy, who used them as a stage for an address as part of his presidential campaign in 1960. Bettmann Archive Hochuls administration is now estimating the price tag to repair the steps to be $80 million, almost double what it had appropriated towards the project in 2022. Albany Times Union via Getty Ima The governors administration floated a spring 2028 opening to the Times last year, but the bidding documents estimates the repairs to take four years, throwing that timeline into question. Though bidding closed on the massive $80 million contract in October, only two firms submitted bids Louis C. Allegrone, Inc. and Consigli Construction. Consigli Construction led major repairs to the state Capitols roof and an addition of a skylight that was finished in 2012. The firm has also been contracted to work on a $19 million project making improvements to the Egg performing arts center on the Empire State Plaza. A rendering of the eastern approach structure from the 2014 report shows the complications involved with the massive project. OGS Project S6574 A spokesperson for the Office of General Services, which is managing the project, said the contract has yet to be awarded. Governor Hochul is committed to opening the Eastern Approach to the public. We will make an announcement on the status of the project soon, OGS spokesperson Joe Brill told The Post. According to project documents obtained by The Post, the project would create a corridor under the stairs so that Hochul and other top officials like Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie can continue using a restricted VIP portico entrance during construction. The price tag of the repairs skyrocketed to upwards of $80 million last fall. Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle via Imagn Content Services, LLC The spokespeople declined to elaborate on why keeping the entrance open is a priority. Last week as part of her State of the State address, Hochul announced a proposal to shovel a massive $400 million into many deteriorating state buildings and institutions in the deteriorating capital city. The Capitol stairs were completed in 1897 as one of the many add-ons to the building, which first opened 18 years earlier. Many politicians have used the perch as a stage over the years, including then-Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy said on the steps as he campaigned for the White House in September 1960. I stand where three distinguished Governors of the State of have stood, Theodore Roosevelt, Al Smith, and Franklin Roosevelt, as candidates for the office of the Presidency, Kennedy said. Teddy Roosevelt is told to have ran up the stairs as part of his morning exercise routine when he called Albany home. Then New York governor, Smith accepted the Democratic nomination for president on the approach nearly 32 years before Kennedy gave his speech. Three Israeli hostages were released Sunday as part of a long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. They are the first of 33 that Hamas is expected to free during the first phase of the deal. Early Monday, more than seven hours later, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Facilitated by the Red Cross, the Israeli hostages were transferred to the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Authority just after 5:30 p.m. local time and crossed the border into Israeli territory shortly after that, those agencies said in a joint announcement. Both IDF special forces and ISA forces accompanied the freed hostages out of Gaza. "The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the released hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel," the agencies said. The hostages released were confirmed as 24-year-old Romi Gonen, 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher and 28-year-old Emily Damari. From left to right, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher and Romi Gonan are shown in photos released by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum on Sunday, January 19, 2025. / Credit: Hostage and Missing Families Forum Israeli authorities said the freed hostages underwent initial medical evaluations at a reception point in southern Israel once they returned. After those checks, they boarded a military helicopter set to take them to other hospitals. A large bus carrying dozens of Palestinian detainees exited the gates of Israel's Ofer prison, just outside the West Bank city of Ramallah. Israel's military, which occupies the West Bank, warned Palestinians against public celebration, but crowds thronged the buses after they left the prison, some people climbing on top or waving flags, including those of Hamas. There were fireworks and whistles, and shouts of "God is great." Those released were hoisted onto others' shoulders or embraced. Palestinians celebrate the release of some 90 prisoners set free by Israel in the early hours of Jan. 20, 2025 upon their arrival aboard a Red Cross bus in the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia, on the outskirts of Ramallah. / Credit: ZAIN JAAFAR / AFP via Getty Images According to a list provided by the Palestinian Authority's Commission for Prisoners' Affairs, all of those released are women or teens, the youngest 15. Israel detained them for what it said were offenses related to Israel's security, from throwing stones to more serious accusations like attempted murder. The IDF shared a video of the three Israeli women's mothers watching footage of their daughters' return from an Israeli soldier's phone at the reception point. Israeli hostages reunite with family members after they were released by Hamas as part of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and the militant group. / Credit: IDF Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they had endured a horrific ordeal. "I know, we all know, they have been through hell. They are emerging from darkness into light, from bondage to freedom," he said. "They appear to be in good health," President Biden said in brief remarks as they were arriving in Israel. Brett McGurk, the Biden administration National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, said Sunday on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he had spoken to his Israeli counterparts about the conditions of the hostages. "I know they're alive," McGurk said. "They've been held in deplorable conditions over 470 days, but the Israelis have a very good system to take them into their care, and they're going to get the care they need and be reunited with their families." The ceasefire officially began earlier Sunday after a last-minute delay of almost three hours. The fighting continued past the initially provisioned 8:30 a.m. local (1:30 a.m. Eastern) deadline as the Israeli military said Hamas had failed to provide the names of the first three hostages due to be released, per the terms of the agreement. In Gaza, fighter jets and drones were reported to have disappeared from the skies as the deal took effect, and at least 191 aid trucks were said to have begun entering into Gaza through the Karem Shalom crossing. Al-Qassam Brigades hands over 3 Israeli hostages to Red Cross at al-Saraya as part of 1st phase of ceasefire and prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, Gaza on January 19, 2025. / Credit: Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu via Getty Images The first phase of the ceasefire calls for Hamas to release 33 hostages over a six-week period. They include women, children and hostages over 50 years old, a draft viewed by CBS News said. The plan says three living female hostages will be returned on Day 1. Four hostages will be released on Day 7, and the remaining 26 over the next five weeks. Crowd celebrate in Gaza after a ceasefire and hostage deal comes into effect on Sunday January 19, 2025. / Credit: CBS News The pause the second in the 15-month-long war was achieved through joint pressure from President-elect Donald Trump and the outgoing administration of President Biden. McGurk said the deal was "not put together in the last week." "It's a detailed, complex arrangement to leave nothing to chance," McGurk said. "And even up to last night, I was up until 4 o'clock in the morning, when this finally went into place to make sure that everything went according to the plan." Rep. Mike Waltz, who will serve as national security adviser in the incoming Trump administration, said Sunday on "Face the Nation" that "this deal would have never happened had President Trump not been elected." Waltz said "if Hamas reneges on this deal, if Hamas backs out, moves the goal post, what have you we will support Israel in doing what it has to do, number one, and number two, Hamas will never govern Gaza." "President Trump's plan and his first term, his plan for the Middle East and his plan for Israel and Palestine had a pathway to a two-state with all kinds of very important qualifiers that had to be in place beforehand," Waltz said. "Stop radicalizing the next generation of Palestinian youth. Very specifics- components of that plan in terms of how things would be divided up, but I do think we can get to the next round of the Abraham accords." On Wednesday, Mr. Biden and Qatar's prime minister separately announced the deal after a week of intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Egypt. In a post on Truth Social, Trump welcomed the impending release of the three hostages. "Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first," he wrote Sunday morning. In a rare meeting during the Jewish Sabbath, Israel's full Cabinet voted to approve the deal. Displaced Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on January 19, 2025. / Credit: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images The approval set off a flurry of activity and a fresh wave of emotions as relatives wondered whether hostages would be returned alive or dead. How the hostage release will work Under the negotiated deal, the ceasefire will be in three phases. 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 six weeks of the first phase, Israel's security cabinet will decide how to proceed. In total, Hamas would release 33 hostages during the first phase. Hamas would start releasing hostages on the first day, initially returning three to Israel, according to the draft viewed by CBS News. On the seventh day, Hamas would release four hostages. Thereafter, Hamas would release three hostages every seven days, starting with the living, and then moving on to return the bodies of those who have died. Trucks loaded with aid enter through the Rafah Border Crossing on January 19, 2025 near the crossing with Gaza at Rafah, Egypt. / Credit: / Getty Images During each exchange, Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel after the hostages have arrived safely. Mr. Biden said Wednesday that Americans would be among the hostages released in the first phase of the agreement, but he did not specify any names or how soon they would be freed. In phase one, Israel will release at least 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, including 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. The remainder of the hostages in Gaza, including male Israeli 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. When does fighting stop During the ceasefire's first phase, Israeli troops are to pull back into a buffer zone about a half mile wide inside Gaza along its borders with Israel. In the interim between 8:30 a.m. and when the ceasefire took hold, Israeli fire killed at least 26 people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It did not say whether they were civilians or fighters. The military has warned people to stay away from Israeli forces as they retreat to a buffer zone inside Gaza. Displaced Palestinians, taking refuge in Khan Yunis, start to return to their houses after the announcement of the ceasefire and hostage-prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel. / Credit: Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images Despite the caveats and uncertainty, anticipation was high. "The first thing I will do is go and check my house," Mohamed Mahdi, a father of two who was displaced from Gaza City's Zaytoun neighborhood, told the Associated Press. He also looked forward to seeing family in southern Gaza, but is "still concerned that one of us could be martyred before we are able to meet." Aid was starting to arrive slowly in Gaza on Sunday. Save the Children president and CEO Janti Soeripto told "Face the Nation" that as of Sunday afternoon local time, her organization had "60 trucks waiting in that queue, all loaded up with warm clothing, shoes for kids, pallets with medicines, malnutrition treatment, which is sorely needed." Save the Chlidren is trying to connect 17,000 displaced Gazan children with their families, which Soeripto described as a "long and hard, painstaking process that also needs real sensitive and professional social workers." "It's going to be a huge effort," Soeripto said. "You know, It's a real moment of hope and peril at the same time." The Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and left some 250 captive. Nearly 100 hostages remain in Gaza. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and militants, but says women and children make up more than half the dead. -- The Associated Press contributed to this report. First hostages released after Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal | Special Report Catalight's Journey Cuts a Clear Path to Sustainable Access to Healthcare Novastone solves SME Succession Challenges with Operator-led Acquisitions Looking to emigrate? Heres what people who have moved abroad want you to know. (Getty Creative) (martin-dm via Getty Images) Like a lot of other countries, Ireland offers citizenship through descent, which means you can apply if you have a parent or grandparent who was born there. It took me several months to collect the three generations worth of documents proving Id grown up with a Wexford-born grandpa, and another full year for my application to be approved. I quit my job, lined up some freelance writing gigs and moved to London at the tail end of 2008. (Irish citizens are entitled to reside in the U.K.) Id probably still be there, had I not had a child and realized the difficulties of living an ocean away from family. After more than a decade abroad, I moved back to the United States in 2019. Theres so much I still miss about expat life Sunday roasts, free museums and having other people to discuss the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special with, for starters but theres a lot of stuff I dont too. As someone allergic to administrative work, filing tax returns in two countries each year filled me with dread. Going back to the U.S. was both expensive and bound by time restrictions, which meant missing holiday gatherings, good friends weddings and, worst of all, both of my grandmothers funerals. And, yep, the rumors are true: England is very, very rainy. Those challenges, however, may not deter the increasing number of Americans who are reportedly exploring an international move due to a new administration, though politics certainly isnt the only thing sending people overseas. Some go for work; others to feel like theyre on a perpetual vacation. In my case, it was professional burnout and a yearning for adventure. And for Chrissy Gruninger, it was ... severe allergies. Bad days can happen anywhere In 2012, Gruninger, a California native, moved to Costa Rica for her health. After years of daily suffering, an immunologist finally diagnosed me with an allergic reaction to cold, dry environments, Gruninger tells Yahoo Life. With that information, I decided to take the leap and move to Costa Rica. Gruninger applied for residency as soon as she moved with 10 bags and her 17-year-old cat, Harmony, in tow. It took about six years for the application to actually go through; its one of the lessons the experience of living abroad has taught me, she says. Patience and perseverance are an essential part of the mindset you need to adopt when living abroad. Gruninger, author of Moving to Costa Rica Simplified, is now a relocation counselor and expat expert who helps others navigate the process of setting up a home in a new country. And while there are things she misses about California namely, redwood forests and Trader Joes shes only been back to the U.S. once, and just for 36 hours, in the 12-plus years since her move. I needed to renew my drivers license, she explains. Costa Rica is home for me now. But thats not to say that life there is always easy. Bad days can happen anywhere, Gruninger notes. A lot of people see expat life through rose-colored glasses, she adds, and think that moving is a way to leave their problems behind without fully understanding the challenges ahead (like language barriers, loneliness and not having all the comforts of home at your fingertips). She also discourages wannabe expats who say they want to live like a local. While the intention is good, it stereotypes everyone in that country and doesnt reflect the true diversity of experiences, Gruninger says. Its also important to be mindful that not everyone in their new country may welcome their presence. If theyre unaware of the problems facing locals, their arrival could end up doing more harm than good. I strongly recommend doing a deep dive to understand the challenges in the country, learning how to minimize ones impact as a foreigner and adapting and assimilating as much as possible. Its not always going to feel like vacation At 25, New Yorker Alicia Barnes found herself at a crossroads. I was feeling burnt out from my [public relations] job in NYC and fed up with the dating scene, she tells Yahoo Life. And my love of movies told me London was where I could find a Prince Charming, get a fresh start and make my life feel more balanced. When her apartment lease ended, she saw it as an opportunity to move across the pond. While she knew that getting a visa to stay in the United Kingdom would be difficult, the process was still harder than I anticipated, Barnes says of applying to companies that offered sponsorship visas to qualified employees. I talked to anyone and everyone to find a way to stay out here. By the time she did secure a visa, more administrative headaches emerged. I was surprised by how difficult it was to set up a bank account, Barnes says. Only some banks were willing to allow me to set something up. I also eventually had difficulty getting a mortgage because I was not from the U.K. and again had limited bank choices. Other pain points: the cost of renewing her visa. Filing tax returns. Having to keep track of how much time she spends outside the U.K. And while shes no longer paying for health insurance, her income in London is less than what she made in New York. There are cultural differences too. I miss food and family and friends the three Fs, the marketing manager says. Its easier to read Americans than Brits, she adds. There are some expressions or mannerisms that people say or do that make me second-guess how Im conducting myself. Like, people will talk about some pop sensation or old childrens game and Im like, What? Or the spelling of a word is slightly different so I need to make sure I know that for my day job. Ive also struggled with the fact that most people have childhood or school friends and they dont seem to be bothered in making any more. Trying to force someone out of their bubble to talk is hard. On the bright side: Barnes did meet her Prince Charming, and she and her British husband are parents to a 1-year-old daughter. Government programs have helped cover some child care costs, but not having her own family nearby is difficult. Im not sure if well stay in the U.K. permanently, Barnes, who wants her daughter to have more family time, says. I end up doing a lot of FaceTime with my family to make sure she knows who everyone is. Looking back, she wishes shed had more realistic expectations. Life abroad can be magical, but its not always going to feel like vacation, she says. Bloom where you are planted Like Barnes, Kelly-Anne Lyons is raising her family abroad. Originally from New Jersey, Lyons moved to London a week after graduating from college after a U.K. modeling agency offered to sponsor her. Over the next decade or so, she got married, had her first daughter (No. 2 is due soon) and transitioned to some acting and television presenting work, which required applying for a different work visa. She became a dual U.S.-U.K. citizen in 2012. About three and a half years ago, Lyons made yet another international move: Paris. Her husbands work prompted the move to France, and Lyons now documents her adventures as a content creator known as American Mom in Paris. Though shes no stranger to expat life, Lyons says adjusting to a new country can be trickier the second time around. For starters: All the paperwork, and visa interviews, are of course in French. The language is the biggest challenge, she says. When she first moved to London, Lyons had to adjust to little things like measurements and temperature when cooking, as well as big things like navigating the Tube, a new health care system, taxes, etc., she says. But I had my husband and his family and friends for advice, which was hugely helpful. It also makes a massive difference when things are in English. Moving to France has been a bit more challenging. After about 20 years abroad Lyons has learned to live without her family close by, but theres always an underlying guilt, she says. That feeling never goes away and gets worse when you have kids. While shes spoiled for choice in terms of croissants, shes yet to find a bagel as good as the ones back home. And though Emily in Paris does a great job of capturing the glamour and magic of Lyonss adopted city, it doesnt mention, say, packed rush-hour Metro rides. But there are a lot of positives too: new friends, the ease of traveling around Europe and a chance to experience life through a fresh cultural lens. Its important to bloom where you are planted, she says. Expats who embrace their new surroundings and avoid comparisons to the way things are back home tend to be happier, in her experience. Also key: remembering that you can always move. When my husband asked what I thought about moving to Paris, I said I would rather be on my deathbed laughing about the time we attempted a move to Paris and all the things that went wrong, versus being on my deathbed with regrets of not knowing what might have happened if we tried Paris, Lyons shares. Luckily, Ill be on my deathbed saying moving to Paris was one of the best decisions we made! If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. David M. Benett/Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Mark Rylance and Claire van Kampen Claire van Kampen, theatre director and the wife of actor Mark Rylance, has reportedly died after being diagnosed with cancer. She was 71. Her daughter Juliet and Rylance said in a statement that she died "surrounded by family" in Kassel, Germany, on Rylances 65th birthday on Saturday, Jan. 18. "Claire Louise van Kampen, Lady Rylance, has died this morning at 11:47, in the ancient town of Kassel, Germany, surrounded by her family, the statement read, according to multiple outlets including BBC News and the U.K. newspaper The Guardian. The late composer and musical director was described as one of the funniest and inspiring women we have ever known by her family. "We thank her for imbuing our lives with her magic, music, laughter, and love, they added. Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic Kampen pictured in N.YC. in December 2017 Related: Mark Rylance: Inside the Heartbreak that Propelled Him to an Oscar Win Claire had been diagnosed with cancer before her death, BBC News reported. She was born in London and trained at the Royal College of Music studying piano and music theory. Embarking on a theatre career, Claire joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1986, where she became the first female musical director, according to the outlet. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The following year, she joined the Royal National Theatre where she met Rylance while working as a musical director for a play he appeared in, per Sky News UK. Claire later became the associate to artistic director Rylance at the Globe Theatre, where she worked for 20 years. The pair married in 1989 and Rylance became stepfather to Claires two daughters shared with her late ex-husband, Christopher van Kampen. Her youngest daughter Nataasha tragically died aged 28 following a brain hemorrhage in 2012, per Sky News. Tibrina Hobson/Getty Rylance and Kampen pictured in November 2022 In recent years, Claire worked as a Globe associate and senior research fellow for early modern music at the Globe Theatre and a creative associate at the Old Vic Theatre in London, BBC News reported. Rylance said of his late wife in 2023, per The Guardian, "Claire completely changed my life ... She introduced me to that world of classical and modern music, and it was very much around music that we fell in love." "Claire came to me with two children whom I raised with her and Chris, but we never had children of our own so, to some degree, our projects have been our children. They are incredible," he continued, adding of his wife that she's "the rock of my life." PEOPLE has reached out to Rylance's representatives for comment. Read the original article on People OPINION: Donna Brazile, who worked with Coretta Scott King to make MLK Day a federal holiday, makes sense of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s legacy as President Biden leaves the White House and President Trump takes office yet again. Editors note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the authors own. Read more opinions on theGrio. On his last full day in office, President Joe Biden spoke at a South Carolina Black church about his vision for a just society one day before the federal holiday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I first got involved in public life because of the Civil Rights Movement, Biden said at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston. I had two political heroes growing up, Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy, the former U.S. attorney general and senator, who, like Dr. King, was tragically assassinated in 1968. Biden, who was 25 when Dr. King was killed, said last April on the 56th anniversary of Dr. Kings death: His unfinished mission inspired me to leave a prestigious law firm to become a public defender and begin a career in public service. After leaving the church, Biden toured the nearby International African American Museum, at the site where some 200,000 captured Africans were sold into slavery. In another gesture of racial reconciliation, the president issued a posthumous pardon Sunday for Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey, who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923, imprisoned for two years and then deported to Jamaica. Dr. King was assassinated when he was just 39. I was 8, and I vividly remember crying uncontrollably when I heard the terrible news. I couldnt understand how God could let such a great and saintly man be murdered. Black America was plunged into a state of mourning, as if a close and dearly beloved relative suddenly died. I later read all the books, sermons and other writings Dr. King produced. And I was honored to play a significant role in the campaign to make Dr. Kings birthday a federal holiday, working with his widow, Coretta Scott King, and many others to win congressional passage for needed legislation that was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. Dr. King awakened the conscience of white America to the ugly racism that had oppressed Black people since colonial days. He changed American history for the better by leading nonviolent protests and advocacy efforts to win the enactment of landmark civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the 1968 Fair Housing Act. March 1965: American civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King (1929 1968) and his wife Coretta Scott King lead a black voting rights march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital in Montgomery; among those pictured are, front row, politician and civil rights activist John Lewis (1940 2020), Reverend Ralph Abernathy (1926 1990), Ruth Harris Bunche (1906 1988), Nobel Prize-winning political scientist and diplomat Ralph Bunche (1904 1971), activist Hosea Williams (1926 2000 right carrying child). (Photo by William Lovelace/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) The Voting Rights Act enabled my grandparents, parents and other Black people in the South to vote for the first time, prompting candidates for elected office to pay attention to the needs of Black folks and leading to the election of Black federal, state and local officials. I still remember being required to use colored drinking fountains and restrooms as a girl, as if being Black was a communicable disease that necessitated us being separated from whites. Dr. King refused to accept the notion of Black inferiority. He gained national fame when he led a year-long boycott by Black people of city buses in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 and 1956 to protest a policy requiring Black passengers to sit in the back of buses and give up their seats to whites when the front was full. Rosa Parks, a courageous Black seamstress, was arrested and fined for refusing to go along with the policy. Her arrest led the U.S. Supreme Court to outlaw segregation on public buses. The struggle for racial justice has continued since Dr. King was murdered, advanced by people of goodwill of all races. Biden has been among them, establishing a strong record to carry on Dr. Kings work as a U.S. senator, vice president and president. Like Dr. King, Biden has worked to extend the blessings of liberty, opportunity, and equality to all Americans. As a 2020 presidential candidate, Biden selected Sen. Kamala Harris of California as his running mate, enabling her to become the first Black and first female U.S. vice president. When Biden ended his reelection bid last year, he endorsed Harris to take his place. Biden appointed 63 Black federal judges more than any president including Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. In addition, Biden appointed many Black people to high-level positions in his administration. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hold hands during a ceremony to celebrate the WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces in the East Room of the White House on May 9. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) The Biden economic program reduced Black unemployment to 4.7% the lowest level on record and cut the poverty rate among Black children in half with an expanded child tax credit. Federal investments under Biden helped double the rate of Black business ownership and increased Black homeownership. Biden invested more than $16 billion to support historically Black colleges and universities, opening the doors to the American Dream for many Black young people. And like all Americans, Black people benefited from legislation Biden signed to enable the nation to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, expand federal investment in infrastructure, expand manufacturing, combat climate change, reduce health care costs and more. Because Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the day Donald Trump is being inaugurated as president, the holiday is getting less attention than it deserves this year. Thats regrettable. Dr. King was an inspiring and important leader a change agent who moved America away from the low road of racism and toward the high road of reconciliation and equality. He never held elected office, but, like Moses, he led his oppressed people to freedom. Rejecting violence and hate despite centuries of slavery and discrimination that Black Americans have endured, Dr. King preached a gospel of hope hope for peace, love, justice and unity among Americans of every race. We should resurrect the righteous goals Dr. King pursued as we inaugurate a new president. I believe that if Dr. King were alive today, at age 96, he would call on all Americans committed to democracy to wish our incoming president, the new Congress, and all federal officials, public servants and citizens success in pursuing peace, prosperity and freedom for the people of the United States and around the globe looking to enjoy those same ideals and blessings. Doing this is the best way for us to honor Kings memory and continue his noble mission. Donna Brazile Headshot thegrio.com Donna Brazile is an ABC News Contributor, veteran political strategist, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, and the King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University. She previously served as interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and of the DNCs Voting Rights Institute. She managed the Gore campaign in 2000 and has lectured at more than 225 colleges and universities on race, diversity, women, leadership and restoring civility in politics. Brazile is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House. @DonnaBrazile. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. BUHLENI I will buy whatever my heart desires. These were the words of Jehedala Dlamini, who is 109 years old, when he received timbasha including cash of E1 200 and calendars yesterday. Imbasha, in this context, refers to a token of appreciation from the King. The King appreciated the regiment (libutfo) for participating in the recent Incwala Ceremony the countrys supreme cultural rite. Timbasha were distributed yesterday at the Buhleni Royal Residence, particularly for those who did not receive the money via electronic transfer. Disbursements The funds were disbursed at the command of His Majesty the King. The disbursements, which followed the annual Incwala Ceremony, were overseen by members of the Kings regiment, who arrived at the palace in significant numbers. After the ceremony, the warriors, known as libutfo, also paid their respects to Their Majesties by weeding the royal fields voluntarily. Security was visibly tight at the Buhleni Royal Residence, with soldiers and police officers strategically positioned to ensure the smooth running of the process. The area, where the disbursement was being done was not overcrowded, though. The regiments received the money, E1 000 in cash. This was done for those who had not received the money electronically despite having registered earlier. Speaking after receiving the money, Dlamini praised His Majesty for consistently honouring the regiments with these gifts. I have been receiving imbasha for many years, he said, adding that he planned to buy whatever his heart desired, though he had not yet decided on specific purchases. Dlamini, who is married to three wives, revealed that he once had more spouses, though he could no longer recall the exact number. He was excited and was also given three calendars for his wives. Wanted The elderly man said he did not know what he would use the money for but he would follow his heart to buy what he wanted. He also shouted the traditional call of bayethe as well as praising Their Majesties for the timbasha. The timbasha payments were part of E33 million allocated by His Majesty to the regiments, ensuring that members, including Ingaja, were supported. Yesterdays cash distribution was the first, with a second round scheduled to take place at regional palaces, as reported by the Times of Eswatini earlier in the week. The old man, even though walking with difficulty, hardly missed the ceremonies and is regarded as a legend in cultural matters. Servicemen usually receive imbasha as well, even those who might have missed this years ceremonies. An Arkansas man was busted on animal cruelty charges for allegedly dumping puppies at a local car wash using a box that had a shipping label with his personal information attached. Jeremy Roberts, 20, was nabbed by police on Tuesday after the three two-month old pooches were found abandoned in a wash bay at Wagner Car Wash on Highway 18 in Manila, according to the Manila Police Department, K8 News reported. Jeremy Roberts, 20, was arrested on animal cruelty charges on Tuesday. Mississippi County Sheriff's Office Police were able to fast track their investigation after spotting a shipping label on the box that included Roberts name and address later visiting his home. After talking with Roberts about the incident, he admitted to dumping the dogs, Officer Ronald Amick told the outlet. Roberts was charged with three counts of cruelty to animals, the outlet reported. He was taken into police custody and then transported to the Mississippi County Sheriffs Office. He was later released on bond, the outlet reported. Dozens of protestors rallied outside the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Saturday and called for her resignation in the wake of the deadly and catastrophic wildfires that devastated Southern California this month. Dozens of protestors rallied outside the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Saturday and called for her resignation in the wake of the deadly and catastrophic wildfires that devastated Southern California this month. The demonstration came amid a torrent of controversy surrounding the embattled mayor, with the roughly 40 protestors who gathered near her Windsor Square residence demanding she step aside citing her lack of leadership as the destructive fires erupted in Los Angeles County. Mayor Bass has been completely irresponsible, Tony Bear, a West Los Angeles resident, told The Post. Protestors gathered on the street of the Mayors residence in Los Angeles demanding her resignation. London Entertainment She left the city knowing the fire danger had risen. When emergencies start, people turn to the leader. The decision-making process was delayed, if not frozen, because Bass was in Ghana. Bass was the ultimate decision maker but she was missing. Bass, 71, faced scorching criticism for being thousands of miles away in Africa celebrating Ghanas presidential inauguration as fires began to rage in the city. She was further blasted over reports she cut the citys fire department budget by $17.5 million ahead of the vicious blazes breaking out with Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley admitting to local media that City Hall had failed her department and Angelenos. Mayor Karen Bass has face scorching criticism since the deadly fires broke out earlier this month. Getty Images Protestors cited Bass lack of leadership in managing the destructive wildfires that killed 27 people. London Entertainment Crowley explained that the LAFD was understaffed and underfunded, adding that the situation is no longer sustainable. It is shameful that Bass isnt taking responsibility, Bear added. Brentwood resident David Chasin ripped the response. It was one of those hurricane fire situations you werent going to get under control but the Mayor is in charge and has to instill confidence, he said. Brentwood resident David Chasin slammed city leadership. London Entertainment When youre overseas, when your reservoir closest to the fire is empty, and when youve got a whole fleet of fire trucks sitting and waiting for repairs and service because youve underfunded the mechanics that service the fire department, and then you have a 1-in-100 or a 1-in-1000 year fire while your back is turned, thats not leadership. As of Saturday, the Eaton Fire had been 73% contained while the Palisades Fire was said to be 43% contained. At least 27 people were killed in the infernos, which destroyed 12,000 structures, including whole residential neighborhoods, and scorched more than 60 square miles of land. Syrian transitional government Justice Minister Shadi al-Waisi in Suwayda on Dec. 29. DAMASCUS, Syria In a shaky video recorded in 2015, a woman cloaked in black and kneeling on a public street begs to see her children for the last time. Instead, a man identified as Shadi al-Waisi, Syrias new justice minister, motions to a gunman, who shoots her in the back of the head. A second video shows al-Waisi reading out a death sentence for another woman, who, like the first, was convicted of corruption and prostitution. She is shot and drops to the ground. The videos were recorded a decade ago, when al-Waisi was a judge for Jabhat al-Nusra, an Al Qaeda affiliate in Syrias northern Idlib province. But they have re-emerged and are spreading widely on social media after he was appointed to his high-profile role in Syrias new government, raising difficult questions about the countrys new leaders as they try to distance themselves from their extremist roots. The videos were widely circulated at the time, but it wasnt until earlier this month that Verify Sy, a respected Syrian news outlet, confirmed that al-Waisi was the man dispensing the sentences. Using specialized technical tools, Verify Sy said it matched al-Waisis features and voice to that of the man in the video. It also interviewed a number of people who witnessed the executions and an official of the current government who confirmed that the man in the video was al-Waisi, but who went on to say that the executions were carried out during a stage that Syria had now moved beyond. NBC News has reached out to al-Waisis office for comment about the videos, which contrast sharply with the moderate image espoused by Ahmad al-Sharaa, who appointed al-Waisi as justice minister. Sharaa became Syrias de facto leader after spearheading the rebel advance that toppled President Bashar al-Assads brutal regime last month. Sharaa, who was formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, was a top general for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syrias most powerful rebel army, which grew out of Jabhat al-Nusra and is still considered a terror group by the United States 13 years after it was first designated as one. As Sharaa transitions into the role of statesman, he is calling on the U.S. and other countries to drop sanctions imposed against Syria during the deposed Assad regime, and has vowed to usher in an inclusive government that represents the countrys many religious and ethnic groups, a task that requires convincing many inside and outside of Syria that HTSs early links to ISIS and Al Qaeda are not indicative of how his government will rule. A Syrian woman celebrates the fall of the Assad regime in Damascus this month. Its a task complicated by the resurfacing of its leaders past actions, like al-Waisis execution videos, which have prompted alarm and outrage among some including Hind Kabawat, a member of Syrias large Orthodox Christian community. In an interview with NBC News last week, she said it was wrong to put al-Waisi into such a high-level position and the new regime should think about replacing him as soon as possible. Kabawat, a professor of conflict resolution at Virginias George Mason University who travels regularly to Syria, said there were many qualified judges in Syria, and at a time when the country could not afford any mistakes, and there should be zero tolerance against corruption and zero tolerance against violence of any kind. Sandy Aly, a 27-year-old server in Damascus, also said somebody else should be installed into the role. I am of the opinion that if someone has a way of behaving, they are not going to change it. Even after 100 years, he will be the same, Aly said. Her colleague Fatima Omar, 24, echoed that opinion. We dont support that they put him there, she said. But others like Mustafa Obaid, 43, a high school teacher from Aleppo, defended al-Waisi. He said that as a judge, al-Waisi was upholding the law in Idlib, which was based at the time on a strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. Mohammed Mardoud, 41, also pointed to the fact that Jabhat al-Nusra was just a small Islamic group controlling Idlib province. The construction worker from the city of al-Rastan in Syrias central Homs province said that in the absence of a functioning state and laws, people turned to Islamic Sharia to settle their issues. Now that they had taken power over the whole of Syria, he said, Sharaa, al-Waisi and their fellow government ministers need to rethink their approach because Syria is home to many religions and a rich cultural diversity. Zubair Abbasi, a British academic and the associate editor of the Yearbook of Middle Eastern and Islamic Law, cautioned against framing Sharia as a state-enforced legal code, describing it instead as a moral and ethical framework. While rulers or their officials may justify their political actions by invoking Sharia, such claims do not bestow divine sanctity upon their decisions or policies, he said, adding that while some Muslim jurists have discussed death as a punishment for adultery, they have also placed significant emphasis on mercy, repentance and divine forgiveness, prioritizing these values over the strict enforcement of the death penalty. When HTS was founded in 2017, it strictly interpreted Sharia teaching, in line with Al Qaeda and ISIS, but since then it has decidedly changed, according to Paul Salem, the vice president for international engagement at the Washington-based Middle East Institute think tank. The group has since become more of a nationalist movement, he said. But as the videos show, its hard-line past remains a concern including for the U.S. and other Western governments that are weighing whether to lift sanctions imposed during the Assad regime, a move that would be critical in reviving Syrias struggling economy and for the overall success of the new government. Outside Syria, it remains unclear what the U.S. stand on all this is going to be, according to Joshua Landis, the director of the Center of Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma. Sharaa would have to balance the internal politics of HTS with the wider goals for Syria. Hes got a terrible job ahead of him, Landis said. Politics has been so destroyed in Syria for so long that Syrians dont really know each other, they dont know how to speak to each other. However, he added that Sharaa was keeping hope alive for every sector of Syrian society and he seems to be very good at speaking in all directions. Inside Syria, Obaid, the teacher, was prepared to back Sharaa and his choice of al-Waisi for justice minister, despite the videos. I think he is a respectable person and deserves his position, Obaid said. Dont forget that this is a transitional government and wont last long. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of State, poses for a photo with Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration would begin formal international engagements this week when Marco Rubio expected to be confirmed soon as secretary of state meets with the foreign ministers of India, Japan and Australia, U.S. officials say. The so-called Quad grouping is a main component of the U.S. strategy to blunt increasing Chinese influence and aggression in the Indo-Pacific, an initiative that Trump had championed during his first term in office but was elevated to the leaders level by outgoing President Joe Biden. Rubio is expected to be confirmed by the Senate to the post of Americas top diplomat on Monday, just hours after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in for his second term. Rubio's meetings, together and separately, on Tuesday with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, will be his first as secretary of state, the current and incoming officials said. The three ministers will all be attending Trumps inauguration. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because Rubio has not yet been confirmed as secretary of state. Biden and his outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken have touted their work to rebuild ties with allies abroad after taking over from Trump in 2021. Trump has been skeptical of alliances, including NATO and defense partnerships in the Asia-Pacific. When we came in, we inherited partnerships and alliances that were seriously frayed, Blinken told The Associated Press on Friday. The leaders of the Quad countries met with Biden near the U.S. president's hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, in September. They agreed to expand the partnership among the four nations coast guards to improve interoperability and capabilities, with Indian, Japanese and Australian personnel sailing on U.S. ships in the region. All the countries are worried about China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, and the U.S.-China rivalry is set to intensify after Trump takes office. Beijing has sent Vice President Han Zheng to Trump's inauguration after the U.S. president-elect invited Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but tariffs imposed on Chinese products in Trump's first term were a hallmark of his trade policy, and he has signaled that he will increase and expand them in his second term. Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke by phone Friday on trade fentanyl and TikTok. Trump said on social media that they agreed to do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe! Meanwhile, several of Trumps nominees for key Cabinet positions are known China hawks, including Rubio. Rubio called China the most potent, dangerous and near-peer adversary this nation has ever confronted during his confirmation hearing Wednesday. An Estonian naval ship sails in the Baltic Sea in January as part of increased NATO patrols in the region. AP Photo/Hendrik Osula 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. 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. 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. 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." 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. 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. 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 "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 The Santa Ana winds that fanned the fires devastating Southern California were forecast to return as firefighters scrambled to douse the deadly blazes that have destroyed more than 10,000 homes, businesses and other structures. "A strong Santa Ana Wind event is expected to develop Monday and last through at least Tuesday," the National Weather Service said in its red flag warning, adding that the humidity will fall sharply. "Along with the extremely dry fuels, this will create a high risk for critical fire weather conditions and rapid fire spread with any new fires." Peak wind speeds are forecast to reach 50 to 70 mph along the coasts and valleys, according to the weather service office in Los Angeles. Gusts of 60 to 80 mph will race across the mountains and foothills of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Areas of most concern, which included Ventura County and communities north of Los Angeles, were issued the "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning. "Very dry conditions with low relative humidity and strong northeast winds are predicted to return," Cal Fire said in its update on the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, now 81% contained. The Palisades fire, the other major blaze, was 56% contained by Sunday night. The Eaton fire has killed at least 17 people, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. At least 10 have died in the Palisades fire. "Firefighters are making steady progress, and officials are reassessing evacuation orders to ensure safe returns," Cal Fire said in a Palisades fire incident report Sunday. "Crews are working with utility providers to repair infrastructure and address hazards like fallen trees and downed power lines." The department warned that while "clear and cool temperatures" with moderate humidity levels are expected through the night, a red flag warning for much of Southern California will last from Monday to Tuesday. Trump to visit California on Friday President-elect Donald Trump said that he will visit Southern California on Friday to survey the damage caused by the wildfires. His visit will likely be the first official trip of his second term as president following his inauguration on Monday. "I also want to send our love to everyone affected by the terrible wildfires raging in California," Trump told his supporters during a rally in Washington at Capital One Arena. "We're going to be there very soon. I'm going to go out there on Friday to see it and to get it moving back." The incoming president's remarks come over a week after California Gov. Gavin Newsom invited Trump to visit the state and meet the victims impacted by the fires. No, California didn't block firetrucks: California didn't block trucks from Oregon over emissions rules | Fact check Residents ponder whether to rebuild or walk away The fires have left residents with the prickly decision of whether or not to rebuild. Rebuilding costs are rising, with no certainty that another fire won't consume the communities again. And there is the issue of the ash that has blanketed the burned-out properties. The Los Angeles County Health Department has warned residents returning to those properties to wear masks with filters. "Think of ash like fine, dangerous dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause major problems everywhere it lands," the department warned in a statement. "It's not just dirt." Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works, said he is setting up a free program to clear out the hazardous waste for homeowners that will "deliver a lot to you ready to build (on)." State and local officials are promising to cut red tape to speed reconstruction. Jewelry designer Charlotte Dewaele, 48, rents a home in Altadena that survived the fires because her husband stayed behind to defend it as the fire approached. Many neighbors were not so fortunate. Now what? You are in the middle of this wasteland, she told Reuters. Am I going to make my kid wear a mask outside for the next four years? Crews make progress on LA fires: Search for missing continues Contributing: Reuters (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles wildfires: New Santa Ana winds threaten crews' progress TikTok said Sunday that it would be restoring service to U.S. users after blocking it the evening before. In a statement, TikTok said its video platform was coming back online after President-elect Donald Trump provided the necessary assurances to the companys service providers. In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service, TikTok said in a post on X. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States, the company added. Just hours before TikTok blocked service to Americans, Trump posted to Truth Social calling for it to remain available. Trump indicated that he wanted it to be available to broadcast his inauguration on Monday. I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order, Trump wrote. Follow along for live updates. TikToks availability came back in spurts Sunday afternoon, with access to its content first becoming available through web browsers. Later in the day, it became usable for some, and it welcomed users back with the message "Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! You can continue to create, share, and discover all the things you love on TikTok." The app was still unavailable for download from Apples and Googles app stores. The law banning TikTok, which was scheduled to go into effect Sunday, allows the president to grant a 90-day extension before the ban is enforced, provided certain criteria are met. Under a law that President Joe Biden signed in April, TikTok would be banned unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sold the company to a non-Chinese buyer. Prior to the bans implementation, both Biden and the incoming Trump administration appeared to reverse their earlier positions on TikTok. During his campaign, Trump, who had advocated for a ban during his first term as president, came out in support of TikTok, saying hed save it. After the Supreme Court greenlit the law on Friday, the Biden administration issued a statement saying it would not enforce the ban, leaving that responsibility to Trump. On Saturday evening, the app was removed from app stores and service for American users was suspended. TikToks future in the U.S. is still up in the air. After TikTok came back online, some Republicans appeared to contradict Trump on how things might play out. House Speaker Mike, R-La., Johnson told NBC News Meet the Press on Sunday, "I think we will enforce the law, adding, "When President Trump issued the Truth [Social] post and said, Save TikTok, the way we read that is that hes going to try to force along a true divestiture, changing of hands, the ownership. Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., also issued a statement celebrating the ban, and saying they don't see a basis for an extension like Trump has proposed. "Now that the law has taken effect, theres no legal basis for any kind of extension of its effective date. For TikTok to come back online in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale that satisfies the laws qualified-divestiture requirements by severing all ties between TikTok and Communist China, the statement said in part. Even if TikTok is given an extension, as Trump has vowed to do in an executive order Monday, the law still forces ByteDance to eventually sell it to a non-Chinese owner which the parent company has shown no interest in doing. TikTok said in its latest statement that it will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. Trump has floated the idea of a joint venture for TikTok, with the U.S. owning 50%, but even that idea faces a potential hurdle. The law includes a 20% cap for foreign adversary owners, so its not immediately clear whether ByteDance could exceed that ownership share without a change in the law. The law defines controlled by a foreign adversary in several different ways, but one definition is: an entity with respect to which a foreign person or combination of foreign persons ... directly or indirectly own at least a 20 percent stake. Congress, of course, could change the law. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - TikTok told users in the United States late on Saturday it would be "temporarily unavailable" on Sunday when a law banning the app takes effect in the US. Users logging on were met with a message that said the law would "force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We're working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible." Users on Saturday could still click through the message and operate the app. Leaders at Oracle, the main cloud computing provider for TikTok's U.S. operations, told some staff to prepare to shut down servers that host U.S. TikTok data as soon as 9 p.m. ET on Saturday (0200 GMT on Sunday) in advance of a U.S. law banning the app from Sunday, The Information reported. (Reporting by David Shepardson, Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard) President-elect Donald Trump and his family wont be the only ones thrust into the spotlight after he and running mate Vice President-elect JD Vance are sworn in on Monday. Usha Vance, soon-to-be second lady, will also be along for the ride. Before American businessman and former President Trump takes his oath of office at noon ET on Inauguration Day, Vance will step onto the inaugural platform and do the same, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Usha Vance and the couples three children will be among those in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C. JD Vance, Vice President-elect and his wife, Usha Vance, walk on stage during a campaign rally in at AmeriLux in De Pere, Wisconsin on Aug. 28, 2024, More: Usha Vance is the second lady and Indian Americans are paying attention While the title of second lady is more of a ceremonial role, its likely Usha Vance will continue to offer her husband unwavering support as he steps into this new role. In JD Vances 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, the former Ohio senator described his wife as his spirit guide who bailed him out at a fancy dinner by secretly advising him on the correct cutlery to use and reminded him that every perceived slight is not cause for a blood feud. Who is Usha Vance? Heres what to know about JD Vances wife and the former corporate litigator as the family joins Trump at the White House. See Usha Vance through the years: Lawyer, mother, second lady Who is Usha Vance? Usha Chilukuri, 38, was born and raised in San Diego as the child of Hindu Indian immigrants. Both parents are educators with her father being an engineer and lecturer at San Diego State University while her mother Lakshmi Chilukuri is a provost for the School of Biological Sciences at the University of California, San Diego. Her younger sister is a mechanical engineer at a San Diego-based semiconductor company, according to Reuters, and her aunt is a medical professional in the eastern city of Chennai in India. Before Usha Vance hit the campaign trail with her husband, she worked at Munger, Tolles & Olson, a law firm that specializes in litigation, corporate, professional liability, employment, financial restructuring, tax and executive compensation. She left the firm when JD Vance secured the vice-presidential nomination. Usha Vances husband JD Usha met JD while they were both students at Yale Law School, where she was one of the top students. They were assigned as partners for their first major writing assignment: She seemed some sort of genetic anomaly, a combination of every positive quality a human being should have: bright, hardworking, tall, and beautiful, JD Vance wrote in his memoir. Before attending law school, Usha Vance received an undergraduate degree from Yale University and later completed a Master of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge, after receiving the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, TIME reported. Usha Vance, a registered Democrat until 2014, clerked for conservative judges including, US Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., and Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh when he was an appeals court judge, after she graduated from law school in 2013. The couple was married a year later. Usha and JD Vances children J.D. Vance, Vice President-elect, and wife Usha Chilukuri Vance supervise their children Ewan Blaine, Mirabel Rose and Vivek play along the sea wall at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on November 15, 2024. Usha and JD share three children: Ewan Blaine, 7, Vivek, 4, and Mirabel Rose, 3. Ewan Blaine was born in June 2017. Vivek was born in February 2020. Mirabel Rose was born in December 2021. Usha Vance's religion In a June 2024 interview with Fox News, Usha Vance shared that she grew up in a religious household but was not raised Christian and is not Christian. My parents are Hindu and that was one of the things that made them such good parents, that make them really, very good people, she told Fox News. And so, I think Ive seen that, the power of that in my own life. Will Usha Vance and her family join Trump at the White House? Usha Chilukuri Vance, wife of Vice President-elect J.D. Vance speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 17, 2024. The Vance family, per tradition, will move from their home in Cincinnatis East Walnut Hills neighborhood to the United States Naval Observatory after the inauguration festivities are complete. Vice Presidents and their families have lived in a white nineteenth-century house located at Number One Observatory Circle, a few miles away from the White House, since 1977. It has since been home to the families of Vice Presidents Bush, Quayle, Gore, Cheney, Biden, and Pence, according to the White House. Contributing: Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY; Cheryl McCloud, USA Today Network-Florida; Haley BeMiller and Chad Murphy; Cincinnati Enquirer This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Usha Vance? What to know about JD Vance's wife At the Angelus, Pope Francis hails the truce, after 15 months of intense and incessant appeals for peace, hopeful that what has been agreed will be respected immediately by the parties. Today Hamas is set to free three young Israeli women, with a list of about 90 Palestinian prisoners still not available. The pontiff calls for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza faster and in large quantities. Vatican City (AsiaNews) The words Pope Francis spoke incessantly over the last 15 months still seem to resonate today: " Let every effort be put toward [. . .] freeing hostages ", "war is a defeat", "let us continue to pray for peace", "ceasefire on all war fronts". Today a glimmer of peace is a reality, with the entry into force of the recently agreed truce between Israel and Hamas. I express my gratitude to all the mediators. It is a good job, to mediate so that peace is made, said the pontiff this morning after the recitation of the Marian prayer at the Angelus, on a gloomy, wintry Roman day. And I also thank all the parties involved in this important result, he added, full of gratitude for the sound of weapons falling silent, so much wished for since 7 October 2023. I hope that what has been agreed will be respected immediately by the parties, and that all the hostages may finally return home and embrace their loved ones. After an initial delay, the truce became effective at 11:15 am local time. Hamas is set to free three young women today Doron Steinbrecher (31), Emily Damari (28), and Romi Gonen (24) from in exchange for about 90 Palestinian prisoners, whose names have not yet been released. I pray a lot for them and for their families, he added. Humanitarian aid is now beginning to reach Gaza, with lorries and fuel tankers passing the Rafah crossing, closed since last May. About 182 truckloads of humanitarian aid entered through the Karam Abu Salem and Al-Awja crossings, Egyptian sources report. I also hope that humanitarian aid will reach the people of Gaza, who so urgently need it, even faster and in large quantities, said Pope Francis, who hopes to see the two peoples live in peace side by side. Both the Israelis and the Palestinians need clear signs of hope: I trust that the political authorities of both of them, with the help of the international community, may reach the right solution for the two States, he said. May everyone be able to say: yes to dialogue, yes to reconciliation, yes to peace. And let us pray for this: for dialogue, reconciliation and peace. The pontiff also mentioned other peace efforts in the world. Each of which is a gesture of great hope that embodies one of the intentions of this Jubilee year. But the road to peace is still long. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church was instrumental in meditating the recent release of 127 prisoners in Cuba. I hope that in the coming months, we will continue to undertake initiatives of this type, which instil confidence in the journey of people and populations, said Pope Francis. In these days of prayer for Christian unity, let us not cease to invoke from God the precious gift of full communion between all the Lords disciples. And let us pray always for tormented Ukraine, for Palestine, Israel, Myanmar and all the populations who are suffering because of war. Before the Angelus, Pope Francis gave his commentary on the Gospel of the day (Jn 2:1-11), about Jesuss first miracle, that of turning water into wine at a wedding feast at Cana in the Galilee, focusing on two aspects present in the passage: lack and superabundance. How does God respond to mans lack? Francis asks. With superabundance. God is not mean! When He gives, He gives a lot. He does not give you a little bit, He gives you a lot. The Lord responds to our shortcomings with His superabundance. The wine that is missing in the lives of Christians can represent the absence of strength, the presence of concerns. Yet, It seems to be a contradiction: the more that is lacking in us, the greater the Lords superabundance. Because the Lord wants to celebrate with us, in a feast without end. by Melani Manel Perera Ten years after the canonisation of Sri Lankas saint, pilgrims from India travelled to his shrine on his feast day. Bishop Emeritus Vianney Fernando of Kandy expressed gratitude for his gift, urging seminarians to learn to be zealous missionaries like him. Colombo (Asia News) A group of 117 Goans, including some from Caranzalem and Taleigao, travelled to Sri Lanka to commemorate the feast day of Saint Joseph Vaz on 16 January. Originally from India, Saint Joseph Vaz, the apostle of Sri Lanka, was canonised by Pope Francis during his 2015 pastoral visit, thus making him the countrys first saint. Bishop Emeritus Vianney Fernando of Kandy led the Mass on this occasion in the presence of local priests and worshippers at the memorial shrine built in Ampitiya, in the Diocese of Kandy. The chapel was recently renovated thanks to the efforts of Paul Sequiera, a benefactor from Goa, who took the initiative to renovate its furnishings. In his homily, Bishop Vianney praised the Church of Goa for donating one of its own sons who became the saint of Sri Lanka. He urged seminarians preparing for the priesthood not to settle for mediocrity, but to be zealous missionaries, like Vaz, taking him as a model. Were it not for the parents of Joseph Vaz, Sri Lanka would not have the Apostle whose feast we celebrate today, the prelate told the gathering. During the celebration, the hymn in honour of Joseph Vaz was sung for the first time in the Konkani language, this according to Sr Molly Fernandes. "Today, I too feel grateful after 10 years to see this place revered with the holiness it deserved, like when I visited it for the canonisation of the blessed, she explained. For the religious sister, this pilgrimage is not only a physical journey, but a spiritual one as well, a time of reflection, prayers and renewal of faith. By retracing the steps of Saint Joseph Vaz, we honour his unwavering faith and dedication, which have deeply touched the hearts of many, she said. Our journey, she added, is blessed with fellowship, inspiration, and the grace of God, as we walk with open hearts and minds, ready to receive the profound blessings that await us on this holy path. A large 400-year-old Palu tree still stands at the Shrine of St Joseph Vaz, in Juse Vaz Pura, Maha Galgamuwa. According to locals, Joseph Vaz carried out his ministry among the villagers in the shade of this tree. Now, this ancient Palu tree is supported by concrete columns. Locals consider the ground under the shade of the Palu tree to be sacred. They also believe that those bitten by snakes survive after drinking water mixed with sand, Sr Molly noted. The villagers use the sand in their homes as protection against wild animals, she added. Elephants still come to the village at night, wading along the banks of the Maha Galgamuwa reservoir, but they do not harm the village. The Christian Women Voice movement also paid tribute to Saint Joseph Vaz whom they consider their patron and inspiration. We lit a candle to the picture of Saint Joseph Vaz on the 16th of January and promised to make people aware of the Christian faith, practise it deeply, and share the love of God by standing for the voiceless, they said. 20 January 2025 00:00 (UTC+04:00) On the night of January 19-20, 1990, Baku witnessed one of the most tragic and horrendous events in its modern history. Known as Black January, this massacre saw Soviet troops, under orders from Moscow, launch a brutal crackdown on Azerbaijani civilians demanding independence and freedom from Soviet oppression. Over 170 innocent lives were lost, and hundreds more were injured. This dark chapter not only exposed the ruthless nature of Soviet imperialism but also underscored the indomitable spirit and heroism of the Azerbaijani martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their nation's sovereignty. The Soviet Union's actions on that night were an egregious display of military aggression and a blatant violation of human rights. Deploying tanks and armed forces against unarmed civilians was a desperate and cruel attempt to suppress the growing independence movement in Azerbaijan. The Kremlin aimed to send a clear message: any aspirations for freedom and self-determination would be met with brutal force. However, this act of violence only galvanized the Azerbaijani people, strengthening their resolve to fight for their independence. A Nation's Struggle for Freedom In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the winds of change were sweeping across the Soviet Union. National movements were gaining momentum in various republics, and Azerbaijan was no exception. The Azerbaijani people were increasingly vocal in their demands for independence. The Soviet regime, fearing the dissolution of its empire, responded with force. The events leading up to Black January were marked by escalating tensions and violent clashes. The Azerbaijani population was frustrated with the Soviet government's neglect and the discriminatory policies that favored the Armenian residents in Garabagh. Mass protests erupted, and the calls for independence grew louder. On the night of January 19-20, Soviet troops stormed Baku with tanks and armored vehicles. The indiscriminate violence inflicted upon the civilian population was horrific. Homes were destroyed, families were torn apart, and the streets of Baku were stained with the blood of innocent civilians. The Soviet forces targeted anyone in their path, showing no mercy. Eyewitness accounts describe the sheer brutality of the Soviet troops. They fired indiscriminately into crowds, attacked hospitals, and even ran over civilians with tanks. The massacre was a calculated effort to instill fear and crush the spirit of the Azerbaijani people. However, instead of breaking their will, the Soviet aggression only fueled the determination of the Azerbaijani population to achieve independence. The Heroism of Azerbaijani Martyrs In the face of overwhelming odds, the people of Baku displayed extraordinary bravery and resilience. Unarmed civilians stood their ground, resisting the occupation with nothing but their resolve and a deep-seated desire for freedom. The heroism of the Azerbaijani martyrs who sacrificed their lives on that night is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their nation's sovereignty. The memory of the martyrs of Black January serves as a symbol of national pride and unity. Their sacrifice is a reminder of the cost of freedom and the lengths to which oppressive regimes will go to maintain their grip on power. The Azerbaijani martyrs' courage continues to inspire future generations to uphold the values of independence, justice, and human rights. Russian Aggression The Soviet Union's actions on January 20, 1990, were not only a gross violation of human rights but also a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and imperialism. The international community must hold those responsible for the massacre accountable for their crimes. It is essential to recognize the atrocities committed and ensure that such acts of violence are never repeated. The legacy of Black January is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and fighting for the fundamental rights of all people. The Azerbaijani people have demonstrated that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, the human spirit can prevail. The 20 January massacre in Baku is a somber chapter in Azerbaijan's history, marked by the heroism of its martyrs and the brutality of Soviet aggression. As we remember this tragic event, let us honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for their nation's freedom and continue to strive for a world where justice and human rights prevail. The spirit of the Azerbaijani martyrs will forever inspire us to stand up against oppression and fight for a better future. 19 January 2025 14:22 (UTC+04:00) Design work has begun for the restoration of the historical and architectural monument "Sarsheher Mosque" located in the city of Ordubad, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. As reported by the Ministry of Culture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a contract has been signed with one of the local companies in this regard. According to the contract, works will be carried out to restore the Sarshahar Mosque, the entrance arches to Sarshahar Square, and to improve the square. It should be noted that the Sarshahar Mosque dates back to the 18th century. The two-story mosque has a mihrab, wooden columns, lattice windows, and a square. It was restored and renovated in 1986 and turned into a square complex. The mosque is on the list of immovable historical and cultural monuments of local importance by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated August 2, 2001. 19 January 2025 13:47 (UTC+04:00) Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan visited the Alley of Martyrs on January 19 on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Black January, a tragedy for Azerbaijanis that took place in 1990. According to Azernews, the diplomats deeply respected the memory of the martyrs who lost their lives in the struggle for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and laid flowers on their graves. Recall that Black January (Azerbaijani: Qara Yanvar), also known as Black Saturday or the January Massacre, was a violent crackdown on Azerbaijani nationalism and anti-Soviet sentiment in Baku on 1920 January 1990, as part of a state of emergency during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. According to several sources, between 133 and 137 civilians died with the unofficial number reaching 300. Up to 800 were injured and 5 went missing. An additional 26 people were killed in the Neftchala and Lankaran regions of the country. 19 January 2025 14:58 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the United States of America, Khazar Ibrahim, presented a Certificate of Appreciation from President Ilham Aliyev to IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop, Azernews reports, citing the post on X. In his post, the Ambassador says: This honor reflects our sincere gratitude for his valuable contributions and active participation in COP29, held from Nov 1122 in Baku. 19 January 2025 17:16 (UTC+04:00) In connection with the municipal elections to be held on January 29, another training session was organized in Binagadi First Election District No. 8 with the participation of all members of the constituency and precinct election commissions to increase their preparedness, improve their knowledge, skills, and work habits in the field of elections, especially in the correct filling out of protocols, Azernews reports. Speaking at the training, Chairman of the Binagadi First Constituency Election Commission No. 8 Natig Aliyev noted that a total of 38 polling stations are currently operating in the constituency, 37 of which are permanent and 1 is temporary. He noted that 48,688 voters have been registered in the constituency to date. Of these, 45 percent are men and 55 percent are women. 927 voters are between the ages of 80 and 100. 301 are young people who will vote for the first time. It was emphasized that the polling stations were equipped with all necessary items by the Central Election Commission (CEC). "The Central Election Commission has renewed the expired and unusable items. In total, 33 candidates have been registered for municipal membership. There are favorable conditions for the propaganda and campaigning of candidates in the constituency. Thus, campaign boards have been installed in areas close to all polling stations. At the same time, as in previous elections, the District Executive Power has already identified closed and open places for propaganda purposes in the constituency and made them available to candidates. To date, 464 observers have been registered by the Constituency Election Commission. Of these, 174 are political parties, and 290 are self-initiated applicants. In order for voters to come to the polling stations comfortably and without obstacles, additions and changes have been made to the location of several polling stations in the constituency. As in the previous elections, webcams have been installed in 10 polling stations in this election. Through these webcams, it will be possible to monitor the progress of voting on voting day from any country in the world with internet access. The number of polling booths (about 400) and boxes (114) to be installed at polling stations will provide voters with sufficient time to enter the booth without waiting in line and express their will on voting day. An expert group consisting of 3 people has been established under the Constituency Election Commission to investigate complaints about actions (inaction) and decisions that violate citizens' right to vote," he added. The training participants were informed about the roles and responsibilities of the members of the precinct election commissions on the voting day, the procedure for organizing the voting room, the rights of observers on the election day, the opening of the precinct on the voting day, etc. with the help of slides and visual aids prepared by the CEC. The training participants were also provided with a related memory booklet. The questions of the members of the constituency and precinct election commissions were answered during the training. Trainings are also held in the constituency election commissions of Binagadi second, Binagadi third and Binagadi-Garadagh constituencies No. 9. It should be noted that, in accordance with the "Calendar Plan" approved by the CEC, trainings have begun at the ConEC administrative building with the participation of all members of constituency and precinct election commissions to increase their preparation, improve their knowledge, skills and work habits in the field of elections, and especially to correctly fill out protocols. 19 January 2025 21:47 (UTC+04:00) The Embassy of Azerbaijan hosted the commemorative event dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy with the participation of the Azerbaijani community of Greece pic.twitter.com/ASxOncmI8f "The Azerbaijani Embassy held a commemorative event dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy with the participation of the Azerbaijani community in Greece," the embassy's social media account noted. The Azerbaijani Embassy in Greece held a commemorative event dedicated to the anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, Azernews reports, citing the press services of the diplomatic mission. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 19 January 2025 22:01 (UTC+04:00) "The anniversary of the bloody massacre committed against the civilian population by the former USSR on the night of January 19-20, 35 years ago, to suppress the national liberation movement of the Azerbaijani people, is celebrated every year in our country as January 20 - the Day of National Mourning. On January 20 - the Day of National Mourning, which is a day of deep sorrow and at the same time great pride in our modern history, we commemorate with deep gratitude all our Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of our country." Azernews reports that this was noted in the Statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on the occasion of January 20 - the National Day of Mourning. It was noted that in the 1980s of the last century when so-called provocations such as the "Sumgayit events" were prepared and committed to justify the continuation of Armenia's groundless territorial claims against Azerbaijan, as well as the mass deportation of Azerbaijanis from their historical homelands in the territories of present-day Armenia, the discriminatory policy of the former Soviet authorities against our country and people led to the rise of the national liberation movement of the Azerbaijani people. In order to suppress the people's movement fighting for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, on the night of January 19-20, 1990, units of the Soviet army, special forces, as well as a contingent of internal troops committed a brutal massacre against the civilian population in Baku, Sumgayit, Lankaran and Neftchala. As a result of the January 20 military aggression, which was committed against innocent people, including children, women, and the elderly, in violation of all international law norms, and was one of the most serious crimes against humanity of the last century, 150 civilians were killed, 744 were seriously injured, and 4 people went missing. Despite the complexity of the period and the measures taken by the former Soviet authorities to prevent the spread of the truth of January 20, the fact that the brutal massacre committed was brought to the attention of the international community immediately, the day after the tragedy, is connected with the name of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. After the restoration of our independence and the return of the National Leader to power in our country, a number of crimes committed against our people, including the January 20 tragedy, were given a political and legal assessment, and in this regard, in March 1994, the Milli Majlis adopted a decision On the tragic events committed in Baku on January 20, 1990. Despite the fact that the January 20 tragedy was planned and carried out to crush the national resistance of the Azerbaijani people, this bloody massacre, in addition to being a turning point in the history of our people's independence, solidarity, and national liberation movement, marked the beginning of the inevitable collapse of the USSR, which had been tried to be delayed for a long time. The unity and will of our people, emerging from the most difficult days and the most complex trials of history, formed the basis for the brilliant victory of the Glorious Azerbaijan Army led by the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief in the 44-day Patriotic War, which resulted in ensuring our territorial integrity, as well as the end of the occupation and conflict with the anti-terrorist operations that led to the full restoration of our sovereignty on September 19-20, 2023. On the 35th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, which left a deep mark on our history of independence, we proudly commemorate our Martyrs who gave their lives for our state and territorial integrity, and we wish good health to our citizens who lost their health on this path! Long live Azerbaijan! , the Statement emphasized. 19 January 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) South Korea opened its embassy in Cuba this week, the foreign ministry said Saturday, nearly a year after the two countries forged the diplomatic relations that took the world by surprise, including Cuba's Cold War-era ally, North Korea, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap. An opening ceremony took place at the embassy in the Miramar district in Havana on 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 on 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. 19 January 2025 10:04 (UTC+04:00) In December 2024, cognac exports from France to China fell by 75 percent. The French Boursier.com website reported, citing official sources. Thus, the United States has become a major market for French wine producers. During the reporting period, cognac exports to the other side of the ocean increased by about 30 percent. However, this increase should not be interpreted as an increase in alcohol consumption in the United States. It is simply that large importers are increasing their inventories due to the likely increase in customs duties. 19 January 2025 10:43 (UTC+04:00) TikTok has stopped operating in the US. According to the sources, those who want to access mobile applications in the United States are faced with a corresponding notification: "A law has been passed in the United States banning TikTok. Therefore, you cannot use TikTok." The service does not appear in search results in the App Store, and it is possible to download the social network on Google Play, but the application does not work after installation. It should be noted that newly elected US President Donald Trump has not ruled out trying to preserve the TikTok social network, which is facing a ban in the United States, for American users. 19 January 2025 20:16 (UTC+04:00) Estonian intelligence head Ants Kiviselg says that Russian forces are encountering increasingly critical issues with artillery, their primary weapon on the battlefield. The appearance of North Korean artillery systems among Russian units on the front line indicates such problems, said the intelligence chief. Col. Kiviselg noted that the Russian military is becoming more reliant on foreign weaponry. Describing the current situation on the front lines, Kiviselg pointed out that while Russian forces maintain tactical initiative, they do not hold full advantage, mirroring trends from previous weeks. Due to this, the Kremlin is currently disinterested in halting military operations and is determined to continue its offensive, the colonel stated. Additionally, Kiviselg remarked on the Ukrainian defense forces' ability to adapt swiftly and highlighted their technical efficiency. Ukraine's armed forces are enduring the heavy pressure from the Russian troops and are gradually eroding their offensive capabilities. Last week, Estonian intelligence reported a new offensive by Ukraine's Forces in the Kursk region, stating that this operation highlighted Russia's inability to reclaim lost territories. Russia failed to achieve any military success in the Kursk region even after deploying North Korean reinforcements. 19 January 2025 21:35 (UTC+04:00) Armenia has extradited two individuals accused of organized crime in Turkiye, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. "Armenia extradited two individuals involved in organized criminal activities in our country on January 19, 2025, in response to a request under the Interpol "red notice". Turkiye appreciates Armenia's cooperation in this matter," the statement emphasized. The Fifth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals has struck down Obama's DACA amnesty decree for certain illegal aliens as "hving no basis in law" and "not even rising to the level of a regulation." Obama admitted that the executive branch, including himself, had no authority to grant it, but his DHS Secretary issued a memorandum claiming to authorize it anyway. DACA amnesty covers illegal aliens who claim they were brought into the country as children by parents or others. They do not have to prove that, only claim it, and hundreds of thousands have. Coming in as children can include as teenagers when they were old enought to know better. DACA amnesty has been controversial from the beginning. There is no basis in federal immigration law for it, and there never was even an attempt to get Congress to amend immigration laws to allow it. Obama did not even follow the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act to try to do it through rulemaking or even try to do it by executive order. The only thing that was done was to issue the DHS memorandum. In the first Trump Administration, the Secretary of Homeland Security rescinded that Obama era memorandum. The case heard by the Fifth Circuit was filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and the Federal District Court in Texas had already struck DACA amnesty down. The Biden regime appealed, and now this is the result at the appellate court level, which affirmed the district court. https://redstate.com/streiff/2025/01/19/fifth-circuit-rules-daca-unconstitutional-setting-up-another-supreme-court-challenge-n2184529 UK Man faces jail for attempted murder of ex who he threatened to throw down well Gilbert the cat visits Ulster University in Coleraine ahead of the new Veterinary Nursing degree getting underway in September 2025. Gilbert the cat pictured with Course Directors Dr Susan Hawthorne (Advancing Animal Healthcare and Practice) and Bethan Pinhey RVN (Veterinary Nursing). Teddy the cocker spaniel (left) and Scott the springer spaniel visit Ulster University in Coleraine ahead of the new Veterinary Nursing degree getting underway in September 2025. Northern Ireland will begin training veterinary nurses to degree level later this year with the establishment of two new undergraduate degrees at Ulster University in Coleraine. The first of their kind in Northern Ireland, teaching on the two degrees which are designed to address the growing demand for skilled veterinary professionals here will begin in September at Ulster University. With a placement year in veterinary practice included in the programme, the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing degree will enable students to gain hands-on experience in veterinary practices, fostering real-world skills and professional readiness and producing competent and compassionate veterinary nurses who are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to animal health and welfare. A full-time, four-year course delivered in Coleraine, the Veterinary Nursing degree will include 1,800 hours of clinical practice experience in veterinary surgeries across Northern Ireland, with students eligible to apply to become a registered veterinary nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons upon successful completion. From 2029, it is expected that 30 veterinary nurses will graduate from the course each year. Also getting under way at Coleraine in September 2025, the part-time BSc (Hons) Animal Healthcare and Practice degree presents an opportunity for registered veterinary nurses to advance their career and enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies through a locally delivered upskilling programme. Aiming to nurture expertise across the sector, the Animal Healthcare and Practice degree is open to those already registered as a veterinary nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, representing a commitment by Ulster University to not only produce the next generation of veterinary nurses in Northern Ireland, but to support the profession in full with new upskilling opportunities and qualifications. Read more The NI council still sending bodies of dead pets to meat processing plant DAERA Minister Andrew Muir welcomed the establishment of the new degrees as a positive and significant development for the veterinary sector in Northern Ireland. I welcome the decision of Ulster University to introduce two new undergraduate programmes, the BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing and the BSc (Hons) in Advancing Animal Healthcare and Practice at Ulster University from September 2025 the Minister said. I understand that these courses will provide degree level opportunities for those students wishing to undertake Further Education programmes or who are already a Registered Veterinary Nurse, further advancing NIs high animal health and welfare standards. Ulster University Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said the new courses will be a fantastic addition to the university. The introduction of Ulster Universitys Veterinary Nursing degree will address the growing demand for skilled veterinary professionals in Northern Ireland, he said. The courses align closely with our People, Place and Partnership framework, reinforcing our commitments to impactful education and societal contribution right across the region. Establishing ties with veterinary practices and collaborating with the wider sector will be the cornerstone of this degree programme, which will ultimately produce a pipeline of graduates ready to meet workforce requirements. We look forward to welcoming the first group of veterinary nursing students in September, who will complete their course in the setting of our semi-rural Coleraine campus enjoying its relaxed outdoor atmosphere and surrounding natural beauty. Bethan Pinhey RVN, will be Course Director (BSc Hons) Veterinary Nursing while Dr Susan Hawthorne has been appointed as Course Director BSc (Hons) Advancing Animal Healthcare and Practice. Firefighters at the scene (Photo by Kevin Scott) Firefighters have attended an overnight fire in west Belfast. Its understood the blaze broke out among underground cables in the Forthriver Link area of the city shortly before 10:30pm. Three fire appliances attended the scene alongside Northern Ireland Electricity. Cordons were put in place as firefighters went door to door checking properties. PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 18-01-25 Ireland Palestine Solidarity March Members of Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign take part in a march this afternoon from Writers Square BBC building in Belfast. Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 18-01-25 Ireland Palestine Solidarity March Members of Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign take part in a march this afternoon from Writers Square BBC building in Belfast. Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 18-01-25 Ireland Palestine Solidarity March Members of Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign take part in a march this afternoon from Writers Square BBC building in Belfast. Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will give the people of Gaza the chance to rebuild their hopes and dreams, as well as their city, an asylum seeker from Palestine has said. Majida Al Askri was one of thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered in Londonderry at the weekend to mark the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Demonstrations were also held in Belfast, Dublin and other towns and cities throughout Ireland. Among those marching in Derry were Gaza natives who have been living in Northern Ireland during the conflict. The asylum seekers expressed their hope that the ceasefire will hold. The Derry march began at the Waterside train station, and ended at the Guildhall Square. The demonstration saw thousands in attendance. This included other groups such as Jews for Palestine, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Gaza natives, who expressed relief that a ceasefire agreement had been reached. One woman, who had been living in Buncrana since 2023, was Majida Al Askri. Having lost 32 of her relatives during the 15 months of conflict, she hopes that an enduring ceasefire will allow Palestinians to rebuild Gaza. This (ceasefire) will mean peace for us, the people will have time to breathe after this tragic time, this time of losing, of killing, said Majida. They need some space to release from this sadness and losing and hunger. They have a right to live as human beings in their land and they have a right to live in their homes, to build Gaza from the beginning again. They deserve to have hopes and dreams; this is our dream now to have peace and quiet in Gaza. Also from Gaza is Mohyeddin Obaid, who has been living in Derry for two and a half years. Like Ms Al Askri, he also lost many members of his family, including his father. I so happy to see a ceasefire now, he said. The Chair of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) group, Catherine Hutton, told the Belfast Telegraph that the peace will offer the people of Gaza some respite. Since the ceasefire was announced last Wednesday, there have been hundreds of people murdered by Israel, Ms Hutton said. The ceasefire has been broke up into three stages; this first stage will last six weeks, but we all know that Israel is not really committed to it. Israel has been dragged kicking and screaming into this deal by the incoming president of the US, Donald Trump. For Gaza it is a respite, a relief for them to actually have space now to get the humanitarian aid in that they so desperately need. It is a space to hopefully make this a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages on both sides, she added. People attend the vigil at St Lukes Church, Twinbrook, Belfast, in memory of John George who went missing in Spain. Pic: Presseye Family and friends of the late John George (37) release lanterns at a vigil held in his memory on Sunday. Pic: Press Eye Family and friends of the late John George (37) release lanterns at a vigil held in his memory on Sunday. Pic: Press Eye Family and friends of the late John George (37) release lanterns at a vigil held in his memory on Sunday. Pic: Press Eye Family and friends of the late John George (37) release lanterns at a vigil held in his memory on Sunday. Pic: Press Eye Hundreds of people have attended a vigil in memory of a Belfast man found dead in Spain earlier this month. John Georges body was found on January 7 under trees on a farm in Rojales, around 40 minutes south of Alicante, nearly three weeks after he was reported missing. The 37-year-olds disappearance on December 14 prompted a huge search, with supporters flying out from Belfast to aid the family as they searched for their loved ones remains. Hundreds of Johns family and friends attended the vigil at St Lukes Church in Twinbrook, where lanterns were released into the sky in his memory. Some carried the message: To those whose flame has been extinguished, let this light represent our love and compassion. We will never forget you. Others joined in online, posting pictures of their own lights and candles lit in his memory. It comes after Mr Georges family announced on Saturday that his funeral, which had been due to take place on Friday, had been delayed. All funeral arrangements cancelled until further notice due to circumstances beyond our control. Updated arrangements will follow in due course, his sister Courtney posted on social media. 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 to Belfast. John George Read more John George was murdered after refusing to work for crime gang in Spain, brother reveals 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. Spanish police continue to investigate the murder of Mr George. A 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic was arrested and 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 on to a flight from Alicante to Belfast on December 18. Interpol is also assisting the Spanish authorities with the murder probe. A message reading "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now" is displayed from the TikTok app on a cell phone screen on Saturday (AP Photo/Andy Bao) Lana Kearney and (inset) a message reading "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now" is displayed from the TikTok app on a phone in America over the weekend. A Northern Irish TikToker who boasts a 45,000-strong following on the platform has claimed that a potential ban of the app in the United States might help local content creators make more money out of their videos. Millions of TikTok users in the US awoke yesterday to discover they could no longer access the app or platform. It comes as part of a blackout from the digital stores of Google and Apple under a law that required TikToks China-based parent company ByteDance to sell the platform or face a US ban. However, Donald Trump has already said he plans, when he takes office later today, to act to give TikTok more time. While some NI users might be concerned about the long-term future of the platform given the uncertainty, Lana Kearney, who runs the account titled Mum Life, said the current situation could work in peoples favour. My feeling is that TikTok will be wanting creators to stay on the app, so will offer more incentives in terms of engagement, as well as financial reward, Lana explained. She believes NI brands that have invested time and money into working with content creators will also continue to do so. I think brands are seeing the benefits that TikTok and influencer marketing brings them and will continue to use these as effective marketing channels for as long as they can. Users who have already downloaded the app will still have it on their phones; however, new updates will no longer be delivered to users in the US, meaning the app will eventually become unusable. A similar ban is not being considered in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Lana earns an income from her TikTok account, where she shares videos of her daily life as a mum-of-two. Having worked in digital and social media marketing since 2012, she used her background to develop her account and now helps others develop theirs. A message reading "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now" is displayed from the TikTok app on a cell phone screen on Saturday (AP Photo/Andy Bao) Im currently a freelance social media consultant and I have a speciality as a TikTok strategist, helping other creators and small businesses grow their accounts and monetise, she added. Lana explained that TikTok remains a great tool for NI content creators to develop their fan base. I would say there is a very active creator community in Northern Ireland. TikTok has come a long way in the past few years, she said. Its no longer just an app for viral dance videos; its a popular search engine, which means there is a lot of good quality, valuable content. Lana believes there are lots of opportunities for content creators to earn a living on the app: they can earn directly through TikToks Creator Rewards Program, or selling on TikTok Shop, or brand deals and more. TikTok as a platform has more incentives for creators. Its easier to grow a following and it has a lot of options to monetise and benefit significantly. I have clients making four figures a month from TikTok. There are also very few barriers to entry. Lots of local brands have invested in TikTok as a marketing and sales tool, which also brings more opportunities to local creators. While Lana understands the concerns local TikTokers may have following the recent headlines, she says not to panic. I think its something creators need to pay attention to, especially if they are making money via the app, she said. In the short term, I dont think its anything to worry about; if anything, now is a good time to put more effort into the platform. Read more Cat videos not a security threat, says minister as he rules out UK TikTok ban However, Lana said its important that local content creators keep an open mind to other apps that may replace TikTok as American users potentially leave the app. One app tipped to replace TikTok is Chinese-owned RedNote, which as seen rapid growth in the US and the UK, ultimately becoming the top free app in Apples App Store. Though Lana said that TikTok could easily see itself replaced as the most popular social media app should a large number of Americans migrate to an alternative, she stressed that there are still opportunities on those other platforms. Its definitely a possibility. And in the very long term, if there is a definite ban, I would imagine so, but its hard to say what app that would be. I imagine it would be very different to TikTok. For example, Bluesky is a very good alternative to Twitter/ X, but it hasnt taken off in the same way. As I mentioned, if anything, there could be more benefits [from TikTok] to creators outside of the US. Also, any skills that come from mastering TikTok and growing a following or monetising content are transferable. Youre learning content marketing fundamentals that have been around since the dawn of marketing, which can be applied to other forms of marketing and content creation. A staff member at a shop in Newry has been threatened as knifepoint as she was forced to hand over cash to a robber during the incident on Saturday evening. Police said the shop on Stream Street was robbed at around 5.20pm. They said the man entered the shop with the weapon before threatening the woman and then making off from the scene on foot. Police are currently hunting for the suspect. A PSNI spokesperson said: The robber is described as a white male, approximately 6ft tall with a heavy build and was wearing a black coat , a red coloured hoody with the hood up, dark coloured trousers and black trainers. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information or any dash-cam, mobile or CCTV footage, or who may have witnessed a male matching this description in the area during this time are asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1099 18/01/25. Ex-DUP MP Ian Paisley in Washington to attend inauguration of US president Donald Trump The DUP man had previously posted a picture on social media of him with the President-elects son Paisley posted a picture with Trump's son Don Jr on his social media Liam Tunney Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 22:30 Ian Paisley has said Northern Ireland could do well under the new Trump presidency as the former DUP MP prepared to attend the inauguration of the 47th US President. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin at Radisson Hotel, Dublin, during the Fianna Fail ard fheis conference after his party by 812 votes to 62 to ratify the draft the Programme for Government. Picture date: Sunday January 19, 2025. Fianna Fail members have voted overwhelmingly to ratify the draft programme for government for Irelands new ruling coalition. The party faithful resoundingly endorsed by 812 votes to 62 the governance plan that was recommended by Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin. The vote at Sundays ard fheis party conference in Dublin was a prerequisite ahead of a sitting of the Dail parliament on Wednesday when the new coalition comprising Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and several independent TDs will be officially appointed. Fine Gael members must also ratify the draft programme for government prior to Wednesdays formalities. The outcome of that partys vote is expected on Monday afternoon. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is to become taoiseach (Gareth Chaney/PA) After weeks of negotiations following Novembers general election, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael put together a workable Dail majority with the backing of the Regional Independents grouping of TDs and two independent TDs from Co Kerry, brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae. While Fianna Fail organised the one-off conference to rubber-stamp the programme for government, Fine Gael is holding five regional meetings, the last two of which will take place in Meath and Cork on Sunday afternoon. The 162-page programme for government, published during the week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardai among its priorities. Mr Martin is set to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as taoiseach when the Dail meets on Wednesday. He will hold the premiers office for three years before it reverts to Mr Harris for the final two years of the mandate. Mr Martins longer turn in the rotating taoiseach arrangement is reflective of the fact Fianna Fail emerged from the election with 10 more seats than Fine Gael (48 to 38). The Fianna Fail leader described the 93% endorsement of the party membership as emphatic. He said the new coalitions key priorities would include addressing Irelands chronic housing shortages, improving access to disability services and driving economic growth in the context of ongoing international uncertainty. Across the length and breadth of the country theres very strong commitment on behalf of party members to get into government and to start delivering on the mandate we received from the Irish people, and were going to do that day in and day out, Mr Martin said. And I can assure you, we will spare no effort in working selflessly on behalf of the people of Ireland to deliver this programme for government, to make things better for people and to improve the quality of life as we navigate very turbulent global waters, and that is our commitment and that is our challenge. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin speaking during the Fianna Fail ard fheis (Gareth Chaney/PA) The ratification process took place amid a row over the prospect of some of the independent TDs who support the new government being allowed to take speaking time usually allocated to opposition parties and groups. Ceann Comhairle (speaker) Verona Murphy wrote to TDs on Friday clarifying that standing orders in the Dail parliament allow for the members of the Regional Independents group who are not government ministers or ministers of state to be part of a technical group on the opposition benches. 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. Both Sinn Fein and Labour have described the prospect of TDs who negotiated the programme for government availing of opposition speaking rights as a farce. Ms Murphy has asked TDs who do not agree with the advice she has received to make submissions outlining a proposed alternative process. Asked about the controversy, Mr Martin claimed the public were not excited about the issue. Theyre clearly TDs that are supporting the government, which has happened in the past by the way, he said of the group. Its not for me to adjudicate on that. Thats a matter for the Dail itself. Im a member of government, and Ill assess the situation and form my own opinion in terms of the legal precedents that apparently may be there. Im just saying that the public arent as excited about an issue like that. The public are interested in the fundamentals that are facing us in terms of critical challenges facing this country. The pair 'couldn't believe it' when they came across a thorny devil their 'bucket list' reptile sitting on a rural dirt road. A couple travelled more than 13,000km to WA's Francois Peron National Park to catch a glimpse of their 'bucket list' creature. Source: Shark Bay Coastal Tours Sitting in the back of a four-wheel-drive as it rolls down an iconic rusty red dirt road synonymous with Australia, a Swiss couple eagerly scan the bushland on either side camera in hand. Having trekked 13,000km across the world with one goal in mind, the entomologist and his wife, a fan of reptiles, were keen to finally catch sight of their prize. We were the boggiest part of the track, so its always a bit precarious, but when we saw him, we definitely stopped very quickly and jumped out the car put the hazard lights on to make sure nobody was going to smoosh him or us, Bec, the pairs tour guide, told Yahoo News. Parked on the side of the dusty path in the Francois Peron National Park, in WAs Shark Bay World Heritage area, the tourists really couldnt believe it when they came face-to-face with their bucket list creature the thorny devil. ADVERTISEMENT When we saw it they were just absolutely blown away. I thought it was really cute so I took a whole heap of pictures, Bec, who owns Shark Bay Coastal Tours and is the only female 4WD operator in the area, added. They kind of just knelt down on the ground, and I think at one stage they even hugged each other. They were so excited. The couple were very knowledgeable about the striking native lizard, they just needed to see one in real life. The Swiss couple 'couldn't believe it' when they came across a thorny devil on the remote road. Source: Shark Bay Coastal Tours Thorny devils attract tourists from all over the world Bec said thorny devils are one of the most popular attractions in the area drawing admirers from all over the world every year. The lizards, which walk with a rocking motion, are not only unique for their densely packed spikes but they also don't lap water like a normal animal, Bec said. They absorb water through their skin, so they will stand in a puddle of water to drink, she explained. [They also] live on ants and are pretty lazy so they just sit at an ant nest and wait for them to come out and eat them one by one. Its like fast food. ADVERTISEMENT Everybody is always super, super excited to see thorny devils. Shark Bay, known for its stunning contrasts between the turquoise ocean, sandy beaches and red desert, is also home to 128 different shark species, over 10,000 dugongs, turtles, dolphins and an array of other wildlife, Bec told Yahoo. Just days later, Bec was in Denham when she saw an emu taking his 30 babies for a swim. Source: Shark Bay Coastal Tours Emu taking 30 babies for a swim delights Aussies: 'Unusual' Just days after the Swiss couples sweet moment, Bec was in Denham, the main town in the area, when she ran into another famous local species the emu. However, there was something a bit unusual about this sighting. He just wandered down to the beach and took all of his 30 babies for a swim, she said, adding emus are known to pinch each others babies. ADVERTISEMENT We see probably six to 12 babies with one dad but 30 was pretty extreme. A picture of the daddy daycare has gained attention online, with many Aussies praising the beautiful family outing. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Irish President rejects call by Israeli ambassador to step down from giving keynote speech at Holocaust memorial Dana Erlich says President will be a distraction as she also criticises Simon Harris President Michael D Higgins and outgoing Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich Niamh Horan Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 11:08 President Michael D Higgins has rejected calls from the Israeli ambassador to cancel plans to deliver the keynote speech at this years National Holocaust Memorial Day. Student and NHS visas being allocated through an auction process, and a reception centre on Ascension Island, are among the measures the Government should take to help reduce immigration, a new report has suggested. The Policy Exchange paper written by former Home Office director Stephen Webb also suggests tougher penalties for people who employ illegal labour or rent to illegal immigrants. The why is it so hard getting immigration numbers down report from the think tank looks at both legal and illegal migration, and proposes a number of suggestions to bring numbers down. In November, figures estimated that net migration hit a record 906,000 in 2023, after numbers were revised up from an initial estimate of 740,000. (PA Graphics) The number of migrants arriving in the UK in small boats was also up by a quarter in 2024 on the previous year. Among the recommendations made in the report are allocations for student visas and long-term work visas being allocated through auction processes. There is a similar suggestion in relation to NHS visas, and a recommendation that the money raised by that auction goes into the health service. It also recommends that ministers should introduce tougher penalties for those employing illegal labour or renting to illegal immigrants, including granting legal status to illegal migrants who testify against illegal employers or renters. Following the scrapping of the Conservatives Rwanda plan, it also says that the Government should establish a reception centre on Ascension Island in the southern Atlantic and commission a review to see how much such a programme would cost. Alexander Downer, a former foreign affairs minister in Australia, wrote the foreword to the report and said that immigration has become one of the most contentious issues in the western world. In the page-long message, he said that the incapacity to manage migration numbers has led to concern and even serious social disruption among voters and later added: A British government will have sooner or later to get control of the immigration programme. If they fail to do so, we can be sure populists and extremists will get elected who promise to do it. A Home Office spokesperson said: Under our Plan for Change, we will restore order to our broken immigration system by linking our immigration, skills and visa systems so we can grow our domestic workforce, end the reliance on overseas labour and boost economic growth. We have also begun delivering a major surge in immigration enforcement and returns activity to remove people with no right to be in the UK and ensure the rules are respected and enforced, with 16,400 people removed since the new government came into power. Emily Damari has been named by Hamas as one of three hostages set to be released on Sunday (family handout/PA) The last remaining British hostage in Gaza has been named by Hamas as one of three people set to be released on Sunday, after 470 days of captivity in what has been described as ongoing torture for her family. A ceasefire deal, which promises the phased release of hostages as well as a pause in the 15-month Israel-Hamas war, was delayed on Sunday morning but came into force at 9.15am UK time. The agreement came into effect after Hamas named three hostages it plans to release from 2pm UK time, including British-Israeli Emily Damari. The 28-year-olds mother Mandy Damari, who grew up in Beckenham, south-east London, has fiercely campaigned for her daughters freedom, and the release of all Israeli hostages. Emily Cohen, who represents the family, said in a statement how deeply grateful Mandy Damari is to the British public, MPs and football supporters for supporting calls for her daughters freedom. Emily Damari has been in captivity for 470 days (family handout/PA) Ms Cohen said: These final few hours have been the most agonising that you can imagine, after nearly 500 days of unending torment for Mandy and all the other families. Obviously this is amazing news for Mandy and Emilys entire family, but she will only believe it when she actually gets to see Emily alive and give her that hug shes been dreaming of. Given how unbearable the last few hours have been, and the rollercoaster of emotions, please respect Mandys privacy at this very critical time. I know she wants everyone to know how deeply grateful she is to the British public, MPs, football supporters and strangers from around the world, who have been praying and campaigning for Emilys release. Stephen Brisley, whose brother-in-law is also a hostage, bonded with Ms Damaris family over their shared experiences, and said he has heard they are excited and encouraged. Mr Brisley, who is originally from Bristol but lives in South Wales, told the PA news agency: Im not ashamed to say that I shed more than a few tears a couple of hours ago when it was confirmed, particularly that Emily was coming out, because I have that personal connection with Mandy, her mum, and have spent time with her and with members of her wider family, her aunt and uncle. I know what this means to them, and so Im incredibly pleased and joyous for them. Mandy Damari has campaigned for her daughters freedom (Jonathan Brady/PA) Weve heard from them via our legal team, who have been representing all of the British or British-linked hostages, just to say obviously theyre excited and encouraged thats me paraphrasing but obviously its what theyve been waiting for. But similarly, the same as the rest of us, theyre tempering that with, lets wait until shes on Israeli soil and in the hands of the medical professionals before getting too ahead of themselves. We know that she was shot in the original attack, so we dont know what her physical state will be, let alone her mental state after all this time. A lawyer for Ms Damaris family told of the unimaginable position they have been in. Adam Rose told Times Radio: I visited Emilys little house on the kibbutz, bullet-ridden and burnt, last January and its pretty unimaginable to think the terror she went through and the ongoing torture that her family has been put through for 470 days, almost 500 days now. He said he has warned her loved ones to prepare for the worst. He told BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: Our advice has always been until somebody is in your arms and being hugged and theyre alive and well, you have to assume that nothing is happening. And, I suppose, prepare for the worst. But hopefully Emily is well. Hopefully Emily will come out this afternoon. Hopefully shell be given medical care and then shell be hugged. The families of other British-linked hostages wait to hear about their loved ones. Mr Brisley, whose brother-in-law Eli Sharabi was on the original list of 33 hostages to be released in the opening phase of the ceasefire deal, described the prospect of waiting to hear news as an exquisite torture. He told PA: As we understand it, if the deal progresses as its supposed to then Saturdays will be release days, so we should hear by the Friday whether Eli is to be released. So its an exquisite torture. Every week its going to be counting down to Friday afternoon to see whether Elis name is on the new list of those to be released and then either crushing disappointment or tempered joy. Mr Brisley and his family do not even know whether Mr Sharabi is still alive. London-based film-maker Sharone Lifschitz said she knew her father, Oded, was alive in Gaza in late October 2023 but has heard no news of him since. He was frail and he was shot in the hand, she told BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg. His chances are not great but we will know. Emily Damari was taken by force from her home on October 7 last year (Jonathan Brady/PA) She reacted to the news of Ms Damaris expected release, telling the programme: Its incredible to imagine that Emily will be hugging her mum Mandy today. Thats wonderful. Two other hostages, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher, are set to be released on Sunday. The UK Government welcomed news of Ms Damaris expected freedom, with a Foreign Office spokesperson adding: We stand ready to support her upon her release. They also said: We urge both sides to implement all phases of the deal in full and for all hostages to be returned. Politicians described the situation in the Middle East as fragile. Cabinet minister Darren Jones said the UK is hopeful about the ceasefire, but added: Theres much more work to be done. Asked how confident he is that it will hold, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury told Times Radio: Were certainly very hopeful. Its great that weve gotten to this position where a ceasefire has begun. Clearly its fragile, clearly theres much more work to be done. We want the hostages released back to Israel for the fighting to stop, as we said, from the very start of this conflict. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said the UK is hopeful about the ceasefire (Ben Whitley/PA) Then the most immediate priority will be making sure that the aid that has been put together is able to be released into Gaza to support the people who desperately are in need of it. Then we have that small window of opportunity, that hope that we might be able to get all the parties around the table once again, to focus on a permanent, two-state solution that could prevent this type of war and terrorism from returning to the region in the future. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urged all parties to stick with the plan that has been outlined. She told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News: The three hostages, Emily is clearly one of them, and her mother, Mandy many of us have met Mandy, we know the family but just the sheer anxiety and apprehension that theyll be feeling, its just extraordinary. Dame Priti went on to describe the ceasefire deal as vital, adding: All parties are calling for it. Countries are calling for it. Theres a lot of hope that is really linked to this new deal and framework. I think everyone will urge both sides to stick with the plan that has been outlined, recognising its difficult, its very sensitive. We need to see the hostages released in this first phase, others to come out and clearly then work together in a constructive way for a better future for the region. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said the ceasefire deal marks a crucial step towards ending the devastation of the conflict since October 2023. Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump met in New York in September at Trump Tower, ahead of the US election (Carl Court/PA) Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration, and said he knows that depth of friendship will continue across the Atlantic. The Prime Minister said the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States will continue to flourish for years to come, ahead of President-elect Trump being sworn in to his second term in the White House on Monday. In a statement on Sunday evening, the Prime Minister sent his congratulations to Mr Trump. For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond, Sir Keir said. Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity. He mentioned Mr Trumps longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, and added: I know that depth of friendship will continue. The United Kingdom and United States will work together to ensure the success of both our countries and deliver for people on both sides of the Atlantic. The Prime Minister and the president-elect met in New York in September at Trump Tower, ahead of the US election, and at the time Sir Keir said he is a great believer in personal relations on the international stage. Sir Keir added on Sunday: Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have spoken about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship. We will continue to build upon the unshakeable foundations of our historic alliance as we tackle together the global challenges we face and take our partnership to the next level focused on shared opportunities ahead for growth. I look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity and security of our two great nations. The special relationship between the United Kingdom and United States will continue to flourish for years to come. Mr Trumps threatened tariffs and what his return to Washington could mean for US support for Ukraine could be among the first issues raised during his second term. A Cabinet minister suggested on Sunday that the Government has prepared for all scenarios in terms of tariffs. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said we need to see what the Trump administration do but also that Mr Trump is well known for wanting to do a good deal. When asked about tariffs, Mr Jones told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: Well, look, as you would expect, the Government has prepared for all scenarios. Theyre hypothetical at this stage, we need to see what the Trump administration do. The First Minister will speak in Glasgow on Wednesday (Lesley Martin/PA) Rejoining the European Union is Scotlands best hope for a more prosperous future, John Swinney is expected to say in a speech on Wednesday. The First Minister will describe the drive to remain in the bloc the side which lost the 2016 referendum as the past. Successive Scottish governments under the stewardship of the SNP lobbied against leaving the EU, with the party making returning to the bloc a key promise in its drive for independence. Mr Swinney is also expected to take aim at the economic issues facing the UK, with pressure mounting on the Government from increased borrowing costs and turbulence in the financial markets, saying it is time for Scotland to think big. The First Minister is expected to say in his speech in Glasgow on Wednesday that the biggest challenge facing Scotland is its ageing population, stressing the need for a migration system which fills gaps in the labour market and support public services. In recent years, nothing has impacted migration in Scotland more than the disastrous decision to leave the EU, he is expected to say. And the current dominant political narrative at Westminster, which in turn drives policy choices within the UK Government, is only making matters worse, impacting business, stifling growth and making it more difficult for our NHS to recruit staff. If we are to make the most of Scotlands economic opportunities, we need an immigration system that understands that Scotland is different from the UK as a whole. But ultimately, Scotland is a European nation and I believe that our future lies within the European Union and that rejoining the EU should be our clearly stated goal and national mission. My aim is not to look backwards in order to refight the Brexit debate. Brexit, for all its folly, has happened. Instead, my wish is that we turn our eyes to the ground that lies ahead and determine to choose a new path, and a different course. Simply put, remain was the past, rejoin is Scotlands best hope for a more prosperous future. Turning to the economic situation in the rest of the UK, Mr Swinney will say: The skies are darkening over Westminster as economic confidence in the Labour government ebbs away we urgently need a new direction from the UK Government. But if we are to ensure that Scotlands economy performs to its full potential, I believe it is time for Scotland to think big, so we can act bold. Our energy potential is one of our greatest opportunities. If our energy wealth results in a supply chain in Scotland in manufacturing, research and development, and results in lower energy prices for households and businesses, an economic paradigm shift becomes possible. Tariffs and relationships with China could be among the first issues up for discussion when Donald Trump re-enters the White House, according to the director of the Chatham House foreign affairs think tank. Bronwen Maddox said she believes the US administration has become the big question for UK foreign policy, and the UK will be faced with having to make some decisions about its positions on certain issues. She also said Lord Peter Mandelson, Britains incoming ambassador to the US, will be helpful and a plus to the Government. President-elect Trump will be sworn in for his second term in the White House on Monday, four years after he lost the 2020 election to President Joe Biden. There have been concerns about the potential impact of Mr Trumps pledged tariffs on US imports on economies around the world, as well as questions about what his return to Washington could mean in other areas such as support for Ukraine. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the Financial Times that tariffs arent in anybodys interests and that the UK ambition is to have a deal of some sorts with the US, a trade deal. Thats where our focus is. Bronwen Maddox said Lord Mandelson will be helpful (Jonathan Brady/PA) The incoming Trump administration has become the big question for UK foreign policy, Ms Maddox told the PA news agency. She said: Trump is going to ask things that amount to are you with us or against us and UK is going to have to make some decisions. The hardest one is going to be China and the Chancellor Rachel Reeves may find that her trip and the professions of support for engagement with China she gave was premature, she added, if there are requests from the US in relation to China. The UK will have a choice on that, but it is going to be hard for it to make a choice in favour of China against the US, at any point I think. Preparations are continuing for Inauguration Day in Washington (J Scott Applewhite/AP) Asked which discussions she thought could arise first, she said tariffs and China. It was confirmed in December that former Labour minister Lord Mandelson will become the UKs new ambassador to the US, however, some of his past criticism of the incoming president provoked concern about what he could mean for the transatlantic relationship. Ms Maddox said his role in Washington will be helpful despite the criticism, and he is very experienced on trade. I think hes very worldly and very experienced in how to find a middle ground where one may not be apparent, she said. Very experienced on trade, he wasnt always but he put a lot of effort into mastering the trade brief when he became trade commissioner and I think is really very surefooted on the small differences between countries on these and how to play for agreement again where its elusive. A number of UK figures will be in Washington ahead of Mondays ceremonies. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has confirmed that he will be attending the inauguration. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Mr Farage described some members of Mr Trumps incoming cabinet as genuine friends on speed dial and reiterated his offer to work with the Labour government when it comes to the new US administration. He told the paper that if he were able to help behind the scenes he would because it is in the national interest. Former prime minister Liz Truss posted on X on Friday to say that she was in Washington, DC. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The outgoing UK ambassador to the US Dame Karen Pierce is also expected at the ceremony. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel also shared on social media on Saturday that she would be representing the Conservative Party at the inauguration. Former UK ambassador to the US Lord Kim Darroch who served during Mr Trumps first term has said that the UK will have to prioritise in its dealings with Mr Trump, and pointed to tariffs as being near the top of the list. Lord Darroch left the role in 2019 after his messages criticising the administration were leaked to the press. Writing in The Guardian, Lord Darroch said the Prime Minister should press Trump directly on why he discounts the view of many eminent US economists that, while tariffs would damage everyone, America would suffer the most. Meanwhile, mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan warned against reactionary populists, writing in The Observer that these are deeply worrying times, especially if youre a member of a minority community. Pointing to the AfD in Germany, National Rally in France and Mr Trump in the US, he called for a renewed and concerted effort to confront these forces and expose them for what they are: opportunists who seek to divide people for personal and political gain. The fire engulfed a tented camp near the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, India (Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP) A fire has torn through at least 18 temporary tents at a massive Hindu festival thronged by millions of people in India. No-one is believed to have been injured in the blaze in the northern city of Prayagraj. Police said it was caused by the explosion of a gas cylinder but the flames were contained by firefighters. Images from the sprawling tent city at the confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers show smoke billowing out as dozens of firefighters douse the blaze. The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, started last Monday. Indian authorities say it is the worlds largest religious gathering. Millions visit the area for the 45-day Maha Kumbh festival (Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP) At least 77 million people are attending and authorities expect more than 400 million in total over the next six weeks. Hindus believe that bathing at the confluence will cleanse them of their sins and release them from the cycle of rebirth. To accommodate tens of thousands of holy men, pilgrims and tourists visiting the festival, authorities have built a sprawling tent city on the riverbanks. It is equipped with 3,000 kitchens and 150,000 toilets and also has roads, electricity and water, communication towers and 11 hospitals. About 50,000 security personnel are stationed in the city to maintain law and order and crowd management. Supporters of President-elect Donald Trump gather before a rally ahead of the 60th presidential inauguration in Washington (Matt Rourke/AP) By Will Weissert, Fatima Hussein and Josh Boak, Associated Press By Will Weissert, Fatima Hussein and Josh Boak, Associated Press US President-elect Donald Trump used one last rally on the eve of his inauguration to again celebrate his election victory, declaring We won to a crowd celebrating his return to the White House and projecting defiant optimism despite deep national political divisions. Tomorrow, at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline, and we begin a brand-new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride, Mr Trump told supporters, adding: We not only won a mandate, but we built a new American majority that will lead our country to success for generations to come. Supporters filled most of the 20,000-plus-seat Capital One Arena to hear a performance by Kid Rock, who performed All Summer Long despite a cold mix of rain and snow falling outside. Others taking the stage included singer Lee Greenwood, whose God Bless The USA was the anthem of Mr Trumps re-election campaign. Our hero. A man who never gave up on the American people, and we the people never gave up on him, actor Jon Voight told the crowd. Stephen Miller, Mr Trumps pick to be deputy chief of staff and a key architect of the administrations promised hard-line immigration policies, vowed that justice is coming. We are about to get our country back and our democracy back, Mr Miller said, adding Donald J Trump is about to save this country. Mr Trump, who has promised to sign a series of executive actions, including on US-Mexico border policy, was set to speak later in the evening. Sunday gave the president-elect a chance to energise core supporters before the official pomp of Inauguration Day. Mr Trump had breakfast privately with Republican senators at Blair House, the presidents official guest residence, across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House and later posed for a picture with the 10 Republican female senators and his incoming chief-of-staff, Susie Wiles. Unlike when Mr Trump helped spark a mob of his supporters to attack the Capitol and tried to retain power in 2021 after his loss to Democrat Joe Biden, officials did not expect massive protests, unrest or violence. Instead, jubilant crowds celebrated Mr Trumps second term and MAGAs total control of the Republican Party. Attendees cheer before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a rally ahead of the 60th presidential inauguration in Washington (Alex Brandon/AP) Many arrived from around the country and were decked out in their fanciest clothes, including fur coats. Trump supporters filled parties at hotels and restaurants around Washington. As they moved between the festivities, some could be heard chanting MAGA or simply stating it as a greeting to fellow revellers. The atmosphere was a remarkable turnaround from four years ago, when Mr Trump left the nations capital in disgrace and skipped the inauguration of his successor. Mr Trump blasted his way through the 2024 Republican presidential primary and won in November with an Electoral College margin unseen since Barack Obama was re-elected in 2012. Yet even with that comfortable victory and his party in full albeit narrow control of Congress, the incoming president is one of the most polarising figures in US history, with nearly as many fierce detractors as ardent supporters. That means it could be difficult for Mr Trump to fulfil post-election pledges to promote bipartisanship while healing political differences. The president-elect has insisted that unity will be a theme of his inauguration speech on Monday, along with strength and fairness, but he also spent months as a candidate saying that if elected he would seek retribution against political enemies. President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a rally ahead of the 60th presidential inauguration in Washington (Alex Brandon/AP) January 20th cannot come fast enough!, Mr Trump posted on his social media site. Everybody, even those that initially opposed a Victory by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Administration, just want it to happen. With frigid temperatures expected on Monday, Mr Trump directed most of Mondays outdoor events to be moved indoors, and officials held a rehearsal on Sunday for his swearing-in in the US Capitols Rotunda, which holds only 600 people compared with the 250,000-plus guests who had tickets to view the inauguration from around the Capitol grounds. In-between victory celebrations, Mr Trump took to his social media site to comment on the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the US ban on TikTok. Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first, Mr Trump wrote. Overnight, millions of US users of TikTok lost the ability to watch videos on the social media platform as a federal ban on the app took effect. Though the site later began flickering to life for some users, the disruptions reflected a new law requiring its China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest for national security reasons. The company made a personal appeal to Mr Trump to intervene, posting a message saying: We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. President-elect Donald Trump and vice president-elect JD Vance participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia (Evan Vucci/AP) Mr Trump subsequently posted: Im asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! He promised to issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The president-elect also wrote that he was interested in the US owning 50% of TikTok in a joint venture model, though he did not offer much detail on what that would look like. Incoming national security adviser Michael Waltz insisted that Mr Trump could find a solution by Monday. I think we should all be confident that he can craft that kind of a deal, Mr Waltz told CBSs Face The Nation. He also noted that Mr Trump discussed TikTok on a weekend call with Chinese President Xi Jinping and they agreed to work together on this. Mr Trump also headed to snow-covered graves at Arlington National Cemetery, where he and vice president-elect JD Vance each wearing dark overcoats and red ties walked together to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for a wreath-laying ceremony that included the playing of taps. Mr Trump mouthed thank you after placing the wreath. Melania Trump and Usha Vance arrive before President-elect Donald Trump participates in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia (Evan Vucci/AP) The ceremony was also attended by his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr, his daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, and other relatives, as well as many of the president-elects picks for top cabinet posts and several medal of honour recipients. Mr Trump and Mr Vance later spent nearly half an hour in Section 60, the burial site for military personnel killed while fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, talking with families of three soldiers who died in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, as well as a fourth whom they did not identify. The scene was far different than in August, when two Trump campaign staff members reportedly verbally abused and pushed aside a cemetery official who tried to stop them from filming and photographing in Section 60. Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy use a smartphone near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel, after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza (Israeli Army via AP) By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy and Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy and Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press The first three hostages released from Gaza arrived in Israel on Sunday for tearful reunions with families, hours after the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold following 15 months of war. Israel later started to release 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, as a coach carrying women and children exited the gates of Ofer prison, just outside the West Bank city of Ramallah. All of those being released are women or children, according to a list provided by the Palestinian Authoritys Commission for Prisoners Affairs. Israel had detained them for what it said were offences related to Israels security, from throwing stones to more serious accusations like attempted murder. Earlier, footage showed 28-year-old Israeli-British dual citizen Emily Damari, 24-year-old Romi Gonen and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher in a tense handover to the Red Cross on a Gaza City street. They were surrounded by a crowd of thousands, accompanied by masked, armed men wearing green Hamas headbands. The women were taken to Israeli forces and then into Israel, where their mothers were waiting. The three women were in a stable condition, Sheba Medical Centre said, and authorities released footage of them reuniting with their families, hugging fiercely and sobbing. Israels military also released images showing Ms Damari raising a bandaged hand in triumph. Romi Gonen, right, and her mother Merav hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel, after Romi was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza (Israeli Army via AP) It said she lost two fingers in the attack that sparked the war. In Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered to watch the news on large screens erupted in cheers. For months, many had gathered in the square to demand a ceasefire deal. Relatives of the women jumped, clapped and wept. An entire nation embraces you, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Fighters from the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, stand atop a car in Gaza City as Red Cross vehicles manoeuvre to collect Israeli hostages released under a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas (Abed Hajjar/AP) The ceasefire ushers in an initial six-week period of calm and raises hopes for the release of dozens of militant-held hostages and an end to the devastating 15-month war. A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the truces start by nearly three hours, but the spokesman for Hamass military wing later said it is committed to the ceasefire. Even before the ceasefire took effect, celebrations broke out across the territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes. Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect (Mohammad Hajjar/AP) Next up is the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners later on Sunday. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, families and friends gathered excitedly as cars honked and people waved the Palestinian flag. The truce, which started at 11.15am local time, is the first step towards ultimately ending the conflict and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in Hamass October 7 2023 attack. Ms Gonen, Ms Damari and Ms Steinbrecher were released. Doron Steinbrecher, left, and her mother Simona hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel, after Doron was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza (Israeli Army via AP) Ms Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, while the others were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. In the interim between 8.30am and when the ceasefire took hold, Israeli fire killed at least 26 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry. It did not say whether they were civilians or fighters. Palestinians walk through the destruction in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) The military has warned people to stay away from Israeli forces as they retreat to a buffer zone inside Gaza. Israels hard-line national security minister, meanwhile, said his Jewish Power faction was quitting the government in protest over the ceasefire agreement. Itamar Ben-Gvirs departure weakens Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition but will not affect the truce. In a separate development, Israel announced it had recovered the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, in a special operation in Gaza. The bodies of Mr Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, remained there after the 2014 war and had not been returned. The ceasefire deal was announced last week after a year of mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trumps team had both pressed for an agreement to be reached before the inauguration on Monday. Mr Netanyahu on Saturday warned that he had Mr Trumps backing to continue fighting if necessary. Trucks carrying humanitarian aid line up to cross the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip (Amr Nabil/AP) The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. Many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home. There is also supposed to be a surge of humanitarian aid, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before. The United Nations World Food Programme said trucks started entering through two crossings after the ceasefire took hold. This is just the second ceasefire in the war, longer and more consequential than a week-long pause in November 2023, with the potential to end the fighting for good. Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire should begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the first phase and how the rest of the hostages in Gaza will be freed. Exclusive | John George was murdered after refusing to work for crime gang in Spain, brother reveals Family vows justice for loved one shot in Spain and say his murder was planned John George with brother Darren and sisters Courtney and Caitlin Paula Mackin Sun 19 Jan 2025 at 08:36 John George was murdered in a premeditated and brutal killing, his brother has said. shutterstock.com Have you ever wondered what your non-Catholic friends think of your faith? The Catholic Church must be confusing for people who havent experienced church life or been exposed to any religion. There are mysterious rites, priests, and clergy of all ranks wearing different clothes depending on who they are and what they do. There are also miracles and Mary, and the saints and all our statues and rosary beads. Stepping into a Catholic Church is a feast for the senses. Little wonder, then, that people are so intrigued. In Dan Browns Da Vinci Code, the Catholic Church is described as mysterious, which piqued peoples interest even more. However, there are still some myths surrounding Catholicism. Here are seven commonly heard myths surrounding the Catholic faith that arent true. "The Pope is always right." This myth centers around the doctrine of Papal Infallibility. This doctrine shouldnt be confused with impeccability or the inability to sin. Like every other human on earth, the Pope is a sinner. In 2019 on a trip to Mozambique, Pope Francis said that hes a sinner and remains a sinner. Papal Infallibility means, however, that a belief held since the early church by Christians can be formally pronounced and defined by a Pope under his office as supreme shepherd and teacher of all the faithful. There are four necessary conditions for a pronouncement of the pontifical Magisterium to be infallible: That the Pope speaks as universal Doctor and Shepherd That he uses the fullness of his apostolic authority That he expresses the will to define That the matters defined deal with faith or morals Any pronouncement that does not meet these four criteria is not immune from error. Of course, these four conditions are not met in most of the words spoken by Popes in their daily lives. The Constitution Pastor Aeternus establishes the limits of papal infallibility: The Holy Spirit was not promised to the successors of Peter that by His revelation they might make known new doctrine, but that by His assistance they might inviolably keep and faithfully expound the Revelation, the Deposit of Faith, delivered through the Apostles. "The Catholic Church hates gay people." This myth is wrong because the Church does not hate any group. Jesus commanded us to love everyone, including our enemies. That kind of radical love has no room for hatred. The Catechism of the Catholic Church holds that gay and lesbian people must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. However, the Church distinguishes between sexual orientation and the homosexual lifestyle. "The Church is against sex." The Catholic Church is not against sex. It affirms that sex is good because God blesses humanitys sexuality on the sixth day of creation in Genesis 1:28 by saying: Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. Indeed, the Song of Songs is full of the joy of sex between a man and his wife, illustrating and reflecting the love Christ has for His Church. The Church doesnt purely see sex as an act between two people who feel physical attraction. Instead, the Church acknowledges the deep purpose for sexuality as willed by God in the beginning, that it be expressed solely within a marriage between a man and a woman who have given their whole selves unreservedly to one another so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. The purpose of making love is for procreation and for uniting a couple. It can reinforce the permanency of the marriage vows a couple made on their wedding day. Some people mistakenly view the Churchs stance on sex as restrictive, but upholding Gods design shows us the life path lived in the greatest freedom. However, the Church does care about everyones salvation and gently leads all people away from sin and towards a closer relationship with God. That includes everyone straight, gay, married, single, parent, and priests. Sexuality falls within the areas of sin that the Church cares about because God created sexuality for a purpose that would most benefit us on our journey through life towards unity with Him in Heaven. For this reason, all sex, whether heterosexual or homosexual, outside of the covenant of the sacrament of marriage is a sin against God because it rejects Gods original will and purpose in his design for humanity. "The Church is misogynistic." Because the Church does not allow women to be priests, some people misinterpret the Churchs stance as being misogynistic. It could not be further from the truth. According to the Church, women were created equal to men in value in Gods eyes. They were, however, created differently with different strengths and skills. God made men and women to complement each other and be partners on an equal footing, which is why Eve was made from Adams rib, his side. Indeed, humanitys destiny was redeemed and secured for all time by the yes of one young woman to God, Mary- 2000 years ago. The Church must follow Christs pattern and example, even when it doesnt fit with our modern secular standards. Christ did not ordain women as priests or apostles, yet had he wanted to; he had the perfect candidate in Mary. Some people argue that Jesus was acting within the societal norms of his time. However, Jesus regularly turned societal expectations upside down, such as washing his disciples feet or performing healing miracles on the Sabbath. Pope John Paul II comprehensively affirmed the role of women in his 1988 apostolic letter, Mulieris Dignitatem (On the Dignity of Women). He wrote: Therefore the Church gives thanks for each and every woman: for mothers, for sisters, for wives; for women consecrated to God in virginity; for women dedicated to the many human beings who await the gratuitous love of another person; for women who watch over the human persons in the family, which is the fundamental sign of the human community; for women who work professionally, and who at times are burdened by a tremendous social responsibility." "Catholics worship Mary." The Churchs devotion to the Blessed Virgin dates back to the first believers. The Catechism states that although it is very special, Marian devotion differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit. It goes on to say that prayer to the Blessed Mother of God always remains centered on the person of Christ manifested in his mysteries. All that we believe about Mary is based on our faith in Christ God gave Mary a unique role in His plan of redemption. She is seen as the New Eve, preserved from original sin and set apart from all sin by divine grace. The Catechism makes clear: But this privilege does not place the Virgin outside the universal sphere of redemption. Mary has received all that she is from Christ. She is the first to be redeemed by the blood of the cross. A simple way of understanding believers relationship with Mary is one of imitation we seek to imitate her openness to and acceptance of Gods will in our lives. In turn, as the Queen Mother of Christs Kingdom, she hears our petitions and presents them to Jesus, in the same way, that she asked Jesus to provide wine at the wedding at Cana. Catholicism is a misunderstood religion. People outside of Catholicism believe that its a strict religion that doesnt care about women and despises gay people. However, Catholicism is just like every other religion. All religions have some misunderstandings, but its not the peoples job to pass judgment. Instead, people who want to know more should research the faith. They may be surprised. Shutterstock.com When we think of Christianity, many try to strive to be perfect for God. They want to present the best version of themselves to the Lord. However, thats not always necessary. God understands that not everyone is perfect, but that doesnt mean you cant still be successful. There are many characters in the Bible that didnt always live up to expectations of the Lord, but it didnt stop them from becoming amazing Christians. Check out these 5 Bible characters that faced many failures, but still came out successful next to Jesus. Joseph Joseph was 17 the first time he had his dreams about ruling over his family. We can read in the Bible though the dream wasnt about being their king or boss, as his brothers misinterpreted it. No, bowing before Joseph, in the dream, didnt mean he was going to be the king of Israel or the leader of the family. The dreams meant that Joseph was going to be divinely placed in a position with the power and the influence to save Israel, not only as a family, but as a future nation. However, the misinterpretation of Josephs dreams caused his brothers anger and envy. They just lost it over a dream and tried to kill him and then they sold him into slavery. After being bought and exported to Egypt he found a nice job but being a hardworking, wise and handsome young man caused him more trouble than he ever thought. An ambitious lady put her eyes on him. After declining her friend requests, he was sued for sexual harassment, and because the ladys husband was not only the offended partner but also Josephs boss, judge, and ruler, poor Joe ended up getting undeserved punishment in jail. Did Joseph fail though? This article is about failures but the Bible doesnt tell us that Joseph committed any mistake or sin. He was human and at some point he felt like a failure himself. He probably thought he was Bad luck Joe. His mother did a good job of teaching him the scriptures and the sovereignty of God. Arising from his own human doubts and questions, he put his loyalty and faith in God above everything. Hey, most Christians almost worship Bible heroes. They think that people from the Bible never had any bad thought or made any mistake. They love David who had many wives and concubines, murdered an innocent man and committed adultery with the mans wife and got her pregnant. So if our beloved David was actually a sinner, why couldnt Joseph be just as human as all of us and have bad thoughts, or a moments of doubts. Im pretty sure he had a few. Jesus had His moment at Gethsemane, didnt He? Weve all read about Josephs way to Egypts center of detention, but lets read about the victory God gave him after Joseph showed stewardship of his spiritual gift and loyalty and integrity and many other things: Genesis 41: 39-42 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. So Pharaoh said to Joseph, I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Josephs finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. If Joseph lived in our time, everyone would probably consider him a loser, but God knew his heart, just as He knows yours. If you stay loyal, faithful to God, and keep exercising that gift or talent he has given you, there will be a day when victory will come. You will arise, not to be king, rich or famous, but to be in a position of influence where God will use you in a mighty way not for your glory, but for His glory.. So dont even think about the usual selfie picture for Facebook, when you get to that placeok? Job There was a man who had everything a modern rapper, (or anybody else) can wish: Money, money, money, a good name, health, and a beautiful family. But then, Mr. Satan the accuser went to God and asked for permission to mess with Job's life. Tragedy struck and Job lost his wealth. Next, a storm took the lives of all his children. Then, a debilitating disease that left his whole body covered with painful boils came in to finally kill him (or that was what the devil first thought). Did Job have a bad moment and think of himself as a failure? Oh yeah, but not only that, his own wife told him he was a loser and according to a couple of Bible versions she even suggested that he should curse God (and lose his relationship with him forever) and die. If she were a modern wife, she would've probably filed for divorce and asked for alimony, loss of income, etc., get the divorce and then go party every weekend with her friends while Job dies of his horrible illness without anybody to take care of him. Job 3: After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. He said: May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, A boy is conceived! That daymay it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine on it. However, Job, as Joseph, stayed loyal to God's will and sovereignty. It looks like everybody else wanted him to quit and die. Hey, loser, quit and die, and free us of the burden of watching your pain, because, number one, we dont want to be reminded that it can happen to any of us, at any time and number two, because we really dont want to hang out and care for a loser. After all, how many people like to take selfies with a loser? "Here, for Instagram, let me take a pic of me kissing your painful sores" "Hey Facebook, today is taking care of Job the loser day, use the hashtag #ilose or tag your friends and wish Job a quick and easy death so we can all be free of this, and all losers." Pictures like these will never go viral. But Gods response to Job's loyalty went so viral that it ended up in the Bible as a live example of how God rewards faithfulness and true faith. Job didnt name it and claim it. He didnt rebuke his illness in the name of... God... He just looked up with patience to our Sovereign God and waited for his deliverance, and furthermore, blindly trusted in God, even if his deliverance was death in public humiliation (just like someone else who died in public humiliation, do you remember His name? want a hint? Starts with J.) We read on Job 42:10-12 . the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. (And then, selfie time!) All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. (Bling!!! I knew it!!) The Lord blessed the latter part of Jobs life more than the former part. Well, I hope God forgave Jobs wife and she enjoyed the latter blessings with him. It looks like this Bible story centers too much on material wealth and some even use it as a doctrinal basis for all their get rich quick oh ye christian nonsense read carefully, the main subject of the book is about how you must keep your own identity as a child of God, and do not let any external storm to change your faith and loyalty to God. We may suffer in this world but Jesus will always be with us, even if we look like losers to the world. Can I get an amen? Moses According to the modern school of ministry, Moses was an insecure loser. According to our political system, Moses was an exiled total loser. According to himself, at one point of his life, Moses was an undeserving, unwilling to cooperate, coward loser. Sorry if Im too hard on poor Moshe, but he gave God all the excuses in the Egyptian books to not obey and to not do what God was asking him to do. Read this and ask yourself if this sounds like you. God, I cant do what you want me to do because, I have a terrible, horrible, past, Ive sinned, I killed, I lied, I ran away, I betrayed my familys confidence, I relinquished my spiritual talents, Im full of hate, and I suffer of stage fright!! And those were just a few of Moses excuses Please read the whole Exodus book. You will see how Moses had his own identity problems, needed some anger management classes, started his political career with the wrong foot (by killing his adversary) then ran away to hide from everyone including God. There was certainly a specific calling in Moses. He felt it, he knew it, however Egyptian Sunday schools didnt really teach about a sovereign God who has his own time and place for everything, including our calling and dreams and for when all of them will happen and come true. Young Moses knew there was a living God, kind of. He was in disagreement with the establishment and wanted a better life for his people, but his trust was in his human skills, which were brutally shattered after he failed to promote himself as a potential leader of a new political party. Dont get me wrong here. This was all about power and politics at this stage of young Moses life. The day came to face God almighty, but even after all the pain and struggle he went through for 80 years, I can feel from his responses to God that he was not yet very convinced about this divine calling thing. I can see he was an intellectual, science first, kind of believer. God had to give him true supernatural signs to impress pharaoh and not just tricks out of the Egyptian books of magic that could also be replicated by Egypts sorcerers. He also went on to question the how and why of God in almost every step to the Promised Land. Does it look or sound like you and me? Well, maybe Moses and I are the only ones who question Gods plans every day. It was in the exile, lonely and we can say poor, humiliated, working in the worst job ever for someone who used to wear those fancy pharaohs hats and used to walk as an Egyptian (sing it!) ate the best kabobs and used to wash his hair with royal cow urine. (They did, it turned their hair orangeeish). It was here, working as a humble shepherd in the worst place ever, unsure of who he was anymore and with a feeling of being far from his calling (as a loser) when he finally came to know face to face the power and presence of the true God. He had his excuses of course, but God is also the creator of perseverance. God himself insisted on Moses calling and assure him that if he kept his faith and believed, he, Moses will lead the people of Israel out of slavery. As a homework assignment, please read Exodus. Gideon Gideon, a young man whose only thought was gathering food and hiding from the Midianites. We saw how Moses even questioned Gods motives, the what and why of his mission and calling, now read about Gideon. Do you see a pattern? Do you see men and women of God debating with the almighty why theyve been called and what is the true purpose of their mission? It looks like most of them did. Even Jesus had his moment of truth (or doubt) at the Gethsemane. Do you know why men and women of God have their doubts and want to ask God for explanations and signs? Because God actually calls smart people; intelligent, wise people with their own point of view of the situation God is trying to change. Doubts and questions are not bad; God knows you have something youve been trying to ask him for a long time. The failure is in giving in to the doubts and getting defeated by our lack of insiders (divine) information. You must persevere even if you dont understand and thats how we actually learn wisdom. You must know the information you need, but persevering will teach you how and when to apply it and this, my friend, is called wisdom. God sees in you something beyond your own understanding of your skills, traits and talents. He is looking for Godly wisdom not a perfect GPA. By the way, I know very successful people with a below average GPA, and many of their employees have a perfect GPA. I could go further explaining why, but well save that for another time. Lets read about Isaiah 6:18 (here I am, send me) antithesis. Read below Gideons response to God, because it sounds like: Here I am not, can you send someone else? Judges 6:11-18 1 The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Oprah (Ophra!!!) that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, The Lord is with you, mighty warrior. 13 Pardon me, my lord, Gideon replied, but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt? But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian. 14 The Lord turned to him and said, Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midians hand. Am I not sending you? 15 Pardon me, my lord, Gideon replied, but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family. 16 The Lord answered, I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive. 17 Gideon replied, If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. 18 Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you. And the Lord said, I will wait until you return. Long story short, God gave Gideon the signs he was asking for. Gideon finally decides to go against the Midianites, but God had to train him and teach him some organization and logistics along the way and this was probably the time when the Israelites created Krav-Maga. (You should see a Krav-Maga fight, Im sure you will support my tongue in cheek theory). After reading about Gideon, he definitely doesnt strike me as the typical Israelite hero but, hey, who can debate with God and win? Guess who you and I can. Gideon was a hero, a warrior in Gods heart just as you are. You can debate God about why you believe He is wrong and He may even concede some of your requests and changes to the calling, but you are still a hero and your time of victory will come if you believe him. I didnt say, if you believe in him. I said, if you believe him. There is a difference between those 2 believe. Peter When preachers describe the Apostle Peter, they speak of him as if he was a caveman. The caveman from the insurance ad looks smarter than Peter to some preachers, before the anointing of the Holy Spirit of course. But, I believe I can prove that Peter was actually a very smart, experienced, businessman. The perception that the disciples were people without formal schooling was not from God, but from people who thought they knew them. They didnt know them as well as Jesus knew them and we read before that He doesnt call dumb people. You may not have a college degree, or a ministry degree, but that doesnt stop you from having other gifts. Im pretty sure the gifts are there., Im not sure however if you believe and know your talents and gifts are there. Peter was a fisherman and I know many fishermen. They look humble and rude in the outside but they are some of the wisest people I ever met. Always hard working, they dont fear taking on a big, dangerous task. They are ready to face just about any kind of threat or enemy and they have their own fighting and survival skills. They, and even the humblest of them, know how to manage a medium sized boat, know all the tricks to store and preserve their fish and the food they need for long fishing trips. Well, who doesnt? Modern boats have it all right? No, I was talking about 70s fishermen. As far as I remember there were almost no electronic or digital perks on their boats. Just an old battery powered radio. No cell phones, no satellite phones, no tv signal, videogames, fancy freezers, nothing Yes, there was a time when cell phones didnt exist, believe it or not Fishermen know how to manage people and especially being with a few rude guys for weeks in the same boat, they learn to be understanding, forgiving, always cheerful and ready to cheer up others who feel homesick These are just a few skills I saw in my fishermen friends. So, when I read about Peter being a dumb, rude, stupid, uneducated man and how Jesus suddenly changed him into a smart preacher, I think this perception is far from the truth. Yes, he denied Jesus, which was one of his biggest failures. Yes, he was a little foul mouthed. He was also a hypocrite, as Paul called him later, but, Jesus didnt choose a guy using some sort of "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" game. He knew Peter very well and because He knew him, He chose him. God does not choose you and me just by random luck. He knows us, we may have a few failures in our records, but we can learn from Joseph, Job, Moses, Gideon and Peter that despite weakness and failure, we can be used mightily by our all-powerful God, because He knows us and He is willing to discuss and debate with us His plans and His reasons for calling us. Read more about the Bible here: Who is Abraham in the Bible and Why is He Important? 5 Awesome Facts About John the Baptist Things You May Not Know About Peter in the Bible Things You May Not Know About Adam and Eve To read more, visit Dios Es Buneo on Facebook. Shutterstock.com The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an emotional toll on many of us. Many are shaken up by the news and our anxiety about the future. Some of us may have already been laid off or arent sure if well be employed next week. There are others who have family members or friends who are battling the virus or may have even lost loved ones. To say we are living in fearful times is an understatement. With all the troubles in the world today, its hard to not be overcome with fear. Many have lost sight of hope. The same went for many well-known biblical characters. Even many great figures in the Bible struggled with fear. Even Sarah and Abraham, two of the most important figures in the Old Testament who trusted God through a lifetime of struggles and trials had trouble believing one promise God made to them. They even laughed at the thought. Yet, God followed through with His promise, and their trust in God grew. He followed through, even in their doubt. This is why its so important to choose faith, not fear, even in the midst of a crisis as big as the one were currently facing. Many Christians profess to trust Gods will for their lives but when it comes down to letting go and letting God, they cant. We know that God has a special plan and purpose for our lives, most of us dont have trouble believing this. Yet, the fear develops when we realize that His will may not be the will we have for ourselves. When were afraid of His plan, we begin to doubt His will for our lives. We then must ask ourselves, how do we let go of that fear and begin to trust Gods plan when the future of so uncertain? Attempting to avoid fear robs you of a deep experience of faith. If we want to choose faith over fear, its important that we are confident in God and His Word. If we really want to hear God and begin to trust His will for our lives, we must get involved with Scripture and hear what Gods Word is telling us. During the Coronavirus outbreak, many people are turning to Gods Word for guidance and comfort in these tumultuous times. The Bible can help us make sense of the confusion we see around us with people in fear of the Coronavirus. One great verse to turn to in these fearful times is Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Gods Word provides transformative wisdom, and when we study the Bible and grow closer to the Word, we begin to understand where God is, especially for us. The more confident we are in Gods promises, the closer we get to transformation and renewal. When we begin to see where God is, not where the World is, we can really move towards letting go of doubt and fear and holding on to hope. While we cant physically hear God, its important that we remain confident that God hears us and confident in Gods promises offered through Scripture. This is the place where you will really begin to hear His voice. The more time we spend with Scripture, the more we can hear and know what Gods will is for us. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you especially when making decisions in the coming days. When you read the Bible and hear God speaking through the Word, you begin to see situations differently and your circumstances in a whole new light. We cant do this without letting go and trusting God. You then can make decisions based not off a mindset of fear, but where you are being led by God. Its easy to trust God when things are going according to our plan for ourselves, but when the plan begins to deviate from what we think should be happening in our lives, its easy for us to fall off course. In these moments, we allow fear and doubt to triumph over God. We put up a shield so that we dont get hurt, but we are only casting out God and hurting ourselves. Proverbs 3:5 which tells us to Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding is a great reminder to let go of self, the thoughts in our head that allow us to believe our plan is greater than Gods. These are the thoughts that sabotage us and will only lead us astray. We should trust God, even when we dont understand whats coming next. While God calls us every single day to not be afraid, to simply trust Him in everything can be difficult especially when you dont know what will happen tomorrow. The Christian life is a constant battle between fear and trust. Worrying can be harmful not only to our emotional health, but also to our physical health. Excessive worrying can lead to depression and can even cause us to become physically ill. When we worry, we get so lost in what might happen that we lose sight of our peace and happiness, and can no longer find our inner calm. Yet, we have hope in God. When circumstances show up that have the ability to break us down, we can trust in Gods promises. Always remember that you are bigger than any fear youre facing related to the COVID-19 pandemic. God is control and we can lean on Gods Word. Immerse yourself in it. While fear may continue to show up for you, when you acknowledge and truly believe that God is in control, we can rise above all battles we face. Fear can feel like its paralyzing you, but fear only has the power to control as much as you allow it to. Trust that you can challenge any fear with Gods help. When we do, we come out victorious. It is difficult to walk with God when we are uncertain. Yet, faith can move us past a place of fear. Faith is moving away from Gods wont to God will. Even if youre struggling with doubt, know that Gods plan for our future and the future of those around us is bigger than us. Lesli White is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in print and online journalism. In college, she took a number of religious studies courses and harnessed her talent for storytelling. White has a rich faith background. Her father, a Lutheran pastor and life coach was a big influence in her faith life, helping her to see the value of sharing the message of Christ with others. She has served in the church from an early age. Some of these roles include assisting ministry, mutual ministry, worship and music ministry and church council. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. PITTSFIELD Eight years ago, Dianne Heckman was one of the hundreds of thousands who flooded the streets of Washington D.C. for the 2017 Women's March. The energy was palpable as protesters gathered in a show of unity against Donald Trump's policies and platform ahead of his first term in office. On Saturday, Heckman joined another march this time, in downtown Pittsfield, where one of a series of local demonstrations under the banner of the People's March unfolded late in the morning, two days before Trump's second inauguration. As a throng of sign-wielding protesters marched up North Street, Heckman said she knows some people have been tuning out politics. She cautioned against that. "Now is not the time to be tired," she said. "We've got to keep it going." The People's March is a reprisal of the Women's March, but under a more inclusive banner, local march organizer Meg Arvin with Western MA 4 The Future said. Arvin and others expressed a range of concerns, including their fear that the Trump administration will prioritize the needs of the powerful over everyday Americans, hoarding political might and capital in the process. "The incoming administration is focused on more of an oligarchy than actually protecting the humans that they represent," Arvin said. "And I think it's important that we show that we're not going to let them take over." Last November, Trump picked up votes in Berkshire County, following a national rightward shift. Arvin said she believed concerns about high costs of living and immigration contributed it, and a misconception among voters that a limited pool of resources will run out before it gets to them. "I think people get so scared about what's being taken from them that they don't really understand that it can be given to all," Arvin said. Around her, attendees held signs that said things like "protect abortion rights," "stop Project 2025," and "save Social Security." Kassandra Cardot, 18, held a sign that asked, "take America back from whom?" a reference to Trump's campaign slogan. Cardot, who is queer and has a disability, described the incoming administration's political rhetoric as threatening, and stressed the importance of organizing youth at the local level. They said the country "doesn't belong to anybody; it belongs to everybody." And part of the work is showing up at the local level. "We're just Pittsfield, we're a random place in Massachusetts," Cardot said. "But the more that things are happening like this, the more things will actually change." A contingent of about two-dozen Berkshire County residents made the trip to Washington, D.C. for the national People's March, said state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, who attended the event. She told The Eagle that the mood was energetic Saturday, with a focus on women's rights, combating the "growing oligarchy in this country" and promoting kindness and fairness in public policies. It was an inspiring event in uncertain times. Shirley Edgerton, the founder of the Rites of Passage and Empowerment program and community organizer, said what happens nationally impacts people locally, despite the state's identity as a Democratic stronghold. It has real consequence when it comes not only to which initiatives receive funding Trump campaigned on a promise to eliminate the federal Department of Education, for instance but also the tenor of the national conversation and degradation of social progress. "The concern is a reversal of progress that's been made via the Civil Rights movement," Edgerton said. "I'm deeply concerned about the future for our young people and what this country is going to look like." Preserving democracy will require continued efforts at the grassroots level, said Dennis Powell, president of the Berkshire branch of the NAACP. He pointed to the legacy and teachings of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. a holiday honoring his memory, and accompanying day of service for observers, which will coincide with the inauguration on Monday. Powell said it will require effort from everyone to speak truth to power, to organize and to keep showing up over the next four years. "When it's all said and done," Powell said. "I know it was we the people that put him in office, but it's also we the people that are going to have to hold democracy together." BOSTON With the state's family shelter system under pressure from mounting costs and violent on-site incidents, Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday recommended statutory changes to the decades-old Right to Shelter Law, asking House and Senate leadership to fold the reforms into a supplemental budget. In a new letter, Healey called for "strengthening" criminal background checks for shelter applicants by requiring the Executive Office of Housing to conduct CORI checks before families are placed in the emergency shelters. She had previously told the press that comprehensive background checks were conducted on all shelter residents, before her administration last week said that had not actually been done. All family members looking to stay in a state shelter would also have to prove their lawful U.S. residency under the governor's recommendation, unless a child in the family already has lawful residence. Currently, only one member of the family unit must show citizenship or lawful presence. The governor is also seeking to require families to show proof of eligibility up front before they are given a shelter spot, and removing the option of someone showing their eligibility through "self attestation." A massive number of families have arrived in recent years looking to access the state shelter system, competing with Bay State families already seeking shelter access. Around 48,000 people have lived in the state-run sites over the past three years, Healey said last week. "The Administration proposes requiring in the line item that all members of the household must be residents of Massachusetts, and that anyone receiving EA show an intent to remain in Massachusetts, which may be shown either through independent documentary verification of an intent to remain in Massachusetts, or through three months of physical presence in the state," Healey wrote in her letter to House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, and the two branches' Ways and Means chairs. Healey last week filed her mini-budget with another $425 million for the costly shelter system (H 51) and some major policy changes, including a proposed six-month limit on how long families can stay in shelters. The bill is pending before the House Ways and Means Committee. It was three days after she filed the bill that her administration told the Globe it had not been conducting comprehensive background checks on all shelter residents as the governor had previously stated. Healey since then has spoken about altering the Right to Shelter Law so it "actually aligns with its original intent." She told reporters last Friday that she was going to work with the Legislature on amending the law, which she said was written "to protect and take care of poor women and children" and did not contemplate "a broken immigration system and waves and waves of people arriving in Massachusetts." The reforms were not presented as legislation, but rather as bullet-point ideas in a four-page letter. House Republican Leader Bradley Jones Jr. said the "hasty" follow-up from Healey "seems a lot more like damage control, full retreat." The North Reading Republican said he interpreted the letter as saying, "'We're taking on water badly, we gotta do something, and we'll send a letter to the Legislature saying please save us from ourselves.'" "Which the Legislature's happy to do," he added. Republican lawmakers this week called for more system transparency and accountability, and GOP lawmakers wrote a letter to Auditor Diana DiZoglio on Tuesday asking her to audit the EA shelter program. DiZoglio indicated her office is already engaged in an audit of the Executive Office of Housing. "During this incredibly challenging time, in which the shelter system has operated at full capacity, we have heard concerns raised by residents who want to ensure their taxpayer dollars are being spent in a transparent, appropriate, efficient and impactful manner," DiZoglio wrote in a letter shared by Republicans on Wednesday. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr said Healey's new proposals "fall short of where we need to be," but "signal her conceptual agreement to what we have been pursuing for so long." House budget chief Aaron Michlewitz told the Herald this week that he wanted more information on the spate of shelter-site crimes before advancing the governor's bill, which will make its next stop on the House floor. Mariano on Wednesday pointed to previous House efforts to rein in program costs and said the House is open to additional changes. "As the House continues to work on the supplemental budget proposal that was filed by Governor Healey earlier this month, we will remain focused on instituting further reforms centered around fiscal responsibility and safety, policies that will be informed by conversations with House members, through continued collaboration with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and by actions taken at the federal level," Mariano said. A spokesman for Senate President Karen Spilka says she recognizes by the responsibility to support families in crisis and the need to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars. "She has long recognized our moral responsibility to keep families in crisis off of our streets, and will work with her colleagues to review this proposal with the gravity that it deserves," spokesman Gray Milkowski said. Senate budget chief Michael Rodrigues, said last week that he thought a proposed residency requirement "raises constitutional issues," but did not foreclose considering it. "I have evaluated the Right to Shelter Law and regulations as well as the operational burdens on the system," Healey said in her letter to legislative Democrats. "Based on that review, and in the face of continued inaction by Congress and no assistance from the federal government, I believe these changes are appropriate and needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the state shelter system in a way that aligns with the original intent of the law." The Republican Party said GOP lawmakers have been calling for reforms for two years, and said changes are only advancing now due to "the release of damaging information that has been known to the administration for some time." "These reforms are shocking not because they're being implemented, but because they should have been put in place at the onset of this crisis. It is incomprehensible that we've been housing adults with children, and those adults weren't even required to complete a CORI check," MassGOP spokesperson Logan Trupiano said. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Fianna Fail members will vote later on the draft programme for government. Party leader and Tanaiste Micheal Martin will address the Ard Fheis conference in Dublin ahead of a debate on the proposed governance plan. Advertisement The event is taking place just days before Tanaiste Mr Martin is due to become taoiseach for the second time. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, which led the last government, are set to continue their coalition partnership, this time with the support of several Independent TDs. Micheal Martin (left) is due to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as taoiseach on Wednesday (PA). The new administration will be formally appointed in the Dail on Wednesday if, as expected, the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael memberships ratify the programme for government. After weeks of negotiations following Novembers general election, the two parties put together a workable majority with the backing of the Regional Independents grouping of TDs and two Independent TDs from Co Kerry, brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae. Advertisement While Fianna Fail has organised a one-off conference to rubber stamp the programme for government, with the vote result to be announced on Sunday evening, Fine Gael is holding a series of five regional meetings, the last two of which will take place in Meath and Cork on Sunday afternoon. The results of the secret ballots held at the Fine Gael meetings will be announced on Monday. The 162-page programme for government, published during the week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardai among its priorities. Mr Martin is expected to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as taoiseach when the Dail meets on Wednesday. Advertisement He will hold the Taoiseach's Office for three years before it reverts back to Mr Harris for the final two years of the mandate. Mr Martins longer turn in the rotating taoiseach arrangement is reflective of the fact Fianna Fail emerged from the election with 10 more seats than Fine Gael (48 to 38). The ratification process is taking place amid a row over the prospect of some of the Independent TDs who support the new government being allowed to take speaking time usually allocated to opposition parties and groups. New Dail Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy in her office at Leinster House (Brian Lawless/PA). Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy wrote to TDs on Friday clarifying that standing orders in the Dail allow for the members of the Regional Independents group who are not government ministers or ministers of state to be part of a technical group on the opposition benches. Advertisement 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. Ireland Controversy over opposition speaking time for Regi... Read More 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. Both Sinn Fein and Labour have described the prospect of TDs who negotiated the programme for government availing of opposition speaking rights as a farce. Ms Murphy has asked TDs who do not agree with the advice she has received to make submissions outlining a proposed alternative process. The President has rejected calls from Israels outgoing ambassador to the country to cancel a planned speech to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day. Dana Erlich accused Michael D Higgins of making anti-Israeli statements and said he should stay away from the event planned for the Mansion House in Dublin next Sunday in light of the concerns of the Jewish community. Advertisement In December, the Israeli government announced plans to close its embassy in Ireland as it accused the Government of antisemitic rhetoric and pursing extreme anti-Israel policies. The move came after Ireland formally recognised the state of Palestine and amid moves by the Government to ban imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In response to the Israeli governments move, President Higgins said it was a deep slander and gross defamation to accuse Irish people of being antisemitic and said it was part of a pattern to damage Ireland. Israels ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich accused Michael D Higgins of making anti-Israeli statements (Niall Carson/PA) In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Ms Erlich said Mr Higgins presence at the memorial event would overshadow it. Advertisement The fact that, right now, we are not talking about the event, but we are talking about his presence. I think it distracts from the event, she said. If there were many events it would have been different, but I think the president has many opportunities to speak about and echo his opinions I think on that event it should be something solemn, focusing on Holocaust remembrance, Holocaust education, and preventing antisemitism from rising again. In response, a statement on behalf of President Higgins said: All of President Higgins statements will show, through this work in politics and as President, that he has again and again strongly condemned antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism. Evidence of this is clear on the public record, in print and on the public website of the President of Ireland. Throughout his life, President Higgins has stressed the importance of values that respect the fullness, importance and dignity of all of humanity in its diversity. Advertisement Included in the Presidents statements is, for example, the clear suggestion that any targeting of Jewish or Israeli people in Ireland is completely wrong and should be addressed immediately by the State and non-State actors. The statement went on to highlight public comments in which the president had expressed support for the Jewish community. It continued: As to the horrific circumstances of the present, the President has strongly expressed the hope that a hostage release and ceasefire agreement such as will bring the release of all hostages and an end to the horrific loss of life and destruction which has taken place can be agreed, and his hope that it can be the beginning of a meaningful discussion and sustained diplomatic initiative from the international community to bring a lasting peace and security to Israel, Palestine and the greater region a peace for which so many have hoped for so long. The President received an invitation from Holocaust Education Ireland to address what it an important, solemn and public occasion commemorating a genocide which we must never forget and from which we must learn the National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration, which will take place in the Mansion House on 26 January. Advertisement This will be the seventh time that President Higgins has accepted an invitation and spoken at this event. Micheal Martin stood by his past criticism of Michael Lowry as he defended negotiating the programme for government with the controversial Independent TD. Mr Martin once called on Tipperary North TD Mr Lowry to resign from the Dail after a corruption investigation heavily criticised his conduct. Advertisement During at times heated exchanges with reporters on Sunday, the Fianna Fail leader was challenged on how he could justify striking a coalition deal with Mr Lowry, who chaired the Regional Independents negotiating team, given the damning findings of the Moriarty Tribunal. The tribunal, which was established in 1997, examined payments to former Taoiseach Charles Haughey and Mr Lowry and other matters relating to the contentious awarding of a mobile phone operating licence in Ireland. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin faced reporters questions on Sunday evening (Gareth Chaney/PA) Among its findings, the tribunal criticised former Fine Gael minister Mr Lowrys behaviour as profoundly corrupt to a degree that was nothing short of breathtaking. The 70-year-old politician, who has always denied wrongdoing, has served as an independent TD since leaving Fine Gael in the 1990s. Advertisement Pressed on the matter on Sunday, Mr Martin stressed that Mr Lowry would not be a minister in the new coalition. He also made clear he stood by his past criticism of Mr Lowry but insisted he had to respect the mandate he has repeatedly secured from voters in Tipperary. Mr Martin also suggested that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael had limited options for coalition partners, as he claimed Labour and the Social Democrats were not disposed to going into government. First of all, what I said back then stands, what was revealed in the Moriarty Tribunal was shocking and was wrong, and I condemned it at the time and still do, he said. Advertisement The people of Tipperary and the people of a number of other constituencies have elected independents. I have an overriding obligation now to form a government and to work to form a government, and its with quite a number of independents, not just Michael Lowry, but all the others that get forgotten about in all of the assessment of this and commentary on this. He added: So we have, yes, negotiated with Regional Independent group. They elected Michael Lowry as their chair. It was clear the Labour Party and the Social Democrats were not really in a position or disposed to going into government. Thats the reality of that. Im determined to form a government that lasts five years, and Im going to do that, and likewise in the last government we enabled it to go five years. Advertisement And I dont in any way condone what happened or the actions that were covered by the Moriarty Tribunal, but the people of Tipperary have elected Michael Lowry as well, we cant ignore that. I cant ignore the mandates that independents have received. Mr Martin claimed a negative agenda was being pursued to criticise the government before it was even officially appointed. Its as if a lot of people in the commentary world are very disappointed with the outcome of the election, he said. And from day one, its been negativity all the way towards this government, and it hasnt even been established. There needs to be a bit of balance here. Advertisement Michael Lowry is not in government, he was nominated by the Regional Independent group to chair their group for the negotiations. We met them, we met the negotiating team, and met all of the independents myself before we got down to negotiation. And weve negotiated a policy platform, which I think is a good, positive policy platform for the next five years, and thats it. I mean, as I said, the alternatives facing us are very much determined by the decision of the Irish people in the Dail that theyve re-elected with quite a number of independents, with quite a number of small parties, and with three parties in around 20 per cent each. And that means there will be coalition governments formed now and well into the future. Last week, Mr Lowry accused members of the media of trying to undermine his mandate. Asked whether he could commit not to engage in behaviour similar to that outlined in the Moriarty Tribunal, he said: The media has been over-consumed by this. You have given the past month trying to undermine my position and the very strong mandate I got from the people of Tipperary and north Kilkenny. Youve been ranting for the last month in your publications. Let me say I enjoy the confidence of my group. I also enjoy the confidence of the Taoiseach (Simon Harris) and Tanaiste (Micheal Martin) in the negotiations that I had. He added: Unlike you, they respected the mandate that I have from the people. The new Government is set to shelve a stalled Bill designed to prohibit imports to Ireland from the Occupied Palestinian Territory and replace it with fresh legislation, Micheal Martin has said. The Fianna Fail leader said there was widespread acceptance that the draft Occupied Territories Bill proposed by Independent senator Frances Black was unconstitutional in its current form and virtually every section of it would require amendment. Advertisement Mr Martin said it was likely the incoming Fianna Fail and Fine Gael-led coalition would table a new Bill dealing with imports into Ireland from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, rather than seek wide-ranging changes to the existing private members Bill. Ms Black tabled the Occupied Territories Bill in 2018 in a bid to ban the import into Ireland of goods and services originating in illegal settlements in lands deemed as occupied under international law. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin speaking to the media at the Fianna Fail ard fheis in Dublin (Gareth Chaney/PA) The Irish Government had previously contended that the Bill would breach EU law. However, ministers sought fresh legal advice on the position last year in the wake of a non-binding advisory opinion handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that declared that Israels occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal under international law. Advertisement Following receipt of the revised legal advice from Attorney General Rossa Fanning, the Government signalled a desire to support the Bill, arguing the ICJ ruling had significantly changed the context. However, at the time ministers cautioned that it would require significant amendments to make it a legally-sound piece of legislation capable of withstanding challenge in the courts. The new coalitions draft programme for government contains a commitment to progress legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories without specifying what legislation. Mr Martin was asked by reporters on Sunday about the fate of the Occupied Territories Bill following a report in the Irish Mail on Sunday that claimed the Government was set to drop the trade ban proposal in an attempt to appease incoming US President Donald Trump. Advertisement I am not responsible for that report, said the Tanaiste. What I can say is I instructed my officials prior to the general election to work on amendments to the then Occupied Territories Bill. All that work has been done. And, in fact, virtually every section of that Bill will have to be amended. So, the issue is whether we have a new Bill, which I think probably well move towards a new Bill in respect of imports into Ireland from the Occupied Territories, because I think it needs a full debate in the Dail second stage and so on like that. In terms of the legislation, its acknowledged by all sides in relation to this Bill that the Bill was unconstitutional as drafted, and in other areas was deficient also. Advertisement The proposed ban on imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories was one factor in the deterioration of Irelands diplomatic relations with Israel. The last governments move to officially recognise the state of Palestine last year also angered the Israeli government, which in December announced it was closing its embassy in Dublin. Mr Martin was attending the Fianna Fail ard fheis in Dublin on Sunday where members gathered to ratify the programme for government. A small but vocal pro-Palestine demonstration was held outside the venue, with activists calling for the immediate implementation of the current Occupied Territories Bill. Advertisement Speaking to reporters inside, Mr Martin welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza. I think that is long overdue, he said. The collective punishment of the people of Gaza was unacceptable. Ireland took a strong leadership position, primarily in terms of the humanitarian context. Police investigating two reported burglaries in west Belfast have arrested a suspect who had climbed a tree. The PSNI said lengthy negotiations were required to bring the man down from the tree in an operation on Saturday night that also involved the NI Fire and Rescue Service. Advertisement The 32-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted burglary and disorderly behaviour. A PSNI spokesperson said: We initially received a report at approximately 9.10pm on Saturday evening, 18th January of an attempted burglary in the Andersonstown Park West area of the city. A short time later, officers received a second report of an attempted burglary at another house in the Fruithill Park area of the city at around 9.45pm. It was reported that a suspicious man had tried to enter a house through a window. Further inquiries were made and officers established the suspect had climbed a nearby tree. Advertisement Following a lengthy negotiation, officers alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service brought the man down to safety. The 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted burglary and disorderly behaviour. The police urged anyone with information to come forward. Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week ahead. Row over Regional Independents speaking time Controversy has erupted after Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy ruled that Regional Independent TDs who support the government, but are not ministers, will be granted opposition speaking time. Advertisement She said a precedent for this was set during the confidence and supply agreement between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in 2016, during which Fianna Fail "was still considered the main opposition party". She has invited any members of the Dail Business Committee who do not agree to make a submission outlining any alternatives by close of business next Wednesday. A recognised group has more speaking rights within the Dail than an unaffiliated backbencher, such as the entitlement to ask questions to the Taoiseach during Leaders Questions. 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 government, which is set to be formally appointed on Wednesday. Advertisement The decision has been heavily criticised by opposition parties. Labour TD Duncan Smith called it unacceptable. "It is the responsibility of all in politics to improve politics reputation and standing in public life," he said "The people would feel like a stroke is being pulled and would cause huge reputational damage to this Dail." Advertisement Sinn Fein has said it will seek legal advice over the decision. A Sinn Fein spokesperson told RTE the party "is deeply concerned that this proposal, where TDs who support the government and who helped draft the Programme for Government, would sit on the opposition benches to avail of extra speaking time intended for the opposition". They added: "Not only do these so-called Independents want the trappings of power, they also want to take away the limited resources afforded to the opposition." Fianna Fail Ard Fheis Fianna Fail members will vote later on the draft programme for government. Party leader and Tanaiste Micheal Martin will address the Ard Fheis conference in Dublin ahead of a debate on the proposed governance plan. Advertisement The event is taking place just days before Tanaiste Mr Martin is due to become taoiseach for the second time. While Fianna Fail has organised a one-off conference to rubber stamp the programme for government, with the vote result to be announced on Sunday evening, Fine Gael is holding a series of five regional meetings, the last two of which will take place in Meath and Cork on Sunday afternoon. The results of the secret ballots held at the Fine Gael meetings will be announced on Monday. Tough Cabinet decisions ahead Mr Martin and Mr Harris will face some difficult decisions ahead of the return of the Dail on Wednesday, January 22nd, when their new government will be confirmed. Advertisement Reflecting Fianna Fail's general election return of 48 seats to Fine Gael's 38, it is understood Fianna Fail will have eight Cabinet seats while Fine Gael will have seven. Mr Harris is set to become Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Tanaiste. It is believed one of his key briefs will be forging a relationship with Donald Trump's incoming US administration. Another widely expected move will see Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers swap roles, with Mr Donohoe returning as Minister for Finance and Mr Chambers becoming Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Darragh O'Brien is set to remain as Minister for Housing. There is a vacancy in the Department of Health after Stephen Donnelly lost his seat in the general election. Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has been linked to this role. Helen McEntee is likely to move from the Department of Justice, and there are a number of contenders for that role. Frontrunners are understood to be Fianna Fail's James Browne and Jim O'Callaghan. Both Mr Martin and Mr Harris will be reluctant to demote any of their current Cabinet ministers, meaning the decisions will be difficult. Along with Ms Carroll MacNeill, Mr Browne and Mr O'Callaghan, the likes of Neale Richmond (Fine Gael), Mary Butler (Fianna Fail), Alan Dillon (Fine Gael), Niamh Smyth (Fianna Fail) and Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail), are all understood to be candidates for promotion. This means there will be a number of people disappointed, regardless of how the roles are divided. Abroad In the US, all eyes are on Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington DC on Monday, which has been moved indoors to the US Capitol building due to freezing temperatures. Mr Trump's huge immigration crackdown may begin as soon as Tuesday, with Chicago reportedly the first target. In the UK, all eyes are on chancellor Rachel Reeves as the economy continues to take big hits. The UK's borrowing costs have hit record highs, but Ms Reeves has said this is a global phenomenon. US President Joe Biden has posthumously pardoned black nationalist Marcus Garvey, who influenced Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders and was convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s. Congressional leaders had pushed for Mr Biden to pardon Mr Garvey, with supporters arguing his conviction was politically motivated and an effort to silence the increasingly popular leader who spoke of racial pride. Advertisement After Mr Garvey was convicted, he was deported to Jamaica, where he was born. He died in 1940. Martin Luther King Jr said of Mr Garvey: He was the first man, on a mass scale and level, to give millions of black people a sense of dignity and destiny. Mr Biden has set the presidential record for the most individual pardons and commutations issued. Virginia House of Delegates speaker Don Scott has received a pardon from US President Joe Biden (Steve Helber/AP) He announced on Friday that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offences. He also previously gave a broad pardon for his son Hunter, who was prosecuted for gun and tax crimes. Advertisement A pardon relieves a person of guilt and punishment. A commutation reduces or eliminates the punishment but does not exonerate the wrongdoing. Also among those pardoned on Sunday are Don Scott, who is the speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. He was convicted of a drug offence in 1994 and served eight years in prison. He was elected to the Virginia legislature in 2019, and later became the first black speaker. He said: I am deeply humbled to share that I have received a presidential pardon from President Joe Biden for a mistake I made in 1994 one that changed the course of my life and taught me the true power of redemption. Advertisement Immigrant rights activist Ravi Ragbir was also pardoned. He was convicted of a non-violent offence in 2001 and was sentenced to two years in prison and was facing deportation to Trinidad and Tobago. Ravi Ragbir was convicted of a non-violent offence in 2001 and sentenced to two years in prison (Bebeto Matthews/AP) Also pardoned were: Kemba Smith Pradia, who was convicted of a drug offence in 1994 and sentenced to 24 years behind bars. She has since become a prison reform activist. President Bill Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. Darryl Chambers of Wilmington, Delaware, a gun violence prevention advocate who was convicted of a drug offence and sentenced to 17 years in prison. He studies and writes about gun violence prevention. Advertisement Mr Biden also commuted the sentences of two people: Michelle West, who was serving life in prison for her role in a drug conspiracy case in the early 1990s. West has a daughter who has written publicly about the struggle of growing up with a mother behind bars. Robin Peoples, who was convicted of robbing banks in north-west Indiana in the late 1990s and was sentenced to 111 years in prison. The White House said in a statement that Peoples would have faced significantly lower sentences today under current laws. After more than a year of devastating war, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin on Sunday, pausing the 15-month conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in Gaza. The deal is the most significant breakthrough in the war, but its implementation is complex and fragile. Advertisement It requires co-operation between Palestinian militant groups, the International Red Cross, the Israeli military, mediators from multiple countries and an Israeli government whose coalition is starting to fray as hardline ministers express their disapproval. The pause has lifted spirits in Gaza, where 90 per cent of the population has been displaced by Israels punishing ground and air bombardments, and vast swathes of the territory reduced to rubble. In Israel, families are desperate to embrace relatives Hamas took captive in the October 7th, 2023 cross-border attack that triggered the war. Israel says 98 hostages are still being held in Gaza, but little is known about their conditions, including if they are even still alive. Advertisement Demonstrators hold portraits of hostages as a video featuring Ariel Bibas, who, along with his parents Shiri and Yarden Bibas, and his brother Kfir, is still being held hostage in Gaza, plays behind them during a protest in Tel Aviv (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) What will happen on Sunday? The ceasefire goes into effect at 8.30am local time (6.30am GMT). According to the plan, three living female hostages are to be released after 4pm (2pm GMT). Soon afterwards, 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 had still 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 at 10am 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. Advertisement Meanwhile, hundreds of trucks carrying desperately needed 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 January 25th. Hamas is supposed to release four living female hostages. In exchange, Israel will release between 30-50 Palestinian detainees 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 worked out, according to an Israeli military official who spoke on condition of anonymity under military guidelines. Advertisement Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) In each exchange, prisoners will be released only after the hostages have arrived safely in Israel. All Palestinian prisoners 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. Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty said on Saturday that Egypt hopes to facilitate more than 600 trucks of aid a day going into Gaza, almost three times the amount of peak levels during the war. Advertisement The most important thing now, in addition to the sustainability of the ceasefire, is to fix the disastrous humanitarian situation inside the Gaza Strip, he said. 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 Palestinians 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, and elderly and sick hostages. The prisoners and detainees that Israel will release include more than 700 Palestinian prisoners from the Israel-occupied West Bank and Jerusalem whom Israel accuses of being involved in militant activity, as well as almost 1,200 Palestinians from Gaza who are held in Israeli detention. As the ceasefire progresses, three hostages will be freed each week in exchange for prisoners and detainees. By the end of the sixth week, all the remaining hostages on the initial list of 33 hostages will be released. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, centre, with his security Cabinet (Koby Gideon/Israeli Government Press Office via AP) What happens after that? 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 will not agree to a complete withdrawal until Hamass 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, hoping to persuade his far-right allies to remain in his wobbly governing coalition despite their opposition to a ceasefire, has offered the public no guarantees that Israel will make it to Phase 2. That leaves many families of hostages afraid that loved ones still in Gaza will be left behind. We must protect our ability to return to fighting if we need, Mr Netanyahu said late on Saturday. A memorial service for an American woman who was allegedly murdered by an Irish man in Hungary over the weekend heard how she lived her life with "a spark of energy". Mackenzie Michalski (31), from Fredonia, New York was on holiday in the Hungarian capital of Budapest was last seen at a nightclub in the city in the early hours of Tuesday, November 5th and listed as missing by Budapest Police Headquarters later that day. Advertisement A 37-year-old Irishman, who works in marketing, has allegedly admitted to killing Ms Michalski, a nurse practitioner from Fredonia, New York, accidentally after claiming they had become intimate at a rented apartment while on holiday. He claims her death was accidental. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life was held at Asbury Hall, Buffalo, New York on Saturday at midday. Mourners heard that the nurse practitioner was the firstborn child of William and Jill Burek Michalski. Advertisement Mackenzie is also survived by her brother Nicholas, grandmothers Joyce Michalski and Joanne Burek; aunts, uncles and cousins along with her miniature dachshund Juniper; and countless dear friends and colleagues. Her family members and friends spoke of how since early childhood, "Kenzie loved amusement parks, Halloween, and haunted houses. "Kenzie touched so many lives with her indescribably magical personality, unique sense of humor, tireless energy, amazing sense of style, strong work ethic, and dedication to helping others." Her mother Jill told how her daughter led "a life dedicated to community service". Advertisement Mrs Burek Michalski continued: "In addition to diligent work at hospitals in Buffalo and Portland were her volunteer trips abroad with Hope For Tomorrow Foundation to Haiti and Ghana. Here she worked with like-minded medical professionals donating time and expertise to provide medical treatment to patients who were otherwise unable to receive help in these impoverished places." She told how Mackenzie was an experienced world traveler, her favorite destinations included Budapest, Thailand, and Vietnam. She also toured through Europe and visited Egypt, Iceland and India. At the time of her death Kenzie was a Neurosurgery Nurse Practitioner at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. The arrested man allegedly informed police after his arrest that he attempted to conceal her body in a suitcase along with her handbag and credit card, which he transported her in the boot of his rental car to a marshy area in Szigliget in western Hungary. Advertisement Last month the Metropolitan Court of Budapest extended his arrest until March 10th, next year, amid ongoing investigations and disputed claims according to Hungarian media outlets. The court ruled to keep him in custody while investigations continue. Detectives have also said they found numerous alleged incriminating online searches on a computer. Police allege that the detained Irish suspect cleaned his apartment. The man has been remanded in custody for four weeks due to being considered a flight risk. Gyorgy Magyar, the lawyer of the man suspected of murder, told 24.hu news in Hungary, that what happened on the night in question was an accident during consensual intimacy. Advertisement Ms Michalski, had travelled from Portland, Oregon in the US where she was working, and was last seen near Szimpla Kert, known as the party district in the city at around 10pm. The young woman had been travelling throughout Europe with a female friend and Hungary was their last stop. The two separated for the last night of their trip. Ms Michalskis body was brought back to the US by her family in late November last year. The Fredonia natives family issued a new statement on social media saying that they believe the man suspected of killing her did it deliberately. The Michalski family said the "death was in no way accidental despite claims to the contrary". World Trump rethinking next week's planned immigration r... Read More They thanked the public from "the bottom of their broken hearts for the worldwide outpouring of love, support, prayers, kind words and gestures you have all bestowed on our family at this unimaginable time. You have lifted us upplease continue." The Michalskis pointed out that they have been "completely supported and cared for by the US Embassy, the FBI, Antea International Funeral Home, many translators as well as countless people who reached out to offer services and love". Mrs Burek Michalski revealed that the family had met with the head of homicide several times to keep them informed. She noted: "We were treated with kindness and compassion during our eight-day stay in Budapest". US President-elect Donald Trump has said he plans to issue an executive order that would give TikToks China-based parent company more time to find an approved buyer before the popular video-sharing platform is subject to a permanent US ban. Mr Trump announced the decision in a post on his Truth Social account as millions of TikTok users in the US awoke to discover they could no longer access the TikTok app or platform. Advertisement Google and Apple removed the app from their digital stores to comply with a federal law that required them to do so if TikTok parent company ByteDance did not sell its US operation to an approved buyer by Sunday. Mr Trump said his order would extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect and confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations, he wrote. The law gives the sitting president authority to grant a 90-day extension if a viable sale is under way. Advertisement Although investors made a few offers, ByteDance previously said it would not sell. In his post on Sunday, Mr Trump said he would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture, but it was not immediately clear if he was referring to the government or an American company. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up, Mr Trump wrote. Without US approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars maybe trillions. Advertisement The federal law required ByteDance to cut ties with the platforms US operations by Sunday due to national security concerns posed by the apps Chinese roots. The service interruption TikTok instituted hours early caught most users by surprise (George Walker IV/AP) The law passed with wide bipartisan support in April, and US President Joe Biden quickly signed it. TikTok and ByteDance sued on First Amendment grounds, and the US Supreme Court upheld the statute on Friday. Millions of TikTok users in the US were no longer able to watch or post videos on the platform as of Saturday night. Advertisement A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US, a pop-up message informed users who opened the TikTok app and tried to scroll through videos. Unfortunately that means you cant use TikTok for now. The service interruption TikTok instituted hours early caught most users by surprise. Experts had said the law as written did not require TikTok to take down its platform, only for app stores to remove it. Advertisement Current users were expected to continue to have access to videos until the app stopped working due to a lack of updates. A message reading Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now is displayed from the TikTok app on a mobile phone screen in Nashville, Tennessee (George Walker IV/AP) The companys app was also removed from prominent app stores, including the ones operated by Apple and Google. Apple told customers with its devices that it also took down other apps developed by TikToks China-based parent company, including one that some social media influencers had promoted as an alternative. The Biden administration stressed in recent days that it did not intend to implement or enforce the nationwide ban before Mr Trump takes office on Monday. Mr Trump, who once favoured a TikTok ban, said in an NBC News interview on Saturday that he was thinking about granting ByteDance a 90-day extension to find an approved buyer for the apps US operations. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, read the pop-up message the apps users now see under the headline, Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now. The only option the message gives to US users is to close the app or click another option leading them to the platforms website. There, users are shown the same message and given the option to download their data, an action that TikTok previously said may take days to process. Apple said in a statement on its website that three TikTok apps and eight other ByteDance-created apps were no longer available in the US, while visitors to the country might have limited access. The removed apps included video-editing program CapCut, art editing program Hypic and Lemon8, a video-sharing app that includes some of the same features as TikTok. Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates, the company said. Apple said the apps would remain on the devices of people who already had them installed, but in-app purchases and new subscriptions were no longer possible and that operating updates to iPhones and iPads might affect the apps performance. The federal law banning TikTok allows the sitting president to extend Sundays deadline by 90 days if a sale is in progress. But no clear buyers have emerged, and ByteDance previously said it would not sell TikTok. Mr Trump told NBC News on Saturday that if he decides to grant such an extension, it would probably be announced on Monday after he is sworn in as president. TikTok chief executive Shou Chew is expected to attend Mr Trumps inauguration with a prime seating location. Mr Chew posted a video late on Saturday thanking Mr Trump for his commitment to work with the company to keep the app available in the US and 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 talk to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process, Mr Chew said. onTiktok In tuxedos and floor-length gowns, crypto executives and adherents spilled through the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington on Friday (US time), ready to toast the inauguration of Donald Trump a leader who promises to become the most crypto-friendly US president. The reign of terror against crypto is over, roared David Sacks, the venture capital executive appointed as Trumps crypto tsar. Bitcoin has rocketed since Donald Trumps decisive election victory. Credit: Bloomberg Just how pro-crypto can a president be? That same evening came the launch of a Trump meme coin a virtual token that appears to offer direct financial benefit to the president-elects family. The tokens market value surged to about $US5.6 billion ($9 billion) by Saturday afternoon which could mean a windfall of billions of dollars, at least on paper, for Trump-linked entities that own most of it. $Trump is currently the hottest digital meme on earth, Eric Trump wrote on X. We are just getting started! Under-consumption is trending No-buy or no-spend challenges are nothing new, but the volume of those taking part, at least according to social media, has reached a fever pitch in 2025. Despite its name, no-buy doesnt mean literally buying nothing. Essentials, like food and medication, are obviously allowed, while most participants, like Boyd, have set parameters for themselves, permitting a little discretionary spending. But all have the same unifying thrust: to reduce consumption and find freedom from the endless cycle of consumerism. Loading Nina Gbor, founder of Eco Styles and circular economy and waste program director at The Australia Institute, thinks the no-buy movement is an extension of under-consumption core, a trend revolving around the aesthetics of minimalism that went viral last year. The market is really oversaturated. People are tired of the hauls [videos in which people explain recent purchases] and being told what to buy by influencers, she says. Gbor thinks this fatigue has been intensified by a deepening cost-of-living crisis, which only makes the gap between the rich and the poor more stark. People are tired of seeing celebrities make so much money when everyones struggling, she says. While Gbor has been pleased to see under-consumption move into the mainstream, she hopes its adopters will retain its lessons beyond the lifecycle of a trend. Its right in the word, right? Trends are short-lived, and now we have micro trends. So the worry is that this will just be another trend for a while. It gave us hope Steph Thompson, a 31-year-old content creator, is a few weeks into her second no-buy challenge. At the beginning of 2024, Thompson and her husband decided something needed to change. They were living paycheque to paycheque in Melbourne on a combined income of about $95,000, but both felt they could be saving more. Steph Thompson is going into her second no-buy year. Credit: Penny Stephens Rather than trying to dial back spending, Thompson decided to take a more aggressive approach and go for a year of buying nothing. Sometimes its easier to just cut everything off than try and scale things back, she says. The couples no-buy year had some ground rules: No unnecessary spending; if something broke or ran out, theyd replace it; one takeaway meal and one takeaway coffee were allowed each month, given they came out of the grocery budget; $100 for their birthday and Christmas presents; and $30 each month for activities, provided it got them out of the house. Thompson feels strongly that this wriggle room was essential for their sanity. Loading If youre miserable all the time, its so much harder to fix your spending. So that was really a priority: how do we balance the no-buy year while also making room for having a nice life that we enjoyed? As part of the no-buy, Thompson and her partner made a point of only doing free activities with friends, shopping once a month at Aldi to avoid impulse purchases and only subscribing to one streaming service at a time. While Thompson says the year was hard, particularly when it came to missing out on live music and hobbies, ultimately, the challenge brought them peace. And while frugality can often put a strain on relationships, Thompson says it made her marriage stronger. It gave us hope because when you are in that paycheque-to-paycheque cycle until you actually solidly remove yourself from it, you can feel like youre never going to get out of it. Having made significant contributions to her savings and paid off two small credit cards in 2024 (an impressive feat given her husband was forced to take a pay cut early in the year), Thompson is embarking on another no-buy this year, with slightly more lax rules. Its more of a low spend, Thompson says, but the language of no-buy just helps us stick to it better. The best thing has been the mental clarity For Liz Sunshine, a Melbourne-based photographer, the idea for a no-buy year has been percolating for some time. Having worked in the fashion industry since 2009, shes seen first-hand how social media and fast fashion have driven consumption to its peak. In 2022, she took a month off shopping, although she says she bought clothes in the lead-up and made up for it the following month. Then, in 2023, Sunshine limited her purchases to 27 items. Last year, she reduced this to 12 new items and unlimited secondhand before deciding to go all in on August 1. Melbourne-based photographer Liz Sunshine is halfway through her year of not buying anything. The rules? Nothing wearable, including socks and underwear, no second-hand or vintage, and no clothing swaps. Sunshine allowed herself a modest list of approved purchases, including a rattan beret shed commissioned from a milliner and any photography equipment that needed replacing. Sunshine has been documenting her journey on social media and her eponymous Substack, where shes been exploring her relationship with clothes for the past four years. She says so far, the challenge has been easier than expected. Loading The best thing has been the mental clarity. Im looking at clothes from a new perspective and realigning many areas of my life in small ways. For example, I use social media less but more intentionally; Im reading more and have started knitting again, she says. Like Boyd, Sunshine has used her shopping pause to take stock of her wardrobe but has taken a slightly less aggressive approach. My relationship with clothes is complicated, so my wardrobe has been a complicated space, she says, explaining she has kept some clothes she doesnt wear often or that dont fit her. As a woman whose body always changes with stress, lack of sleep and hormones I decided it was logical to have clothes in two sizes. I dont have fat or skinny jeans, I just have jeans, and I switch them back and forth depending on what feels best, she says. Now at the halfway point, Sunshine says she is focusing on addressing the emotional reasons behind her shopping, collecting inspiration for future outfits and looking at having clothes custom-made locally. You cant shop your way into personal style For many people, fashion is a way of projecting an image of who we are to the world. Shopping, then, is an exercise in crafting our future selves: how often have you bought a dress or belt in the belief it would finally be the piece to complete you? Unable to participate in this, Boyd often felt stuck. I felt really badly dressed and ugly a lot of the time, and it was very hard to not be able to solve that by just buying something ...[but] what I realised is, no one cares about what youre wearing as much as you do. This also allowed her to experiment with existing pieces and play with new ways of dressing. Nine News Queensland has announced the retirement of its long-standing evening news presenter Andrew Lofthouse. Lofthouse said it was time for him to pull back and slow down a little while dealing with a health issue. Lofthouse has been an anchor of the Nine Queensland bulletin for 17 years 16 of which were alongside co-anchor Melissa Downes. Ive been in the business a long time, he said. Ive done a heck of a lot with Nine. Its been an amazing privilege and a wonderful experience with the best in the business. And of course, our incredible viewers who make it all worthwhile. Andrew Lofthouse, pictured with co-presenter Melissa Downes. Downes said Lofthouse was one of the true gentlemen of the TV news business. Lofty is so much more than just a colleague, hes one of my closest friends and Im so incredibly grateful for the 16 years we shared on the Nine News desk, she said. Nine expected to run a special tribute of Lofthouses career with the broadcaster. Im currently dealing with a bit of a health issue so now is a good time for me to pull back and slow down a little after a dream career, Lofthouse said. Labor will offer $2 billion to help aluminium smelters cut their use of fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy in a bold election pitch to support thousands of manufacturing jobs, contrasting the subsidies with the Coalition plan to build nuclear power stations. The federal plan will allow four big smelters to claim tax credits for every tonne of aluminium they produce under contracts from renewable electricity suppliers, in a direct pitch for blue-collar votes ahead of the election. The subsidies will flow to smelters at Portland in Victoria, Tomago in NSW, Gladstone in Queensland and Bell Bay in northern Tasmania, all in key seats where big industries confront rising electricity prices and workers fear job losses. Tomago aluminium smelter in Hunter Valley, NSW Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce the plan on Monday in the NSW Hunter Valley, home to the Tomago smelter, with the claim that the credits will help quadruple the aluminium sector to $6 billion in annual revenue by 2050. One of the worlds longest train journeys, which includes the longest straight stretch of railway track on Earth, has just become even longer. The itinerary of the epic 4352-kilometre Indian Pacific rail odyssey, which unites the continents eastern and western seaboards from Perth to Sydney, has been extended to five days and four nights or from 65 hours to 90 hours. On the rails an already epic trip extended. Credit: No-one is complaining, mind you, least of all paying passengers, since the decision was influenced by their collective desire to spend even more time on and off the iconic train once immortalised in an eponymous ditty by country crooner Slim Dusty. The length of its physical locomotive and carriages can extend to almost a kilometre. Travelling on the Indian Pacific, which was privatised by the federal government in 1997, is certainly a far cry from the days when it was publicly owned. Back then, it operated as a loss-making long-distance rail transport service rather than a luxury transcontinental rail cruise as today. If China can make a deal with Trump that is acceptable to both sides, we may be able to avoid a major showdown. However, if this is not possible, then China has to be prepared for a tariff war, trade war, tech war, whatever it takes, between the two sides. Trade-war footing There are clear signs China has been steeling itself for the fight. The latest customs data released last week laid bare how the country has front-loaded its exports, rushing them out the door in anticipation that Trump will make good on his tariff threat. China announced it had achieved a record trade surplus in 2024 of almost $US1 trillion, a figure that will only fuel outrage in the US and other western countries that cheap Chinese goods are swamping overseas markets, backed by state subsidies. Data indicates American companies have been stockpiling Chinese products to pre-empt new tariffs, with exports to the US hitting a two-year high in December of almost $US49 billion, according to a Bloomberg analysis. Chinas exports to Vietnam also peaked, driven in part by companies shifting manufacturing or rerouting products destined for the US through Vietnam. Beijing implemented a string of aggressive trade measures in the lead-up to Trumps inauguration, marking an escalating tit-for-tat retaliation to the Biden administrations years-long efforts to strangle Chinas access to advanced chips and AI technology through export blacklists and controls. Even in his waning hours in office, Biden signed off on a flurry of new technology restrictions aimed at stymying Chinas military advancement. To counter this, Beijing this month took a leaf from Washingtons playbook and added 28 American entities to its new export control list to safeguard national security, banning the sale of dual-use technologies to companies including Boeing Defense, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. It has also launched an antitrust investigation into US chipmaker Nvidia and last month banned the export to the US of key rare minerals used in semiconductors and defence technologies. This can be interpreted as Beijings effort to build up some bargaining chips for US-China negotiations in the coming months on technological policy competition, says Zhao Minghao, a professor of international relations at Fudan University in Shanghai. Zhao says there is an active debate in China about whether Trumps tariff threats are designed as leverage to bring Beijing to the negotiating table, or whether they are a means to an end, a tool for achieving the economic de-coupling with China that key figures in the incoming administration want to see. Loading No one can be sure or sure what Donald Trump wants and what his economic and trade policy team want, he says. A grand bargain on trade? Many experts dismiss outright the idea that a sweeping grand bargain one that deals with tariffs, sanctions and export blacklists, let alone such foreign policy issues as the status of Taiwan between Trump and Xi is possible. Security concerns involving China are deeply entrenched in Washington on both sides of the political aisle and it was Trumps first administration that began efforts to cut off Chinas access to high-tech chips. The Chinese government is under no illusion that the Trump presidency will mark any kind of improvement of relations between both countries, says Dr Benjamin Ho, of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. There may be small concessions here and there, on trade, on fentanyl, but nothing strategic. Instead, a narrower deal on trade that resembles the phase one deal agreed to under Trump 1.0 is more feasible, says Capital Economics chief Asia economist Mark Williams. Loading The centrepiece of the Trump 1.0 deal involved China agreeing to buy an additional $US200 billion of US products, in exchange for a rollback of some tariffs. But Chinas commitments were unrealistic from the outset and hindered by the COVID pandemic, and it failed to meet them. The failure of the phase one deal would hang over any negotiations, Williams assessed in a recent research note to investors. How Trump proposes to implement the tariffs, whether through phased-in approach or as a blunt instrument hitting all Chinese imports with debilitating duties, will also determine Beijings negotiating stance, says Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Studies at Nanjing University. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to slap Chinese imports with tariffs of up to 60 per cent when he takes office. Credit: AP Pounding China with overwhelming tariffs will force China into a corner and there will be no place for us to manoeuvre from, Zhu says. Another key factor in any deal negotiation is Chinas flagging economy, which is being dragged down by domestic challenges namely the long tail of its property market collapse. A slew of measures announced by authorities last year, including a $US1 trillion stimulus package aimed at spurring confidence and getting Chinese consumers to spend, has so far failed to significantly kickstart its economy. Its possible we will see a mismatch between what Trump wants and what Beijing can offer, Zhao says. Loading Recent efforts by China to foster warmer ties and goodwill with Australia, UK and parts of Europe, as well as measures such as expanding visa-free travel to China to many countries, were also part of Beijings preventative strategy to ameliorate a plunge in US-China relations, Zhao says. A win-win gloss to an entrenched superpower rivalry Xis words to Trump on Fridays phone call raised to a leader-level the diplomatic platitudes of mutually beneficial cooperation that Beijing has pumped out for months in preparation for Trump 2.0. Its a message that Chinas vice president Han Zheng will take to Washington DC on Tuesday when he attends Trumps inauguration as Xis stand-in. Trump, too, has leaned into the quixotic posturing, repeatedly praising Xi as amazing, inviting him to his inauguration, and even going so far as to proclaim in December that China and the United States can together solve all of the problems of the world. This effusive rhetoric belies a widely accepted view in both Beijing and Washington that the US-China relationship under Trump 2.0 will continue to be defined by an intense superpower rivalry and deep suspicion, with national security the foremost concern. Beijing is also acutely aware that Trump has stacked his team with China hawks, among them Mike Waltz as national security adviser and Marco Rubio, his pick for Secretary of State. Rubio was unambiguous last week when he told his Senate confirmation hearing China was the most potent and dangerous nation the US had faced in its history. Its important for China to engage Trump directly and also as early as possible. We do not want his national security hawks to control his China policy, Wu says. KOKO PROPOSES INCLUSIVE DIGITALIZATION TO TRANSFORM PH TOURISM Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III praised the Department of Tourism (DOT) for its initiative to digitalize the country's tourism sector, particularly its commitment to ensuring that "no one will be left behind" in this modernization effort. "The DOT's move toward digitalization is a step in the right direction. In a world where technology drives progress, modernizing our tourism industry is essential to enhancing visitor experiences and strengthening our global competitiveness," Pimentel said. However, he stressed the importance of inclusivity in this initiative. "Digitalization should not focus solely on urban hubs. It must also empower rural communities to share in the benefits of tourism growth. In the digitalization of tourism, we must ensure that no one is left behind--from cities to remote villages. This is the key to genuine progress," Pimentel added. "Sa digitalisasyon ng turismo, siguraduhin nating walang maiiwan--mula lungsod hanggang kanayunan. Ito ang susi sa tunay na progreso," he emphasized. Pimentel also underscored the importance of integrating technology while preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage. "Modernization should never come at the expense of our rich culture and traditions. These are what make Philippine tourism unique and valuable," he emphasized. As a solution, Pimentel proposed allocating funds for training local communities in the use of digital tools and providing resources for small businesses and community-based tourism operators. "Digitalization must not be exclusive to the privileged few. It should be accessible to everyone who contributes to the success of our tourism industry," he explained. The senator assured his support for legislative measures that would strengthen and expand the digital transformation of Philippine tourism. "The DOT can count on our support for programs that ensure every Filipino benefits from the growth of our tourism sector," Pimentel concluded. 42,976 views Jan 17, 2025 Fans of Braveheart and Kingdom Of Heaven cannot miss this epic historical drama movie starring Malcolm McDowell. England and France are on the brink of war. The aging King Henry II is ready to let one of his sons rule England and lead the fight against France, but he doesn't feel his sons are qualified. Richard shows the most aptitude but seems more interested in drinking than ruling a country. Henry tests Richard's loyalty, honor, and skill by sending him to a hellish prison where prisoners must fight for survival against diverse adversaries. This test of ingenuity, character, and strength is how Richard acquires the surname of Lionheart. Richard The Lionheart (2010) Ellen O'Donoghue 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. 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. MORE than 2,400 people are already benefiting from the new Free Travel Scheme, which supports those who are unable to drive due to a disability or a medical condition, deputy Catherine Callaghan has revealed. The Fine Gael TD said that people across every county have benefited from the initiative since it was launched last summer. The scheme allows eligible people to access free travel on all public transport provided by the state. This includes bus, rail, Local Link and the Luas, along with some services operated by private bus and ferry operators. People can still avail of the extended free travel pass by applying via gov.ie/freetravel. Welcoming the figures, deputy Callaghan said: Breaking down barriers facing people with a disability is so important and these figures show that the initiative is benefiting so many families right across the country. This is all about supporting and empowering people who cannot drive due to a medical condition or a disability. It means that they and their loved ones can avail of free transport, such as the bus, train, or Luas, and go about their lives without the worry of this particular cost, she said. This is so important in terms of access to employment, healthcare and education and to ensure people can also visit their families and friends more easily. I know that this scheme is a result of really positive work by Epilepsy Ireland, who I want to commend, said deputy Callaghan. Im particularly pleased to see that people across every county have benefited from this initiative, which is only a few months old. I want to see more people avail of this scheme, so I would encourage anyone who feels they are eligible to apply via gov.ie/freetravel. 4,722,382 views Premiered May 23, 2022 #ww2 #ace #documentary Gunther Rall, Germany's Last WW2 Ace. FULL DOCUMENTARY | Amazing Stories of WW2, in their own words. You could say that history repeats itself. This wonderful documentary, filmed by our partners at Air2AirTV (air2airtv.com) is also masterfully narrated by Gary Sinise. Gunther Rall (10 March 1918 4 October 2009) was a highly decorated German military aviator, officer and General, whose military career spanned nearly forty years. Rall was the third most successful fighter pilot in aviation history, behind Gerhard Barkhorn, who is second, and Erich Hartmann, who is first. Rall was born in Gaggenau, the German Empire, in March 1918. Rall grew up in the Weimar Republic. In 1933 the Nazi Party seized power and Rall, deciding upon a military career, joined the Wehrmacht in 1936 to train as an infantry soldier. Rall transferred to the Luftwaffe soon after and he qualified as a fighter pilot in 1938. In September 1939 World War II began with the German invasion of Poland. Rall was assigned to Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 5252nd Fighter Wing) and flew combat patrols in the Phoney War period on the Western Front. Rall flew combat missions in the Battle of France and Battle of Britain, claiming one enemy aircraft destroyed in May 1940. Rall's wing sustained heavy casualties and the then-22 year old was appointed to Staffelkapitan (squadron leader). He then served in the Balkans Campaign in April and May 1941 without success. In June 1941, JG 52 moved to the Eastern Front, where it remained from Operation Barbarossa until the end of the war. Rall claimed his first successes in the air defense of Romania. In November 1941, he was shot down, wounded and invalidated from flying for a year. At this time Rall had claimed 36 aerial victories. His achievements earned him the German Cross in Gold in December 1941. Rall returned in August 1942 and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 3 September 1942 for 65 enemy aircraft shot down. By 22 October Rall had claimed 100 and received the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. He reached 200 in late August 1943. On 12 September 1943 he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, the second highest military award in Nazi Germany at the time of the presentation. By the end of 1943 Rall had achieved over 250, the second flier to do so after Walter Nowotny did in October 1943. In April 1944 Rall left JG 52 and the Eastern Front. He was given command of II. Gruppe (2nd group) of Jagdgeschwader 11 and served in the Defense of the Reich where he was wounded for a third time. In November 1944 Rall was appointed as an instructor and flew captured Allied fighter aircraft in order to prepare instruction notes on their performance to German fighter pilots. Rall ended the war with an unsuccessful stint commanding Jagdgeschwader 300 (JG 300300th Fighter Wing) near Salzburg, Austria, where he surrendered in May 1945. Rall remained in a prisoner of war camp for a matter of weeks. Rall was approached by the Americans who were recruiting Luftwaffe pilots who had experience with the Messerschmitt Me 262 fighter.[104] He was transferred to Bovingdon near Hemel Hempstead, and then based at RAF Tangmere, where he met the RAF fighter pilot Robert Stanford Tuck, with whom he became close friends. After his release, Rall settled back into civilian life working for Siemens & Halske as a salesman from July 1947 to May 1948. In 1948 he visited England again. Rall accompanied Hertha Rall and stayed in Grosvenor Square with Dr Paul Kaspar and Jewish acquaintances, whom she had helped to escape from the Nazis. Rall knew of Hertha's wartime Jewish connections and was concerned it would attract the attention of Nazi authorities. In 1943, Hertha was suspected of Jewish sympathies by the Gestapo, but no action was taken. Of Nazi crimes, Rall acknowledged the pilots at the front knew of Nazi concentration camps but didn't know exactly what they were used for. When he first heard of Auschwitz and the Holocaust, initially he believed it to be propaganda. Rall could not believe that Germans would do such things. The criminal nature of the Nazi Party did not occur to Rall when Hitler came to power; "The fact that we did not explore the essence of the Nazi regime when it came to power is, of course, one of our great failings." During World War II Rall was credited with the destruction of 275 enemy aircraft in 621 combat missions. He was shot down five times and wounded on three occasions. Rall claimed all of his victories in a Messerschmitt Bf 109, though he also flew the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 operationally. All but three of his claims were against Soviet opposition. #ww2 #ace #documentary 3/13/2025 Recently a writer in this forum raised issues about crime, immigration and sovereignty. Sovereignty is a societys right to govern its people and land. It was dissolving along with our borders ... more A woman who on Nov. 23, 2022, lived directly below Jason Chen's apartment testified Saturday that she was awakened by a "distressed, emphatic" woman's loud scream. Courtney Brewer said it startled her so much that she thought she should call 911. However, she said the commotion settled down and she never sought help for the woman - 22-year-old Jasmine Pace. Chen is standing trial for a murder in which the victim was stabbed 60 times and had her shackled body stuffed in a suitcase and dropped off by the river. Ms. Brewer, who said she and her husband resided in Apt. 110 directly below Chen's 210, said after the scream there were some loud words from the female that she couldn't make out. Then, she said, there were footsteps heading toward the front door of the 500-square-foot "shotgun" apartment. Ms. Brewer told the Nashville jury, "I thought maybe I had heard the end of a fight. I only heard one voice." She said the female voice was talking "loudly, very emotionally." The witness said she looked over at her alarm clock and saw the time of the scream was at 2:11 a.m. District Attorney Coty Wamp noted that was seven minutes from when Ms. Pace sent a "pin drop" giving her location to the phone of her mother, Catrina Pace Beene. Ms. Beene said she did not notice the pin drop until several days later. Another neighbor on the same floor as Chen told at an earlier hearing of hearing a woman's scream around that time period. He, also, did not call police. Ms. Brewer said her husband went back to sleep, but she remained awake and heard the television come on in the Chen apartment. She also heard the washing machine and the garbage disposal both activated. She said, "I assumed it was an argument, so I did not call police. Everything had calmed down. I though it was just normal apartment arguing." Ms. Brewer said The Lofts at Tremont have very thin walls and floors and it's easy to hear what goes on in your neighbors' apartments. Attorney Josh Weiss commented, "They're John Wise apartments." The state announced at the start of court that it had closed out its proof in chief. Attorney Weiss asked for a judgment of acquittal on the first-degree murder charge, but that was denied by Judge Boyd Patterson. The attorney said there was no evidence of motive for the savage killing and no evidence of any pre-meditation. Attorney Weiss at the start of the trial told the jury that on that early morning Ms. Pace picked up Chen's cellphone, noted he was in touch with other women, and became enraged. He said Ms. Pace went after Chen with a wine bottle and he responded by killing her with what the medical examiner said was a butcher knife. Judge Patterson cited the exceedingly large number of wounds and of her "confinement prior to death." Medical Examiner Dr. Steven Cogswell said he believes that Ms. Pace was tied in a fetal position with a set of handcuffs and shackles when Chen was stabbing her repeatedly. The judge said, "The multiple stab wounds are indicative of intent. So many stab wounds can be indicative of pre-meditation." After the neighbor, the defense called Travis Pace, the victim's father who seemed shocked that he would be a defense witness. DA Wamp said the state had subpoenaed Travis Pace, but decided not to call him. She said there had been no indication that the defense would summon him. Mr. Pace said he was in downtown Chattanooga for Friendsgiving when he received a call from his other daughter, Gabby, who told him, "Dad, Jasmine's missing, and I think it's really serious. We need your help." The witness, who has a military background, said he was told that Jasmine might be at Chen's apartment and Chen was a leading suspect. She had been missing several days. He said he told the group of family members involved in the search at 110 Tremont, "Let's get in this building." He said he went around back, found an unlocked door, then let the others in. Mr. Pace said, though it was late hours, "We began knocking and being loudly obnoxious at every door. But we couldn't get anybody to come out." He said they were advised by a resident that Chen apparently lived on the second floor. He said they then encountered the second floor neighbor who had heard a scream and were directed to Chen's unit. Mr. Pace said he proceeded to break the door lock and get inside. He said he had his pistol cocked as he went from room to room by himself, making sure no one was there. The witness said he then looked inside the drawer of Chen's computer desk near the front door and found Jasmine's driver's license and various credit and insurance cards. He said he spread those out on the top of the desk. Mr. Pace said he called 911 as soon as he found Jasmine's belongings, and three officers came. But he said the family got no help and continued to take the search in their own hands. He said, "We went back inside immediately as soon as they left." In his 911 call, he said, "There has been a kidnapping and possible sex trafficking of my daughter." Mr. Pace said he had heard a little about Chen and knew that Jasmine had taken a trip with him to Chicago. The trial continues on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the City-County Courts Building. A Dalton man is under arrest after domestic violence led to gunfire at a Dalton apartment Saturday night. The Dalton Police Department arrested 29-year-old Mark Lee Sims on Saturday night with assistance from the Georgia State Patrols SWAT team after a standoff that lasted nearly two hours. Police were called to an apartment at 2250 Park Canyon Dr. shortly after 7:20 p.m. with a report of gunfire. Initial information indicated that Sims was in a physical domestic violence incident with a woman at the apartment and that Sims had threatened the woman with a gun and had fired at least one shot before she was able to escape. The woman called 911 from a neighboring apartment. When officers from the Dalton Police Department responded to the scene, Sims was alone inside of the apartment and refused to come outside. Because Sims was armed and barricaded, the DPD called for assistance from the Georgia State Patrols SWAT team. The GSP arrived at approximately 8:20 pm. After communicating with the suspect, the SWAT team entered the apartment shortly after 9 p.m. and arrested Sims without incident. Sims is charged with aggravated assault and more charges are possible. This incident is still under investigation. Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Solen Feyissa The United States Supreme Court has upheld a federal law requiring TikTok to divest from its Communist Chinese ownership or face a ban in the country. The Supreme Court determined that the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act is constitutional in a unanimous per curiam opinion released Friday morning. The justices noted, 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. They concluded, For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners First Amendment rights. The judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is affirmed. Launched in 2016 by ByteDance, TikTok is a widely-used video-sharing social media app that reportedly has around 170 million monthly users in the U.S. and over 1 billion users worldwide. The app has faced controversy regarding its impact on youth mental health, its connections to the Communist Chinese government, and concerns about the spread of misinformation. In April, President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation mandating TikToks Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app within 270 days or face a national ban. The law prohibits TikTok and other foreign adversary controlled applications, particularly those controlled by the Peoples Republic of China, from being included in U.S.-based app stores. ByteDance and TikTok filed complaints against the Biden administration, arguing that the law infringed upon the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In December, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of the ban, with Senior Judge Douglas Ginsburg writing the opinion. Ginsburg noted, The Act was the culmination of extensive, bipartisan action by the Congress and by successive presidents. It was carefully crafted to deal only with control by a foreign adversary. He further explained, [The Act] was part of a broader effort to counter a well-substantiated national security threat posed by the PRC. Under these circumstances, the provisions of the Act that are before us withstand the most searching review. Ginsburg emphasized that the governments interest in halting Communist Chinas efforts to collect data of and about persons in the United States and covertly manipulating content on TikTok constituted a compelling national security interest. Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case, with attorney Noel Francisco representing TikTok and other plaintiffs. Francisco argued, TikTok incorporated as a U.S. company speaking in the United States. The Act requires it to go dark unless ByteDance executes a qualified divestiture. Whether you call that a ban or a divestiture, one thing is clear: It's a burden on TikTok's speech. He added that the governments motivation seemed to be the speech itself, fearing that Americans could be swayed by Chinese misinformation. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar of the U.S. Department of Justice defended the ban, stating that the Chinese government's control of TikTok poses a grave threat to national security. She continued, TikTok collects unprecedented amounts of personal data. TikTok's immense data set would give the PRC a powerful tool for harassment, recruitment, and espionage. Home News Court backs Catholic schools firing of teacher over Instagram posts Gozen Soydag plans to appeal employment tribunal's ruling A school pastoral manager in north London plans to appeal an employment tribunal's ruling that supported a Catholic school firing her over her social media posts in favor of biblical marriage. Gozen Soydag, a 37-year-old social media influencer in Enfield, England, made the posts available to her 30,000 followers on Instagram, leading to St. Annes Catholic High School for Girls firing her in 2023 for Christian beliefs on marriage and relationships she had expressed and put forward for debate on Instagram in her own time, according to advocacy group the Christian Legal Centre (CLC). The Watford Employment Tribunal on Jan. 14 upheld the schools dismissal. CLC attorneys had argued for wrongful dismissal, harassment, discrimination and breaches of Soydags human rights on grounds of her Christian beliefs. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe During the tribunal hearings on Dec. 13-17, 2024, Jo Saunders, the Catholic school's assistant head teacher, denied blocking Soydags free speech rights, according to a CLC press statement. We did not curtail her free speech, we just said that she had to take down her posts, Saunders reportedly said. CLC noted that Saunders compared Soydags beliefs on Christian marriage to controversial right-wing social media personality Andrew Tate, deeming them incompatible in modern society. In her ruling, Employment Judge Sarah Matthews dismissed each of Soydags claims, saying her posts only celebrated the nuclear family, which could make other students from different backgrounds feel devalued, reported the CLC. Incompatible with Catholic schools ethos Soydag had removed posts in support of biblical marriage after school officials told her they had received an anonymous complaint. School officials told her the expressed biblical beliefs were incompatible with the schools ethos, the CLC stated. The Catholic schools mission statement and ethos web page asserts it strives to follow the teaching and example of Jesus and to help our young people discern Gods call so they use their gifts and talents to live by Gospel values, the CLC noted. The school is conducted as a Catholic school in accordance with the Canon Law and the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, and in accordance with the Trust Deed of the Archdiocese of Westminster, the schools web page states. The teaching of the Roman Catholic Church supported by the school is underpinned by biblical views of marriage articulated in Pope Paul VIs 1968 Humanae Vitae, a Vatican document stating that a husband and wife through that mutual gift of themselves, which is specific and exclusive to them alone, develop that union of two persons in which they perfect one another, cooperating with God in the generation and rearing of new lives. Fired for mindset Saunders, the schools assistant deputy head, summoned Soydag on Feb. 9, 2023, and told her about an anonymous complaint regarding her social media posts. At no point was she asked or given the opportunity to explain the purpose of her @wifeinthewaiting Instagram account where the posts appeared, according to the CLC. Saunders expressed concern to Soydag about her sharing a video showing a woman in Muslim attire talking of her happiness in submitting to her husband, according to the CLC. On occasion Miss Soydag would post videos on the theme of marriage and relationships, not because she agreed with the entirety of what she posted, but to generate debate, added the CLC press statement. The assistant deputy head told Miss Soydag that this video was concerning because if the same statements were made by a man, they would be deemed misogynistic. Saunders also reportedly stated concerns about Soydags posts on the holiness of marriage and importance of traditional nuclear families. Saunders opposed Soydags posts supporting sexual purity before marriage and not cohabitating before a wedding, and she also derided Soydag for sharing from Ephesians Chapter 5 that wives should submit to their husbands as to the Lord, according to the CLC. At the meeting, Saunders told Soydag that employees must keep social media accounts private. Soydag removed the video showing the Muslim woman speaking of submitting to her husband. Two weeks later, however, the school summoned Soydag to another meeting about other content on her social media pages. A parent reportedly had strongly disagreed with her expressed Christian beliefs. Officials handed Soydag a 24-hour ultimatum demanding she ensure her @wifeinthewaiting account was no longer visible on Google search. Soydag tried to explain that due to Googles functionality this would take two weeks. The following day, Miss Soydag told the headteacher [Emma Loveland] what she had done to make her accounts less visible, but was told that her accounts were global, that it was too little too late, and the beliefs she expressed were openly criticized, stated the CLC. When Soydag asked why she was being fired, Loveland reportedly replied that she refused to have someone with that mindset working at the school. Soydag received an email stating she was fired due to much of your extensive online profile being incompatible with the schools mission statement and ethos, and the fact that despite being asked to remove such incompatible information, your profile appears to a large extent to remain unchanged. Told to pack up her belongings and leave the premises, Miss Soydag left in tears without being able to say goodbye to colleagues and students, added the CLC. All of this happened on her birthday. Devastated and confused After the ruling, Soydag said she felt both devastated and confused by the courts decision but will appeal and fight for justice. Recalling her original motives for working in the education sector, she explained a desire to positively impact young people. This was a Catholic school, and they knew I was a passionate woman of faith, Soydag said. The schools building is in the shape of the cross. Every classroom had a cross and Bible verses on the walls. This was a place where I believed they accepted Jesus. Soydag asserted that her social media channels were all about the hope of the Gospel, especially for women. She further stated her beliefs in Gods blueprint for nuclear marriage. Im not against anyone, I am for Gods blueprint for the family and believe children do best in a nuclear family, she said. I want to continue to speak up because traditional Christian marriage in this country is being broken, trampled on, and even marginalized, and what has happened to me really highlights that. She said that if complaints had been made about her as a teacher who expressed beliefs as part of inclusive culture, she would not have been fired. I would have been celebrated and promoted, she said. For discussing and debating traditional Christian marriage and family, I was sacked, and that cannot be right. Christian beliefs barred Andrea Williams, chief executive of the CLC, interpreted the judges ruling as sending a message that Christian beliefs on marriage are now barred from schools in the U.K. Every type of relationship and family must be celebrated, but if you celebrate and promote the traditional family on social media, you do so at risk of dismissal, Williams said. Gozen unashamedly loves Jesus and is a brilliant advocate for women and Gods great and beautiful plan for marriage. Gozen was doing a high level of work in a tough area of London, supporting young women in a Catholic school and had received nothing but praise before someone complained about the beliefs she expressed for debate on her own time, Williams said. She said the court ruling served as another example of a school having an appearance of a Christian ethos but in reality panicking and capitulating to secular orthodoxy and the offense of Christian marriage. The judgment manipulates the facts and evidence to construct a conclusion to suit its ends, she added. The whole exercise becomes one of legal fiction, which we intend to overturn through the appeal system. This article was originally published at Christian Daily International Home News Israel celebrates as 3 hostages return home after 471 days in Hamas captivity Women reunited with their mothers before being taken to hospital Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari crossed the border into Israel shortly before 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, after spending 471 days as hostages in the Gaza Strip. The three are the first out of 33 hostages slated to be released in the coming six weeks as part of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. Despite several hours of delay, after Hamas had transmitted the names of the three hostages that were set to be released later than agreed, the ceasefire began shortly after 11 a.m. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In the afternoon, preparations began for the release of the first three hostages. Like during the first ceasefire, huge crowds of Gazans as well as dozens of masked and heavily-armed Hamas terrorists greeted the arrival of the hostages at a square in Gaza City. Footage by Arabic news outlets showed the three hostages being transferred to vehicles of the Red Cross, which took them to an IDF post within Gaza. During the first ceasefire, the hostages were transferred to Egypt through the Rafah border crossing. Gonen, Steinbrecher and Damari were then received near the Netzarim Corridor by a force of IDF and Shin Bet soldiers, who drove them the short way to the Israeli border, as the entire country waited for their arrival home. The IDF later published footage showing their families celebrating and weeping in joy when they were informed that the three had successfully been received by Israeli troops. Six minutes before 6 p.m., the IDF released the official, long-awaited confirmation that the three had crossed into Israel safely, also publishing footage of the convoy reaching the border. Meanwhile, the mothers of the three were waiting for them following the developments at the initial reception point near the border, accompanied by IDF personnel. Shortly after, the three returnees were reunited with their mothers, before receiving an initial medical assessment. From there, they were flown to Safra Childrens Hospital at the Sheba Medical Center in central Israel, were they are scheduled to stay for the coming days or weeks. They will be checked by special medical staff and receive support from specially trained personnel. The Damari family later approved the publication of pictures showing Emily Damari talking to her family in a video call. In one of the pictures, she is seen holding up her hand with two fingers missing. The family explained that Emily was shot and lost two fingers during the initial Hamas assault on Oct. 7. Emilys mother, Mandy, said in a short statement: After 471 days, Emily is finally home. We would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts everyone who fought tirelessly for Emily throughout this difficult time. Emily's nightmare in Gaza is over, but there are still too many families still waiting in pain. We must work together for the release of all the abductees, down to the last one. Those still in captivity need immediate humanitarian assistance. We ask the media to respect the privacy of Emily and our family at this time, she added. Romi, Emily and Doron so beloved and missed an entire nation rejoices at your return, President Isaac Herzog declared Sunday evening. We send you and your families a huge embrace. This is a day of joy and comfort, and the beginning of a challenging journey of recovery and healing together. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a short clip of him talking to Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, the coordinator for the hostages and the missing, shortly before the hostages crossed into Israel. Gal, I would like you to tell them: Romi, Doron and Emily an entire nation embraces you. Welcome home. I know, we all know, they have been through hell. They are emerging from darkness into light. They are really going from slavery to freedom. This moment was achieved thanks to the sacrifice and combat of our heroic fighters heroes of Israel, Netanyahu told Hirsch. I would also like to convey appreciation for all those who contributed to this effort. You will, of course, leave your forward command centers open until we return them all this is one of our objectives for the war. I emphasize to you and whoever is listening to me now we will achieve all of our objectives for the war, the prime minister added. This article was originally published at All Israel News Santa Comes Early This Year! Turbine Delivering 'Bumblebee' 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' & 'Sing 2' to 3D Blu-ray on December 19th Home News 3 female Israeli hostages released: Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher Hostages to be released in first phase are women, children, elderly and wounded The Hamas terror organization released three female Israeli hostages on Sunday. They are alive and were transferred into the hands of Red Cross workers who transported them out of Gaza to meet with the Israel Defense Forces. Twenty-eight-year-old Emily Damari, 24-year-old Romi Gonen, and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher were released by the terror group to Red Cross representatives in the Gaza Strip, where they were then taken to meet IDF representatives and medical personnel at an Israeli-controlled point in the Strip. After the release of the three women today, the next group of hostages is expected to be released next Sunday. Hamas is supposed to provide the names of the hostages to be released at least 24 hours before their release. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In total, 33 hostages will be released in this phase of the hostage release ceasefire deal, in return, Israel has promised to release around 1,900 security prisoners and other detainees, increase humanitarian aid into Gaza, and withdraw the IDF from several areas of the Gaza Strip. All the hostages to be released in the first phase are considered to be in the humanitarian category women, children, elderly and sick or wounded. No active-duty male soldiers or men within their reserve duty years are expected to be released in this stage. All three women are alive, although they might have medical complications due to improperly treated injuries from their capture on Oct. 7, 2023. Romi Gonen Romi Gonen, 24, from Kfar Vradim, was abducted from the Nova party in Reim. During conversations she had with her mother, Merav, at the time of the abduction, she revealed that she had been taken from the car in which she was trying to flee, and that she had been shot in the hand. Three of her friends who were with her in the car were murdered her close friend Gaia Halifa, Ben Shimoni who went back three times to save people, and Ophir Tzarfati, whose body was abducted to Gaza and released in December 2023. Romi marked her 24th birthday in captivity in August, and her family observed the occasion by asking people to pray for her release. Emily Damari Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli citizen, was kidnapped from her apartment in the youth neighborhood of Kfar Azah, by armed terrorists from Hamas along with her best friend, Gali Berman, and his twin brother, Ziv. The terrorists took them to Gaza in her car, after killing her dog. Another hostage, 18-year-old Shagam Goldstein, reported seeing Emily in captivity before her release during the first deal in November 2023. The family has not received any other signs of life since her capture. Doron Steinbrecher Doron Steinbrecher, 31, is a veterinary nurse, also kidnapped from her apartment in Kfar Azah. She was seen in a video released by Hamas in January 2024, which also showed Daniella Gilboa and Karina Aryev. Her family has raised concerns that she has not received medications during her captivity. Due to a chronic illness, Doron takes daily medication. Hamas earlier claimed that it had not received the list of the 90 names of political detainees to be released in exchange for the three hostages. This article was originally published at All Israel News Home News Christian tech company acquires AI chatbot formerly known as Bible Chat A Christian tech company in Colorado has acquired an AI chatbot previously branded as Bible Chat. The company says it aims to develop the tool further as a customized artificial intelligence assistant tailored for churches and ministries. The Faith Assistant chatbot creates custom AI models for churches, parachurch groups, publishers, seminaries, homeschool organizations, and more, offering round-the-clock conversation capabilities, the tech company said in a statement. Gloos Chief AI Officer, Steele Billings, said, Weve admired Faith Assistants vision and innovation since their impressive work during the first Gloo AI Hackathon, adding that Faith Assistant puts ministries in control of their content they decide what the model is trained on and where its deployed. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Faith Assistant co-founder Chase Cappo stated, Now, with Gloo, we can help more ministries implement unique AI strategies to accomplish their missions, describing how the chatbot can connect users to staff or volunteers and suggest relevant resources. Faith Assistant co-founder Andrew Rogers added, Our journey has always been about using technology to support the Churchs mission, noting that working with Gloo expands that vision while honoring the companys core values. Cappo and Rogers will continue to contribute to Faith Assistant as it becomes part of Gloo, with Cappo taking on the role of director of the Gloo AI Enterprise Division. Organizations using Faith Assistant include the Luis Palau Association, Concordia Church, The Christian Post and KCBI Radio. Emily Haring Thevarajoo, digital content director at KCBI Radio, said, The platform lets us provide 24/7 answers, encouragement and support, which means we can serve our audience whenever they need us. Its helped us think differently about how we engage listeners and even how we approach donors, she added, noting that analytics from the tool help her team understand the types of questions people are asking. Gloo will launch a free version of Faith Assistant built on the Gloo Kingdom-Aligned Large Language Model (KALLM). Gloo explained that the free tier allows church leaders to train an AI assistant on their own sermons and content, with advanced features provided under the Gloo+ membership. Larger ministries and publishers seeking fully custom AI models can access enterprise options, according to the company. Gloo describes itself as the technology platform that connects ministry leaders with resources, people, insights and funding. The company says it serves over 90,000 churches and more than 1,000 resource partners. In August 2024, Gloo secured $110 million in financial investment, which Gloo Chief Solutions Officer Brad Hill described as the companys largest single capital raise. He told The Christian Post at the time that the funding came from faith-aligned investors, which included multiple ministries and church-supporting organizations seeking to advance Gloos mission. Hill credited what he called a network of supporters over the past 15 years who have witnessed Gloos impact. He added, Were seeing that when the faith ecosystem is properly connected with the right resources, tools, data and funding, real progress is possible. Gloo partnered with the Barna Group in 2023 to examine Christian views of AI, finding that 22% of respondents considered AI good for the Christian Church, while 51% disagreed and 27% were unsure. We believe its a moral imperative to use technology for good, and when used responsibly, the Church has an opportunity to not only participate, but lead, Hill said, adding that Gloo holds relationships as the priority, and that AI should better support, not replace, relationships. Home News Churches holding events, volunteer opportunities for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Churches across the United States will be holding events and volunteer service opportunities to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day, being held in remembrance of the famed civil rights activist. The holiday is known not only as a date in which schools and other entities are closed, but also as a day of service where people participate in volunteer projects in their neighborhoods. One example is Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church of New Hope, Pennsylvania, which will observe its third annual day of service for MLK Day with special programming and volunteer projects. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Pastor Stephanie Templin Ashford told The Christian Post that one distinctive feature for this years observance will be a presentation on the Bucks County Underground Railroad by local author and historian, Patricia L Mervine. Jesus says that His greatest prayer is that they may be one, said Ashford. In our fractured world, we are faced with division and strife. We hold our annual MLK Day of Service because we seek to be a united people who love God, love one another, and serve the world. We all need to take action to care for those who are hurting, both in our community and around the world. MLK Day is an opportunity for all of us to grow, learn, and listen to how to be a more unified people. For Fifth Street Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia, this event marks the 23rd consecutive year that the congregation has done an MLK Day-related program in coordination with local nonprofits. A spokesperson for the church directed CP to local media coverage of their celebration event, known as the 23rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration and Drum Major Awards. The awards event was originally scheduled to occur earlier in the month, but was postponed due to inclement weather. The event represents a collaboration between the church and the Urban Financial Services Coalition, the Richmond-based nonprofit Boaz & Ruth, and the Henrico chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. A press release provided to CP noted that the event will be held at the church and will feature music and speeches, awards given to local volunteers and will be livestreamed on the churchs website. The highlight of the event is the celebration of unsung heroes who make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, stated the church. These individuals are truly keeping the dream of Dr. King alive. Shiloh Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, has been observing the day of service for the past several years, with multiple volunteer projects for this year. Octavia Stanton Caldwell, associate pastor of Outreach Ministries at Shiloh, told CP that her congregation "will take volunteers to the city's nursing homes, the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center, and the Alexandria Community Shelter." "Volunteers will also gather at the Churchs Fellowship Hall to assemble collected items for distribution to the Bethany House of Northern Virginia, the Guest House, Davids Place Day Shelter, and the Alexandria Community Shelter," added Caldwell. "We collected items for Laundry Kits, Household Kits, and Hygiene Kits." Caldwell said this year's event will likely have "an increased number of volunteers" who feel "empowered to serve." Her church is partnering with local residents and other congregations. "We believe it is more than appropriate to commemorate the birthday of MLK who committed and sacrificed his life serving community, to follow his example, and serve our community," she added. Home News Thomas More Society urges Trump to pardon 21 pro-lifers Lawyers representing pro-life activists, some of whom are in prison, for blocking the entrances to abortion clinics are calling on President-elect Donald Trump to pardon them after he takes office. In a letter dated Jan. 14, four lawyers with the Thomas More Society urged Trump to pardon 21 pro-life activists who faced federal charges under the Biden administration for engaging in what they claimed were peaceful protests. The law firm has represented the 21 pro-life activists who were subject to prosecution for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act that was signed into law in 1994 by then-President Bill Clinton. "These peaceful pro-life Americans mistreated by [President Joe] Biden include grandparents, pastors, a Holocaust survivor, and a Catholic priest all are selfless, sincere patriots. Their respective plights and personal information are provided in attachments to this letter. We respectfully urge that all 21 of them detailed here are richly deserving of full and unconditional pardons." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In a statement published in conjunction with the letter, Thomas More Society Senior Counsel Steve Crampton declared, With these requests for presidential pardons for 21 peaceful pro-life advocates, we urge President Trump to right the grievous wrongs of the Biden administrations weaponization of the Department of Justice. These 21 peaceful pro-lifers, many of whom are currently imprisoned for bravely standing up for unborn life, are upstanding citizens and pillars of their communities, Crampton reiterated. Through full and unconditional pardons for these pro-life advocates, President Trump has the chance to remedy the harm done to them and their families, deliver on his campaign promises, and repair trust in our constitutional order, he added. As Crampton alluded to in his statement shared with CP, during his campaign for president, Trump highlighted the plight of many peaceful pro-lifers who Joe Biden has rounded up, sometimes with SWAT teams, and thrown in jail and vowed to pardon these individuals. Peter Breen, Thomas More Society's executive vice president and head of litigation, expressed hope that the second Trump administration will spell a new day for pro-life advocates who have faced FBI raids, federal prosecutions, and severe punishment for peacefully and courageously witnessing for life. While individual petitions on behalf of each of the 21 pro-life activists were attached to the letter, they were not made public due to privacy reasons. The Thomas More Society is calling on Trump to issue full and unconditional pardons to Chester Gallagher, Eva Edl, Eva Zastrow, Joel Curry, Justin Phillips, Heather Idoni and Calvin Zastrow who have been convicted of violating the FACE Act in connection with a 2020 abortion clinic blockade in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Gallagher, Edl and the Zastrows were also convicted in connection with a similar blockade in Tennessee, while Idoni faces charges in connection with the Tennessee blockade as well as another protest in Washington, D.C. Additional defendants in the case related to the Tennessee abortion clinic blockade are Coleman Boyd, Dennis Green, Paul Place, Paul Vaughn and James Zastrow. Gallagher faces 16 months in prison as a result of the Tennessee blockade, while Vaughn, Boyd, Edl, Green, Place, Eva and James Zastrow will not serve any time in prison. Calvin Zastrow was sentenced to six months in prison, while Idoni was given an eight-month sentence. The other defendants in the Washington, D.C., case are: Joan Bell, Jonathan Darnel, William Goodman, Lauren Handy, Paulette Harlow, John Hinshaw and Jean Marshall. Handy is serving a five-year prison sentence in connection with the Washington, D.C. blockade, while Goodman and Hinshaw received sentences of 27 and 21 months, respectively. Bell was also sentenced to 27 months behind bars, while Darnel received a prison sentence of 34 months. Harlow, Idoni and Marshall are serving two-year prison sentences. Other individuals the Thomas More Society is asking Trump to pardon include Bevelyn Beatty Williams, who has begun a four-year prison sentence for blocking the entrance to an abortion clinic in New York City in 2020, and Fr. Fidelis Moscinski, a Catholic priest who was sentenced to six months in prison for placing locks on the entrance to a Long Island abortion clinic in 2022. The FACE Act, the law used to prosecute the pro-life activists, subjects anyone who intentionally injures, intimidates or interferes with or attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services to federal charges. Tuesdays letter condemns the FACE Act as facially unconstitutional and accused the Biden administration of using a double standard to enforce it, noting the lack of action taken to address almost any of the more than 170 incidents of violence against pro-life pregnancy centers and churches nationwide following the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson decision determining that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion. The letter also maintains that the Biden administrations use of a law designed to prosecute members of the Ku Klux Klan when prosecuting violations of the FACE Act runs afoul of Supreme Court precedent and alleges that the jury pools in the cases involving their clients were overwhelmingly tilted against the defendants, thereby depriving them of a right to a fair trial. The Thomas More Society has reason for optimism that the Trump administration will address their concerns following Wednesdays confirmation hearing for Pam Bondi, the president-elects nominee to serve as attorney general in the forthcoming administration. Bondi answered in the affirmative when asked by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., if she would stop the disparate treatment of Americans on the basis of religious faith, a common refrain used by critics of the Biden administrations prosecution of pro-life activists. At the same time, Bondi stressed to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., that the FACE Act not only protects abortion clinics, but it also protects pregnancy centers, and people going for counseling. She insisted that the law should be applied evenhandedly, referring to concerns about the lack of action to address the targeting of pro-life pregnancy centers. Home Opinion A horrifying child sexual assault trend. SCOTUS can help Nurse Heidi Olson, a respected sexual assault nurse in Kansas City, noticed a horrifying trend among her child sexual assault victim patients. They were being sexually assaulted by other children. In one case, a teenage perpetrator acted out a pornographic video, scene by scene, by strangling, repeatedly raping, and calling the victim derogatory names before leaving the child lying there. Cases like this, of child-on-child sexual abuse, with exposure to pornography being the only, or most dominating, risk factor are no longer anomalies; they are the growing majority. In 2023 Texas passed House Bill 1181 making it mandatory for adult websites to employ rigorous age verification processes to ensure users are over 18. The Free Speech Coalition (FSC), a non-profit, non-partisan trade association for the adult industry, has sued the state of Texas, arguing that this legislation violates the First Amendment. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard this case, FSC v. Paxton, on January 15, 2025. They will decide whether the court of appeals erred as a matter of law in applying rational-basis review, instead of strict scrutiny, to a law burdening adults access to protected speech. Ultimately, SCOTUS will decide if protecting children from harmful pornographic content on the internet is illegal. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Age verification is not identity verification. Verifying age requires minimal time and effort, most options take less than a minute. The technology for age verification is cutting-edge and does not collect, store, or sell data. The question is who will pay the price to protect our children? Will it be adults that are required to use less than a minute to prove their age, or will it be our children bearing the burden of long term harmful consequences? Protecting children from porn has been a law in the U.S. for nearly 57 years. In 1968, the United States Supreme Court decided in Ginsberg v. New York that although pornographic materials like Hustler and Playboy magazines were protected for adults under the First Amendment, they were obscene for children. In short, they were to be treated like alcohol and cigarettes the buyer is required to show an ID or verify their age to purchase. Unfortunately for children, pornographic content sold in brick-and-mortar stores has exponentially decreased over the past few decades, and so have the safeguards protecting children. Currently, children access pornographic content online at rates that are difficult to comprehend. One recent report from 2023 showed that at least 15% of teens said they viewed online pornography at age 10 or younger. An additional survey from 2020 reported that 54% of teens had viewed pornography by age 13. Taken together, the studies confirm that the average age of exposure to online pornography for children is between the ages of seven and eleven. Access isn't the only thing that has changed. Pornographic content is increasingly more violent. Within a matter of seconds, a child or teen can, intentionally or unintentionally, view pornographic videos of rape porn fantasy, or murder skit porn. This popular type of content is extremely violent pornography that depicts murder, necrophilia, morgue fantasy sex, and garrote strangling. While it may be legal and First Amendment-protected content for adults, it certainly is not for children. The sheer volume of this explicit content should make anyone concerned. Boasting over 42 million pornographic websites that host over 428 million web pages of pornography, the internet is now an endless abyss of explicit content and a far cry from what SCOTUS already deemed obscene for children in 1968. The protected adult content is one thing, but what about the illegal content that is not protected? In 2020 Ruben Andre Garcia was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiring with the owners of GirlsDoPorn to sex traffic women and girls to appear in sex videos for adult websites including Pornhub. GirlsDoPorn was a wildly popular Pornhub channel that had over 680 million views. Michael James Pratt, the owner of GirlsDoPorn, was finally arrested in Spain in 2022 after being on the FBIs top ten most wanted list. Among the long list of his charges are: sex trafficking a minor by force, fraud or coercion, production of child pornography, and 15 counts of sex trafficking. Sadly, this is not the only case. In recent years the growing number of lawsuits against mainstream porn sites, like Pornhub, are only increasing. Brave survivors of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and child sexual exploitation are speaking out and exposing how much online pornography is illegal and therefore not protected under the First Amendment. The mother of a missing 15-year-old Florida girl lived this nightmare herself. She found her daughter on Pornhub, in 58 sex videos some of which were of her sex trafficker raping her. While writing my amicus brief that focuses on the horrifying legal and illegal genres and content of mainstream pornography, I could not help but be shocked that protecting our children from such content is even a controversial discussion much less a case before SCOTUS. Historically, children have been protected from high-risk industries, including the porn industry otherwise known as the adult industry for good reason. The abundance of evidence is clear; it is not safe for children. I am hopeful that SCOTUS will decide that protecting American children from proven harmful pornographic content does not violate the U.S. Constitution. Surely, SCOTUS will consider the 19 states that have passed age verification laws as a clear declaration that we demand protection for our children, immediately. Home Opinion Why 'Imagine' by John Lennon is a dangerous song Jimmy Carter helped put born again Christianity on the map in America. He made a big deal about his having accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord. Many conservatives were disappointed with his governance, but no one could deny his consistent profession of faith. When the 100-year-old former presidents funeral service was held in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., it was odd that there was a mixture of beautiful Christian sacred music, along with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood singing John Lennons atheistic ballad Imagine. Imagine encapsulates a secular worldview very well: Imagine theres no Heaven / Its easy if you try / No Hell below us / Above us, only sky. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Wow no accountability. We can make up all the rules. Live anyway we want to, and well never have to answer for it. As Church Lady might say, How conveeeeeenient! Imagine croons on: Imagine all the people / Living for today Imagine theres no countries / It isnt hard to do / Nothing to kill or die for / And no religion, too. Some of these lyrics seem to be clearly at odds with Carters professed faith in Jesus. In his January 10, 2025 edition of Gary Varvels Views from the Right, the syndicated political cartoonist comments: The song, Imagine is the opposite of what Carter said he believed. Look, I have some doctrinal issues with Carters position on abortion and marriage, but he claimed to be born again which requires faith in Jesus Christs death, burial and resurrection. Based on that, I assume Carter also believed in life after death and a literal heaven. So why on earth would Garth sing the song, Imagine? I agree with Varvel that this seems like cognitive dissonance. However, John Nichols writes in The Nation that Carter liked this particular song. In fact, Brooks and Yearwood also played Imagine at the 2023 funeral of Carters wife Rosalynn. Nichols notes: The late president celebrated the impact and influence of the song, which decries war, nationalism, and the excesses of capitalism. Nichols adds: Carter spoke more than once about his enthusiasm for the song. The sentiment of Imagine may sound nice. But the reality is very different. The problem with the song is that it attacks the solutions to the stated goals. If the goal is world peace, the last thing you want is the absence of God holding sinful human beings to account. Just ask the victims of Fidel Castro. What Lennon and Yoko Onos song does is undermine the very solution to the problems that plague humanity. This has been demonstrated over and over by the atheistic utopian regimes (Mao in China, Stalin in the USSR, Pol Pot in Cambodia, etc.) that engineered the deaths of over 100 million people in the 20th century alone. Americas founders and early leaders recognized the sinfulness of man and that God would hold us to account one day. Thats why the Constitution has proved so durable. Most of the original state constitutions, notes historian Bill Federer, author of The Original 13: A Documentary History of Religion in America's First Thirteen States, required that those who held public office be believers in God, lest they advocate lawlessness. For instance, Federer cites the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776, which required officeholders to acknowledge one God, the Creator and Governor of the Universe, the Rewarder of the good and the Punisher of the wicked. And I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine Inspiration. Ben Franklin signed this. Federer told me, Later, Pennsylvania's 1790, 1838, 1874 and 1968 Constitutions contained the wording: That no person, who acknowledges the being of a God and a future state of rewards and punishments, shall, on account of his religious sentiments, be disqualified to hold any office or place of trust or profit under this commonwealth. Knowing our accountability to God should change how we act. The more self-government we practice, the less need we have for external government. And the opposite is true too. The less self-control, the more external control is needed. And where does self-government come from? From voluntary religion. Robert Winthrop, a Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in the mid-19th century, once put it this way: Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or by a power without them; either by the Word of God or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible or by the bayonet. The problem with the song Imagine is that it is predicated on the goodness of man a chimerical idea at best. Ill take the hymn Be Still My Soul, set to the music of Sibelius Finlandia, which was also performed at the former presidents funeral, any day over Imagine. Police have arrested a former nurse at Henrico Doctors Hospital after a number of newborn patients suffered unexplained injuries. Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a 26-year-old resident of Chesterfield County, was charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse in an incident in November. Strotman previously worked at Henrico Doctors, but it is unclear when and why her employment ended. According to her Facebook page, Strotman started at the hospital as a registered nurse in 2019. On Jan. 3, Strotman was denied bond during an arraignment in Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The court also appointed her a lawyer. She did not make a plea. In November, hospital leaders discovered three patients in the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, had experienced fractures for no obvious reason. The hospital has since stopped accepting new patients to the NICU, which treats infants born prematurely or with complications. The incidents were similar to a string of cases in 2023, when four babies suffered unexplained fractures. In one case, the Henrico Department of Social Services determined a hospital employee physically abused a premature newborn, WTVR-TV reported. It is unclear what happened to that employee. First, my thoughts are with the families of the injured children, who suffered harm while in a facility designed to provide comfort and care, said Shannon Taylor, commonwealths attorney for Henrico. We will leave no stone unturned. Taylor is a Charlottesville native now running for Virginia attorney general. Henrico police described the investigation as ongoing, as investigators are combing through hundreds of hours of surveillance video inside the NICU. Video surveillance was the primary evidence authorities used to present the charges, Taylor said. Police have reopened their investigation into the 2023 injuries, and it is not clear why the investigation was closed before. Strotman has been charged with one violation of abuse and malicious wounding involving one patient. The families of three victims appeared in court on Jan. 3, but none of them was the family of the victim in this case, Taylor said. Henrico authorities have been in contact with all seven families. Asked if all seven victims are still alive, Taylor declined to speak to their status, except to say that the victim in this case is alive. Although Strotman was charged in connection to just one victim, Taylor said her office is investigating whether Strotman caused the other fractures. If there is evidence suggesting that, authorities will bring additional charges. The investigation will examine why no arrests were made in 2023 and whether there is a deficiency in the system, Taylor said. Prosecutors asked Judge Stacy E. Lee not to grant bond, and Lee granted that request, meaning Strotman should remain at Henricos jail. She is due back in court on March 24, but her lawyer could request a bond hearing before that. If she is released, she will not be allowed to have contact with minors, Taylor said. Lee did not allow media inside the courtroom on Jan. 3. Taylor said the victims families did not want media present because the victims were babies. Strotman appeared on a video feed from jail and, from outside the courtroom, she could be heard crying and telling the court she last visited the hospital the week of Thanksgiving. Eric English, chief of Henrico police, said he appreciated the families and publics patience as the investigation continues. HCA Healthcare, which owns Henrico Doctors, first revealed the injuries on Dec. 24. Henrico police received assistance from the countys Child Protective Services office, Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Health and the Office of the Attorney General, English added. HCA has assisted law enforcement in its investigation, said Wes Hester, a spokesperson for HCA. We are both shocked and saddened by this development in the investigation and are focused on continuing to care for our patients and providing support to our colleagues who have been deeply and personally impacted by this investigation, Hester said. For more than 30 years, the NICU at Henrico Doctors Hospital has provided necessary and life-saving care to babies in central Virginia, and we remain focused on ensuring the availability of that care in our community. Malicious wounding is a Class 3 felony in Virginia, punishable by a prison term of five to 20 years. Child abuse is a Class 4 felony and can carry a term of two to 10 years. In the fall, a group that assesses safety at hospitals across the country, called the Leap Frog Group, awarded Henrico Doctors an A grade. A motorist clears snow off his vehicle parked along First Avenue as a winter storm sweeps over the intermountain West, plunging temperatures into the single digits and bringing along a light snow in its wake Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Denver. David Zalubowski | AP Over 175 million people across the country are under some form of cold weather alert as the mid-Atlantic and Northeast ready for another round of rain and snow and southern states brace for frigid temperatures and rare snowfall. The cold comes on the tail of another system that brought scattered rain and snow to parts of the East Coast on Saturday. Varying levels of cold weather alerts will be in effect across much of the country over the next couple of days as a "bitterly cold Arctic airmass" drops temperatures 10 to 40 degrees below average, according to the National Weather Service. More from NBC News: Evacuations lifted after fire erupts in California battery storage plant Frantic texts document devastating reality as California wildfires spread Young sickle cell patient among the first to start new gene therapy Cold weather alerts stretch from northern-tier states along the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico. The most extreme cold will grip the northern Plains and the Rocky Mountains, where wind chill values will dip as low as minus 30 to minus 55 degrees. 'Substantial snowfall' forecast in Houston In Houston, where temperatures were plunging to freezing and below Sunday night, officials were contending with a separate low pressure-driven storm that was expected to produce rain, then freezing rain, then snow Monday into Tuesday, federal forecasters said. Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport was scheduled to close at 12 a.m. local time Tuesday, and the Houston Independent School District and other public schools in the region were also closing Tuesday in response to the weather. The National Weather Service said in a forecast discussion Sunday that "snow totals would place this as one of the most substantial snowfall events in the history of the Greater Houston Area." A person takes a break from clearing a walkway along Bannock Street as a winter storm sweeps over the intermountain West, plunging temperatures into the single digits and bringing along a light snow in its wake Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Denver. David Zalubowski | AP Mayor John Whitmire said city crews were using deicing chemicals on roads, but he urged motorists to stay put during the storm. "I've been convinced that we are about to experience a very serious and dangerous weather episode," he said at a news conference Sunday. The storm was expected to make its way east along the Gulf Coast and southeast United States on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said in a forecast discussion. Rare snow was expected in Mobile, Alabama, and as far east as Pensacola, Florida, the weather service said, with accumulations on the ground and 1 to 4 inches possible starting Tuesday. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast forecast On Sunday afternoon, scattered snow and rain began pushing their way through the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast. Snowfall totals as of Sunday evening include 12 inches in Grantsville, Maryland, and 5.2 inches in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The snow was expected to come to an end late Sunday or early Monday as the system moves to the Northeast, affecting states along the Interstate 95 corridor. Snow totals of 2 to 6 inches are possible. Lingering snow showers will persist in New England early Monday, with most snow ending by sunrise. In Hartford, Connecticut, the weather service reported light snow falling Sunday night, with only trace amounts recorded so far. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul directed state agencies to prepare to respond to the storm, which could bring 4 to 6 inches of snow to New York City, 2 to 3 inches to Long Island and up to 10 inches to the mid-Hudson region. "New Yorkers are no stranger to winter weather, but I encourage everyone to make sure you and your family are prepared for the snow and extreme cold, exercise caution if traveling and continue to monitor your local forecast," Hochul said in a statement. Earlier Sunday night a few inches of snow fell in New York City, with the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn reporting 3 inches. Also in New York, lake effect snow will develop downwind of Lake Ontario and Erie. Totals through Sunday night will range from 2 to 6 inches, with up to 8 inches possible in some areas. Light snow was reported in Buffalo and Albany late Sunday. Philadelphia city officials on Sunday night announced a "snow emergency" that prohibits parking on major routes and other streets designated for first responder use during the storm, according to a statement. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, which went into effect Sunday morning. Murphy urged residents to follow safety protocols and stay off the roads, as about 8 to 12 inches of snow was expected in parts of the state. In Boston, around 4 to 8 inches of snow was expected to fall from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. The week ahead The logo of German bank Commerzbank seen on a branch office near the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt. Commerzbank is exploring cutting thousands of jobs as it seeks to fend off an unwanted approach from Italy's UniCredit, the Financial Times reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter. The plans that are not yet finalised, were expected to be unveiled to the workers' council over the coming weeks, the report added. Commerzbank did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular business hours. Commerzbank's supervisory board chairman Jens Weidmann said there is little chance for an amicable merger with UniCredit after the Italian bank's surprise purchase of a large stake in the German lender, newspaper Handelsblatt reported earlier this week. UniCredit now controls around 28% of the shares in Commerzbank, in which the lender holds about 9.5% directly, and it has also secured access to a total of 18.5% through financial instruments. Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to Alro Steel manufacturing plant in Potterville, Michigan, U.S. August 29, 2024. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to declare a national energy emergency as soon as he takes office Monday, months after promising voters that he would cut their electric and gasoline prices in half in the first year of his administration. "To achieve this rapid reduction in energy costs, I will declare a national emergency to allow us to dramatically increase energy production, generation and supply," Trump told supporters at a rally in Potterville, Michigan last August. "Starting on day one, I will approve new drilling, new pipelines, new refineries, new power plants, new reactors and we will slash the red tape." The president-elect reiterated as recently as Dec. 22 his intention to "declare a national energy emergency" on the first day of his administration. He vowed to issue a series of executive orders to reverse Biden administration policies on natural gas exports, drilling and emissions standards. Trump plans to establish a National Energy Council led by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, his pick to lead the Department of the Interior. Burgum said during a Senate hearing on his nomination this week that he expects the council to be established through an executive order. It is unclear whether emergency declaration would be largely symbolic or would invoke broader powers that go beyond the executive orders on energy that Trump is widely expected to issue Monday. The president-elect's transition team did not respond to a request for comment. "My anticipation is that it will be a rhetorical declaration of an energy emergency," said Mike Sommers, president of the oil industry's lobby group American Petroleum Institute. "When you bundle together the executive orders, that will be the answer to what to do about the energy emergency." There are several emergency statutes Trump could invoke that are related to energy, said Glenn Schwartz, director of energy policy at the consulting firm Rapidan Energy. Emergencies are often loosely defined under federal law, giving the president broad discretion to use them as he sees fit, Schwartz said. And Trump would likely face little pushback from the courts because they are reluctant to challenge presidential determinations related to national security, Schwartz said. "What you end up with is that even if Trump were to expand his emergency powers in unprecedented ways, it is not clear that courts would step in to halt any of these resulting actions," the analyst said. Likely emergency authorities There is a clear precedent for Trump to invoke emergency authority to promote power generation and expand the nation's fuel supply, Schwartz told clients in a research report published last Thursday. Authorities using the powers would waive certain environmental and pollution rules related to energy. Trump could issue fuel waivers under the Clean Air Act to allow gasoline onto the market that would otherwise violate federal air quality standards, the analyst said. Presidents have often used such waivers whenever they needed to stretch the country's gasoline supply and keep prices in check, he said. Trump could also invoke the Federal Power Act to order power plants to run at maximum capacity and not comply with pollution limits, Schwartz said. The energy secretary can invoke the act during wartime or when a sudden increase in demand or a shortage of electricity creates an emergency situation. The provision has been rarely used since World War II and has mostly been reserved for situations where extreme weather has overwhelmed power plants, Schwartz said. The largest grid operator in the U.S., PJM Interconnection, has warned of a power shortfall as coal plants are retired faster than new capacity is brought online. PJM operates the grid in all or parts of 13 states, in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and South. The situation could become more acute as electricity demand increases significantly as the tech sector builds out energy-hungry data centers to support artificial intelligence applications. The first Trump administration considered invoking the act in 2018 to order utilities to buy two years of power from coal and nuclear plants that were at risk of shutting down. The administration at the time ultimately dropped the idea after facing push back from industry. Trump could also opt for a broader statute that lets the president suspend pollution laws for industrial facilities, power plants, oil refineries, steel mills, chemical plants and other industrial facilities in emergency situations, Schwartz said. There is less support under federal law for the president to force new production, Schwartz said. Trump could direct federal agencies to fast track environmental reviews on energy projects he supports, such as pipelines, but the president cannot use emergency authorities to circumvent bedrock environmental policies such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, the analyst said. Expected executive orders Oil industry lobbyists at the American Petroleum Institute are anticipating that Trump will issue a series of orders tied to energy as soon as Monday. The administration is expected to issue an order lifting the Biden team's pause on new liquified natural gas export facilities, Sommers said. The president-elect will also likely try to reverse President Biden's recent decision to ban drilling in 625 million acres of federal waters. Trump's authority to do this has been disputed and such an order would likely end up in court. "We are of the view that he has the ability to reverse that and we'll defend that in court," Sommers said. The industry is anticipating the president will also direct the Interior Department to increase oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf Mexico, Sommers said. The Biden administration had issued the fewest leases in history under a program set to run through 2029. These decisions are not expected to have any immediate impact on production. The U.S. has been the world's largest producer of oil for six years, outpacing Saudi Arabia and Russia. The CEOs of Exxon and Chevron have made clear that production decisions are based on market conditions, not in response to who is in the White House. "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink," Schwartz said. "He can give them all the resources they need to be able to drill, but I haven't seen anything that suggests he can force them to take it out of the ground." Trump is expected to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement. Executive orders targeting tailpipe emission and fuel economy standards for cars are also expected. Still, only so much can be done through executive order, Sommers said, and the directives often have to go through a rulemaking process that takes time. The oil industry is more focused on pushing for more durable policy changes in the Republican-controlled Congress, he said. "There's not a lot of stuff that they're going to be able to do on day one, other than direct federal agencies to fulfill their promise of energy dominance," Sommers said. Trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrive in the Gaza Strip via the Kerem Shalom crossing, also known as Karem Abu Salem, on January 19, 2025. Eyad Baba | Afp | Getty Images A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip took effect on Sunday after a nearly three-hour delay, pausing a 15-month-old war that has brought devastation and seismic political change to the Middle East. Residents and a medical worker in Gaza said that they had heard no new fighting or military strikes since about half an hour before it was finally implemented. Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks killed 13 Palestinians between 0630 GMT, when the ceasefire was meant to begin, and 0915 GMT, when it actually took effect, Palestinian medics said. Explosions pictured on the Northern Gaza border on the supposed day of the newly brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Ilia Yefimovich | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Israel blamed Hamas for the delay after the Palestinian militant group failed to provide a list naming the first three hostages to be released under the deal. Hamas attributed the delay to "technical" reasons, without specifying what those were. A Palestinian official familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the delay occurred because mediators had asked for 48 hours of "calm" before the ceasefire's implementation, but continued Israeli strikes right up until the deadline had made it difficult to send the list. Two hours after the deadline, Hamas said it had sent the list of names, and Israeli officials confirmed receipt. Hamas named the hostages it was to release on Sunday as Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari. Israel did not immediately confirm the names. The highly anticipated ceasefire deal could help usher in an end to the Gaza war, which began after Hamas, which controls the tiny coastal territory, attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities. People run for cover as smoke billows over the Gaza City's eastern suburb of Shejaiya following Israeli bombardment on June 22, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Omar Al-Qattaa | Afp | Getty Images Israel's response has reduced much of Gaza to rubble and killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza-based health authorities. The war also set off a confrontation throughout the Middle East between Israel and its arch-foe Iran, which backs Hamas and other anti-Israeli and anti-American paramilitary forces across the region. Hostage list, last-minute attacks Ahead of the ceasefire's agreed implementation at 0630 GMT, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it could not take effect until Hamas gave the names of the hostages up for release on Sunday. Hundreds of people gather in Israel demonstrated demanding the immediate return of hostages to their homes after the ceasefire came into effect, on January 18, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Nir Keidar | Anadolu | Getty Images Israeli military spokespeople said in separate statements on Sunday that their aircraft and artillery had attacked "terror targets" in northern and central Gaza, and that the military would continue to attack the strip as long as Hamas did not meet its obligations under the ceasefire. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said that at least 13 people were killed in the Israeli attacks and dozens wounded. Medics reported tanks firing at the Zeitoun area of Gaza City, and said that an airstrike and tank fire also hit the northern town of Beit Hanoun, sending residents who had returned there in anticipation of the ceasefire fleeing. An air raid siren that sounded in the Sderot area of southern Irael had been a false alarm, the Israeli military said in a separate statement. Israeli forces had started withdrawing from areas in Gaza's Rafah to the Philadelphi corridor along the border between Egypt and Gaza, pro-Hamas media reported early on Sunday. The three-stage ceasefire agreement followed months of on-off negotiations brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, and came just ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Its first stage will last six weeks, during which 33 of the remaining 98 hostages - women, children, men over 50, the ill and wounded - will be released in return for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Hundreds of people gather in Israel demonstrated demanding the immediate return of hostages to their homes after the ceasefire came into effect, on January 18, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Nir Keidar | Anadolu | Getty Images 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. The first three are female hostages expected to be released through the Red Cross on Sunday. In return for each, 30 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails are to be released. Under the terms of the deal, Hamas will inform the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) where the meeting point will be inside Gaza and the ICRC is expected to begin driving to that location to collect the hostages, an official involved in the process told Reuters. Ending the war? U.S. President Joe Biden's team worked closely with Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to push the deal over the line. Tel Aviv's city hall is illuminated with a message "TNX JOE" in tribute to outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, in Tel Aviv, Israel January 18, 2025. Ilan Rosenberg | Reuters 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. And although the stated aim of the ceasefire is to end the war entirely, it could easily unravel. Hamas, which has controlled Gaza for almost two decades, has survived despite losing its top leadership and thousands of fighters. 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 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government over the Oct. 7 security failure that led to the deadliest single day in the country's history. Mideast shockwaves The war sent shockwaves across the region, triggering a conflict with the Tehran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah movement and bringing Israel into direct conflict with its arch-foe Iran for the first time. It has also transformed the Middle East. Iran, which spent billions building up a network of militant groups around Israel, has seen its "Axis of Resistance" wrecked and was unable to inflict more than minimal damage on Israel in two major missile attacks. A man waves the flag of Hezbollah as he drives past the rubble of a building in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 27, 2024, as people returned to the area to check their homes after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. Ibrahim Amro | Afp | Getty Images An aerial view of repair vehicles at sunset passing near beachfront homes that burned in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 15, 2025 in Malibu, California. Midway through December, tech entrepreneur Dan Preston debuted insurance startup Stand's first product focused on protecting property in wildfire zones. He should have had months to work with prospective customers and to market the offering before any catastrophic fires hit the U.S. In California, Stand's home state, fire season normally lasts from early summer through October or November. Stand, which Preston co-founded early last year, announced a $30 million financing round and the new product on Dec. 16, a few days before the official start of winter. But it's been a winter like no other. Three weeks after Stand's launch, wildfires ravaged parts of Los Angeles, killing more than two-dozen people, scorching about 41,000 acres due to extreme winds and destroying at least 12,300 structures. "This is certainly not a time you would normally see events like this," Preston said in an interview this week. "It has put an accelerant on business in a pretty massive way. As soon as this stuff started happening, the inbound demand was about 5-10x overnight." Preston has been trying to innovate within the typically boring and slow-moving insurance industry for well over a decade. In 2013, he became technology chief at auto insurance upstart Metromile, and later took on the role of CEO, guiding the company into the public market in 2020 through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). Metromile hit a rough patch after its SPAC and sold to tech-powered insurer Lemonade in 2022. Preston stayed on at Lemonade for another year. At Stand, Preston is aiming to go big in a market that legacy insurers are rapidly abandoning because it's viewed as too risky. As of mid-2024, at least eight insurance carriers had left the state or limited their exposure. The California FAIR Plan, generally viewed as an insurer of last resort, had seen a 137% increase since 2019, and that was well before the latest LA fires began. According to LendingTree, about 10% of homes in Los Angeles are uninsured. It's not a surprise that firms are exiting the state. Goldman Sachs estimates that insurers could face up to $30 billion in losses tied to the LA. fires. Through a combination of technology and a reimagining of home insurance, Preston wants to offer reasonably priced protection to homeowners in wildfire zones. A sign hangs from a branch of Banco Santander in London, U.K., on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010. Banco Santander is reconsidering its presence in Britain two decades after its acquisition of Abbey National made it a major player on UK high streets, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter. The bank is exploring a number of strategic options, one of which is exiting the British market, the report said, adding that no deal or announcement was imminent and that the review was at an early stage. The bank is examining an exit from Britain in part because it wants to focus on bigger growth regions such as the U.S., FT reported. Santander did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment outside of its regular business hours. The move comes as the Spanish lender set aside 295 million pounds ($358.81 million) to cover possible costs related to an industry-wide probe into motor finance commissions. Santander has also reduced its workforce in Britain through a round of 1400 job cuts in October. Two people familiar with the matter said it was unclear who would be interested in buying the unit, and that Santander could yet decide to keep the business, the report added. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) reacts following the passage of a spending legislation to avert a government shutdown, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 20, 2024. Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday dispelled the notion that President-elect Donald Trump would bring TikTok back early in his second term without the company's willingness to sell to a U.S.-based owner. "I think we will enforce the law," Johnson told NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Sunday, a day after Trump told NBC News that he would "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day extension to operate in the U.S. Johnson's remarks come just hours after TikTok halted operations in the U.S., cutting user access to the app. At the same time, Apple, Google and Microsoft removed the app from app stores, preventing new users from downloading it. A bipartisan bill passed last year and signed by President Joe Biden went into effect Sunday, effectively banning TikTok from the U.S. if the app, which is owned by the Chinese-based company ByteDance, isn't sold to a U.S.-based owner. In the last few months, TikTok made a last-ditch effort with the Supreme Court to save themselves from the ban, but the court upheld the law on Friday. Trump, who supported banning TikTok during his first term, has now emerged in favor of keeping the app running in the U.S. Before the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case, Trump's team filed a brief asking the court to hit pause on the law, saying it would give his new administration time to find a solution. The ban went into effect the day before Trump's inauguration to a second term. On Saturday, the president-elect told NBC News he would "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid a ban once he takes office, something that the senators specifically disagreed with in their statement. "I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at," Trump said in a phone interview. "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." Johnson noted that he believed that in the last few months, Trump has been referring to a plan to bring the app back via a sale, not as it operates now. "When President Trump issued the Truth [Social] post and said, 'Save Tiktok,' the way we read that is that he's going to try to force along a true divestiture, changing of hands, the ownership," Johnson said Sunday. "It's not the platform that members of Congress are concerned about. It's the Chinese Communist Party and their manipulation of the algorithms they have been flooding the minds of American children with terrible messages glorifying violence and anti-semitism and even suicide and eating disorders. I mean, crazy kinds of stuff, and they're mining the data of American citizens. It's a very dangerous thing," he added. Shortly before Johnson's comments, Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., broke with Trump, too, celebrating the app's ban that went into effect Sunday. "We commend Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft for following the law and halting operations with ByteDance and TikTok, and we encourage other companies to do the same. The law, after all, risks ruinous bankruptcy for any company who violates it," Cotton and Ricketts wrote in a statement. "Now that the law has taken effect, there's no legal basis for any kind of 'extension' of its effective date. For TikTok to come back online in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale that satisfies the law's qualified-divestiture requirements by severing all ties between TikTok and Communist China," they added. The law on the books doesn't grant the president the authority to make a 90-day extension without guarantees that ByteDance is actually seeking to sell the app to a U.S.-based company. "The President may grant a one-time extension of not more than 90 days ... if the President certifies to Congress that (A) a path to executing a qualified divestiture has been identified with respect to such application," the law says, adding that there must be "evidence of significant progress" towards a sale, which include "the relevant binding legal agreements to enable" a sale. On Sunday, Johnson said that he doesn't have "any confidence in ByteDance." "The law is very precise, and the only way to extend that is if there is an actual deal in the works," Johnson added. "I think President Trump is probably intrigued by all this and he likes to make deals, as you know. So we're very hopeful that that can happen, and that 270 million American people who enjoy the platform can enjoy it, but enjoy it safely and not have their data being mined by our nation's enemy." President-elect Donald Trump said he would revive TikTok access in the U.S. by executive order after he is sworn in on Monday, but said he wants the popular social media app to be at least half owned by U.S. investors. TikTok stopped working for its 170 million American users late on Saturday before a law shutting it down on national security grounds took effect on Sunday. U.S. officials had warned that under Chinese parent company ByteDance, there was a risk of Americans' data being misused. Trump said he would "extend the period of time before the law's prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security." "I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up," he wrote on Truth Social. Trump said the executive order would specify there would be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before his order. Trump had earlier said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app. "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned," a message notified users of TikTok, which disappeared from Apple and Google app stores late on Saturday. Even if temporary, the unprecedented shutdown of TikTok is set to have a wide-ranging impact on U.S.-China relations, U.S. politics, the social media marketplace and millions of Americans who depend on the app economically and culturally. The U.S. has never banned a major social media platform. The law passed overwhelmingly by Congress gives the incoming Trump administration sweeping authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps. Other apps owned by ByteDance, including video editing app CapCut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, were also offline and unavailable in U.S. app stores as of late Saturday. It was not clear if any U.S. users could still access the app, but it was no longer working for many users, and people seeking to access it through a web application were met with the same message that TikTok was no longer working. As world leaders, policymakers, and industry giants convene in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forums (WEF) annual meeting, the spotlight will be on pressing global issues like the Ukraine-Russia war, Trump 2.0, and the rise of artificial intelligence.This years theme, Collaboration in an Intelligent Age, sets the tone for discussions over the next five days. CNBC-TV18s Managing Editor Shereen Bhan will bring exclusive insights and interviews with top executives and policymakers.Meanwhile, Indias federalism will shine as states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh showcase their potential to attract global investors. Who knew a part on Happy Days could lead to cinema immortality? From Robin Williams to Sally Field, the list of Oscar winners who started as sitcom goofs is much longer than you might expect. Here are five more Academy Award recipients who cashed their first showbiz paychecks on classic situation comedies 1 Leonardo DiCaprio DiCaprio was earning movie accolades early in his career, still a teenager when he was Oscar-nominated for Whos Eating Gilbert Grape? But does he get that role without his breakthrough as Luke Brower, the homeless kid who gets taken in by the Seavers on the 80s sitcom Growing Pains? TV mom Joanna Kerns remembers DiCaprio always messing around between takes. He was totally mischievous, she told The Independent. When Tobey Maguire, a member of DiCaprios infamous Pussy Posse, came around the set, They looked like they were really up to no good. 2 Halle Berry Before Berry took home Oscar gold for Monsters Ball, she was preening with Leah Remini on Whos The Boss spin-off Living Dolls. It wasnt a great experience she fell into a coma while filming the show, later being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. But that didnt stop Berry from taking one-off roles in other sitcoms like Amen and A Different World before her movie career took off for good. Advertisement Advertisement 3 Ron Howard By the time Howard was 20, hed already starred in two of the biggest sitcoms in TV history, as Opie on The Andy Griffith Show and Richie Cunningham on Happy Days. It was an unlikely deal with cult movie maven Roger Corman to make the low-budget Grand Theft Auto that led to Howards career as a director. He gained steam with comedies starring former sitcom pals Night Shift with Henry The Fonz Winkler and Splash with Bosom Buddies Tom Hanks before eventually winning an Oscar for directing A Beautiful Mind. Advertisement Advertisement 4 Hilary Swank Hey, TGIF kids remember Camp Wilder? If so, that was probably the first place you saw two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank. She played a goofy high schooler alongside other family-friendly teens played by the impossibly young Jerry OConnell, Jay Mohr and Tina Majorino. Advertisement Advertisement Swank probably also ran into DiCaprio when she guested on Growing Pains. Watch out for Tobey Maguire, Hilary hes up to no good. These days, Monty Python is considered The Beatles of Comedy, presumably because of the quality of their work, their Britishness and the fact that they wont stop fighting over money now that the groups broken up. But as hard as it may be to believe, there was a time when the Pythons had to sell themselves to America. While Monty Pythons Flying Circus was already a hit in the U.K. and Canada, the show didnt air on U.S. public broadcasters until 1974. They did still have some American fans, thanks to the film And Now For Something Completely Different and the Pythons album releases. But in 1973, at the end of their first-ever Canadian tour, the Pythons, minus John Cleese, traveled to California in order to promote their albums to American audiences. In addition to posing for a Rolling Stone photo shoot with Annie Leibowitz, they were invited to appear on The Tonight Show. And it was a total disaster. Don't Miss Unfortunately for the Pythons, Johnny Carson was off that night, so they were welcomed instead by guest host Joey Bishop. Since tapes of most non-Carson episodes of The Tonight Show were wiped by NBC, theres no surviving footage of the Pythons first Tonight Show appearance. But according to the groups U.S. publicist, Nancy Lewis, the segment began inauspiciously when Bishop introduced the Pythons by unenthusiastically stating, This is a comedy group from England, and I hear theyre supposed to be funny. Lewis recalled that the Pythons then performed a sketch as their screeching Pepperpots characters (according to Eric Idle it was the Mrs. Premise and Mrs Conclusion Visit Jean-Paul Sartre sketch), but it didnt go over well. Advertisement The audience sat there wondering what was going on, Lewis explained. I remember standing at the back of the audience, there was just a deadness. It was terrible. I was ready to slash my wrists! Advertisement Advertisement She also pointed out that a sketch like Dead Parrot would have gone over far better with the Tonight Show crowd, but they couldnt do that one because Cleese had already gone home. In 2015, Idle compared the reaction to their Tonight Show debut to the premiere of the fictional musical Springtime for Hitler. It was like The Producers, the film. The whole audience, their jaws were open, Idle told an audience at the Tribeca Film Festival. And while they were asked to perform for half an hour, they ended up doing the 30 minutes in 15 minutes to no laughs whatsoever. Advertisement Advertisement But the Pythons were far from upset. We ran out, there was a bit of green grass in Burbank, and we lay down and we laughed for about 15 minutes because it was the funniest thing ever, Idle recounted. In Canada, anything we said they were falling about (with) laughter America, they didnt know what on Earth we were talking about. During the same trip they also taped several segments for the late night variety show The Midnight Special, which clearly went much better. Dave Chappelle broke a Saturday Night Live record last night, delivering the longest monologue in the show's history. At 16 minutes and 49 seconds, Chappelle bested the old record held by Dave Chappelle (16 minutes and 19 seconds back in Season 46, according to the number crunchers at SNL Network). The comic needed the extra time, thanks to the long list of hot-button topics he broke down on the 30 Rock stage. Im tired of being controversial, Chappelle began in protest. Im turning over a new leaf. Don't Miss Come on, man, weve heard that one before. That was his promise in his last Netflix special, The Dreamer, right before he slipped in a few more trans jokes. Thankfully, Chappelle finally left that topic alone for a night to tackle every other contentious comedy premise circa 2025. Here are some of his best jokes on subjects most comedians would avoid altogether... The Los Angeles Fires I go on the internet and I watch these fire videos, and I read the comment sections and everyone was like, Yeah, it serves these celebrities right. I hope their houses burn down. You see that? That right there? Thats why I hate poor people. They said its the most expensive natural disaster thats ever happened in United States history. And you want to know why I think that is? Because people in L.A. have nice stuff. I could burn 40,000 acres in Mississippi for $600 or $700. There were a lot of elements that came together to make this fire the catastrophe that it was. The winds were 100 miles an hour. L.A. was dry as a bone. There were just too many factors. If you were a rational, thinking person, you have to at least consider the possibility that God hates these people. Diddy Advertisement My friends ask me, Dave, did you know anything about those freak-off parties? And Id be like, Nah, man. I aint know anything about the freak show. And they all look at me like (extremely dubious stare). And theyd be like, Well, how are all these people you know at the freak off, but you the only one that wasnt at the freak off? And I thought about it for a minute and I said, Oh my God. Im ugly. I saw one thing on the internet, so Im not sure this is true. Some guy who said he knew Puffy was like, Yeah, man, I was at the freak off one time, and I went in the back room and Puff was in there with Carl Winslow, the dad from Family Matters. And I was like, Oh my God. Carl Winslow from Family Matters was there and I wasnt invited. Advertisement Maybe Im not ugly. Look at my face. This is not necessarily a handsome face, but its not an ugly face. But if you really study my face, clearly I have snitch energy. Advertisement Nothing better illustrates why the Gaza ceasefire deal is so tenuous than the sickening scenes today. Even at the end of their captivity, the three released Israeli hostages were forced by Hamas to run the gauntlet of a baying armed mob as they were transferred, terrified, into the Red Crosss van. There is one key fact about the ceasefire: its not a peace deal. Its a pause - during which only a further 30 of the remaining hostages will be released over the next six weeks. Given that 91 of the roughly 250 people seized by Hamas on October 7, 2023, are reported to remain in Gaza now and many of those 91 are no longer alive either we are still a long way even from the full release of the hostages. Under the new deal, negotiations over the rest of the hostages will only start on February 4, after 16 days of ceasefire. This will be the crux of it. Israel must agree to withdrawing its remaining troops and agree to end the war in return for the release of all of the hostages. But Israel will not agree to that until it is clear that Hamas will no longer control Gaza. So do not think for a moment that today's hostage release means that a resolution is in sight. First sighting of British-Israeli Emily Damari Emily Damari being released Ms Damari was kidnapped during the October 7 attacks and has been a hostage for 470 days Israels basic aim has been to destroy Hamas as a significant terror threat. It has certainly decimated its armoury, as well as wiping out its leadership. Israel says it has killed at least 18,000 of its terrorists although last week US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Hamas has recruited just as many new fighters. But what really matters is whether Hamas has power over Gaza and whether it is capable of repeating an October 7-style massacre, as their new leader has promised. So the focus of negotiations needs to be on how and by whom Gaza is governed and crucially the role of Iran, which funds Hamas. Do not fall for the Hamas propaganda that it is wildly popular among Gazans. In November, for example, Professor Salman al-Dayah, a respected Sharia academic at Gazas Islamic University, issued a fatwa reprimanding Hamas for the October 7 massacre and for its policy of using using human shields by basing fighters in civilian buildings. Ensuring that Israel kills Palestinian civilians in any military action has always been a key part of Hamas strategy, described by Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas leader killed by Israel, as a necessary sacrifice. Al-Dayah condemned Hamas for not keeping fighters away from the homes of defenceless [Palestinian] civilians and their shelters and providing security and safety as much as possible in the various aspects of life. Reliable polling is obviously not easy in Gaza, but a survey last month by Arab World for Research and Development found that a mere 16 per cent of Gazans said they would vote for Hamas if there were elections to the Palestinian parliament. Doron Steinbrecher was abducted from her apartment in Kibbutz Kfar Aza - near Gaza's north-western border Romi Gonen was snatched from the Nova music festival By far the most popular option is some sort of national unity government involving Islamists, technocrats and parties which unlike Hamas want a two-state solution. One widely mooted possibility is that Arab states such as the United Arab Emirates and even Qatar, which has supported Hamas by hosting its headquarters and leadership, and which helped broker the ceasefire, might get involved in both the administration and rebuilding of Gaza. But this is all pie in the sky for the moment. Why would any nation spend billions on Gaza when the usual cycle could resume and Israel could be forced again to take military action to defend itself from Hamas terror? Which brings us to Iran. The reality is that while the Iranian regime is able to fund and direct its proxies Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen - no real progress is possible. Dealing with Iran is a prerequisite - not just for Gaza, but for the whole Middle East. In this context, Donald Trumps return is pivotal. He has credit in the bank with the Gulf states having secured the historic Abraham Accords in his first term in office. He also brought the Saudis to the brink of a deal with Israel. And not only does he understand Irans poisonous role, he is prepared to use the USs might to tackle it - as he showed in his first term when he ripped up Barack Obamas feeble nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed serious sanctions on its mullahs. There are suggestions that he pushed Israel towards accepting the ceasefire with the promise that in return he would back, or even instigate, a strike on Iran. Today's hostage release was a wonderful moment for their families. But we cannot be blindly optimistic that this is the end of the conflict. A $25 item from Kmart Australia has been flying off the shelves after shoppers discovered it looked similar to a $575 high-end version. The budget retailer is now selling a pair of Buckle Slingback Ballet Flats, available in three colours - red, black and white - that closely resemble Ganni's range of Feminine Buckle Ballerinas. Both brands' pointed-toe flats have similar features, including metal eyelet detailing, buckle-strap fastenings and low stacked heels. Upon a closer look, Kmart's shoes have a single row of metal eyelet detailing on each strap, while the Danish fashion brand's off-white version has two rows. Fashion-conscious shoppers suggested the cheaper shoes offer an affordable alternative to the designer label, especially for those who can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars. 'We cant get enough of this $25 Ganni lookalike from Kmart,' Aussie fashion blogger behind Kmart Insider said on Instagram. Bargain hunters have confirmed the cheaper flats are 'so comfy' while others shared that they were 'running' to Kmart to grab a pair. 'The Kmart versions are amazing in these shoes. So good in fact they are selling out everywhere,' one said. A $25 item (left) from Kmart Australia has been flying off the shelves after shoppers discovered it looked similar to a $575 designer buy (right) The budget retailer is now selling a pair of Buckle Slingback Ballet Flats (left) that closely resemble Ganni's Feminine Buckle Ballerina flats (right) 'I tried these on, they were really comfy,' one said. 'So cute,' another added. 'OMG I'm running,' one shared. Meanwhile, many were amazed by the colour options. 'I have the white - find them comfy enough so have purchased the black... I may get the red when it's in my Kmart,' one shared. 'What? They come in black and red as well? I only saw white,' another said. 'I wish I knew they were bringing black ones out. My Kmart only had white so I got them but would have preferred black,' one explained. 'Ooo I saw the red and white in store but not the black. Will have to check it out,' another added. Fashion-conscious shoppers reluctant to spend hundreds of dollars on high-end brands have discovered $25 Buckle Slingback Ballet Flats from Kmart that closely resembles a Ganni's $595 buckled ballerina shoes Last year, Kmart shoppers spotted a $22 'dupe' of a $650 luxury tote bag. The blogger behind Kmart Insider found what she believed to be an affordable alternative of Tory Burch's Ever-Ready handbag. 'A designer looking tote without the splurge?! It's a hard YES,' the blogger said. The purse-friendly printed style features a detachable coin bag, carry handles, a snap button closure, a main compartment and a zippered pocket. The brown mono handbag is made from synthetic plastic. Kmart Australia shoppers found a $22 'dupe' (left) of a $650 luxury tote by Tory Burch (right) The blogger also pointed out the $22 item is a great option for those who can't afford a Louis Vuitton handbag, which can cost upwards of $3,000. Many were impressed by her comparisons of Kmart and Tory Burch's handbags - with one saying: 'I literally spotted the Kmart bag today... Might have to go back for it.' Another said: 'Ohh wow... this is so cool.' Sophie reflected on her time entering the Royal Family ahead of her 60th The Duchess of Edinburgh has revealed that she was determined 'not to tread on toes' when she first joined the Royal Family. On Wednesday, Sophie visited L'Arche, a south London community of people with learning disabilities and their supporters and Community Shop Lambeth, a 'social supermarket' tackling food poverty. It marked her last day of royal engagements as a 59-year-old, as Sophie celebrates her 60th birthday on Monday. Sophie spoke to the Telegraph about why she was drawn to organisations that focus on disability and said: 'It goes back to when I first started to get involved with taking on patronages and engagements. I was trying to find, not a unique thing for myself, but a direction of travel I suppose. 'And, of course, inevitably every time I went down a route, I found a member of the family working very hard doing something and I retreated a bit and thought, "No not there, treading on toes."' The Duchess said because she had a background of working in public relations before marrying Prince Edward and entering The Firm, she soon thought she would be best placed engaging with people directly. Sophie said that the concept of how people engage with each other differently and the issues surrounding how to raise awareness of this led her to championing this cause. She said that just because individuals are 'different' doesn't mean they don't have something to 'bring to the party'. The Duchess of Edinburgh (pictured in 2023) has revealed that she was determined 'not to tread on toes' when she first joined the Royal Family After speaking about how the world can adapt to help those with disabilities, the royal was asked about the moment she saw her children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, alongside their cousins, Princes William and Harry standing vigil in Westminster Hall around the late Queen's coffin. Sophie said she was 'so proud' of 'all of the cousins' for following protocol and the instructions well, adding: 'It was incredibly moving, and lovely to see her surrounded by them.' She also said she wondered whether it would be 'appropriate' for James to do it, given that he was the youngest, and around 14 years old when Queen Elizabeth passed away. However, Sophie said he was 'really keen' to get involved in his grandmother's send-off, along with Lady Louise. But the Duchess could only recount what happened to a certain point before she appeared emotional and said she couldn't speak about it further. Sophie is regularly hailed as the late Queen's 'favourite daughter-in-law', along with the monarchy's 'secret weapon' due to her 'down to earth' personality. Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Princess Eugenie of York, Princess Beatrice of York, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Lady Louise Windsor, James, Viscount Severn arrive to hold a vigil in honour of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall on September 17, 2022 The late Queen's eight grandchildren are pictured a vigil at her lying-in-state at Westminster Hall in September 2022 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, helps serve lunch in the cafe during a visit to The Company Shop last Wednesday Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, receives a cake ahead of her 60th birthday during a visit to The Company Shop on Wednesday Royal biographer Ingrid Seward previously told Ok! magazine: 'With the exception of her daughter Anne, the Queen was closer to Sophie than any of the other royal women,' says biographer Ingrid Seward. 'It really was a genuine closeness, and Elizabeth was always Sophie's biggest confidante. 'The Queen found her very down to earth, because she refused to have expensive security and things like that, and she loved her lack of airs and graces. I think she saw Sophie as a bit of a surrogate daughter, too.' Sophie will spend her actual birthday at her house located in Bagshot Park alongside her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh and her children Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex, along with their cocker spaniel, Mole, black labradors, Teal and Teasel, and tortoise named Marmite. However, the Duchess won't spend much time off celebrating her milestone birthday, as she is back to work the following day to visit charity Dogs for Autism and a school for children with physical disabilities. On Saturday evening, a new photograph of the Duchess of Edinburgh looking happy and relaxed was released to mark her 60th birthday. The image was captured by London-based portrait, fashion and commercial photographer Christina Ebenezer at Bagshot Park this month. The Duchess, wearing a cream pleated skirt and dark long-sleeved knit, is perched on a window seat in the image. Lady Louise Windsor and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attend the Christmas Morning Service at St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Day in 2024 On Saturday evening, a new photograph of the Duchess of Edinburgh looking happy and relaxed was released to mark her 60th birthday Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh tour the Villa Guardamangia, in Pieta, Malta in October 2024 She appears to have been snapped mid-laugh in the casual portrait by Ebenezer, who is said to find inspiration in classic portraiture and cinema. Buckingham Palace said Sophie was interested in Ebenezer's creative style of photography and wanted to support a rising female photographer. Ebenezer was born in Nigeria, spending her early years in Lagos, before moving to join her immediate family in London. She has been named both a British Fashion Council New Wave Creative, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Arts & Culture Leader. Two of her portraits were unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in partnership with Chanel last January. The Palace said that as the Duchess looks ahead to turning 60, she has a renewed sense of excitement and commitment to her work around gender equality and looks forward to further embracing and championing this issue in the future. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 'don't know what change the world means', a source has said - claiming the Duchess would water down her podcast Archetypes. A damning profile in Vanity Fair heard from those who have worked with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, including people who were involved in media projects such as Meghan's cancelled Spotify podcast. One source insisted that the couple 'don't know what change the world means', adding: 'Diana walked amongst land mines. Meghan couldnt even say the word sl*t.' The insider claimed Meghan and Harry 'want to be people who are looked at as people who want to change the world'. But they suggested Meghan might have failed to live up to an unachievable ideal. 'I think the whole world was waiting for her to be that person, and then she never jumped.' The source also discussed Meghan's production of Archetypes, claiming the Duchess would consider provocative ideas then backtrack on them before recording. They remembered Meghan being keen to use the word 'b**ch' because 'you hear it all the time', but said she ended up saying 'the B-word' instead. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 'don't know what change the world means', a source has insisted One source insisted that the couple 'don't know what change the world means', adding: 'Diana walked amongst land mines. Meghan couldnt even say the word sl*t' Another episode, entitled 'Sl*t', was due to focus on how trans women's sexuality is used against them. But the source claimed it was re-themed entirely in late production, and retitled 'Human, Being'. It comes after royal experts warned that other revelations in the Vanity Fair profile could destroy the Sussexes' reputation in America just as they gear up for major projects, including Meghan's upcoming Netflix series, 'With Love, Meghan'. The profile details allegations from former employees of Meghan who reportedly felt mistreated during their time working with her. These claims, which echo accusations from her time at Kensington Palace, paint a troubling picture of a woman whose behaviour allegedly left staff 'having therapy' and led to allegations of 'bullying' behind the scenes. These allegations were vehemently denied by representatives of Meghan and Harry at the time. Tom Bower, the royal author and investigative journalist, described the revelations as 'devastating' for Meghan, especially given her recent attempts to reshape her public persona as a warm, loving mother and wife. The profile details allegations from former employees of Meghan who reportedly felt mistreated during their time working with her These claims, which echo accusations from her time at Kensington Palace, paint a troubling picture of a woman whose behaviour left staff 'having therapy' and led to allegations of 'bullying' behind the scenes 'Having strongly denied the accusations that she bullied her staff in Kensington Palace, the revival of her image of the Difficult Duchess is a disaster just on the eve of the launch of Netflix's 'With Love, Meghan'. 'Having invested so much to re-brand herself as a loving, caring Californian mother and wife, the VF disclosures have poisoned the smiling image of the welcoming home-maker. 'It's a bad weekend.' Prince Harry, too, faces growing scrutiny, with experts noting his portrayal in the Vanity Fair piece as 'lost, out of his depth, and naive.' Tom Bower, the royal author and investigative journalist, described the revelations as 'devastating' for Meghan Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, warned that the couple's reputation in the US could be severely damaged. 'Harry is portrayed as lost, out of his depth and naive. Neither, according to the article, appear to understand what a successful career in show business actually involves.' According to Fitzwilliams, the couple's attempts to project a caring, philanthropic image through efforts like helping victims of California's wildfires are unlikely to gain traction in light of the ongoing allegations. 'The Sussexes are attempting to project a caring image by helping some of those affected by the cataclysmic wildfires currently ravaging California. They won't get far after publicity is given to this. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams weighed in on the new show to DailyMail.com 'Her With Love, Meghan cookery series is, judging from the trailer, saccharine and silly. This was postponed and is now scheduled for a release on 4th March but unenthusiastic online reaction might make the streaming giant think twice and dump it and, when their contract runs out later in the year, preserve very little of it, if any. 'The Sussexes have made so many accusations against the royal family. They, especially Meghan, now have a lot to answer. Nobody likes bullies, especially entitled bullies!' He continued: 'It speaks volumes that the Sussexes were not available for interview. This is a probing, balanced article that has been researched with interviews from the Sussexess admirers and detractors. 'It also makes the case that they are now way out of their depth in showbiz. Also they are far from being admired by their neighbours in Montecito. They left Britain to escape press scrutiny. 'Yet in the US, they want favourable press. The article concludes there is precious little to them, with Harry wanting to reconnect with his family. I fear whilst he is with Meghan, this is unlikely to occur.' Lady Colin Campbell has alleged a sensational article by Vanity Fair vindicates her in its claims about Meghan Markle - and said she 'truly pities' the Royal Family. The socialite, who has been a vocal critic of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, pointed to a damning profile published by the magazine, which includes testimonies from sources who claim to have worked with the couple. The article considers the five years since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals, and includes numerous allegations largely against the Duchess - including allegations of bullying which have been denied by the Sussexes previously. Lady Colin Campbell has criticised Meghan for years, accusing her of being 'very calculating' and a 'narcissist' for 'cutting off' her father after joining the Royal Family. But now, in a lengthy post on social media, Lady Colin has claimed that the Vanity Fair article is 'full of content' about Meghan's alleged 'unsavoury behaviour', though other quoted sources pointed to the 'optimism' of the couple and Prince Harry's 'unfailingly kind' nature'. She said: 'In a volte face to end all turn arounds, the article is full of content about Meghan's (alleged) unsavoury behaviour. 'Every word I wrote... has been realised, yet at the time I was lambasted by many of the very people who have now jumped on the bandwagon I wheeled into public view.' The former I'm A Celebrity star concluded: 'I truly pity the Royal Family. This is one saga that is going nowhere but south.' Lady Colin Campbell has alleged a sensational article by Vanity Fair vindicates her in its claims about Meghan Markle - and said she 'truly pities' the Royal Family The socialite, who has been a vocal critic of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, pointed to a damning profile published by Vanity Fair, which includes testimonies from sources who have worked with the couple It comes as the bombshell article by Vanity Fair accused Meghan of 'reparenting' Prince Harry and acting like a mother towards him. The Duchess reportedly acts as a caregiver to her husband and is seen as 'making his life so easy', while the Duke takes on the role of 'facilitator' of his wife's wishes, the magazine's February cover story claims. A source who worked with Harry and Meghan told the publication: '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 dont want to be like, oh, its an Oedipus thing or whatever, but it kind of feels like shes reparenting him in a way.' The article 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'. It adds that Harry is very 'protective' of Meghan when they are in public, with the Duke having previously expressed concerns over his wife's treatment by the press. Lady Colin Campbell has criticised Meghan for years, accusing her of being 'very calculating' and a 'narcissist' for 'cutting off' her father after joining the Royal Family Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in Montecito, California with their two children The article also claims that Harry has very little interaction with people other than his wife, saying that he is 'socially marooned beyond his nuclear family'. Another source, who interacted professionally with Meghan, told the magazine the Duchess 'was up-front about the fact that Harry hadnt made many friends yet', adding: 'I think he probably wants to be left alone'. In the Vanity Fair article, the couple have seen the lid lifted on their glamorous life - with some former colleagues and neighbours lining up to vent their criticism of the pair. In a series of cutting remarks, 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. However, the Vanity Fair article also included comments from those who praised the couple's 'optimism' and 'hopefulness about what's possible in terms of storytelling'. Lady Colin Campbell concluded: 'I truly pity the Royal Family. This is one saga that is going nowhere but south' Others, who worked on Meghan's Spotify podcast Archetype, said they thought they had the 'role of a lifetime': 'I thought I was gonna be besties with Meghan and Harry and we were gonna, like, run around the world saving people.' Another source, who worked with Prince Harry during his book tour, described him as someone with 'the greatest manners I've ever seen'. They said he was 'unfailingly kind and friendly to everyone'. But the Sussexes have been mired in a series of controversies since they ditched their lives as working royals for a life of luxury in America. A Spotify executive called the pair 'f***ing grifters' after their deal with the streaming platform ended and more recently Meghan's Netflix cookery show has been hit with allegations she copied other chefs' recipes. The King and Queen attended Sunday service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral this morning - following the damning profile about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Vanity Fair. Travelling in their Audi, Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, looked relaxed as they made their way through the roads close to their Scottish estate. Wearing a smart cream coat, the King sat behind the Queen as they were driven through the streets of Crathie on the chilly winter day. Sitting in the front passenger seat and showcasing a radiant smile, the Queen put on a stylish display in a fur hat. Their appearance today comes after Vanity Fair's explosive new article claimed Prince Harry had hoped to hear from members of his family after publishing his bombshell memoir Spare. The Duke of Sussex, who released his tell-all book in January 2023, reportedly told a guest at an event later that year he had not heard from any of his royal relatives since its publication. But, the source added, Harry had a 'very genuine' hope that they might reach out in the future. They told the magazine: 'That's sort of what made me so sad. His hope seemed very genuine. And I was just kind of like, "Oh, no".' They said Harry had seemingly not 'absorbed the gravity' of publishing the memoir, which included bombshell accusations against his family. The King and Queen (pictured) attended Sunday service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral this morning - following the damning profile about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Vanity Fair This included those about his brother Prince William, who Harry claimed branded Meghan 'difficult', 'rude' and 'abrasive', and even accused him of pushing him into a dog bowl. The source continued: 'The power of the written word, and the power of the narrative. I don't know if that's something he understood while he was doing it.' Just over a year after Spare was released, Harry reportedly visited King Charles for a 'brief meeting' in February 2024, following the revelation of his cancer diagnosis. Although Charles is said to have been left wounded by his son's behaviour in recent years, he has always privately insisted he will keep the door open for him to at least speak. It was reported at the time that Harry spent around 45 minutes chatting with his father, which is thought to be their first proper contact in 15 months. It was their first formal meeting in person since the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. Their appearance today comes after Vanity Fair's explosive new article claimed Prince Harry (pictured with Meghan and the King in June 2018) had hoped to hear from members of his family after publishing his bombshell memoir Spare Travelling in their Audi, Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, looked relaxed as they made their way through the roads close to their Scottish estate Wearing a smart cream coat, the King sat behind the Queen as they were driven through the streets of Crathie on the chilly winter day Sitting in the front passenger seat and showcasing a radiant smile, the Queen put on a stylish display in a fur hat The King waved to well-wishers as he left the Sunday church service at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral Three months later Harry returned to the UK for a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, but this time did not meet with his father. While the Prince had hoped for another catch up during his trip, he was unable to do so because of the monarch's 'full programme' that day. Harry's spokesman said at the time: 'In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty's full programme. 'The Duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.' Then in August 2024, Harry and his brother were seen together for the first time in two years after attending the funeral for their uncle Robert Fellowes, despite an ongoing rift between them. The last time the warring brothers were in the same room as one another was for the King's Coronation - more than a year ago. However, witnesses said they didn't see the warring brothers speak. Reports at the time claimed Harry made a discreet dash to Britain to attend the service for the 82-year-old who was their mother Diana's brother-in-law after his passing in July. The two brothers have barely spoken to each other since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK for the US and abandoned royal duties, with their feud having been exacerbated by the publication of Spare. Prince Harry had reportedly hoped to hear from members of his family after publishing his bombshell memoir Spare, according to an article. Harry is pictured with his brother in July 2021 The brother's rift was exacerbated by the publication of Harry's memoir Spare (pictured) in January last year that levelled accusations against his family The youngest brother also reached out to William after his wife, the Princess of Wales', shock cancer diagnosis last year. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were understood to have made contact with the Prince and Princess of Wales 'privately'. Scientists today hailed a breakthrough after discovering exactly how smoking can damage the lungs. Although rates in the UK are falling, the country's growing population means roughly 6.4million Brits are estimated to be hooked on the habit. Yet, while smoking accounts for around 500,000 hospital admissions every year in England, until now experts were unsure what makes users more susceptible to serious respiratory illness. Researchers from Australia now believe that multiple chemicals found in cigarette smoke can alter the function of key immune cells in the lungs. Known medically as MAIT cells, they help fight off bacterial and viral infections and repair damaged tissue. But cigarettes smoke can stop the cells from working properly, putting users at higher risk of debilitating lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also known as COPD, they said. Professor David Fairlie, an expert in molecular bioscience at the University of Queensland and study co-author, said: 'While we know that smoke from cigarettes, bushfires, cooking, vehicle exhausts and burning waste pose significant health risks, we still surprisingly know relatively little about how the specific components of smoke affect our immune system and how they impact multiple parts of the human body. 'We suspected that some of the more than 20,000 chemicals present in smoke that smokers inhale might influence the activity of MAIT cells in the lungs.' Although smoking rates in the UK are falling, the country's growing population means roughly 6.4million Brits are estimated to be hooked on the habit The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 2023 health report showed 12.7 per cent of Brits over the age of 15 smoke cigarettes daily, far higher than the US and New Zealand, the latter of which recently introduced a similar phased smoking ban Professor Jamie Rossjohn, an expert in molecular biology and immunity at Monash University and study author, added: 'We found that long-term exposure impaired MAIT cell protection in mice, weakening their ability to fight influenza and increasing susceptibility to COPD. 'This shows how, by altering the behaviour of these immune cells, chronic exposure to cigarette smoke can reduce their capacity to combat respiratory infections and increases the risk of chronic inflammation and lung disease.' The 7,000 chemicals in tobacco including tar and others that can narrow arteries and damage blood vessels are thought to be behind some of the damage smoking inflicts on the heart. Meanwhile, nicotine a highly addictive toxin found in tobacco is heavily linked with dangerous increases in blood pressure. Smoking also unleashes poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide, which replaces oxygen in the blood reducing the availability of oxygen for the heart. Your browser does not support iframes. In the study, researchers analysed the effects of cigarette smoke on MAIT cells from human blood and mice. They found that chemicals in the smoke, including benzaldehyde derivatives which they say are also used as e-cigarette flavorings, mimic the signals MAIT cells would normally respond to during an infection. Writing in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, the researchers said the chemicals interact with MAIT cells, suppressing how they work and undermining their protective role. Long-term exposure to cigarettes made the mice less able to fight off respiratory infections and more prone to developing COPD, they added. Professor Alexandra Corbett, an expert in microbiology and immunology at the University of Melbourne and study co-author also said: 'Our findings offer a new perspective on how cigarette smoke disrupts immune function. 'With over one billion smokers worldwide, these findings offer a critical step toward understanding and combating smoking-related diseases.' Around 1.4million people in the UK have COPD. The condition occurs when the lungs and airways become damaged and inflamed. It's usually associated with smoking or long-term exposure to certain types of harmful industrial chemicals or dust. Your browser does not support iframes. However, in some cases, patients can get COPD for no clear reason. The first symptoms are a persistent cough, excessive mucus production and shortness of breath, which can disrupt sleep. Over time, COPD increases the risk of life-threatening chest infections. There is no cure and patients will see their symptoms get progressively worse. Around half of COPD patients will not survive more than five years after their diagnosis. In the UK, 30,000 people die as a result of COPD every year. Your choice of career could indicate your risk of a variety of mental conditions, a fascinating study suggests. Scientists examining data from over 400,000 Brits and Americans found a link between genes that raise the risk of disorders like ADHD, autism, depression and schizophrenia and their job. They suggested these quirks could push some people down certain career paths. Those working in arts and design were the most likely to have a genetic predisposition to mental illness in general including anorexia, bipolar disorder disorder, autism, schizophrenia and depression. People working with computers were more likely to be genetically predisposed to autism, and were less vulnerable to depression and ADHD. Teachers were more likely to have signs of anorexia and ADHD, compared to the 21 other professional categories studied. People working in social work were more likely to have genetic traits of depression and farmers, fisher and lumberjacks were more likely to have ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was the condition most often linked to professions with increased odds among cleaners, chefs and waiters, factory workers, builders, police, those working in transport like bus drivers, and hairdressers. This chart, taken from the study, shows how genetic predispositions for mental health problems were more likely to appear among certain professions. A red to pink shade in a box indicates predispositions were more likely, while cooler blue shades meant it was less likely. Squares with asterisks were deemed by the authors to be statistically significant. However, the researchers said while the findings were statistically significant, the actual affect these genetic predispositions had on someone's choice of career was rather small. They estimated these genetic quirks accounted for only about 0.5 per cent of what might influence someone to go into a particular industry. Instead, factors like age, sex and education were far more dominant forces. The authors, who published their findings in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, set out to discover if genetic variations that increase the risk of disorders might present certain benefits in some careers. Lead author of the study Georgios Voloudakis, a medic specialising in psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told the website Medical Xpress: 'We were inspired to examine whether certain genetic variants that increase the risk of developing these disorders might also offer potential benefits in specific contextsa "trade-off" that could help explain why these common variants persist in populations.' The researchers also found that those with certain genetic predispositions were less likely to go into certain industries. Evidence for this was particularly strong for people with a genetic tilt towards ADHD who were less likely to end up being architects, working in tech, business, education, law or healthcare. Another finding of the study was that people with certain genetic predispositions were less likely to go into certain industries Dr Voloudakis said this wasn't necessarily a sign people had consciously avoided this career, but that people with a genetic predisposition for ADHD may have struggled in school. 'This implies that systemic biases in education can disproportionately affect individuals with a higher genetic predisposition for ADHD, even if they never receive an actual diagnosis,' he said. However, he added: 'These findings don't mean we can predict someone's job based on their genetics. Rather, they highlight subtle group-level trends. On average, people with a higher (predispositions) for certain traits might be slightly more likely to end up in certain jobs.' The researchers plan to continue their research and examine other characteristics that may be explained by these genetic traits. Having a genetic predisposition to a mental health condition like depression, ADHD or autism, which research has suggested may run in families, doesn't guarantee a person will experience it in their lives. While some conditions with a genetic link, like autism, are there from birth, others like severe depression are thought to only emerge through a combination of triggers such as life events. The study looked at 421,899 people in total who came from a pool of people taking part in long-running American and British studies. It started with the occasional sensation of feeling off-balance and stopped me in my tracks. I'd had a cold in the run-up to Christmas, which was nothing unusual. I put those initial woozy moments down to the lingering effects of the bug. It would pass, I told myself. But then the spells became more frequent and prolonged. Suddenly, without warning, the room would be spinning a bit like I'd stepped off a merry-go-round. I would need to sit to steady myself. At some moments I no longer felt safe leaving the house, because I worried I could fall and injure myself. I also stopped driving for fear of an attack happening while I was behind the wheel. Even when the dizzy spells weren't happening, I didn't feel right. It was as if my head was underwater and constantly swaying with the tide. And because I couldn't predict when the attacks would happen, I felt on edge at all times, worried that my world was about to start turning. I was almost certain, from early on, that the dizziness was due to an inner ear infection called labyrinthitis which affects the balance. The problem occurs when a virus gets into a part of the inner ear known as the labyrinth, a series of fluid-containing ducts that help keep the body balanced. Everything I had learned in medical school had taught me that there was very little I could do to speed up recovery. As with a cold, all you can really do is ride it out. But, as time passed, it really felt like the dizziness would never end. I spent the entire Christmas period in a state of constant panic and, as the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, I worried that it would go on forever. In my two decades as a GP, I've treated countless patients suffering with dizziness. For many, the problem passes after a few weeks. However, for others, the symptoms continue for months, sometimes even years. This is what doctors call chronic dizziness. Research suggests that more than two million Britons are living with this condition. Dr Ellie Cannon says her blighting dizzy spells left her feeling as if she had just stepped off a merry-go-round And for those people, I am in no doubt that life is hellish. I've heard heartbreaking stories from patients who have been left unable to work or enjoy even the most basic things, such as popping to the shops. Perhaps worst of all, the cause of a patient's chronic dizziness can remain a mystery for a long time, meaning a cure is out of reach. This is, in large part, due to the fact that there are a variety of conditions that can trigger dizziness. Some are more difficult to spot than others. Most chronic dizziness patients have to resign themselves to extended delays while they are passed from one specialist to the next until the cause of their problem is identified. At least, that's what I used to think. Because my own battle with dizziness has changed how I think about how the NHS approaches the problem. It's easy to tell people that they need to be patient about getting a diagnosis and treatment for their dizziness. But once you've felt your own world spinning out of control to the point where you can't safely drive your children to the shops, the issue is serious. It has made me wonder whether GPs spend enough time exploring the possible causes of dizziness before placing people on lengthy waiting lists to see specialists who may-or-may-not be the correct person for them to see. In other words: Are GPs fobbing off chronic dizziness patients? I posed this question last week in The Mail on Sunday and asked readers if they felt GPs had taken their symptoms seriously. We received hundreds of shocking letters and emails from people who firmly believe that their family doctor did not and would not treat their dizziness with the seriousness it deserves. One 70-year-old woman from Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire, explained that she had been battling dizziness for more than four years. The problem had progressively become worse to the point where she needed a walking stick to stop herself falling over. However, her GP had not carried out any tests to look for a cause or offered her any treatment. Another reader, a 75-year-old man from Glasgow, has suffered with dizziness for 25 years, and ended up in hospital last month after falling and breaking two ribs. Yet despite the severity of his symptoms, the only advice he had received from his GP was to stamp his feet before standing up. Why he needed to do this was never explained to him. A growing number of experts are speaking out on NHS failures to provide adequate care to patients with chronic dizziness. 'There is the misconception that dizziness is a mystery problem with unclear causes,' says Dr Barry Seemungal, a neurologist at Imperial College London. 'But that's not the case. It always has a cause, the doctors just have failed to find it. Too many dizziness patients go without a diagnosis. It's not good enough and it needs to change now.' Some people's spells get so bad they feel like they can't safely drive their children to school So what are the causes of dizziness and how can it be tackled? Doctors are taught in medical school that dizzy spells are usually due to problems in the ears, nerves or heart. One possible trigger is a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, where calcium crystals in the inner ear come loose, disrupting the body's balance. Meanwhile, low blood pressure, which may be from heart problems, or even due to an infection like Covid, can cause a form of dizziness that occurs when patients stand up after sitting or lying down. This is known as orthostatic hypotension. We are also taught that the blood sugar condition diabetes can trigger dizziness. However, research shows there are other factors. Deficiencies in vitamin B, magnesium and iron, excessive caffeine consumption, mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, and even hormonal changes during the menopause are linked to chronic dizziness. Another trigger we are still learning about is a condition called vestibular migraine. Unlike a normal migraine, it does not usually trigger headaches. However, it does appear to respond to migraine drugs. To find the cause, GPs need to eliminate all the other possible triggers. This involves various investigations including blood tests and completing an in-depth medical history. And here lies the problem. This takes time. Sometimes hours of one-on-one sessions with a patient. But GPs only have around ten minutes with each person they see every day. We all wish this wasn't the case, but it is. And so chronically dizzy patients are sometimes referred to hospital specialists. The problem with this is that, unless the GP has a good idea what is causing the issue, they may not send the patient to the right specialist. A neurologist or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist may seem like the natural first place to send a patient with dizziness. But not if the problem is caused by a vitamin deficiency, for instance. So, many people end up waiting months for an appointment only to be sent back to their GP, and the process starts all over again. But what else can GPs do? Well, experts I've spoken to believe there are simple changes we could make. The first is that GPs should stop dishing out anti-dizziness tablets which is what often happens. These drugs such as prochlorperazine, better known as Compazine combat the nausea and spinning patients experience. However, experts say there can be dangerous consequences. To find the cause of a patient's dizziness, GPs need to eliminate all the other possible triggers through various investigations - such as blood tests and analysing medical histories 'These drugs stop patients feeling so sick and dizzy, but they sometimes worsen the sense of balance,' says Professor Petroc Sumner, a dizziness expert at Cardiff University. 'This can even increase the risk of dangerous falls.' Experts also warn that a worrying number of patients are being misdiagnosed with a condition called Meniere's disease. It's an inner ear disorder, which doctors do not fully understand, have no reliable test for and cannot cure. Yet, according to neurologist Dr Seemungal, it is 'grossly overdiagnosed' on the NHS. The danger of this is that, once Meniere's is diagnosed, investigations for other possible causes stop meaning patients never get the right treatment. In contrast, experts say that GPs should be more vigilant for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) the inner ear problem caused by loose calcium crystals in the fluid-filled spaces. 'It's one of the more common causes of chronic dizziness and it's easy to diagnose,' says Toby Ellmers, a brain researcher at Imperial College London. 'If dizziness comes on when a person turns over in bed, then it's likely to be BPPV but we sometimes hear from patients who were never asked that question.' I would add here, I always ask this because BPPV is a problem that can be fixed in less than five minutes. This is done using a simple treatment called the Epley Manoeuvre, which involves contorting the head through a series of poses. Another important underlying issue that experts believe many GPs miss is anxiety. 'It might not be what triggers the dizziness in the first place, but anxiety often makes it worse,' says Toby Elmmers. 'Patients will often develop a fear of falling, which stops them from leaving the house. 'Then, when they don't get the right care from GPs, they worry they will never be cured, and get even more anxious. 'All this anxiety can compound the dizziness and stops patients from getting better.' This is an issue I know all too well from my own bouts of dizziness. I'm happy to say they have eventually faded, but not before some trying moments. I believe my fears that the dizziness could go on indefinitely were making the problem worse. I know from my patients living with chronic pain that catastrophising over debilitating symptoms can make them last longer. The same is true for dizziness. It was only after I managed to convince myself that the symptoms were temporary that they started to ease. Trying to get back to normal activities, like going to work and doing household chores also helped. This approach won't work for everyone, but for some, it could make a real difference. Finally, my main piece of advice for anyone suffering with dizzy spells: be specific and be forceful. If the dizziness comes on during a certain action such as standing up or turning over in bed mention this. Does it get worse at certain times of the day or after eating certain foods? Does it get more severe when stressed? These are all questions you need to have answers to before you walk into the GP surgery. Scanning technology with artificial intelligence (AI) that can catch hard-to-spot fractures is set to be rolled out on the NHS. The health services spending watchdog has given the green light to four AI programs designed to reduce the number of bone breaks that go undiagnosed in A&E. Missed fractures are one of the most common errors in emergency departments, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), amid chronic shortages of radiologists and radiographers. The NHS estimates more than 1 million a year is spent on compensation for patients who have had their fracture missed. The four technologies TechCare Alert, Rayvolve, BoneView and RBfracture are hoped to increase the accuracy of detecting breaks by about 15 per cent. Doctors will still assess scans for signs of fractures, but in the participating hospitals the AI will also look for smaller breaks. Experts believe that, by catching fractures early, the programs could stop patients from further injuries while accelerating their recovery time. The health services spending watchdog has given the green light to four AI programs designed to reduce the number of bone breaks that go undiagnosed in A&E. Pictured: File photo Missed fractures are one of the most common errors in emergency departments. Pictured: File photo Around 200,000 people every year are admitted to hospital with a fracture. The most common are hip, ankle and hand fractures. Those with the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis are also more likely to suffer breaks. The AI scanning technology is developed by uploading thousands of bone-scan images until the software learns to recognise signs of fractures. Similar programs are being used to catch early signs of cancer. Mark Chapman, NICEs director of health technology, said: These AI technologies are safe to use and could spot fractures which humans might miss. Using AI technology to help highly skilled professionals in urgent-care centres to identify which of their patients has a fracture could potentially speed up diagnosis and reduce follow-up appointments needed because of a fracture missed during an initial assessment. Record numbers of patients are paying for private cancer treatment and heart surgery rather than risking waiting for NHS care. Chemotherapy at private hospitals jumped by almost a fifth in 12 months, the biggest surge in any procedure. MRI scans, used to diagnose serious health conditions, leapt by nearly a third while blood tests are up 41 per cent, according to the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). Vital heart treatments, such as valve repairs and replacements, are also on the rise with doctors warning patients are caught up in the worst heart care crisis in living memory. The Daily Mail can reveal thousands felt they had no choice but to pay for care just weeks after Prime Minister announced how the private sector will be instrumental in reforming NHS elective care. Appointments delivered by the private sector are expected to increase by at least a fifth to more than 6 million each year. But the expansion is expected to take years with critics questioning how the extra appointments will be delivered given the countrys shortage of healthcare staff. Experts said that while many are using private insurance to expedite treatment, others are relying on savings to fund potentially lifesaving care. A doctor operating on a patient (stock image). Appointments delivered by the private sector are expected to increase by at least a fifth to more than 6 million each year A nurse working at a computer (stock image). Record numbers of patients are paying for private cancer treatment and heart surgery rather than risking waiting for NHS care Leading oncologist and chair of Radiotherapy UK, Professor Pat Price, said patients were being pushed to go private through desperation. The chairman of Radiotherapy UK said: Dangerous delays to cancer care have become the norm, so cancer patients are doing whatever they can to get treatment on time. She said: While the government tells us they plan to fix the NHS, we desperately need to see action because cancer patients are falling through the cracks. We simply cannot accept a two-tiered system where if you cant pay you face delays. Hospitals are supposed to treat 85 per cent of patients within 62 days of receiving an urgent referral. But NHS England figures show more than four out of five were failing to meet the threshold with several thousand waiting too long to start treatment each month, following a referral. A recent poll found two in three patients undergoing cancer treatment (66 per cent) admitted they were worried NHS pressures would affect their chances of survival. These fears have seen privately funded chemotherapy increase from 15,030 to 17,630 sessions in the second quarter of 2023 and 2024 respectively, according to the latest data available. Richard Wells (pictured), director of PHIN, said overall admissions to private healthcare were 21 per cent above the same period in 2021 A private hospital room (stock image). The Daily Mail can reveal thousands felt they had no choice but to pay for care just weeks after Prime Minister announced how the private sector will be instrumental in reforming NHS elective care Kate Seymour, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: We know some people will be feeling as if they have no choice but to go private. This is a reminder of the sad reality that cancer care isnt fair across the UK, with many people being hit harder by their cancer diagnosis because of who they are and where they live. She added: The Prime Minister committed to meeting the target for NHS waiting lists for routine operations and appointments in England and its critical we see the same commitment and approach made to cancer waiting lists. People living with cancer deserve better. Record numbers of heart patients have also opted for private care rather than risk waiting in excess of a year for some treatments. Thousands have undergone procedures including valve repairs, cardiac ablation and had pacemakers fitted privately, often costing upwards of 10-20,000. Private hospitals reported 232,000 admissions in the three months to July, the highest ever for that period with numbers expected to rise further in winter (file image) My cardiac surgery was cancelled FIVE times James Wilkinson As a self-employed plumbing and heating engineer, James Wilkinson relied on staying healthy for work. But in 2019, he was diagnosed with the heart infection, endocarditis, which damaged his heart leaving him in urgent need of a heart valve repair. After five NHS cancellations, Mr Wilkinson decided to have the operation done privately. He said: Im a fit and active person and do a lot of running, but I found myself struggling to walk up the stairs. Emotionally, I was a wreck after it was cancelled the first time. After it was cancelled for the fifth time, I asked the surgeon how long it would take if I went private. I was booked in ten days later. Mr Wilkinson, 50, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, said he was fortunate to have private health insurance through his wifes work. He said he understood the huge strain the NHS was under during the pandemic but added: Its utterly shocking its still happening four years on. Advertisement The British Heart Foundation said NHS delays were increasing the risk of patients becoming disabled from heart failure or dying prematurely, with more than 420,000 waiting too long for time-critical treatment. Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the BHF said: Heart patients and their families know this, and that is why ongoing uncertainty and severe delays to their vital care are so hard to bear. Understandably, some people decide they have no other choice than to use private healthcare. But for so many heart disease patients, this is not an option, even though they may have as much or more need for timely heart treatment to save or improve their life. She added: We risk creating a two-tier health system and exacerbating health inequalities driven by cardiovascular disease unless we see a Heart Disease Action Plan to make cardiac care fair, resilient, and fit for the future. The crisis in public healthcare has seen businesses increasingly offering healthcare insurance as a perk of employment. Private hospitals reported 232,000 admissions in the three months to July, the highest ever for that period with numbers expected to rise further in winter. Numbers increased in all age groups up to and including 60-69-year-olds, although the biggest rise was among 10-19-year-olds, at 16 per cent. About seven in ten were paid for by private medical insurance but the number of self-payers where people fund treatment themselves remains above pre-Covid levels. Self-funded cases, where patients pay for expensive treatments themselves, increased by 16 per cent while those funded through insurance are up 13 per cent. Richard Wells, director of PHIN, said overall admissions were 21 per cent above the same period in 2021. He said: The long NHS waiting lists, and especially the backlog that built up through the pandemic period, have certainly had an impact on the number of people opting to have their treatment in the private sector. Since the end of 2024, reported private hospital admissions have remained higher than they were before the pandemic and our data has repeatedly shown record numbers of admissions. An NHS hospital in Warrington. Record numbers of patients are paying for private cancer treatment and heart surgery rather than risking waiting for NHS care A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: The NHS is broken, forcing many patients to go private for faster healthcare, risking a two-tier system. As part of the governments Plan for Change, we have set an ambitious target to cut waiting times from 18 months today to a maximum of 18 weeks. We are also shifting the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention through our 10 Year Health Plan, which will build an NHS fit for the future. They are the popular devices that let you track your heart rate, sleep and exercise. But smartwatches could be making their wearers feel more stressed about their health, according to a survey of more than 2,000 users. Non-stop monitoring and notifications from these devices may reduce quality of life by making people more anxious, a report from market research company Mintel has found. And it could be affecting the four million adults thought to own a smartwatch in the UK, they warned. Mintel is now urging leading brands such as Apple and Garmin to encourage digital detoxes or offer an option which tracks health weekly, rather than by the minute. Or, the watches could alert the wearer when there is a potentially serious issue, they said. While these devices offer valuable health insights, the continuous flow of data can overwhelm users, leading to stress and anxiety, Joe Birch, a senior technology and leisure analyst at Mintel, told The Sunday Telegraph. Cecilia Mascolo, a professor of mobile systems at the University of Cambridge who owns a smartwatch said the devices provide important information for the NHS and medical researchers. Smartwatches could be making their wearers feel more stressed about their health, according to a survey (file image) Mintel is now urging leading brands such as Apple and Garmin to encourage digital detoxes or offer an option which tracks health weekly (file image) However, it could be time for further studies into the effects of smartwatch notifications, she added. I feel strongly that these are useful technologies, she said. We havent gotten it right, possibly, yet but we will get there. Last month researchers from the University of Bristol unveiled an app which, when linked to a smartwatch, could intervene when movements indicating cigarette use are detected. The team created software that uses motion sensors on a smartwatch to identify the typical hand movements of smoking. Once detected, the app delivers a vibration alert with a text message offering support about stopping smoking onto the smartwatch screen. Previous studies have also found that smartwatches can warn users if they are at risk of developing heart failure or if they have an irregular heartbeat. What I Ate In One Year Stanley Tucci Fig Tree 20, 368pp The American actor Stanley Tucci has appeared in some excellent films (Big Night, Julie & Julia, The Devil Wears Prada) and some pretty awful ones (Captain America, Space Chimps, Burlesque). Slightly built, bald, bespectacled and in his 60s, Tucci is not an obvious heartthrob, yet he has a large and devoted following of fans who think hes far sexier than George Clooney or Brad Pitt. During lockdown, the videos he posted of himself making cocktails caused so much excitement that he was dubbed the internets favourite boyfriend. Stanley Tucci with his second wife Felicity Blunt What makes him so appealing? Perhaps its because Tucci absolutely adores his parents, suffered the heartbreaking loss of his wife from cancer, has five children he dotes on and seems to approach all of lifes vicissitudes with a mixture of good cheer and ironic detachment. Most alluringly of all, he is a terrific cook and a true gourmand, who has no sooner finished one meal than hes thinking eagerly about the next one. His 2021 memoir, Taste, told of his happy second marriage to literary agent Felicity Blunt (sister of actress Emily Blunt), his relocation to London and his brutal battle with cancer after a tumour was discovered at the base of his tongue. In his latest book he chronicles his acting work, his travels, his family life and, above all, everything that he cooked and ate in a year. Tuccis gargantuan appetite is only slightly tempered by the lingering effects of his cancer treatment, which mean he has trouble chewing meat and cant drink very strong red wines. He starts the year in Rome working on the film Conclave, and lamenting how unexpectedly dire Italian location catering is, with its heavy-handed sauces, overcooked pastas, stringy meats. Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep in the Devil Wears Prada Fortunately, his evening meals in Romes best restaurants make up for it. Not that he eats only in swanky eateries. He is especially thrilled when the owners of an unpromising-looking bar near his hotel persuade him to try their signature sandwich of ox tongue and home-made pickles. Ive never been so glad to be bullied into eating something, he exults. In London with his wife and two youngest children, Tucci spends a great deal of time cooking, though to his chagrin the childrens meal of choice is pasta with the blandest of sauces painful for a man whose idea of a speedy midweek dinner is steamed mussels in white wine with shallots and garlic, followed by spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce. Making his own tomato sauce, he declares, is grounding. Over a year he travels to America, Italy, France, Moldova and Ireland, seeking out good food wherever he goes. When hes at home he and his wife host dinners for a constant stream of celebrity friends: Colin Firth (ribs and salad), Harry Styles (leek and zucchini risotto followed by cod) and Michael McIntyre (roast chicken and roast potatoes). What I Ate In One Year is available now from the Mail Bookshop Other chums such as Matt Damon, Woody Harrelson, David Tennant, Ryan Reynolds and Holly Willoughby also make an appearance. Even King Charles is a fan. When the Italian ambassador is planning a dinner for him, HM agrees to come, but only if Stanley Tucci is invited. There is a bit too much name-dropping, and Tucci can come across as rather too pleased with himself at times, but its hard not to warm to him, his hearty appetite and his new life in Britain. Beneath the urbane exterior he worries constantly about his elderly parents, mourns the loss of his first wife, Kate, and frets about the 21-year age gap between him and Felicity, fearing that I am too far along in years to ever grow old with the lanky, beautiful, brilliant woman I love. A reason he loves good food so much, he writes, is that in the midst of his busy life it offers him perfect, uncomplicated happiness: a beautiful, varied thing waiting to bring satiety and solace and offer hope, while death and arithmetic haunt me. Bright Side Sumit Paul-Choudhury Canongate 20, 288pp There is an old Russian parable about two frogs that are dropped into milk churns. The first, realising it cant jump or climb to safety, abandons all hope and soon drowns. But the second, refusing to give in, thrashes until the milk in its churn is turned to butter, at which point it leaps out. Always look on the bright side of life The story is one of many in Sumit Paul-Choudhurys all-embracing book about optimism and how effective it can be. Helen Keller, a deaf, blind and dumb girl, had the word water traced on to one hand while her teacher let water run onto Kellers other hand: A little word from the fingers of another fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness, and my heart leaped to the rapture of living. Ernest Shackleton defied incredible odds to rescue himself and his companions from the Antarctic after their ship sank. In choosing those companions, he had said, the quality I look for most is optimism: especially optimism in the face of reverses and apparent defeat. Optimism is true moral courage. Paul-Choudhury says he became an optimist the night his wife died from cancer it seemed like the only stance worth taking. He couldnt see how the alternatives pessimism or the fence-sitting option of realism would propel you through life At least expecting more out of life primed you to get more out of life. The Bright Side is available now from the Mail Bookshop There are rationalisations for looking on the bright side. One is the simple fact that you might as well have a go: You miss every shot you dont take. It has also been suggested that optimism is a way of deluding ourselves about our abilities and prospects in order to better fool others. If you genuinely believe youre a great catch, youre likely to present yourself more convincingly to a potential partner. The counter argument is that pessimists can never be disappointed. This seems to be the approach taken by lawyers, a rare case of a profession where pessimists do better than optimists. Lawyers downbeat nature shows in the fact that theyre more than three times as likely as the general population to suffer from depression. But as Paul-Choudhury says, Nobody wants a lawyer whose attitude towards the small print is Ah, Im sure itll be fine. The book argues that optimism can, indeed should, be a practical force for good not just in our individual lives but in tackling the problems faced by mankind as a whole. Climate change, for instance: There are innumerable worlds we can visualise Our collective task is to find the best of these possible worlds, using our skill, luck and judgment That means we need to stop trying to understand optimism, and start getting on with it. This book puts some interesting twists on existing theories. An optimist says the glass is half full, a pessimist says its half empty. And while theyre arguing, a realist drinks it. The Lives And Deaths Of The Princesses Of Hesse Frances Welch Short Books 25, 288pp As well as being Britains monarch, Empress of India and the ruler of a vast empire over which the sun never set, Queen Victoria was also a meddlesome matriarch who spent a great deal of time trying to arrange suitable matches for her numerous grandchildren. This was especially true when it came to Victoria, Ella, Irene and Alix, daughters of the Queens third child, Alice, and her husband Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse. The Queen kept a beady eye on what they were doing and received dutiful letters from the princesses, thanking dearest Grandmama for saddles, hats, brooches and shortbread. Queen Victoria with her 'darling' granddaughters Although she doted on the girls, Victoria could be harsh and bossy. She was annoyed when Alice breastfed her children, something the Queen regarded as animalistic; in retaliation, Victoria pointedly named one of her cows Princess Alice. Irene was dismissed as plain, Ella obstinate and peevish, while the garrulous Victoria was a gasbag. In 1878 Alice died from diphtheria and the four girls were sent to stay with their grandmother. Instructing them to think of me as your mama, Victoria decided she would take over their upbringing. But when it came to finding suitable husbands among the crowned heads of Europe, the worlds most powerful woman had little success in bending her granddaughters to her will. Skilfuly told by Frances Welch, this is the tragic tale of four sisters whose gilded lives were shattered by their choice of husbands and world events. In 1883 the eldest of the sisters, Victoria, became engaged to Prince Louis Battenberg, an officer in the Royal Navy. The Queen, although miffed at not having been consulted, gave her approval. Besotted, Louis declared, I am nearly off my chump altogether with feeling so jolly. At around the same time Ella, the most beautiful of the Hesse princesses, fell in love with Grand Duke Serge, brother of the Russian emperor Alexander III. Queen Victoria, who thought all Russians were savages, was distraught. Even worse was to come. At Ellas wedding, 12-year-old Alix struck up a friendship with Serges nephew, the teenage Nicholas, heir to the Russian throne. Five years later, in 1894, she accepted his proposal. And Irenes choice of husband wasnt much better: the Queen thought Prince Henry of Prussia was feckless, although not as bad as his brother, the future Kaiser Wilhelm. Princess 'Ella' of Hesse in her nuns habit Victoria fumed: I feel very deeply that my opinion and my advice are never listened to. Yet her attachment to her darling children remained strong. Victoria didnt live to see her gloomy prophecies about Ella and Alixs lives in Russia come true. In 1905 Ellas husband was killed in a terrorist bomb so violent that his heart was found on a nearby roof. Showing extraordinary fortitude, Ella forgave his killer. She founded a convent and became a nun. She and Alix, by now the Tsarina, fell out over the mad monk Rasputin. Ella thought he was a charlatan, while Alix who had become increasingly unpopular with her subjects was convinced he could cure her haemophiliac son. By early 1917, Russia was in such turmoil that Nicholas and Alix talked of leaving for England. But when all five of the royal children came down with measles, Alix was so distracted that she failed to grasp how precarious their position was, and the travel plan never came to fruition. In March, the Tsar was forced to abdicate and he and his family were put under house arrest. Alixs sister Victoria frantically lobbied for Britain to pressurise the Bolshevik government to allow Alix and the children to come to England. The Foreign Secretary, Arthur Balfour, refused: he didnt trust the Bolsheviks to do a deal, he told her. The former Tsar and Tsarina and their children ended up in a house in Ekaterinburg, in the Urals. Ella had been forced out of her convent and was also under arrest nearby. For Easter 1918, Ella managed to send Alix and her family a parcel of eggs, coffee and chocolate, perhaps hopeful of a reconciliation with her sister. Alix never wrote to thank her. In July 1918, Nicholas, Alix, their five children and four servants were led down to the cellar of their house and told to line up so they could be photographed. Eleven gunmen, most of them drunk, then opened fire. It was a scene of total confusion: the Tsarina and her daughters had jewels sown into their corsets and bullets ricocheted wildly off the precious stones. Reports said that most of the men had aimed at Alix first. Disposing of the bodies took two days. First they were lowered into a mine, which wasnt deep enough. Then the killers tried to destroy the bodies with grenades and acid. Finally, most of the bodies were dumped under some railway sleepers, where they remained for 50 years. The Lives and Deaths of the Princesses of Hesse is avaliable now from the Mail Bookshop A day after the murders, Ella was also killed. Her great-nephew Prince Philip bluntly described it: Ella was taken and thrown down a mineshaft in Siberia and they lobbed some hand grenades after her. In 1993, Philips DNA was used to identify the bodies of Tsarina Alix and her children. It would be months before Victoria and Irene found out about their sisters gruesome deaths. On hearing about Alix, Victoria wrote to the King: My poor Alicky... one must be grateful her suffering is over. Even as the surviving princesses of Hesse mourned Alix and Ella, the First World War had caused a breach between them, because their sons had fought on different sides. When Germany became a republic, Irene and Prince Henry were stripped of their titles and they rarely visited Britain again. Victoria, who was godmother to Prince (now King) Charles, died in 1950; Irene died in Germany three years later. Queen Elizabeth didnt send a representative to her funeral. Welch does a wonderful job of marshalling the different strands of this story, drawing on the sisters chatty, gossipy correspondence, some of which has never been published. It grips you until the very last page. Brits have revealed why they have traded in their grey day-to-day life in Britain for sunny Australia, as they vow to never return home. Britons have been flocking Down Under in search of a better life, with nearly 50,000 arriving to the country on working holiday visas in 2024 alone. Last year also saw a record-high of people applying to move to the sunny white beaches of Oceania, with 200,000 applicants overall. The increase of 'Poms' arriving in Australia has only been bolstered by visa rules bringing up the cut-off age of applicants from 30 to 35. And while many would be put off by the higher cost of living, others who are drawn to the improved work-life balance and higher salaries are willing to make the 24-hour flight across the other side of the world. James Smith, 35, first took the plunge to move to Australia after taking an 'introspective' look at his live as a personal trainer in Bracknell in 2016 - and after a decade in the sun he has never looked back. The former door-to-door salesman has only gone from strength-to-strength since restarting his life Down Under and is now at the helm of several firms including Business Mentorship. Explaining the difference between British life and that on the sandy beaches in Oceania, he told MailOnline: 'You don't realise your life is a five out of 10 until maybe you go somewhere a bit better. 'Everything in my career started taking off when I hit Australia, and I think it was from a few things - I think its because my lifestyle here.' James Smith, 35, first took the plunge to move to Australia after taking an 'introspective' look at his live as a personal trainer in Bracknell in 2016 Amber Myrlea, 23, from Isle of Man made the journey down under after the loss of her brother adding she was worried she would 'get stuck in that cycle of island life' Darren (pictured with his wife Debbie and daughters Rebecca and Sophie) decided to take the plunge and move Down Under 26 years ago The personal trainer, who recently became a proud father for the first time, divulged he initially made the decision to move after discovering his profession was taken 'more seriously' in Australia. 'If I really wanted to do well and succeed in [personal training], I had to go somewhere where they at least care about it a bit more,' he told MailOnline. But at the spritely age of 26 - in true British fashion - the now successful businessman was looking for people to discourage him from flying south of the equator. I remember I turned to my dad and I said I might go to Australia for a bit and the said to me I've always imagined you living somewhere like that and that really shocked me, he said. Not one person said to me, now you should stay in the UK - and this was from people older wise and more experienced than me. Explaining how is lifestyle dramatically improve once setting sail for the Sydney, he revealed it is commonplace to wake up early, head to a local shop for a coffee and enjoy the sunshine - even on a Sunday morning. 'When first arrived here, my housemates were like, "Okay, tomorrow morning. It's one of our birthdays. We're all going to go down the beach at 6 am" 'We got up we grab a towel, we brush our teeth, we went to the beach, bought coffees, and watched the sunrise, and swam in the sea, even in the dead of winter.' James told MailOnline: 'You don't realise your life is a five out of 10 until maybe you go somewhere a bit better. Since arriving in Australia nearly a decade ago James has established his own family and is at the helm of several businesses 'Come out to Australia, hit, pause on life. The best party is here. We're right in the middle of summer,' he said Your browser does not support iframes. He added: 'UK summers, we have the sun coming up at 4am and then it goes down at 10pm, then we have the depression in the winter going and coming to work in the dark. 'But in Australia it doesn't get that bright in the summer, and it doesn't get that dark in the winter. 'Even when Brits come here, they dont realise how little and infrequent we have blue skies. But life in Aus doesn't come cheap, with the average person paying A$2,715 (1,344) per month on rent compared to 1223 in the UK. Groceries are also more expensive, with researchers at Edith Cowan University pricing a trolley of supermarket goods at 160 ($324) compared to 140 in the UK. However, salaries are higher in the 'Lucky Country', averaging $100,000 (49,480) compared to 37,430 in Britain. Mr Smith said although housing prices in Australia were 'astronomical', day-to-day life Down Under was 'significantly' cheaper than in the UK. The first apartment I had in Bondi was maybe a 10 min walk from the beach, and it was a hundred 50 a week,' he said. He is adamant he made the right decision for his family, with describing the Aussie lifestyle as 'better' and divulging there were more opportunities in the country for his daughters (Pictured left to eight: Rebecca, her husband Ryan, Darren, his wife Debbie and their youngest child Sophie) Over the last few years, the 57-year-old has also taken advantage of the abundance of opportunities in Australia exponentially growing his electrical engineering business - something he believes would't have been possible in the UK (pictured with friends and family) 'Whereas when I lived in London during the pandemic it was 3,000 a month to have a flat in Fulham, and it was a s***hole. 'There was people always fighting outside my house, and there was no aircon, so I always had to have the window open and the buses would piss and wake me up.' And even though most of his clientele are UK-based, as well as more opportunities on this side of the globe, the father-of-one would never return back to British soil. 'Every time I go back it just becomes a little bit less appealing,' he said: 'in the UK, I wake up and there's nothing else to do in the dark for four hours, I'm starting my day with by scrolling on social media.' 'Would rather live in peace right now. As we speak, I've got my dog on the lead and I'm looking at the ocean, my house is just behind me,' he said. 'I'll earn less money and have less opportunity. It means that all my time between work is much happier If I lived in London I'd probably have a Lambo, but I'd be miserable.' Despite missing his family a great deal, Mr Smith was fortunate enough to get his residency in Australia - but if he was unable to he would move anywhere but the UK. 'If I couldn't leave live here I would look to America, and if I couldn't live in America I'd probably go to Dubai at the moment 'I'm telling my friends like, go somewhere where they care more about your ambition,' he added: When you come out here it gives you a brand new opportunity to reinvent yourself. Amber found it incredibly difficult to find work when she first came to Australia and even considered moving back home Your browser does not support iframes. Encouraging other 'Poms' to take advantage of the myriad opportunities Australia has to offer, he said: 'Young people, especially if they're not sure what to do with their lives -come out here. 'You could get a job in a coffee shop and have the best 3 months of your life, rather than being so focused on career. 'Social media is making people feel like if they've not made a million dollars at 25 that they're old. 'Come out to Australia, hit, pause on life. The best party is here. We're right in the middle of summer.' Darren Bowles, 57, took the plunge and moved to Australia for a better quality of life and more opportunities for his children 26 years ago. And after over two-decades in sunny paradise, the father-of-two gave a vehement 'no' when asked if he would ever return to Britain, adding: 'I couldnt stand the cold weather and dark nights. 'When you're my age my knees and my elbows will start to hurt in the cold weather again. I couldn't do it.' Darren was working in Manchester as a senior electrical engineer for Kellogg's, when he and his wife decided to relocate their then family-of-three Down Under. But after meeting her 'adopted grandma' Kay Setches - previous minister for Victoria - through a Work Away position, she quickly learned the ropes of the country Crediting Kay as well as other Aussies for their kindness, the 23-year-old now hopes to stay Down Under permanently His in-laws had already moved to Australia but after realising how much his then two-year-old daughter Rebecca loved the country, he knew it was the right way to go. He told MailOnline: 'What tipped it for me is when we came over on holiday. We brought Rebecca here on holiday, when she was aged 2 and she just loved it, going to the beach paddling in the sea, we could do more outdoors.' Three months after they moved to the other side of the globe, he and his wife welcomed their youngest daughter Sophie. Despite the overall higher living costs, Darren said he knew the decision would be better for his daughters in 'the long term'. 'There are more opportunities and a better lifestyle,' he said: 'I think Australia's has some great education and universities. 'My youngest daughter's still living with us at home, but my eldest daughter's living, my eldest daughter's living in Sydney, which is a fabulous city.' 'Even when it's not in the summertime. It's nice and warm. At 6 o'clock in the morning quite often my youngest daughter will go to the beach for a walk or a swim.' He added: 'You just feel as though that you're not stuck in the house watching TV. You're going out and enjoying your life.' Darren said there was a 'significant difference' between British and Aussie life, divulging there was 'more of a positive feeling' on the other side of the Equator. Kody Egan moved to Australia in August with her partner, Joseph Horrocks. They previously lived in Atherton, Greater Manchester Over the last few years, the 57-year-old has also taken advantage of the abundance of opportunities in Australia. His mining electrical engineering business - the GTE group - has grown from a workforce of three to 104 in only eight years, a feat he believes would not have been possible in the UK. 'You push yourself to actually go and do more,' he said: 'I would say I've done pretty well, and that Im very successful. I wouldn't have achieved this success in England.' Although he missed family, friends and attending Manchester United matches, Darren said there was more of a 'sense of community', noting that Aussies were more willing to help. 'There used to be that [sense of community] in the UK and certainly in the seventies when I was growing up,' he said. 'I think England's changed a lot, because a lot of lots of you know, more people move around a lot more these days.' Darren revealed that 'virtually every person' he knows, who has visited the sunny country has wanted to move 'The only difficult thing is leaving family and friends at home, it was very very difficult. It took a bit of a toll on myself,' he quipped. Despite the difficulties, he urged other Brits to take the plunge, advising sun-seeking hopefuls to make sure they have 'the right skills' when making the move. Despite only planning to stay in Australia for a short time, the couple now want to make a new life there Despite loving the Aussie lifestyle, Ms Egan - who runs YouTube account Eat Venture Vlogs - warned that the cost of housing was an issue 'I think when people come over here, they've just got to give everything a go. They've got to give it the best shot,' he added. 'Come here with an idea of going to give you the best shot for two years and see how you get on - and meet people and talk to people.' 23-year-old Amber Myrlea also traded in her everyday life on the Isle of Man for work away job on Phillip Island off the coast of Melbourne after the loss of her brother. 'Being stuck on an island for 23 years of my life, there's not a lot of opportunities for young people and it kind of sucks the life out of you,' she said. 'You only have your connections and that's it. There's no fun and nowhere to go. 'I was worried I was going to get stuck in that cycle of island life. But being here I just feel so proud for coming out of my comfort zone.' After saving 5,000 Australian dollars, she hoped to quickly find a job - but wish dwindled as it became increasingly to find work - even at pubs, restaurants and on farms. In the end, she took up a Work Away position -where you work in exchange for you accommodation - on Phillip Island in October 2023. In a twist of fate she became friends with an elderly lady named Kay Setches, who happened to be the ex-minister of Victoria. Now a healthcare assistant Down Under, Amber confessed she went through a myriad of emotions whilst homesick and credits Kay, who she dubs her 'adopted grandma', for giving her the courage to stay. The 23-year-old has grown to love the country so much that she planning on applying for permanent residency and is even trying to convince her friends to move Down Under. 'I'm trying to convince my friends and family to come over here. It's the best decision I've ever made,' she said. YouTuber Ms Egan loves the outdoor lifestyle that's on offer Down Under 'I understand why people would be skeptical - I had to quit my job, sell my car - and I didn't know what I was coming to. I just had hope and faith it would work out.' Echoing Darren on how 'welcoming Australians' are, Amber said: 'They're very helpful, whenever you've got an issue. They're generous people.' She added:' if I hadn't met Kim, the lady I moved in with, maybe I would have had to return home to the UK. 'But I needed somewhere to stay and she needed someone to look after her. 'She's been very influential to me. She's an ex-member of parliament and there's so much about Australia she has to teach me. 'She has become an adopted member of my family - my adopted grandma.' Among those taking advantage of the growing relocation opportunities in Australia is content creator Kody Egan, who moved to Australia in August with her partner, Joseph Horrocks. The couple, who are both 27 and previously lived in Atherton, Greater Manchester, now live in Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Despite only planning to stay in Australia for a short time, they now want to make a new life there. 'We wanted a new challenge and to try something new after coming for a month of travelling the year before,' Ms Egan told MailOnline. 'We saved up and made the plunge - mostly to experience more of an outdoor lifestyle including the beach, surfing, hiking and all the amazing nature. 'It's a big change and we'd recommend doing what we did and come for a holiday first. We had no intention of living here at first, but wanted to after experiencing the people and the lifestyle! We're so grateful for the Aussies, they're great.' Despite loving the Aussie lifestyle, Ms Egan - who runs YouTube account Eat Venture Vlogs - warned that the cost of housing was an issue. 'Like in the UK there's a housing crisis here, so rentals are really expensive - as are living costs in general. So it's important to factor that in when budgeting for a move,' she explained. 'Coming over to live and work is very different from the holiday but we really are enjoying the experience. We're big nature lovers so seeing all the new species of plants, birds etc has been incredible. 'We started our YouTube vlog so our family and friends could see what we got up too daily as some of them really missed us when we left, but we've since reached a much bigger audience and the vlog is growing every day.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Emily Brady, a 25-year-old nurse, headed Down Under last December with her 29-year-old partner Harry Bridges, a motor mechanic. They quickly found well-paying jobs in Kalgoorlie, a mining city 370 miles east of Perth in Western Australia. Ms Brady, who previously worked on a paediatric oncology ward in Wales, now earns up to three times more than she did in the UK. 'While I loved the job, it was very underfunded, very short staffed and you could work as many hours as you wanted but you weren't really given any recognition for that,' she told The Times. 'And I felt like it was just always an uphill battle. It was really exhausting. So I wanted to try nursing over in Australia where it was meant to be one of the best places in the world for nursing.' The nurse said she particularly valued the better working conditions in Australia, adding that she and her partner now plan to stay and have children in the country. Poe allays fears of job loss of motorcycle riders Sen. Grace Poe said the absence of a law should not result in the loss of jobs of over 60,000 motorcycle riders in the country. Poe said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has the authority to allow the motorcycle riders to continue their operations, which has become an essential transportation means for millions of Filipinos. "Nasa LTFRB naman talaga ang deadline kung itutuloy nila ito o hindi. Pwede naman silang magkaroon ng extension pending the passage of the bill. Sila naman yung pumapayag dyan," she said. "Kung kailangan nila ng Senate resolution mula sa amin para meron silang legal cover, pwede naman naming gawin 'yan. Iyong resolution ay pinipirmahan ng mga senador para sabihin na suportado namin ang extension habang ang panukalang batas ay aming sinusuri," she added. Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, previously headed the Committee on Public Services that started the hearings on the motorcycle-for-hire bills few years ago. She stressed the importance of motorcycle taxis as a safe and viable means of transportation, which has provided employment to thousands of riders. "Sa mga kababayan, huwag po kayong mag-alala sapagkat napaka-importante nitong serbisyo na ito ng mga motorcycles for hire, at hindi ito dapat itigil ng LTFRB dahil lang hindi pa naipapasa ang batas," Poe said. The senator said the pilot study that launched test runs for regulated motorcycle taxi and courier operations has been finished and is being used as basis to fortify the bill. The LTFRB earlier warned motorcycle taxis could become "illegal" if the current 19th Congress ends without passing the law. Poe said senators wanted a comprehensive law that would cover vital aspects of the motorcycle taxi operations such as licenses, vehicle specifications, discounts, insurance, safety regulations, among others. "We need to be very specific and comprehensive with this law to ensure we will have a smooth rollout," she said. "Huwag matatakot ang ating mga kababayan, ang ating mga pasahero o kaya 'yung mga providers nito dahil habang itong batas na ito ay ating binabalangkas, tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ang kanilang pamamasada at paggamit nitong mga apps na ito para hindi naman mawala ng transportasyon ang ating mga kababayan," Poe added. A young man claims he was so driven to despair by debilitating heart issues he suffered after having the Covid vaccines that he almost took his own life. Despite seeing numerous cardiologists and being checked into hospital with a diagnosis of pericarditis following his second Pfizer vaccine, Conor Briggs, 26, said he was offered nothing to deal with the condition except anti-depressants. Mr Briggs said the pericarditis, which is inflammation of the sac-like tissue surrounding the heart called the pericardium, was making his life hell. 'There were some nights where I just wouldn't sleep because of the feeling that someone was standing on my chest, or squeezing the top of my lungs,' he said. 'I couldn't lie flat. The position of going flat puts your heart in a position that makes it hard to breathe.' Doctors told Mr Briggs his condition was not serious enough for compensation from the now closed Commonwealth scheme. He has now joined a class action led by Dr Melissa McCann which is suing Australian health authorities and associated prominent individuals for failing in their duty of care towards the vaccine injured. Before taking the vaccines at the age of 23, Mr Briggs was working in property leasing, studying IT at university and said he was the healthiest he had ever been, running up to 10km every day. Conor Briggs, 26, said heart injuries caused by two Covid vaccines drove him towards trying to take his own life Conor said that before taking the Pfizer Covid vaccines he was the healthiest he'd ever been 'I was taking my health a lot more seriously, eating healthily, going to the gym and all that,' he said. 'My arms were double the muscle I have now.' Even though the Covid vaccines were not mandated for his work, Mr Briggs said he felt pressured to get them. 'My boss was every second day going "hey, are you going to get the shots?", everyone else at work was basically going on about it every day,' Mr Briggs said. Before getting his first Covid shot on September 17, 2021, Mr Briggs said he had no particular concerns despite seeing some media reports about people suffering blood clots and heart issues after having them. 'I didn't look into the safety of the vaccines because I thought "the doctors know what they are talking about",' he said. 'I didn't have any reason not to trust them. I thought I was actually doing a good thing.' A few hours after getting the first injection Mr Briggs began experiencing a moderate tightness in his chest and breathing issues. Mr Briggs has been unable to work since taking the jabs and spends most days at his home Although hospitals and cardiologists had diagnosed Mr Briggs with pericarditis that followed his Pfizer Covid vaccine they could offer little in the way of treatment Specialists were often at a loss to understand Conor's symptoms after the initial diagnosis of pericarditis When the issues persisted, he went to see his GP, who told him it was still a good idea to get the second Covid jab for 'full protection'. He also gave Mr Briggs some anti-inflammatory drugs that made his health problems '90 per cent go away'. Mr Briggs had a second Pfizer vaccine on October 8, 2021 with devastating results within hours of being jabbed. 'I just felt like a weight on my chest,' he said. 'It felt like a different weight than after the first shot. Tighter, harder to breathe and I was super tired the day after. 'But I thought it was one of the to-be-expected side effects, and showed the vaccine was working.' However, in the following days there was no sign of improvement and Mr Briggs said he experienced alarming physical deterioration. 'Two days after the second shot I went back to work and there are 10 stairs to get into the office,' Mr Briggs said. 'About five or six stairs up, my chest became a whole lot more tighter, and it was a whole lot more difficult breathing than normal.' Eventually Mr Briggs went back to the GP. 'She said, I will never forget this line, "oh luckily it's only pericarditis",' Mr Briggs said. 'I thought "lucky me, a 23-year-old with heart problems".' Forests of the Fallen feature stories from people claiming to have been harmed by the Covid vaccines (pictured a display at Adelaide's Christies Beach in March) Northern Beaches grandmother Rosemary Marshall, 70, organises the Forest of the Fallen for the northern side of Sydney The Australian Department of Health advises that 'Most myocarditis and pericarditis cases linked to COVID-19 vaccination have been mild and patients have recovered quickly'. Mr Briggs said he isn't convinced. 'A lot of people have been told the same thing but they have had to have surgery to drain fluid because it doesn't just go away,' he said. Mr Briggs said he tried 'five to six' different cardiologists over the space of a year to find treatment that worked for him. However, he claimed none of the specialists could tell him much about his condition with one even abruptly ending the consultation by telling him: 'Well, I have done all I can. There is nothing else I can do. Goodbye.' Another told him: 'Conor you have wasted so much time, you have wasted so much money when you probably could have taken these anti-depressants and just been fine.' 'I took one,' Mr Briggs said. 'But only one minute after taking it I thought this isn't right. 'I know my condition is physical and not in my head. If I can fix up the physical problem I won't have mental issues.' Mr Briggs said he and his family have spent more than $100,000 trying a bewildering array of drugs, herbs and other treatments to relieve his symptoms without anything making much difference until he went to an osteopath a bit over two years ago. 'He is the only one who has made a noticeable difference to my breathing,' Mr Briggs said. Although seeing the osteopath has made his heart condition more bearable, it still rules his life. 'The sun and heat give me heart palpitations,' Mr Briggs said. 'I get a tight chest and its hard to breathe when I walk up a hill or more than 20 stairs. 'I have got to plan my day. If it is hot day I cannot be outside too much. My usual days are at home seeing if there are any other treatments or stuff that might work.' He eventually told his unsuspecting family how close he had been to taking his life. 'They were obviously a bit shocked but glad that I told them,' Mr Briggs said. If his health and the weather permits Conor attempts to get to the so-called 'Forest of the Fallen', a weekly protest held on Sydney's northern beaches where bamboo sticks are stuck in the sand to display stories of people claiming Covid vaccine harm. 'Doing Forests of Fallen I have met a lot of people in my position, a lot of people who didn't even know there were side effects with the shots,' Mr Briggs said. Northern Beaches grandmother Rosemary Marshall, 70, organises the Forest of the Fallen for the northern side of Sydney. She said she met Mr Briggs through his mother Paula. 'I could hear the heartbreak in her voice and the anxiety,' Ms Marshall told Daily Mail Australia. 'Paula was very anxious to help Conor, she is absolutely his support system.' Mr Briggs said Dr McCann's class action on behalf of the vaccine injured was a long shot for receiving any monetary compensation but he hoped it achieved other results on behalf of those who claim to be injured by the vaccines. In response to questions about Mr Briggs' case a Pfizer spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the vaccine 'saved countless lives'. 'Pfizer is deeply committed to the well-being of the patients it serves and has no higher priority than ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its treatments and vaccines,' the spokesperson said. 'The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been delivered to more than 4.3 billion people in 180 countries and territories around the world, demonstrated a favourable benefit-risk profile in all age groups, and helped protect against severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalisation and death. 'The safety of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine continues to be vigilantly monitored through post-authorisation surveillance by Pfizer, BioNTech, and regulatory authorities around the world.' Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration's advice on Covid vaccines Vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective way to reduce deaths and severe illness from infection. Four main COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use in Australia Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), and Nuvaxovid (Novavax). However, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) is no longer available. Bivalent vaccines for both mRNA vaccines are also registered in Australia. These cover the Omicron BA.1 and BA.4-5 variants. All of these COVID-19 vaccines have met the TGA's high standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. Like all medicines, COVID-19 vaccines may cause some side effects. The most frequently reported include injection-site reactions (such as a sore arm) and more general symptoms, like headache, muscle pain, fever and chills. This reflects what was seen in the clinical trials. Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart or membrane around the heart) is reported in around 1-2 in every 100,000 people who receive Comirnaty (Pfizer), around 2 in every 100,000 of those who receive Spikevax (Moderna) and around 4 in every 100,000 people who receive Nuvaxovid (Novavax). Advertisement If you need someone to talk to in a personal crisis call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 Across Londonderry, dozens of mobile phones buzzed simultaneously with WhatsApps from an unknown British number at 5pm on New Year's Day. But these were not messages from friends and family wishing them a happy and healthy 2025 - it was MI5 spooks' latest attempt to disrupt, destabilise and destroy the New IRA. British secret services are using texts as a means of contacting suspected terrorists and their loved ones, and apparently it has them 'rattled'. MI5 sent 5pm WhatsApps to 25 people they believe are members of the New IRA in Londonderry on January 1, timed for when most would be at home with their families marking the start of the new year. Their key target is alleged New IRA boss Thomas Ashe Mellon, a burly, bearded Republican fanatic dubbed 'the New Martin McGuinness', who was lampooned in the WhatsApp apparently sent to him and his circle. 'Another year; what has threatening and exploiting the vulnerable achieved? Ask yourself: aren't you also being exploited?', the New Year's Day text said. 'I doubt your "leadership" are thinking about you taking the risks when they are on multiple holidays a year. 'It's 2025, is this still the activity you want done in your name? There are better paths to take'. British spies believe that members of the terror group and the republican community in their Londonderry stronghold are growing unhappy with Mellon. Policing and security expert, former senior RUC and PSNI officer, Alan McQuillan, told MailOnline: 'For some time now it is very clear the security services and PSNI have had a huge impact on the dissidents. 'The dissidents are basically criminal gangs and the PSNI and security services have in many ways gradually ground them down'. The terror group is alleged to have upped loan shark activities in Londonderry, forcing vulnerable people, as well as people with drunk and drug problems, into their debt and then coercing them to hide the terror group's guns and other weapons. MI5 have sought to exploit these divisions using their systems to send blanket text messages at a time when insiders have told MailOnline that the security services believe the New IRA is 'falling apart'. Your browser does not support iframes. Thomas Ashe Mellon (2nd right) during an Easter commemoration parade in Belfast in 2023 New IRA grafitti in the aftermath of Lyra McKee's murder. It claims that the group are 'not done' - but security sources and politicians claim that they are in disarray MI5 started sending these blanket messages in 2024 - and believe that it is bearing fruit, according Ireland's Sunday World, which is why they did it again on January 1. A source told the newspaper: 'It was sent on New Year's Day to 25 people. It will touch a raw nerve for Mellon. 'People in the city have grown tired of him and his gang'. On Halloween last year texts were sent to suspected New IRA members and their family members to spook them into speaking to MI5 and feed them information. The first one said: 'This is MI5. We are aware that you and your associates are storing illegal weapons and equipment on behalf of the IRA. We will be seeking to recover these items'. Just ten minutes later another text was sent - this time just to alleged members of the terror group. 'This is MI5, we are aware that DR's [Dissident Republicans] are pressurising financially vulnerable members of the community to store equipment on their behalf', it said. 'If this is you and you would like to talk, please call this number'. The so-called New Irish Republican Army was formed in 2012 out of the ashes of the IRA and the Real IRA that splintered in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement. Saoradh, which means 'liberation' in Irish, is a far-left political party and pressure group formed by dissident Irish republicans in 2016. Thomas Ashe Mellon calls himself a Saoradh activist and denies being a member of the New IRA. Publicly, Saoradh insists that the body is a distinct entity from the New IRA terror group. Yet the PSNI believes otherwise and has referred to the 'significant overlap' in the leadership of the two groups. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The fringe party's membership is minuscule in comparison to mainstream republicans Sinn Fein regarded by Saoradh hardliners as 'sell-outs' but its radical propaganda and appeal, particularly among disaffected youths, is causing alarm. The group refers to Irish nationalism as an 'unfinished revolution', and vehemently opposes the Good Friday Agreement. Indeed, in online postings, Saoradh has claimed 'armed struggle' is inevitable 'as long as imperialism remains the dominant power'. The New IRA willingly admits that one of its henchmen fired the bullet that killed campaigner and journalist Lyra McKee in 2019 but insist the sniper killed her 'by accident' and later apologised. Two men have been charged with her murder. Their trial date has not been fixed. In recent years its membership is said to be dwindling as Northern Ireland continues to move on from The Troubles. Many of its leadership are in court or in jail. Mellon was in crown court last year on two charges linked to a dissident republican parade in Londonderry. He refused to stand in a show that he doesn't recognise the British court system - but did reportedly claim legal aid. He is due to stand trial. Londonderry-based SDLP politician Colum Eastwood recently warned that a significant number of his constituents had approached him 'reporting that dissident-linked loan sharks have been pressuring vulnerable people'. The Foyle MP, a former leader of the party now heading up its New Ireland Commission on Irish unity, told MailOnline: 'It's clear that their organisation has fallen apart. 'Individuals attached and addicted to criminality like loan sharking and sexual abuse, who have deliberately targeted vulnerable people in our community, have no interest in a better future for our people and they have no place in our city or our society. 'These groups have no strategy, they have no substantial support and it's time for them to get off the pitch and stop threatening our community.' Others have said that the New IRA is on its last legs - but remains dangerous. Lyra McKee was shot dead by dissident republicans while observing rioting in Londonderry. The New IRA admitted killing her but said sorry and claimed it was 'an accident' UUP justice spokesman Doug Beattie MC MLA said: 'Dissident republican groups including the New IRA are in disarray for a number of reasons. 'Firstly, they are riddled with criminality; from drug dealing to money lending as well as sexual exploitation of women and young girls including coercive control. 'The leadership of the New IRA are facing terrorism charges and are likely to find themselves behind bars. 'Add to this these groups simply do not have community support in nationalist areas apart from a few die-hard older men trying to maintain their status, some dewy-eyed romanticists and some vulnerable children easily led and abused. 'Adding to their woes the Mi5 'information Operations' campaign to undermine dissident groups including the New IRA is working. 'It is focused not just on their leadership but on the rank-and-file members, who do the donkey work, by destroying any semblance of credibility or authority. 'In time, the New IRA and other pick-and-mix republican terrorist groups will dissolve, as individuals find themselves in jail, unemployable or ostracised by the community they say they represent. 'The MI5 campaign lays this out in stark terms, it is time these individuals realised the futility of their amateurish terrorist campaign and became positive contributors to society.' New statistics published in December revealed that there have been fewer bombings, shootings and paramilitary style attacks across Northern Ireland in the past 12 months to 30 November 2024 than in the previous year. Proactive efforts to tackle terrorist activity alongside support from the community has also led to 66 security related arrests since December 2023. Alan McQuillan, warned: 'It doesn't mean they won't try to get back up again and recover. 'There have been some stories of them trying to gain weapons and finance from abroad but on the ground in Northern Ireland more and more they are seen as an afterthought. 'That doesn't mean that there aren't small groups of individuals who are very dangerous. 'That risk remains but often it is about defending their own territories. 'They have this psychology that they were the true inheritors after the second Dail collapsed, and used this to justify their campaign. 'They hang on to that and try to give themselves some sort of pseudo legitimacy. 'They are subject to frequent arrests, and are very well penetrated by police and security services. 'Their main industry is drug dealing. 'A Former Garda Commissioner spoke about them with a great turn of phrase. She said they use the cloak of terrorism as a cover for their terrorist activities. 'All of this doesn't mean they have gone away. 'There is always scope for small groups to commit terrorist acts, but there is no sign of them being able to conduct a full blown campaign.' The battle between crows and humans doesn't just exist in Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 horror film, The Birds. The city of Rochester, New York, faces a real-life crow infestation every December, thanks to the bird's migration patterns. Rachel Kubida, a wildlife expert with the US Department of Agriculture Services, told the New York Times that the scenes starkly resemble that of the classic film. Wildlife experts estimated that more than 20,000 crows taunt the city each year. Crows that breed in Canada often winter in the US. They congregate in 'roosts' or groups to maintain warmth in the colder months. The birds travel together when the weather turns and have begun to move into urban areas, which can cause frustration among the public. The city of Rochester was faced with a choice - how do they prevent bird droppings from littering their city right before Christmas while not harming the animals? Officials answered that question by turning to unconventional tactics. Wildlife biologists took to the streets during the nights of early December to disperse the crows away from the city. The goal is to break up the crows into smaller groups to minimize damage and push the crows out of the busy downtown area. Thousands of crows can be seen across the sky in Rochester, New York Crows cross through the city to prepare as part of their migratory pattern. Officials have resulted to fighting their presence with lasers The wildlife biologists set out with the goal of making a scene. They shot pyrotechnics into the sky, projected laser beams onto nearby buildings, shined spotlights on the roosts of crows and even sounded off recordings of crows in distress. A press officer from the City of Rochester - which was recently listed as one of the best cities for first time home buyers - told the DailyMail.com that the methods do not harm the birds and simply work to minimize the concentration of them. 'Once the methods are in progress, the crows disperse into smaller groups that will spread out over a broader area, reducing the crows damage and mess,' the city said. After years of fending off the crows, the city has caught on to where they like to congregate. Karen St. Aubin, the director of Rochester's Bureau of Operations told local ABC outlet, WHAM-TV that the crows have taken a liking to Washington Square Park. 'They roost in big groups and go to open areas with trees, but they can be very damaging,' Aubin told WHAM-TV. She added that the city's methods aren't lethal and are just designed to shoo them away. Aubin told the Times that the operation costs the city about $9,000 a year, a price she argued was worth it. 'We used to have to power wash benches, sidewalks, statues,' she said. 'It's really about maintenance. Some of these larger roosts are in public places and they can make them unusable.' Wildlife experts shoot flares at the crows to discourage them from congregating Karen St. Aubin told local news that the city's methods don't harm the birds and prevent spending on cleanup Wildlife experts launched flare guns and fireworks to disperse the crows Dispersing the crows and scaring them away from popular spaces doesn't eliminate the cleanup, but it makes it more manageable for the city. Even though no crows are harmed in the process, some bird enthusiasts have taken personal offense to the city's anti-crow stance. A Facebook group called Rochesterians for Crows has generated 1,000 members who want to protect the birds from lasers and fireworks. "'Rochesterians for Crows" was started in February of 2012 in response to the city's intolerable actions against the massively intelligent and often misunderstood bird that tends to polarize communities across the nation,' their description reads. The group argued that the crows don't harm anyone and could help promote 'eco-tourism' in the area. The City of Rochester told Dailymail.com that they haven't received any direct concerns from the community. Rochester continues to disperse the crows every December and the practice has even become an odd holiday tradition for the citizens of the city hoping to get some peace and bird-free quiet. EXCLUSIVE A notorious dictator's Australian daughter who until recently managed to live in relative obscurity has a secret side hustle photographing sex workers. Analisa Corr was barely known in her hometown of Sydney until she was hauled off a Jetstar flight just after Christmas for allegedly causing a drunken mid-air bust-up. After Ms Corr faced court for the first time on January 6, Daily Mail Australia revealed her father was the late Filipino president Ferdinand Marcos and her mother a one-time Playboy model. The 53-year-old, who is married to former soldier Jimmy Corr, promotes herself as running two businesses - Analisa Corr Design and Analisa Corr Photography. The second operation allows Ms Corr to pursue her passion for intimate bridal, maternity and boudoir portraits of 'everyday' women. Ms Corr also advertises her services on the Naughty Ads website under the 'escort photography' category with a price guide starting at $650. Naughty Ads offers a platform for male, female and trans prostitutes to engage with potential clients, alongside others workers engaged in the adult industry plying their trade. 'Need stunning sexy photos for your profile?' Ms Corr's advertisement asks. 'I shoot in Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane.' A notorious dictator's Australian daughter has a secret side hustle photographing sex workers. Analisa Corr is pictured with husband Jimmy Corr (left) and the late Sydney publicist Jai Evans, who was found dead in his apartment last September Six glowing testimonials appear to have been penned by customers who have hired Ms Corr to photograph them for strictly personal purposes. 'My Boudoir photoshoot with Analisa was fantastic,' Mrs D Kelly wrote. 'She was very professional, gave great direction and we got some amazing photos!' Ms Corr and her 45-year-old husband regularly post pictures and video of themselves sailing a yacht around South East Asia and she has started a YouTube channel to document their adventures. 'I've got so much fun footage so if anyone would like to follow us on this crazy thing called life, please subscribe to see how we deal with setting sail into the unknown... ' she wrote on Instagram earlier this month. 'It's really never a dull moment!' On December 28, the Corrs were travelling from Hobart to Sydney on Jetstar flight JQ720 when crew determined they had brought alcohol onto the plane and had become intoxicated. During the journey, Ms Corr allegedly grabbed and shook another passenger while leaving a toilet. The couple was escorted off the plane by Australian Federal Police and taken to Mascot police station. They were subsequently charged with one count each of failing to comply with cabin crew's safety instructions and consuming alcohol not provided by the crew. Analisa Corr was barely known in her hometown of Sydney until she and husband Jimmy Corr were hauled off a Jetstar flight for allegedly causing a drunken mid-air disturbance just after Christmas. The couple is pictured outside court Ms Corr, an interior designer and professional photographer, advertises her services on the Naughty Ads website under the 'escort photography' category with prices starting at $650 Ms Corr was also charged with one count of common assault. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges. The pair sought the return of their passports in Downing Centre Local Court lon January 10 so Ms Corr could fly to Indonesia where she was due to undertake a 'project' until the end of March. The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions did not oppose the request and it was approved by Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Antrum. Ms Corr agreed to deposit $20,000 as part of her new bail arrangement and her husband agreed to forfeit the same amount of money if he breached his conditions. Neither is permitted to consume alcohol at any domestic or international departure point, or on an aircraft while in transit. Mr Antrum accepted the allegations against Mr Corr were not of 'top-end' criminality and would only result in fines if he were to be convicted. The couple held hands as they left the court and Ms Corr smiled broadly as she ignored questions from the media about what had happened on the flight. Their matters will be back in the same court on February 24 when both are excused from attending if represented by a lawyer. Ms Corr's half-brother Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr was elected president of the Philippines in March 2022. She is pictured with daughter Tahni Ms Corr had somehow largely escaped media attention in Australia even after her half-brother Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr was elected president of the Philippines in March 2022. Her mother Evelin Hegyesi reportedly met Marcos Sr - then married to shoe-loving Imelda - when she was working as a model in Paris in 1970. Ferdinand Marcos Sr was president of the Philippines from 1965 until he was deposed in 1986, and from 1972 to 1981 ruled the nation under martial law. Having given birth to Analisa in Sydney in 1971, mother and daughter lived in a Point Piper mansion apparently bought by Marcos Sr, who died in 1989 aged 72. Marcos Jr neither confirmed nor denied Ms Corr's parentage when asked about his half-sister in April 2011. 'We have been hearing those rumours for more than 20 years now,' the then-senator said at the time. Ms Corr's middle name, Josefa, is the first name of Marcos Sr's mother. Marcos Sr's comment came a month after Ms Corr claimed she had been removed from the short-lived Australian reality television show The Renovators after revealing the identity of her father. Analisa and Jimmy Corr are charged with one count each of failing to comply with cabin crew's safety instructions and consuming alcohol not provided by the crew. Ms Corr is also charged with common assault Ms Corr's mother, who was born in Germany, was just two when her Hungarian parents Anton and Theresa brought to her Australia in 1949. Ms Hegyesi was once photographed posing in a mink bikini and appeared in a 1969 Playboy spread called 'Girls of Australia'. A July 2004 newspaper report stated Ms Hegyesi avoided the spotlight but described her curvaceous daughter as 'exotic', 'vivacious' and 'flamboyant'. Ms Corr was previously in a relationship with Dean Fleming, heir to the Jewel supermarket empire and father to her daughter Tahni Hegyesi Fleming, who is now aged about 21. Her boudoir photography business promises customers 'professional hair/makeup artist, champagne, touched up images and just a fabulous time all round!' 'As a professional portrait and intimate photographer I love to show the true beauty and spirit of everyday women,' Ms Corr states on her LinkedIn profile. Court documents state Ms Corr has been staying at the Ovolo Woolloomooloo hotel, while her husband's address was listed as a property at Berry in the Shoalhaven region of NSW. Ms Corr's mother lives in a three-bedroom apartment with harbour views at Point Piper which was last offered for sale in October 2021 for $3.85million. A major breakthrough has developed in the gruesome murder of a glamorous North Carolina realtor who was found 'wrapped in bloody bedding' inside her luxury townhouse. The lifeless body of Charlotte real estate agent Whitney Hurd, 32, was discovered in her upscale South Park home last July after she was reported missing by her family. She was brutally stabbed to death in the chest, according to an autopsy report released in October. After six months without an update, police finally have a lead in the case. Brandon Braxton, 34, a man with a disturbing criminal past, has been named a person of interest, according to a search warrant of his home on unrelated charges. Braxton is currently behind bars at Mecklenburg County Jail on unrelated charges. His troubling criminal history includes allegations of misdemeanor larceny, simple assault, injury to real property and indecent exposure. It is unclear if he has entered a plea to those charges, and their respective case is still ongoing. The lifeless body of Charlotte realtor Whitney Hurd, 32, was discovered in her upscale SouthPark townhouse last July after she was reported missing by her family Brandon Braxton, 34, a man with a disturbing criminal past, has been named a person of interest in the chilling case (July 24, 2024) Just last week, while investigators were building their case in Hurd's murder, Braxton was arrested for allegedly stealing from a woman and punching a man in the face - adding to his lengthy criminal record. Lindsey Newsome was running a dog adoption fundraiser at a south Charlotte restaurant when she said she had a terrifying encounter with Braxton. 'He started talking to me a little bit saying he had been wanting to adopt a dog,' Newsome told WSOC-TV. What started as an innocent conversation quickly turned frightening. 'I was screaming for help. I said, 'He's got my money, he's got my money. Can you help me?'' she recalled after Braxton allegedly snatched her bag and fled. A good Samaritan tackled Braxton near a hotel and held him in a chokehold until police arrived - before getting punched in the face by the suspect. 'I was just scared. I was in shock,' Newsome said of the ordeal. Court records reveal a disturbing pattern of alleged violence that has escalated recently. Braxton's violent history has continued to escalate in recent months. Just last week, while investigators were building their case in Hurd's murder, Braxton was arrested for allegedly stealing from a woman and punching a man in the face - adding to his lengthy criminal record In the days before the fundraiser incident, Braxton allegedly threw a brick through a man's window in Ballantyne, punched a man in the face at a gas pump in the same area, and shattered a Harris Teeter window on Providence Road with a rock. Police documents note Braxton is known for 'random acts of violence.' Just months after Hurd's death, Braxton was arrested again in October - this time for indecent exposure. Search warrants reveal that investigators discovered 'clothing, shoes and a knife' during a search of Braxton's property. A subsequent warrant requesting DNA swabs stated there was 'probable cause that a murder has been committed and that the DNA of Brandon David Braxton... is evidence of that murder.' Despite mounting evidence, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have not officially named suspects in Hurd's death. He is set to remain in custody in the meantime for those unrelated charges. Hurd, described by friends as a vivacious 32-year-old in Charlotte's competitive real estate market, vanished without a trace on July 11, 2024. Her luxury BMW, which had sparked a citywide search, was recovered a week later under circumstances police have kept quiet The desperate search for the beloved realtor came to a tragic end when a private investigator hired by her family made the horrifying discovery. 'I'm helping the family look for a missing daughter... the body's here,' the investigator told 911 operators in a haunting call that would mark the beginning of a six-month investigation. The young realtor's body was found 'wrapped in a pile of bloody bedding' inside her townhome off Werburgh Street in the exclusive Magnolia Park community. Her luxury BMW, which had sparked a citywide search, was recovered a week later under circumstances police have kept quiet. 'It was something we're not used to happening in this area,' Carolina Harris, a neighbor who lives just doors away from the crime scene, told WBTV. Another resident, Tyler Everett, expressed the community's growing unease. 'I'm close to that same age so you don't think of that being a possibility,' Everett told WBTV. 'It was devastating for everybody around here and to not know anything is obviously concerning as well.' Investigators delved into Hurd's activity on the dating app Hinge, where her mother revealed she 'was active' and 'was talking to several different men' before her death. The young realtor's body was found 'wrapped in a pile of bloody bedding' inside her townhouse off Werburgh Street in the exclusive Magnolia Park community But it was fingerprint evidence that led authorities to Braxton, court documents show. 'They were friends since high school and Whitney has always been generous and loving to anyone in need.' Since the gruesome murder, community members have expressed growing fears. 'I live only half a mile from where Whitney did and am terrified of going out alone now. I went to high school with her as well and remember her as such a sweet, beautiful person. If anyone who knows her is reading this, I would help organize something for justice and awareness,' one resident posted. Her obituary describes Hurd as a vivacious young woman whose life was cut short. A proud graduate of Providence High School and the University of South Carolina graduating in 2014, Hurd was remembered for her 'infectious smile and laugh.' She was a devoted aunt to her nephew Camden and niece Catherine, whom she adored deeply, and a loving member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She also cherished her cute mini Bernadoodle, Luna, her obituary states. A man accused of dousing his girlfriend in petrol and setting her on fire already had two children with her sister, who dumped him just weeks earlier. Ashanti Downey suffered serious burns to 70 per cent of her body in the attack near Sanford, North Carolina, on December 16 - two weeks before her 21st birthday. Her boyfriend Jami Raiziah Griffin, 23, was arrested on December 27 and charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and domestic assault. Griffin's motives are unknown, but sources close to the family told DailyMail.com Ashanti was dating him behind her sister Beyonce's back. Griffin and Beyonce, 23, have two sons, aged one and almost three, and were an item until they broke up about a month before Ashanti was attacked. Beyonce told DailyMail.com they were 'co-parenting' until she discovered he was dating her estranged sister and she had moved in. 'I stopped all of that [letting him see their kids] when I found out she was staying down there with him,' she said. 'I wasn't angry with my sister because I don't speak to her, but he knows better.' Ashanti Downey suffered serious burns to 70 per cent of her body in the attack in Sanford, North Carolina , on December 16 - two weeks before her 21st birthday Griffin, 23, was arrested on December 27 and charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and domestic assault Beyonce said she and Ashanti were close as children but grew apart to the point where they hadn't spoken in years and she hadn't visited her in hospital. 'I don't know, I just don't talk to her... it just happens over time,' she said. Beyonce said she didn't know if her sister started dating Jami before they broke up, but that their relationship didn't end for any particular reason. She said Griffin never hit her, but could be verbally abusive, aggressive, and some arguments escalated into pushing and shoving. 'Not quite that bad... It was never nothing like what the situation they got going on,' she said. 'Everybody has their own opinions, I know, and I don't know what's going on, but, honestly, me just knowing him and having kids with him I honestly couldn't see him doing that [lighting someone on fire], but that's just my opinion.' Beyonce said she lived with their mother Donecia Davis while Ashanti was living with Griffin when she was attacked, and before that with their father. She and Griffin threw a baby shower on January 29, 2022, to prepare for their first child's arrival. 'A new little prince is on the way and can hardly wait, so join us for some royal fun and help us celebrate!' an invitation read. Davis posted photos of the event on social media, showing the couple posing in front of a celebratory banner. Another photo showed Beyonce in the middle with Griffin and Davis holding her baby bump, all standing in front of their home. Ashanti's sister Beyonce and her boyfriend and alleged attacker Jami Griffin had a son in 2022. This photo showed Beyonce in the middle with Griffin and Ashanti's mother Donecia Davis holding her baby bump But two years later Griffin was instead dating her younger sister, apparently without the knowledge of the mother of his child. 'Beyonce didn't know Ashanti and Jami were dating behind her back,' a source said. How long the pair were two-timing Beyonce, and what led to their falling out and Griffin's alleged attempt to kill her, is unclear. Griffin's mother Latonya Renee Murchison, 44, was also arrested, on New Year's Eve, and charged as an accessory after the fact. The Harnett County Sheriff's Office alleged she knew what her son did, but tried to help him escape by picking him up from the scene. She then allegedly tried to get rid of Ashanti's clothes to cover up the attack, failed to contact police, and gave false information to detectives. Ashanti was walking to a Dollar General near Sanford when Griffin allegedly ran up and doused her in gasoline, then ignited it with a cigarette. The area she was attacked is a desolate stretch of road about 14 miles southeast of downtown Sanford, just north of the township of Barbecue. Police initially said three people were involved in the attack, but Davis wrote in a deleted Facebook post that the other two got cold feet and ran away, leaving Griffin to attack Ashanti alone. The pair then presented themselves to police as witnesses, she claimed. No one other than Griffin and his mother has been charged. Griffin and Beyonce threw a baby shower on January 29, 2022, and posed in front of a celebratory banner The invitation to the baby shower that Davis posted on social media along with the photos Davis started a fundraiser for Ashanti's medical expenses that has attracted almost $112,000 in donations from 2,700 people so far. They included $100 from Davina Licon, a bodybuilder who suffered third-degree burns to 30 per cent of her body in 2023, aged 20 like Ashanti, by a man whose romantic advances she rejected. 'There was many times where I could have died. I understand what Ashanti is going through and what she will continue to go through. I am here if she ever needs someone to talk to and relate to,' Licon wrote. Davis wrote that her daughter suffered third-degree burns to the entire right side of her body and had a long recovery ahead of her. 'Due to the hatred of an individual or individuals, her life will be forever changed. No parent should have to see their child in the condition my daughter is in,' she wrote. Ashanti had to celebrate her birthday in hospital, where friends and family crowded into her room. Davis wrote in the last update to the fundraiser that Ashanti had her third surgery on January 6, where she underwent more agonizing skin grafts. 'She unfortunately is in a lot of pain and is expected due to the extent of her injuries,' Davis wrote. Griffin's mother Latonya Renee Murchison, 44, was also arrested, on New Year's Eve, and charged as an accessory after the fact 'She will also remain immobile due to the contractor that she has to wear to keep her arm still and propped up due to the grafting of her whole arm. 'She is still in ICU but is in stable condition.' Davis wrote her insurance would cover some of Ashanti's medical expense, but the excess cost of the lengthy hospital stay, future surgeries, and rehab would add up. She also took 12 weeks off work, much of which was unpaid, to be by her daughter's side. Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats said police were 'mystified' about Griffin's motives, but believed it to be a domestic incident. Griffin is behind bars at Harnett County Detention Center on a $1 million bond, while Murchison was held on $500,000 bail. A young Aussie dad is unable to receive Centrelink benefits while he is bedridden and undergoing daily kidney dialysis, due to a stunning policy technicality. Brendan Smith, 35, from the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, is facing end-stage kidney failure as a result of his lifelong battle with type-1 diabetes, which was diagnosed last year after his health gradually declined over two years. He relies on daily dialysis to stay alive as he waits for a double kidney-pancreas transplant. In addition to his kidney issues, Mr Smith endured a near-fatal stabbing and a car crash last year while working as a security guard. The injuries from these incidents including severe PTSD, a shattered pelvis, and a ruptured tendon, have left him unable to work. His worker's compensation payments from the incidents are minimal - only enough to cover his mortgage with just $60 left each week. Mr Smith cannot return to his previous job, and his compensation payments will end when his tendon is healed. Despite his circumstances, he has been unable to access any government assistance. He was told by Centrelink he was ineligible for Disability Support payments, as his condition doesn't qualify as a 'disability' even after his doctor did the paperwork, his cousin Emily King said. Despite undergoing daily dialysis and struggling with multiple life-threatening conditions, Brendan Smith is unable to access any government assistance. Pictured alongside his cousin Emily King Mr Smith was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure after years of working 72-hour weeks and servicing his community. Pictured before his diagnosis 'Dialysis, although lifesaving, is considered 'ongoing treatment' and under current regulations, people receiving ongoing medical treatment aren't eligible for disability assistance,' Ms King explained. He is also ineligible for JobSeeker payments due to his current compensation status. 'This creates a cruel catch-22: Brendan's condition is life-threatening, and his ability to work is non-existent, but the system doesn't recognise him as needing help. 'They see the illness as short term, even though it hasn't been. The issues he's facing aren't due to age. He's young, he's in his thirties, doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, and the reason he's developed this is his life-long diabetes.' Mr Smith has burned through a decade of savings just to keep up with his mortgage and treatments in the past 10 months. 'It's infuriating to see that able-bodied people can access disability payments, yet someone like Brendan, who is fighting for his life every day, falls through the cracks. The system is broken, and Brendan needs our help now more than ever,' Ms King said in a fundraiser for her cousin. 'To make matters even more difficult, Brendan is a single dad, doing his best to support his daughter while he navigates these overwhelming health challenges. He's determined to stay strong for her but the financial strain is immense, and it's heartbreaking to see him struggle under the weight of this situation. 'The work cover payments he receives fall far short of covering his basic living expenses, including his house payments, leaving him in a constant state of financial uncertainty.' From a near-fatal stabbing and car crash to life-threatening kidney failure, Brendan has faced it all, but the system still doesn't recognise his need for help After years of helping others, Brendan is now receiving outpourings of support from the community as they show their gratitude for his kindness But Mr Smtih is determined to continue providing for his family. After his recent struggles, including losing vision in one eye due to his diabetes, his doctor jokingly suggested that he might be indestructible. 'The doctor said, when I had a broken neck "you're too stubborn to die", another one was I've got "one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel",' he said. 'The last time, he just asked, "How aren't you dead yet?"' Before undergoing his lengthy treatments, Mr Smith was well-known for his generosity and charitable work. Locals remember him paying for the fast food orders of customers behind him in the drive-thru or surprising wait staff with large tips on their table. 'I never wanted a "thank you" that makes it awkward,' he said. After years of giving, the community has come together together to support Mr Smith, leaving donations and expressing gratitude for his kindness over the years. 'It's shown me I don't ever expect to get anything back - but it does come back,' he said. Mr Smith is a top priority in receiving a dual transplant at a hospital in Sydney. The treatment is expected to extend his life by at least 15 years based on a conservative estimate, but his cousin believes it could add more than 30 years, given his generally healthy lifestyle. 'My way of looking at it is, there's only so much pain in the world. So, if I take on more of it myself, there's less for everyone else,' Mr Smith said. The Department of Social Services has been contacted for comment. Banks are taking advantage of a legal loophole to 'fleece' fraud victims, MPs will be told. Under guidelines devised by the ombudsman and seized upon by banking groups, Brits who use their card in a hacked machine have 'consented' to the fraudulent transaction. This means the regulator will likely rule that customers who get stung will not be entitled to a refund, even if they lost tens of thousands of pounds, campaigners say. The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) also says transactions made under duress from abusive partners are consented to, as are payments made while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Banks are legally required to refund transactions that customers did not consent to. One leading expert estimated that the full extent of the loophole could have cost Brits 'billions' over the years. FOS training documents, seen by MailOnline, set out what investigators should consider 'when deciding whether a consumer authorised a disputed transaction'. The guidance states: 'When a consumer gives a payment order the underlying relationship between them and whoever they're paying is irrelevant to whether the payment is authorised. 'This means that if a payee has been coerced into making a payment or deceived about the purpose or amount of a payment, that doesn't usually make the payment transaction unauthorised.' In its examples of 'things that don't invalidate consent', the FOS lists: Where a consumer says the merchant's payment terminal was tampered with, or obscured e.g. 'I've been charged 120 but I thought I was paying 12 because that's what was shown on the terminal'; Where a consumer says they were drunk or drugged so couldn't appreciate what was happening when they entered their PIN; Being pressured or coerced into giving consent to a payment. Please see guidance on domestic and economic abuse. Your browser does not support iframes. The FOS settles disputes between all UK-based financial companies, including high street banks, and customers. It has the legal power to adjudicate. With regards to tampered terminals, experts say attacks like these are only possible because of digital security flaws in the chip-and-pin network. This is despite banks insisting the system is impenetrable. Andy Agathangelou, secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for investment fraud and fairer financial services, told MailOnline: 'The fact that the regulations and/or how poorly they are being enforced, means that somebody who has been conned through a hacked and corrupted payment services terminal can be deemed to have given consent to what is clearly a fraudulent transaction initiated by the perpetrators with criminal intent in mind, just goes to show how far behind the curve we are. 'The present loopholes mean the FOS, the Financial Conduct Authority and the regulations they operate through are a means by which they can fleece victims of premeditated, systematic tech-savvy fraud out of refunds, legally or otherwise.' Mr Agathangelou, also founder of consumer campaign group Transparency Task Force, added: 'As well as changes to regulations and the enforcement of them, we must also scrutinise what deficiencies there are in the banks' security systems that are allowing payment services terminals to be hacked such that, for example, a consumer spending 40 results in 400 leaving their account when they actually only authorised 40. 'Is it not obvious that trust and confidence will be corroded even further if these known flaws and weaknesses in the banks systems mean they can be hacked and manipulated by crooks in this way? 'Surely it's time for strong regulatory intervention to put an end to this?' The FOS told Barclays to refund just half of the 20,000 stolen from a Falklands war hero Henry Williams (pictured), 65, after his card was defrauded while on holiday in Rio de Janeiro Mr Williams at the Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro while on holiday in 2022 'DOUBLE DUTCH': How FOS blamed victim for 20k holiday fraud One of the many victims of this scandal is Falklands War hero Henry Williams, who was rinsed for 20,000 by fraudsters whilst holidaying in Rio de Janeiro. He lost his life savings across 18 transactions, which he did not consent to or initiate. The ex-Royal Marine, 65, was forced to sell his treasured war medals to survive. After a two year battle and assistance from experts, the FOS ruled that Barclays only needed to refund Mr Williams little less than half of what was stolen in March 2022. He said the most likely option was that he was 'tricked' into consenting to the payments, but did admit his bank should have caught the fraud earlier than they did. Mr Williams says he is a 'shellshocked victim' of how the FOS interprets the rules on consent. He said: 'It seems like there's been some very creative elusive reading of the law to take the defence for the consumer away. 'If the customer has not given their consent and the bank admits there's an anomaly, how can the bank therefore pretend that they have given their consent. 'It's double Dutch using language to turn law into something misunderstandable and turn it on its back to suit yourself.' Mr Williams realised he had been scammed, after receiving a notification of the 20,000 in pending transactions three days after the dodgy transactions began. After calling Barclays in a panic, staff told him it would be impossible to cancel the payments and told him to file his claim with the fraud department. However, the bank refused to refund him and implicitly accused him of trying to defraud them, claiming that he must have entered his PIN each time, claiming that chip and pin security is impenetrable. But experts have been able to demonstrate for decades that chip and pin terminals have dozens of high-tech and low-tech vulnerabilities which fraudsters can exploit. After a long and protracted battle, the FOS decided that both Barclays and Mr Williams bore equal responsibility, so ruled that he should get fifty per cent back. Advertisement Professor Ross Anderson, a renowned digital security expert who unexpectedly died last year, said before his death that the FOS 'uncritically backs the banks'. He had previously said 'the ombudsman was set up a generation ago to minimise litigation costs for the industry' and that it routinely parrots false assertions from banks that the security of the chip and pin system is unbreakable. As well as obscuring the true payment fees, fraudsters have developed ways of queuing up multiple high value transactions for customers who correctly enter their pin once. A spokesperson for the FOS an offshoot of the FCA that is funded through annual levies slapped on banks said it 'strongly refutes these allegations'. The Payment Service Regulations (PSR) 2017 state that banks should refund customers for payments they did not consent to unless they were grossly negligent, they tried to defraud the bank, or if it can be proven they did authorise the payment. If a consumer has been defrauded they should phone their bank to claim a refund. If a customer disagrees with the bank's decision, they can refer the case to the FOS, which first gets a ruling from an investigator. If their view is disputed, the case is escalated. According to the FOS training, a customer's consent to a transaction does not need to be 'informed'. A slide on an October 2022 training presentation titled 'Intro To Disputed Transactions' reads: 'The consent referred to in the PSR is not like the "informed consent" requirement used in the field of healthcare. 'The validity of a payer's consent to a payment transaction does not depend on the payment transaction being fully explained to them.' But the next slide, seen by MailOnline, quotes guidance from the FCA, which says: 'For consent to be valid it must be clear, specific and informed.' Rupert Brown, founder of Evidology Systems which builds systems to ensure digital compliance, said: 'It is clear to me that "consent" has been redefined but to what extent it is c**k up vs conspiracy is not wholly clear.' He said that given the shifts to online and contactless payments and rising levels of fraud, the FCA should 'put in place additional consent safeguards for particular classes of transaction and amount thresholds'. He added: 'There are protections in place for credit card transactions and problems with faulty goods, so perhaps they should be extended by some form of levy for debit transactions. 'There needs to be multiple and varying layers of trust and control above the basic technical mechanism no consumer should be permitted to "consent" solely to a technology-based system that is implicitly flawed.' Mr Brown said that banks need to work on their security systems by utilising two-factor authentication and 'more rigorous licensing and multiple tiers of payment limits as well as deeper scrutiny of payment merchant supply chains'. When asked for comment, and FOS spokesperson said: 'We strongly refute these allegations. 'A range of methods and sources are used to build investigators' understanding of fraud and scam complaints, the legislative background and the agreements drawn up between consumers and their financial providers. 'Whilst we consider the specific terms and conditions the consumer has agreed to, it is the relevant law and regulations - to which the banks must adhere - that provide the basis for our decision making. 'When deciding what is fair and reasonable we not only take these regulations into account, but also the case's unique circumstances and other factors such as a consumer's vulnerability. 'Our independence is paramount and each week we investigate hundreds of fraud and scam cases, providing a free alternative to the courts.' UK Finance, the trade body for British banks, has been contacted for comment. Liberals fearful of Donald Trump's return to the White House are furiously stockpiling essentials and more unusual items including Plan B and machetes. Americans have been prepping for decades but reasons for hoarding non-perishable foods, water and other supplies have changed drastically over time. In the Cold War-era, some Americans built underground bunkers that they could live in for years in case of a nuclear strike from the Soviet Union. Preppers have since become somewhat of a stereotype, with many thinking of them as quite conservative and conspiracy-minded. Right-wing personalities like Alex Jones and televangelist Jim Bakker have warned their audiences for years of an impending government collapse and have urged them to prepare. Their clarion calls were the loudest during Barack Obama's presidency. Though Jones' platform is still tied up in bankruptcy auctioning, both men have been extraordinarily successful at selling their listeners things like storable food, radios, camping gear and water filtration systems. But now that Democrats have been swept out of power, liberals are expressing their own fears about a GOP trifecta with Trump at the very top. Possible efforts to further roll back things like abortion and contraception are at the top of their minds. That's why Juli Gittinger, a religious-studies professor at Georgia College, has stocked up on Plan B pills. A family tests out a Cold-war era nuclear bomb blast bunker in May 1955 that contains survival gear, food and water Right-wing personalities like Alex Jones and televangelist Jim Bakker have been financially successful selling doomsday prep items to their respective audiences However, there is a smaller contingent of liberals that like to prep too. Juli Gittinger, pictured, is one of them and started doing it after Trump was elected in 2016 Gittinger began prepping after Trump was elected president the first time in 2016, she told The Atlantic. She said she has enough water in her house to last 30 days and enough food to last her 100 days. She also has iodine pills to protect herself from radiation and a machete in the event she has to cut her way through the bushes of rural Georgia to make an escape. Interestingly, the Plan B pills she bought aren't for herself, she said. Rather they're for young women who might need it in case elected Republicans at the state and federal level decide to restrict access to birth control. So far, Republicans haven't come out and said they want to ban birth control but they did block a Democrat bill last summer that would have codified a right to contraception. Gittinger isn't the only liberal-minded prepper grabbing Plan B for others. Buying supplies not just yourself and your family but for the surrounding community is a common sentiment among the more than 4,500 members of the Leftist Preppers subreddit. In a post made to the subreddit days after Trump won the presidency, someone asked what items are on the top of people's prepper lists. 'My plan is to prep not just for myself but others. I'm buying Plan B. We're looking into what other kinds of birth control you can buy in bulk. This is not necessary for my family but if it ceases to exist we want to have it available for others,' one person replied. Another person wrote: 'I loaded up on plan b. Not for myself, I am beyond those concerns, but for the young women in my life that might need it.' Some people on the subreddit recommended people make sure their passport is up to date in case they feel its necessary to leave the country Others talked about buying fluoride toothpaste and getting all their necessary immunizations for themselves and their kids in advance of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. possibly become the Health Secretary Other things on people's lists were over-the-counter medicines, soil, seeds and bug repellant. Some recommended people make sure their passport is up to date in case they feel its necessary to leave the country. There was also talk about buying fluoride toothpaste and getting all their necessary immunizations for themselves and their kids. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has cast doubt on putting fluoride in drinking water to keep people's teeth healthy and the effectiveness of various vaccines including the covid jab. Zoe Higgins, one of the moderators of the subreddit, told The Atlantic that she has a month's worth of freeze-dried spaghetti, beef stroganoff, chicken alfredo, and other meals. If that's not enough, she also has flashlights, headlamps, waterproof matches, fire starters, water-purification tablets, camping stoves and propane tanks. Genevra Hsu, another subreddit moderator, said she actually began prepping in 2013 after learning survivalist techniques from her father. Now living in Virginia, Hsu has six months of meals stowed away and does her own pressure-canning, dehydrating, and freezing. Her social media profiles show her dehydrating and freezing powdered eggs in case of a bird flu epidemic. Zoe Higgins, who goes by 'Leftist Prepper' on TikTok, made her own guide on what it takes to be prepared for a Trump presidency On TikTok, Higgins goes by 'Leftist Prepper' and she made her own guide on what she believes it takes to truly be prepared for a Trump presidency. Higgins said it's important to be personally prepared with your own stockpile. For her, that's especially true because she lives in New Orleans, a city that is often in the path of hurricanes, most notably Katrina in 2005. But like many of her fellow Redditors have said, she suggested that survival in a disaster scenario is much more likely when you connect with people in your town or neighborhood. She recommended people join a mutual aid group wherever they live and said if their neighborhood doesn't have one, 'I would be starting one.' Nafeez Ahmed, an author who has written about global crises, told the Guardian in 2016 that surviving after society collapses isn't as simple as living off cans of beans. 'There's a survivalist response which is "I'm going to hide away all by myself,"' Ahmed said. 'Youre probably not going to survive like that you have to cooperate with other people.' 'The more people who band together, the more likely you are to be able to rebuild something like a society. So Id say share those baked beans,' he added. Michael Mills, a senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom, studies doomsday prepping and estimated that about 15 percent of preppers in the US are liberals. He added that there are likely millions of preppers all with a range of different political beliefs. Michael Mills, a senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom, says preppers of all political bents 'lack of faith in political progress' and have 'skepticism towards political leadership' The thing that drives all preppers, left or right, to conserve resources and have backup plans is a lack of trust in government, according to Mills. 'Theres this common thread that I think unites preppers of all political persuasions, which is a lack of faith in political progress as a whole and a skepticism towards political leadership,' he said. Americans on both sides of the political aisle have record low trust in Congress, big business and the presidency. What liberal and conservative preppers appear disagree on are what the true threats to society are. Liberals are worried about climate change causing more natural disasters, while conservatives are more often fretting about the left running amok. Mikhail Merkurieff, a prepper who's made a living selling survival gear he invents told Business Insider in 2019: 'We kind of joke, like, man, we have to get a Democrat back in the White House and sales will go back up.' Mikhail Merkurieff, pictured, shows off one of his survival products, which is billed as a heated survival shelter The most concrete worries prep-happy liberals have about Trump are economic in nature and largely center on his plans to dramatically increase tariffs. Trump has proposed a widespread 10 percent tariff on global imports to raise government revenue and has threatened China with tariffs as high as 60 percent if they don't do more to reduce the amount of fentanyl flowing into the United States through Mexico. Since tariffs increase the price of imports, many have rushed to buy consumer goods that typically come from outside the country or have components that are assembled or sourced in foreign countries. These include vehicles, auto parts, technology and appliances. Higgins said she recently bought a new car out of an abundance of caution. A December survey of 2000 Americans from creditcards.com found that a third of people were buying more because they feared tariffs. '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. An ex-drug lord who was jailed for helping run a multi-million-pound cross-border cocaine ring now works at a security firm which holds the keys to Britain's largest freeport. David Garside, 39, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in 2015 after he was found to have been one of the 'centre-pins' of a drugs gang which transported cocaine and amphetamine over county lines. The father-of-three, of Hartlepool, who was said to have been a kingpin's 'right-hand man', is understood to have pocketed almost 1million through the illegal trade, and was later ordered by the court to pay back just 33k of the profits. It has now emerged the ex-drug dealer is employed at his father's company NE Security Ltd which has recently had it's contract renewed to provide security at Teesside Freeport - the country's largest of its kind. The 9million deal was granted by South Tees Development Corporation which is chaired by Conservative peer and mayor of Teesside, Ben Houchen. Garside, who was also previously jailed for his involvement in a brutal machete attack, was released from prison in February 2020 on licence - just five years into his sentence. And later that same year he began working at his father's security firm as a health and safety advisor, which the company says is still the role he takes. He was released on licence, which is due to expire in October this year. David Garside, 39, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months after being convicted for conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs More than 10m worth of drugs were seized during the raids where Garside was found to have been a 'centre-pin' in the drugs gang A picture taken after his release. Garside was released on licence in 2020 after serving five years of his sentence The renewal contract for NE Security was awarded by Tees Valley Combined Authority Group and Teesside International Airport for the value of 9m, it was revealed by Private Eye last week. Teesworks is the UK's biggest and best connected industrial zone, aimed at 'unlocking global markets, major trade hubs and offshore projects'. Spanning 4,500 acres, Teesworks - which NE Security will provide services to - is aimed at regeneration and includes the former Redcar steelworks. As of January 2024, more than 560million in public money, both through grants and borrowing, has been given to the Teesworks project. It claims to have attracted more than 2billion in investments and created 2,500 long-term jobs. The project is still under construction. NE Security took on the contract for security at Teesworks in 2021, and it was renewed earlier this month. The family-owned Hartlepool business was founded by Garside's father, also David Garside, in 1995. An ex-pro boxer, he founded the company at 18 and grew it to become a well-established name in the area, providing its services to many local businesses. Garside Jnr was released in 2020 after serving time having pled guilty for conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs. An image of Teesworks, Britain's largest freeport. The project is still under construction NE Security, formed in 1995, took on Garside Jnr as an employee in 2020 upon his release An aerial view of the 4,500-acre Teesworks site, which has had 560m of public money committed to it It was part of one of the biggest-ever drugs operations carried out by Cleveland Police, with several others also imprisoned. Adrian Morfitt was found to have been the 'Teesside kingpin', and was sentenced to 12 years. Garside Jnr is understood to have been his right-hand man. Officers launched Operation Rodrigo in 2012 initially to monitor both Morfitt and Garside Jnr, but quickly found out the organised crime group were also working with criminals in Liverpool. The court heard the estimated street value of the drugs the gang dealt could be up to 30m. Pair Morfitt and Garside Jnr were also previously imprisoned for their role in a 'frenzied' machete attack on a former boxer. Morfitt's older brother Shaun Morfitt was sentenced to six years and three months in 2010 for attacking Anthony Rowbotham, while Garside Jnr was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for encouraging the attack, including shouting 'give it to him Morfy'. At the time, Daniel Travers, for Garside Jnr, insisted his client was a 'hardworking young man'. The defence rings similar to that told by his father in relation to his employment at NE Security, claiming he has rehabilitated and is 'very hardworking'. On Garside Jnr's role at NE Security, the firm clarified: 'David Garside Jnr is an employee of NE Security Ltd. His position in the company is a health and safety manager. A photo taken of David Jnr when he was imprisoned for his involvement in a machete attack in 2010 NE Security has been granted a renewal of its contract to provide security for the freeport being built The firm just recently closed its old head office and opened the doors to its new and improved office in Enterprise House, also in Hartlepool 'This is evidenced in numerous external and independent audits and inspections. He is NEBOSH Certified which is national qualification and he is fully trained for the role.' They confirmed that Garside Jnr is not involved with any security services, only health and safety, and has no involvement himself with the Teesworks contract. Addressing concerns regarding his previous convictions, his father insisted he had reformed and was a trained member of the team. He said: 'The lengthy sentence in 2015 reflected the serious nature of his conviction, and in my opinion, justice was rightly served. 'David Jnr was punished for his actions, accepted responsibility and dealt with the consequences for him and his family. 'David Jnr became a model inmate; he made the choice to work hard, study and further educate himself. He gained a NEBOSH qualification in health and safety using the prison education system made available to him. 'He did not sit idle during incarceration; he learned from mistakes made and began a journey of rehabilitation. To his credit he planned a different future for himself and his family and for that I am very proud of him. 'When released from prison, David Jnr was very fortunate to have a family to support him and provide permanent employment and a new career development. A photo taken from when Daily Mail columnist Robert Hardman visited the Teesworks site in 2022 The freeport used to be the site of Redcar steelworks, which closed in 2015, cutting more than 2,000 jobs, making way for the Teesside regeneration project 'The opportunity for him to work as an employee for NE Security on his release came with stringent and demanding conditions; these included hard work, long hours, to always represent the company and his colleagues in a lawful professional manner, work with his experienced mentors in health and safety, continual learning and improvement and for him to become a role model to others. 'I can assure you his reintroduction into NE Security has not been made easy for him in any way. I can also state he has never swayed from the mentioned conditions; he is a valued and respected employee of NE Security.' 'If a company is unable employ persons with convictions it means that no one can learn from mistakes, improve their lives, be rehabilitated or positively contribute to society.' 'NE Security is extremely proud to have been awarded the contract to provide security services to the Teesworks facility. NE Security openly disclose David Jnr's role in the company to all clients. 'To reiterate David Jnr is not involved with and has no influence with any security services whatsoever, whether this be with Teesworks, the Freeport or other sites; as stated above his role is with health & safety involving many prestigious clients in the UK.' South Tees Development Corporation was approached for comment by MailOnline. The most influential conservative Latino voices gathered in Washington, D.C., for the first-ever Republican-centric Hispanic Inaugural Ball. Argentina's President Javier Milei was among the stacked line-up of Hispanics who joined the pre-celebration of Donald Trump's impending inauguration on Saturday night. Milei is a friend of Trump's and was the first world leader to accept an invitation to the President-elect's second inauguration on Monday, January 20, 2025. But just two days before the official swearing-in, approximately 1,500 mostly Latino American guests gathered in a ballroom at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Northwest D.C. as hundreds of thousands of people flood the District for the highly-anticipated inaugural balls this weekend. The Hispanic gala underscores the importance of the Latino American vote in the 2024 presidential election and how vital the rightward trend of that voting demographic was toward Trump winning his second reelection bid. Trump earned a higher percentage of Latino votes in 2024 than any other Republican presidential candidate before him. Latino Wall Street, a Spanish-centric group focused on promoting Latino American businesses, and CPAC organized the Hispanic inaugural event along with at least 20 other nonprofits and grassroots organizations. Guests at Saturday night's gala heard remarks from Milei, but also mingle with influential Latino-American voices. Argentinian President Javier Milei attended the Hispanic Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. on Saturday night Milei is attending Donald Trump's second inauguration on Monday. Pictured: Milei (center) traveled to Mar-a-Lago on November 14 to celebrate Trump's victory with Elon Musk (left) Two days before inauguration in Washington, D.C., President Milei spoke at the Hispanic Inaugural Ball Former 2024 presidential candidate and millionaire biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy left the Vice President's inaugural dinner with Sen. J.D. Vance to introduce Milei. The Argentinian President accepted the Titan of Economic Reform award, presented by Latino Wall Street. Paraguay's President Santiago Pena Palacios also spoke at the ball in Northwest D.C. The honorary chairs include Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas and Bernardo Moreno of Ohio. Rubio, just days prior to the gala, appeared for a confirmation hearing as Trump's nominee for Secretary of State. And fellow Cabinet nominee Sean Duffy, who was picked to lead Trump's Department of Transportation, and his wife Rachel Campos-Duffy, who is of Mexican descent, were honorary chairs. The gala provided opportunities for guests to hear from non-Hispanic figures in Trump world. This included ex-Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Service, as well as former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who the president-elect wants to be the next Director of National Intelligence. Some notable guests included Trump's eldest son Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-fiance and future Greece Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump's pick for Department of Homeland Security Secretary, also served as an honorary chair for the Hispanic soiree. If confirmed, Noem will help lead the agency responsible for overseeing immigration policy a huge hot button issue for the legal immigrant and Latino American community in the U.S. Goya Foods CEO Bob Unanue, who spoke about the border and backing Trump at the Republican National Convention this summer, is also an honorary chair. Milei and Trump are known to have a buddy-buddy relationship. Former 2024 presidential candidate and millionaire biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy introduced Milei at the ball on Saturday Milei accepted the Titan of Economic Reform award, presented by Latino Wall Street founder Gabriela Berrospi (right) Honorary Chairs of the Hispanic Inaugural Ball include big Latino American names and others very close to Trump world, including the president-elect's son Donald Trump Jr. and presumed incoming HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump and Milei have become chummy and have similar leadership styles. The Argentinian leader went to Mar-a-Lago after Trump's November election win and was the first world leader to commit to attending his second inauguration The two see eye-to-eye on leadership approaches and styles, and Milei was the first world leader to visit the president-elect at his Mar-a-Lago residence after his 2024 victory. Latino Wall Street CEO Tony Delgado told DailyMail.com that he and his wife Gabriela Berrospi, founder of the group, heard from Milei during his celebratory visit to Mar-a-Lago in mid-November. He detailed how Milei has his own MAGA prerogative and wants to 'Make Argentina Great Again.' Milei is a self-declared 'anarcho-capitalist,' which is a far-right ideology that believes all government institutions are unnecessary and can, and should, be replaced by private entities. In 2020, an exit poll exhibited that 36 percent of the male Hispanic vote went to Trump. But the same Edison Research exit poll conducted just four years later shows the number of Hispanic men voting for Trump increased to 54 percent. Other exit polls in 2024 show that President-elect Trump won as high as 46 percent of the Latino vote electorate overall a sharp rise from the 32 percent he took in 2020 and even higher than the 44 percent high mark set by President George Bush in 2004. A Las Vegas man warned his dad in chilling text messages that he was fearful of his 'sick' stepfather shortly before he was shot dead alongside his mother. Evan 'Sergei' Scoggins, 20, told his biological father Andrew 'things won't be good for me' if he didn't secure a student loan to go to college in another of his haunting messages, obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com. Evan urged his dad to 'please sign the loan' to help him leave the home, with other messages detailing Groschen's erratic behavior that made his life 'hell.' He repeatedly warned of red flags displayed by his stepfather Karl Groschen, 44, the new husband of his mother Anastasiya Akutsina-Groschen, 44, in the months before he shot them both dead in October. Evan told of how Groschen 'destroyed (Anastasiya's) office, throwing everything off the shelf, books and boxes' in a fit of rage, and flew into a frenzy when his mother told family members 'about his deteriorating mental state'. Andrew recalled this week to DailyMail.com: 'Evan was a loving kid, he always was smiling, but there was a change... He would have done anything to get out of that house.' Evan and Anastasiya's alleged murders captured headlines last month when Groschen was seen in chilling police bodycam footage calmly admitting to shooting his wife and stepson in October, telling officers: 'You've gotta arrest me.' Groschen, seen in the bodycam with a drinks can and two pill bottles, claimed he shot them both in self-defense, an allegation that Andrew told DailyMail.com left him 'sickened.' Evan's father and Anastasiya's ex-husband Andy Scoggins (pictured with Evan as a child) said he has been left devastated by the deaths, and called for 'coward' Groschen to face the death penalty if convicted Andrew shared chilling correspondence his son sent him in the months before the shootings, including begging him to sign a student loan application otherwise 'things won't be good for me' In messages shared with DailyMail.com, Evan warned his father of Groschen's alleged erratic behavior in the home, with one text message detailing how he 'destroyed (Anastasiya's) office, throwing everything off the shelf, books and boxes.' Groschen's wife Anastasiya Akutsina-Groschen, 44, and stepson Segei Scoggins, 20, were killed in the home after neighbors heard an argument followed by gunshots 'He struck me as a calm, cool, calculating, manipulative weasel of a man,' he said. Scoggins, who lives in Hanoi, Vietnam, said he was married to Anastasiya for seven years, and that she met Groschen on a dating app following their divorce. He said their relationship had a severe impact on his son's life, as Groschen was intent on controlling and manipulating his new family, according to Andrew. In messages shared with DailyMail.com, Evan would repeatedly warn over red flags Groschen was exhibiting in their Nevada home, including one chilling encounter just two months before the shootings. 'My stepdad just had another episode,' Evan texted. 'When he was near me, he just randomly said, 'Evan is wrong,'' the text read. 'I asked, 'About what?' He said: 'Everything.' In other texts, Evan shared how Groschen got 'mad' at small details in their lives, down to even getting angry at attempts to tip a waiter. In another message sent just a month before the shootings, Evan told his dad that Groschen told him he was 'wrong about everything' In other texts, Evan shared details of how Groschen attempted to 'control' their lives, down to even getting mad at attempts to tip a waiter He shared chilling details of the 'hell' in their Nevada home Groschen and Anastasiya shared a young child together, who was seen in the police bodycam footage by his father as he admitted to the deaths. The child was later taken in by Child Protective Services after the shootings Andrew said his son was previously set to attend the University of Nebraska on a scholarship, but Groschen blocked the move as he was intent on 'controlling' their lives. In another message between Andrew and a friend, they noted that Evan, 20, was 'trying to gain weight and muscles' but Groschen was intent on blocking even that. 'It seems Karl was trying to keep Evan from eating a full 3 meals a day,' the text added. 'I'm still in disbelief at why Anastasiya stayed,' Andrew said this week. 'I can't wrap my head around it. 'Evan was forced to be there... he had a scholarship in Nebraska, but he instead had to relocate to Nevada. That was Karl.' 'The texts show the dysfunction in that home.' It comes as a judge this week ruled that Groschen is competent to stand trial, with prosecutors indicating they will seek the death penalty, aiming to carry out the first execution in Nevada since 2006. Andrew has slammed the Henderson Police Department for not taking a toxicology report despite Groschen being seen with pill bottles at his arrest. Andrew said this led to a disturbing theory that Groschen may have planned to use the pills in his defense, with the lack of a toxicology report possibly hampering Andrew's hopes he receives the death penalty. 'Did he take medication before police came, in anticipation of his arrest?' he questioned. 'In the appeals process, that will be in his defense. Death row cases get many, many appeals. Just to have that toxicology is a box checked.' Karl Groschen, 41, was seen in police bodycam footage coldly admitting to killing his wife and stepson in their home in Henderson, Nevada on October 11, telling officers: 'You've gotta arrest me'. His five year-old son is visible behind him Prosecutors released this image of a gun found near the car where Anastasiya's body was found Anastasiya's body was discovered in the driver's seat of the family car in the garage, while Sergei was found in the laundry room. Both suffered multiple gunshot wounds On the night Anastasiya and Evan were shot dead, neighbors called police to Groschen's home after hearing an argument from the garage followed by gunshots. Groschen was seen chillingly admitting to firing on his family as soon as cops arrived, telling an officer about the bodies inside. When the cop replies: 'Who are they?', Groschen responds: 'My wife and stepson.' The disabled five-year-old son Groschen shared with Anastasiya appeared in the footage as the officers questioned the father over what happened, as he claimed the deaths were out of self-defense. 'I thought they were trying to kill me,' Groschen said while being placed in cuffs. 'You've got to take me.' A police report from the Henderson Police Department concluded that there was no evidence to support Groschen's claim his wife and stepson were trying to kill him. Andrew, seen with Evan during his childhood, said his son died a 'hero' as he re-entered Groschen's home to check on his mother and stepbrother after shots were fired Anastasiya's body was found in the driver's seat of her car in the garage, while Evan's body was found in the home's laundry room. Witnesses reportedly said they saw Evan run back into the home after his mother was shot first, which Andrew told DailyMail.com showed his son's heroic final moments attempting to protect his mom and young stepbrother. 'Evan refused to leave,' he said. 'He ran back inside to his mother and little half-brother, and he paid the ultimate price for that... That's who my son was.' An Australian fast food empire that got its start as a tiny charcoal chicken shop next to a train station could earn its husband-and-wife owners a fortune as they test the water for a potential sale. Lebanese immigrant Andre Estephan opened his original shop with his sister Samira in 1997 before branching out on his own to found El Jannah with his wife Carole. The couple are now proud owners of a fast food juggernaut with 35 locations in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. The business that stemmed from the original store in Granville, Western Sydney, is now reportedly on the radar of international investment banks such as Morgan Stanley who are looking to advise the owners and broker a potential sale this year. The business is yet to formally bring any advisers on board, however, the company's CEO Brett Houldin has been speaking to potential bidders, the Australian Financial Review reported. Mr Houldin previously ran Craveable Brands - the owner of Oporto, Red Rooster and Chargrilled Charlies - which has itself been courting buyers. Craveable's owner PAG Asia Capital had been in talks with Affinity Equity Partners which valued that business at $800million, although discussions recently collapsed. El Jannah is about one-fifteenth the size - 35 locations versus 544 - which based on that alone would see its value north of $50million, however any offer would likely be higher based on its strong branding and potential for expansion. Mr Houldin said in October last year his ambition was for El Jannah to have 300 sites 'maybe closer to 500 if we can' within the next decade. El Jannah's husband-and-wife duo Andre and Carole Estephan are pictured inside a store El Jannah is now a fast food juggernaut with 35 locations in NSW, Victoria and the ACT after its humble beginnings as a single store beside a train station (a branch is pictured) El Jannah's roots go back to the first chicken shop called Awafi which was opened by Andre and Samira and their respective partners in 1997 in the Sydney suburb of Granville. Samira and her husband Simon Azzi chipped in the majority of the capital with Andre and his wife Carole putting in the rest. Awafi offered traditional Lebanese style chicken cooked over an open pit of charcoals, with the delicious smell reportedly drawing in customers from the nearby train station and word soon spread through the surrounding suburbs. 'People think Australians are the only ones to barbecue, but it's normal for every home to cook with charcoals in Lebanon,' Simon and Samira's daughter Sindy said. In 1998, Andre and Carole had decided to split from Simon and Samira and go out on their own by founding El Jannah, which means 'heaven' in Arabic. Andre took on the administration and front-of-house side of the business while Carole worked as chef in the back kitchen. Being a family business, agreements about Awafi's methods and finances were informal and led to a rivalry between the new El Jannah and the Azzi's, who continued on with Awafi, as the two restaurants competed for customers. El Jannah's chargrilled fare - served with Lebanese mixed pickles, pita bread, fries and a generous serving of its famed garlic sauce - saw it rise to the top of Sydney's warring chicken chains. The palatial home owned by the El Jannah founders is pictured. The couple is hoping to sell the sprawling mansion in Sydney's northwest for $15million Awafi along with Hawa also from Western Sydney, Portuguese immigrant-founded Frangos and the aforementioned eastern suburbs-based Chargrilled Charlies have all seen success but El Jannah's meteoric rise has outshone them. 'Back in 1998, El Jannah was one of the first of its kind to offer this type of food,' Mr Estephan told Real Commercial last year. 'We saw an opportunity to sell a high-quality product that wasn't already widely available and Granville was an ideal location because of the existing Lebanese community. 'We loved seeing customers who enjoyed our food and would return with their friends and family. With our charcoal chicken as the hero and sales growing, by the end of the first year of trade we knew it would be a successful business.' The company branched out on its second location in nearby Punchbowl in 2009 followed by other locations in its 'heartland' of Western Sydney. It then moved into Melbourne with venues in Preston, Campbellfield and Craigeburn performing well. It now has regional NSW locations in Tahmoor and Albion Park along with a store in Gungahlin in the ACT. Newcastle, Woollongong, Canberra, SA and Queensland are next, though the new locations will be standalone restaurants with food courts off the table, according to Mr Houldin. 'I'd love the brand to be all over the country and potentially go international.' Recent success stories in Australia's red-hot fast food industry include burrito chain Guzman y Gomez which recently floated on the ASX and Sunshine Coast founded Betty's Burgers which has exploded to 60 locations in under 10 years. A young mum is facing a life of uncertainty after her neck pain turned into devastating eight-hour emergency surgery. Tilly, 24, was 38 weeks pregnant when she and her partner were rushed from their farm near Quambone, in northern New South Wales, to Sydney for emergency surgery. Her 25-year-old partner, Jarred, said Tilly had woken up with a sore neck on December 29 but initially dismissed it as run-of-the-mill pain. 'In the morning she had a little bit of neck pain but she just thought she must've slept wrong,' Jarred said. 'At about 5pm I had to go out in the paddock, she rang me and was just bawling her eyes out. She was in severe pain and could barely walk.' The couple rushed 50km to Quambone's medical centre where Tilly was offered painkillers but told there was little else the doctor could do. 'It's only a little health service - one doctor and a couple nurses on throughout the night,' Jarred said. 'The doctor gave her a couple shots of painkillers and it must have all kicked in at once. Tilly (pictured with baby Philippa) was 38 weeks pregnant when she was rushed to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital for emergency spinal surgery Tilly's partner Jarred (pictured together) recalled she had a sore neck before she called him sobbing and unable to walk properly 'She started shaking and her eyes were rolling back in her head. 'After a bit she started to calm down and said she couldn't feel anything from her chest down.' The couple then spent two hours in the back of an ambulance headed for Dubbo Base Hospital, where Tilly was able to get an MRI done. It found a spinal hematoma - blood pooled around her spine. The couple were then airlifted to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital where Tilly had to undergo an emergency caesarean. It was the one positive in the whole situation - their baby girl, Philippa, was born perfectly healthy. 'She's just beautiful,' Jarred said. 'It's good luck too, if she wasn't healthy it would've wrecked us.' Tilly gave birth to Philippa (pictured with Jarred) via C-section before undergoing spinal surgery During the same operation, Tilly had to undergo emergency spinal surgery. 'They had to cut out bub so they could cut open Tilly's back,' Jarred said. 'The blood went from her T1 to T8 vertebrae, about 25cm. They think she lost function because it was pushing against her spinal cord, but they're not really sure. 'So not only did she have a C-section but she also had major spine surgery straight after growing a baby for nine months so it'll take a while for her to heal.' Tilly's doctors and surgeons have done multiple tests but have been unable to determine what caused the spinal bleed. She now faces several months of recovery and the possibility she may never walk again. Jarred is currently bunkered down with Tilly and Philippa on a rollaway bed in the hospital neurology ward. They're likely to spend at least three months there before completing three to six months of rehabilitation at Ryde Hospital. The farming couple (pictured) now face a year in Sydney as Tilly recovers from a spinal hematoma and undergoes rehabilitation to recover some of her movement 'We'll probably be here for the rest of the year,' Jarred said. 'You know, we're first time parents and we just want to be home as a family.' Despite the sudden and drastic life change, Tilly has done her best to stay positive. 'Some days are good and some days are bad,' Jarred said. 'I just try my best to keep her in the best headspace possible. 'Having Philippa has given her purpose. She gets frustrated that she can't do everything but she can still breastfeed her and change her.' The couple shared a massive thank you to the medical staff and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 'They took us here because they're the best of the best,' Jarred said. Despite the sudden and drastic life change, Tilly (pictured) has done her best to stay positive and is grateful to have baby Philippa 'They've been tremendous the staff, they've all been so good to us.' A friend of the couple has started a GoFundMe to help cover their medical bills, rehabilitation costs and accommodation while in Sydney. 'Every donation will help relieve the financial pressure on our new favourite family, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity and support,' it stated. It has raised over $91,000 since Saturday. 'It's just amazing. It really shows how much a small town will get behind you,' Jarred said. Located in a miniscule pocket on the River Thames in Surrey, a handful of intriguing small private islands sit virtually untouched. Miles from tropical beaches or sunshine, they still house some of the worlds most rich and famous, alongside ordinary Brits looking for an idyllic escape from the city. However, island life, while beautiful, carries an element of risk. With these small pockets of land only accessible by boat or a narrow path, there is no guarantee emergency services will be able to reach residents in time during a crisis. For Andrew Philip, who lives in one of just 23 homes on Pharaoh's Island, Surrey, this unfortunate drawback is something he is all too aware of. Mr Philips dream riverside home he bought with his wife in 2001 was engulfed by flames in April last year and suffered severe damage as a result. With no bridge connecting the island to the mainland, fire services struggled to access his home and both him and his family have been living in rental accommodation ever since. Holding his 18-month-old baby, the islands youngest resident, he said that he felt lucky to have gotten away. Now, as work on rebuilding his home continues, he is eagerly anticipating returning to his beloved waterside residence with his young family. Andrew Philip's dream riverside home he bought with his wife on Pharaoh's Island in 2001 was engulfed by flames in April last year and suffered severe damage. His 18-month-old son is the ait's youngest resident Pharaoh's Island, just 270 meters upstream of Shepperton Lock, Surrey, has 23 homes and can only be reached by boat Unlike the door-to-door delivery service most Londoners are accustomed to, parcels, including takeaways, are left on the opposite riverbank for residents to collect. Delivery drivers ring an old-fashioned bell to alert islanders of their arrival Mr Philip added: It is slightly nerve-wracking living so close to water, weve got to be really careful and keep a close eye on him (his son). Every few years our lawns will get flooded. But, it is a really lovely community, the other day somebody lost power on one of their boats and everyone messaged to try and help. Unlike the door-to-door delivery service most Londoners are accustomed to, parcels, including takeaways, are left on the opposite riverbank for residents to collect. Delivery drivers then ring an old-fashioned bell to alert islanders of their arrival. Just slightly further down the riverbank at the southernmost point of the Thames is Hamhaugh Island, at 690 meters long and between 100 and 120 meters wide. An entirely private stretch of land with no public access, residents pay an annual 350 Island Association fee for the privilege of crossing a small footbridge, while a ferry also runs in the summer months. Following a devastating house fire eight years ago, fire hydrants are installed across the island to help protect residents in the likelihood of delays in emergency services able to cross the water. 94-year-old David Gouth-Williams and his wife Jean, 90, are the islands two longest-standing residents having lived in the community for more than 40 years. 94-year-old David Gouth-Williams and his wife Jean, 90, are Hamhaugh Islands two longest-standing residents having lived in the community for more than 40 years Parcels are left by delivery drivers for residents on Pharaoh Island to collect by boat Following a devastating house fire on Hamhaugh Island, fire hydrant cabinets have been installed to help protect residents due to delays in emergency services arriving via boat Your browser does not support iframes. Their daughter, who used to take a boat to school, has also relocated to the island to be closer to her parents. Historically used as a retreat for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of London, visitors to Hamhaugh would traditionally stay in tents that were later replaced by timber structures. Now, many residents have redeveloped or knocked down these former structures in replacement of new builds. However, for Mr Gouth-Williams, the heart of the island still remains much the same. Mr Gouth-Williams said: You meet the nicest people in the world on this island, everybody looks after each other with no complaints. It has changed slightly over time, but it is still full of the same brilliant people. David and Jennifer Nield moved to Hamhaugh Island eight years ago after relocating from Walton on Thames and are currently in the process of re-building their home. Unable to use a van, Mr Nield carries his materials over the narrow bridge via electronic trolley, the only one, he insists, on the entire island. David Nield has lived on Hamhaugh Island for eight years and is currently renovating and re-building his home Located just 270 meters north of Shepperton Lock, Hamhaugh Island is a mere 690 meters long and between 100 and 120 meters wide The narrow bridge to the island can only be accessed by residents who pay a 350 Island Association fee Three of the unique Thames Islands you can actually visit: 1. Ham Island, Windsor: Accessible by car, the leafy island is home to the Blue Ace Horse Rescue Sanctuary that cares for rescued horses and ponies. Pixie Place, a house on the island's east-side, can be rented as a holiday home. 2. Monkey Island, Maidenhead: Believed to have got its name from a group of monks who settled nearby, the island is reached by footbridge and home to a luxury hotel that can cost up to 200 a night. 3. Ravens Ait, Kingston: Fancy a quirky wedding or office summer party? Ravens Ait is a private island accessed only by boat that holds a marquee and two banquet halls for private functions. Advertisement Describing the isle as 'like nowhere else I've ever been', Mr Nield often does his weekly food shop by boat. He said: 'Houses can sell here for in the millions and we've had celebrity residents like Peter Davison and Felicity Kendal. 'We do get weekenders, people that have second homes, but the majority of people that buy here love it so much that they end up just moving.' For his wife Jennifer, despite challenges in obtaining council approval for housing renovations, the magic of finding a remote pocket of tranquility just outside of London makes any difficulties entirely worthwhile. Ms Nield said: 'Never once in the last eight years have I minded having to walk across the bridge, there's just something so magical about it, you feel completely out of the way of London.' Paula Gregory-Dade, company director at rental agency Waterside Residential, specialises in selling riverside, island and floating homes along the Thames. Marketing properties to some of the most rich and famous, the agent has even sold homes to Kate Winslet on Desborough Island, Surrey, and another to Nigel Planer on Eel Pie in Twickenham. While the majority of these houses tend to be renovation projects that need to be rebuilt, Ms Gregory-Dade insists that they come with an irresistible charm that many of my buyers wouldnt want to live without. A resident makes the passage by boat from the mainland to Pharaoh's Island. All who live on the island own private boats. Unable to use a van, Mr Nield carries his housing renovation materials over the narrow bridge to Hamhaugh Island via electronic trolley 'Fairly modest' homes on Thames islands can sell for in the millions, with purchases previously made to celebs like Kate Winslet and Nigel Planer She added: Walking over the bridge is like going on holiday, you leave everything on the other side. Ms Gregory-Dade is set to take on a four-bed house on the market on Hamhaugh Island this week which she anticipates should sell for between 1 million and 1.1 million. She also just completed on a fairly modest property on Trinity Island, Weybridge, that sold for 1.1 million. Regarding anxiety around flooding, Ms Gregory-Dade said: The houses on these islands are built on stilts or brick piers so above water level. So, while the islands themselves can actually flood, the water tends to mostly go underneath these houses. If the island is in flood, then getting to and from your house is a compromise but thats the price you pay for living in the Thames. Donald Trump has generated headlines and outrage around the world with a grand vision for American expansion into Greenland, Canada and Panama. His MAGA supporters say it is an essential move to protect national security. But a new DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll reveals that the wider American public has deep reservations about the adding territory, and clear majorities reject any use of force to take control of the overseas territories. Less than one in three, or 32 percent, of registered voters, want Canada and the Panama Canal to become a U.S. territory. Meanwhile, only 28 percent want to see the U.S. buy Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark where there are growing calls for independence. The Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has repeatedly said the island is not for sale and has held talks with the president-elect, while Greenland's leader Mute Egede insists residents 'don't want to be American'. Fifty percent of Americans are opposed to adding Canada to the union, after Trump floated the idea with outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during talks at Mar-a-Lago. Your browser does not support iframes. Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's rift reached a head in the months following Trump's November election win. Trudeau announced earlier in January he is resigning as PM Trump announced in late November his intention to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico in retribution for the continuing migrant and fentanyl crises at the U.S. borders. The day after his social media post, Trudeau flew down to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump. During their gathering, the Canadian leader told Trump that the tariff would kill their economy to which the president-elect recommended that they become part of the U.S. What appeared to start as a joke quickly turned into a serious proposal from Trump, who has repeatedly talked about making the northern neighbors part of the union, though he has ruled out military action to take control of the country. Trudeau's Liberal Party has increasingly disagreed on how to a handle a second Trump term. With dire polls and a his party facing a crisis if he stayed at the helm, the Prime Minister announced earlier this month he was stepping down ahead of the next Canadian election in the fall. Trump took credit for Trudeau resigning. In a press conference in January, Trump suggested he could use economic coercion or the military to help with his expansionist plans. Voters are wary about the idea. Your browser does not support iframes. Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland earlier this month with allies of his father's as President-elect Trump is reupping his offer for the U.S. to buy the Danish territory during his second term About two-thirds of poll respondents don't want military action in Canada or Greenland. But, Americans show a higher willingness to use aggression to take control of the Panama Canal with one in five supporting the move compared to the 58 percent that oppose it. Trump has noted that Greenland and the Panama Canal are vital for national security, trade and for his ambitious energy plans in his second terms. When it comes to economic action, Americans show slightly more support and aren't as vehemently opposed to tariffs and other punishments when compared to military action. For example, 27 percent of those surveyed say they would support economic action against Canada and 25 percent say the same about the Panama Canal and 23 percent for such sanctions against Greenland. '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. A businessman has been fighting a losing battle for eight years to turn Prince William's former search and rescue helicopter into a unique seaside cafe. Ben Stonehouse, 34, has invested thousands of pounds into his cafe idea, only to see it repeatedly rejected by planners as a potential eyesore. But despite being declared bankrupt two years ago, due to an unrelated failed business venture, he has stubbornly refused to admit defeat and is still hoping to find a site for the Sea King that is deemed acceptable to town hall bureaucrats. Mr Stonehouse bought three helicopters for 250,000 and spent four years restoring them with authentic instrument panels and rotor blades. His 'cafe' helicopter is currently one of two that has been converted to luxurious glamping accommodation at a campsite near Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The Sea King XY589 was flown by 'Flight Lieutenant Wales' on 2 October 2010 for his first operational call-out as an RholAF search and rescue pilot. Between 2010 and 2013, the Prince of Wales carried out 156 search and rescue operations from the Anglesey base, that resulted in 149 people being rescued, according to the Ministry of Defence. The first application to convert XY589 into a cafe in 2017 was part of a redevelopment project at the site of the demolished Royal Albert Drive Cafe in Scarborough, which the council had earmarked for a scheme that must include holiday lets. A businessman has been fighting a losing battle for eight years to turn Prince William 's former search and rescue helicopter into a unique seaside cafe Ben Stonehouse invested thousands of pounds in the scheme only to see it repeatedly rejected by planners His 'cafe' helicopter is currently one of two that has been converted to luxurious glamping accommodation at a campsite near Scarborough, North Yorkshire Mr Stonehouse, pictured, bought three helicopters for 250,000 and spent four years restoring them Mr Stonehouse paid thousands of pounds for plans to be drawn up for a 2 million development including eight holiday apartments, three penthouses, five two bedroom lets, three shops, two restaurants and the prince's renovated helicopter as a cafe on the roof. He said: 'We had to put in holiday flats and restaurants. It was exactly what they asked for except the helicopter was on the roof as a cafe and bar overlooking the North Bay. 'That was the only additional thing outside the tender scope and they would not entertain it. Daft stuff like that has been constant for all the years I have been trying to do it and I have lost count. 'They just kept rejecting it over and over again.' Mr Stonehouse said plans to put the helicopter cafe in front of the Grand Hotel in the seaside town and on a car park site were turned down flat. 'Some of them never made it to official planning applications because the council rejected them outright,' he said. More than 1,200 was raised for the cafe project by a crowdfunding page before the scheme was knocked back. Mr Stonehouse added: 'The money from the crowdfunding did get spent on the helicopters. The money was offered back to the people because it did not go ahead. 'I paid one chap back 750 out my own pocket because I wanted to do the right thing. A lot of people just told me to keep it. 'It is just frustrating. I would like to see people enjoy what is a great bit of engineering and aviation history that deserves to be in the public eye.' In 2021, he applied for consent to put the Sea King cafe and two other Sea Kings converted into glamping pods at a car park on the North York Moors above the Hole of Horcum beauty spot. There would also have been six other camping pods and amenity block, but it was rejected. One reason for refusal was 'the incongruous form and nature of the helicopter structures proposed, combined with the impact of associated clutter of paths, outside tables, and fencing.' The Sea King XY589 was flown by 'Flight Lieutenant Wales' on 2 October 2010 for his first operational call-out as an RholAF search and rescue pilot In 2021, he applied for consent to put the Sea King cafe and two other Sea Kings converted into glamping pods at a car park on the North York Moors above the Hole of Horcum beauty spot One reason for refusal was 'the incongruous form and nature of the helicopter structures proposed, combined with the impact of associated clutter of paths, outside tables, and fencing' A look at an artist's impression of the proposed helicopter cafe for the North York Moors application Park ranger David Smith also objected: 'The development, especially the helicopters, may well be a distraction to other road users and therefore create road safety issues.' There was an objection from a nearby farm that the helicopters would be 'unsightly' and 'uncharacteristic' to the area. It was feared the business would increase noise, and litter, hazardous to their livestock, and lead to drops in water pressure on a supply needed to feed their animals. Chris France, Director of Planning for the North York Moors National Park, said the authority was supportive of small-scale glamping pods. 'But that form of development in an area very prominent and open and surrounded by beautiful moorland was incongruous and conspicuous. 'It is not the sort of development people would expect to see in a protected landscape. 'People come to the North York Moors to get away from development they would see elsewhere. They want to be with nature and see wide open spaces. 'It was in the middle of the moor. It has a viewpoint that looks over the Hole of Horcum. It is an amazing geological feature that people come to see. 'They don't want to turn around and see a load of helicopters as a cafe and glamping pods.' It was feared the business would increase noise, and litter, hazardous to their livestock, and lead to drops in water pressure on a supply needed to feed their animals Prince William and his crew take off for their first sortie from the Mount Pleasant Complex, in the Falkland Islands in 2012 North Yorkshire Council, which has replaced Scarborough Council, declined to comment on a historical decision by the former authority. According to company house records, Mr Stonehouse was made bankrupt in December 2023 and the order was discharged a year later. His helicopter cafe dream remains just that, although he still hopes of finding a place to put it. One of the last remaining options in his home town is to include the helicopter cafe in the revamp of the Brunswick Shopping Centre - now nearly empty and infested by pigeons. Whether planners agree this is a suitable location for a helicopter is a different matter. Ex-cop Gary Jubelin has admitted he is still obsessed with the disappearance of toddler William Tyrrell a decade after the child went missing and he was taken off the case. Jubelin, a former homicide investigator who was removed as boss of the Tyrrell task force after illegally recording a then-suspect, spoke out on Stellar magazine's podcast, Something To Talk About. His comments come after an inquest examined the three-year-old's disappearance from his foster grandmother's home at Kendall on the NSW mid north coast in September 2014. No trace of him was found during wide-ranging searches and a NSW Supreme Court judge has since ruled he was most likely dead. Now Jubelin confessed that he cannot let the case go, despite his removal from the official investigation. 'I am still passionate about the William Tyrrell matter. I can't let it go,' he said. 'There was criticism of things I did. I still stand by what I did. The courts have criticised me. 'I've got to accept the findings of the court. But I also believe the courts are only as good as the information that's been provided to them.' Ex-cop Gary Jubelin admits he's still obsessed with William Tyrrell's disappearance a decade after the toddler vanished and launched a broadside at the current investigation Jubelin said he believed people have a right to be critical of the investigation into William's 2014 disappearance which has found no trace of the missing toddler Jubelin was appointed commander of Strike Force Rosann, then removed as lead detective on the case and quit the force in 2019 after being accused of secretly taping one of the neighbours of Tyrrell's foster grandma. Jubelin was prosecuted and convicted and lost his subsequent appeal against that conviction. More than a decade later, Tyrrell remains Australia's most high-profile missing person. Deputy state coroner Harriet Grahame suddenly closed the inquest into the mystery in December last year, with the finding to be published at a later date. But many fear it will find nothing much more than what was established during the hearings: that the boy did not leave the Kendall house under his own steam. Despite police submitting to the coroner that they believed that William's foster mother was involved in the three-year-old's disappearance and disposed of his body - which she denies - no one has been charged. Jubelin called out the unconfirmed police theory about the foster mum n in the podcast. 'I led that investigation for four years, documented all the decisions I made and the directions I headed in,' he said. 'And I am quite confused by the way it has played out publicly and how the foster mother has been named as a person of interest. 'When I took the investigation over five months after William's disappearance, in the handover from Detective Hans Rupp, who was running the investigation to start with, he told me in the handover that the family had been eliminated. 'When I was running the investigation, I had another look at the family, and there was a strike force to explore some aspects of it, very vigorously had a look at the family again, overt and covert investigative techniques. 'I came away from that very confident that the foster mother and foster father had no involvement in William's disappearance. 'The foster mother gave evidence in support of me at my hearing and was also critical of senior police. 'Then she becomes a person of interest after she criticised senior police, and that's been leaked to the media. 'Something about this does not feel right. 'I can't let it go, I won't let it go, and it's not me losing perspective, and it's not me trying to justify my position. I think we - and I'm still including myself as a police officer in this term - should be judged on the way that investigation was handled. 'I don't know how the public could possibly have confidence in what's going on. 'There was a coronial inquest, and we've heard the commissioner for police say there's only one suspect, pointing the finger at the foster mother, and there is no evidence to support that. 'You can't make allegations like that.' Police search the house from which William vanished in 2014, but this renewed probe in 2021 yielded no clues as to where the toddler's remains might be Jubelin said he believed the public has a right to be critical of the investigation. 'I still think it's disgraceful the way it is playing out at the moment,' he added. 'I am as confused as the public on the information that has got out. Not just blaming the police, media have reported on things. Everyone's got an opinion. 'In terms of closure, I think there really needs to be some line of inquiry over what's happened with that investigation. 'I'm not seeing things come out at the inquest that I thought were relevant. 'A young child has disappeared, and that shouldn't get lost in all the politics and infighting. We all should be working in the same direction to bring some closure. 'Therein lies my frustration about not being able to do a handover. 'How can you take someone off an investigation they've been working on for four years without a handover? 'And it wasn't me spitting the dummy saying no, I'm not going to speak to you because you've been horrible to me. I'm saying I will help in any way I can. 'I turned up at the inquest in my suit, ready to give evidence. 'I haven't been called as a witness. I ran the investigation for four years. 'And Dave Laidlaw, who's run the investigation for six years, hasn't been called as a witness. This image created by US-based Parabon Nano Labs shows what William Tyrrell might look at age 13, 10 years after he disappeared without a trace Despite millions of dollars and thousands of house of police investigation William has not been seen since he disappeared from his foster grandmother's home in Kendall, on the NSW mid-north coast, on September 12, 2014 'I have not seen anything like it. 'In saying this, if there is an inquiry, if I have not done something right or whatever, I'm happy for the criticism because we've got to improve. We've got to be judged by that. 'It's sad all around, and it breaks my heart. 'The people who have pointed the finger at the foster mother, if they are found out that's not correct, I don't know how they can sleep with themselves because they have destroyed the person's life.' On his removal from the Tyrrell investigation, Jubelin said 'that hurt me more than losing my career'. 'I'd made the commitment to William Tyrrell's family, foster and biological, I'd do whatever was humanly possible.' On his departure from the force after 34 years as a cop, he said: 'Take my gun, take my badge, take my power, take everything away from me and look, I'm still standing, I'm still surviving.' It was a mystery that endured for more than 130 years, until recently. Researcher Russell Edwards believes he has definitively identified Polish immigrant Aaron Kosminski as being Jack the Ripper. This week, descendants of the Ripper's victims backed Mr Edwards' legal bid to have a new inquest into the death of Catherine Eddowes, the Ripper's fourth victim. Eddowes was horrifically mutilated by the killer, with her entrails having been ripped out and left dangling around her neck. But she was not the only defiled victim of the most notorious serial killer in history. Below, we reveal the gruesome details of every one of the Ripper's five 'canonical' victims. Researcher Russell Edwards believes he has definitively identified Polish immigrant Aaron Kosminski as being Jack the Ripper Mary Ann Nichols The first murder definitively attributed to the Ripper was that of Mary Ann 'Polly' Nichols. Her mutilated body was discovered at 3.40am on August 31, 1888 on Buck's Row in Whitechapel. The 43-year-old prostitute, who had five children with her estranged husband William, was discovered with her throat savagely cut by two deep swipes. One knife blow had reached as far as her vertebrae. Nichols had also been stabbed in the genitals and her abdomen had been ripped open, leaving her bowels protruding. The body of the destitute sex worker and mother was first spotted by Charles Cross, a carman. Another man, carter Robert Paul, joined him moments later. After feeling her hands and face, Paul believed that Nichols was still breathing. Then, instead of going to look for the policeman who was known to be on duty in the area, the pair carried on their way to work. Mary Ann 'Polly' Nichols was discovered at 3.40am on August 31, 1888 A depiction of the discovery of Nichols' remains by police officer Jonas Mizen They eventually came across another officer, who they told of what they had found. By then, another policeman, PC John Neil, had found Nichols' body. At her inquest, which was reported in the papers, it was noted that Nichols was also found with five teeth missing, a laceration to her tongue and bruise running along her jaw and face. Nichols' murder led the police to make extensive enquiries among local prostitutes. They gave details of a man who had been aggressively trying to get money out of them. Bucks Row, now Durward Street, East London, where the body of Mary Ann Nichols was found lying across the gutter The edition of the Illustrated Police News on September 8, 1888, depicting the inquest into Nichols' murder Annie Chapman Just a week after Nichols was murdered, the Ripper turned his attentions to 47-year-old Annie Chapman. Chapman was a widowed mother-of-three who had turned to occasional prostitution to survive. Her body was found in the backyard of 29 Hanbury Street, in Spitalfields, just before 6am on September 8. Chapman was discovered lying on her back, with her dress pulled up to her knees. Her intestines had been lain across her left shoulder and her uterus and parts of her bladder removed. The doctor who examined her body said her killer appeared to have shown 'anatomical knowledge' in the way they cut away parts of her. His post-mortem also reported 'disease of the lungs' and said Chapman's remains showed 'great signs of deprivation' and that she appeared to have been 'badly fed'. Just a week after Nichols was murdered, the Ripper turned his attentions to 47-year-old Annie Chapman. Chapman was a widowed mother-of-three who had turned to occasional prostitution to survive. Above: A post-mortem photo of Chapman (left), pictured right in 1869 Elizabeth Stride The Ripper's next two victims were found within an hour of each other in the early hours of September 30. The first of those was Elizabeth Stride, the only one of the Ripper's victims not to be mutilated. That fact has led many to suggest that Stride was in fact murdered by her boyfriend rather than the Ripper. But Stride is accepted as one of the serial killer's five 'canonical' victims - those . It is argued that the Ripper was disturbed before he could defile Stride's body. The Ripper's next two victims were found within an hour of each other in the early hours of September 30. The first of those was Elizabeth Stride, the only one of the Ripper's victims not to be mutilated The cover of the September 21, 1889 edition of Puck magazine depicting the mysterious Jack the Ripper The 45-year-old, originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, was discovered in Dutfield's Yard in Whitechapel. The Ripper had killed her with a single incision to her neck that severed her left carotid artery and trachea. Dr George Bagster Phillips, the same physician who had examined the remains of Chapman and Kelly, carried out Stride's post-mortem and was present at the scene. Stride's murder prompted a mob to protest at the ongoing murders and the police's inability to catch him. The Ripper became public enemy number one. Catherine Eddowes The body of Catherine Eddowes was discovered at 1.44am on the corner of Mitre Square in London's East End on September 30, less than an hour after Stride's. PC Edward Watkins, who came across Eddowes' body, told reporters of 'a more dreadful sight I never saw'. Eddowes, a 46-year-old mother-of-three, had been arrested that night for being drunk and disorderly. She was released from prison less than an hour before she was murdered. PC Watkins described how it was 'difficult to discern the injuries to the face for the quantity of blood which covered it'. Eddowes' top had been pulled up over her chest to expose a cut from the top of her groin to her chest. Contemporaneous police drawing of the body of Catherine Eddowes Her entrails had been ripped out and left dangling around her neck, and her head was nearly severed from her body. It was Eddowes' murder that would lead historian Russell Edwards to claim he had finally definitively identified who the Ripper was. At an auction in 2007, he came across a shawl that was said to have been found on Eddowes on the night of her murder. It was stained with blood and semen. Further enquiries by Mr Edwards revealed how the shawl was plucked from Eddowes' corpse by Acting Police Sergeant Amos Simpson as it was being carted to the morgue. The shawl remained in the policeman's family and then was sold at the auction by his great-great-nephew. DNA tests performed at Mr Edwards' request matched the DNA in the blood stains with a descendant of Eddowes - proving the shawl was genuine. Tests on the semen proved it was that of long-time Ripper suspect Aaron Kosminski, a Jewish immigrant from Poland. The researchers matched it with DNA from one of his sister's descendants. Mr Edwards laid out his findings in his book Naming Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Reveal. Police discovering the body of one of Jack the Ripper's victims, probably Catherine Eddowes Another edition of the Illustrated Police News after 'two more Whitechapel horrors' Mary Jane Kelly The most terrible of the Ripper murders was the last. Mary Jane Kelly had been horrifically mutilated, with her body parts - including her sexual organs - distributed around her room. Dennis Halsted, a doctor at the London Hospital, carried out an examination of her remains and reported that she had been cut apart with 'great surgical skill'. The 25-year-old prostitute was discovered in the room she rented at 13 Miller's Court in Spitalfields on November 9, 1888. The most terrible of the Ripper murders was the last. Mary Jane Kelly had been horrifically mutilated, with her body parts - including her sexual organs - distributed around her room The 25-year-old prostitute was discovered in the room she rented at 13 Miller's Court in Spitalfields on November 9, 1888 The fact her killing took place away from prying eyes allowed the Ripper to do exactly as he wished with her body. The police who encountered her remains were left with nightmares that haunted them for the rest of their lives. At Kelly's inquest, the full horror of how Kelly was mutilated was described by Dr Thomas Bond. He told how her face had been hacked beyond recognition, her breasts removed and her liver deposited between her feet. Kelly's heart had also been removed. There was widespread press coverage of her funeral, but no family members attended. It was a tragic farewell for the last definitive victim of the Ripper. A nineteen-year-old British victim of the horrifying mass sexual assault attack in Milan has bravely shared how she was assaulted by an 'organised' group of men she did not know as she brought in the new year with friends. Imogen - who we are identifying by just her first name - had spent the evening with two male friends from England and a group of six Belgian students they had met in Italy before heading to the Piazza del Duomo to watch the fireworks. In a harrowing testimony she described how she was grabbed and pulled back while passing through a busy crowd, surrounded by around 30 men she did not know. They held my arms, my hands. I couldnt defend myself. Several men, at the same time, started to grope me, while another tried to pull up my dress, she said. I was struggling to get free, and they were enjoying my distress. Imogen, a university student in northern England, said that one man tried to sexually assault her with his hands, and claimed that another mentioned raping her. The gang were later revealed by police to be Bangladeshi men. 'As I panicked, and fought for freedom, it became apparent that they enjoyed my distress and this only excited my attackers.' She described the dehumanising ordeal as a fight to survive, saying she escaped and was saved by her friends only when she started screaming. Imogen, who tells us she is now safely back in the U.K., said she is struggling to regain her confidence and faith in humanity after feeling that she was going to be killed or raped in an unfamiliar country she thought to be safe. 'I am broken-hearted to have to fight this battle at the very beginning of my adult life,' she told Belgian media. Nineteen-year-old Imogen (left) was with friends (pictured - one of the friends, not involved in the attack) in Italy bringing the new year when she says she was attacked by a group of men Footage from New Year's Eve of the Piazza del Duomo shows chaotic scenes Imogen said there was no police presence at the rowdy scene when they arrived. Men in balaclavas had been filmed shooting fireworks into the crowd before the clock struck midnight. The 19-year-old recounted that she and a friend had left the group to find a lavatory when she felt a man trying to grope her and pulling at her dress as she passed through the plaza. She said she tried to ignore the attention at first and lost the man in the crowd. In a pained testimony of events shared with Belgian outlet Sudinfo and MailOnline, Imogen said she felt unsafe making her way back through the crowd, noting that authorities had made no attempt to organise the event. Moments before the clock struck midnight, the girls in the group said that they felt uncomfortable, and that they had felt men beginning to touch them. 'On our way back to find the group after the bar, we were more cautious, but reunited with the others quickly. However, this was when I began to feel unsafe every man we passed stared at us, and I felt trapped among them,' she said. 'Around two minutes from midnight, the girls began to share that they were also uncomfortable and had felt men beginning to touch them. However, by this point, there was no escape and we were forced to stand next to our male friends for safety and wait for the fireworks. This was our biggest mistake. 'As the boys became distracted and pulled out their phones to record the New Year countdown, I was instantly grabbed from behind and pulled away from my friends. This is when the attack began. 'They held my arms and hands, so I couldnt fight back, whilst I was surrounded by a group in what appeared to be an organised attack. Multiple men, at once, began to grope me, whilst another attempted to pull up my dress. 'As I panicked, and fought for freedom, it became apparent that they enjoyed my distress and this only excited my attackers.' Imogen claims another man tried to sexually assault her, and that she heard one of the men mention rape. 'This is when my fight turned into one for survival,' she said. Imogen said she was injured and left bleeding as she bravely fought back against the men attacking her. She said an 'unknown liquid' was thrown over her, stinging her eyes and nose, and leaving her and her friends 'feeling as though we couldn't breathe'. 'Every man I passed, around 40, made some attempt to grope me, pull up my dress, separate me from my friends or fight me.' Imogen and her friends were 'saved only by adrenaline and the bravery of my friends' as they fled the crowd. But soon her attackers caught up and started punching her friend, she claims. She was grabbed, again, and separated from the group. In a harrowing recollection, she described hearing the screams of another English woman next to her, who she said was also being held and sexually assaulted by a group. She heroically tried to intervene and the woman managed to break free before her attackers turned their ire towards Imogen. The commotion caused the crowd to disperse, giving Imogen and her friends space to escape. She described having a panic attack as they took a moment of respite. 'Yet we were still not free.' Her assailants caught up to the group, she said, and grabbed at her body, laughing. When they were finally able to break free, they searched 'desperately' for the police, which seemed to scare off the attackers. There were no police at the square, she said, and when they did eventually find officers they allegedly told her there was 'nothing that they could do'. 'When I showed them bloodied injuries I had on my arms and explained I and many other women had been sexually assaulted, their attitude changed'. The police called in for backup and took a full statement before a female officer consoled her, explaining that this was 'a known problem and our attackers were Bangladeshi men'. Video shows the New Year's Eve celebration in Milan, Italy 'Three out of us four girls were sexually assaulted. A friend had her breasts groped and her buttocks touched. [The men] put their hands in my pants. It went very far,' Laura (pictured) told Belgian broadcaster RTL Much has been made of the background of the attackers in the Italian press, and Imogen told MailOnline that she wanted to share her story to 'dispel some of the disinformation being shared online and ensure our story is heard'. Italian news agency ANSA reported that the men had been identified only as being second-generation North African men. The evil we experienced that night was the absolute absence of religion. Those men had no motive but to take advantage of innocent women, knowing they would escape without suffering the consequences But commentators have given conflicting and speculative accounts of who the men were and what their motives may have been. 'It is a total, blatant lie, to claim that our group were attacked by men holding Palestinian flags,' Imogen told Sudinfo. 'I think it is disgusting that people would use our traumatic story to push a political agenda and I want people to understand that many of the descriptions I have read are wholly untrue. 'I will not allow my sexual attack to become an opportunity to divide people it is a moment to unite women, and the people of Italy, in outrage that this was allowed to happen during a joyful celebration.' She told MailOnline she wanted to 'clarify' important details and 'dispel' myths by coming forward and bravely waiving her anonymity. 'I am so upset after reading many articles that claim it was a matter of religion, indirectly blaming Islam, whilst claiming our attack was "Taharrush Gamea". 'The evil we experienced that night was the absolute absence of religion. Those men had no motive but to take advantage of innocent women, knowing they would escape without suffering the consequences. 'It was not in the name of religion, it was not in the name of political activism, it was an act of vocalised disrespect towards the Italian people and their principles.' Imogen was concerned that some tried to blame victims for 'provoking' their attackers. 'I dress modestly. I am tall, strong and did not encourage my attackers. Sexual assault is random. We are not to blame and I could never have expected our attack.' She emphasised that they were met with 'kindness' by locals who helped them while walking home in an unfamiliar city after the incident. She was clear that 'this is also not a reflection of all Bangladeshi people, or people non-native to Italy'. 'This was an organised group of disgusting men, who deserve to suffer the consequences of their actions.' Imogen told MailOnline that she is now back in the U.K. and returning to her studies at university, but has been deeply shaken by the experience, and will need time to recover before she considers another trip abroad. As she returns to sit exams, she hopes to 'spread awareness about what happened that night,' she said. Imogen and her friends were joined by students from Liege at the time of the attack. Laura, one of the Belgian students, told Belgian media previously that a group of 30 to 40 men became rowdy and started shouting f*** you Italy and s*** police in Italian before they were assaulted. Thats when we were touched on our bodies, on our clothes and some of us, including myself, inside our clothes, Laura said. Three out of us four girls were sexually assaulted. A friend had her breasts groped and her buttocks touched. [The men] put their hands in my pants. It went very far. Laura described how the group was allegedly surrounded by a group of men between the ages of about 20 and 40, and assaulted. There were so many people around us that we couldnt move, she said. Milan prosecutors have since opened an investigation into allegations that the Belgians were sexually assaulted by men. Imogen told MailOnline that she is currently in the process of filing a legal complaint via the Italian embassy in England, and that investigators are currently speaking to other women to understand the full 'scale' of the attack. The group of students watched the fireworks on the Piazza del Duomo outside Milan's cathedral, where men wearing balaclavas were filmed causing chaotic scenes by shooting fireworks into the crowd on the same night Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Milan Cathedral square, file photo The attack has been compared to the 2015-16 New Year's Eve mass sexual assault attacks in Cologne, Germany. Police were summoned for crisis talks after about 80 women reported being assaulted and mugged by men as they gathered at the city's central railway station. About 1,000 drunk and aggressive young men were involved in the attacks, contemporary reports claimed. Others put the number closer to 1,200. One perpetrator, found guilty of being an accomplice to sexual assault during the attacks, told a man walking with two female victims: 'Give me the girls. give me the girls - or you're dead.' Another attacker was found to have kissed a young woman against her will and then licked her face. Both were given a one-year suspended sentence and their victims wept in court. Another victim of the attacks suffered serious burns when a firework was shoved into the hood she was wearing. Fury fell towards the authorities and lack of available staffing. Der Spiegel described how the police force was so overwhelmed that it could not protect a policewoman from being publicly groped. Officers reportedly cleared out the square by the station, but some attackers were said to have returned after the police left. In the aftermath, authorities described the night had been 'largely peaceful', before acknowledging the vast scale of the attacks. Donald Trump has promised that the biggest mass deportation in the history of America will begin on day one of his presidency, and voters say it can't come soon enough. When 1,009 registered voters were asked for their one-word verdict, the most popular answer was: Good. The results come in the latest J.L. Partners poll for DailyMail.com, just ahead of Trump's inauguration on Monday. It found that voters overwhelmingly believe tackling illegal immigration and deportations should be Trump's priority on day one. Starting mass deportations was seen as most important by 23 percent of respondents. Next came sealing a peace deal with Ukraine, cited by seven percent, and removing tax on tips (one of Trump's most eye-catching campaign promises), on six percent. James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, said the unity was striking. 'Right now, America is more united than it ever has been on mass deportations,' he said. J.L. Partners polled 1,009 registered voters and asked for their one-word assessment of Trump's plans for the biggest mass deportation in the nation's history Your browser does not support iframes. U.S. Border Patrol agents and workers use concrete to seal an illegal tunnel crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, January 16, 2025 'Only four in 10 Democratsperceived as being more pro-migrationsay no-one should be sent back. 'It is also the thing that Americans are most eager to see happen on Day One of a Trump presidency: Trump will need to prioritise and deliver it if he is to meet the expectations of his voters.' Trump has promised to start with illegal migrants guilty of crime for his round-up. Voters also have priorities for which nationalities should be targeted. Some 30 percent list them in the top three nationalities to be deported, followed by Venezuelans on 26 percent, and people from El Salvador on 21 percent. There is support for the U.S. armed forces to play a role in the deportations (46 percent in favor and 33 percent against), but family separations are more divisive (with 36 percent in favor and the same proportion against), with roughly the same equal divide between those in favor of deporting people who have been in the country for a decade or more. The results chime with other recent polls which have found that respondents are in favor of deportations. Your browser does not support iframes. Democrats have a more negative view of mass deportations but still offer some positive reflections with 'good' appearing as the third most prominent answer Donald Trump's official portrait was unveiled in the days ahead of the inauguration But that support dwindles when questions are framed with other details, such as whether to deport people who have been in the country for longer periods of time, and who have settled families. The border crisis dominated Biden's years in office and Republicans frequently capitalised by claiming his administration had opened the border (comments which at the same time encouraged more migrants to head for the U.S.) And it was one of the top issues for voters when it came to the election. Trump made it the centerpiece of his campaign. The architect of his plan, Stephen Miller, recently said the deportations would happen at 'light speed.' 'The moment that President Trump puts his hand on that Bible and takes the oath of office, the occupation ends; Liberation Day begins,' he said on Fox News. 'He will immediately sign executive orders sealing the border shut, beginning the largest deportation operation in American history, finding the criminal gangs, rapists, drug dealers and monsters that have murdered our citizens and sending them home.' Johnson said it leaves Trump under pressure to act but facing a potential public backlash if voters think it has gone too far. 'When the policy lands, we may see America split on the divides we have become used to in public opinion,' he said. 'But one thing is clear: the voters who brought Trump back into the Oval Office want it done.' '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. Rescuers across Southern California have worked through endless rubble and thick-black smoke to find the missing pets of families who weren't able to make it back home when the devastating fires hit Los Angeles. The founder of Malibu-based rescue group Boomer's Buddies, Jessica Davis, was evacuated from her home when the Palisades and Eaton Fires raged. But that hasn't stopped her from searching for pets that may have survived the destruction. 'These pets weren't intentionally left behind. Many people were at work and raced back home to save their animals, but were stopped by authorities,' Davis told DailyMail.com. 'Imagine the agony of not being able to get to your pet.' Since embarking on her most recent rescue mission, Davis has saved multiple pets, including a 25-year-old tortoise, koi and goldfish, and a cat that couldn't be retrieved before the deadly fire first flared up over a week ago in the Pacific Palisades community. 'The look on that kitty's face, this sense of relief. You just never know how a cat is going to react. He came right out from under the bed and was as sweet as could be. To see him reunited with his person is priceless.' 'These animals, birds, fish are all someone's pets. No creature is too tiny or big. Every life counts. Every life has value,' said Davis. Jessica Davis, founder of Malibu-based rescue group Boomer's Buddies, is on a mission to rescue countless missing pets of people who weren't able to get home when the Los Angeles fires began A dog walks by a firefighter as the Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, California on January 8 The fires have claimed the lives of at least 27 people and countless animals Davis was delighted when she came upon five chickens that survived the wreckage despite the fires destroying everything around them - including the family's home. 'Their coop was the only structure still standing among the rubble. When I rescued the chickens I was by myself. It was super difficult but I had nets and that's how I captured them,' Davis told DailyMail.com. 'I've taken them to a friend's house that has a larger coop where they can decompress. They will be joining other rescue animals I have brought to her in the past including Tortellini the tortoise and Steve, a rooster I saved.' The following day, Davis returned to the site and set up a cat trap for a black cat she spotted during her chicken rescue. 'There's a cat up there that also made it. It was one of the outdoor feral cats. I fed it and gave it some water, but I couldn't catch it because it kept running. But Davis explained that the organization lacks the manpower needed to rescue these animals, given the large area of devastation. 'We need more boots on the ground. There's only a few of us up here. There is so much ground to cover,' said Davis. 'Fortunately, the animal rescues are working together as best they can to get the most accomplished each day.' Davis of Boomers Buddies Rescue said firefighters found this cat inside an evacuated home. Davis is using social media to coordinate with other rescuers to locate the owners of these lost animals Many people who have had to evacuate from their homes have had to drop off their pets at the Pasadena Humane Society including Edgar Hernandez who was forced to surrender his cat HIT (Honesty/Integrity/Trust) Living International have also used social media to update the status of missing pets - they work alongside the Pasadena Humane Society Social media has played a key role in locating these lost animals - allowing rescues to strategize with each other and continuously update their status. 'We are all working together by sharing photos of missing animals, found pets and providing ongoing updates on our progress. We circulate these photos on Instagram. It really is a team effort,' Davis explained. HIT (Honesty/Integrity/Trust) Living International is one of many organizations that have used social media to locate missing pets from the Eaton Fire in Altadena, some 35 miles northeast of the Palisades Fire. On their Instagram story, they post continuous updates on the animals who were found and those who remain lost. HIT works alongside the Pasadena Humane Society which has taken countless animals from the destruction. Mel Sobolewski from the Certified Animal Emergency Response Team has been working nonstop in her efforts to save as many pets as possible. Sobolewski was able to save a woman who was unable to evacuate due to a recent knee replacement surgery along with her two dogs. She also managed to rescue a cat, a pet hamster named Hammy and Sparkles, a beta fish. Owners of these lost pets have reached out to Davis and other rescue groups to locate their friends animals - and their own. The status of these two dogs is still unknown Cats being sheltered at the Pasadena Humane Society look out from their enclosure on January 10 Davis explained that the organization lacks the manpower needed to rescue these animals, given the large number of pets that have been found and need to be reunited with their owners - including this large dog 'When I told the family Sparkles was alive, they screamed. 'Rescuing a goldfish might not seem like a big deal to some, but for one family it makes all the difference in the world. It's the one piece of life left from their house,' Sobolewski told DailyMail.com. The animal rehabilitator's most recent rescue took a grueling two hours. 'I got a call about some turtles, and when I got to the property I saw koi fish that were alive. Well, I couldn't leave without the fish. 'I never imagined myself saving fish, but here I am thinking to myself, how am I going to transport these fish? I came to learn these koi fish are 20 years old. 'You have to be creative. My car was packed up just in case I had to evacuate at some point, and lo and behold I remember my cat's litter box. I was able to transfer the koi fish into the empty litter box. 'This was perhaps the most physically challenging rescue I have ever done. The pond was full of debris from the winds, the fire. There were dead fish. The water was toxic. 'In order to get the fish, I first had to drain the entire pond,' said Mel. 'I was able to get them all. A dog being sheltered at the Pasadena Humane Society looks out from its kennel Sobolewski's Instagram post that showed her saving the fish has led to swaths of emails flooding her inbox with requests to save more koi. 'Who knew there were so many koi fish lovers?' mused the mother-of-one. Sobolewski said she was used to saving larger animals such as donkeys and goats, even going as far as saving her first horse during the Woolsey Fires in 2018. So when she had to save Hammy the Hamster she said it 'almost gave me a heart attack' since he was stuck in a little tube inside his cage. Thankfully, Hammy was alive and Sobolewski was able to save him. Rescuers have pushed through bad air quality and rubble to follow through on their mission. Davis described the first day as 'brutal'. 'I had a massive migraine and it was difficult to breathe,' said Davis. Davis takes on the toughest of cases, injured animals that have been abandoned and discarded with her specialty being senior cats with health challenges that require specialized care and lots of TLC. 'It can truly be heartbreaking, but I stay as focused as I can with the one purpose, save as many animals as possible.' The City of Los Angeles is asking for the public's help in fostering and adopting the thousands of dogs, cats and rabbits already living in the overcrowded and underserved animal shelters across the county. The Metropolitan Police have dropped an investigation into a demonstrator carrying a sign glorifying terrorist and Hamas leader Yaha Sinwar - despite clear photographic evidence showing who it is. The female protester was photographed by Mail Online being pulled aside by police after she was spotted carrying a piece of wood with the words Sinwar stick written on one side and Spirit of Resistance on the other. She held it during a pro-Palestine demo on November 2 attended by thousands of people. The officer claimed an allegation of inciting hatred had been made against her but despite being threatened with arrest, she declined to provide them with her name or address. A Mail Online journalist photographed the exchange and when the story was published, The Met issued a statement saying it had launched an investigation. At the time, a spokesperson said: 'At about 1.20pm on November 2, officers policing the Palestine Solidarity Campaign march responded to an allegation of a suspected public order offence relating to a placard being carried by a participant close to Lambeth Bridge. 'An assessment of that allegation based on the information available at the time, led to no offences being apparent and no arrest was made. 'Further information has since come to light. This has been reviewed, and we have launched an investigation into a suspected terrorism offence.' The female protester (pictured) was carrying a piece of wood with the words 'Sinwar stick' written on one side and 'Spirit of Resistance' on the other The female protester was photographed by Mail Online being pulled aside by police after she was spotted A demonstrator is seen holding a placard that says 'Arrest Netanyahu Now' during the rally Nearly three months on - despite a clear photo showing the woman - officers have dropped the investigation. A new statement said: A Met Police spokesperson said: 'The woman was spoken to by officers earlier that day but did not provide her details. 'So far, despite extensive enquiries, we have not been able to confirm her identity which means the investigation has not been able to progress further. 'For that reason it has been closed, although it could still be reopened if she was to be identified.' That decision has been slammed by groups which campaign against anti-semitism and terror experts. Colonel Richard Kemp, a terrorism expert and the British Army's former commander in Afghanistan, said: 'This is a shocking decision. 'What sort of message does this set out? I'd question exactly what steps were taken to find her. 'For them to launch an investigation into a potential terror offence would suggest they did take it very seriously. What changed?' The decision to close the investigation has been slammed by groups which campaign against anti-semitism and terror experts A demonstrator is seen holding a placard that says 'UK Jews say ceasefire now, stop the genocide' during the rally Jeremy Corbyn MP is seen giving an interview during the demonstration Pro-Palestine marches have attracted tens of thousands of supporters in London since October 2023, when the more recent conflict between Israel and Hamas started. The Met have faced criticism from Jewish community leaders for the way they have been handled. Dozens of arrests have been made, some for suspect terrorism offences, including support of Hamas, a banned terrorist organisation in Britain. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'This is yet another illustration of the Met's utterly confused approach to policing these marches. Officers don't seem to know whether Met policy is to arrest or not arrest, or to arrest now or later. The result is that potential criminals get off scot-free. 'After being forced to actually investigate what appears to be a blatant glorification of a terror leader, the police should be redoubling its efforts to locate this person, not quietly giving up. Laws and regulations are meaningless if there's no enforcement. 'Incidents like this are why only 16 per cent of British Jews believe that the police treat anti-semitic hate crime like other forms of hate crime, according to our representative polling. Our authorities must do a lot better.' 'Chelsea Tractor' private school parents have come under fire for allegedly increasing pollution on their school run - but furious locals have pointed the finger elsewhere. Many residents of Croxted Road in Herne Hill - where debilitating traffic jams are a twice-daily occurrence - blame the posh SUVs ferrying their kids to nearby private schools including famous Dulwich college. Private schools are behind a near 50% increase in pollution and traffic, despite serving half as many pupils as state schools, says data from local parent campaign group Solve The School Run. Dulwich College, where numerous scenes from the Harry Potter film franchise were famously shot, stands at the top of Croxted Road. But locals are actually united against a bigger road menace - the low traffic neighbourhood road closures. Solicitor Saoirse Kerrigan, 47, told MailOnline: The private schools definitely do affect the traffic. Ill often step outside when they've broken up and think, What's going on? Where's all the traffic? Has the road been closed? Has there been an incident? And then I realise the private schools are on holiday. [But] The LTNs have had a massive adverse impact. We've now got nose to tail traffic on our doorstep and it wasnt like that when we moved here 12 years ago. Traffic on and around Croxted road has shot up in recent years due to Southwark and Lambeth councils' low traffic neighbourhood initiatives Croxted Road residents are unified against the impact of road closures, which they say are driving congestion and pollution in the area Its gotten much, much worse. We never used to see this kind of traffic. With an asthmatic child, I'm very anxious about it and I question whether I'm doing the right thing raising small children in this environment. Strategic road closures designed to limit traffic in residential areas are adversely increasing congestion on Croxted Road, which is surrounded by a number of school streets closed to cars and vigilantly manned by CCTV. A boundary road, Croxted is governed by both Southwark and Lambeth councils. Bit by bit, roads are being closed by both Southwark and Lambeth. I'm not opposed to it in principle but because we're on a boundary road, all the traffic has been diverted down this street. The two councils don't talk. They havent coordinated this at all, which is really depressing. One resident has been so affected by the pollution that he is selling his Croxted Road flat to move to Yorkshire in search of cleaner air. The local said: The traffic has definitely been a factor in our decision. In the mornings, the traffic from Herne Hill literally comes all the way back up the road. They've shut loads of roads around here which has caused a lot of anger from locals because this is essentially where a lot of the displaced traffic now comes. The pollution has gone way up. Astrid Chapman, 87, has lived here for 50 years and says she wishes the road closures would be reconsidered Dulwich College has said it is committed to supporting its community in sustainable travel to and from school each day Private schools are behind a near 50% increase in pollution, says data from local parent campaigners Solve The School Run, but locals say the real issue lies with road closures The parking has gotten very difficult and even people who live here can never find a spot. They also blamed the lack of efficiency on Southwark and Lambeth councils shared custody of the road. That's not helped with the traffic issues because every time someone complains, the council says well, it's not in our boundary so it's been a bit of a nightmare. A number of local campaign groups have cropped up in an effort to tackle the issue. The West Dulwich Action Group is raising money to sue Lambeth Council. The road closures have also created a dangerous sense of urgency as drivers speed to meet the time limits to avoid a fine. Astrid Chapman, 87, who has lived in the area for 50 years, said: I was almost practically mowed down by a car that wasnt stopping at the corner. I looked at my watch and it was a minute to three - they just wanted to dash across. I really wish that they would sort this road closure thing because it is pretty dire, its certainly not working. Im old and my dog is getting older, so I drive to the park in the mornings but I just cannot get out until half past nine. It's totally crazy with all these ad hoc closures here and there. Nick West, 65, considers the road closures a form of indirect taxation and a potential threat to local businesses if customers struggle to access them A number of local campaign groups have cropped up in an effort to tackle the issue. The West Dulwich Action Group is raising money to sue Lambeth Council Locals say the road closures have created a dangerous sense of urgency as drivers speed to meet the time limits to avoid a fine Breaching the road closure rules costs 190, which goes down to 90 if paid within two weeks of the fine being issued. Childminder Sarah Smith has already been fined several times this winter. The 43-year-old said: You forget it's only half three when it's already dark, so you drive through. After I realise what Ive done, I quickly reverse back out to the roundabout but they still fine me. Its penalising people who dont have that kind of money. Ms Smiths colleague Eva Torok, 45, is convinced the councils are committed to the LTNs as a money-making scheme. They do it to make more money. Theyre making a massive income and theyre sneaky about it. Recently, a little road near me closed suddenly overnight but I didn't receive any leaflets in the post or anything. I didnt know so I took my usual route and I got a fine. Ive lived here for 20 years and Ive never seen anything like this traffic - its become really bad. Nick West, 65, is concerned that local businesses will face devastating losses if customers can no longer access them as easily. The local businesses are very worried about the flow of customers, and the impact that all these endless restrictions are going to have. I think it's just a form of indirect taxation. I see it as a way that they can raise revenue by fining people for driving down roads which theyve arbitrarily closed. Mr West said he can no longer access the road he lives on via many routes due to road closures, which is concentrating pollution onto busier streets like Croxted. And the signs that they put up are virtually impossible to see if you're driving, because if you're driving along a brick road like this, you can't slow down to read the signs. Southwark councillor James McAsh, said: We are committed to improving air quality and lowering emission levels but we understand the importance of striking the right balance that takes into the views of our diverse community. A Dulwich College spokesperson told MailOnline that only 16% of its pupils travel to and from school by car. A Lambeth council spokesperson said: We carefully monitor traffic conditions and work closely with neighbouring boroughs, particularly where boundary roads are involved - with Southwark Council in this case. We are currently developing options to improve safety and accessibility on Croxted Road. A majority of those polled do not agree with pardons for J6ers The majority of Americans says they would be unhappy if Donald Trump pardons January 6 rioters charged with crimes, according to an exclsuive DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll. There have been over 1,500 people charged with federal crimes stemming from the historic protest which saw hordes of MAGA fans takeover Capitol Hill. Over 1,000 defendants have been charged or pleaded guilty to a range of crimes from trespassing to seditious conspiracy. Many Americans witnessed the event live on TV, from which they could see violence against authorities, vandalism against the historic Capitol building and other general anarchy light up their screens. President-elect Donald Trump, however, is dead-set on addressing pardons for January 6 criminals on 'Day One,' which comes on Monday January 20, 2025. 'Most likely, Ill do it very quickly,' he said of the pardons in a recent interview with NBC's 'Meet the Press.' 'Those people have suffered long and hard. And there may be some exceptions to it. I have to look. But, you know, if somebody was radical, crazy,' he added. And according to the latest DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners survey of 1,009 registered voters, pardons for January 6 offenders are opposed by the public - though not by very much. When asked if those imprisoned for J6-related crimes should be pardoned, 43 percent of respondents said no while 37 percent supported their release. Republicans were the most likely to back Trump forgiving the criminals, with 58 percent in supporting. Additionally, the survey found that more voters view Jan. 6 participants as criminals - rather than protestors. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a rally protesting the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as President in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021 Trump speaking just before a crowd of his supporters headed to the Capitol Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather at the west entrance of the Capitol during a protest outside of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. U.S., on January 6, 2021 Roughly one in two said January 6 participants should be classified as 'criminals' while just 37 percent said they were 'protestors.' Democrats, meanwhile, were the most likely to want the offenders to stay locked up with 62 percent opposing their release. The words respondents used to describe their feelings about the potential pardons were weighted more negatively. 'Good,' 'disgusted,' 'angry,' 'happy,' 'unsure,' 'bad,' 'fine,' 'relieved' and 'betrayed,' were all among the most commonly mentioned one-word reactions. The top responses from independents were 'angry,' 'good,' 'unsure' and 'disgusted.' VP-elect JD Vance has similarly advocated for non-violent J6 criminals to be pardoned. Though Vance admitted in an interview earlier this month, 'if you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldnt be pardoned.' Both Republicans have also indicated there are gray areas and they promised each case will be looked at individually. Your browser does not support iframes. In this file photo taken on January 06, 2021 supporters of US President Donald Trump, including member of the QAnon conspiracy group Jacob Anthony Chansley, aka QAnon Shaman (C), enter the US Capitol in Washington, DC. - The self-proclaimed "shaman" whose bare chest and horned fur headgear made him the face of the January 6 assault on the US Capitol, was sentenced to 41 months in prison on November 17, 2021 Your browser does not support iframes. The emotions felt toward these people breaks down heavily along party lines. Republicans have long claimed it was a rally that got out of hand while Democrats are stalwart believers it was a Trump-directed attack on democracy itself. Though some have expressed concern in the government's involvement in the events that unfolded that day. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., noted last month how government assets were confirmed to be in and around the crowds of protestors that day, raising questions as to what they were up to. 'DOJ IG report confirms there were FBI confidential human sources in the crowd, entering the Capitol, and breaking laws,' Massie said at the time. Republicans are hoping to further review the events of January 6, 2021 once Trump takes office. This is the angelic schoolgirl whose life spiralled out of control before she went on to stab a transgender girl in a sickening revenge attack. Summer Betts-Ramsey, 20, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in a Young Offender Institution plus another four years on licence this week after she repeatedly stabbed her victim during a frenzied attack in a car park outside a roller disco in Harrow, north west London. After the attack, Betts-Ramsey posted footage of the assault with laughing emojis, boasting to friends: 'I'm going jail... bro I stabbed her 12 times.' Betts-Ramsey - who had three previous convictions for seven offences including robbery and four offences of battery - was already under a community order when the attack happened. A judge branded Betts-Ramsey a 'dangerous offender' who posed a risk to the public after she acted as ringleader in the hate crime. Sentencing her at the Old Bailey Judge Philip Katz, KC, said of Betts-Ramsey: 'Her gloating in the aftermath of the attack was shamelessly hateful and dehumanising.' Photographs obtained by MailOnline showed how Betts-Ramsey had begun life as a cheerful child growing up with her family in north London. Images show her smiling happily with a schoolfriend, dressed in their smart uniforms, while another show the smartly-dressed youngster with her hair tied up in a neat bun. Summer Betts-Ramsey, 20, (pictured right as a child) was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in a Young Offender Institution plus another four years on licence his week after she repeatedly stabbed her victim during a frenzied attack in a car park Photographs obtained by MailOnline showed how Betts-Ramsey had begun life as a cheerful child growing up with her family in north London A judge branded Betts-Ramsey (pictured as an adult) a 'dangerous offender' who posed a risk to the public after she acted as ringleader in the hate crime This is the 'sickening' moment that a teenage mob attacked and stabbed a transgender girl nine times for lying about her gender identity before she performed a sex act on a boy The young girl - whose name reflected her bright and sunny nature - was described in court as 'articulate' and having 'real potential'. Yet years after her family snaps were taken, she is barely recognisable as she was pictured in a police mugshot after being arrested with five other teenagers who were hooded and masked when they launched into their orgy of violence. Defence lawyers told the hearing that Betts-Ramsey - who was intoxicated with alcohol at the time of the attack - had been in and out of care after her life was marred by domestic violence and abuse starting from the age of around seven. Her mother Linda, who insisted she had 'nothing to hide' over her daughter's troubled upbringing, stood by the youngster as she began her term in a young offenders' institution. Speaking to a friend, Linda said: 'I love my daughter and can't bear to see what's happened to her - she's been treated worse than a murderer. 'What has come out in court looks bad but there are two sides to every story. Everyone is looking at it from one point of view. 'There was a hell of a lot that went on prior to this. There were a lot of threats. 'The easiest way to describe it is that the youth of today deal with things in a totally different way to the way we did. It's hard to understand.' Linda declined to comment further when approached by MailOnline, but added: 'She's not a ringleader. You don't know the whole truth.' The court heard the 18-year-old victim, who cannot be named, was an aspiring model who told show she had been left traumatised by the assault and is now living in constant fear. In her impact statement she said: 'At times when I close my eyes, I replay the assault in my head and visualise the knife being used on me. I am unable to control this and I feel at times that this is taking over my life. 'This incident has resulted in me being left with thick scars on and around my body. It saddens me every time I see them and I feel like I am the one living a life sentence due to them. Images show her dressed in smart uniforms during her childhood Defence lawyers told the hearing that Betts-Ramsey had been in and out of care after her life was marred by domestic violence and abuse starting from the age of around seven Betts-Ramsey was sentenced to four and a half years in a young offenders' institution plus another four years on licence 'I am not living a normal life and I am not sure if my life would ever be the same again. 'In the past I have experienced animosity towards me due to being transgender, but never thought that someone would have so much hatred for me and want to assault me in the way they did.' The court heard the victim was lured into an ambush after she performed a sex act on a boy who she had lied to when he asked her whether she was transgender. Believing she was going to meet up to socialise, the gang had instead secretly hatched a plot for violent revenge. The masked gang of teenagers were lying in wait as she was repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped on. During the brutal 45-second revenge attack, which was filmed on Snapchat, the victim was punched to the ground and kicked at least seven times by Betts-Ramsey, who was 19 at the time. Then, while the victim lay helpless, Betts-Ramsey stabbed her up to14 times in the nose, thigh, hand, and buttocks. Other teenagers rained down blows with 'great excitement', beating her with a pair of roller skates and boots before snatching her handbag and fleeing, leaving her in a pool of blood. Betts-Ramsey is pictured during happier times as a child Photos show her smiling and wearing smart clothes with her dressed up in a bun The teenager only survived the attack on February 10 last year after a passerby stopped Betts-Ramsey stamping on her head before calling for an ambulance. The perpetrators were detained for a total of 13 years in a young offenders' institution. Judge Katz said the group were motivated 'by a distorted version of revenge', and described the planning of the attack on Snapchat as 'poisonous'. Betts-Ramsey was sentenced to four and a half years in a young offenders' institution plus another four years on licence. Three boys, Shiloh Hindes, Bradley Harris, and Camron Osei, all 18, were detained for three years in a young offenders' institution. A 17-year-old boy who cannot be named was given an 18-month youth rehabilitation order. All five admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Betts-Ramsey also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon at a previous hearing. A sixth defendant, a 17-year-old girl who cannot be named, will be sentenced at a later date after pleading guilty to robbery and possession of cannabis. The court heard Harris plotted the attack because the victim had denied being trans when she performed a sex act on him days earlier. He had recorded the encounter, and a friend who saw the clip told him she had lied. Harris then challenged the victim about her gender, threatening her at knifepoint and warning: 'I'll stab you if you lie.' Before sentencing was carried out defence barrister Greg Unwin outlined Betts-Ramsey's dysfunctional childhood in mitigation of the offences. He told the court: 'She is an articulate young woman able to reflect on her past. She is a young woman with real potential.' Mr Unwin said that when interviewed by a psychiatrist, Betts-Ramsey had 'expressed remorse for her actions, particularly the knife and the transphobic slurs'. He said: 'She admitted she was using transphobic language and it was shameful. 'She is a person who has been in and out of care with complex needs and a history of abuse from an early age in childhood, particularly the age of nine. 'Her record shows she has been known to children's services for some time and went into care after abuse was reported to the police. 'Since her teenage years she has been in and out of care. 'From about 2011 there are reports of domestic violence and referrals referring to a young person who was easily influenced. 'Against that complex background she understood she has a lot of work to do. 'Despite the horrendous gloating in the messages on the night of the attack since her arrest and over the last 11 months we say nothing Betts-Ramsey has said in her defence statement or interview amounts to saying this act was in anyway justified or provoked. 'We say that Ms Betts-Ramsey considering how appalling the conduct was has come some considerable way in her period in custody taking the time to comprehend the severity of the suffering she put the victim through. 'The pre-sentence report says she was fully cooperative and expressed remorse - she feels awful about what she has done.' Mr Unwin said Betts-Ramsey may be suffering ADHD and reported having 'flashbacks and intense emotions and was identified as high scoring for Borderline Personality Disorder associated with trauma and abuse'. After the hearing Detective Inspector Nicola Hannant, who led the investigation, said: 'This was a horrendous and violent assault on a young woman, motivated by the fact she is transgender. 'Summer Betts-Ramsey and Bradley Harris orchestrated the attack, with Betts-Ramsey repeatedly stabbing the victim, and the other members of the group punching, kicking and stamping on her head. 'The 17-year-old girl used the opportunity to rob the victim while she lay defenceless and being attacked on the ground. 'This was a pre-meditated attack where the young people involved lured the victim to the venue, concealed their identities by wearing face coverings, discussed using weapons and, after the attack, made efforts to get rid of any evidence. 'It was incredibly fortunate for all those involved that the injuries caused were not more serious, as the level of violence used could have quite easily have resulted in the death of the victim. 'I hope that today's sentence allows the victim, who has demonstrated extreme bravery throughout the investigation, to start moving forward with her life.' Female federal prisoners are pinning their hopes on Donald Trump to get them away from 'sex pests' who identify as women to get into their cellblocks and assault them. This is despite one inmate who attempted to get the law changed, losing a landmark case this week when a judge ruled that it's okay to lock people up according to their gender identity. Rhonda Fleming, 58, who is a little more than halfway through a 27-year sentence for Medicare fraud, argues that she and other biological women live in constant fear of attack and stress over having to interact with and undress in front of inmates with male genitalia. Fleming's civil suit stated women shouldn't be forced to share intimate spaces such as bathrooms, showers and dorms with trans women. But the judge on the case didn't agree, ruling against her complaint on Wednesday. Fleming was outraged when she spoke to DailyMail.com and said: 'What the judge did Wednesday was a farce, it was a mockery of justice. He never intended for us to have a fair trial. 'It's like he's attacking the victim, telling the victim you're in the wrong, not the victimizer.' The inmate is hoping that Trump will change the Bureau of Prisons policy after he moves into the White House on Monday - and possibly appeal her case. 'Trump tried to help in 2018 by changing the policy when I initially filed on this, but as soon as he was out of office, Biden overturned everything he did and brought even more men into the prison,' she said. Rhonda Fleming, 58, argued that she and other biological women live in constant fear of attack and stress over having to interact with and undress in front of inmates with male genitalia Fleming is hoping that incoming President Donald Trump will change the Bureau of Prisons policy after he moves into the White House on Monday Jeanette Driever, 47, a former prisoner and policy change advocate, said the Trump team contacted her and said they were open to a meeting on current transgender prison policy Her lawyer Jeff Bristol told DailyMail.com: 'The best is to have our opinion rendered moot with the Trump administration repealing the policy and making a new one that protects the rights of women inmates.' The incoming administration has already signaled that it is open to fixing the problem - calling former prisoner and policy change advocate Jeanette Driever for a meeting. 'They're going to bring awareness to what's happening in women's prisons and hopefully change some laws,' Driever, 47, who also served time with Fleming, told DailyMail.com. 'Someone from the Trump team emailed me back saying they will be calling me.' Fleming is currently serving time at Carswell Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. She has been pursuing similar litigation against the Bureau of Prisons since 2016. But her latest case, heard in Tallahassee, Florida, was the first time she has made it to trial. On Tuesday, Fleming testified that the problem is only getting worse. Shuffled between four prisons in the past year, she said she's witnessed a recent surge of trans women entering the facilities. Trump shot down an Obama-era guideline that recommended 'housing by gender identity when appropriate,' instead emphasizing 'biological sex as the initial determination for designation,' during his first term in 2018 Jeanette Driever previously filed a similar complaint where she asked for transgender women not to be housed in the same space as biological women, but the judge dismissed the motion in 2022 Tremaine Carroll, 51, one of the first male prisoners to apply to transfer to a women's lockup under California's progressive transgender detainee law, was accused of two rapes of female inmates in 2022 Fleming claimed the Biden administration has been speeding up transfers out of concern Trump will make restrictions once he takes office. The incoming president shot down an Obama-era guideline that recommended 'housing by gender identity when appropriate,' instead emphasizing 'biological sex as the initial determination for designation,' during his first term in 2018. Joe Biden later reversed Trump's action. Fleming claims there are between 1,500 and 2,000 trans female inmates in the federal prison system, which houses around 10,000 women. In court papers, she claimed there was no way to shield herself in open dorms at the prison in Tallahassee, Florida, where she served part of her term. That is the prison where Jeffrey Epstein's madam Ghislaine Maxwell is currently incarcerated. The lawsuit alleged that Fleming and other inmates are forced to shower and use other facilities with 'known bisexual male inmates,' and that 'the plaintiff and other women in federal prisons have been threatened, bullied, sexually harassed and (faced) other misconduct by male inmates, many of whom have a history of attacking women and/or violent crime'. Fleming is serving time at Carswell Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. She's a little more than halfway through a 27-year sentence for Medicare fraud Christopher Scott Williams, who identifies as a woman, has been accused of sexually assaulting her cellmate at a women's prison in Washington in December 2024 Meanwhile, Fleming claimed that prison officials engage in 'forced indoctrination' by requiring inmates to use female pronouns when addressing or referring to biological males. Bristol and co-counsel Diego Pestana argued that the Federal Bureau of Prisons Transgender Offender Manual created in 2012 under Obama and expanded in 2022 under Biden lays out specific rights and safeguards for transgender inmates, but that biological women don't get the same consideration. 'All we wanted was for the judge to issue an injunction that said natural born women get the same rights as trans inmates,' Bristol told DailyMail.com. The U.S. Attorney's Office, in court filings, argued that Fleming 'refuses to even recognize the term 'transgender' exists, but that her beliefs don't give rise to a violation of the Constitution.' They argued that the prison system 'cannot and will not risk the safety of transgender individuals, or subject itself to increased litigation, because (Fleming) does not like being housed with someone she views as different than her' The government added that 'all BOP facilities contain multiple privacy protections,' citing examples such as shower curtains and toilet partitions, and that Fleming admitted that in 16 years in prison, no one has ever seen her getting dressed. The BOP also stated that the Tallahassee handbook requires inmates to be 'dressed at all times in all areas of the housing unit.' But Fleming argued that the shower curtains are so filthy that inmates often leave them open to avoid contact. Fleming claimed there are between 1,500 and 2,000 trans female inmates in the federal prison system, which houses around 10,000 biological women Fleming claimed that prison officials engage in 'forced indoctrination' by requiring inmates to use female pronouns for transgender inmates In court, she spoke of seeing biological males so clearly during strip searches that she could describe their genitalia. Her lawyers had hoped that a victory in the case could set an important precedent. But after closing arguments on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled against Fleming from the bench, arguing that she suffered no violations of her constitutional rights to bodily privacy and that prisons already have rules to protect her safety. Fleming decried the ruling during an interview with DailyMail.com on Friday. 'We need an appellate court decision that states men should not be in women's prisons,' she said. 'JD Vance and President Trump support my position 100 percent, but we still need a court decision,' she added. 'This is bigger than prison. This is about women in intimate spaces, may it be in a dressing room in a department store or a restaurant bathroom. 'Men should not be in these intimate spaces.' In a recent interview with The Free Press, Fleming depicted transgender inmates as mostly fakers, entering women's prisons with long hair and makeup before they 'start letting their beards and their mustache grow out, they get a haircut like a man and they're walking around like a guy.' Fleming also alleged sexual harassment from the transgender inmates she's housed with and that sharing a space with them 'violates her constitutional right to bodily privacy' She told the publication that she, like fellow inmates, rush when they use the bathroom or shower out of fear, and see the transgender men exerting their dominance in the mess hall where they 'just walk in front of you, sometimes aggressively shoulder-checking you.' Women's prison reform activist Amie Ichikawa, who attended Fleming's trial, told DailyMail.com she has seen at least 100 individual cases of transgender inmates targeting female prisoners since she started her organization, Woman II Woman. 'I'm disappointed but not surprised,' Ichikawa said of the judge's ruling. 'It was apparent that the judge and the court does not acknowledge that incarcerated women are experiencing a violation of any of their limited rights by being forcibly housed with biological men.' 'There are men with d****s in women's prisons that are allowed to have rights that nobody else has in prison, which creates a dangerous privileged group because they are able to wield their power over other inmates. She's now putting her faith in the Trump administration to reverse the liberal policy. 'The likelihood of there being a change with the transition no pun intended is much greater than under the Biden administration,' she said. On the eve of Donald J Trump's inauguration, America's incoming first lady is making one thing perfectly clear: She won't settle for a minor credit in this presidential sequel. Melania, in fact, appears determined to produce and direct her own starring role. On Thursday, the notoriously private 57-year-old former model was pictured meeting with Queen Rania of Jordan at the Trumps' Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. The longtime friends reunited as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was signed the agreement negotiated, in part, by the president-elect's new regional envoy. The photo, posted to the Queen's Instagram, showed the two having coffee, and locked in deep conversation. One wonders if a documentary film crew, which has been trailing Melania since November, was able to capture the substance of their chat. Yes, the former and future first lady has inked a reported $40 million deal with billionaire Jeff Bezos's Amazon to produce a feature-length documentary and follow-up docuseries about her working life, complete with cameos from husband Donald and son Barron. Melania is an executive producer on the project. It's yet unclear how much of the payday will end up in her purse, but the sum is expected to be substantial. It's all quite a departure from Melania's first four years in the DC spotlight, when she hosted few public events, granted even fewer media interviews and largely remained out of sight. On the eve of Donald J Trump's inauguration, America's incoming first lady is making one thing perfectly clear: She won't settle for a minor credit in this presidential sequel. On Thursday, the notoriously private 57-year-old former model was pictured (above) meeting with Queen Rania of Jordan at the Trumps' Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. The former and future first lady has inked a reported $40 million deal with billionaire Jeff Bezos's Amazon to produce a feature-length documentary and follow-up docuseries about her working life. (Barron, Donald and Melania are pictured in 2019). Behind this Melania 2.0, the Mail has been exclusively told, is a new resolve. Melania wants control and what, she believes, she deserves. 'Money is her number one priority,' said a source familiar with the first lady's thinking. It's well known that Melania spent her years between White House stints in a return to the business world. In December 2021, she sold NFTs - digital artworks collectively titled 'Melania's Vision' and retailing for $150. At least some of the proceeds reportedly went to children and teens exiting the foster care system. The first lady has also been busy hawking Christmas decorations and jewellery. And there was her eponymous New York Times best-selling memoir, released in July, which she reportedly did not receive a large advance to write, but is likely generating healthy royalty payments. 'She has always wanted to be seen as a savvy businesswoman,' the source said. Well, savvy is one word for it. At one of the few 2024 presidential campaign events she attended, Melania reportedly took home a six-figure paycheck. The payment was revealed in a financial disclosure form that Trump filed in August. It showed Melania was paid $237,500 for a 'speaking engagement' at a fundraiser for her husband, held by the Log Cabin Republicans in April. The person or entity who cut the check, however, remains a mystery. A spokesperson for the Log Cabin Republicans - an LGBT conservative group - told CNN that they didn't pay her. Ethics experts have been taken aback by the revelation. 'It seems pretty self-serving. From my own general observation, I'm not used to seeing that,' Virginia Canter, the chief ethics counsel at the non-partisan Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics group, said of the hefty payment at the time. No doubt speculation that Melania will now attempt to profit from her second run in the White House is raising questions of morality but, not necessarily, of legality. Behind this Melania 2.0, the Mail has been exclusively told, is a new resolve. Melania wants control and what, she believes, she deserves. (Melania, Barron and Donald are pictured on election night). At one of the few 2024 presidential campaign events she attended, Melania reportedly took home a six-figure paycheck. (She is pictured speaking at the fundraiser held by the Log Cabin Republicans in April). The Emoluments Clause of the Constitution forbids an elected federal official from profiting off their public position, but the first lady is an honorary position, not mentioned in the Constitution or in federal law. 'The ethics rules don't apply because that person is not a government employee,' the Office of Government Ethics told the Mail. When asked by Daily Mail in November, Melania's office didn't answer she plans to continue her professional ventures after inauguration day, though she certainly wouldn't be the first to do so. First Lady Jill Biden taught at Northern Virginia Community College while in the White House. And Nancy Reagan, when she was first lady, received royalties for her past movie, television and radio work, which she donated to charity. And there also seems to be another force driving Melania as well. 'She wants to have complete control over what people see,' said a source. The first lady has long been recognized as someone with exquisite self-command now it appears she's seeking to be in command of others. When Melania did face the public during Trump's first term, her appearances often turned into distracting PR blunders, not the least of which occurred during her visit to a migrant children's detention facility in June 2018. The fashion-forward first lady wore an army-green jacket with the phrase 'I really don't care. Do u?' daubed in white paint across the back. In the absence of an initial explanation from Melania, critics interpreted the unique sartorial display to be a veiled missive about her husband's controversial family separation policy on the border. Months later following reams of negative media coverage Melania's spokesperson claimed the jacket had no 'hidden meaning.' But years later, in her memoir, Melania corrected the record, saying she was sending a message after all. 'I was determined not to let the media's false narratives affect my mission to help the children and families at the border,' she wrote. This gripe of false media reporting is one that Melania returns to frequently and, perhaps, for good reason. In Trump's first term, she was branded by critics as aloof and worse. At one point, internet trolls promoted a 'Free Melania' movement, stoking the conspiracy that she was being held captive to her husband's political ambitions. 'The biggest fear the Trumps have is bad press. They hate bad press. They obsess over it,' an insider told the Mail. Now, Melania's making it clear that this time will be different. In an extended interview with Fox News on Monday, she spoke with extraordinary and atypical openness on the topic. The fashion-forward first lady wore an army-green jacket with the phrase 'I really don't care. Do u?' daubed in white paint across the back. (Melania pictured wearing the jacket in June 2018). 'I just feel that people didn't accept me, maybe,' she said. 'I didn't have much support. Maybe some people - they see me as just a wife of the president. But I'm standing on my own two feet. Independent.' If there's a word to describe Melania in her second term, it's prepared. 'I imagine she feels certainly that she better knows the pitfalls and knows what not to do,' said Dr. Katherine Jellison, a professor at Ohio University who is an expert on first ladies. 'I know where I will be going,' Melania told Fox News. 'I know the rooms where we will be living. I know the process.' 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. A PE teacher who was sent home from work and almost jailed after a digitally-manipulated deepfake clip of her being racist went viral online has spoken out abour her ordeal. On May 2 last year, Cheryl Bennett, 27, agreed to help out a colleague, Qasim Mughal, who was standing in the local elections that day by delivering Labour Party leaflets. Ms Bennett, who is head of year 9 at Stuart Bathurst Catholic High School in Wednesbury, West Midlands, spent the day canvassing with Mr Mughal, the school's Head of Maths, who was running as a local councillor in Dudley. According to The Sunday Times, Ms Bennett said she is not political, is not a Labour Party member and did not cast a vote in last year's general election. Her role was simply to post leaflets through the letterbox if no-one opened the door for Mr Mughal to talk to. However, what seemed like a day of innocent doorknocking quickly turned into a nightmare for Ms Bennett after a CCTV camera above one household's door unknowingly filmed her. That footage was then digitally-manipulated using so-called 'deepfake' technology to include audio calling the inhabitants of the house a racial slur. The video shows Ms Bennett approach a homeowner, who tells her he has already voted. She then asks him if he voted for Labour and he informs her that he voted for one of Mr Mughal's rivals, independent candidate Akhmed Yakoob, who was running for Mayor. PE teacher Cheryl Bennett, 27, was sent home from work and almost jailed after a digitally-manipulated deepfake clip of her being racist went viral online The doctored footage of Ms Bennett exploded online after self-proclaimed 'TikTok lawyer' Akhmed Yakoob (pictured here standing next to his yellow Lamborghini with personalised number plate) posted it to his followers on social media A look at Akhmed Yakoob's campaign leaflet where Workers Party of Britain leader George Galloway can be seen endorsing him However, this short interaction was then edited, removing audio of Mr Mughal and adding in a section in which Ms Bennett launches a verbal broadside at the homeowner, calling them 'F***ing p*kis. P*kis' as she walks away from the house. It is unclear who doctored the footage but the clip went hugely viral after being posted by Lamborghini-driving 'TikTok lawyer' Akhmed Yakoob, who was closely affiliated with George Galloway's Workers Party of Britain. Mr Yakoob initially put himself forward to represent the two men who attacked police officers at Manchester Airport in July last year, before ultimately stepping aside. In Mr Yakoob's post on May 6 of last year, in which he appears wearing sunglasses and with warms folded, he says 'I have no words for this, you can just make your own judgement' before playing the doctored clip. He then ends the post with 'Those who are still with the Labour Party, now is your time to leave.' Mr Yakoob additionally posted Ms Bennett's name and workplace. The post exploded online, racking up 2.1 million views across TikTok, Facebook and X, and leading to furious parents calling the school at which Ms Bennett works - which has a large number of British-Pakistani pupils - to demand she be dismissed. The post was also leveraged by Yakoob and his supporters as evidence of Labour's distance from the Muslim community, many of whom were upset by Sir Keir's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The video shows the woman asking the person who lived at this house whether they voted for Labour The resident responds by saying that he voted for Akhmed Yakoob, who finished in third place in the 2024 West Midlands mayoral election Ms Bennett replies 'No problem, thank you' - but in the doctored 'deepfake' video she is then heard to utter a racial slur as she walks away from the house Ms Bennett, who is pregnant, said shortly after Mr Yakoob's post her phone began blowing up with emails. Many of the emails contained vitriolic abuse - including messages of outrage from pupils at the school where she worked. Ms Bennett protested her innocence but, having watched the doctored video, few of her detractors were inclined to believe her. More than 800 formal complaints followed, with furious parents penning letters to the school's head teacher demanding an investigation and demanding a response from the school's governors. Ms Bennett was told to stay home from work for her own safety but also felt threatened in her own property - with strangers descending on her parents and grandmother to demand they give up her whereabouts. Feeling in danger she opted to stay at a friend's home, meaning she was absent when West Midlands police visited her house at 2.30am to arrest her, instead putting a postcard through her door and asking her to get in touch. Ms Bennett said: 'I was just constantly in survival mode. I was just trying to get through every single day. And its only because Ive been raised by a very strong family, by very strong women, in terms of you keep fighting and pushing through. 'Because there was days where I just thought: Would it be easier if I was to just end my life? Just because I felt like my career would never be same. Independent candidate Mr Yakoob poses for a photograph as votes are counted ahead of the declaration for West Midlands Mayor - he ultimately finished third in the race Lawyer Akhmed Yakoob (centre) with Fahir (left) and Amaad Khan (right). He said 'nothing can justify a kick to the head to a defenceless man and a stomp to the head' after seeing new footage of the Manchester Airport incident 'TikTok lawyer' with Lamborghini lifestyle Controversial lawyer Akhmed Yakoob boasts of having a 1million car collection that includes a Lamborghini with personalised number plates and is regularly seen wearing Prada trainers, a glittering diamond watch and gold-rimmed sunglasses. The Birmingham-based father-of-four ran for West Midland mayor in May 2024, finishing third, and later came within 3,500 votes of unseating Labour's Shabana Mahmood in Birmingham's Ladywood constituency in the general election. Last year he was criticised for comments that it was 'natural for men to be attracted to females, so keep our queens at home' and '70 per cent of hell is going to be women' - remarks that were labelled 'misogynistic' and 'disturbing' by the Muslim Women's Network. Mr Yakoob said that he was 'mortified' by the backlash. Advertisement 'I just felt like it threw me off completely. I started having, like, trust issues and a lot of paranoia. Id go out and someone would only have to make eye contact with me, and I think theyre looking at me, because they know whats going on.' Ms Bennet said the whole experience underlined the need to interrogate everything on social media since 'Just because you see it, doesnt mean its always true.' Labour said it had employed an external digital forensics company, which found evidence that the video had been manipulated. West Midlands Police likewise said officers had examined the original footage and concluded no offensive words were uttered. Ms Bennett returned to work two weeks after police exonerated her and said her first task was to address the issue and put it to bed. Calling herself a 'workaholic,' she said that her pupils were always her priority. She added: 'I didnt speak on it for too long. I said if you want to know anything, you come and see me, Ill answer honestly, you can make an opinion of whether you believe it or not.' Despite being cleared by police, Ms Bennett has received a legal letter from the Department for Education saying the accusation will stay on her record for years, despite her innocence. Mr Yakoob, who remains under investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for as a result of his actions in this case, has paid 'substantial' damages to Ms Bennett. Experts say it is the first case of a political 'deepfake' being tried legally in the UK, with many of the other convictions around deepfakes being tied to sexual content. Mr Yakoob had reportedly refused to apologise as part of the final agreement between the two parties, but did so after being contacted by the Sunday Times. He told them: 'Of course Im sorry. If I wasnt sorry, I wouldnt have agreed to settle with her and give her a sum of money If I wasnt sorry, I would be in court trying to defend myself but I acknowledged my mistake, thats why Im sorry.' Ms Bennett said throughout the ordeal she was 'just constantly in survival mode' and even had suicidal thoughts Even relatively sophisticated video manipulation can now be done at minimal expense - often simply at the push of a button Pranksters used Elon Musk's Grok AI system to create a video of a wheelchair-bound Joe Biden wielding a handgun in a grocery store He also said that he had taken down the deepfake video well before he was contacted by Ms Bennett's lawyers. Ms Bennett said: 'I dont need an apology. I just need people to be able to know the truth, because those that know me for me, whether they questioned me at some point or not, they know the truth, and they know my true character.' Deepfakes have become a huge problem for the political establishment. Even relatively sophisticated video manipulation can now be done at minimal expense - often simply at the push of a button. In February 2024, Silicon Valley bosses signed a pact to voluntarily adopt 'reasonable precautions' to prevent AI tools from being used to disrupt democratic elections around the world. However, crucially, this pact did not commit to banning or removing deepfakes - with many circulating in the run-up to the US general election last year. Business owners who opened in one of Australia's former top suburbs are struggling to make ends meet amid an influx of backpackers. Randwick, located next to east Sydney's iconic Coogee Beach, was touted as one of the top 10 most attractive suburbs in the world for property investors in 2017. Yet just eight years later, the once-busy suburb is a shell of its former self with one real estate agent saying 'you could shoot a gun down the main street and not hit anyone after 5pm'. Several long-term business owners along the suburb's main street, Belmore Street, blame the downturn on three things: high rent, limited parking and backpackers. Owner of Tek's Gifts & Things Yunus Chen has spent 24 years working on Randwick's main strip and pays $60,000 every year in rent. 'There is no business in Randwick. The rents are too high and mortgage repayments are too high,' Mr Chen told news.com.au. The main people who do live in the suburbs, although temporary, are backpackers who prefer to travel to nearby Coogee to spend their money. 'They're not going to buy things for their homes. The pubs are making a killing but that's about it,' Mr Chen said. Businesses on Randwick's main street are struggling to keep their doors open as accommodation is overrun with backpackers who spend money elsewhere Local auctioneer and real estate agent Graeme Smedley said Randwick's lack of shoppers has claimed one in ten businesses over the last two years. He points the blame at Randwick City Council, saying its lack of planning has forced most new independent businesses to close within a year. '[Council's] job is to help the businesses make money. Twenty-five years ago, Randwick was busy. But now other suburbs nearby are on fire and the fire has been put out in Randwick,' Mr Smedley said. The realtor recently found a renter for one of the suburb's most sought-after commercial sites - formerly a gastropub, The Cookhouse. The sandstone building was on the market for two years before it was picked up by chicken fast-food chain El Jannah. Mr Smedley believes Covid lockdowns only worsened the suburb's business struggles. Even ANZ has closed its branch on Belmore Street, which Mr Smedley described as 'the nail in the coffin'. A spokesperson for Randwick City Council said business had slowed in the suburb due to more people shopping online and the cost of living crisis. 'The businesses located on Belmore Road and other high streets are the engine of the Randwick City economy, strengthen our community and give Randwick town centre its unique local character,' they said. 'Randwick Council works with local business by supporting the business networks and by transforming our high streets into destinations; places people wish to visit and spend time and money.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Randwick City Council for further comment. Peter Mandelsons appointment as our next US ambassador could be vetoed by Donald Trump, it was claimed last night. A member of the Trump team was quoted by The Independent as saying it was still not certain that Lord Mandelsons credentials would be accepted, blaming strains with Sir Keir Starmers Government and concerns about Lord Mandelsons perceived links to China. The Trump source said that while Labour had told the Trump transition team it was a huge compliment that Sir Keir wanted to send such a senior Labour figure, they were not buying that. As The Mail revealed last week, Lord Mandelson has not been invited to tomorrows Presidential Inauguration. For an ambassadorial nominee to formally take up their post in Washington, the president has to accept the letters of credence. The news comes as separate sources claimed the outgoing British ambassador had objected to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as her successor, and was making life difficult for Peter as he tries to take up his post. Lord Mandelson has not been invited to tomorrows Presidential Inauguration For an ambassadorial nominee to formally take up their post in Washington, the president has to accept the letters of credence It comes as the inauguration ceremony has been moved indoors due to cold weather Donald Trump could release Prince Harrys US immigration documents within weeks A source said Dame Karen Pierce wanted to cover the return of Trump, and hoped that he would block the appointment. But a British Embassy spokesman said the claims about Dame Karen were categorically untrue. An embassy source added that while it was possible for Mr Trump not to accept Lord Mandelsons credentials, it was highly unlikely. Harry US visa threat Donald Trump could release Prince Harrys US immigration documents within weeks. The Right-wing think-tank Heritage Foundation has been pushing to see which visa the Duke of Sussex used to move to the US in 2020 and if he admitted taking drugs on the paperwork which requires all applicants to state whether they have ever taken illegal drugs. In his 2023 memoir Spare, Harry admitted taking cocaine, marijuana and magic mushrooms. Last year, a judge ruled the princes visa status should remain private. But Trump has told sources he believes in transparency and could order the documents to be released within his first 100 days in office. Everyone from Mike Johnson to members of Joe Biden's own staff are commenting on the 82-year-old president's noticeable decline in the last days of his presidency. Biden, the oldest president in American history, had to drop out of his re-election race after a June debate disaster where he looked feeble and his mental faculties were called into question. As he leaves office on Monday, more and more people are beginning to speak out on how much agency the president had as he's set to dejectedly bow out after one term. Johnson, who will retain his position as Speaker of the House under Trump and a Republican Congress, said that Biden bewilderingly told him in a January 2024 meeting that he 'didn't do' an executive order that he had signed months earlier. The order, announced on January 26 and still available on the White House website, placed a temporary pause on pending approvals of liquefied natural gas exports. Johnson told The Free Press that he asked Biden: 'Sir, why did you pause LNG exports to Europe? Liquefied natural gas is in great demand by our allies. Why would you do that?' Biden was surprised and said he didn't, leaving Johnson stunned. 'He genuinely didnt know what he had signed and I walked out of that meeting with fear and loathing because I thought, We are in serious trouble - who is running the country? Like, I dont know who put the paper in front of him, but he didnt know.' Everyone from Mike Johnson to members of Joe Biden's own staff are commenting on the 82-year-old president's decline in the last days of his presidency Johnson, who will retain his position as Speaker of the House, said that Biden told him in a January 2024 meeting that he 'didn't do' an executive order that he had signed months earlier Johnson's comments follow a New York Times story that cites more than two dozen Biden allies, from aides to fellow lawmakers to donors, about how they planned to 'manage his decline.' Biden aides would reschedule meetings to suit the president's mood and would delay sharing negative information with him until they could figure out how to spin it to his liking. He would also typically be surrounded by staffers as he walked to the South Lawn to take the presidential chopper in order not to look frail on camera. Perhaps most shockingly, Biden had to use a teleprompter for small fund-raisers in private homes, while donors were forced to submit questions before he spoke. They also made the president's stairway to get onto Air Force One shorter to avoid Biden potentially stumbling on camera. All the while, they would publicly get angry at any member of the press who suggested Biden wasn't coherent. Those who enabled the president were said to be First Lady Jill Biden, troubled son Hunter Biden, strategist Mike Donilon, counselor Steve Ricchetti, deputy chief of Staff Annie Tomasini and Jill Biden senior aide Anthony Bernal. The half-dozen trusted confidants managed Biden's schedule so that no one could see too much of the president's senior moments. EXCLUSIVE: @SpeakerJohnson tells @BariWeiss that President Biden hasnt been in charge for a while. In January 2024, when Johnson and Biden were alone in the Oval Office, the president couldnt recall an important executive order he had signed just three weeks earlier. Johnson pic.twitter.com/OEbLxKBQBF The Free Press (@TheFP) January 18, 2025 Johnson's comments follow a New York Times expose that cites over two dozen Biden allies, from aides to fellow lawmakers to donors, about how they planned to 'manage his decline' Biden was fully aware of the perception, refusing an orthopedic boot when he fractured his foot four years ago, leading to a permanent gait in his walking. Despite all of the evidence to the contrary, Biden has remained defiant in his final days. The president told USA Today that he would have won reelection in a rematch against Donald Trump. Biden, 82, acknowledged his age was an issue, and even admitted he's not so sure how the four years would go after he won this hypothetical second term. 'So far, so good,' he said. 'But who knows what I'm going to be when I'm 86 years old?' In late July, Biden reluctantly ended his reelection bid and endorsed his No. 2 to take Democrats over the finish line in November. But Harris, who never won a primary election, failed to garner support and lost in historic fashion to Trump including all seven swing states. Biden said in his exit interview about his single term as president that if he stayed in the race, he likely would have beat Trump again. 'It's presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,' Biden claimed, citing polling he reviewed. Biden once bizarrely said that both he and Kamala Harris could've beaten Trump Asked whether he had the vigor to serve another four years in office, though, he was less confident. 'I don't know,' he replied. 'Who the hell knows?' Days later, he bizarrely repeated that both he and Kamala Harris could've beaten Trump. 'I think I would have beaten Trump could have beaten Trump,' he said, days before Trump is set to return to power. 'And I think that Kamala could have beaten Trump, would have beaten Trump. It wasn't about I thought it was important to unify the party,' he said. He failed to specify why, if Harris might have beaten Trump, she didn't actually come out victorious. But he did admit that he feared a divided party might lose if he stayed on. The party fractured after his July debate disaster over whether he would be able to prevail while facing record low approval numbers. 'I thought I could win again, thought it was better to unify the party, and I was the greatest honor in my life to be president United States, but I didn't want to be one who caused a party that wasn't unified to lose an election,' he said. 'That's why I stepped aside. But I was confident she could win.' As it turned out, Trump beat Harris in all seven swing states and won the popular vote, as he reminded a New York judge Friday on a day he was sentenced of 34 felony counts in his hush money case. An 11-year-old girl is among the 10 skiers injured after a chairlift derailed at a ski station in Spain on Saturday, flinging its riders 50 feet from from their chairs and leaving some hanging upside down. The horrific incident occurred at Astun Ski Resort in the heart of the Aragon Valley in north-eastern Spain, leaving several people trapped as emergency services rushed to the scene to rescue those caught up in the holiday horror. Two 18-year-old women are in critical condition and are currently receiving medical treatment in the ICU. One of the women, who is said to have sustained the most severe injuries, was airlifted to a nearby hospital. An 11-year-old girl and a 67-year-old women were among the injured skiers and were rushed to hospital, but are said to have mild injuries. Initial reports had claimed that thirty people had been injured and nine skiers had sustained serious injuries, but the toll has been confirmed to be much lower. Five helicopters and a dozen ambulances were dispatched to the resort to ferry the injured to nearby hospitals, local media said. According to Aragon Government's head of emergencies Miguel Angel Clavero, the incident was caused by a failure of the return on one of the charlifts' that 'caused loss of tension and led to chairlifts falling', leaving around 80 skiers stranded. '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 However, the resort said in a statement later in the day that the causes are still 'unknown' and are currently being investigated. The President of the Aragon region, Jorge Azcon, travelled to the scene of the incident and said that the skilift had passed all 'relevant controls'. He also praised the 'impeccable work' of first responders. 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, with several skiers left hanging upside down from the skilifts. Others were flung off the, with dramatic footage from Saturday's scenes showing people spread across the ground. '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. 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 '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. 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. An emergency helicopter flies over the ski lifts at the Astum ski resort in Huesca, Spain, northern Spain on Saturday, Jan 18, 2025 'I have spoken to Aragon president Jorge Azcon to offer him the government's full support.' The resort closed its doors for the day following the horror accident, but it said its slopes will reopen on Sunday. 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.' The row over the Government's handling of the grooming gangs crisis deepened last night, amid claims that Sir Keir Starmer blames Home Secretary Yvette Cooper for Labour's faltering response. No 10 insiders said her department failed to alert Downing Street when calls for a new Home Office-led inquiry were first raised. That led to ministers refusing a new full-scale national investigation, only for Ms Cooper to last week announce a series of local probes into the scale of the sexual exploitation of young women. The move comes as the Tories piled on the pressure for a full inquiry into the 'horrific rape gangs scandal' by unveiling plans for a second Commons vote on the issue, barely ten days after Labour overwhelmingly voted down a previous Conservative bid for a new investigation. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp announced last night that his party would table a fresh amendment to the Government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. He said: 'We are going to give Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs another chance to do right by the victims of the horrific rape gangs scandal.' The move comes after The Mail on Sunday was told by No 10 insiders of a rift with the Home Office over the response to the controversy in recent weeks. It has been claimed that Sir Keir Starmer blames Home Secretary Yvette Cooper for Labour's faltering response to the grooming gangs crisis Ms Cooper announced a series of local probes into the scale of the sexual exploitation of young women earlier this week One source claimed that if Downing Street had been aware that Oldham Council was appealing for a new Government-led inquiry in its local area, it would not have been given a straight 'no' in that way. But a government source last night hit back at claims of a rift, saying: 'This is absolute nonsense. The PM and his team have been working very closely with the Home Secretary and the safeguarding minister [Jess Phillips] to take the action needed to tackle evil grooming gangs and better protect children. 'Nothing is more important than getting justice for victims. 'Across government, we will work to deliver the change needed after 14 years of inaction from the Tories.' A Number 10 source pointed to 'the Prime Minister's repeated comments that we don't agree that another national inquiry is necessary at this stage'. Just two days ago, tensions between ministers boiled over after Culture Minister Chris Bryant admitted that interventions by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk had sparked further debate about the grooming gangs issue. Mr Musk had used his social media platform X to lambast the Government and call for a fresh national statutory inquiry. But in a pointed rebuke to Mr Bryant, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'We are not a Government that governs by social media, we govern for the real world.' Mr Philp added: 'Labour is more interested in fighting each other than fixing the issue.' First lady Jill Biden managed to score one final perk during her last hours in her role, getting a private tour of the National Zoo's new pandas. Her office posted video of the encounter on Facebook and Instagram, just hours before President-elect Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump flew to D.C. to kick off inaugural festivities. She was accompanied by Hunter Biden's son Beau, who sported a lined jean jacket with an American flag patch and who can be heard exclaiming at the 'cute' pandas on video. Hunter, who got a pardon from his father, has been a fixture at the White House as his dad's tenure winds down. There are reports that the first lady is seething at Democrats like Nancy Pelosi who helped push her husband to give up his reelection bid, but that didn't stop her from enjoying herself on a visit with D.C.'s biggest celebrity animals. 'Let's see if he'll turn and look at us,' Jill says. 'Oh yeah. Awww,' she coos. The edited video includes the sound of shutter snaps, and is titled 'First Lady Meets New Pandas,' with a White House logo. A National Zoo staffer can be heard providing a tour. 'Can we introduce you to one of the pandas here,' says the guide at the Smithsonian facility in Northwest, D.C. 'Wow how cool is that!' exclaims Jill, who advocated for the pandas and blasted out the announcement of their arrival back in May. She is a such a Giant Panda fan that she even wore a panda costume for Halloween. Jill Biden got a private look at DC's new pandas on one of her last days as first lady An off-camera voice can be heard introducing the new high-profile D.C. residents secured after prolonged negotiations through what is sometimes called 'panda diplomacy.' The pandas came as part of a 10-year deal negotiated with China. The Smithsonian Zoo pays $1 million to a conservation association to help endangered pandas in China. The practice has come under increased scrutiny, as China requires zoos to pay hefty fees and return offspring of the panda pairs. Local zoos are often desperate to keep the revenue-generating pandas, which get lumped into complex international talks amid pressure on China for its human rights record and trade practices. The White House made a video of the encounter The first lady got an up-close look 'How cool is that?' she said The U.S. pays $1 million a year to Chinese panda conservation as part of the deal that brought the pair here Beau Biden, 4, was with his grandparents on Friday when they went to Joint Base Andrews for an event Jill Biden dressed as a panda for Halloween Snack time: Bao Li munched on bamboo during the encounter 'This is Bao Li, which means "energetic treasure,"' says the guide. 'This is Qing Bao. It's like "green mountainous treasure,' she adds. 'That's cute right?' says the first lady. 'Cute,' says Beau, President Biden has been trying to make the most of his final hours in office, flying to California to declare a new national monument (although he had to scrub the event and bring it back to D.C. after the outbreak of the horrific fires in Los Angeles). He is set to fly to Charleston on Sunday although he had no public events Saturday. Biden and the first lady were set to fly to Rome to meet the Pope, but the White House said he cancelled the trip to deal with the fires. They are both set to have tea with the Trumps on Monday morning before attending Trump's inauguration something the Trumps didn't do for them four years ago. Then, they're planning to head west for a vacation in California. As the Los Angeles fires continue to cause devastation across Southern California, an evacuation shelter has been hit with a norovirus outbreak. The Pasadena Public Health Department confirmed on Friday that three people tested positive for norovirus among a group of 28 who had 'acute gastrointestinal illness' at the Pasadena Evacuation Shelter. The department told CNN that it was providing guidance and support to the American Red Cross, which is managing the shelter and said it's 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, the media relations lead with the American Red Cross national headquarters. Fox said that health-care workers are available for on-site care for anyone who feels sick. It was confirmed that a health care clinic was set up at the evacuation center, and AltaMed health services is also providing medical care there. 'The spread of illness in congregate living situations, including shelters, is unfortunately common given the close quarters and communal spaces,' the Pasadena Public Health Department said. 'This year, the community has experienced higher than normal levels of Norovirus.' Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that norovirus outbreaks are worse than they've 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. The Pasadena Public Health Department confirmed on Friday that three people tested positive for norovirus among a group of 28 who had 'acute gastrointestinal illness at the Pasadena Evacuation Shelter Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that norovirus outbreaks are worse than they've 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 'The [health department] team will continue to meet with onside health services partners and monitor the situation to prevent any further spread,' the health department said The Red Cross said that when a resident at the Pasadena shelter becomes sick, they'll be isolated in an area away from where healthy residents are. 'Right now, our partners with the 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 told CNN. The shelter is also said to have taken safety precautions including making hand sanitizer readily available. Volunteers who handle food are also required to wear gloves and cleaning supplies are also available to staff. Pasadena Public Health said additional measures include handwashing stations, frequent restroom cleaning and the use of disinfectants. 'The [health department] team will continue to meet with onside health services partners and monitor the situation to prevent any further spread,' the department said. The outbreak comes as experts have warned Los Angeles may be hit with dangerous landslides as rainfall returns to the scorched area. '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 reads. Extreme blazes can also destabilize pre-existing, deep-seated landslides over long periods of time. Hawaii health officials added that those who are pregnant, elderly, young or medically compromised should not enter the contaminated areas '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,' said Costas Synolakis 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. In addition to the risk of landslide, Los Angeles residents also must take care when returning to any smoldering sites that the fires destroyed due to potential respiratory and long-term health issues. Residents in fire-ravaged communities have been warned the risk of muslides are heightened and they should be on alert for any warning signs Diana Felton, 47, chief of the Hawaii State Department of Health's Communicable Disease, warned curious California homeowners to wear proper protective gear if they were to return to the torched remains Some 6.5 million people remain under a critical fire threat, after the fires consumed an area nearly the size of Washington, DC, authorities said Los Angeles public health experts have advised the greater Los Angeles public to vacate neighborhoods that are covered in 'cancer-causing chemicals.' Such hazardous chemicals are a result of burned vehicles, solar panels, batteries, building materials and everyday household products. Yet, even as officials have issued the stark warnings, residents have continued to return to the ruins, with some posting videos on social media showing them walking through the remains without any protective gear. Dangerous contaminants can be easily kicked up when people try to salvage possessions, rummaging through the potentially toxic rubble. Exposure usually doesnt trigger immediate symptoms, but it may lead to long-term health issues such as cancer, high blood pressure, liver problems or learning disabilities. Even just breathing in wildfire ash and smoke can trigger problems including coughing, erratic heartbeat and fatigue, the health official added. Felton, chief of the Hawaii State Department of Health's Communicable Disease, claimed the drove of distressed homeowners returning to the rubble resembles what she saw after the state's 2023 Lahaina Fire Exposure usually doesnt trigger immediate symptoms, but it may lead to long-term health issues such as cancer, high blood pressure, liver problems or learning disabilities The dangerous contaminants can be easily kicked up when people try to salvage possessions, rummaging through the potentially toxic rubble Homes damaged by the Palisades Fire are seen along the Malibu beach Six fires erupted across the greater LA area since last Tuesday, killing at least 27 people and burning more than 12,000 homes and other structures. Firefighters are still battling the Palisades Fire, which is the most destructive blaze in LA history, as well as the Eaton and Hurst fires. The three other blazes are now fully contained. The National Weather Service added that the respite for fire-ravaged Los Angeles will be short, with high chances for renewed Red Flag warnings - when ideal fire conditions of high winds and low humidity dominate - starting again on Sunday. Some 6.5 million people remain under a critical fire threat, after the fires consumed an area nearly the size of Washington, DC, authorities said. An MP is being investigated over an allegation that a womans drink was spiked with a date-rape drug in an infamous Commons bar, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Strangers Bar, which serves drinks to MPs and their guests on the terrace overlooking the Thames, has been shut while security and safety arrangements are reviewed after the allegation was made to the Metropolitan Police. The Parliamentary researcher who said she had been spiked recognised the alleged perpetrators lanyard as that of an MP but did not see his name or party affiliation. She alerted bar staff and security to the incident on January 7, the second day of Parliament after the festive break. It is the latest in a series of incidents in the bar, which has been at the centre of a debate over the sale of alcohol in the Palace of Westminster. Parliaments official complaints authority, the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, said the drinking culture in Westminster was a frequent factor fuelling inappropriate behaviour such as sexual harassment. Strangers Bar, which serves drinks to MPs and their guests on the terrace overlooking the Thames, has been shut while security and safety arrangements are reviewed after the allegation was made to the Metropolitan Police. Picture: MPs enjoying drinks on the terrace in October 2022 The Parliamentary researcher who said she had been spiked recognised the alleged perpetrators lanyard as that of an MP but did not see his name or party affiliation. Picture: Stock image The Government has vowed to crack down on spiking as part of wider efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. This newspaper reported last year that before the general election, Sir Keir Starmers chief of staff, Sue Gray, had asked Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to shut the bars because she feared the disciplinary implications of hordes of new-entry Labour MPs becoming sucked into Westminsters drinking culture. Downing Street said Sir Keir found the reported spiking incredibly concerning. A Parliament spokesman said: We are aware of an incident which took place on the parliamentary estate in early January, which was reported to parliamentary security and is now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police. Of the closure of Strangers Bar they added: The safety of everyone on the estate remains a key priority of both Houses. Scotland Yard said it had received reports of an alleged spiking at an establishment in the House of Commons. The investigation is ongoing and the victim is being supported by officers. There have been no arrests at this time. Desperate Navy chiefs are cutting eight weeks off the training schedule for commandos in a cash-saving move which risks producing 'raw' recruits. The shortened programme, expected to begin in May, will see adventurous training such as rock climbing axed from the syllabus. A four-week foundation block at the start of the course, intended to weed out weaker candidates, will also be ditched. And recruits will spend less time on the parade square learning to march and more time on 'field skills'. For decades, basic Royal Marine training, which recruits must pass to earn a green beret, has lasted 36 weeks ten weeks longer than the Army's infantry course. Top brass justified the extended programme, which costs 120,000 per Marine, on the grounds they were being taught to a superior standard. But as part of measures by cash-strapped defence officials, the Marines' course is being brought closer into line with the Army. According to Marine sources, it will save 28,000 per candidate or 2 million over five years. The Marines' officer course is also thought to be under review. As part of its Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign, the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday have previously revealed widespread cuts across the Army's budgets since Labour took office. Desperate Navy chiefs are cutting eight weeks off the training schedule for commandos in a cash-saving move. File image For decades, basic Royal Marine training, which recruits must pass to earn a green beret, has lasted 36 weeks. File image As part of measures by cash-strapped defence officials, the Marines' course is being brought closer into line with the Army. File image This has seen a drastic reduction in live firing exercises, due to the cost of ammunition and stocks being donated to Ukraine. Defence officials even considered clawing back a 13 million grant to the Chelsea Pensioners, before the Mail stepped in and they scrapped the plan. A source at the Marines' Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon, said: 'Many of the instructors here have serious concerns. The last thing we want is relatively raw recruits passing out and deploying to the frontline. 'We've been assured this is a one-year trial, so if it doesn't work we revert back to 36 weeks.' Former Navy commander Rear Admiral Chris Parry, a Falklands War veteran, said last night: 'The excellence of our Royal Marines relies on that level of training.' A Marine officer added: 'This will be a disaster. The course is long because it needs to be.' The MoS has called repeatedly for defence spending to rise to 2.5 per cent of GDP. But Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to give assurances on delivering it. Last night, the Royal Navy said no decisions had been made on any proposals, adding: 'There will be no changes in the commando standards and the training will always remain among the most arduous and respected globally.' Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle's new zombie apocalypse film was inspired by Brexit, a writer has revealed. Alex Garland, one of the co-creators of upcoming horror film 28 Years Later, has said that the new film was inspired by the abandonment of the UK following its majority leave vote in the 2016 Brexit referendum. The writer said that when coming up with the script, he used his memory of the rest of the world 'turning their backs' on Britain as a backdrop for creating the film's apocalyptic scenes. Speaking to Enquire magazine, Garland professed to Brexit holding greater creative influence over the film than the Covid pandemic. 'Covid was not on my mind because it was too recent and too present, but Brexit was', he said. Expanding on this sentiment, he added that the referendum's results offered up 'a sense of the globe just sort of shifting its position'. Garland has previously worked on other box-office hits such as 'Ex Machina' and 'Annihilation'. The new thriller, which will be directed by Boyle, forms part of a trilogy which is set to star Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle 's new zombie apocalypse film was inspired by Brexit , a writer has revealed Alex Garland, one of the co-creators of horror film 28 Years Later, has said that the new film was inspired by the abandonment of the UK following its majority leave vote in the 2016 Brexit referendum Boyle and Garland previously teamed up together to create the acclaimed 2002 zombie horror film 28 Days Later 'Slumdog Millionaire' director Boyle publicly backed the remain campaign in the 2016 referendum, the opposing side to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson who spearheaded the leave campaign The film depicts the UK three decades after a virus escaped into the public realm from a biological weapons lab, leaving most people monsters. Garland explained that he and Boyle 'would spend a lot of time talking about this' time jump. Boyle and Garland previously teamed up together to create the acclaimed 2002 zombie horror film 28 Days Later, which starred Irish duo Cillian Murphy and Brendan Gleeson. That film has since been credited with 'introducing' the 'fast zombie' genre to Hollywood and paving the way for other blockbuster horrors such as World Z. 'Slumdog Millionaire' director Boyle publicly backed the remain campaign in the 2016 referendum. The 68-year-old filmmaker recently stated how he and Garland did not want to set their new zombie thriller in London once again. 'We avoided towns and cities, partly... because of how dangerous they'd be. 'But also because we made such an impression with the first one with how we depicted London, we thought wed be crazy to try to top that', he said. Almost a third of pupils are getting extra time in GCSE and A-level exams under rules to help the soaring numbers of children with special educational needs. Around 420,000 pupils are being given additional time to finish exam papers, four times as many as a decade ago, according to Ofqual, the exam regulator. In 2012-13, only 107,000 children were given extra time, according to Department for Education figures. The figures show a sharp disparity between children at private schools, 42 per cent, and those at state schools, 27 per cent. Some head teachers told the Sunday Times that the system was being gamed to boost exam results. Others said the numbers reflected the sharp rise in children with learning difficulties. The standard allocation is 25 per cent extra time. Around 420,000 pupils are being given additional time to finish exam papers, four times as many as a decade ago, according to Ofqual, the exam regulator. Picture: Stock Some said the numbers reflected the sharp rise in children with learning difficulties. Picture: stock image In a two-hour exam, a child would get an extra 30 minutes to write an essay or check their workings in maths. A small number of children with complex needs are given even more time. Under the rules, extra time can be given to children with a wide range of learning difficulties, including cognitive problems such as dyslexia, and communication needs such as autism, along with other mental issues, such as anxiety. Andrew ONeill, secondary headteacher of All Saints Catholic College in North Kensington, west London, said: My concern would be that some schools are using this as a perverse incentive to game the system so that children gain more of an advantage in public examinations. This needs to be scrutinised further. Another secondary head said: Extra time has become a standard thing for families and schools to seek as they look to boost exam results. Add to this the explosion in the number of children designated as having special educational needs and its no surprise that numbers seeking extra time have rocketed. More than 1.6 million pupils in England are designated as having special needs. The DfE said there had been a growth in autism, speech, language and communication needs, and social, emotional and mental health needs in recent years. If you meddle in the politics of someone elses country, you had better be careful. This is especially true in the United States, a nation of long memories, hard bargains and painful paybacks. Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party rather publicly supported Kamala Harris, the loser in the presidential election. If they thought this wouldnt harm relations with Donald Trump, they were extremely naive. Mr Trumps campaign accused Labour of blatant foreign interference. Then he won. Now Mr Trump is getting his own back by helping Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Sir Keirs naive folly has given Mr Trump and his outriders, such as Elon Musk, a licence to intervene in British politics. Sir Keir may also find that, while formal diplomatic relations continue, there will be a price to pay in trade talks and in how British ministers including our Premier - are treated by the White House. Sir Keir Starmers, pictured, Labour Party rather publicly supported Kamala Harris , the loser in the presidential election. If they thought this wouldnt harm relations with Donald Trump , they were extremely naive Mr Trump, pictured, may also find that he does himself lasting damage if he or his allies get involved too obviously over here. Sir Keir should have seen this coming. People dont like outsiders messing about in their internal affairs. And Mr Trump needs Sir Keir less than Sir Keir needs him. British politicians of all parties would be wiser in future not to treat US elections as playgrounds. But it cuts both ways. Mr Trump may also find that he does himself lasting damage if he or his allies get involved too obviously over here. As we have seen, Americans often have a poor understanding of how Britain works. And the USA is not the only proud, independent country on the planet. We also like to make our own minds up. There is probably no better way of souring the ancient alliance between the USA and the UK than poking our noses into each others politics. When will police start earning their pay? What exactly do police do all the time, and how can we make them perform their most basic task of protecting us against crime? Both questions arise as a result of extraordinary events in two prosperous and supposedly safe parts of the country, Cobham in Surrey and Wimbledon in London. These places are not abandoned, lawless urban wastelands. Yet when thieves not even bothering to disguise themselves invaded shops there to steal costly goods, police initially did nothing at all. What exactly do police do all the time, and how can we make them perform their most basic task of protecting us against crime, writes the Mail on Sunday The robbers, it is worth recording, swaggered confidently as they went about their thieving, leaving shop staff terrified. There was plenty of evidence. But the two police forces involved did not want to know. Only after the shops owner made a major fuss on social media did they even turn up at the scene. The officers involved admitted that it was only because boutique owner Paige Mengers went public that they stirred themselves. A full investigation has now been launched. The plight of the shop staff, frightened and helpless, symbolises the whole episode. In a civilised, law-governed country, it is the wrongdoer who should be frightened and the peaceful citizen who should be confident. A slow withdrawal by the police first from preventing crime by foot patrols, now from pursuing the ever-increasing disorder which has followed this retreat has left the good vulnerable and the bad far too strong. There are many more police officers than there were in the days when crime was under control. They cost billions. It is time they earned what we pay them. Allegations have emerged that Virgin Australia was aware of the dangers its air crew faced prior to the alleged rape of a 21-year-old employee in Fiji. An investigation by the Daily Telegraph revealed several Virgin staff members had aired complaints about the safety of overnight accommodation in the lead-up to the alleged attack on New Year's Day. The outlet claimed staff's drinks had been spiked while staying in Bali and a crew member was choked near her accommodation in Perth. Other concerns included alleged unsafe working expectations, high demands on new recruits and the repeated hiring of young workers. Virgin Australia said the safety of its staff is a top priority and all incidents have been investigated. Inside sources claimed working conditions at the airline began to decline when it was bought by private investment firm Bain Capital. The company entered voluntary administration during the pandemic and cut costs across its operations - including the dismissal of 3,000 experienced staff in 2020. Virgin Australia had an astonishing $5billion of debt prior to Covid lockdowns and sought to improve its financial situation under its new CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka. Several Virgin staff members allegedly aired complaints about the safety of overnight accommodation in the lead up to the alleged rape of a flight attendant (stock image) Once the carrier began re-hiring it offered a starting wage of $45,526, which was criticised for being too low for workers with dependents or a mortgage. The result was a young workforce with many new employees aged in their teens or early twenties. Many still lived at home. Flight Attendants Association of Australia industrial relations manager Steven Reed explained the dangers of a young air crew on international flights - which was previously restricted to people over 21 years old. 'What we do notice is that the lack of life skills that comes with recruiting 18-year-olds that exist, particularly when you send them overseas to hotels and they may never have been out Australia before,' he said. 'They don't have those necessary life skills to be wary of certain things.' The latest allegations come just weeks after a 21-year-old Virgin flight attendant was allegedly raped in Fiji by farmer Ilaisa Tanoa Degei, 24. It's alleged Degei posed as an unregistered taxi driver, known locally as the Pari, and offered to drive the young woman to her accommodation at the Tanoa International Hotel. She had been celebrating New Year's Eve with other Virgin crew members at Bar One, in Nadi, but sought to leave after one of her co-workers was allegedly robbed. Fijian farmer Ilaisa Tanoa Degei (pictured) allegedly raped a 21-year-old Virgin Australia flight attendant on New Year's Day Mr Degei allegedly raped the flight attendant about 1am on January 1. He was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of rape. Virgin staff have since aired safety concerns about the Tanoa International Hotel, which was approved by the Flight Attendant's Association of Australia. Staff complained of the hotel's location and a lack of nearby amenities. The hotel, which has a longstanding contract with Virgin, is protected by security guards and security gates. However, it's alleged the accommodation didn't start using the measures until after the alleged rape. Neither Qantas or Jetstar staff stay at the Tanoa International Hotel. Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine said it was vital Virgin prioritise the safety of its crews. 'Virgin and owners Bain Capital must consult closely with cabin crew on areas of concern and make all necessary steps to prevent serious incidents like this in the future,' he said. The Telegraph also addressed other alleged incidents involving Virgin Australia staff. Crew members were allegedly spiked while staying at the Holiday Inn Resort Baruna in Kuta, a popular tourist destination south of Denpasar. Another worker was alleged choked near the Mercure Hotel in Perth's CBD, located across from Perth's Magistrates Court. The hotel had previously been denied as accommodation for Qantas after the FAAA determined it did not meet the standards set in its enterprise bargaining agreement. A Virgin Australia spokesperson confirmed staff undergo safety training for both domestic and international flights. It has also increased the starting wage for workers to $55,974 and allows them to claim paid daily overtime. 'Safety remains our highest priority and we take a thorough and proactive approach to ensure the welfare of our crew when travelling for work, both domestically and internationally,' the spokesperson said. 'All reported safety incidents are promptly reviewed, and we do not hesitate to implement necessary changes and controls to ensure our team remain safe.' Police forces are failing to record the ethnicity of criminals in case they are accused of racism, it was claimed last night. Analysis of government figures shows a sharp increase in the percentage of offences such as child abuse where the ethnicity of the perpetrator is not recorded. More than one in four (28.7 per cent) child sex offence cases do not record the ethnicity of the perpetrator, according to latest Ministry of Justice data, compared with around one in 20 (5.6 per cent) in 2011. For sexual offences generally, a similar percentage currently go without the offenders ethnicity being recorded 29 per cent, up from 8 per cent in 2011. And the ethnicity of the criminal in almost half of all robberies (44 per cent) now goes unreported, up hugely from just 8 per cent in 2011. Former Conservative minister Neil OBrien, who carried out the analysis, said the statistics demonstrated an increasing digital desert on migration. He said this was particularly concerning given the scandal of the grooming gangs, where men of largely Pakistani heritage were convicted of raping, abusing and trafficking young girls in towns across the UK. He told The Mail on Sunday: It is alarming given the grooming gangs scandal that there seems to be no consistency whatsoever in the recording of the ethnicity of offenders. Analysis of government figures shows a sharp increase in the percentage of offences such as child abuse where the ethnicity of the perpetrator is not recorded (stock image) Police forces are failing to record the ethnicity of criminals in case they are accused of racism, it has been claimed Former Conservative minister Neil OBrien, who carried out the analysis, said the statistics demonstrated an increasing digital desert on migration That means that there is no way that people in the criminal justice system can be joining up the dots to see if they have a problem that is specific to a particular group. Mr OBrien is concerned authorities are not recording ethnicity due to a fear of being called racist. He added: We know a lack of willingness to think about the connections between incidents was part of the problem, and the reason the victims of the grooming gang scandal were let down so badly. But it seems like we are still not joining the dots. That is exactly why we need a full national inquiry and why the Government is wrong to be blocking it. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick told The Daily Telegraph that the reduction in data on the ethnicity of convicted criminals will only fuel perceptions that the British state is covering up the costs of migration. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper this week announced a series of local reviews into grooming gangs after tech tycoon Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, started commenting on the scandal. Ms Cooper also ordered a three-month rapid review of the current scale and nature of gang-based exploitation after several Labour MPs began calling for a fresh investigation into what happened. Few people could pull off a bank heist with aplomb. But when a special effects film technician found himself unable to work, he staged a robbery so convincing it could have come straight from a Guy Ritchie movie. Targeting the Arab National Bank in Mayfair, central London, last summer, Gary Robert Hill stormed in apparently armed with a revolver and M12 and M14 stun grenades, which are designed to disorientate with blinding light and noise. However, it was only when police charged into the branch following a two-hour stand-off in which the street was closed, and wrestled 54-year-old Hill to the ground, that they discovered that his firearm was an imitation. Southwark Crown Court heard that Hill, from Gillingham, Kent, had hit financial hardship when he was forced out of his job as a special effects and technical adviser early last year. He had spent his whole career in the film and television industry, but had been unable to continue after severe tinnitus which causes a ringing or buzzing in the ears affected his ability to do the job, as well as impacting on his sleep and concentration. A key part of his work was sound-checking to ensure quality for documentaries, films and television programmes produced by the BBC, Netflix and Warner Bros. Judge Mark Weekes said Hills inability to work resulted in him taking the drastic decision to rob the bank, which caters to Middle Eastern billionaires. Gary Robert Hill stormed into Arab National Bank in Mayfair last August apparently armed with a revolver and M12 and M14 stun grenades It was only when police charged into the branch following a two-hour stand-off in which the street was closed, and wrestled 54-year-old Hill to the ground, that they discovered that his firearm was an imitation Hill, who had spent his whole career in the film and television industry, targeted the Arab National Bank in Mayfair after being unable to work Judge Weekes said: Your motivation was clear: you wanted as much money as you could take. You were experiencing serious financial problems as a result of your tinnitus. One consequence was that you were not the same person as before and you were struggling with work. Hill was jailed for five and a half years on Thursday after being convicted of attempted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm and offensive weapons. He thanked the judge as he was led away. David Martin-Sperry, representing him, said: He decided to go and rob a bank in the most extraordinary way. He could not live with the tinnitus, and he asked himself, What am I to do? He decided to get arrested because he could not bring himself to commit suicide, but the next best thing is to get put away. The Arab National Bank were approached for comment. The family of a pregnant Indiana mother, who mysteriously vanished in October, believe her boyfriend may be concealing something about her disappearance. Emma Baum, 25, was nine-months pregnant when she inexplicably vanished on October 10 while paying a visit to her boyfriend, Antwon Butler, 29, in Gary, around 10 miles from her home in Portage. The young mother-of-three did not have a working phone at the time of her vanishing, and family members have said she was supposed to go with her boyfriend - the father of her unborn child - 'to the phone store and get it activated'. Now, Baum's sister, Hailey Baum-Waddell, 23, suspects her older sister's boyfriend is 'hiding something,' she told Fox News Digital. Baum's mother, Jamie Baum, also believes the Butler - who has a lengthy criminal record - had something to do with her daughter's strange disappearance, WGN9 reported. Butler has not been put forth as a suspect in her disappearance, and Gary Police have yet to charge anyone with the pregnant mother's unexplainable vanishing. 'We have not charged anyone with the disappearance of Emma Baum, and she has not been located yet,' Gary Police Commander, Jack Hamady, said. 'We continue to search and interview individuals that are or maybe associated with this case.' Butler, who was taken into custody in an unrelated case just after his pregnant girlfriend's disappearance, was later released from Lake County Jail and awaits a court date for the separate charges, Hamady said. Emma Baum (pictured), 25, a mother-of-three, was nine months pregnant when she inexplicably vanished on October 10 while paying a visit to her boyfriend, Antwon Butler, 29, in Gary, around 10 miles from her home in Portage The young mother did not have a working phone at the time of her vanishing as family members said she was supposed to go with her boyfriend - the father of her unborn child - 'to the phone store and get it activated.' Pictured: Emma Baum with her three children Now, Baum's sister, Hailey Baum-Waddell, 23, suspects her older sister's boyfriend (pictured) is 'hiding something' This isn't Butler's first run-in with the law. In 2019, the 29-year-old had a battery charge dismissed. That same year, Butler pleaded guilty to a neglect of a dependent charge. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to a possession of a substance represented to be a controlled substance charge. And in 2025, he pleaded guilty to a resisting law enforcement charge. The Gary-native has other pending cases - including dealing in cocaine and marijuana - and his most recent possessing of a controlled substance charge - a felony - that he was recently arrested for. Now, several months after her dissappearance, Baum's mother is facing eviction as she continues the futile search for her daughter and unborn grandchild. The worried-sick mother is currently providing daily care for her grandchildren and is 'facing significant financial difficulties in paying utilities and rent,' according to a GoFundMe campaign aimed to help provide support her. 'Jamie is struggling to make ends meet. She has received a 10-day eviction letter from landlords requesting payment of late fees, and back rent a total of $2000,' the page reads. 'As a self-sufficient individual, Jamie is experiencing an immense stress and hardship while trying to locate her missing daughter searching daily in Gary, Indiana in Northwest Indiana regions.' The 25-year-old mother-of-three was last seen in a desolate neighborhood of Gary, Indiana, visiting the father of her unborn child A widespread search ensued for the missing mother as volunteers searched through overgrown fields, knocked on doors and passed out flyer and K-9 units were deployed in search for her scent, CBS News reported A second fundraiser was created by Baum's sister. Between the two, a meager total of just $80 has been raised to help the troubled family. Baum is approximately 5 feet, 3 inches tall, weighs around 136 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. She has several scars and tattoos, and she often wears colorful wigs. 'Emma gave everybody her all, gave them all the love that she could,' Baum-Waddell said of her sister. 'She has these big brown eyes, and she always just wanted to make everybody, you know, laugh or feel good about themselves or have them feel included. 'It's very difficult because now it's not just her that's missing. It's her baby. And you don't want to think, you know, the worst because who would want to, you know, hurt a girl and her baby?' she added. 'We're just hoping to find her safe.' Authorities first received a missing persons report for Baum from her family October 28, Hamady told the outlet. The missing woman's family said it is likely Baum has already given birth - as she was one centimeter dilated on October 4. A widespread search ensued for the missing mother as volunteers searched through overgrown fields, knocked on doors and passed out flyer and K-9 units were deployed in search for her scent, CBS News reported. Baum-Waddell recalled stopping people in their cars and those who were walking in the neighborhood to ask them if they knew where her older sister may be. Hamady said police have questioned multiple people in connection with the case, and noted to WGN9 that officers continue to scour the area. Pictured: Emma Baum with a young child Baum's family is not giving up hope. Pictured: Emma Baum holding a newborn child 'We have put our own lives at risk,' Baum's other sister, Abigale Smith, added. 'We have run into abandoned houses, we have dug in dirt piles. 'At this point, we have done everything we can, and now we ask the public to please help us,' Smith added in a news conference addressing her sister's unknown whereabouts. Hamady said police have questioned multiple people in connection with the case, and noted to WGN9 that officers continue to scour the area. 'There are three locations that have come up in the investigation, so we've exhausted those means, and looked into video that was possibly in those areas that she was last seen as well.' Still, Baum's family is not giving up hope. 'We're always going to look for her,' Baum's mother said. 'I'm never going to stop looking for her. My whole family will never stop looking for you, Emma.' 'We love you, Emma. And if you can hear us, there is nothing that you have done to make any of us stop loving you,' Smith added. A second suspect has been arrested in connection to the kidnapping of a 14-year-old Long Island girl who was allegedly kept locked inside a boat before her hero dad rescued her. Bunice Knight, 47, of Copiague has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child among other alleged crimes, court records obtained by Newsday revealed. Knight's arrest comes more than a week after 64-year-old Francis Buckheit of East Islip was taken into custody after allegedly kidnapping Emmarae Gervasi, 14. Buckheit was charged on January 6 with first degree kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child, among other offenses. Knight's arrest was based on the victim's statements and security video from the neighboring homes. Both men have pleaded not guilty. Knight's attorney, Glenn Obedin, told NBC New York they 'look forward to rigorously defending this case.' Danielle Papa, Buckheit's attorney, said at Suffolk County District Court last week that her client is 'emotional... he's upset...he maintains his innocence.' Papa added: 'theres a lot more to this story than whats been presented in the papers at this time, which we are in the process of investigating.' Emmarae had been missing since December 9 and disappeared without wearing a coat or shoes Pictured: The ship Buckheit allegedly held Emmarae captive in While Buckheit remains behind bars, Knight posted bond that was set at $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond, as per court records, Newsday reported. It remains unclear if Knight and Buckheit know each other. Knight previously spent five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to narcotics trafficking charges in 2004, as per the news outlet. Frank Gervasi miraculously rescued his daughter, Emmarae, on January 3 after getting an anonymous tip. Emmarae was allegedly being held captive on a boat docked at the Whitecap Marina in Islip, nearly a month after she mysteriously disappeared from their East Patchogue home on December 9. Gervasi told the DailyMail.com how agonizing it was searching for his daughter - - who was barefoot, wearing no jacket and without a cell phone at the time of her disappearance - having no idea if she was dead or alive. While police worked the case, he pursued his own leads. 'I didn't want to wait for the police because I didn't want to lose my daughter. I busted onto the boat...kicked the door in... and she was there.' Frank Gervasi, Emmarae's father, took matters into his own hands to find her Emmarae Gervasi, 14, vanished without a trace on December 9 from her home in East Patchogue on Long Island. She was found on Friday in a boat in Islip, Long Island After being found safe, Emmarae is now recovering in the hospital and the case remains an active investigation 'The information I was given was very specific and very accurate,' Gervasi told the DailyMail.com. 'They told my daughter was with very dangerous men who could possibly still be on the boat.' The day of the rescue was like a scene out of the Liam Neeson action film Taken. He recalled his daughter asking her, 'Dad, how did you find me? How did you know I was here?' Though much remains unknown about exactly what happened when Gervasi was reunited with his daughter, he shared that 'there were rumors that they were going to move the boat down south soon.' 'They could have left the state easily, and no one would have been able to trace it through the waterway,' he said. An emotional Gervasi told the DailyMail.com that the moment he rescued her was 'pure elation... joy, happiness' after 26 agonizing days of hell. 'We had five minutes of clarity before the police showed up. I was able to hug and kiss her and talk to her, and that's pretty much how it went.' Pictured: Alleged kidnapper Francis Buckhiet When DailyMail.com reached out to Gervasi about Knight's arrest, he was unavailable at the time of publication, but wrote on his Facebook that 'what happens in the dark will come to the light as I said over and over again.' More details are expected to be announced once the indictments are unsealed. DailyMail.com reached out to Knight's attorney Glenn Obedin for comment. North Korean troops fighting for Russia believed they were carrying out a simple training exercise, it has been revealed, as thousands of Kim Jong Un's troops have already been wounded or killed in the conflict. In shocking new footage shared online, two wounded North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region made the revelation to translators. They also revealed that their families did not know of their whereabouts. In the heartbreaking clip the translator asks one of the injured men if he wants to return to North Korea, to which he responds: 'Are all Ukrainian people good?'. 'I want to live here', he adds. At least 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed in Russia, according to South Korea's intelligence agency. It comes after analysts claimed earlier this week that all 12,000 troops sent by North Korea to bolster Vladimir Putin's dwindling forces may be killed or wounded within the next three months. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which has been tracking developments on the front-lines of the invasion of Ukraine since it started in February 2022, said in an assessment on January 16 that 'the entirety of this North Korean contingent in Kursk Oblast may be killed or wounded in roughly 12 weeks.' North Korean troops fighting for Russia believed they were carrying out a simple training exercise, it has been revealed They also revealed that their families did not know of their whereabouts Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said 3,800 North Korean soldiers have so far been killed or wounded in Kursk In early January, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said 3,800 North Korean soldiers have so far been killed or wounded in Kursk. They were first reported to be on the battlefield in early November, with significant fighting taking place from December. The ISW estimates that the North Korean contingent is suffering losses of around 92 personnel a day, and will be completely gone by mid-April if they 'continue to suffer similarly high casualty rates in the future.' Fighting has intensified in the Russian region of Kursk, with Ukrainian forces taking out whole columns of tanks and the battlefield littered with the corpses of Russian and North Korean soldiers, chilling pictures purportedly show. Desperate to reclaim the region, part of which was first seized by Kyiv's forces back in August and has been defended by Ukraine since, Vladimir Putin has sent wave after wave of troops to die as 'cannon fodder', according to Ukrainian OSINT group InformNapalm. The North Koreans were sent in 'ahead of Russian units' to storm frontline positions' in Russia 's Kursk region, contested amid a blistering Ukrainian offensive, it added. With less than six hours to go before the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas comes into effect, Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel reserves the right to continue fighting in Gaza if necessary. The Israeli Prime Minister's declaration comes as families of hostages held in Gaza brace for news of loved ones, while Palestinians prepare to receive detainees. The ceasefire will go into effect Sunday at 8:30am local time. In a national address 12 hours before the ceasefire was to start, Netanyahu said the country was treating the ceasefire as temporary. He also claimed that he had the support of President-elect Donald Trump, who told NBC News that he told the prime minister to 'keep doing what you have to do'. Netanyahu also asserted that he negotiated the best deal possible, even as Israel's far-right Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he and most of his party would resign from the government in opposition to it. Netanyahu earlier warned that a ceasefire wouldn't go forward unless Israel received the names of hostages to be released, as agreed. Israel had expected to receive the names from mediator Qatar. The Israeli prime minister on January 18 said 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 Hundreds of people took to the streets of Israel Saturday night to protest against Netanyahu's government Demonstrators gathered on Tiger Street in Tel Aviv, carrying Israeli flags, banners, posters and placards against Netanyahu and politicians in his government There was no immediate response from Qatar or Hamas. The overnight approval of the ceasefire deal by Israel's 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. Families and thousands of others rallied once more Saturday night in Tel Aviv. 'Please keep going and saving lives,' said Anat Angrest, whose son Matan Angrest is still held in Gaza. 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. The deal was achieved under joint pressure from Trump and the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden ahead of Monday's inauguration. 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. The ceasefire will go into effect Sunday at 8:30am local time Netanyahu earlier warned that a ceasefire wouldn't go forward unless Israel received the names of hostages to be released, as agreed Israeli airstrikes continued Saturday, and Gazas Health Ministry said 23 bodies had been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours In the ceasefires first phase, Israeli troops are to pull back into a buffer zone about a kilometer wide inside Gaza along its borders with Israel Protesters in Jerusalem have demanded a comprehensive agreement that would free all hostages at once rather than in stages Israeli airstrikes continued Saturday, and Gazas Health Ministry said 23 bodies had been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours. In the ceasefires first phase, Israeli troops are to pull back into a buffer zone about a kilometer wide inside Gaza along its borders with Israel. With most of Gazas population in massive, squalid tent camps, Palestinians are desperate to get back to their homes, even though many were destroyed or heavily damaged. 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. Israels military later said Palestinians will not be able to cross the Netzarim corridor that runs across central Gaza for the first seven days of the ceasefire, and it warned Palestinians not to approach Israeli forces. It comes as thousands of Israelis demonstrated across the country on Saturday night, urging the government to commit fully to the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas. Others gathered to denounce the deal penned with the terror group, expressing their concerns regarding Israel's security. The deal comes one year and three months into a war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, which saw 251 Israelis taken hostage by Hamas Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed more than 46,707 people, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza Protesters in Jerusalem have demanded a comprehensive agreement that would free all hostages at once rather than in stages. The deal comes one year and three months into a war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, which saw 251 Israelis taken hostage by Hamas and a further 1,200 killed. Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed more than 46,707 people, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. Labour was last night accused of trying to gag the Deputy Speaker for urging Rachel Reeves to speak up for a democracy campaigner jailed in Hong Kong. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Tory MP Nusrat Ghani was privately rebuked for joining a cross-party appeal to the Chancellor to raise the plight of media owner Jimmy Lai a British citizen when she visited China this month in an attempt to boost trade links. Ms Ghani is understood to have been ticked off by her boss, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and reminded of the convention that, as his deputy, she must avoid major public political interventions. But sources said Sir Lindsays intervention came only after Labour Whips angrily demanded she be disciplined for signing a joint letter with 24 other MPs and peers that urged Ms Reeves to discuss Mr Lai and other political prisoners. Last night, one Tory MP said: This is bully-boy tactics by Labour. Of course, by convention, deputy speakers should stay above the political fray. But joining other Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians to highlight the plight of a brave democracy campaigner is hardly an issue. Tory MP Nusrat Ghani, pictured, was privately rebuked for joining a cross-party appeal to the Chancellor to raise the plight of media owner Jimmy Lai a British citizen when she visited China this month in an attempt to boost trade links Ironically, Ms Reeves, pictured, has defended her decision to go to Beijing by saying it enabled her to raise issues around human rights, around forced labour, around Hong Kong and Jimmy Lai. This is simply pathetic points-scoring by Sir Keirs party. However, other MPs insisted that strict neutrality by people who chair proceedings in the House is extremely important. Ironically, Ms Reeves has defended her decision to go to Beijing by saying it enabled her to raise issues around human rights, around forced labour, around Hong Kong and Jimmy Lai. Mr Lai, 77, founder of the now defunct Hong Kong paper Apple Daily, has been imprisoned in the former British colony since 2020 for colluding with foreign powers a charge he denies In the letter, Ms Ghani joined fellow Tory MPs including Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Tom Tugendhat as well as ten Labour MPs and two Lib Dems to ask Ms Reeves to raise the ongoing detention and treatment of political prisoners, especially Jimmy Lai with the Chinese authorities. They branded Mr Lais trial a fantasy of fabrication and appealed to Ms Reeves to call for his immediate and unconditional release. Adding that Mr Lai had been held in solitary confinement for over four years, they said his treatment was emblematic of the destruction of Hong Kongs freedoms and the impunity with which Beijing believes it can now behave. Before being elected Deputy Speaker last year, Ms Ghani was one of five Tory MPs sanctioned by China in 2021 after drawing attention to Beijings treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority. Unlike Sir Lindsay, who as Speaker was required to give up his Labour affiliation, she sits as a Tory. Last night, Labour sources said that Whips had merely passed on the surprise of their MPs at Ms Ghanis behaviour. Ms Ghani was approached for comment. The colossal presidential sculptures of Mount Rushmore stand as an emblem of U.S. history, but many American are only realizing that what sits atop the Black Hills of South Dakota is only a portion of what could have been. Behind the 60-foot-tall stone faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt lie a tale of unfulfilled ambition and incomplete dreams. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum's original vision for the monument was meant to be far grander, more intricate and daringly ambitious than just the four iconic heads that exist today. In 1923, South Dakota historian Doane Robinson envisioned a tribute to the heroes of the Old West, from Sacagawea to Buffalo Bill Cody, etched into the towering granite spires known as The Needles in Utah's Canyonlands National Park. But Borglum had a different dream and turned down Robinson's concept as 'misplaced totem poles'. Instead Borglum saw Mount Rushmore as a canvas upon which could be etched a story of national identity - and one that would last forever. His original plan was to carve a sprawling monument showing the full torsos of the four presidents, accompanied by a towering 120-foot-high tablet chronicling America's milestones from the Declaration of Independence to the Louisiana Purchase. Borglum declared, 'America will march along that skyline,' envisioning a tribute that might rival the pyramids of Egypt. Mount Rushmore stand as an emblem of American history, but many are only realizing that what sits atop the Black Hills of South Dakota is only a portion of what could have been American sculptor Gutzon Borglum (1867-1941) works on his working model for the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with depictions of the presidents and their torsos. This photo was taken at the artist's on-site studio in Pennington County, South Dakota, circa 1926 Behind the 60-foot-tall stone faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt lies a tale of unfulfilled ambition and incomplete dreams The carving began in 1927, a feat of engineering as daring and challenging as it was dangerous. Workers strapped themselves into harnesses before dangling over sheer cliffs, using dynamite and jackhammers to sculpt history into stone. But the challenges were unyielding: unstable granite, a looming financial crisis and the threat of World War II. The original plan to carve each president from head to waist soon crumbled under the strain of setbacks. Cracks splintered their way through the rock, reshaping the designs. Washington was completed first, unveiled on July 4th 1930, but when Jefferson's initial carving was found to rest on unsuitable granite, his face was blasted off the mountain with dynamite and re-sculpted on the opposite side. Lincoln's head displaced Borglum's planned tablet of U.S. history. Each adjustment, relocation and compromise chipped away at Borglum's grand vision. The torsos of the presidents, so central to Borglum's original vision, were abandoned as funds dwindled and war loomed. Workmen on the faces of Mount Rushmore, Pennington County, South Dakota seen in the late 1930s. Roosevelt has the scaffolding over his face Stone carvers are seen on scaffolding and hoists carving the face of Thomas Jefferson into Mount Rushmore Carvers are seen working on the enormous sculpture. The head of Washington and Jefferson from the top of Lincoln's head Scultor Gutzon Borglum's original vision for the monument was to be far grander, more intricate and ambitious than just the four iconic heads that exist today Aside from the presidents' torsos, on the right there was also to be a listing of nine most important events in American history It saw Borglum shift his attention to a secret chamber: the Hall of Records. This hidden vault, carved behind Lincoln's head, was meant to preserve America's most sacred documents and artifacts for posterity - essentially a vault of history for future civilizations. But as funding dried up, Congress ordered efforts to be focused solely on the faces. The Hall remained nothing more than an unfinished tunnel, and it wasn't until 1998 that Borglum's dream found some semblance of realization. A titanium vault with historical documents and records was later installed in the Hall's entrance, a modest nod to the sculptor's unyielding ambition. It was 14 years later before Mount Rushmore was declared 'finished' on October 31, 1941, Borglum had already passed away in the March of that year. As history marched on, the public's perception of Mount Rushmore shifted. Today, few visitors realize the monument they see with the heads staring back at them are only fragments of Borglum's vision Almost 3 million visitors flock to Mount Rushmore each year. Its very existence has inspired other ambitious projects The once-radical vision of a monument capturing America's evolution from birth to preservation settled into its current form. Today, few visitors realize the monument they see with iconic heads staring back at them are only fragments of Borglum's vision. For all its challenges, Mount Rushmore remains a testament to resilience and artistry. Almost 3 million visitors flock to Mount Rushmore each year. Its very existence has inspired other ambitious projects. Wyoming legislator Steve Harshman proposed a similar monument be created featuring historical American figures, including Native American leaders, to be completed in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The unexpected shutdown of TikTok in the U.S. has thrown a wrench into the marketing plans of countless small businesses. For years, TikTok has been the go-to platform for viral content, customer engagement, and e-commerce growth. But with its future uncertain, many businesses that relied heavily on the platform are facing an urgent need to rethink their strategies. In the ever-evolving world of social media, relying too much on a single platform is a risky move. The TikTok disruption serves as a stark reminder that businesses need to diversify their marketing efforts to stay resilient in times of change. But how can small businesses adjust to this shift, and what steps can they take to future-proof their digital marketing? Spread the love TikToks sudden disappearance has left many small businesses scrambling to find new ways to engage their audiences. The lesson here is clear: putting all your eggs in one basket is risky. The solution? Diversify your marketing efforts across multiple platforms. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and Twitter all offer different ways to connect with your audience. Whether through influencer collaborations, paid ads, or organic posts, each platform has unique features that can help your business reach new customers and maintain a steady online presence. Take advantage of Instagrams visual appeal, Twitters real-time engagement, or YouTubes long-form video potential. Spread your content across various channels to reduce dependency on a single platform. READ: Social media marketing 101: How to choose the right channel for your business goals Shift to long-form content TikToks short, catchy videos were great for creating viral moments, but now is the time to rethink how you connect with your audience on a deeper level. In a world where trends change overnight, building long-term relationships with customers is more valuable than chasing the next viral video. Consider shifting your focus to platforms like YouTube, where you can post in-depth videos that allow your audience to engage with your brand on a more personal level. Blogs, podcasts, and webinars are also excellent ways to provide value and build trust. Even loyalty programs or email newsletters can strengthen your connection with customers, creating a community that sticks around for the long haul. Explore new social media channels While TikTok may be on pause, new platforms are always emerging, and they may just be the next big thing. Dont wait for the next TikTok-like sensation to explodestart exploring new social networks now. Platforms like RedNote, Snapchat, and Pinterest offer unique ways to share creative content, while LinkedIn presents a goldmine for B2B businesses looking to establish thought leadership and connect with industry professionals. Get ahead of the curve by testing these new platforms now, and youll have a head start on the competition when they gain traction. READ: Lets Talk Marketing: The good, the bad, and the epic Dont skip paid advertising Organic reach on social media is on the decline. As algorithms become more restrictive, businesses are finding it harder to reach their audience without paying for ads. Paid advertising is a great way to ensure your brand gets seen, even when the algorithms are stacked against you. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads offer highly-targeted ad options that let you focus on the right audience. Whether its based on demographics, interests, or past behaviors, paid ads allow you to optimize your reach and maintain visibility in a crowded digital space. Invest in your email list While social media platforms come and go, email remains one of the most reliable ways to reach your customers directly. Building a robust email list allows businesses to cut out the middleman (the social platforms) and communicate with their audience on their own terms. Focus on growing your email subscriber base by offering exclusive discounts, behind-the-scenes content, or helpful resources. A well-crafted email campaign can drive repeat business and create a direct line of communication with your most loyal customerswithout relying on social media algorithms. Harness the power of user-generated content TikToks user-generated content (UGC) model has been incredibly successful, with customers promoting brands in organic, authentic ways. Even though TikTok may no longer be a go-to platform, UGC is still a powerful tool. Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your brand on other platforms, like Instagram or Facebook. Launch contests, create branded hashtags, or offer incentives for reviews. Harnessing the creativity of your customers not only boosts brand visibility but also adds an element of authenticity to your marketing. Stay ahead In a digital world that moves at lightning speed, trends come and go before you even have time to blink. One thing is certain, thoughearly adoption of emerging platforms can set you apart from your competitors. Stay on top of the latest social media trends by using tools like Google Trends and social media monitoring platforms. If a new platform starts gaining traction, test it out early. Whether its a new social media app or a new feature on an existing platform, keeping an eye on emerging trends can give you the first-mover advantage. READ: Small business trends to watch in 2025 Collaborate with influencers Influencers continue to be an essential part of social media marketing. However, limiting collaborations to one platformlike TikTokmeans missing out on the full potential of influencer marketing. Expand your reach by partnering with influencers across Instagram, YouTube, and even emerging platforms like Snapchat. Look for micro-influencers who have a highly engaged following, and work with them to promote your brand. The broader your influencer network, the wider your reach. Invest in SEO Social media platforms can be volatile, but search engines provide a more stable way to get discovered online. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a long-term strategy that can keep your business visible, even if your social media reach takes a hit. Optimize your website and content for search engines. Invest in blog posts, videos, and other content that answers common questions or targets popular search queries. With the right SEO strategy, your business will remain discoverable through organic search traffic, regardless of what happens on social media. The digital landscape is constantly shifting, and your marketing strategy needs to be just as agile. Monitoring performance across platforms and adjusting your approach based on data is key to staying relevant and successful. Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer can help you track engagement metrics and manage content across multiple platforms. By keeping an eye on your analytics, you can tweak your approach as needed, ensuring that your marketing strategy is always in line with current trends and customer preferences. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. President-elect Donald Trump's handpicked 'border czar' Tom Homan has said the administration is reconsidering immigration raids on Chicago and New York after details were leaked in news reports. Homan, former acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told the Washington Post that the new administration 'hasn't made a decision yet.' 'We're looking at this leak and will make a decision based on this leak,' Homan said. 'It's unfortunate because anyone leaking law enforcement operations puts officers at great risk.' ICE had its sights on the Democratic-run city of Chicago and NYC as its first targets for mass deportations, with a raid expected on Tuesday morning less than 24 hours after Trump's second inauguration. It was reported that the operation would be carried out for an entire week and spend between 100-200 officers to handle the job. News of the raids leaked after Chicago City Council rejected an effort to allow police to cooperate with immigration enforcement. 'We intend to stand by and protect Chicago's immigrant communities against threats from ICE,' Mayor Brandon Johnson said after the vote. Homan then appeared on Fox News where he was asked by host Jesse Watters if he was 'blowing your cover' by asking about the 'big raid' in Chicago. President-elect Donald Trump's handpicked 'border czar' Tom Homan has said the administration is reconsidering immigration raids on Chicago and New York City after details were leaked in news reports ICE had its sights on the Democratic-run city of Chicago and New York as its first targets for mass deportations, with a raid expected on Tuesday morning less than 24 hours after President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration 'We're looking at this leak and will make a decision based on this leak,' Homan said. 'It's unfortunate because anyone leaking law enforcement operations puts officers at great risk' 'Or do you want people to know? Maybe they can self-deport,' Watters said. 'There's going to be a big raid all across the country. Chicago is just one of many places,' Homan said. 'ICE is finally going to do their job. We're going to take the handcuffs off of ICE and let them go arrest criminal aliens. That's what's going to happen.' Homan told the Post he didn't know why Chicago 'became a focus of attention' and said the incoming administration's enforcement goals are much broader than one city. 'ICE will start arresting public safety threats and national security threats on day one. We'll be arresting people across the country, uninhibited by any prior administration guidelines. Why Chicago was specifically mentioned, I don't know,' he said. 'This is a nationwide thing. We're not sweeping neighborhoods. We have a targeted enforcement plan.' According to a person with knowledge of the plans, multi-day raids are expected from 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.' Homan previously told a crowd at the Northwest Side GOP holiday party that 'Chicago is in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks.' 'We intend to stand by and protect Chicago's immigrant communities against threats from ICE,' Mayor Brandon Johnson said 'However, we're going to enforce the law. So, if you put yourself in that position, it's on you. You can either take a child home with you or they just stay there, but you don't get a pass,' Homan said declaring that parents of Dreamers - the children of migrants born in the US - have two options 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. If he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien - I will prosecute him,' he said. Homan said he would work on verifying the status of asylum seekers and arrest anyone who is found to be harboring criminal migrants. He 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,' he 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. You can either take a child home with you or they just stay there, but you don't get a pass,' he said declaring that parents of Dreamers - the children of migrants born in the US - have two options. Homan and other Trump aides have said they hope immigrants living in the United States illegally leave on their own, or 'self-deport', from fears of facing arrest. Homan had previously criticized against advertising immigration raids ahead of time under Trump's 2018 administration. He called the Oakland, California mayor 'reckless' and 'irresponsible' for alerting city residents to a planned raid. Chicago had seen more than 50,000 migrants flock to the Windy City since August 2022 He noted then that after the report leaked, ICE made 150 arrests but were missing 864 fugitives. Acting director for ICE during the Obama administration, John Sandweg, said he was surprised to see discussion of the raids ahead of time. 'Historically this is something we kept very close wraps on for officer safety reasons,' he said, adding that fugitives 'start hiding. It completely undermines the effectiveness of the operation by telegraphing that you're coming.' He added that it is also unusual for ICE to begin planning raids before the new leadership is sworn in, official policies remain under Biden's control who was focused on more serious offenders than those who are solely undocumented. 'It's incredibly unusual. This isn't like policymaking or briefings, the normal stuff you see in transition,' Sandweg said. 'This is an actual operational planning for an operation to take place on the first day of an administration. That's weird.' Advocates in Chicago said rumors of raids began circulating on social media on Wednesday, the Post reported. One WhatsApp group warned that a 'trusted source' had confirmed ICE would be patrolling the city from 5am to 9am on Inauguration Day and the next day would 'detain people heading to work or home.' The Vice President of Immigration Justice for the Resurrection Project, Erendira Rendon, said: 'We anticipated Chicago would be a target, but the message is the same: You should be as prepared as possible.' TikTok, the viral social media platform where billions created and shared short videos, has officially gone dark for US users on Saturday evening. The popular social media app has since issued a statement to its users regarding the abrupt shutdown that was initially to go into effect on Sunday. 'A law banning the popular video sharing app has been enacted in the US Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now,' the message, which pops up now when users log into the app, reads. 'We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!' Last year, Congress passed a law banning TikTok unless its Chinese parent company ByteDance sold its stakes by Monday. The Chinese conglomerate, who had nine months to sell the platform's U.S. operation to an approved buyer, had long said it would not sell. While American officials highlighted the app's potential national security risk, TikTok, along with some users and creators, sued in an effort to block the ban. Leading up to the app going dark this weekend, the Supreme Court ruled that the ban did 'not violate petitioners First Amendment rights,' upholding a previous appeals court ruling. TikTok , the viral social media platform where billions created and shared short videos , has officially gone dark for US users on Saturday evening The popular social media app has issued a statement to its users regarding the awaited shutdown Despite the court's ruling, Trump - who had asked the Supreme Court to delay enforcing the ban - has expressed interest in potentially reversing the court's decision after his second term starts. 'The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it,' the incoming president wrote on Truth Social on Saturday. 'My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!' TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew - who will be in attendance at Trump's second inaugural - previously said the app was 'grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform' TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew - who will be in attendance at Trump's second inaugural - previously said the app was 'grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform.' '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,' Chew added. 'This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.' While users cannot post videos under the ban, they still have access to their data and can download it. After the ban was upheld by the highest court in the land, President Biden had previously signaled he would not enforce it, leaving the fate of the controversial app up to Trump after he takes the oath of office for the second time. Trump also intimated that he might grant a 60- to 90-day extension to allow TikTok's U.S. operations to continue. Despite the court's ruling, Trump - who had asked the Supreme Court to delay enforcing the ban - has expressed interest in potentially reversing the court's decision after his second term starts After the ban was upheld by the highest court in the land, President Biden had previously signaled he would not enforce it, leaving the fate of the controversial app up to Trump after he takes the oath of office for the second time President-elect Trump posted after the Supreme Court decision on the TikTok ban While TikTok users cannot post videos under the ban, they still have access to their data and can download it While it was running, roughly 170 million Americans used the popular video app, which added credence to proponents of TikTok who said its use was tied to the livelihoods of millions. However, the ban has had bipartisan appeal across both sides of the aisle. Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas praised the Supreme Court for rejecting '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 wrote on X. After the app stopped working for users, millions took to X to voice their unhappiness. 'The land of the free really just banned Tiktok,' one tweeter wrote. Another added, 'Nothing is more American than banning TikTok before AR-15s.' 'This sucks for those that use TikTok. The government really needs to get their priorities straight,' a third wrote. '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. Dave Chappelle returned to Saturday Night Live with a message for Donald Trump as he joked about everything from the Los Angeles wildfires to conflict in the Middle East. The 51-year-old comic's appearances on the show have drawn controversy and headlines since his monologue after Trump won in 2016. He's since returned to the limelight as an A-list comic, making the news and causing laughs and offense for his comments on Trump, Biden, transgender people and anti-Semitism, with rumors of even some SNL writers boycotting his 2022 appearance. Chappelle - at one point joking that he was 'tired of being controversial' and hoping to 'turn over a new leaf' - ended his set on the NBC show discussing Trump, saying: 'He'll be the 47th president, he's done it again.' The comedian relayed an anecdote about the late President Jimmy Carter going to Palestine with minimal security while Chappelle was visiting the Middle East 20 years ago. 'I will never forget the images of a former American president walking with no security with thousands of Palestinians cheering him on and when I saw that picture, it brought tears to my eyes. I said, 'I don't know if that's a good president but that right there, I am sure, is a great man.' It made me feel very proud,' he claimed. He then said that 'the presidency is no place for petty people,' before addressing Trump and the rest of the nation, joking that 'I know you watch the show.' To Trump and America, Chappelle said: 'Remember, whether people voted for you or not, they're all counting on you. Whether they like you or not, they're all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you. I mean this when I say this, good luck. Do better next time. Please, all of us, do better next time.' Dave Chappelle returned to Saturday Night Live with a message for Donald Trump as he joked about everything from the Los Angeles wildfires to conflict in the Middle East The comic sent a message to the president ahead of his inauguration on Monday 'Do not forget your humanity and please have empathy for displaced people whether they're in the Palisades or Palestine,' he concluded to heavy applause. While sitting on a stool and smoking a cigarette, Chappelle initially joked in a 17-minute monologue that the only reason he agreed to host Saturday Night Live again was to burn off old Trump jokes. Earlier, Chappelle had what he said were admittedly 'too soon' laughs about the wildfires, saying that 'the moment I said yes' to SNL, 'LA burst into flames.' He said that despite the fact that he's never lived in the city, it hits close to him and cited several famous friends who'd lost their homes. 'Then I go on the internet and I watch these fire videos and the comments all say 'it serves these celebrities right, I hope their houses burn down',' he said. 'You see that? That right there? That's why I hate poor people,' Chappelle joked. 'They can't see past their own pain!' He riffed on how Los Angeles' wildfires would be the most expensive natural disaster in American history, joking that 'it's because people in LA have nice stuff. I could burn 40,000 acres of Mississippi for like $600-700.' At one point, he dismissed the many conspiracy theories about the fire, only to say: 'If you were a rational thinking person, you have to at least consider the possibility that God hates these people. Sodomites!' Dave Chappelle's monologue! pic.twitter.com/qSkjGsfnv1 Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) January 19, 2025 While sitting on a stool and smoking a cigarette, Chappelle initially joked that the only reason he agreed to host Saturday Night Live again was to burn off old Trump jokes He then joked about one of the area's LGBTQ-friendly communities, saying that God can't have possibly do this 'because West Hollywood was unscathed, because how can you burn what is already flaming.' Chappelle, who lives in Ohio, then talked about this past summer's controversy concerning Haitian migrants in the city of Springfield, which Chappelle lives one town over from. He said that Trump's speculation that 'they're eating the dogs, they're eating the cats' made him 'crazy.' Chappelle claimed that these Haitians had come legally and 'they did jobs the whites weren't doing. It's not that the whites couldn't do these jobs but they were doing other things: heroin, sleeping on the streets.' In hopes he could be supportive, he spent 10 days eating his lunch each day at a Haitian restaurant in Springfield 'to let them know if I'm safe here, you guys are definitely safe here.' 'To be honest with you, I don't know what that meat was,' he said with a wry smile. 'But whatever it was, it fell right off the bone, I'll tell you that.' He joked that he might leave Ohio along with the Haitians because 'its just no fun being famous anymore.' Sarah Sherman plays Rachel Maddow in a sketch about MSNBC on Saturday Night Live SNL mocked MSNBC's reliance on Trump in their news coverage in a cold opening sketch MSNBC panelists do their best to focus on the news that matters pic.twitter.com/u7xjyz7EnD Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) January 19, 2025 That led into a bit regarding Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges lodged against him after his September arrest. Combs has remained incarcerated, awaiting a May 5 trial, after bail was rejected following bail hearings before three different judges. 'I've been in trouble in my day but let me tell you, this guy, Puffy... this guy Puffy is in an enormous amount of trouble, I don't think I've ever seen anything like this. They've got this guy in a RICO case by himself! Chappelle then said he'd never been invited to any of the alleged 'freakoffs' Diddy held and came to a realization. 'I thought about it, I said 'oh my God... I'm ugly.' Everyone in Hollywood had an orgy behind your back and none of y'all called me? That really hurts!' He changed his mind, saying that he was not ugly but rather, 'I have snitch energy. I look like I'll tell. The last thing you wanna see at the orgy is me looking across at you.' Chappelle has largely been out of the limelight for the past year or so but has still remained a controversial figure. In 2023, he sparked a walkout during a show in Boston after slamming Israel for its 'war crimes' against Palestinians. Earlier in January, woke comedian Michelle Buteau slammed Chappelle and accused him of profiting from 'dangerous' transgender jokes that 'make people feel unsafe'. Weekend Update also did some material on current events, including a joke where Colin Jost compared the Israel-Hamas ceasefire to the two entities engaging in 'dry January' They also brutally mocked Joe Biden, with Michael Che cracking that the president was leaving office and 'riding off into the pavement,' before showing footage of Biden falling off a bike His most recent special, The Dreamer, was released in 2023, the last of multi-million dollar contract with Netflix which he referenced on the SNL stage. Earlier in the show, SNL mocked MSNBC's reliance on Trump in their news coverage in a cold opening sketch. In one of the final sketches of the night, he reunited with Chappelle's Show cast member Donnell Rawlings to bring back their old recurring characters, Silky Johnson and the player haters. Weekend Update also did some material on current events, including a joke where Colin Jost compared the Israel-Hamas ceasefire to the two entities engaging in 'dry January.' They also brutally mocked Joe Biden, with Michael Che cracking that the president was leaving office and 'riding off into the pavement,' before showing footage of Biden falling off a bike. A sugary snack which is also a 'work of art' is captivating parkgoers to Disney's California Adventure. Chinese sugar art is drawing visitors with its intricate designs and cultural significance, all part of Disneyland's Lunar New Year celebration. The molten masterpieces are carefully crafted by talented mother-daughter duo, Yujan Sui and Selena Yan. But the sweet treat is so exquisite and so delicate, that some guests find themselves wondering whether to take a bite of it at all. The Sweet Enchantments kiosk has become the talk of the festival offering a variety of sugar art creations. The pair, who hail from Lanzhou, China, transform molten sugar into stunning designs that feel more at home in an art gallery than a theme park. Their work includes symbols of the Chinese zodiac including serpents for the Year of the Snake, alongside playful designs like butterflies, pandas, and even dinosaurs. 'It's very, very difficult,' Yan revealed in an interview with SFGate. 'You have to have a picture in your mind when you're drawing it. There's no way you can stop, rethinking the shape or anything.' A sugary snack which is also a 'work of art' is captivating parkgoers to Disney's California Adventure The women are artisans who transform molten sugar into stunning designs that feel more at home in an art gallery than a theme park Chinese sugar art is drawing visitors with its intricate designs and cultural significance, all part of Disneyland's Lunar New Year celebration Each piece taking only takes a minute or so to create but after pouring their heart (or sugar) into each design the result is nothing short of spectacular - and almost too good to eat! This year the festival runs from January 17 to February 16 when the sugar stand will be dissolved for another year - but these sugary wonders will be sure to leave behind nothing but sweet memories. It's a sticky business but the piece de resistance of the stand's offerings is an intricate dragon, available for $15 - a comparatively small price for a chance to hold and taste such a rare treasure. Simpler designs, including hearts or butterflies, are on sale for $12. 'It was such a pleasure to work with them last year,' said Edgar Hernandez, whose nonprofit Working to Give operates the kiosk. 'They're like family to us at this point. We love working with them, and we're glad they were able to come back again this year. She has such a high expectation for how they look, especially when a customer is super excited about seeing these creations 'If there's a little kid that says his year is Year of the Dog, she'll go out of her way to make it,' Hernandez said. 'I think part of the reason why she loves being there is because she genuinely just enjoys making people's days.' Active.C.A.T posted a sweet video about the limited attraction. Talk about a treat that's too good to eat! This is one art form that doesn't sugarcoat its craftsmanship Each piece taking only takes a minute or so to create but each design is nothing short of spectacular The Sweet Enchantments kiosk has become the talk of the festival offering a variety of sugar art creations. Spin the wheel and let fate sweeten your day with one of eight designs The molten masterpieces are carefully crafted by talented mother-daughter duo, Yujan Sui, pictured, and Selena Yan Sui brought her craft to New York years ago, where it remained a hidden gem until Disney discovered her talent at Dragon Fest, an annual outdoor Chinese food festival Disney's sugar art is drawing crowds with its intricate designs of sugar-coated perfection The sweet treat is so exquisite and so delicate, that some guests find themselves wondering whether to take a bite of it at all The art of Chinese sugar painting is an ancient tradition, often seen in bustling street markets in China such as here with children pictured in Xinghua, Jiangsu Province, China The art of Chinese sugar painting is an ancient tradition, often seen in bustling street markets in China but rarely experienced in the United States. Sui brought her craft to New York years ago, where it remained a hidden gem until Disney discovered her talent at Dragon Fest, an annual outdoor Chinese food and culture festival that runs each fall in the city. Last year, the pair estimate they went through around 500 pounds of sugar. 'In the old days, sugar art was pretty popular,' Yan explained. 'You could see the art on the street all the time. Right now, it's pretty rare to see.' Now, under the vibrant lanterns of Disney's Lunar New Year, Sui's work bridges generations and cultures, bringing a piece of China's artistic heritage to a global audience. Each swirl of molten sugar, poured with precision and care, tells a story of resilience, creativity, and a mother's determination to share her craft with the world. Owner declared that what she stands for 'will continue' A popular Palestinian cafe in Sydney's Inner West has had to close up shop following difficulties with their landlord. Restauranteur Sara Shaweesh announced Khamsa Eatery would close its doors after service on Sunday following an enormous rent increase proposed by the site owner. The restaurant had been open for eight years, including two years in St Peters, after moving from Newtown in 2023. Ms Shaweesh told Broadsheet she couldn't strike a deal with her landlord, who reportedly proposed a 50 per cent rent increase. She said the challenges became 'too difficult to navigate'. 'As we close our doors, we feel it's important to shed light on the challenges small businesses like ours face,' Ms Shaweesh wrote in a post to Instagram. 'Without meaningful government support, places like Khamsa are increasingly at risk. 'We hope this sparks conversations about the need to protect the diversity and identity that small businesses bring to our community.' The business owner Sara Shaweesh (right) claimed her landlord had wanted to hike their rent by 50 per cent in Sydney's Inner West The venue served traditional Palestinian dishes which the owners said was their form of 'resistance' against the troubles in their homeland Aside from offering a menu littered with flavourful Middle Eastern cuisine, including smoked eggplants, chicken shawarma, and makloubeh, Ms Shaweesh said her cafe played a vital role in the community. It hosted cooking classes, cultural workshops, and fundraisers including one for the Muslim deaf community. Ms Shaweesh's final post contained a defiant message that while the restaurant would have to shut down, 'what we stand for will continue'. 'Khamsa has always been more than an eatery. Every dish and every drink we served was a piece of Palestine, a connection to our roots, history, and spirit,' she wrote. 'In a time when our family in Gaza is enduring unimaginable suffering and being massacred and ethnically cleansed, sharing our food has been an act of resistance.' 'It is a reminder that even under the weight of vile oppressors, our identity lives on through the flavours, traditions, resilience and an everlasting hope for a free Palestine,' she said. Sara Shaweesh (left, with Newtown Greens MP Jenny Leong) has had to close her beloved eatery The cafe received well-wishes from the local community after it offered eight years of food, workshops, and charitable work Ms Shaweesh said she may, however, move her operations to Melbourne in her farewell post However, for Ms Shaweesh the closure may not spell the end of her time as a small business owner. It just might not be in Sydney. 'As a family, I have moved to Naarm (Melbourne), and hopefully (will) start a new project as soon as we have a long rest,' she said. Customers were disappointed to hear of the closure and shared their well-wishes for the staff, labelling the events as a 'huge loss for Sydney'. 'Khamsa served great food and educated the community all at the same time,' one customer wrote online. 'Thank you for the delicious food and the warmth that you brought to everyone's days,' another added. 'I'm sorry we're losing you and your special place,' a third said. 'You brought your dream to life and gave people a place to go.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Shaweesh for comment. A man who previously killed an ibis faced court on Sunday after allegedly injuring native birds in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Tom Quach, 61, has served jail time for animal cruelty and been warned to stay way from all native birds. The police were called to Anzac Parade, Malabar at about 5.30pm on Saturday, following reports of animal abuse. When officers arrived, they were told a man had allegedly used a fishing line to catch two long-billed corellas before putting them in a suitcase and leaving the scene with them. Shocked witnesses allegedly saw Quach 'swinging' the closed case as he walked inside his unit block. Following inquiries, the police went to a nearby home where they located the two injured birds in an animal carrier. 'Both birds were taken to a Sydney vet in stable conditions where they are undergoing treatment,' a NSW Police spokesman said. Police arrested Quach at the home before taking him to Maroubra Police Station. Tom Quach (pictured) has served jail time for animal cruelty and been warned to stay way from all native birds Quach allegedly used fishing line to catch two long-billed corellas before putting them in a suitcase and leaving the scene with them. Stock image of two long-billed corellas 'Police will allege the man shook the suitcase that contained the two native birds, resulting in their injuries', the spokesman added. Quach, who is originally from Vietnam, was charged with commit an act of cruelty upon an animal and harm or attempt to harm a protected animal. He did not apply for bail when he appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Sunday. In August 2023, Quach was jailed for capturing an ibis in a public park and killing it before trying to cook it for dinner. At the time, Waverley Local Court heard that he captured an ibis, affectionately known as a 'bin chicken' at a park in May 2023 before stuffing it into his backpack and returning to his home. He then decapitated the ibis and hung it up in the shower to dry it out before he attempted to cook it. His lawyer Hayley Le told the court that Quach was confused about the protected status of the ibis, as he had previously captured and eaten the bird in Queensland. Ms Le said her client had 'less moral culpability than others' due to a mental health condition and a 'very serious drug issue which he spends most of his pension on'. Despite her asking that Quach not be jailed, he was sentenced to six months behind bars and fined $600. The first hostages released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire deal have been filmed sobbing in joy as they reunited with their families at hospital. It brings an end to the traumatic 471 days being held by the terrorist group for the three women. British-Israeli Emily Damari was snatched from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7. She had been shot in the hand, with shrapnel injuring her leg, before she was blindfolded and bundled into her car and driven to Gaza. The young woman has now been reunited with her mother and was pictured beaming in heartwarming photos. Wrapped in an Israeli flag, she was seen emotionally hugging her family as she arrived at hospital. Romi Gonen, 24, - who was snatched from the Nova music festival - and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, are the other two women who were released and have been pictured hugging their mothers. Romi was wrapped in a group hug by her family members and Doron sobbed as she embraced her relatives in the halls of the hospital. An international Red Cross convoy collected the trio from Hamas. The truce had been delayed this morning when the terrorist group failed to hand over the list of names 24 hours ahead of time as stated as part of the agreement. Hamas blamed the delay on bringing a pause of 15 months of war on a 'technical' issue. The Israeli military continued to carry out airstrikes in northern and central Gaza until the list was handed over, killing at least eight Palestinians, the Palestinian civil emergency service has said. The ceasefire began at 11.15am local time, nearly three hours after the initial agreement, with displaced Palestinians seen walking through rubble as they returned to their homes. Bec Judd has unleashed on the Victorian Premier claiming the crime rate is 'spiralling' and the government is doing 'nothing'. The Model and TV presenter - who regularly comments on crimes in the ritzy Melbourne suburb of Brighton where she lives with her AFL great husband Chris and their children - was asked on social media to 'pls maintain the vocal rage against Allen govt'. The fan added that there was a 'lack of consequences and ongoing bail for violent young people. The community is in fear and has no voice, other than people like you!' Judd, 41, shared the woman's comment along with a video of a dramatic arrest of a group of teenage boys in Brighton on Thursday, in front of shocked diners along trendy Church St. 'Absolutely. I will not stay quiet on this until Victorians feel safe in their homes again,' Judd said. '[Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan] will lose the election because of her government's lack of action on spiralling youth crime (among other things).' Judd then offered some crime fighting tips for the government. 'It requires a multi pronged approach of both immediate, short term and long term/preventative measures and yet we hear NOTHING from [Jacinta Allan],' she wrote. High profile AFL wag Bec Judd (pictured) has again unleashed on the Victorian Government over what she called a 'spiralling' crime rate in the state Judd was contacted by a fan on social media who asked her to 'pls maintain the vocal rage against Allen govt' (pictured) Judd famously traded barbs with former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews over crime in Melbourne, but she said his successor was no better. 'I will always remember her as the Premier who made Victoria unsafe, cared more about violent offenders than innocent, hard working citizens and didn't even bother to address it when her constituents and police begged for leadership.' The incident in the video Judd linked to resulted in the arrest of three teenagers on Church St in Brighton. Around 100 bystanders gathered and cheered as police arrested a boy, 16, from Clyde North, another 16-year-old boy from Dingley Village and a 16-year-old girl from Carrum Downs. Police had received calls from the public about teenagers behaving suspiciously in an allegedly stolen car. Undercover officers then tailed the car from New St to Church St, finally stopping it in front of shocked shoppers about 1pm. Officers jumped out of two unmarked cars and members of the public tried to help. 'It was really busy when it happened, there was heaps of cops on the street,' one witness said. 'They ran to the car, grabbed two of the teenagers out. One of the cops had to force his way through the glass in the back of the car,' she added. Judd said Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan (pictured) 'will lose the election because of her government's lack of action on spiralling Youth Crime' in one recent incident Judd referenced how three teenagers were arrested (pictured) on Church St in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton on Thursday Local Liberal MP James Newbury in response the the incident told 9News that Victoria's bail laws need to be strengthened. 'We cannot have a system whereby the police arrest criminals and by the next morning they're out, ready to commit the same crime again,' he said. Witnesses say they saw the girl involved spitting, and when she was taken away by the police allegedly yelled out to her friends 'Call me when you get out.' The eye witness said: 'There was commotion with her, specifically'. Mr Newbury added that 'These criminals are making a mockery of our system.' A Cabinet minister slapped down Sadiq Khan today after he warned over 'resurgent fascism' ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration. The London Mayor fuelled his long-running feud with the returning president by urging Labour and the Left to 'confront' the forces of 'reactionary populism'. But Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones bluntly rejected the attack in interviews this morning, insisting that the government respected Mr Trump's mandate. 'I don't agree with that. President Trump won an enormous election victory in the US. As a democracy we support democracy and the American people elected Donald Trump and the Republican party,' he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. Pressed on why Sir Sadiq was making such interventions as Labour struggles to forge ties with the incoming US administration, Mr Jones said: 'He's allowed to but I don't agree with it. I speak on behalf of the government and we don't agree with it.' Mr Jones also said the UK was 'confident' Lord Mandelson will be accepted as the new UK ambassador to the US - despite rumblings about a potential veto. 'The reason the PM picked Peter Mandelson was because we wanted to do things differently,' the minister said. 'I think Peter Mandelson will be a brilliant ambassador for us and will form a very strong partnership with the new administration.' Sadiq Khan urged Labour and the Left to 'confront' the forces of 'reactionary populism' on the eve of the White House changeover Sir Sadiq and Donald Trump (pictured) have made no secret about their disdain for each other Mr Jones said he was not worried about links between the US and US suffering due to political differences. 'No. Obviously the UK and the US has a long and deep-rooted relationship,' he said. 'I think if you step back a bit from the detail and the rumours and the gossip, I just think Britain needs to be confident about itself and be strong in its position. 'We've got lots of great assets, lots of great capabilities. What we say in the world matters and our economy, our security, our defence, our values are strongly intertwined with the Americans irrespective of who their president is. 'I think there will be plenty of opportunities there for us to do deals with President Trump elect both in the interests of the British economy, but also for democracies and the West.' Sir Sadiq and Mr Trump have made no secret about their disdain for each other. They clashed as recently as May when he slammed the American politician's jibe that London was 'unrecognisable' because the city had 'opened its doors to jihad'. As he celebrated winning a third term as mayor earlier this year, Sir Sadiq said Londoners had 'slammed the door shut' on Mr Trump's 'hard-right populism'. And when Mr Trump romped home in the US election in November Sir Sadiq initially stopped short of congratulating him - although he did so later. Writing in The Observer, Sir Sadiq said 'these are deeply worrying times, especially if you're a member of a minority community'. Highlighting the progress of the AfD in Germany, National Rally in France and Mr Trump in the US, he urged a 'renewed and concerted effort to confront these forces and expose them for what they are: opportunists who seek to divide people for personal and political gain'. Sir Sadiq also condemned 'financial backers who selfishly choose to put the profits of their companies over the interests of our democracies' in a dig at Elon Musk. 'Progressives across the Western world face a century-defining challenge and the stakes for liberal democracy couldn't be higher,' he wrote. 'The far-right is on the march. These are deeply worrying times, especially if you're a member of a minority community. As historians and commentators increasingly find echoes of the 1920s and 30s in the present day, we cannot afford to throw in the towel. 'We should be in no doubt, this is a perilous moment. The spectre of a resurgent fascism haunts the West 'To ward off the far-right, we must be unflinching in defence of our democracy and values, and in our determination to enhance the welfare and material conditions of our communities.' Sir Sadiq delivered a veiled rebuke to Labour colleagues - such as Foreign Secretary David Lammy (pictured with Keir Starmer) - who have backed off their previous criticism of Mr Trump Sir Sadiq delivered a veiled rebuke to Labour colleagues - such as Foreign Secretary David Lammy - who have backed off their previous criticism of Mr Trump. 'I agree with the government that we need to be pragmatic on the international stage,' he said. 'But progressives around the world should never yield ground to the far-right, nor be afraid to speak truth to power when required.' The brother of a British man killed in the French Alps has demanded a new probe into the 'bungling' French police. Zaid Al-Hilli, 65, whose brother Saad, 50, was gunned down alongside his wife, mother-in-law, and a French cyclist in 2012 has now launched a blistering attack on investigators, accusing local police of a 'diabolical' cover-up that has hampered one of the most notorious unsolved cases of the century. Hilli is now calling for an urgent probe into the officers who originally handled the case. The massacre, which saw Saad, an Iraq-born satellite engineer from Surrey, shot dead at the wheel of his BMW on a remote mountain road near Lake Annecy, sent shockwaves across Europe. His wife Iqbal, 47, her mother Suhaila, 74, and local cyclist Sylvain Mollier, 45, were all executed in a hail of bullets. Saad's eldest daughter Zainab, seven, was left critically injured after being shot in the shoulder and pistol-whipped, while her four-year-old sister Zeena survived by cowering under her mother's lifeless body for hours. Now, as a Paris cold case unit reopens the investigation, Zaid has spoken out, accusing the original investigators of gross negligence and even a possible cover-up. Zaid, who was once himself named as a suspect by French police but later cleared, said: 'The initial investigation was a complete disaster. Look at the mistakes were they accidental, or were they part of something bigger? That's what we need to find out,' he told The Mirror. Zaid Al-Hilli, 65, is now calling for an urgent probe into the officers who originally handled the case of his murdered brother Surrey businessman Saad al-Hilli, 50, (left) his wife Iqbal, 47, and his mother-in-law Suhaila al-Allaf, 74 (right) also died in the September 2012 bloodbath, along with local cyclist Sylvian Mollier, 45 Saad and his wife, along with her mum, were slain in an as-yet unsolved murder in 2012 (pictured, the crime scene) He slammed the original team for contaminating the crime scene, trampling over crucial evidence, and failing to conduct a reconstruction at the time of the murders. Instead, a belated reconstruction took place more than a decade later at a disused airfield outside Paris, attended by lawyers and police chiefs. 'It's appalling that we've had to wait 11 years for them to piece this together,' he added. 'What else has been lost or destroyed in that time?,' he added. Prosecutors have admitted that a forensics officer accidentally contaminated key evidence with his own DNA, and that the area around the crime scene was inexplicably reopened to the public just 48 hours after the massacre. The case has been plagued by speculation over possible motives, ranging from Saad's high-security work in the satellite industry to family disputes over inheritance. Zaid himself was arrested by UK police in 2013 on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, following reports of a feud between the brothers. He was released six months later without charge. Other theories have pointed to Sylvain Mollier as the intended target. The local father-of-three was reportedly shot first and last, with more bullets than anyone else. Former Surrey detective Mark Preston, who worked on the case, told a Channel 4 documentary that the Al-Hilli family may have been innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of a targeted hit on Mollier. French police inspect a drain under the road to the murder scene at Cheverlaine near Annecy in the Haute-Savoie region of south-eastern France where the victims of a quadruple murder were discovered. Pictured: September 2012 The caravan and tent used by Saad al-Hilli and his family while on holiday at the Le Solitaire du Lac campsite on Lake Annecy (File photo) Earlier in 2021, detectives (pictured at the scene in September 2021) said they were investigating a possible link between the murders and a bungling gang of contract killers based in Paris The reopening of the case has brought fresh hope to Zaid and the families of the victims. The inquiry is now being overseen by the Association for Victims of Unsolved Crimes, a new organisation led by ex-police chief Benoit de Maillard, which is reviewing 391 cold cases across France. Zaid has also hired renowned French lawyer William Bourdon to push for answers, but has admitted his annoyance at the opportunities that had been missed in the early days of the investigation.. The original investigators' failure to even locate Zeena for eight hours despite her being alive and hidden under her mother's corpse has been widely criticised as emblematic of the botched handling of the case. Zaid remains convinced that local authorities deliberately concealed key information. 'This was a local crime, covered up by local police,' he claimed. The devastated brother believes French cops knew more than they were claiming to as they did not want the story to gain traction in the public sphere. Zaid claims this is the only explanation behind the way the police acted throughout the investigation. With new investigators untainted by the failures of the past now on the case, Zaid hopes justice may finally be within reach. 'After all this time, we deserve answers,' he said. 'We deserve to know why this happened and why the police failed us so badly.' The massacre remains one of France's most haunting mysteries, and for the Al-Hilli family, an injustice they hope one day will be solved. ELKO PACE Coalition is a local organization which helps make addiction recovery and other causes happen by training or paying for others to be trained in recovery, Executive Director Laura Oslund said. We are mainly prevention and then we move into intervention, she said. The groups name stands for Partners Allied for Community Excellence. We cover Elko, Eureka and White Pine counties, so we cover 28% of the state of Nevada thats about under 3% of the population of the state of Nevada. So, we get to travel a lot. We work with other agencies and organizations and support what they do. PACE has been a nonprofit since 2004 and is funded through state and federal grants. Its kind of between a weekly learning recovery and AA/NA [Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous], so its self-powered, not higher power, Oslund said. We fund agencies and organizations to do prevention. So, we fund the Eureka Juvenile Probation. We provide funding to the Boys and Girls Club in Elko, Eureka, Ely and White Pine, she said. We have funding where we can provide car seats to families in need, she added. To prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, we can provide a bassinet, the training and some other supplies. We have new mother supplies, for mothers who have recently given birth. If they dont have the appropriate hygiene and healthcare supplies they need, we can provide a couple of weeks of that. She said the organization also matches clients to other resources if theyre better suited to the task. PACE also trains tribal groups in recovery. One of the things that PACE does is try to act kind of as a hub for information, media coordinator Michael Magney said. These days, we get about 25 to 30 agencies and representatives on our monthly meeting. For example, PACEs Jan. 7 meeting involved organizations including the Division of Child and Family Services, the Nevada Department of Education, Training and Rehabilitation and Battle Born Youth ChalleNGe Academy. If we have two agencies basically trying to do the same thing, we can bring the resources together it just makes it more efficient, Magney said.{span class=print_trim}The thing about prevention is that when you dig into it, what are the factors that make it more likely that somebodys going to start using substances in the community? Magney said. We realized that a lot of things are tied together, so thats why weve branched out now. Were not only doing substance abuse prevention but all kinds of other things that promote wellness in communities and with families. He said PACE continues to grow and expand services ties with organizations in the vast counties it serves. {span class=print_trim}They can coordinate services and work together to figure out what needs to be done, what resources we are lacking and see if we can find ways to fill those gaps and resources and do whatever it takes to support communities and families, he said. Magney said PACE also sends a monthly newsletter to around 100 subscribers, discussing topics like substance use issues and emerging drug use.{span class=print_trim}The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System puts together a national survey from the federal government, which also includes statewide and countywide data. The University of Nevada, Reno, has provided this survey to them as well, Oslund said.Were able to track the trends in use as measured by the numbers of events and trainings and awareness that we do with our Facebook page and Instagram, she said. We also use national trends. We constantly look at the drug trends, whats happening, where, when we can expect it to happen, what it is. Oslund said government data often can be a few years old. And the advantage of being in the coalition is we go to weekly meetings or monthly meetings or even just email connections with law enforcement, the hospitals and everything, she said. So, we know what theyre seeing, we know where we need to focus our efforts. But we do track the data. We do have the science-based prevention and awareness behind what were doing. Nicotine pouches, new drinks, vapes Oslund and Magney said a current drug trend theyre following is the use of powdered nicotine pouches like those made by Zyn. Oslund said PACE get emails about nicotine use, because tobacco use has fallen. But vaping is popular and nicotine pouches are even more popular, she noted. Well be watching to see what type of health issues come from that, so that well be able to do some more in-depth training, Oslund said. PACE also does hands-on research by placing themselves into the community, she said. We go to the convenience stores and smoke shops. We go to see what products they have and then we research the products. During one, we were doing a tobacco scan and all of a sudden we saw there were mushroom gummies and mushroom drinks. So then, we started researching to see how much use is happening, where its happening and what are the true effects of what theyre using, she said. The focus for the shroom drink is, you can feel better without it being an alcohol drink. Theyre not talking about what is in the drink. So people are using and not knowing whats going to happen to their health, Oslund explained. In addition, she said they found a new vape product that resembles a key fob, allowing people to discreetly vape at work. We bring awareness to parents, teachers, law enforcement, of whats being seen in our communities, in our state and in our nation, so that they have a better chance of finding out if theres somebody in danger from their use, Oslund said. Varied types of programs As their goal is to intervene before substance use starts, Magney explained, PACE sends out advertising for universal programs, which are not dependent on anyones level of use or whether theyre using or not. Oslund said they might speak at a school about universal programs. Then, there are programs that are evidence-based, called selective programs. Thats when you have some reason to think that somebody, primarily youth, are engaging in risky behaviors or maybe starting to use, Magney said. So, at each level, things get progressively narrower and more focused. For their indicated programs, Oslund said, they fund juvenile probation and other social workers to get involved with youth and adults. Oslund said they also hold focus groups, where we put out that we need 10 youth or 10 adults or whoever were seeking the information from, Oslund said. I will talk to the sheriff. Ill talk to the police chiefs in our communities. We talk to tribal people. So, well talk to leaders in the communities and in the agencies and organizations to see what theyre seeing, she said. According to Oslund, they also meet with local medical organizations such as Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital to find out what drug-related issues they are treating, such as a condition called hyperemesis associated with heavy marijuana use which causes nausea in the mornings coupled with abdominal pain and sometimes a fear of vomiting. We found out that the ERs here and in Ely were seeing a lot of that happening, as well as using up valuable resources on frequent flyer patients, she said. So, we try to educate the user but also the families and friends, so they can be aware of the dangers of what is happening, Oslund said.{span class=print_trim}We also do a community needs assessment every three years, which kind of helps us determine priorities, Magney said. Oslund said this comprehensive community prevention plan helps with writing grants or providing services. Other agencies and organizations also use our CCPP for some of the work that theyre doing. Grant funding helps save lives She said they use block grant funding for operations, trainings and their efforts, but also portion some of it out to people who provide the prevention program and other programs in our community, some of it goes to the Eureka Sheriffs Office, if theyre doing the training. We also support crisis-intervention teams, and were looking at Mobile Outreach Safety Teams, and so weve written grants waiting to hear if we get it, Oslund said. In addition, she said PACE receives state funds for tobacco awareness and prevention. We have mental health awareness funding that pays for the ASIST suicide prevention trainings that are put on in the tri-county area. And we also provide funding for other providers. Oslund noted how the goal of PACE is not for them to do all the work but rather for us to be able to find funding for others who are trained or to be trained. We have Mental Health First Aid training that weve provided out, so people can have a better understanding of what they might see, she said. We provide Narcan [an overdose reversal medicine] out to the tribal communities, even to our sheriff and police departments and our first responders. Earlier in January, Oslund trained 27 Elko city staff members on how to use Narcan, giving them kits. Weve been providing that for five years and probably over 1,000 double doses of Narcan, weve been able to get out, she said. People come to us at the events and tell us that Narcan they received from us saved their loved one or somebodys life, Magney said. One of our staff members actually was at a local pharmacy and someone came in saying that a person was overdosing or appeared to be overdosing in the parking area. Our staff member had Narcan with them, so they went out and administered Narcan. PACE also hosts trainings on responsible alcoholic beverage serving. Its nice that we have local law enforcement who see the importance of it, so they require it, especially for special events, Oslund said. If theyre going to sell at the fair or something like that, everybody who is going to work the booth has to come in and be trained for awareness of use, overuse and not selling to underage. PACE also funds people who conduct ID checks at various events, Magney said. Take Back Days Magney said Elko has had pretty good success with its Drug Enforcement Administration Take Back Days. Were always wanting to get the word out about those and keep collecting more of the unused and expired medications or drugs that people have in their homes, to keep them out of the wrong hands, he said. Kids explore things. A lot of adolescents get the drugs that theyre misusing from their home medicine cabinets. So, if we can get those unused and expired ones out of the home and get them properly disposed of, thats a big help. We really want to increase the amount of substances we get off the street during the Take Back days and Laura has been greatly involved with that, he said.{span class=print_trim}Oslund said PACE, which formerly partnered with Elkos Trac-B Exchange, is looking into setting up its own harm reduction program.For them, she said, a needle exchange would not involve giving somebody permission to use but more on the prevention of the disease part of it so, keeping HIV, AIDS, hepatitis and everything from spreading. Oslund said funding is always one of the organizations needs. With grant funding, its very specific on how you can use it, she said. You get X amount for advertising, X amount for travel. So, some kinds of funding can be hard to come by. While PACE does get occasional donations from Nevada Gold Mines, we may have to partner on joint grants and not just individualized grants. We are looking at the opioid settlement funds and others that are in perpetuity, Oslund said. We didnt want to compete and we knew a lot of other agencies and organizations were writing for it, so we didnt want to take from what they could do. But we may just become a little more aggressive in seeking out the funds, instead of sitting back and seeing if it happens, she said. We really try to support a broad range of nonprofit organizations in the community, Magney said. PACE will be at about seven health fairs this year. It also participate in Elko County School District STEM fairs and career fairs, to keep our awareness going, and hopefully prevent some of the issues that communities can have, Oslund said. TikTok influencers from across the world have reacted to the US ban while more American users shared their heartbreak at the Supreme Court bombshell. The Chinese-based video app has officially shut down its services for 170 million American TikTokers after the Supreme Court allowed the ban in a shock ruling on Friday. And while many American influencers have continued to mourn the loss of their followers, incomes and livelihoods, other users around the world uploaded humorous memes making light of the ban. One video captioned 'British creators to TikTok when it is banned in the US' shows British soldiers victoriously marching and waving their country's flag. In another jokey clip, a man is seen dancing and singing 'look at me' in light of the US ban. A third video captioned 'going to sleep tonight knowing that US won't be here tomorrow' shows a woman pretending to cry herself to sleep to a humorous sobbing sound. Meanwhile, those in the US shed more tears ahead of the ban last night, with some claiming their entire livelihoods have been snatched from them. Emily Senn, who boasted 348,000 followers on the app, uploaded an emotional clip revealing how the platform helped her through losing her job and getting a divorce. TikTokers have made fun at the US TikTok ban suggesting UK influencers will benefit People took to TikTok to make fun of the US ban affecting 170 million American users TikToker Robert Brenton posted a video captioned 'British after USA TikTok ban' in which he danced happily Those in the US shed more tears ahead of the ban last night, with some claiming their entire livelihoods have been snatched from them 'To the US government, I'm never forgiving you for this,' she said. 'And I'm never going to trust you ever again because you, just like that, took away millions of people's incomes and livelihoods. Who does that?' She added: 'I feel so dumb coming on the internet and crying about an app, but the fact is this is this has been a sense of community for me for years now, and it got me through really, really hard times in my life. 'The pandemic, losing my job, all of that. Getting divorced, all of this c*** that's happened to me in the last five years since I've been on here. Hours and hours and hours of time I put into creating stuff for this platform.' Another influencer, who goes by the username 'chloebuffcakes' and has 2.5 million followers, posted a teary clip mourning the loss of the platform. 'I'm not crying - I'm just watching the life and community I built be torn down,' she said. 'An app that has given millions of women financial independence and supported seven million small businesses. Where I shared losing my mom to brain cancer and became financially able to raise my 7-year-old sister.' The court issued its decision on Friday after TikTok argued a law banning the popular video streaming app 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. Earlier this year, Congress passed a law banning TikTok unless its Chinese parent company ByteDance sells its stakes by January 19, 2025. But after months, no deal materialized. A video captioned 'going to sleep tonight knowing that US won't be here tomorrow' shows a woman pretending to cry herself to sleep to a humorous sobbing sound US influencers posted teary clips discussing the loss of the beloved video app Emily Senn, who boasted 348,000 followers on the app, uploaded an emotional clip revealing how the platform helped her through losing her job and getting a divorce Some 170 million Americans use the video app, and some warned that banning the platform would disrupt the business and livelihoods of millions. The fate of the platform now rests on an intervention from incoming President Donald Trump. Addressing rumours of a TikTok ban in the UK, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 'We always keep all of these technology issues under consideration, whether it's for national security or data privacy concerns. 'We have laws in place and processes to do that. We have no plans right now to ban TikTok from the UK. 'So, we won't be following the same path that the Americans have followed unless or until at some point in the future there is a threat that we are concerned about in the British interest.' At that point, Mr Jones suggested a review could be carried out. 'On Government devices, for example, we've not been allowed to use TikTok for many years, the last Conservative government took the same position because there's sensitive information on those devices,' he said. 'But for consumers who want to post videos of their cats or dancing, that doesn't seem like a national security threat to me.' '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. Students have been asked to take race-segregated classes dividing white students and ethnic minority students into separate groups to learn about 'addressing whiteness'. The classes featuring discussions about race and identity at King's College London (KCL) have been split into separate groups. The course is an NHS-funded Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. Students who 'identify as white' are offered a session on 'addressing whiteness', while those from ethnic minority backgrounds were asked to attend different sessions. However, after being contacted by the Sunday Telegraph, the University changed its wording and said the sessions were open to everyone. It is understood that the 'addressing whiteness' course teaches white students that colonialism is 'their responsibility' and that they must personally accept and correct their ancestors' mistakes. KCL claims this is not the message promoted by the course. Students reportedly left the session believing white people across the world 'do not have any culture' and that 'all white people are culturally indifferentiable'. The classes on discussions about race and identity at King's College London have been split into separate groups Stock image. Students who 'identify as white' are offered a session on 'addressing whiteness' Previously, the KLC website also said: 'Trainees identifying as White will be invited to attend a dedicated reflective space to consider the impact of their identity' A source told the Newspaper that students from ethnic minorities were treated as victims of the system regardless of their background. In one session students struggled to answer a question about what was the best thing the UK had done. There was reportedly a long pause before a student suggested 'gravy'. The session took place shortly before the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. One student said the approach was damaging relationships between coursemates of different races. On the course information for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, the KCL website says: 'Dedicated reflective spaces are offered to trainees from racially and ethnically minoritised (REM) backgrounds. These spaces aim to offer support in a safe environment.' Previously, the website also said: 'Trainees identifying as White will be invited to attend a dedicated reflective space to consider the impact of their identity in training.' This was removed from the site last week. It now says: 'Trainees are invited to attend a dedicated reflective space to consider the impact of race, racism and Whiteness in Clinical Psychology as a profession, with a focus on supporting equitable experiences for service users in the NHS.' One student said the approach was damaging relationships between coursemates of different races Professor Jeremy Black said the move by the university was 'destructive nonsense' Professor Jeremy Black, author of A History of the British Isles, called the scheme 'destructive nonsense'. He said: 'Attempts to categorise students on the basis of race are not only socially divisive but also frequently naive and misleading in their account of ethnic identities and differences, while also failing to address the many other elements that contribute to both identities and values, notably politics, social structures, local circumstances and individual attitudes. 'Universities call for more money but seem to have plenty to spare for such destructive nonsense.' Sir John Hayes, chairman of the Common Sense Group of MPs and peers, said it was 'outrageous' and said he plans to seek an investigation from the Equality and Human Rights Commission. He described it as 'nonsense about white privilege and guilt and a distortion of history'. A Kings College London spokesperson said: 'We don't recognise the scenario described which is not an accurate account or description of the sessions and does not reflect the multiple aspects or aims of the course. 'These reflective sessions, which are open to all Clinical Psychology students, form part of our commitment to NHS England and HEEs action plans which require all universities to help improve equality in access to healthcare and support diversity in the workforce. 'The sessions are in common with many other Clinical Psychology courses, and have been developed in response to feedback from trainees to support a greater understanding of the experience of all patients. King's College London claimed the sessions were open to all clinical psychology students Another senior academic also claimed making students sit traditional exams was racist and 'exposed colonial biases'. It comes after trainee teachers were planning to give lessons on colonialism and slavery to children as young as five. They also believe that Christianity should not be the priority in RE, according to a survey. Scientist Dr Pranjol deputy head of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex also said students should not be forced to use 'proper English' in exams. This, he says, is because it is an attempt to mould diverse students to conform to a 'Eurocentric standard'. In his article, published in the Trends In Higher Education journal, Dr Pranjol argues that traditional closed-book, time-limited assessments give an unfair advantage to students who can 'recall information quickly under pressure and those who can concentrate immediately, maintain focus, perform the task quickly, and perform well under stress'. Despite these being skills that are prized by most employers, the paper says that universities should 'decolonise assessment' and use methods that 'undo colonial practice and influences'. Meanwhile a geography professor at Queen Mary University of London said that geology was a racist subject. Kathryn Yusoff, said that the subject was 'riven by systematic racism' and influenced heavily by colonialism. The study of prehistoric life through fossils was also branded as an enabler for racism, with the professor referring to the field of palaeontology as 'pale-ontology'. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Priti Patel dismissed Nigel Farage as a 'pop-up act' today as they both prepare to attend Donald Trump's inauguration. The shadow foreign secretary said the apparent closeness of the Reform leader to the incoming president was 'irrelevant'. She insisted the Tories shared 'DNA on values and beliefs' with the Republicans and the parties 'ended the Cold War' together. The brutal-put down came on the eve of the ceremony marking the White House changeover in Washington - which will also be joined by ex-PMs Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Keir Starmer will not be present, with the government pointing out that is in keeping with long-standing convention. However, there are mounting questions about how Labour will manage the crucial relationship with the new US administration. Priti Patel dismissed Nigel Farage as a 'pop-up act' today as they both prepare to attend Donald Trump 's inauguration The shadow foreign secretary said the apparent closeness of the Reform leader (pictured) to the incoming president was 'irrelevant' The brutal-put down came on the eve of the ceremony marking Mr Trump (pictured) returning to the White House Asked about Mr Farage's influence with Mr Trump, Ms Patel told Sky News it was 'not a relevant question'. 'They are our sister party. We have enduring long-standing ties with the Republican Party,' she said, stressing the Reagan-Thatcher era. On Reform, she said: 'We're not a pop-up act in the way in which they are and their presence is here right now. 'Our two parties are knitted together in the very principles of conservatism and our DNA on values and beliefs is incredibly strong.' Ms Patel said she worked closely with the last Trump government as Home Secretary and 'those ties will continue'. The comments came after Mr Farage described some members of Mr Trump's incoming cabinet as 'genuine friends on speed dial' and reiterated his offer to help foster relations. He told the Sun on Sunday that if he were able to help 'behind the scenes' he would 'because it is in the national interest'. 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 Trump's first inauguration. Government sources insisted last night that 'constructive' discussions with the incoming administration were under way over when Sir Keir could visit Washington. But there are worries that tensions could flare and derail the Special Relationship. Mr Trump's campaign filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against Labour in October, accusing it of 'blatant foreign interference' after the party's head of operations, Sofia Patel, asked for people to travel to the US to campaign for Kamala 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? 'Trump's view is it's none of their business what is going on here and they should have kept out. Ms Truss has been posting messages from Washington DC on social media 'How could their meddling possibly achieve anything? It didn't. But it's 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 didn't do any good because Kamala was useless and clearly so were they.' 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 world's richest man and a member of Mr Trump's team. Thousands of Palestinian supporters gathered in Sydney and Melbourne on Sunday to celebrate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following a 15-month war. The ceasefire was delayed in a last-minute hitch when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would not begin until Israel received from Gaza-based terrorist group Hamas a list of names of Israeli hostages set to be released. The ceasefire was supposed to commence at 5.30pm AEDT but was declared about three hours later at 8.15pm AEDT. Hamas has said it will release British woman Emily Damari, 28, who was kidnapped during the October 7 attacks and has been a hostage for 470 days, along with 23-year-old Romi Gonen and 30-year-old Doron Steinbrecher. Israel has waged a fierce and deadly war against Hamas since the terrorist attack which has seen thousands of Palestinians perish. A Pro-Palestine celebration in Melbourne's Coburg North on Sunday night attracted hundreds in support of those affected by the conflict in the Middle East that has left many grieving for lost family members and destroyed homes. A ceasefire between Israel and Palestine was declared at 8.15pm AEDT with three hostages (pictured) held by Hamas to be released as part of the deal British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, (pictured) was kidnapped during the October 7 attack and has been a hostage for 470 days Demonstrators march towards Parliament House during a Pro-Palestine demonstration, in Melbourne, Australia, 19 January 2025 Organiser Hash Tayeh said Sunday's event was a time to celebrate, mourn and reflect for all of humanity, not just Palestinians. Mr Tayeh, who has lost 40 relatives in the Gaza conflict, said despite the ceasefire the struggle for accountability and rebuilding continued. 'I personally woke up pretty happy this morning, full of energy and just excited for that relief that's going to come to those people,' he said. 'But the hardship in terms of people still rebuilding their lives here in Australia and around the world, the homes (that) are destroyed in Gaza, that continues.' Hundreds also attended a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney's Hyde Park on Sunday and cheered defiant speeches urging them to continue pushing for a Palestinian state. The three-phased ceasefire came into effect after Israel agreed to the deal, which will see hostages released. But Mr Netanyahu said the truce was only temporary and made the ceasefire dependent on receiving the names of hostages to be released. Thousands of Palestinians and their supporters gathered in Sydney and Melbourne on Sunday to celebrate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas (a Sydney rally attendee is pictured) A rally attendee holds up a placard during a Pro-Palestine rally in Sydney on Sunday, January 19, 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said communities across the globe want the ceasefire to stay in place, despite lingering tensions in the Middle East. 'We're certainly hopeful, as I think the world is, that this ceasefire holds. It's what the world has wanted to see and it is good that it has occurred and that it will come into place,' he told reporters in Sydney on Sunday. '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.' Israel's war in Gaza was launched after Hamas' attack in 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages being taken, according to Israeli authorities. Almost 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel's retaliatory strikes according to the local health ministry. The ceasefire came as NSW Premier Chris Minns said the state government would look at strengthening hate speech laws following a series of anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney. In the latest incident, a house formerly owned by Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin was targeted in an arson and graffiti attack on Friday. Mr Minns said the attacks were 'despicable' and further incidents need to be prevented. 'The initial spark (of anti-Semitism) isn't going to a synagogue or a house and lighting a match, the initial spark is hate speech in our community,' he said. Organiser Hash Tayeh said Sunday's event was a time to celebrate, mourn and reflect for all of humanity, not just Palestinians. A man is pictured at a rally in Sydney The Pro-Palestine protesters in Melbourne on Sunday were defiant against Israel 'Our government's going to make a decision soon, a difficult decision but the right one, to strengthen hate speech laws in NSW, so if someone's preaching hatred in the community, it doesn't manifest itself two months or three months later in a firebombing or an attack or something worse.' The prime minister said states and territories were united in preventing anti-Semitism. 'We're determined to stamp this out, there is no place in Australia for anti-Semitism. There is no place for the sort of outrageous acts that we have seen,' Mr Albanese said. The names of the three hostages due to be released had not been handed over when the deadline for the truce to begin passed at 8.30am local time, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, said. He said the army 'continues to attack, even now, inside the Gaza arena,' and would until Hamas complies with the agreement. The military later said it had struck a number of militant targets in northern and central Gaza. An Israeli airstrike killed at least eight people in the southern city of Khan Younis after the ceasefire was delayed. Nasser Hospital confirmed the casualties from Sundays strike, which it said had occurred around two hours after the truce was supposed to take effect. Gaza's Health Ministry reported another three deaths from strikes on Sunday in Gaza City. Hamas had earlier blamed the delay in handing over the names on 'technical field reasons.' It said in a statement that it is committed to the ceasefire deal as previously announced. A concert killer who knifed a chef as he left a classical music show has been given another jail term for stabbing a prison guard with metal crafted from a DVD player. Unemployed Karl Wills was serving a life sentence at the top security HMP Frankland after being found guilty of murdering Reynald Duchene in Southend, Essex, over a decade ago. Mr Duchene, 37, was stabbed as he tried to protect his fiance after Wills and another man pestered her and two friends as they left Priory Park after an outdoor performance by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra in June 2010. Wills, then 22, who claimed he carried the knife for protection, denied murder but it took a jury less than half a day to convict him at Chelmsford Crown Court. Wills was sentenced to life behind bars with a minimum term of 23 years and was transferred to Frankland in County Durham. But the brute found himself back before the courts again on Thursday for an unprovoked attack on two prison guards. Durham Crown Court heard the first worker was unlocking cell doors shortly before 5pm when he came across Wills before the confrontation last January. Unemployed Karl Wills was serving a life sentence at the top security HMP Frankland after being found guilty of murdering Reynald Duchene in Southend, Essex, over a decade ago French chef Reynald Duchene, 37, of South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, was murdered after he attended a classical music concert in Southend Reynald Duchene and Paula Haddlesey (pictured) were engaged and planning to emigrate to Canada to set up a guesthouse business Wills, now 36, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and actual bodily harm in relation to an attack on a second guard who tried to intervene. The court heard Wills had constructed the weapon out of an old DVD player which contained a sharp end designed to be used the same way as a knife. The court heard other officers came to their colleague's assistance and the victim was taken to hospital where he received stitches to his abdominal. He also sustained lacerations to his head and back. Wills kicked out at the other workers during the struggle and caused a broken finger and bruising to one of them. Recorder Giuliani said: 'I'm satisfied you made a weapon designed to be held in your hand with a sharp end. 'It was designed to be a knife.' The judge imposed a four-year jail term which will run alongside the life sentence. Giuliani added: 'You opened your cell door and you were standing at the back of the cell. 'You were asked by the prison officer if you were alright, if you were OK, but you didn't respond. 'The officer describes there had been no previous issues or difficulties between you and him. 'The officer then went about his duty unlocking other prisoners from their cells. 'As he was walking along the landing stairs he describes you screaming towards him. 'Others heard you shouting towards (the officer) 'f***ing come on then.' 'You then ran towards him. You were holding an improvised weapon in your hand. The couple had gone to see the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra in Priory Park, Southend, Essex, to celebrate Haddlesey's 44th birthday Mr Duchene, 37, was stabbed as he tried to protect his fiance (pictured) after Wills and another man pestered her and two friends as they left the open-air venue in June 2010 Prosecutor Albany Kidd said: 'The defendant is currently serving a life sentence for murder imposed by the Crown Court at Chelmsford on the 13th of December 2010. 'It relates to the killing of a male at an open-air concert in Southend. 'It was a minimum term of 23 years. The defendant also has previous convictions for possession of a bladed article in 2007 and 2009.' Previous inmates at the category A jail include Michael Adebolajo who was convicted of murdering British soldier Lee Rigby and former Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, who is serving life for the killing of Sarah Everard. Cainan Lonsdale, defending, told the court: 'The defendant said he created (the weapon) about half an hour before this incident. 'It's not, for one of a better phrase, sophisticated in its nature. They are crumpled pieces of metal.' Wills, who appeared from HMP Wakefield via video-link, thanked the court at the end of the hearing. A day out at a popular Queensland swimming spot has turned to tragedy with the bodies of two teenagers pulled from the water. Queensland Police said emergency crews launched an urgent search about 2.50pm on Sunday upon receiving reports a woman 'fell off a waterfall' but did not resurface at the Sunshine Coast's Wappa Falls. 'A male jumped into the water to assist but has also not resurfaced,' a police spokesman said. Queensland Police found the body of the 17-year-old girl about 3:30pm on Sunday while combing the area for the pair. They later located the body of a 17-year-old male about 7.25pm. Footage of the falls from Saturday showed the waterways raging following heavy rainfall toward the end of the week. Locals were saddened by the tragedy, some said the falls can become treacherous after storms. 'We grew up swimming there, never ever after heavy rain, people have drowned there since the town of Yandina was founded,' one said in response to early reports of the missing pair. 'Similar to rips at the beach, the falls can have dangerous currents that could easily drag and keep a person under,' another said. A boy and a girl, both 17, have been found dead following a tragic accident in Queensland's Wappa Falls Specialist police divers and Fire and Rescue's swift water rescue team scoured the waterways for the pair on Sunday afternoon Queensland Police acting Inspector John Mahoney told Nine News the girl had 'got into difficulties. 'A friend of the 17-year-old, a male person, has jumped in to try and assist,' he said. 'The body of the 17-year-old female has been located a short distance from Wappa Falls this afternoon.' Queensland Fire crews, including a specialist swift water rescue team, were on scene with specialist police divers and continued searching for the boy into the evening. Police divers then found the missing boy unresponsive in the water and pronounced him deceased at the scene. Locals said the falls can have dangerous currents and are typically rough after rainfall Police will prepare reports for the coroner for both the boy and the girl. 'Wappa Falls remains closed at this time as investigations continue,' the spokesman said. The falls have played host to a number of tragic drowings in previous years. A man drowned in 2022 while attempting to rescue a child who had slipped into a waterfall in the area. The falls are a popular destination for bathers in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Signs at Wappa Falls warn visitors of the waterway's dangers including deep water, slippery rocks, strong currents and flooding. Controversial influencer Andrew Tate had millions of pounds laundered through British bank accounts run by a woman linked to an ex-girlfriend, according to court documents. The woman, whose accounts were traced to a property in the West Country, transferred as much as $12million (almost 10million) through four accounts, an investigation has found. Tate, 38, and his younger brother Tristan, 36, are said to have used the money to fund their lavish lifestyle of which they boast on social media, including mansions in Romania and supercars. It is estimated that about 1.3million came from British customers of two of Tate's businesses, Hustlers University and The War Room. Both courses are aimed at young men and allegedly teach them how to manipulate women into sex work. According to legal files seen by The Sunday Times, as police in the UK and Romania started probing Tate and his brother Tristan in 2022, the woman known only as 'J' moved 805,000 of their money using a cryptocurrency account. It comes after Devon and Cornwall Police launched a civil court case in which they successfully obtained a series of asset forfeiture orders last month. This enabled them to seize about 2.7million that was being held in accounts run by J and the Tate brothers for the purposes of evading tax. The two brothers are at the centre of two Romanian police investigations over alleged sex trafficking, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering. Both strongly deny the charges. Controversial influencer Andrew Tate had millions of pounds laundered through British bank accounts run by a woman linked to an ex-girlfriend Andrew Tate waves as he exits the Bucharest Tribunal with his brother Tristan, in Bucharest, Romania, on January 9 Last week, Tate's spokesman revealed that the influencer had been released from house arrest for the first time in five months on Tuesday. The brothers and four other suspects were put under house arrest when prosecutors launched the second criminal investigation. A first, separate case was sent back to prosecutors by the Court of Appeals in Bucharest for the second time in December, saying it could not proceed in its current form. In that case, the brothers were accused of human trafficking and forming an organised group to sexually exploit women. They deny these claims too, as well as those of rape and human trafficking that have been made against them in the UK. Now, UK court files show that Tate used his British accounts to pay almost 500,000 to Georgiana Naghel, an alleged accomplice in Romania who is thought to be another former girlfriend. Although Tate is no longer under house arrest, he is still subject to travel restrictions. He also faces a legal battle with Northern Ireland MP Sorcha Eastwood, whose lawyers announced they would be launching proceedings against the Tate brothers over offensive social media posts. The Sunday Times reports how, in 2023, lawyers representing J won a battle to grant their client anonymity. At the time, Devon and Cornwall Police had launched their case that the Tates and J sought to deliberately hide 21million which had passed through seven financial accounts in the UK and Romania. Andrew Tate pictured leaving Bucharest Court with his brother Tristan, 35, on July 4 last year Georgiana Naghel, an alleged ex-girlfriend and accomplice of Andrew Tate, is pictured above It was alleged that two were run by J, four by Andrew and one by Tristan, all of which were frozen. At Westminster Magistrates' Court last July, Sarah Clarke KC, representing the police force, said: 'Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate are serial tax and VAT evaders. They - in particular Andrew Tate - are brazen about it.' The police said in their application: 'The movement of money defies commercial logic, and instead has all the hallmarks of money laundering.' A judge ruled in December that police could seize 2.7million on the basis that the Tates had sought to cheat the revenue. It was found that the Tate used J to hide their true earnings, with the judge saying: 'The use of J was to hide the fact that the money was connected to the brothers for precisely this reason.' The Sunday Times has uncovered how J is connected to Tate through a former girlfriend. She is said to have played a major role in his finances, starting with setting up an account in her name on the payment platform Stripe. Tate, a former kickboxer and Big Brother contestant, shot to fame on social media, finding an online audience with his controversial posts about women. He later started to advertise his 'PHD course' - 'Pimping Hoes Degree' - and his Hustlers University Platform, courses aimed at young boys and men. Around the same time, Tate launched The War Room, for which members pay 6,500. Police officers escort Andrew Tate (second left), handcuffed to his brother Tristan Tate, to the Court of Appeal in Bucharest, Romania, on February 1 2023 The secretive society, touted as teaching men physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and financial development, has been accused of grooming women into online sex work. Tate also made money from customers wanting to watch women on webcams. He once claimed that 75 women worked at him, making him 400,000 per month. In July 2019, Tate faced allegations of rape and abuse. Police in Hertfordshire passed a file to the CPS but they chose not to prosecute. When J opened her Stripe account, payments from subscribers to Hustlers University and The War Room started to come in. Tate made 10million in three and a half years, with the funds pouring into J's account. About 1.3million is said to have come from British customers. The Stripe cash was then transferred to the Tate's personal accounts, allowing them to fund a life of luxury with supercars such as Bugattis, Lamborghinis and McLarens as well as two Romanian properties. Court papers show that the money was also used for surveillance and security as well as to 'to pay co-defendants and expenses connected with the offences for which they are currently indicted in Romania'. It is also alleged that Tate was profiting from sex work, with 4.7million transferred between his personal accounts with the reference 'Rev Only Fans', an apparent nod to the money made from the porn website used by sex workers. In June 2022, court files seen by the Sunday Times show that J opened a cryptocurrency account with an exchange called Gemini using her identity document and address. Tate was also listed as an interested party on the account, which likely allowed him to view an account and make withdrawals. That same month, Stripe banned Tate's businesses. On the same day, June 22, 805,000 was moved from J's Stripe account to her personal account, run by Revolut. J divided these funds into sums between 1,000 and 100,000 and transferred it to Tate's personal Revolut account. She also transferred 75,000 to the Gemini account and the same amount to a separate crypto account, also in her name, with the firm Kraken. Further transactions totalling 225,000 were moved into this account. Money was later withdrawn from the Gemini account until it was closed in October 2022. Tate and his brother were arrested in Romania in December 2022. By the time Devon and Cornwall Police froze all seven accounts, just 2.68million of the 21million remained - while 1.46million was in J's Stripe account and 70,000 in her Gemini account. The Tate brothers provided no evidence to refute the application in court such as tax returns or financial records. But their team said the evidence 'simply demonstrates the legitimate earnings from online sites controlled by them and legitimate and transparent movement of those funds' which 'does not demonstrate any criminality'. Lawyers for the Tate brothers declined to comment to The Sunday Times. MailOnline has contacted the Tates' lawyers. A spokesman for the brothers said: 'When you speak against power there is a fundamental shift in the practise of "law". It's no longer, "Here's the crime now find the man". 'It becomes, "Here's the man now find the crime". This is a setup.' A judge concluded that the Tates' 'entire financial arrangements are consistent with concerted tax evasion and money laundering' and that the money in the accounts was not declared in the UK or Romania. Tate said at the time the ruling was 'not justice' and described it as a 'co-ordinated attack'. Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'From the outset we have aimed to demonstrate that Andrew and Tristan Tate evaded taxes and laundered money through bank accounts located in Devon. 'Both individuals are alleged to have concealed the origins of their income by channelling money through 'front' accounts, constituting criminal activity and rendering those earnings proceeds of crime. 'We will refrain from further comment until the 28-day appeal period has concluded.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available The family of a young mum who was allegedly doused in petrol and set on fire by her ex-partner has broken their silence about the horrific incident. Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, 34, is fighting for her life in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital after the alleged attack on Saturday morning. Her mother, Alison Rakuraku told 7News she was 'devastated and numb' but that 'she's strong [and] we will be strong for our girl'. The police will allege that at around 7.45am on Saturday, a 36-year-old man known to Ms Otton-Rakuraku was involved in an altercation with her at a home in Kingston, 28km south of Brisbane. It will be alleged the man poured petrol on her before using a lighter to set her on fire. Shocked neighbours reportedly saw the woman on fire and called emergency services before running to her aid. The mother of two teenage boys suffered substantial burns, including to her face, and is in a critical but stable condition. Destiny Otton-Rakuraku (pictured) is fighting for her life in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital after allegedly being doused in petrol and set alight on Saturday morning Police are pictured at the scene of an alleged assault in Kingston, 28km south of Brisbane The man has been charged with attempted murder, common assault and other offences. Neighbours said they heard arguing from Ms Otton-Rakuraku's home the night before the alleged assault. Queensland Police said it will investigate any previous incidents between the pair as part of the investigation. 'All aspects of the police response will be examined in detail as part of the investigation to ensure we have the full picture of what occurred,' a police spokesperson told the Courier-Mail. 'This will include any calls for service and the relationship between the parties.' Police have arrested a man after a woman was set on fire in Queensland (pictured, forensic police at the scene) Family friend Monique Kidd has set up a GoFundMe for Ms Otton-Rakuraku's relatives, which had raised more than $15,000 by Sunday night. Ms Kidd wrote that Ms Otton-Rakuraku is 'a support worker with a natural giving heart who didn't deserve what has happened to her. 'She works multiples jobs and also studies, and strives hard to achieve.' She added that the family is going through 'a living nightmare' and 'unbearable pain'. Premier David Crisafulli said the latest alleged domestic violence assault had shaken the state. 'I want Queenslanders to know how much sorrow the state has experienced and how much the state is thinking of the young women involved,' Mr Crisafulli said. 'To her family, to the neighbours, to the first responders, to every Queenslander these are the kind of incidents that rock communities. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.' Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Amanda Camm backed what Mr Crisafulli said. 'I also want to extend my thoughts and best wishes to the young woman who we understand is still in a serious condition and her condition will evolve in the coming days, but her life will be forever changed,' Ms Camm said. The accused man will face Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday. Police officers prioritised crimes like burglary and robbery to hit Home Office targets while failing to protect girls from grooming gangs, a leaked report has revealed. South Yorkshire Police focused on crimes such as burglary and robbery to hit targets set by the Home Office during the 2000s, according to a police watchdog investigation. The findings were in a report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) that was completed in June 2022, but never published. The report, seen by The Telegraph said targets by the Home Office were 'very prescriptive' and that vehicle, robbery and burglary crimes were seen as a priority which constabularies were assessed on. These were used as a national key performance indicator for police forces and was identified as a reason that child sexual exploitation was never a high priority. The IOPC report came after a complaint from youth services manager Jayne Senior, who helped bring to light the young girls who were victims of grooming gangs in Rotherham. Former police officers said in the IOPC report that child sexual exploitation was 'never brought to their attention' and reject claims that performance targets made them turn a blind eye. However the report found that some of the men who were jailed for grooming girls were known to South Yorkshire Police. The IOPC report came after a complaint from Jayne Senior, who helped bring to light the young girls who were victims of grooming gangs in Rotherham. Earlier this week home secretary Yvette Cooper launched small-scale local investigations into grooming gangs Stock image. The report said crimes such as burglary and robbery were prioritised to hit targets set by the Home Office during the 2000s From as early as 2001, 'named perpetrators' of child sexual exploitation and their victims were discussed at meetings, the report said. Officers failed to act and the same individuals continued abusing young girls until they were convicted in 2016, it added. Ms Senior said she felt under pressure from the IOPC not to talk about the findings of the report in 2022 and was threatened with legal action by senior police officers. She said when she submitted a complaint to South Yorkshire Police, she was turned away and told continued complaints would be marked as 'vexatious'. Georgina Halford-Hall, chief executive of Whistleblowers UK said the report failed to hold anyone to account for the failures which led to the scandal. She said a national inquiry should be carried out by a new, independent body called the Office of the Whistleblower. Asked why the report was never published, an IOPC spokesman pointed to Operation Linden, a separate inquiry carried out into grooming in Rotherham, which was published in 2022. They said: 'Our priority from the very start of Operation Linden was always the welfare of the survivors, who showed incredible bravery in coming forward and throughout the whole process. Rotherham grooming gang: Tayab Dad (top left), Amjad Ali (bottom right), and Matloob Hussain (bottom left) have already been released. Just the ringleader, Basharat Dad (top right), will remain behind bars if Nasar Dad (top centre) and Mohammed Sadiq (bottom centre) are freed by the parole board in upcoming hearings 'Its completely inaccurate to suggest that investigators were told not to investigate senior South Yorkshire Police (SYP) officers there was a dedicated investigation within Operation Linden which was focused solely on senior officers within the force and, had we found any indication of corruption, it would have been rigorously pursued. 'And there was no attempt to bury that report. Like the other investigation reports, it could not be published due to the very personal information and data included within it. That is why we produced one overarching report, published in 2022, detailing our findings and recommendations. 'We concluded that SYP failed to protect vulnerable children and young people at that time and to recognise the scale of the offending and effectively tackle it. We found systemic issues including failures in leadership, lack of professional curiosity, cultural issues and gaps in skills and training. The force acknowledged past failings and the focus needs to be on learning from those mistakes. A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson 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.' Earlier this week, Labour was accused of a conspiracy of silence over grooming gangs after MPs for areas hit by the issue refused to say whether they back a national inquiry. More than 20 MPs for constituencies in which child rape and sexual abuse has occurred were contacted by the Daily Mail. But only three answered our question, sparking accusations of a dereliction of duty by those who failed to reply. Of those who responded, two Luke Myer and Shaun Davies, the MPs for Middlesbrough South and Telford respectively backed a national inquiry. Rochdale grooming gang leader Qari Abdul Rauf is out of jail and still has not been deported It brings the tally of Labour MPs who have broken ranks over the issue to five. The MPs were asked if they supported a national inquiry after colleagues Sarah Champion, Rotherhams MP, and Rochdales Paul Waugh became the first to U-turn on their initial opposition. On Thursday, the Government launched small-scale local investigations into grooming gangs. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced five reviews into badly hit towns but they were quickly branded toothless because they will not have the power to summon witnesses. A vote on whether to have a national inquiry was held last week but it was an amendment attached to the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, meaning Labour MPs likely didnt vote in favour as it would have killed off the entire Bill. British-Israeli Emily Damari is among 33 hostages Hamas is set to release as the long-anticipated Gaza ceasefire deal officially comes into effect. On Sunday, Hamas confirmed the names of the first three hostages to be set free, including Damari, 28, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Romi Gonen, 24. All three were abducted during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and are now due to be returned to their families 470 days later. There are 30 other names in the list, including women, men, and children, and they are all due to to be released in the first stage of the ceasefire deal. The list, shared by the Times of Israel, is not in order of release, and does not indicate the condition of the hostages - but Israel believes that most of the 33 are alive. According to the Israeli news channel, each day, once the hostages have been received by IDF troops and the families are updated, the Prime Minister's Office will issue a statement with the names of the captives that have been released. 1. Emily Damari The 28-year-old Tottenham Hotspur fan with British-Israeli citizenship was shot in the hand and leg when she was snatched from her home in southern Israel during the October 7 attack by Hamas. Her beloved golden cockapoo, Choocha, was shot dead, while the attack left her with a gunshot wound to the hand. Damari's mother, Mandy Damari, has been tirelessly campaigning for her daughter's release after she was kidnapped alongside twin brothers Ziv and Gali Berman, 27. She was among five females and two children who were at the top of the list to be released by Hamas. 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 The 28-year-old Tottenham Hotspur fan with British-Israeli citizenship was among five females and two children who were at the top of the list to be released by Hamas today 2. Romi Gonen Romi Gonen, 24, was last heard from at 10:58am on October 7, as she and her friends tried to escape the Hamas assault on the Supernova music rave in the desert. Gonen had been on the phone with her mother, Meirav Gonen, all morning, since the terrorists first attacked the outdoor event at 6:30am. She was in a car with friends when she told her mother at 10:15am that they had been shot and she was bleeding. When the car was discovered later, it was empty, and Romi's phone was located in Gaza. Romi Gonen, 24, was last heard from at 10:58am on October 7 3. Doron Steinbrecher Set to be released today, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, was in her Kibbutz Kfar Aza apartment on October 7 before she was taken hostage. At 10:3am, Doron told her parents that she was scared and that terrorists had arrived at her building. She then sent a voice message to her friends in which she said: 'They've arrived, they have me.' That was the family's only indication that Doron was abducted and not killed, as her room was not set on fire and her body was not found. A week later, the family received an official message that Doron is considered missing. Doron Steinbrecher, 31, was in her Kibbutz Kfar Aza apartment on October 7 before she was taken hostage The woman is set to be released today as the ceasefire begins 4. Itzhik Elgarat Itzik Elgarat, 69, was in his Kibbutz Nir Oz home on the morning of October 7 when Hamas terrorists attacked. They shot him through his safe room door, injured him, and took him captive. He had gone to lock the safe room door at around 10:30am when the terrorists began shooting through it. Danny, his brother, was on the phone with him at the time and could hear yelling in the background. At 12:10pm, Danny saw that his brother's phone was located in Gaza. Itzik Elgarat, 69, was in his Kibbutz Nir Oz home on the morning of October 7 when Hamas terrorists attacked 5. Karina Ariev Karina Ariev, 20, was taken captive early in the morning of October 7 by Hamas terrorists from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base. Her parents described speaking to her at 7am that morning, as she cried, describing a barrage of rockets and terrorists firing guns. Forty minutes later, her parents had lost all communication with her and they found a Hamas video on Telegram, in which three young women are laying down in a jeep, surrounded by men speaking in Arabic. Their daughter, Karina, was one of the three, her face wounded and bleeding. Some 48 hours later, a representative from the army told them that Karina is a hostage, being held by a terror group. Karina Ariev, 20, was taken captive early in the morning of October 7 by Hamas terrorists from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base She was seen in a Hamas Telegram video bleeding 6. Ohad Ben-Ami Ohad Ben Ami, 56, was taken hostage with his wife, Raz Ben Ami, from their home in Kibbutz Be'eri by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Raz Ben Ami was released on November 29 as part of an extended temporary ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar and the United States between Hamas and Israel. Ohad's last message on WhatsApp said, 'Shma Yisrael,' translating to, 'they're here'. A photo of Ohad then appeared on social media two weeks later, showing him in a T-shirt and underwear, being pulled by his shirt by a terrorist. Two days after Raz Ben Ami was released, she made her way to Tel Aviv's temporary Hostages Square on Friday to call for her husband's release. 7. Ariel Bibas Ariel Bibas, five, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists from their Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7, along with his mother and younger bother. His father was taken hostage separately. Ariel Bibas, five, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists from their Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7 8. Yarden Bibas The father of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and husband of Shiri Bibas was taken hostage by Hamas on the same day as his family during Hamas' initial attack. Yarden told his sister via text at around 6:30am that his little boys didn't know how to keep quiet, and he told her it felt like the end. He told his parents and sister that he loved them and texted at 9:45am that the terrorists had broken into their home. Yarden Bibas, the father of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and husband of Shiri Bibas, was taken hostage by Hamas on the same day as his family during Hamas' initial attack 9. Kfir Bibas Kfir Bibas was snatched by Hamas terrorists from his family home when he was just nine-months old. The child, now two years old, is the youngest of the 253 Israeli hostages taken to Gaza. The baby turned one in captivity on January 18, 2024, a day that was known in Israel as 'the saddest birthday in the world' and faces another birthday as a hostage. Kfir Bibas was snatched by Hamas terrorists from his family home when he was just nine-months old The child, now two years old, is the youngest of the 253 Israeli hostages taken to Gaza. Pictured with brother Ariel 10. Shiri Silberman Bibas Shiri Bibas, mother to Ariel and Kfir, was snatched alongside her little boys on October 7. Shiri's parents, Margaret and Yosi Silverman, who lived on the same kibbutz, were murdered and their bodies found near the Gaza border. The Bibas family's beloved dog, Tony, was also shot dead. Shiri Bibas, mother to Ariel and Kfir, was snatched alongside her little boys on October 7 11. Agam Berger Agam 'Gigi' Berger, 20, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base. She only had time that morning to call her father, Shlomi, and tell him she was under fire. Berger was later identified in a Hamas Telegram video, in which she is seen being led to a car, still dressed in her pajamas. Agam 'Gigi' Berger, 20, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7 Berger was seen in a hostage video released by Hamas 12. Danielle Gilboa Daniella Gilboa, 20, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base. Gilboa was in touch with her family and boyfriend on the morning of the attack. When Hamas videos appeared later that day, showing three of Gilboa's friends being taken hostage to Gaza, Gilboa's family was able to identify her by the shirt she was wearing and which they recognised, and a small, hidden ponytail on her head. The army later confirmed that Gilboa was taken hostage to Gaza. Daniella Gilboa, 20, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base 13. Liri Albag Liri Albag, 19, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on Saturday, October 7 from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base. Albag's mother, Shira, last heard from her daughter at 6:30am. that day, when Albag reported that she was in a field shelter, trying to avoid the rocket barrage. That was the last that Shira heard from her daughter. She thought her daughter had ended up in one of the hospitals, and went to Soroka in Beersheba to try and find her. When she arrived back home, Albag's boyfriend showed her a Telegram video posted by Hamas, in which they were able to identify Albag being kidnapped by Hamas. Liri Albag, 19, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on Saturday, October 7 from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base Liri (pictured centre), is heard in a Hamas video trying to tell the gunmen she can speak English, with the terrorists scream at them to be quiet and sit down 14. Sagui Dekel-Chen Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, was near his Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7, when he first noticed Hamas terrorists entering the kibbutz. He and a few others raised the alarm about what was happening, and residents began entering and locking the sealed rooms of their homes. The siege went on for hours, but Sagui was last heard from at 9:30am, his father said. His mother, Neomit, 63, also lives at Nir Oz and was taken captive along with her neighbours in an electric cart headed toward Gaza, when an IDF helicopter shot at the terrorists and driver. Neomit, injured, made her way back toward the kibbutz to her family and was eventually rescued and evacuated. Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, was near his Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7, when he first noticed Hamas terrorists entering the kibbutz 15. Yair Horn Yair Horn, 46, was abducted from his Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7, as Hamas terrorists swarmed through the kibbutz, killing or kidnapping one in four of the community's residents. Horn's younger brother, Eitan Horn, 38, was visiting from his home in Kfar Saba for the holiday weekend. Their father sent them texts about missiles passing overhead, to which Eitan responded to, but this would be the last communication received by the Horn family. Yair Horn, 46, was abducted from his Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7, as Hamas terrorists swarmed through the kibbutz 16. Omer Wenkert Omer Wenkert, 23, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists at the Supernova desert rave on October 7, as they attacked the party, killing some 360 partygoers and abducting at least 40. Wenkert, who suffers from colitis, was in touch with his parents that morning, telling them he was 'scared to death.' Their last communication with him was at 7:50am. At 11:11am, his family were sent a Hamas video of Omer, tied up on the flatbed of a white pickup truck, in his underwear, confirming that he had been taken hostage in Gaza. Omer Wenkert, 23, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists at the Supernova desert rave on October 7 Wenkert seen in a photograph taken by Hamas after his kidnap 17. Alexandre Troufanov Alexandre Trufanov, 29, was taken hostage along with three members of his family - grandmother Irena Tati, mother Yelena and his girlfriend Sapir Cohen - from Kibbutz Nir Oz after the October 7 Hamas massacres. Since the Russian-Israeli family has no other relatives in Israel, Alexandre's friends gathered 30 people who reviewed dozens of Hamas videos, and were able to identify girlfriend Sapir in one, being brought to Gaza on a moped, between two terrorists, her hands held behind her head. They also eventually learned that Sasha's father Vitaly Trufanov was killed on October 7. Mother Yelena Trufanova, 50, and her mother Irena Tati, 73, were released by Hamas on November 29 at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sapir Cohen, Trufanov's girlfriend, was released on November 30 as part of the week-long truce. Alexandre Trufanov, 29, was taken hostage along with three members of his family 18. Arbel Yehud Arbel Yehud, 29, was taken hostage with her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, from their Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7. Arbel's brother, Dolev Yehud, was killed on October 7 while defending the kibbutz and his remains were identified on June 3, 2024. Arbel Yehud, 29, (pictured right) was taken hostage with her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, (pictured left) from their Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7 19. Ohad Yahalomi Ohad Yahalomi, 50, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, after he engaged in a gun battle with gunmen in his house and was shot in the leg. He had decided to sit outside the sealed room door with a handgun, as the door handle of the room wasn't locking properly. After he was shot, the gunmen hurried his wife Batsheva Yahalomi and their three children out of the house and onto mopeds, along with a foreign worker from the kibbutz. Ohad Yahalomi, 50, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 20. Eliya Cohen Eliya Cohen, 27, was with his girlfriend, Ziv, at the Supernova desert rave when Hamas gunmen attacked. The two tried to escape the falling rockets in their car, and were chased by terrorists with grenades and an RPG, but were both shot. They were hidden by a pile of dead bodies, and his girlfriend later told his mother that she felt Eliya being pulled up, and then placed on a pickup truck and driven away. Eliya Cohen, 27, was with his girlfriend, Ziv, at the Supernova desert rave when Hamas gunmen attacked 21. Or Levy Or Levy, 34, arrived at the Supernova music festival on October 7, alongside his wife, just minutes before the Hamas storming. His wife, Eynav Elkayam Levy, 32, has been confirmed dead. Several days after the festival, the Israeli army informed the family that Eynav's body was found inside a shelter, and that Or had been kidnapped and taken hostage. Or Levy, 34, arrived at the Supernova music festival on October 7, alongside his wife, just minutes before the Hamas storming 22. Naama Levy Naama Levy, 20, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base. She last texted with her mother, Ayelet Levy, at 6:55am. Hours later, a Hamas video appeared on Telegram, showing Levy with her hands tied and her trousers covered in blood and smeared with dirt. In the harrowing clip, her feet were bare, and she was being pulled by her hair from the back of a black pickup truck and then pushed into the back seat by Hamas militants. Naama Levy, 20, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base 23. Oded Lifshitz Oded Lifshitz, 84, was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of Saturday, October 7, when Hamas terrorists invaded the Gaza border communities. Lifshitz was initially taken with his wife, Yocheved, 85. At the time, the family learned that Oded Lifshitz's phone was located somewhere in Gaza. On October 23, Yocheved was freed with another captive, Nurit Cooper. Oded Lifshitz, 84, pictured left, was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of Saturday, October 7. He was kidnapped alongside his wife Yocheved, 85, who was freed on October 23 24. Gadi Moshe Moses Gadi Moshe Moses, 80, was taken captive on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz, as he tried to bargain with Hamas terrorists who attacked the community. Moses was last seen outside his home, as terrorists demanded money and the keys to his car. His granddaughter and two great-granddaughters were all taken captive from the family home, but Moses was taken captive separately, and a photo taken of him by Hamas was found by his son, several days later. Gadi Moshe Moses, 80, was taken captive on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz 25. Shlomo Mansur Shlomo Mansur, 86, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists who broke into his Kibbutz Kissufim home on October 7. Mazal, Mansur's wife of 60 years, was miraculously able to escape. On that morning, at least eight Kissufim residents and six Thai laborers were murdered, and around four people were abducted and taken to Gaza. Shlomo Mansur, 86, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists who broke into his Kibbutz Kissufim home on October 7 26. Keith Siegel Keith Siegel, 65, was taken captive with his wife, Aviva Siegel, 62, from their home on Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7. The couple was driven into Gaza in their own car, along with a neighbour and her two children. Aviva was released on November 26 as part of a temporary ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar and the United States between Hamas and Israel. Her husband, Keith, remained a captive. 27. Tsahi Idan Tsahi Idan, 50, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, after his oldest daughter, Maayan, 18, was shot and killed through the safe room door. After his daughter was shot, Tsahi let the door fall open to the armed fighters who instructed the family to evacuate the room. They later kidnapped the father and told his other younger daughter, Yael, that he would return. Tsahi Idan, 50, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, after his oldest daughter, Maayan, 18, picture centre, was shot and killed through the safe room door 28. Ofer Calderon Ofer Calderon, 54, was taken captive on October 7, with two of his children, when Hamas terrorists stormed Kibbutz Nir Oz. Calderon, along with Erez and Sahar, two of his four children, initially escaped from their shelter through the window during the Hamas onslaught, into the fields of Kibbutz Nir Oz, where they were later taken hostage. Sahar Calderon, 16, and Erez Calderon, 12, were released on November 27 as part of a temporary ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar and the United States between Hamas and Israel. Ofer Calderon remained a hostage in Gaza. Ofer Calderon, 54, was taken captive on October 7, with two of his children, when Hamas terrorists stormed Kibbutz Nir Oz 29. Tal Shoham Tal Shoham, 39, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from Kibbutz Be'eri. Shoham was kidnapped along with his wife, Adi Shoham, his daughter, Yahel, three, and son, Naveh, eight, as well as his mother-in-law Shoshan Haran, his wife's aunt Sharon Avigdori and her daughter Noam, 12. Aside from Shoham, his six extended family members were released on November 25 as part of a temporary ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States between Hamas and Israel. Tal Shoham, 39, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from Kibbutz Be'eri 30. Omer Shem-Tov Omer Shem-Tov, 22, last spoke to his parents around 10am on October 7, as Hamas terrorists shot hundreds and abducted dozens at the Supernova music rave in the desert. At 9:30 am, Omer and a friend sent a live location to his parents, who then noticed he was in a vehicle that was heading in the direction of Gaza. They called him, wanting to make sure he knew where he was going, but Omer didnt answer. Eventually, they saw a Hamas video that had been posted on Telegram, showing Omer and his friend lying on a floor in Gaza. They were able to identify Omer from his tattoos, his mother said. Omer Shem-Tov, 22, last spoke to his parents around 10am on October 7, as Hamas terrorists shot hundreds and abducted dozens at the Supernova music rave in the desert 31. Eli Sharabi Eli Sharabi, 52, from Kibbutz Beeri has been missing since October 7. Sharabis brother, Yossi Sharabi, 53, also a resident of Beeri, was seen being taken by Hamas on a pickup truck, along with Ofir Engel, 18, a Jerusalem resident who was visiting the family for the weekend, and a neighbor Amit Shani, 16. Hamas also broke into his brother Eli Sharabis home and shot the family dog, before taking the family hostage in their safe room and setting fire to the house. Eli Sharabis family was at first considered missing until the bodies of Lianne, Noiya and Yahel were identified more than a week later. There has been no sighting of Eli Sharabi on social media or in photos and videos posted by Hamas. Eli Sharabi, 52, from Kibbutz Beeri has been missing since October 7 32. Hisham Al Sayed 33. Avera Mengistu The European Solidarity party declares political pressure and politically motivated criminal cases that the authorities are pressing against the deputies of the opposition faction in the Verkhovna Rada. We have been repeatedly warned about the authorities order to put maximum pressure on the European Solidarity team. This is an order to extract at least something from Poroshenko and the team members, to use all possible tools of pressure, including through families from new criminal cases to searches. But we did not expect that everything would be so limitless and absurd. On Saturday morning, the State Bureau of Investigation came to our colleague Andriy Lopushansky with a search in a six-year-old case where a member of his family somehow appeared. The case was closed back in 2020 due to the lack of elements of a crime, but for some reason was reopened a month ago. This is about the purchase of light bulbs for the village council by a private structure, to which a member of A. Lopushanskys family had no connection and did not influence either the pricing or other issues of this contract. The search was carried out in gross violation of the law the investigators did not have a warrant signed by the acting Prosecutor General, and they are going to legalize this excess in the Pechersk court after it is carried out. Andriy Lopushansky is known in his district for helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the families of fallen soldiers, and the health of the children of servicemen. But the main thing for the authorities is that he is a member of the EU, and therefore they must follow Portnovs excess. In November of last year, Andriy underwent a complex operation and had a long hospital stay. The investigators actions have already led our colleague to a deterioration in his health, and he is now in the hospital. We must say that other members of the EU faction and members of the deputies families received information about secret investigative actions and the reopening and opening of new criminal cases by the repressive authorities. There is not a single EU deputy who has not felt over the years on himself and our families either information attacks from various telegram channels and studios prepared by the authorities, or the pressure of Zelenskys justice, whose courts are still headed by Portnov, and the State Bureau of Investigation, the prosecutors office and other structures have turned into a repressive branch of Bankova. The authorities have been purposefully conducting a campaign of pressure and discrediting Petro Poroshenko for all these six years and literally every day, which is noticeable to everyone. The EU considers this to be the start of the authorities election campaign in a way that is very typical of dictatorial Russia, where the beginning is the massacre of opponents and their families. The most regrettable thing is that this is happening under the conditions of an aggressive war of the Russian Federation, which we can only resist by maintaining unity within the country. The whole country can see how the government is holding it today. This must be stopped, Volodymyr Alexandrovich because there is only one enemy. You proclaimed this in the Rada recently, repeating the word unity a hundred times. The EU demands that the government stop putting pressure on the opposition. Stop creating politically motivated cases. Pay attention to the war with Putin! An influencer has been slammed for wearing a pair of jeans intentionally designed to appear dirty. In the Reddit forum r/NYCinfluencersnark, users are tearing apart an influencer for wearing distressed jeans resembling 'poop pants' with a matching jacket. The Super Baggy Jeans, donned by influencer Tao (@taontm), retail at Acne studios for $800, while the matching jacket retails for $700. The wide-leg, light-wash jeans were streaked with sandy discoloration throughout, giving the impression that the influencer had a close encounter with dirt just moments before heading out. According to the brand's website, these ultra-wide-leg jeans boast 'fading and smudging throughout'perfect for nailing that unexpected construction-worker-chic aesthetic. Users did not hold back their disdain for the influencer's outfit choice. 'My toddlers pants after playing in dirt at the park,' commented a user. 'I hate this cosplay,' said another. An influencer has been slammed for wearing a pair of jeans intentionally designed to appear dirty The Super Baggy Jeans jeans, donned by influencer Tao (@taontm), retails at Acne studios for $800, while the matching jacket retails for $700 'I'd be so embarrassed,' chimed a third. 'Unpopular opinion in this thread but I love them!' said one user in favor of the jeans. Meanwhile on Tao's post on Instagram, the comments were flooded with praise, most of the remarks consisting of heart-eyed emojis. This isn't the first time a celebrity has flaunted a faux-dirty look in public. Jennifer Lopez has been spotted several times rocking the controversial 'dirty denim' trenda polarizing Y2K fashion revival making its way back into the spotlight. The jeans from the Swedish fashion house caused a stir upon their 2023 release, fueled by a campaign featuring Kylie Jenner caked in mud. Founded by Jonny Johansson in 1996 with a debut collection of just 100 pairs of jeans, denim has remained a central element of Acne Studios' identity throughout its evolution. 'Denim is one of those rebellious but practical materials that is always attractive to me,' Johansson told Vogue Scandinavia. Jennifer Lopez has been spotted several times rocking the controversial 'dirty denim' trenda polarizing Y2K fashion revival making its way back into the spotlight The wide-leg, light-wash jeans were streaked with sandy discoloration throughout, giving the impression that the influencer had a close encounter with dirt just moments before heading out 'It's also a very sustainable material in the sense that you end up wearing it again and again for years. I think of denim as the axle for everything else in your wardrobe all your other clothes revolve around denim. It's an endlessly important material that I love to reinvent every season.' Meanwhile, Kylie Jenner has fully embraced her role as an Acne Studios muse. Recently attending the brand's Spring/Summer 2023 show in Paris and frequently incorporating their pieces into her wardrobe, Jenner has cemented her connection with the label. 'I am a fan of the brand and I've worn their product over the past few years,' Jenner said in a press release. 'This campaign is one of my favourites. I loved working with Carlijn and I love the simplicity of the images, they have strength in their directness.' The collection itself is packed with seasonal denim washes designed to look aged and lived-in. The ultra-oversized, unisex silhouette comes in a range of vintage-inspired finishes, including the distressed 'Penicillin' wash and a sleek, waxy 'oil-coated' look. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Hamas militants have brazenly emerged from hiding to celebrate a new ceasefire with Israel, shamelessly parading through the streets of Gaza while brandishing AK-47s and waving the group's green flags. Startling images show masked fighters in camouflage and balaclavas, some standing on vehicles, others marching defiantly through towns that have been reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting. The ceasefire, which took effect at 11:15am local time, brings a temporary pause to 15 months of bloodshed. But the scenes of Hamas militants celebrating openly have sparked international outrage and renewed fears that the terror group has managed to retain its strength despite Israel's efforts to dismantle it. The sight of Hamas militants openly celebrating the ceasefire has drawn condemnation from many quarters, with critics calling it a mockery of the lives lost and the ongoing suffering of hostages and their families. 'These images are a slap in the face to all who have suffered because of Hamas's brutality,' one observer said. 'It shows they are unrepentant and ready to fight again.' Chilling footage of the scenes also captured militants and crowds in Gaza chanting 'the army of Mohammed is coming for the Jews' during the parade. Members of the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, take part in a parade as they celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel The fighters waved their guns in the air as they made their way down a street in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on Sunday A gun-wielding fighter waves his gun and points his finger to the sky A man celebrates by fixing a Palestinian flag atop the antenna of a destroyed building that was a clinic for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) at the Jabalia camp for Palestinian refugees in the northern Gaza Strip A wider shot shows the destruction surrounding the antenna, with buildings reduced to collapsing shells As Gaza residents take cautious steps back to normality, reports have emerged that Mohammed Sinwar, brother of the notorious Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, is working to rebuild the group's armed infrastructure. Intelligence sources warn that the group remains dangerous and has likely used the chaos of the war to regroup. Meanwhile, attention is focused on the hostages taken by Hamas during its initial attack on October 7, which triggered the conflict. The attack, described as one of the bloodiest in Israel's history, saw Hamas terrorists slaughter 1,200 civilians, including women and children, and take more than 200 hostages. Among the first hostages expected to be released is British citizen Emily Damari, 28. Emily's family remains in agonizing limbo, with no confirmation of whether she is alive or dead even as her release is anticipated. Adam Rose, the family's lawyer, expressed the anguish they have endured. 'Every minute is another layer of torture. Emily's name appeared on the release list this morning, but whether she is alive or dead remains a haunting question,' he told The Sun. Initial reports suggest that freed hostages will be taken to medical facilities at designated points along Gaza's border before being reunited with their families. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, outlines a complex roadmap for de-escalation. In the first phase, Hamas is set to release women and children taken hostage in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have not been convicted or tried. This process began after hours of tense negotiations, which included delays as Hamas failed to deliver its list of hostages on time. Eventually, the exchange was cleared to proceed. Palestinians celebrate the announcement of ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel in Deir Al Balah, Gaza on January 19 Palestinians gather as Hamas militants prepare to hand over hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, to the Red Cross The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, hand over three female Israeli hostages to the Red Cross at al-Saraya as part of the first phase of the ceasefire A man throws a child into the air as displaced Palestinians celebrate at a tent camp following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip A Palestinian man holds a Hamas flag near the Israeli military prison, Ofer, on the day Israel releases Palestinian prisoners as part of a hostages-prisoners swap The parade took place early on Sunday as the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel came into effect A fighter in a face-covering mask sits atop a car while a fellow Hamas member stands behind with a gun pointed upwards A child was photographed celebrating with the fighters on January 19, in Deir al Balah, a Palestinian city in the central Gaza Strip Palestinian Hamas militants took part in the parade following a long-awaited ceasefire with Israel Palestinians celebrate the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, in the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut, Lebano Two boys celebrate the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in the Burj el-Barajneh Refugee Camp in Beirut, Lebanon A Palestinian man with his face covered waves a Hamas flag in the West Bank city of Beitunia Over the next six weeks, dozens of hostages are expected to be returned, with four being released on the seventh day of the ceasefire and further releases continuing weekly. In return, Israel has agreed to allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza, including 600 truckloads of supplies daily, with 50 carrying vital fuel to address the humanitarian crisis. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has emphasised that its military objectives remain unchanged. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that dismantling Hamas and securing the return of all hostages remain top priorities. 'This war could have ended long ago if Hamas had laid down its weapons and released our hostages,' Sa'ar said in a press conference. 'This is a temporary ceasefire, not a conclusion. If Hamas remains in power, regional instability will continue, and we will act to prevent that.' Sa'ar also criticised Hamas's role in perpetuating the crisis, saying the group had 'brought destruction upon Gaza and suffering upon its people' while exploiting their plight for political and military gain. The ceasefire comes as Gaza faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Your browser does not support iframes. Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal and hostage release, mediators announced on Wednesday Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades gather in al-Saraya before the prisoner swap The territory has been devastated by Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas strongholds, with Hamas claiming more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict. Under the ceasefire deal, displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to northern Gaza as Israeli forces withdraw from key population centers. However, aid organisations warn that the situation remains dire, with food, water, and medical supplies critically low. The ceasefire agreement includes three key phases, beginning with the current cessation of hostilities and the initial release of hostages. The second phase will see the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers, in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners. The final phase, set to begin after hostilities fully cease, will focus on reconciliation and rebuilding. This includes efforts to locate and return the bodies of hostages who did not survive captivity, as well as a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza, overseen by international authorities. As the ceasefire holds, the focus will turn to whether this fragile truce can pave the way for lasting peaceor if it is merely a lull before the next chapter of violence. Britain's 'pothole crisis' has contributed to a seven-year high in the number of commuters killed or seriously harmed in accidents. The dangerous holes can injure or even kill cyclists and motorists, and are popping up quicker than they can be filled. On average, 15 people every month are killed or left with life-changing injuries in a crash started by the poor state of the roads, current figures show. The figures, from the Department for Transport and reported first by The Telegraph, reveal that in the past seven years 61 people have lost their lives while a further 1,199 were seriously injured in crashes triggered by bad road surfaces. The price of repairing vehicles damaged by potholes reached a record 579million last year, recent studies stated. Those who use the roads who were most at risk during that period were cyclists, with 17 deaths, and motorcyclists, with 19 deaths. The number of casualties has risen from the most recent stats in 2023, when the figures were at their highest since 2016. A recent interactive graphic revealed the shocking extent of the problem - with some scientists believing that climate change is to blame. A huge pot hole was marked with a large warning message in yellow paint, saying 'Hole Very Big' on May 30, 2023 in Murrow, Cambridgeshire Your browser does not support iframes. An aerial shot revealed the shocking state of Westgate Road, Beckenham, South East London, where massive water-filled potholes are more akin to small pools This month, climate organisation Round our Way revealed 952,064 potholes were reported in Britain between January and November last year. An interactive map revealed the local authorities with the most pothole reports during that period. Edinburgh is the local authority with the most for the year (32 potholes per mile), followed by Kirklees in Yorkshire (26.1) and Newcastle upon Tyne (26). Also in the top 10 is Hillingdon in London (24), Cheshire East (19.8), Darlington (16.9), Bolton (16) and South Gloucestershire (16). When it comes to damaged vehicles, common problems caused by potholes include broken shock absorbers, faulty suspension springs and distorted wheels. The AA said the total cost of fixing vehicles it attended in the UK which had broken down was the highest on record, and up from 474million in 2023. Britain's 'pothole crisis' has contributed to a seven-year high in the number of commuters killed or seriously harmed in accidents (Stock photo) Locals in a Welsh valley became so fed up of potholes in their area that they put up posters, banners and bunting welcoming drivers to 'Pothole land' 'Pothole Land' is a campaign set out by residents to highlight the awful road conditions which are damaging their vehicles and isolating the elderly in the area Locals in a Welsh valley became so fed up of potholes in their area recently that they put up posters, banners and bunting welcoming drivers to 'Pothole land'. The campaigning residents of villages and hamlets in the Ceiriog Valley, near Wrexham, said some potholes on their streets are so large they have nicknamed them 'elephant traps' - and boasted they are among the 'deepest, longest and widest in Wales'. Drivers in the valley have also been left with huge repair bills and even 999 vehicles have been affected. Wrexham councillor Trevor Bates, who drives a 4x4, said: 'Two broken springs in a few months cost me 600. This is no joke. 'Yet Wrexham Council has had to bow to the legal power of the off-road brigade and repair mountain tracks at a cost of thousands - and Welsh Government can find money for a new National Park. 'With the dire shortage of funding for rural roads I don't see how any significant improvement will happen in the near future.' A Department for Transport spokesperson said: 'For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague, which is why we're investing a further 500 million next year, going beyond our original commitment to help fix up to a million more potholes annually. 'We want to achieve this in the most cost-efficient way for the taxpayer by providing local authorities with multi-year funding settlements, enabling them to better maintain their road networks and avoid potholes being formed in the first place.' Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi daughter Alexandra has some choice words for First Lady Jill Biden as the family stews over her mother's role in ousting President Joe Biden from his reelection campaign. Pelosi's daughter described the First Lady as 'Lady McBiden,' comparing her to Lady MacBeth, the evil wife controlling her husband's kingdom from behind the scenes in the legendary Shakespeare play. 'If I was Lady McBiden, I'd put on my big girl pants, play the long game and think about my husband's legacy,' Alexandra Pelosi told Politico. Pelosi's daughter reacted to the First Lady's lament that the Bidens and Pelosi had been friends for 50 years, but was politically stabbed in the back after the president's terrible debate performance in June. 'We were friends for 50 years,' said the first lady when asked about Pelosi by the Washington Post. 'It was disappointing.' Pelosi was a vocal proponent of Biden stepping out of the race, even going on MSNBC's Morning Joe and raising doubts about whether he could continue even after he reasserted that he would stay in the race. Pelosi's daughter indicated that the Bidens should be grateful that her mother was still praising the president for his legacy. 'There aren't that many people left in America who have something nice to say about Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi is one of them,' she said. U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden walk on the South Lawn after they returned to the White House US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and her daughter Alexandra Pelosi Alexandra Pelosi films documentaries including a special documentary on her mother in 2022 as she stepped down from Democratic leadership. Exasperated Democrats are still stung by Biden's failure to exit the race sooner, and are particularly frustrated by his repeated assertion that he still could have beaten Trump if he had stayed in the race. Jill Biden was fiercely protective of her husband, publicly praising him for doing a 'great job' in the debate because he 'answered every question.' Pelosi privately met with Biden at the White House on July 10 to express her concerns about his future, Politico reported, even after Biden insisted he would remain in the race. Biden was insistent that he could still win, but he had lost Pelosi's confidence, which he needed if he was going to keep running for reelection Nancy Abraham, Alexandra Pelosi, Geof Bartz and Lisa Heller U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) uses a walker as she arrives for a joint session of Congress t Publicly Pelosi praised Biden as a president with an historic legacy, arguing he should be put on Mount Rushmore after he made the decision to bow out of the race. 'He was in a good place to make whatever decision the top of his game,' Pelosi said. 'Such a consequential president of the United States, a Mount Rushmore kind of president of the United States.' The Bidens, however, will never forget how Pelosi moved behind the scenes to force him out. When Pelosi broke her hip during a trip to Europe in December, the Pelosi family pointedly noted that the Bidens did not contact her to offer their support and concerns, Politico reported. '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. The best friend of newly freed British hostage Emily Damari has revealed his joy that they will soon be reunited following '15 months of hell'. Ms Damari, 28, was kidnapped during the October 7 attacks and has been a hostage for 470 days. She was devastatingly shot in the hand and suffered shrapnel wounds to the leg when snatched from the Kfar Aza kibbutz village in October 7, 2023. This afternoon, she was one of three women to be freed as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel, with an international Red Cross convoy collecting the trio from Hamas. The truce had been delayed this morning when the terrorist group failed to hand over the list of names 24 hours ahead of time as stated as part of the agreement. A heartwarming video shows Ms Damari's friends celebrating her release today by jumping up and down and singing to music. Ms Damari's best friend Guy Yakobi, 29, told of his relief and excitement following an agonising wait to see if she would really be let go. 'We are really excited. All the rumours from Telegram said she was not on the list today,' he said. 'We have been through hell these last hours and days. We have had no sleep. I was really nervous. I have been awake all last night because of the delay from Hamas in giving the names.' Emily Damari's best friend Guy Yakobi (pictured together) told of his relief and excitement following an agonising wait to see if she would be released by Hamas today Ms Damari, 28, was kidnapped during the October 7 attacks and was a hostage for 470 days before her release this afternoon Mr Yakobi added: 'This morning I was walking my dog in the park and I saw the names and was just screaming my throat out. 'I was crying and shouting: 'Yes! Thanks God!' Everyone was staring at me and I was just shouting at them: 'My best friend is coming back from Gaza!'' After hearing the news, Mr Yakobi said he has still had to process what is happening following '15 months of hell'. 'Then we started to organise everything, all of our friends together are watching the news together,' he said. 'We still need to process that she is coming back home, after these 15 months of hell. 'We will cry together here. We have invited all Emily's best friends in the kibbutz, we are going to watch the news together.' Revealing how he met Ms Damari, he said: 'I moved to Kfar Aza in the 6th grade. My parents were the nearest house to her, that's how our friendship began. 'Emily is the best friend ever. If you want a friend who will do everything for you, if you need a friend who will be there just for you - this is Emily. 'Emily will go out of her way just to make her friends happy and she is really the best human I know. Ms Damari was shot in the hand and suffered shrapnel wounds to the leg when snatched from the Kfar Aza kibbutz village in October 7, 2023 Doron Steinbrecher, 30, (pictured) was also released today after Hamas initially failed to hand over a list of hostages Romi Gonen, 23, (pictured) was one of the three women released today by Hamas as part of the ceasefire deal 'She does everything to make all the people around her feel comfortable even if she knew them just for a few days. 'In Kfar Aza there's a custom that if you bring a new girlfriend or boyfriend you bring them first to Emily's house because she's the best to break the ice.' Ms Damari, a Spurs fan, was born in Kfar Aza and lived on the kibbutz her whole life, but visits England regularly. Her mother, Mandy, grew up in Beckenham before moving to Israel in her 20s where she met Ms Damari's father and they had three children together in Kfar Aza. 'I have thought about this moment too many times,' he said. 'I will just hug cry I think. I hope that I have tears left from the last year, but it's all going to come out when I see her. 'We are going to wait and be patient. We are going to wait until we see her across and then we celebrate. 'We are not going to leave her side. We are going to be her shadow. Wherever she goes we will follow.' The friend said he is watching from Kibbutz Gat. 'For the kibbutz it's amazing. They have been around the world together. They are really fabulous women and really strong this last year,' he said. 'It is a blessing that their daughters are coming out together. It is agonising when one comes out but another does not, so this is really special for them. 'I have been amazed to see how powerful and what good friends they are. It's really incredible to see them together, being there for each other this last year. It would have been so painful if they came back separately. When you see those names together it's such a big relief. 'But there are still the more from our kibbutz who must come home. We are waiting for them, it is not over.' Donald Trump has revealed why he hasn't visited Los Angeles, as one of the worst wildfire events in US history continues to tear through parts of the California city. The incoming president has said he will 'probably' visit LA, adding that he hadn't already because he 'thought it would be better if I went as president'. Several ongoing fires which broke out January 7 have killed at least 27 people while destroying more than 14,600 structures across densely-populated areas including Altadena in northern LA, and the ritzy Pacific Palisades enclave close to Malibu. Residents have hit out at the city's mayor Karen Bass for being away in Ghana when the fires broke out, despite ample warnings from meteorologists that the upcoming weather forecast amounted to a recipe for disaster. President Joe Biden, 82, visited LA on January 8 as the fires ramped up. Local law enforcement and firefighters briefed him on the carnage and plans to contain the infernos as hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated. Trump, 78, is yet to visit the scene, but he spoke with NBC News' Meet the Press over the phone about his plans to survey the carnage in the coming days. When asked whether he would be visiting Los Angeles, Trump said: 'I will be, probably, at the end of the week. 'I was going to go, actually yesterday,' he added. 'But I thought it would be better if I went as president. It's a little bit more appropriate, I suspect.' Donald Trump has revealed why he hasn't visited Los Angeles after one of the worst wildfire events in US history tore through the California city The incoming president has said he will 'probably' visit LA, adding that he hadn't already because he 'thought it would be better if I went as president'. (Pictured: A fire fighting helicopter drops water on the Pacific Palisades as the infernos engulfed the area) The carnage is far from over - LA residents are bracing for even more fire chaos this week as weather forecasters have warned the gusting Santa Ana winds of up to 100 miles per hour are set to return. We anticipate another major event as the Santa Ana winds pick up this weekend bringing with them critical fire hazard danger,' a California Met Office spokesman said. Some areas could see winds gusts of 80mph and higher, possibly up to 100mph. We are in extreme fire danger. The winds are expected to start tonight (Sunday) and peak on Wednesday. There is no chance of desperately needed rainfall in the area which has seen hundreds of people lose their homes, including celebrities like Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson and Billy Crystal. In all, the wildfires have consumed more than 40,500 acres across the most affluent neighborhoods of LA, with A-list celebrity homes and restaurant hotspots among the 14,602 structures wiped out. Local fire departments have warned that harsher winds and more fire would prevent those under mandatory evacuation orders from returning home to assess the damage. The Palisades Fire, which has so far razed more than 23,700 acres, is continuing to burn with only 52 percent of the inferno contained by midday on Sunday, according to the California Fire department. In Altadena, the Eaton Fire has burned through more than 14,000 acres and was 81 percent contained as of midday on Sunday. Two people have also been arrested for allegedly lighting fires in the county, including Ruben Montes, 29, who was detained for arson on Sunday in Irwindale, roughly 16 miles away from Altadena, where the deadly Eaton Fire continues to rage. Mexican national Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, was also taken into custody after allegedly being caught on video walking with a yellow blowtorch before he was confronted by residents in Calabasas, west of Beverly Hills. They spread so rapidly that staff at a senior living center had to push dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds down the street to a parking lot in apocalyptic scenes Pictured: Fire engulfs a home as the Eaton Fire moves through Altadena, CA on Wednesday Faults along the Los Angeles power grid alarmingly soared in the same areas where major wildfires raged, sparking theories that the faults could also have catalyzed the crisis. Bob Marshall, the chief executive of Whisker Labs, a company that monitors electrical activity, told Fox News that the firm saw spikes in faults in the hours before the Eaton, Palisades and Hurst Fires. Marshall said data shows the power was not immediately shut off after the faults surged, and may have been caused by 'tree limbs touching wires or wires blowing in the wind and touching.' 'That creates a spark in a fault, and we detect all of those things,' Marshall said. Faulty electrical equipment, a sudden surge in electrical demand or earthquake tremors are also possible causes of the surges. In the worst-hit Pacific Palisades area, there were 63 faults in the two-to-three hours before it ignited, with 18 coming in the hour before it started Tuesday. The Eaton Fire, near Altadena, saw 317 grid faults in the hours before ignition, Marshall said, and the Hurst Fire saw around 230 faults. On a typical day, he said the company registers very few. Although investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fires, the grid faults raise the possibility that sparks from the faults ignited dried out vegetation, with high winds then carrying embers across the region. This is the chilling moment a British-Israeli and two other women are surrounded by Hamas terrorists as they climbed into a Red Cross van during a handover. Chaotic footage captured the scenes of the first Israeli hostage release since the long-awaited ceasefire came into effect today. In dramatic clips shared to social media, Hamas forces donning camo gear and brandishing rifles can be seen gathering outside a Red Cross rescue vehicle while three hostages were being freed after 417 days in captivity. In one video, dozens of heavily armed Hamas fighters are heard shouting at Gazan crowds and shoving them away as the white van attempts to cut through. Another clip of the exchange unfolding shows Hamas members clamouring around the car and shouting into the open doors where the hostages are. They could be seen struggling to control the crowds as they attempted to push them away from the path of the Red Cross convoy, which was carrying three female hostages. On Sunday, Hamas confirmed the names of the first three hostages to be set free, including British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Romi Gonen, 24. All three were abducted during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and are now being returned home to their families. Chaotic footage captured the scenes of the first Israeli hostage release since the long-awaited ceasefire came into effect today Al-Qassam Brigade hands over British-Israeli Emily Damari to the Red Cross Members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) speak with fighters of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, in Saraya Square in western Gaza City on January 19, 2025 The Israeli military said the Red Cross had confirmed the handover of three hostages on January 19, the first to be released as part of a ceasefire deal with Hamas In one video, dozens of heavily armed Hamas fighters are heard shouting at Gazan crowds and shoving them away as the white van attempts to cut through The trio are being accompanied by IDF special forces as they return to Israeli territory. There are 30 other names on the list, including women, men, and children, and they are all due to to be released in the first stage of the ceasefire deal. It comes as Hamas militants brazenly emerged from hiding to celebrate a new ceasefire with Israel, shamelessly parading through the streets of Gaza while brandishing AK-47s and waving the group's green flags on Sunday. Just hours before handing over the hostages, startling images showed masked fighters in camouflage and balaclavas, with some standing on vehicles, and others marching defiantly through towns that have been reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting. The ceasefire, which took effect at 11:15am local time, brings a temporary pause to 15 months of bloodshed. But the scenes of Hamas militants celebrating openly have sparked international outrage and renewed fears that the terror group has managed to retain its strength despite Israel's efforts to dismantle it. The sight of Hamas militants openly celebrating the ceasefire has drawn condemnation from many quarters, with critics calling it a mockery of the lives lost and the ongoing suffering of hostages and their families. Militants could be seen standing on top of the vehicle waving their guns One of the Israeli hostages exiting a vehicle to be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) during the hostage-prisoner exchange operation Al-Qassam Brigades hands over three Israeli hostages to Red Cross at al-Saraya as part of the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City The Hostage and Missing Families Forum campaign group had identified the three women set to be released as Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher, seized during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the war 'These images are a slap in the face to all who have suffered because of Hamas's brutality,' one observer said. 'It shows they are unrepentant and ready to fight again.' The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, outlines a complex roadmap for de-escalation. Over the next six weeks, dozens of hostages are expected to be returned, with four being released on the seventh day of the ceasefire and further releases continuing weekly. In return, Israel has agreed to allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza, including 600 truckloads of supplies daily, with 50 carrying vital fuel to address the humanitarian crisis. In the first phase, Hamas is set to release women and children taken hostage in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have not been convicted or tried. The second phase will see the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers, in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners. The final phase, set to begin after hostilities fully cease, will focus on reconciliation and rebuilding. This includes efforts to locate and return the bodies of hostages who did not survive captivity, as well as a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza, overseen by international authorities. President Donald Trump is set to take sweeping executive actions after assuming office on Monday. Trump has been vocal about his desire to get to work on Day One of his administration. He will be sworn in on a bitterly cold day filled with fanfare and star studded performances. Trump confirmed his immediate priorities are border security and rebuilding American energy production via 100 executive orders in a meeting with Republicans in the Senate last week. The president-elect plans to announce at least 25 of those orders on day one of his second term in the White House. He is likely to sign orders halting a nationwide TikTok ban and give pardons to January 6 rioters. 'We want to come in and show just how serious we are. Trump is back, it's go time. Like a shock to the system,' one Trump adviser told CNN. 'It's going to be the equivalent of sending George Patton into Europe to win World War II,' a second Trump adviser told the news outlet, describing the 'rapid-fire, very intense' executive actions that have been prepared. Here are some of President Trump's top executive action priorities: President Donald Trump is set to take sweeping executive actions after assuming office on Monday He will be sworn in on a bitterly cold day filled with fanfare and star studded performances Immigration Trump said he will declare a national emergency in order to spring everything into action on the migrant crisis. Announcing a deportation of any illegal migrant with a criminal record is first on his list. 'You'll see removal planes, reports of arrests occurring, ICE action in sanctuary jurisdictions,' one source told CNN. 'As you get into 30 days and first 100 days, that's where you'll see a consistent drumbeat.' Axios reported that Trump is said to aggressively use laws on the books to give more assistance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and will continue to build his border wall. Trump also said he needed the help of Congress to approve of funds for detention centers to get at least 100,000 beds for those affected. He also looks set to bring back the travel bans for what he calls 'terror-plagued countries,' the New York Post reported. Other border policies Trump plans to enact early on include reinstating the 'Remain in Mexico' rule, ending migrant flights from the border, terminating catch-and-release and no longer letting migrants enter America via the CBP One app. Trump confirmed his immediate priorities are border security and rebuilding American energy production via 100 executive orders in a meeting with Republicans in the Senate (pictured) Trump said he will declare a national emergency in order to spring everything into action on the migrant crisis He will also attempt to end so-called 'birthright citizenship' which would make it so that children born on American soil to illegal migrants are not automatically granted citizenship. TikTok Trump announced on Sunday he plans to issue an executive order on Inauguration Day that extends the TikTok halt deadline. 'I'm asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law's prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security,' he said on TruthSocial. 'The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. 'I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions.' 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. 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. Energy Another big priority from Trump will be reversing many of the Biden administration's clean energy policies, including a return to offshore gas and oil drilling, as well as at Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Reserve as part of Trump's infamous calls to 'drill, baby, drill' on the campaign trail. Trump is reportedly working on an executive order to halt offshore wind activities on the East Coast and considering to reauthorize a permit for the Keystone Pipeline. He will also end Biden's electric vehicle mandate, which could potentially hurt DOGE co-chair and 'First Buddy' Elon Musk. Trump will also get rid of Biden's ban on exporting natural gases. Cryptocurrency Trump is planning to use his executive powers to reduce the regulatory burden faced by cryptocurrency companies and promote digital asset adoption in his first few days in office, sources told Reuters. He is likely to sign orders halting a nationwide TikTok ban and give pardons to January 6 rioters Trump, who courted crypto cash on the campaign trail with promises to be a 'crypto president,' is expected to sign an executive order creating a crypto advisory council, an idea he first floated in July. Bloomberg News first reported on Thursday that Trump was planning to issue an executive order creating a crypto council, which would help advise the government on crypto-friendly policy. It could have as many as 20 members. '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. Speedy, a beloved bison who captivated hearts across North America, was found dead at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Montana on Thursday. This 24-year-old bison, known for her gentle nature and unique story, had resided at the sanctuary since 2005. Born a rejected twin, Speedy was hand-raised by a Montana family, saving her life. This unique beginning turned her into a local celebrity and, eventually, a beloved national figure. B.R. Walker, the sanctuary's executive director, shared with Cowboy State Daily that the loss has deeply affected all who cared for Speedy 'She lived as normal a life as she could, and she did so beautifully for over 20 years,' she said. 'She met thousands of people in her time, and they met her. She lived beautifully and passed peacefully, but there's a great sense of loss here.' Sharing a spacious enclosure with Luna, another bison from Nebraska, Speedy spent the remainder of her life at YWS. While she, like many of the sanctuary's residents, could not be returned to the wild, Speedy undeniably reigned as the most popular animal. Speedy, a beloved bison residing at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary who captivated hearts across North America, has passed away Born a rejected twin, Speedy was hand-raised by a Montana family, saving her life 'She had a really even temperament,' she said. 'Kids could look right at her and get close to her without any danger. Everyone could safely view her in the enclosure, allowing a close-up experience with a bison. She was a good communicator and a great ambassador for her species.' Walker noted that Luna, the other bison, was mourning Speedy just as much as the staff. 'Luna got very agitated as we had to take speedy away,' Walker told local NBC affiliate KULR 8. 'She was then released into the yard where speedy had been, and she went to the very spot Speedy left. And you just don't think about the heart in the animals. And we get to see it up close. So very touching. We can't forget Luna.' Though unable to be released into the wild, Walker said Speedy served as an invaluable ambassador for her species, educating thousands of visitors about bison and their conservation challenges. As discussions intensify about how to manage the bison population in Yellowstone National Park with some advocating for more bison in the park and others for fewer across Montana Speedy helped many form a personal connection to these complex issues. Her unusual start as a pet, followed by her long life at the sanctuary, demonstrated the value of providing lifelong care for wildlife. 'Speedy's story is important,' Walker told Cowboy State Daily. 'We can talk about how bison mothers will sometimes abandon a twin, how people want to take wildlife as pets, and it doesn't work out well. Finally, we have the story of the sanctuary as a place where she could have lifelong care and live as normal a life as a bison should.' Speedy's unique beginning turned her into a local celebrity and, eventually, a beloved national figure Speedy's ashes will find their final resting place within the enclosure she called home, while her horns will be preserved for use in the sanctuary's educational programs. 'There are so many issues related to bison conservation, and it's difficult for us to take a stand on it,' Walker said. 'We want people to understand the species but also see their value so that they can make good decisions about where we go in the future with wildlife conservation.' Walker confirmed that Speedy would be cremated after her sudden passing, explaining that those who worked at the sanctuary felt it was the most respectful choice. Her ashes will find their final resting place within the enclosure she called home, while her horns will be preserved for use in the sanctuary's educational programs. Luna, whom she shared the enclosure with, will now take on the role of YWS's bison ambassador. 'Luna is only 6 or 7 years old, and she's sure to have a long life with the care we give,' Walker said. 'She'll be getting much more attention from the public than she did in Speedy's shadow.' During the celebration of her 24th birthday, a sculpture of Speedy, created by Red Lodge artist Lee Kern, was revealed to the public. 'She was a courageous young bison to have survived and lived as long as she did,' Walker said. 'Saying goodbye is especially hard when an animal has been part of the community for so long. With the statue in front of the sanctuary and her ashes scattered in her enclosure, we feel that she'll always be home.' To honor Speedy's memory, the sanctuary is accepting donations to cover her final expenses and support ongoing wildlife celebrations. As the first wave of Israeli hostages are released after 471 days in captivity, the IDF will at the same times begin releasing scores of Palestinian inmates from its prisons - some of whom have committed the most heinous crimes. Convicted murderers serving multiple life sentences are among those who could be freed as part of a landmark ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Masked gun-toting Hamas militants handed over the first three hostages to the Red Cross under a ceasefire deal that halted fighting in Gaza on Sunday after a delayed start. Hamas had provided the names of the first three Israeli hostages to be released as Brit Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. In the Israeli occupied West Bank, buses were awaiting the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention. Hamas said the first group to be freed in exchange for the hostages includes 69 women and 21 teenage boys. The first phase of the truce in the 15-month-old war between Israel and Hamas took effect following a three-hour delay during which Israeli forces pounded the Gaza Strip, killing 13 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. The truce calls for fighting to stop, aid to be sent in to Gaza and 33 of the 98 Israeli and foreign hostages still held there to go free over the six-week first phase in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. While a number of those due for release have been held on remand without charge, some are also serving multiple life sentences for murders or terror attacks. Zakaria Zubeidi (centre), who was put behind bars in 2019 for his role in the shootings near Beit El in the West Bank, is among those set to be freed Also due for release is Mahmud Abu Warda, who is serving 48 life sentences for plotting multiple terror attacks including in Jerusalem 1996 when 45 Israelis were killed in two bus bombings Masked gun-toting Hamas fighters hand over the first Israeli hostages during chaotic scenes (L-R) Israeli hostages Romi Gonen (23), Emily Tehila Damari (28) and Doron Steinbrecher (31) were released today Palestinians celebrate after the announcement of ceasefire and hostage-prisoner swap deal Zakaria Zubeidi, who was put behind bars in 2019 for his role in the shootings near Beit El in the West Bank, is among those set to be freed. He is believed to have played a role in a number of terror attacks, including the Beit She'an bombing that killed six people in 2002. The 49-year-old also broke out of Gilboa Prison in 2021 with five Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists but was hauled back behind bars days later. Also due for release is Mahmud Abu Warda, who is serving 48 life sentences for plotting multiple terror attacks including in Jerusalem 1996 when 45 Israelis were killed in two bus bombings. Wissam Abbasi, Mohammad Odeh, and Wael Qassim, three members of the so-called Silwan Squadron, who were jailed in 2002 over a series of bombings that killed more than 30 Israelis in Jerusalem are also up for release. Elsewhere, Israeli media is reporting that Khalida Jarrar, leader of the left-wing Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) will be freed. He has spent much of the last decade behind bars, despite having not been convicted. Marwan Barghouti, a former commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, who was jailed during the 2002 Operation Defensive Shield in the West Bank, will not be released. Israeli media is reporting that Khalida Jarrar (pictured) leader of the left-wing Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) will be freed Marwan Barghouti (centre) will not be freed but Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine leader Ahmed Saadat (left) could be Palestinian Hamas militants and people gather around a Red Cross vehicle before the release of hostages The first hostages were handed over on Sunday afternoon after a delayed ceasefire deal But they have agreed to free his aide, Ahmed Barghouti, who was sentenced to 13 life sentences for his role in terror attacks in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem that claimed the lives of six people including a police officer. Another high-profile prisoner is Ahmed Saadat, the head of PFLP who was accused by Israel of ordering the assassination of Israeli tourism minister Rehavam Ze'evi in 2001. The Justice Ministry initially decided there was not enough evidence to charge him for the killing. Palestinians poured into the streets to celebrate and return to the rubble of their bombed-out homes on Sunday as the ceasefire came into place. Meanwhile live television pictures showed three female hostages exiting a vehicle surrounded by armed Hamas men. The hostages got into vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross as the crowd of fighters chanted the name of the armed wing of Hamas. When the shooting stopped, Palestinians burst into the streets, some in celebration, others to visit the graves of relatives. Israeli security forces detain a far-right Israeli protester outside Ofer military prison Palestinians celebrate the announcement of ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel in Deir Al Balah, Gaza Palestinian Hamas militants gather during a handover of hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attack 'I feel like at last I found some water to drink after getting lost in the desert for 15 months. I feel alive again,' Aya, a displaced woman from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip for over a year, told Reuters via a chat app. In the north of the territory, where some of the most intense Israeli airstrikes and battles with the militants took place, people picked their way on narrow roads through a devastated landscape of rubble and twisted metal. Armed Hamas fighters drove through the southern city of Khan Younis with crowds cheering and chanting. Hamas policemen, dressed in blue police uniform, deployed in some areas after months of trying to keep out of sight to avoid Israeli strikes. People who had gathered to cheer the fighters chanted 'Greetings to Al-Qassam Brigades' - the armed wing of Hamas. 'All the resistance factions are staying in spite of Netanyahu,' one fighter told Reuters. 'This is a ceasefire, a full and comprehensive one God willing, and there will be no return to war in spite of him.' The ceasefire agreement follows months of on-off negotiations brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, and comes into effect on the eve of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who had said there would be 'hell to pay' unless hostages were freed before he took office. A man throws a child into the air as displaced Palestinians celebrate at a tent camp following a ceasefire Displaced Palestinian children wave the national flag celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire Once the first three hostages are returned on Sunday, Israel is expected to release the first Palestinian detainees under the deal. According to Hamas, the 90 Palestinians to go free on Sunday include 69 women and 21 teenage boys. There is no detailed plan in place to govern Gaza after the war, much less rebuild it. Any return of Hamas to control in Gaza will test the commitment to the truce of Israel, which has said it will resume the war unless the militant group which has run the enclave since 2007 is fully dismantled. Hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir quit the cabinet on Sunday over the ceasefire, though his party said it would not try to bring down Netanyahu's government. The other most prominent hardliner, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, remained in the government for now but said he would quit if the war ends without Hamas completely destroyed. Trump's national security adviser-designate, Mike Waltz, said that if Hamas reneges on the agreement, the United States will support Israel 'in doing what it has to do.' 'Hamas will never govern Gaza. That is completely unacceptable.' The streets in shattered Gaza City in the north of the territory were already busy with groups of people waving the Palestinian flag and filming the scenes on their mobile phones. Several carts loaded with household possessions travelled down a thoroughfare scattered with rubble and debris. Gaza City resident Ahmed Abu Ayham, 40, sheltering with his family in Khan Younis, said the scene of destruction in his home city was 'dreadful', adding that while the ceasefire may have spared lives it was no time for celebrations. 'We are in pain, deep pain and it is time that we hug one another and cry.' Long lines of trucks carrying fuel and aid supplies queued up at border crossings in the hours before the ceasefire was due to take effect. The World Food Programme said they began to cross on Sunday morning. The deal requires 600 truckloads of aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the initial six-week ceasefire, including 50 carrying fuel. Half of the 600 aid trucks would be delivered to Gaza's north, where experts have warned famine is imminent. The war between Israel and Hamas began after the militants stormed Israeli towns and villages on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. More than 47,000 Palestinians have since been killed in Israeli attacks that reduced the Gaza strip to a wasteland, according to medical officials in the enclave. Nearly the entire 2.3 million population of the enclave is homeless. Around 400 Israeli soldiers have also died. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has issued a statement on the 35th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, Trend reports. Anniversary of the bloody massacre committed 35 years ago on the night of 19-20 January by the former USSR against civilians in order to suppress the national liberation movement of the Azerbaijani people, is annually commemorated in our country as 20 January - National Mourning Day. On 20 January National Mourning Day, which is both a moment of profound sadness and pride in our contemporary history, we honor with the deepest gratitude all our Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. Discrimination policy of the former Soviet authorities against our country and people at a time when fabricated provocations such as the Sumgayit events were orchestrated and implemented in order to justify the continuation of unfounded territorial claims of Armenia against Azerbaijan in 1980s, as well as the mass deportation of the Azerbaijanis from the territories of present-day Armenia, led to the rise of the national liberation movement of the Azerbaijani people. In an attempt to put down the national movement which advocated for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, on the night of 19-20 January 1990, units and special forces of the Soviet Army, as well as contingents of internal troops brutally massacred civilians in Baku, Sumgayit, Lankaran and Neftchala. As a result of the 20 January military aggression which was one of the most heinous crimes against humanity of the last century committed against innocent people, including children, women and the elderly in violation of all norms of international law, 150 civilians were killed, 744 were seriously wounded, 4 went missing. Notwithstanding the complexity of the particular period and the precautions taken by the former Soviet authorities to prevent the spread of the 20 January realities, immediately after the tragedy, bringing the brutal massacre to the attention of the international community is associated with the name of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Following the restoration of our independence and the return of the National Leader to power in our country, a number of crimes committed against our people, including the 20 January tragedy, were given a political and legal assessment, and in March 1994 a decision On the tragic events committed in Baku on 20 January 1990 was adopted by the Milli Majlis (Parliament). Notwithstanding the fact that the 20 January tragedy was orchestrated and implemented in order to crush the resistance of the Azerbaijani people, this brutal massacre marked a turning point in the history of the independence, solidarity and national liberation movement of our people, as well as the beginning of the inevitable collapse of the USSR, which had long been delayed. Unity and determination of our people, which overcame the most challenging days and the most complex struggles of history, became the basis of the brilliant victory of the Glorious Azerbaijan Army led by the Victorious Commander-in chief during the 44-day Patriotic War, which resulted in ensuring our territorial integrity, as well as an end to the occupation and conflict as a result of counter-terror measures, which led to the complete restoration of our sovereignty on 19-20 September, 2023. On the 35th anniversary of the 20 January tragedy, which profoundly shaped the history of our independence, we solemnly commemorate our Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our country and territorial integrity, and wish good health to our citizens who experienced health loses along that way! Long Live Azerbaijan!, the statement reads. Electronic forcefields could be used to block drones carrying drugs into prisons across the UK. The technology, which is being used in a prison in Guernsey, is being evaluated by Home Office experts. In the past seven years the technology has stopped drones smuggling drugs, phones and contraband into the prison. It works by detecting drones within a 50 metre radius of the outer walls and activates a 'sky fence' which blocks signals between the drone and the operator. This comes after Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said police and jail chiefs have ceded the airspace above two high-security prisons to organised crime gangs amid huge numbers of illicit drone flights. He said drones delivering drugs and weapons into jails posed a threat to national security. He also found that drones were even delivering mobile phones and takeaway meals to prisoners. A Home Office team held a meeting with John De Carteret, governor at Guernsey's Les Nicolles prison, last week for a briefing on the system, The Telegraph reported. Illustrative picture from security company Drone Defence who have developed a drone proof fence for prisons like Guernsey's Les Nicolles prison A drone in flight (stock image). A forcefield in Guernsey is currently being used to block drones Drones are dropping drugs and weapons to dangerous prisoners being held in high-security jails Mr De Carteret said he had been contacted by both the Home Office and the Scottish prison service. He said the system, created by Drone Defence, and its 100 per cent reliability had become a deterrent for attempts by gangs to smuggle using drones. He said: 'My personal view is that it is not very long before a firearm is taken into a prison which will enable a huge incident involving concerted indiscipline or an escape attempt. 'Telling people and publicising what we have got has been a bigger mitigating factor than anything else.' In order to use the technology, Guernsey tweaked the UK's Wireless Telegraphy Act by adding drones to a clause which allows prisons to jam mobile phone signals. Prison authorities were also told by lawyers that operators would be legally at fault for any injuries caused by a falling drone. The forcefield does not have an affect on nearby wifi or mobile phone signals from anyone walking close to the prison. One high-security prison is being swarmed by so many drones it is like an 'airport'. Prisoners at HMP Garth have used kettles to burn holes into Perspex windows so they can smuggle in drugs from drones Prisoners at HMP Garth used mops and brooms to haul in drugs from drones. Pictured is broken equipment in a cleaning cupboard Prisoners are burning holes in windows at HMP Manchester to get drone deliveries At HMP Garth in Lancashire more than a dozen cells had holes in their windows, which had been burnt by inmates using the element from their kettles. They then use mops and brooms to haul in illicit substances hanging down from drones hovering outside. HMP Garth houses 816 prisoners mostly serving long or indeterminate sentences and is intended to be a training prison that provides education for inmates. However, it was unable to fulfill this role due to many prisoners being locked in their cells for much of the day in an attempt to reduce rampant violence. HMP Manchester, formerly known as Strangeways, is getting extra staff and bolstered security measures, including netting to stop drugs being flown into the jail by drone. Prisons minister Lord Timpson said Manchester the scene of a major riot in 1990 will have new CCTV and anti-drone netting installed. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick urged ministers to pursue all options to counter the drone threat. A Ministry of Justice source told the telegraph they are not actively considering the Guernsey-based system and said the meeting was part of a wider assessment of anti-drone technology. MPs Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell will be interviewed under caution by police following a pro-Palestinian rally in central London on Saturday. The former Labour leader, 75, and former shadow chancellor, 73, will voluntarily attend a police station today as the Metropolitan Police investigates a pro-Palestine event, BBC News reported. Saturday's Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) protest was adjusted to be a static rally after police curtailed organisers' plans for a march past the BBC and near a synagogue, and conditions were put in place that prevented people involved from entering specific areas. Nine people have been charged with public order offences after protesters allegedly breached protest conditions as they marched, breaking through a police line in the process. Thousands of demonstrators, including Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, marched towards Trafalgar Square from Whitehall after speeches were made at the rally. The Metropolitan Police announced on Saturday that 77 people had been arrested - the highest number across more than 20 national PSC protests since October 2023. Some 65 people were detained on the day 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. The force said on Sunday that 24 people have been bailed and 48 remain in custody, including the former Labour leader's brother Piers Corbyn, 77. Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell join people taking part in a national march for Palestine on Whitehall in central London Mr Corbyn speaks at a pro-Palestine rally in Whitehall ahead of Israel - Hamas ceasefire in Gaza Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both face a police interview following a protest On social media on Saturday, the Met Police posted a photo from the protest, captioned: 'The group that forced its way through the police line is now held at the north west corner of Trafalgar Square. 'Anyone in that group should now disperse and leave the area. Anyone remaining in breach of the conditions, or inciting further breaches, will be arrested.' Jemery Corbyn responded, saying: 'This is not an accurate description of events at all. I was part of a delegation of speakers, who wished to peacefully carry and lay flowers in memory of children in Gaza who had been killed. 'This was facilitated by the police. We did not force our way through. When we reached Trafalgar Square, we informed police that we would go no further, lay down flowers and disperse. 'At that point, the Chief Steward, Chris Nineham was arrested. We then turned back and dispersed. I urge the police to release all bodycam footage and retract its misleading account of events.' Three men, aged 75, 73 and 61, will voluntarily attend a police station in central London on Sunday afternoon to be interviewed under criminal caution, the Met said. Commander Adam Slonecki said: 'Yesterday we saw a deliberate effort, including by protest organisers, to breach conditions and attempt to march out of Whitehall. Jeremy Corbyn speaks in front of a lectern drapped in a giant Palestinian flag at Saturday's Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest Former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn (centre) joins pro-Palestinian activists marching on Whitehall People breach a police line whilst taking part in a national march for Palestine on Whitehall in central London 'This was a serious escalation in criminality and one which we are taking incredibly seriously. Officers have worked around the clock to pursue those involved." He said three officers were spat at and one was assaulted during the protest. A protest was held on Sunday in support of one of the 10 charged - Nineham, who is vice chair of the Stop the War Coalition (SWC). Mr McDonnell also responded: 'I spoke at demo and was part of a procession of speakers aiming to go to BBC to lay flowers commemorating the death of Palestinian children. 'We did not force our way through, the police allowed us to go through and when stopped in Trafalgar Square we laid our flowers down and dispersed.' SWC national officer John Rees told around 35 supporters gathered outside Walworth police station in south-east London: 'This is a first rank all-out assault on the right to free assembly, of the right to free speech. 'It is unprecedented in modern times in British history. It is unprecedented for the police to arrest a senior officer of a major protest organisation in this country, and to combine that with a sweep of hundreds of actors who have been taken into custody, and some of them already charged with similar offences. It is, in short, a state attempt to close down protests on the question of Palestine.' Ahead of the demonstration, the PSC had described the Met's conditions as 'repressive' and called for the force to lift them. The Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) criticised the Met's decision to block the march, calling it 'an outrageous assault on democracy, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression'. Former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer John McDonnell has also been a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian cause 'Silencing peaceful protesters who stand against genocide and in solidarity with the oppressed is not only undemocratic but shameful,' MAB said in a statement. A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism described Saturday's scenes as 'a dark day for London', adding: 'For over a year we have called for these marches to be banned; we reiterated that call yesterday when it was clear that the police would not be able to control the situation. 'Police authorised a static protest for activists who repeatedly declared, 'WeWillMarch'. The result was chaos in London.' Before Saturday, the Met denied putting a 'ring of steel' around Broadcasting House in Portland Place, but blocked protesters from gathering there because of its close proximity to a synagogue and the risk the demonstration could cause 'serious disruption' to the Jewish holy day, as people attended Shabbat services. The protest was adjusted to be a static rally in Whitehall instead. High street banking giant Santander is looking 'to quit Britain over excessive red tape' - a decision which would hit millions of customers and tens of thousands of staff. The Spanish banking firm is reportedly considering pulling away from the UK as it assesses its future business transactions. According to the Financial Times, it is thought the potential departure from the British Isles is down to frustrations over UK rules introduced after the 2008 financial crisis, which has led to lower returns for the bank than in other markets. After the crisis, large banks were required to separate their retail banking from riskier investments and international activities, which the banking giant believes has resulted in lower returns than in other markets, such as Spain. The Financial Times reported that a former Santander executive said it had 'always been a possibility' that executive chair, Ana Botin, would sell up as a result. Insiders say executives want to shift their focus on growth regions like the US after share prices fell by a third in just over 10 years. Under the plans, the bank, which has enlisted the help of TV presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly as part of an advertising campaign, would step back from retail and commercial banking in the UK, but would retain some investment and corporate interests. There are some 14 million Santander customers who could be impacted if the alleged plans go ahead, in addition to around 20,000 employees across 444 branches in the UK. It also holds around 200bn in customer lending. TV presenting duo Ant and Dec have been part of advertisements for the banking giant Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the bosses of Britain's regulators to help revive the UK economy (Pictured in the House of Commons on January 14) The Spanish banking firm is reportedly considering pulling away from the UK as it assesses its future business transactions It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the bosses of Britain's regulators to help revive the UK economy by 'tearing down the regulatory barriers that hold back growth'. Last year, Ms Reeves vowed to tear up red tape for the City of London after claiming regulation after the 2008 financial crash had 'gone too far'. In her first Mansion House speech last November, she said: 'While it was right that successive governments made regulatory changes after the global financial crisis, to ensure that regulation kept pace with the global economy of the time, it is important that we learn the lessons of the past. 'These changes have resulted in a system which sought to eliminate risk taking. That has gone too far and, in places, it has had unintended consequences which we must now address.' Ms Reeves has said she will 'modernise' the Financial Ombudsman Service, which deals with complaints between consumers and firms, as part of the shakeup. Meanwhile, a pilot scheme will be launched to deliver 'digital gilts' tokenised Government bonds that are issued on a blockchain in a move to better embrace technology. The Government will also consult on replacing the certification regime, which seeks to strengthen market integrity and applies to staff below senior management level, with a more 'proportionate' approach that cuts costs so firms can 'focus on growth, the Treasury said. Ms Reeves has committed the Government to publishing the first ever Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy in the spring, which is aimed at providing long-term certainty for the sector. Under the plans, the bank would step back from retail and commercial banking in the UK, but would retain some investment and corporate interests (Pictured - City of London) rime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged to 'rip out' the bureaucracy that blocks investment in Britain in October last year (pictured with Rachel Reeves) A former Santander executive said it had 'always been a possibility' that executive chair, Ana Botin, would sell up as a result She has proposed focusing on five priority areas in financial services to take advantage of the UK's existing strengths and boost the potential for growth, including financial technology, sustainable finance, asset management and wholesale services, insurance and reinsurance and capital markets. It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged to 'rip out' the bureaucracy that blocks investment in Britain in October last year. He promised to axe the red tape holding back the development of homes and infrastructure, adding that he will do 'everything in my power to galvanise growth'. He told investors and CEOs at the International Investment Summit: 'We've got to look at regulation where it is needlessly holding back the investment to take our country forward. 'Where it is stopping us building the homes, the data centres, warehouses, grid connectors, roads, trainlines, you name it then mark my words we will get rid of it. 'We will rip out the bureaucracy that blocks investment and we will make sure that every regulator in this country take growth as seriously as this room does.' Meanwhile, more than 100 banks are set to close this year in another blow for UK high streets. Lloyds Bank has 51 branches which are due to shut this year, while Halifax will close the doors to 46 of its stores. Seven of TSB's branches will shut, while 16 Bank of Scotland sites are also set to go. The closures began this month and will happen all the way through to September. Banks and Building societies have closed 6,214 branches since January 2005, according to Which? data - the equivalent of 53 a month. A spokesman for Santander UK told the Telegraph: 'The UK is a core market for Santander and this has not changed'. The NHS is in crisis. We hear it everywhere: on the news, across family dinner tables, in workplaces and coffee shops, in GP surgeries and hospital wards. It was the main topic of discussion at First Ministers Questions, where John Swinney was lambasted over a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) report revealing the dire state of care in the NHS. Sixty-seven per cent said they had been forced to treat patients in an inappropriate setting and 91 per cent said this had involved patient care and safety being compromised. The report contains horror stories of patients languishing on trollies for 24 hours, women miscarrying in corridors, and one cancer patient left outside a toilet because there was no bed for her. The First Minister blamed the pressures of winter flu, and while that has doubtless contributed to the strain, a more honest answer would have admitted that, even if Scotland had been blessed by the most temperate winter in living memory, the NHS would still be struggling to manage. Closing in on 18 years of the SNP in charge of Scotlands NHS, and the service is on life support. Collapse Although once unthinkable, it is now entirely possible that the NHS could collapse. That scenario does not apply only to Scotland. The RCN report covered the whole UK and the picture is not pretty in any part of the country. First Minister John Swinney was attacked over the state of the NHS at Holyrood last week Wes Streeting, Keir Starmers vaguely impressive health secretary, has promised to consign corridor care to history, where it belongs, but when even cancer patients are spending their final days dumped outside lavatories the woman mentioned above later died the scale of improvement required seems not only daunting but insurmountable. So, yes, the NHS is in crisis, but I struggle to think of a point in my lifetime when it wasnt. It is a permanent crisis, with no resolution in sight and likely none possible. The British tend to blame familiar culprits: insufficient staff, low pay, a surfeit of managers and bureaucracy. There are routine calls to bring back matron, or reintroduce prescription charges in Scotland, or some other tweak. Spend more money? Annual UK-wide health spending was 16billion in 1955 but by 2023 it was 222.5billion. Britain shells out more on health as a percentage of GDP than Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland or New Zealand. Hire more doctors? There were fewer than 12,000 doctors in England and Wales in 1949. Now, there are more than 140,000 in England alone. Charge for prescriptions? Even if every prescription and related service in Scotland was charged for, it would raise 1.6billion. That sounds like a lot of money but its equivalent to just 7 per cent of the annual health and social care spend and less than the year-on-year increase being proposed in the current Budget. What we have yet to confront, but will have to sooner or later, is that all the tweaks in the world will not save the NHS because the NHS cannot be saved. It is not a system experiencing dysfunction, it is a dysfunctional system. What has done for the NHS is an ageing population, the prevalence of life-limiting diseases, and advancements in medicine. Britain is living longer. When the NHS was founded in 1948, the average life expectancy was 66 for men and 70 for women. Today, it is 79 and 83. Longer life is a blessing, but it comes at a heavy financial cost. The Scottish NHS is under enormous pressure The most serious health challenges have changed. Back then, cancer accounted for 17 per cent of all deaths. Now, its 28 per cent. That brings bigger bills for life-saving treatments. Medical progress has given doctors many more treatment options, but these have a hefty price tag. In 1949, the NHS prescribed 225million items across the UK. Last year, it dispensed 1.45billion. The most commonly issued drug is atorvastatin, a heart disease drug, and the most expensive medicine is beclometasone dipropionate, used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Last year it cost 320million. Demand is growing, costs are rising, and investment is mostly limited to state spending, which must compete with other Budget priorities. This situation is plainly unsustainable, but no one wants to say so. Across the UK, the NHS commands church-like devotion. Its clinicians are spoken of in reverent tones, as saints with stethoscopes, and devotees perform all manner of strange rituals of thanksgiving, such as applauding nurses from their doorsteps during the pandemic. No matter how many pay increases ministers agree to, no amount of tithing is ever enough for worshippers who believe more money will produce miracles. To criticise the institution or its performance is blasphemy and to point out that other systems produce better results is akin to heresy. Apostasy is discouraged with fire-and-brimstone sermons about the torments that await those who convert to a different funding model, the only alternative being the US healthcare market, where defibrillators come with a credit card slot and the poor and infirm are tossed into the street to die. Thou shalt have no other gods before the NHS. And just as the religious cannot contemplate a world without redemption, adherents of the NHS are afraid of confronting illness without access to treatment. That is what lies at the heart of the British affinity for the health service: fear. We do not love the NHS, we fear the alternative. Worship The ardour of this allegiance would make more sense if the object of our worship was a world-leading system, rather than custodian of the second-highest avoidable mortality rate in high-income OECD countries. A 2019 study found Britain had the worst survival rates for breast and colon cancer and among the worst survival rates following heart attacks and strokes. Prevalence of obesity is nine percentage points higher than the OECD and European Union averages. Only 22 per cent of British GPs believe the current system works well, compared with one-third of primary physicians in similar nations. With a record like that, the British publics dedication to the NHS looks less like religion and more like a suicide cult. When a system intended to save and extend lives delivers higher mortality rates than its competitors, you either have to resign yourself to those outcomes or change the system. I say change the system. I would look to European nations, which we are forever being told do things so much better than us, and learn from their health insurance set-ups to design a new healthcare model for the UK. One in which everyone is guaranteed coverage regardless of income or pre-existing conditions; in which the state is purchaser of healthcare, rather than provider; in which market forces and competition are allowed to improve services and change outcomes; and in which those who can afford it pay costs towards non-emergency services such as GP appointments and minor out-patient procedures. The NHS is not a religion. It is a bureaucracy, one that is no longer fit for purpose and should not be kept going out of fear or sentimentality. It ought to be replaced by a universal healthcare system that actually works and provides patients with speedy, high-quality treatment. If saying so is heresy, I am happy to be a heretic. Humza Yousaf failed to carry out work to prevent prison suicides because the changes required to cells would have been too costly, it has been claimed. Aamer Anwar, lawyer for the families of two young Scots who took their own lives in jail, said he appealed to Mr Yousaf when he was Justice Secretary to make cells suicide-proof back in 2019. But a request under Freedom of Information [FOI] laws later found that the work had not been undertaken on the grounds of high cost, which Mr Anwar said was just not acceptable. The claim comes after a sheriffs damning report on the suicides of Katie Allan, 21, and 16-year-old William Brown, sometimes known as William Lindsay, within months of each other at the Polmont Young Offenders Institution in Stirlingshire in 2018. It emerged yesterday that their families are also planning to take legal action in the civil courts against jail bosses over the failings highlighted by Sheriff Simon Collins KC. Mr Anwar said: In 2019, we met with the then justice minister Humza Yousaf and we asked for a review of ligature points in prison cells [in a bid to prevent suicides by removing them]. It then took a year before an FOI request told us it was costing too much but the government never bothered telling us that - they never bothered telling our office that - and its just not acceptable. Posting on X yesterday, Ms Allans mother Linda said: When we met with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice in 2018 [Mr Yousaf], we asked for Polmont to be put on special measures; it was not - three more young people have died [since then]. Humza Yousaf has been criticised for his 'failure' to carry out work to prevent prison suicides because of costs William Brown took his own life at Polmont Young Offenders Institution in October 2018 Katie Allan died while she was locked up at Polmont Young Offenders Institution in June 2018 This will not change with another review or inspection - this will only change with root-and-branch reform (or closure) led by an independent expert, informed by the families affected. Ms Allan and Mr Brown died months apart in separate incidents at Polmont, sparking a fight for justice after systemic failings and alleged cover-ups were exposed at the jail. On Friday, scathing fatal accident inquiry (FAI) findings highlighted a series of shortcomings by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and healthcare staff. Sheriff Collins found that both tragedies were avoidable and criticised the length of time it took for the FAI to be ordered, in May 2023, as in the meantime several more young prisoners had died. A student at the University of Glasgow, Ms Allan was found dead in her cell on June 4, 2018, while serving a 16-month sentence for drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Mr Brown, who had been in care repeatedly, was found dead in his cell on October 7, three days after being admitted as there was no space in a childrens secure unit, having walked into a police station with a knife. Ms Allan said the families plan to sue the SPS as the civil action will help us to uncover more of the truth. Last night Mr Anwar said: The families have no trust in the SPS having revealed everything to the court; they have gaslighted the families for over six years, denied any responsibility, and then threw out faceless crumbs of an apology late on Friday. Katie's parents Linda and Stuart Allan and William's family are planning to take legal action Responding to the allegations, former First Minister Mr Yousaf said: The families have been tireless in their pursuit of justice for both Katie and William. During my time as Justice Secretary, I instructed an independent expert review of mental health support for young people in custody . Although some action was taken at the time, the FAI makes it clear that there were clear institutional failings, which now must be rectified without any delay. I also add my apologies to those of the Government for any failings that occurred during my time in Government. In August last year, Justice Secretary Angela Constance said designing a prison that is considered to be entirely ligature point free would create a sterile living environment, incompatible with the aspiration of the provision of a normalised space for those in the care of the SPS. The SPS said it could not comment in detail on work to make prison cells safer but it is understood a range of actions has been taken. *For help the Samaritans can be contacted for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. A 34-year-old man who died in hospital days after being attacked in a park has been pictured. Ryan Burton, from Corby, passed away at the University Hospital Coventry on January 16, six days after the assault in Kettering's Spring Rise park. A murder investigation is underway and six men have been arrested in connection with the incident which happened shortly before 7pm on Friday, January 10. Four of the men are from Kettering and are aged 38, 24, 24 and 22. A 20-year-old man from Desborough and a 24-year-old man from Rothwell, were also arrested and remain in police custody. Ryan Burton (pictured) passed away at the University Hospital Coventry on January 16 six days after the assault in Kettering's Spring Rise park Formal identification procedures have yet to be completed, but detectives believe Mr Burton to be the victim. Specialist officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Major Crime team are supporting his family. Witnesses or anyone with information, including CCTV, doorbell, or dash-cam footage of the area at the time, who have yet to come forward should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 25000018864. Alternatively, information can be submitted via an online portal: Public Portal (https://mipp.police.uk/) or by calling Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111. The man that served as a TikTok ambassador to Donald Trump during his campaign is confident he will deliver on his promise to save the platform, as fans of the app struggle with the ban signed by President Joe Biden. Social media strategist Jack Advent, famously nicknamed 'TikTok Jack,' by Trump spoke to DailyMail.com about the president's handling of issue during the high drama platform shifts in the days before his inauguration. 'President Trump is the Negotiator-in-Chief and master of the art of the deal who will put together a deal to save TikTok while addressing concerns - promises made, promises kept,' he said in an interview. TikTok announced that it would begin restoring services, after several hours of going dark in reaction to the deadline. Trump made a statement early Sunday vowing to sign an executive order to extend the timeline allowing the app to stay up while further negotiations over the app's ownership continue. 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,' the statement from TikTok read. The news is a sharp turnaround from Trump's initial opposition to TikTok in his first term, after recognizing that an entire generation of youth were creating content on the platform. 'Tik-Tok Jack' films President-elect Donald Trump for his TikTok account Trump proposed that the United States should have a 50 percent ownership position as part of a deal with TikTok. 'Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions,' he wrote on Truth Social on Sunday morning. Advent was one of the young TikTok experts that spearheaded the president's presence on the platform. 'As President Trump said, he has a warm place in his heart for TikTok - as do the millions of young Americans who use the app and delivered the youth vote to President Trump by over 30 points,' Advent said. During interviews, events, and even live during campaign rallies, Trump would give a shoutout to Advent and his success on TikTok. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump does dance after speaking, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at a rally in Green Bay, Wis. 'Tik-Tok Jack' films President-elect Donald Trump for his TikTok account 'We have TikTok Jack working for us right?' Trump told DailyMail.com in an interview in September. 'And we have the biggest numbers in the history of TikTok.' Trump easily surpassed Vice President Kamala Harris' reach on the platform after launching posts on the platform. In 2024, Trump held the record for the most watched political TikTok video of the 2024 election cycle with 178.6 million views. The team generated 35 billion views across the different @realDonaldTrump and @TeamTrump TikTok accounts and associated hashtags. TikTok users helped fuel the president-elect's famous 'Trump Dance' into a viral sensation as they posted videos of them dancing to the song YMCA by The Village People. Advent told DailyMail.com he was not surprised by Trump's success on the platform. 'What has now become the iconic Trump dance is yet another example of President Trumps natural ability to create viral moments that captivate audiences simply by being himself,' he said. A father turned detective to help police catch the thief who stole his luggage only for him to be released because of insufficient evidence. Four suitcases, collectibles and clothes worth 10,000 were stolen from Vishal Patels secure unit at a Shurgard storage facility. Fortunately, the 43-year-old had hidden Apple AirTag trackers in the cases which allowed him to follow their whereabouts, and he embarked on a daring chase around London to get them back. He eventually traced his belongings to a yellow van and phoned the police. Officers found one of his distinctive white Samsonite cases in the back of the van and arrested the driver on suspicion of handling stolen goods and possession of a flick knife. Mr Patel provided detectives with the locations of the other air tags but was astonished to receive a letter three weeks later which said the suspect had been released without charge because he was not found to be in possession of the stolen items. That obviously isnt true at all because this guy was caught with my suitcase in his van, the father-of-two said. It defies belief. This was literally an open goal. The police are either not doing their jobs because they are lazy, or they are just incompetent. Mr Patel realised his 158-a-month storage unit in Hatch End, north-west London, had been raided when he went to the facility to store a chair on December 9. He said there was no sign of forced entry. Criminals stole four suitcases, collectibles and clothes worth roughly 10,000 from Vishal Patel's (pictured) secure unit at a Shurgard storage facility Timeline of the incident 'The police are either not doing their jobs because they are lazy, or they are just incompetent.' Mr Patel first realised his 158-a-month storage unit in Hatch End, north-west London, had been raided on December 9 when he went to the facility to store a fold-up chair. He said there was no signs of forced entry and the Shurgard padlock - which the organisation insists its customers use was intact but appeared to be looser than usual. He reported the break-in to the company and to police, then checked the air tag app which revealed one was in Paddington, west London, one in West Ham, east London, and another was driving around the A40. Some of the tags showed multiple trips shuttling to and from the same Shurgard storage facility, he added. Mr Patel then began a dramatic two-day chase across the city. The corporate headhunter, from Harrow, north-west London, hopped into his car and drove to Sheldon Square in Paddington, where a tag indicated his luggage was. 'I ended up going into an underground car park where the tag was supposed to be, tapping on someone's window and asking if I could check his boot for my bags,' he said. The van which police found one of Mr Patel's distinctive white Samsonite cases in Sheldon Square in Paddington, where an AirTag indicated Mr Patel's luggage was He reported the break-in to the company and the police, then checked the AirTag app. It revealed one was in Paddington, west London, one in West Ham, east London, and another was being driven around the A40. Some of the tags showed multiple trips shuttling to and from the same Shurgard storage facility, he added. Mr Patel then began a dramatic two-day chase across the city. The corporate headhunter, from Harrow, north-west London, drove to Sheldon Square in Paddington, where a tag indicated his luggage was. I ended up... tapping on someones window and asking if I could check his boot for my bags, he said. He let me have a look but sadly they werent in there, so it was back to the drawing board. The following day, the tags were in Colindale, north-west London, so Mr Patel drove to the area and took photos of every vehicle parked nearby, including a large yellow van, and sat in his car for two hours. Then the tags began to move, and I saw this yellow van had gone, he said. Mr Patel followed the vehicle back to a road near the Shurgard lock-up and phoned the police, with a patrol car arriving just as two men returned to the van. Officers searched the men, who appeared to be eastern European, and found one had 8,000 in cash as well as a flick knife. Mr Patel provided detectives with the locations of the other AirTag's but was astonished to receive a letter three weeks later which said the suspect had been released without charge The Met Police headquarters at New Scotland Yard. The Metropolitan Police said: Following inquiries, including a Section 18 search of the arrested mans property, the investigation was filed with him facing no further action. This was due to there being insufficient evidence. They open the back of the van and literally right there in front of my face, was my distinctive white Samsonite case, Mr Patel said. The suspects driving licence showed he lived in Sheldon Square. Mr Patel was assured that the mans home would be searched promptly and he was likely to be charged shortly. Two weeks later, the AirTag in Paddington stopped working, he said. The battery should last between two and three years so this indicates someone found it and destroyed it. On January 3, Mr Patel received a letter which said the investigation had been closed because when officers arrested the suspect, they were found not to be in possession of the stolen items. This is just a lie, Mr Patel said. My stolen case was literally inside the van, and it was returned to me. 'We caught him red-handed and they just let him go. I did most of the work for them and they have still blown it. The Metropolitan Police said: Following inquiries, including a Section 18 search of the arrested mans property, the investigation was filed with him facing no further action. This was due to there being insufficient evidence. Shurgard was contacted for comment. Influencers are overjoyed after TikTok went back online following a short-lived blackout across America. The popular video-sharing platform came back to life after just a few hours on Sunday as incoming President Donald Trump stated his intention to reverse the government's ban of the app. TikTok said it was 'in the process of restoring service' as some users reported regaining access to the social media platform - with limited functionality at first. Influencers who filmed themselves having a meltdown over the ban during what seemed to be its final moments posted triumphant videos just hours later on Sunday afternoon as the app slowly resumed service. 'OMG IS THIS REAL GUYS??? I'm so happy,' lifestyle creator Danielle Phe wrote. She followed up with a dancing video saying 'I guess I can cancel that interview tomorrow' as her source of income was restored. Alix Earle, who is known as TikTok's 'it girl' thanks to the popularity of her 'Get Ready With Me' confessional videos, was among the first to post a video. 'You're telling me that I just spend the last two days crying on here, and now the app is back?' the 24-year-old told her 7.2 million followers after the ban was lifted. 'All I'm going to say is, thank god I didn't post the last thing I had in the drafts.' Alix Earle, who is known as TikTok's 'it girl' thanks to the popularity of her 'Get Ready With Me' confessional videos, was among the first to post a video when TikTok was restored on Sunday TikTokers posted their reactions when the video-sharing app came back to life after just a few hours on Sunday, as incoming President Donald Trump intervened to reverse the shutdown Trump responded to the ban by saying he would sign an executive order on Monday to delay it Earle previously filmed herself breaking down in tears over the possibility of the app which propelled her to fame being shut down. Another influencer, Emily Senn, posted a sheepish video of herself admitting she had 'completely crashed out' about TikTok 'going away' only to return 16 hours later. Some filmed themselves having an existential crisis over the quick u-turn on the ban. 'Did we all freak out for nothing?' TikTok creator Madilynn Cameron said. 'Was this, like, a prank? What is happening? Can you see this? Can you see me? Am I real?' Others posted triumphant videos of themselves beaming with friends while doing celebratory dances. 'Testing, one, two three. My app just started working. Will this video post?' influencer Sasha Mixon told her 1.4 million followers in her first video back. Content creator Halley Kate also filmed herself screaming and jumping around as she celebrated not having to find a job. TikTok has confirmed it's working to restore the app. TikTok is in the process of restoring service, the company's statement read on Sunday. 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 seven million small businesses to thrive. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. Some filmed themselves having an existential crisis over the quick u-turn on the ban. 'Did we all freak out for nothing?' said TikTok creator Madilynn Cameron (shown above) TikTok has confirmed it's working to restore the app while thanking former President Trump for intervening as the social media platform shows the first signs of recovery The exact number of users who have regained access so far is unclear. There are 170 million Americans on the app overall, and they all lost access after the Supreme Court approved a nationwide ban early on Sunday. Scott Sutton, CEO of Later Media, confirmed the partial restoration on X (formerly Twitter). 'TikTok is back up and working on desktop! Seems services are slowly coming back online,' he wrote. Minutes later, Sutton noted the limitation of the app. 'TikTok app access is back, but no content other than mine loading, and all engagement history on posts is missing,' he said. Trump responded to the ban by saying he would sign an executive order on Monday to delay it. The ban came after Congress passed legislation requiring Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell its stakes by January 19, 2025. With no deal materializing, the platform's fate now hangs in the balance. The Supreme Court's ruling affirmed that the ban does not violate users' First Amendment rights. Some influencers posted triumphant videos of themselves with friends while beaming at the camera and doing celebratory dances TikTokers celebrated as the app came back to life and their source of income was restored Trump wrote on Truth Social that he wanted Americans to see his inauguration on Monday via TikTok as he made a case for the ban to be lifted. 'Im asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!' Trump wrote on Sunday. 'I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. 'The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. 'Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations. 'I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. 'Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions. 'Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose.' Police chiefs are calling for a change in the law to lower the drink drive limit after road fatalities soared to a 13-year high. The National Police Chiefs Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) want tougher laws to punish drivers who consume anything more than a small glass of beer. Chief constables are also backing a zero-tolerance approach to intoxicated motorists, changing procedures to allow officers to issue a driving ban at the roadside the moment someone tests positive, rather than letting offenders continue driving for months pending a court case. The proposed crackdown comes after doctors vowed to lobby ministers to almost halve the legal limit established in 1967, which is one of the highest in Europe. The legal limit in England is currently 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. But body mass, gender and how quickly the body absorbs alcohol mean individuals are impacted differently by drinking and even tiny amounts of alcohol can impair driving. On average, if a man has more than two pints they will likely be over the drink-drive limit. For women, having more than one pint or standard glass of wine could put you over the legal limit. The National Police Chiefs Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) are calling for a change in the law to lower the drink drive limit (file image) It comes after road fatalities have soared to a 13-year high (file image) The British Medical Association (BMA) wants to reduce the limit by nearly half, to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood for the majority of drivers, and 20mg for new and commercial drivers. This would equate to only a small glass of wine or beer. The changes would mean just under a pint would tip some men over the limit. At least 17 organisations have endorsed the BMAs recommendations, including the Alcohol Health Alliance, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and the road safety charity Brake. In 2022, drink-drive fatalities hit a record high, with 300 people killed in collisions , the highest since 2009. The latest data shows that, in 2022, 18 per cent of road deaths were drink-drive related, which is the same as in 1987. Police chiefs now say a consultation is needed to determine what the alcohol limit should be. In a recent campaign by forces, a record number of people were arrested for driving under the influence of drink or drugs in some areas. Sussex Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for roads policing, said: In policing we see the damaging impact of drink and drug driving all too often, and every fatality or serious injury which happens as a consequence of this is completely avoidable. The legal limit in England is currently 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (file image) Driving under the influence of drink or drugs will not be tolerated, and we support the BMAs call for lowering the legal blood alcohol limit. She added: In addition to our current powers, we will also continue to make the case for more effective legislation which enables faster interim disqualifications for those who fail roadside tests. This will remove risk from our roads and reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured by those who are repeatedly criminally irresponsible. If someone has made the decision to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, we must be able to take swift and robust action to stop them doing so again. Joy Allen and David Sidwick, APCC addictions and substance misuse leads, and Sarah Taylor and Marc Jones, APCC roads policing leads, are also backing a law change. They said: Any amount of alcohol before driving is dangerous. By supporting the BMAs call for a lowering of the legal blood alcohol limit for driving, we are sending a clear message: If you drink, dont drive. Some police leaders want to go even further, making it illegal to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol. Ms Allen, who is also Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham said: I support a total drink and drive ban, both because drink driving is the cause of hundreds of unnecessary deaths on the UKs roads every year and because the impact of alcohol differs for every person, dependant on gender, weight and the type of drink. People cant guess at what is safe and what isnt and so the safest thing to do, and the easiest thing for everyone to understand, is just not to drink and drive. Recent RAC research suggested a third of drivers backed lowering the legal blood alcohol limit to zero. RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: Shockingly, government data shows were back to a similar rate of fatalities caused by people drinking and driving as we were in the late 1980s and that a significant number of drink-drive offences are committed by reoffenders. The idea of reducing the legal drink-drive limit an idea supported by a third of drivers we surveyed may not alone be the answer. Road casualty data for Scotland, which reduced its drink-drive limit to a lower level than the rest of the UK ten years ago suggests it hasnt cut the percentage of casualties in alcohol-related collisions. We hope the issue of drink-driving will be addressed in the Governments soon-to-be-published road safety strategy, as clamping down on it in the right way could save hundreds of lives every year. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 19. bp, the operator of Azerbaijans Shah Deniz gas condensate field, has announced the resumption of production from the Shah Deniz Alpha platform as of the evening of January 18, Trend reports. bp reported that the technical issue with the subsea condensate export pipeline connecting the Shah Deniz Alpha platform to the Sangachal terminal has been fully resolved. Production and export operations from the Shah Deniz Alpha platform are now being gradually restored. This process will take a few more days. bp continues to work closely with SOCAR and other partners to coordinate further plans and actions, the company stated. A technical fault was identified on January 7 in the subsea condensate export line between the Shah Deniz Alpha platform and the Sangachal terminal. As a result, production and export operations from the SDA platform were temporarily suspended, and the platform was safely shut down. The three hostages who were released today were forced to wear Palestinian flag lanyards and were given 'gift bags' with mementos of their horrifying time in captivity. Briton Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were handed over to the Red Cross today after 471 days as hostages. A sick propaganda video released by Hamas showed the three women bundled into a van, beaming because they were finally being freed and would soon see their families again. They had lanyards hung around their necks, decorated with text reading 'Palestine' and the flag printed alongside. Their smiles instantly dropped as they were handed brown paper bags with the Hamas logo printed on the side, and forced to hold them up and pose for the camera. When their vehicle arrived, the poor women were confronted with hundreds of militants surrounding the van and shouting, pounding on the doors and windows. Some even clambered up on the roof. When the door to the van opened, the three former hostages looked terrified, clutching their 'gift bags' and sprinted through the overwhelming crowd to safety. The bags reportedly continued photos of the women in captivity and a 'certificate'. Briton Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were handed over to Red Cross today after 471 days in captivity. They are pictured in a Hamas propaganda video Their smiles instantly dropped as they were handed brown paper bags with the Hamas logo printed on the side, and forced to hold them up and pose for the camera When the door to the van opened, the three former hostages looked terrified, clutching their 'gift bags' and sprinted through the overwhelming crowd to safety When their vehicle arrived, the poor women were confronted with hundreds of militants surrounding the van and shouting, pounding on the doors and windows Doron Steinbrecher (in pink), Romi Gonen (in black), Emily Damari (in green) When their vehicle arrived, the poor women were confronted with hundreds of militants surrounding the van and shouting, pounding on the doors and windows In the video, a Red Cross representative was seen signing a document provided by Hamas, before the hostages were handed over. They are the first hostages have been released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire deal, with the three women seen sobbing in joy as they reunited with their families at hospital. It brings an end to the traumatic 471 days being held by the terrorist group for the three women. British-Israeli Emily Damari was snatched from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7. She had been shot in the hand, with shrapnel injuring her leg, before she was blindfolded and bundled into her car and driven to Gaza. Hamas personnel had entered her home and also shot her golden cockapoo Choocha dead. The young woman has now been reunited with her mother and was pictured beaming in heartwarming photos. Wrapped in an Israeli flag, she was seen emotionally hugging her family as she arrived at hospital. Romi Gonen, 24, - who was snatched from the Nova music festival - and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, are the other two women who were released and have been pictured hugging their mothers. Released British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari embraces her mother, Mandy Emily Damari arrives at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel When the former hostages were brought to hospital, they were wrapped in hugs Doron Steinbrecher in pictured in her mother's arms Romi Gonen and her mother smile as they are reunited Emily Damari embraces her mother Mandy after being released Crowds gather to greet the three women as they arrived at hospital Romi was wrapped in a group hug by her family members and Doron sobbed as she embraced her relatives in the halls of the hospital. An international Red Cross convoy collected the trio from Hamas. The truce had been delayed this morning when the terrorist group failed to hand over the list of names 24 hours ahead of time as stated as part of the agreement. Hamas blamed the delay on bringing a pause of 15 months of war on a 'technical' issue. The Israeli military continued to carry out airstrikes in northern and central Gaza until the list was handed over, killing at least eight Palestinians, the Palestinian civil emergency service has said. The ceasefire began at 11.15am local time, nearly three hours after the initial agreement, with displaced Palestinians seen walking through rubble as they returned to their homes. Hamas militants brazenly emerged from hiding to celebrate the new ceasefire with Israel, shamelessly parading through the streets of Gaza while brandishing AK-47s and waving the group's green flags. Startling images showed masked fighters in camouflage and balaclavas, some standing on vehicles, others marching defiantly through towns that have been reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting. The mothers of the three female hostages released by Hamas this afternoon watched their daughters return to Israel following an agonising wait. Emily's mother released a statement thanking those who 'never stopped saying her name' before her release after 470 days held captive. They were brought to Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Aviv, where they met the rest of their families. They are said to be in good health Heartwarming footage saw the three women run into the arms of their relatives, with smiles and tears on both sides The three released Israeli hostages exit a van before boarding an Israeli Air Force transport 'I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name,' the mother said. 'In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home.' Doron's family issued a statement through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters. 'After an unbearable 471 days, our beloved Dodo has finally returned to our arms. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and accompanied us along this journey. 'A special thank you to the people of Israel for their warm embrace, unwavering support, and the strength they gave us during our darkest moments. We also extend our gratitude to President Trump for his significant involvement and support, which meant so much to us. 'Our heroic Dodo, who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, begins her rehabilitation journey today. We will continue to stand with all the families and do everything in our power until all of their loved ones return home.' All three hostages freed today, along with their mothers, were taken by an Israeli Air Force helicopter to a hospital. They were greeted with cheers and banners, and other patients opened their windows to peer down as they arrived. They were brought to Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Aviv, where they met the rest of their families. They are said to be in good health. Heartwarming footage saw the three women run into the arms of their relatives, with smiles and tears on both sides. A drone view shows people gathering as Palestinian Hamas militants prepared for the handover of the hostages When their vehicle arrived, the poor women were confronted with hundreds of militants surrounding the van and shouting, pounding on the doors and windows A drone view shows crowds as Palestinian Hamas militants prepared for the handover People walk towards Israeli military helicopters as Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari are released A member of the hospital staff said: 'I'm happy to report that they are in stable condition. That allows us and them to focus on what is the most important thing for now - reuniting with the families. 'We will continue to monitor all their clinical conditions. This will take a few more days until we complete all the examinations that are needed, and treat, whatever we find.' The return of the hostages today 'represents a beacon of light in the darkness, a moment of hope and triumph of the human spirit' the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group that represents some hostage families, said. The release of the three women, the first of 33 hostages due to be freed from Gaza under phase one of the deal, is in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. They were taken in one of the most traumatic episodes in Israel's history, when Hamas gunmen attacked a string of communities around the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 civilians and soldiers and abducting 251 hostages - men, women, children and elderly. But amid hope among many Israelis that the six-week ceasefire marks the beginning of the end to the war, there is deep unease about the uncertainty surrounding the remaining 94 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. Palestinians crowded the cars as the three hostages were being released Tony Moss, Emily's cousin, joins people at a gathering at the Golders Green War Memorial, London, to celebrate her release People walk near a helicopter carrying Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damar UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'The release of three hostages today is wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony for them and their families. 'Among them is British citizen Emily Damari, who will now be reunited with her family, including her mother Amanda who has never stopped her tireless fight to bring her daughter home. 'I wish them all the very best as they begin the road to recovery after the intolerable trauma they have experienced. We stand ready to offer assistance and support.' He went on to say that those remaining in captivity must not be forgotten. 'We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a permanent and peaceful solution.' Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed the release of three hostages in Gaza and said 'our thoughts are also with those still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones'. Mr Lammy said: 'We welcome the release of three hostages in Gaza, including British national Emily Damari, and thank Qatar, Egypt and the US for their support in bringing these individuals' and their families' horrific ordeal to an end. Members of the Israeli security and medical personnel transport the three hostages upon their arrival at Sheba Tel HaShomer Medical Center in Ramat Gan Emily Damari greets friends and supporters as she arrives at hospital People gather to watch the military helicopter carrying the three Israeli female hostages 'Our thoughts are also with those still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones, including the families of UK linked hostages Eli Sharabi, Oded Lifshitz and Avinatan Or. 'We are clear the deal must be implemented in full; all hostages be returned and aid be allowed to flow into Gaza now. 'This ceasefire must lead to a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.' IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a press conference that over the course of six weeks 'three to four additional hostages will be released each week'. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warned her followers that 'this is 21st century fascism' through a series of posts on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration. The leftist Congresswoman took to her Instagram story on Sunday afternoon to discuss the nationwide TikTok ban - and restoration - with her followers less than a day before the former president is sworn into the White House yet again. But she also went on to explain what she believes the ban - and the Republican party - really means for the nation. 'Well, we are on the eve of an authoritarian administration' she said. 'This is what 21st century fascism is starting to look like.' TikTok, the viral social media platform where billions created and shared short videos, officially went dark for American users on Saturday evening. The popular social media app issued its initial statement to users regarding the abrupt shutdown that was originally supposed to go into effect on Sunday. 'A law banning the popular video sharing app has now been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now, the message, which popped up when users attempted to log into the app, read. 'We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warned her followers that 'this is 21st century fascism' through a series of posts on the eve of Donald Trump 's inauguration The leftist Congresswoman took to her Instagram story on Sunday afternoon to discuss the nationwide TikTok ban - and restoration - with her followers less than a day before the former president is sworn into the White House yet again Just hours after TikTok went dark for United States users, the app confirmed that it was working to restore the platform while also thanking President-elect Trump for intervening just as it began to show its first signs of recovery After its dramatic shut down, AOC took to Instagram to break down the TikTok ban that she voted against in Congress and publicly opposed in March of 2024. She emphasized the lack of evidence presented to Congress last year in regards to the app being a national security risk - overall questioning the rationale behind the ban. 'I can tell you that what was presented to all of the members voting on this thing was not very compelling,' she stated. 'There was no real information that was given that was a smoking gun, that was anything specific... it was very vague, not convincing and frankly it was not convincing to many other members as well.' Additionally, AOC advocated for addressing broader data privacy issues affecting all social media platforms, rather than just singling out one specific app. 'The answer is not just playing endless wack-a-mole with apps, the answer is that we should have real privacy legislation in the United States.' But just hours after AOC's initial posts, TikTok confirmed that it's working to restore the app while also thanking President-elect Trump for intervening just as the social media platform began to show its first signs of recovery. The company specifically credited Trump for providing 'necessary clarity and assurance' to service providers that they won't face penalties for keeping the platform available to its American user base. She went on to explain that the app's notification thanking Trump effectively meant that every mass social media platform in the United States has been successfully taken over by the right-wing President-elect Donald Trump offered hope to devastated TikTok users after the app went dark, announcing that he will sign an executive order on Monday to delay the ban on the popular app 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, the statement read. Its a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States. The development came after the app went dark following the Supreme Court's decision to allow the nationwide ban to take effect early Sunday. President-elect Donald Trump offered hope to devastated TikTok users, announcing he will sign an executive order on Monday to delay the ban on the popular app. But AOC went back to Instagram shortly after to express her concerns surrounding the app's restoration. She read TikTok's most recent statement, thanking Trump for his efforts that have allowed the nation to continue scrolling through the millions of short videos. 'First of all, Donald Trump is not president right now,' she stated. 'He's a private citizen. He does not have have access to presidential powers... he does not have the ability to do any of that.' 'So like, please understand that TikTok's decision to name Trump in the notification is a choice,' she added. AOC also noted that the ban, which she voted against in Congress, had no evidence that pointed to a real threat of national security AOC urged her followers to look into how Orban runs Hungary - noting how it will give the country a taste of how the Republican party will try to govern and control media and companies 'They are signaling that they are privately collaborating with Donald Trump and the Trump administration.' She went on to explain that the app's notification effectively meant that every mass social media platform in the United States has been successfully taken over by the right-wing. 'So what does this mean for us?' AOC began in another Instagram story post. While discussing that the ban is the start of what she would call '21st century fascism', she noted how Republicans really 'model themselves after Orban's Hungary'. AOC urged her followers to look into how Orban runs Hungary - noting how it will give the country a taste of how the Republican party will try to govern and control media and companies. 'This is a time of experimentation,' she added. 'A lot of people will still use platforms, can still use platforms, but I also look towards places where you have more ownership as well and develop your audiences there,' the video concluded. AOC has been a polarizing figure ever since she upset powerful establishment Democrat Joe Crowley in a primary in 2018, winning a seat in the House at just 29 years old. In November, the Congresswoman fueled speculation that she is planning to embark on a run for president in 2028 following Trump's term. '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. Two women have been hospitalised after being crushed by a fallen tree. A 54-year-old woman and a 70-year-old woman were rushed to North Shore Hospital after a large tree fell on the front of a home in Pymble, in Sydney's upper north shore, at about 3.50pm on Sunday. The tree fell during a storm, leaving the 54-year-old woman with shoulder, chest and leg injuries, while the 70-year-old woman suffered a back injury. A man in his 60s also suffered minor injuries. Firefighters spent more than an hour working to free the women from under the tree. Paramedics performed critical treatment on them at the scene before they were rushed to hospital in a stable condition. 'Given where they were standing and the limbs of the branches, they were very lucky,' Carolyn Harris from NSW Ambulance said. It's understood the tree, a sweetgum, may have been struck by lightning. A woman has been arrested after Joey Essex was bombarded with more than 100,000 messages including 'death threats' to his partner, Jessy Potts. The woman, in her 40s, allegedly sent the former The Only Way Is Essex star messages about his Love Island girlfriend in which she allegedly threatened to 'shoot the s**t' out of Jessy, while others brand his girlfriend a 'fat s**g' and a 'b***h'. Joey, 34, contacted Cheshire Police in August of last year after becoming concerned about the violent nature of some of the sinister messages, some of which were left underneath his social media posts. Officers seized electronic devices, which included a mobile phone and a laptop, from the woman who is from the Stockport area. She has since been bailed and order not to contact Joey and his family, or to travel to London and Essex. A source told the Sun that Joey 'is relieved the woman has been found and [is] grateful to Cheshire Constabulary'. They added that while Joey is used to receiving messages and has been trolled, 'his team noticed a real uptick in messages from one user in particular' while he was in the Love Island villa, which 'became cause for concern'. The woman, in her 40s, allegedly sent the former The Only Way Is Essex star messages about his Love Island girlfriend, Jessy Potts (pictured) The pair dated for a short while after leaving the villa but split for good in September last year The couple were sent packing just one day before the series final after being voted the 'least compatible' couple by their fellow islands in the series last summer Joey met Jessy on Love Island last summer, and despite the couple being voted off the island before the final, they continued remained close upon returning home. The pair split up in September, citing their busy schedules as the reason for their break up. MailOnline has contacted a representative for Joey Essex for comment. Outgoing President Joe Biden said he's 'not going anywhere' one day prior to his departure from the White House - despite being forced out of the race by Democrats due to concerns about his cognitive abilities. The 82-year-old commander-in-chief made the comments as he spoke at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day one day early. During his speech, Biden commended himself for issuing more commutations and individual pardons than 'any other president in American history.' He also claimed he tried to 'end the federal death penalty' by reducing many of the Death Row inmates' sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Biden said those whose sentences he commuted were 'serving disproportionately hard, long and harsh sentences for non-violent drug offenses,' adding that he showed 'mercy' for those who did their time or served a significant amount of time and 'have shown significant remorse and rehabilitation,' according to Fox News. 'These decisions are difficult,' the president told the congregation. 'Some have never been done before, but in my experience with my conscience, I believe taking together justice and mercy requires [us] as a nation to bear witness, to see people's pain, not to look away and do the work, to move pain to purpose, to show we can get a person, a nation, to a day of redemption. 'We know the struggle to redeem the soul of this nation is difficult and ongoing,' Biden continued. Outgoing President Joe Biden vowed to remain in the public's eye following his departure from the White House 'This is the shore between peril and possibility. But faith, faith teaches us the America of our dreams is always closer than we think. That's the faith we must hold on to for the Saturdays to come. 'We must hold on [to] hope. We must stay engaged. [We] must always keep the faith in a better day to come.' It was then that Biden made his promise. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he said. 'I'm not kidding.' 'The people in South Carolina, thank you for keeping the faith,' the president concluded. 'It's been the honor of my life to serve as your president. 'As I close out this journey with you, I'm just as passionate about our work as I was as a 29-year-old kid when I got elected,' he said, arguing: 'I'm in no ways tired.' But the outgoing president had lost the support of his Democratic peers following a disastrous debate performance against President-elect Donald Trump over the summer. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi even told Biden in the aftermath that she was prepared to go public with her concerns that he could not defeat Trump in a presidential election. The president made the remarks while speaking at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina on Sunday The president later admitted that Pelosi's concerns about Biden's potential effects on Democratic campaigns pushed him to drop out. 'A number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was going to hurt them in the races,' Biden told CBS News Sunday Morning host Robert Costa. 'And I was concerned if I stayed in the race, that would be the topic you'd be interviewing me about why did Nancy Pelosi say [something] and I thought it'd be a real distraction,' he said. Biden is now set to vacate the Oval Office on Monday, as Trump is sworn in. A charming Southern metro with a thriving tech sector, strong labor market and affordable housing has been crowned as America's 'best performing' city in 2025. Raleigh, North Carolina, has been named as the 'best-performing large metropolitan area' for the first time, according to a recently released study by the Milken Institute. The North Carolina state capital's ascent to the first-place slot is due in part to its 'excellent performance in a range of aspects,' the thinktank's annual study reads. The January 2025 study ranked each city using its Best-Performing Cities Index which analyzes 13 different metrics that combine labor market conditions, high-tech growth and access to economic opportunities. After years of contending for the top spot, the city - that boasts a population of 483,000 - has finally earned the highest mark with its 'strong positioning' in all categories of the BPC Index. The bustling metro is home to a thriving tech sector with companies like IBM and Red Hat calling the picturesque city home. It's also part of the 'Research Triangle,' named after three colleges in the area - Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. The so-called 'City of Oaks' also boasts a strong labor market and a 'robust access to economic opportunities as major employers like Gilead Sciences, Cisco Systems and MetLife have also recently opened locations in Raleigh, company officials told the Wall Street Journal. Raleigh, North Carolina has been named as the 'best-performing large metropolitan area' for the first time in over 10 years, according to a recently released study. Pictured: Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina The North Carolina state capitol 's ascent to the first-place slot is due in part to its 'excellent performance in a range of aspects,' the Milken Institute study reads. Pictured: Data regarding Raleigh, North Carolina from the Milken Institute's 2025 Best-Performing Cities report The so-called 'City of Oaks' also boasts a strong labor market and a 'robust access to economic opportunities as major employers like Gilead Sciences, Cisco Systems and MetLife have also recently opened locations in Raleigh, company officials told the Wall Street Journal. Pictured: Raleigh's downtown skyline Earlier this year, the Southern city topped the table for the best entry-level jobs combined with the 'cheap' cost of living, perfect for young college graduates looking for a 'good job' in an 'affordable' area. The booming metro has also tallied several years of 'good labor market conditions,' ranking 9th, 18th and 19th for five-year job growth, five-year wage growth and one-year job growth, respectively, according to the study. In the last decade, the North Carolina capitol has seen rapid growth as the flourishing city has been a popular destination for domestic migrants. 'This is one of the things you see often in areas around 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.' Yet, even with the continuous growth, the Southern metro has been able to maintain relatively affordable housing options. The average home value in the top-ranking metro stood at $477,000 in 2024, according to Realtor.com. The shocking valuation comes in just over the US median home price in 2024, according to Bankrate. The average cost of rent in Raleigh was $1,356 per month, a 2.5 percent decrease from last year's rates, according to Apartments.com. Data regarding Raleigh, North Carolina from the Milken Institute's 2025 Best-Performing Cities report shows the best performing cities based on the study's BPC Index ranking system The booming metro has also tallied several years of 'good labor market conditions,' ranking 9th, 18th and 19th for five-year job growth, five-year wage growth and one-year job growth, respectively, according to the study However, as US median home prices are approaching nearly six times the US median income, according to the study, Raleigh's ability to maintain a balance between its growth and affordability will likely be key in determining its future performance rankings. If you're ever unsatisfied with the size of your penis, it may be comforting to know that it's pretty big that is, relatively speaking. According to biologists, the average human male actually has a large phallus, at least in comparison with some of our closest living relatives. While the average human manhood measures 5.1 inch (13cm) when erect, the chimp and the bonobo only boast a 3.1 inch (8cm) shaft. Meanwhile, the orangutan's member measures 3.3 inch (8.5cm) and the gorilla only has a tiddler just 1.25 inch (3cm). Now, a scientist reveals the surprising reason why we really are 'king of the swingers'. Simon Underdown, professor of biological anthropology at Oxford Brookes University, said it's 'almost certainly' related to humans starting to walk on two legs. Becoming 'bipedal' has made it more difficult for humans to get semen to the right spot for conception i.e. further into the vagina and nearer the cervix and as a result, we have evolved larger penises. 'Chimps and other primates dont need to be big because theyre not bipedal and hence getting things to the right location is not an issue,' he told MailOnline. Your browser does not support iframes. If you're ever unsatisfied with the size of your penis, it may be comforting to know that it's actually pretty big - at least relatively speaking (file photo) To fully understand why humans now have relatively large penises, we have to look back millions of years in the story of human evolution and the other great apes. The last common ancestor shared by the modern humans (homo sapiens) and apes in the Pan genus (chimps and bonobos) lived an estimated 13 to 5 million years ago. This common ancestor was quadrupedal meaning it moved around on four legs. But while chimps and bonobos stayed on four legs to get around doing a sort of 'knucklewalk' humans gradually evolved to walk on two legs. Humans likely became bipedal to adapt to Africa's savannah grasslands, free up the hands to use and carry tools, and to intimidate predators. 'The selective pressure to walk on two legs was massive and sustained for millions of years,' Professor Underdown told MailOnline. But there's been many 'knock-on effects' of becoming bipedal one of which is that we gradually grew larger penises to improve sperm delivery, the theory goes. Chimps and bonobos are used to sitting with bent legs, which on an anatomical level helps the successful delivery of sperm during copulation. The average human male has a large phallus, in comparison with some of our closest living relatives. While the average manhood measures 5.1 inch (13cm) when erect, the chimp and the bonobo only boast a 3.1 inch (8cm) shaft. Meanwhile, the orangutan's member measures 3.3 inch (8.5cm) and the gorilla only has a tiddler just 1.25 inch (3cm). Pictured, a male chimp Largest mammal penis relative to body size The mammal with the largest penis relative to body size is the fossa Cryptoprocta ferox - officially a Guinness World Record holder. This puma-resembling carnivore, endemic to the island of Madagascar, has a penis length of 6.6 inch to 7.8 inch (1720cm), reaching to between its forelegs when full-sized. The mammal measures a total head-to-tail length of 47 inch to 69 inch (120150cm) - so its penis is nearly one-sixth as long as its entire length. The blue whale has the largest penis in nature - up to 10 feet long. Advertisement 'Just think about how quick most animal mating is when you see it on David Attenborough documentaries,' Professor Underdown said. In comparison, the human build is naturally evolved for standing but makes the angles required during sex somewhat more physically awkward. This can impair sperm delivery, so humans evolved bigger penises to compensate. 'These changes are assumed to take place around 2 million years ago with the appearance of homo erectus, so we can assume Neanderthals probably had the same set up,' Professor Underdown added. The academic said the theory is based on a 'widely accepted understanding of differences between us and chimps as a result of bipedalism'. Mark Maslin, professor of palaeoclimatology at University College London, says the human penis is comparatively 'extremely dull'. 'It does not have lumps, ridges, flanges, kinks or any other exciting feature that other primates have,' he wrote in an article for The Conversation. Interestingly, human testicles are also 'rather small' when compared to other living primates, such as the chimp and the bonobo. Human testicles are 'rather small' when compared to other living primates such as the bonobo and the chimp. This image shows male and female great ape sexual organs, compared for size (bonobos are flat chested until they get pregnant) Mark Maslin, professor of palaeoclimatology at University College London, says the human penis is 'extremely dull' relatively speaking. This image shows more complex primate penises - brown lemur (a), white-bellied spider monkey (b), black-capped squirrel monkey (c), macaque (d, e, f), baboon (g) and chimp (h) 'A chimpanzees testes weigh more than a third of its brain while ours weigh in at less than 3 per cent,' Professor Maslin said. 'Essentially, male chimps have sex all the time with any female and with any excuse. 'A female therefore may contain sperm from multiple partners at any one time, which puts the sperm itself and not just the animals that produce it into direct competition. 'For this reason, chimpanzees have evolved huge testicles in order to produce massive amounts of sperm, multiple times a day.' Meanwhile, modern human testes are of 'very modest size' and produce a relatively small amount of sperm. In fact, human sperm count reduces by more than 80 per cent if men ejaculate more than about two times a day. From the approachable Geordie twang to the instantly recognisable Liverpool lilt, the UK is home to some of the most distinctive accents in the world. Now, a study has revealed just how much your accent conveys about you. Researchers from the University of Cambridge played recordings of men with various British accents to people from all over the UK. The participants were asked to rate the voices according to 10 social traits such as kindness, being friendly, honest and trustworthy. They were also asked to rate how likely the voices were to have performed 10 different behaviours - including crimes, cheating, or driving dangerously. The results will come as a relief for people from Cardiff, whose accents were ranked as the kindest and most friendly. However, people from Liverpool will be saddened to learn that the Scouse accent was ranked as the most aggressive, and most likely to cheat on a romantic partner. So, what does your accent say about you? Scroll down for the full results. Your browser does not support iframes. LONDON: This accent was rated the most likely to be working class, and the second most likely to physically assault someone, second only to the Liverpool accent. Pictured: Danny Dyer LIVERPOOL: The Liverpool accent was top of the list for aggression, physically assaulting someone, shoplifting, cheating on a romantic partner, driving dangerously, lying on their CV, and vandalising a shop front. Pictured: Stephen Graham NEWCASTLE: Somewhat surprisingly, the study suggests that the Newcastle accent is the least friendly, least kind, the least trustworthy, and the least confident of all the accents in the UK. Pictured: Ant & Dec London The results of the study suggest that people with a London accent - such as Danny Dyer, David Beckham, and Ray Winstone - are at risk of becoming 'vicitms of injustice'. This accent was rated the most likely to be working class, and the second most likely to physically assault someone, second only to the Liverpool accent. Conversely, the London accent was deemed the least educated and the least intelligent, and was ninth on the list for kindness - just ahead of the Newcastle accent. Liverpool The Liverpool accent is one of the most recognisable accents in the UK, with stars including Cilla Black, Stephen Graham, and Jodie Comer all hailing from the city. However, the results don't paint a very flattering picture of how Scousers are perceived. The Liverpool accent was top of the list for aggression, physically assaulting someone, shoplifting, cheating on a romantic partner, driving dangerously, lying on their CV, and vandalising a shop front. CARDIFF: People from the Welsh city were deemed the most friendly and kind. Pictured: Colin Jackson BRADFORD: The Bradford accent was rated as the second least-friendly, second only to the Newcastle accent. Pictured: Zayn Malik BIRMINGHAM: The Brummie accent was rated the second most honest, the second least aggressive, and third most trustworthy. Pictured: Jack Grealish The sexiest accents Irish Scottish Essex Yorkshire Welsh Sheffield Scouse Geordie Cornish Brummie Advertisement Meanwhile, people with this accent were bottom of the list for honesty, returning a lost wallet to its owner, and reporting a relative to the police for a minor offence. Newcastle Ant & Dec, Cheryl Cole, and Alan Shearer all hail from Newcastle and have strong Geordie accents. Somewhat surprisingly, the study suggests that the Newcastle accent is the least friendly, least kind, the least trustworthy, and the least confident of all the accents in the UK. Unfortunately, the accent was also ranked as the second most likely to shoplift or vandalise a shop. Cardiff Colin Jackson, Tom Ellis, and Charlotte Church all hail from Cardiff, and will happy to hear that the accent is associated with several positive traits. For example, people from the Welsh city were deemed the most friendly and kind. BRISTOL: Listeners said the accent was the third least likely to physically assault someone, the third least confident, and the third least likely to touch someone sexually without consent. Pictured: Stephen Merchant GLASGOW: The Glasgow accent was deemed the most honest, the most trustworthy, and the most likely to stand up for someone who is being harassed. Pictured: James McAvoy 'Welsh, Northern Irish and Scottish accents perceived more positively than regional English accents overall,' the researchers explained. Bradford Zayn Malik and Jennifer Metfcalfe are both from Bradford - but probably won't be pleased with their accent's associations. The Bradford accent was rated as the second least-friendly, second only to the Newcastle accent. What's more, the accent was rated as the second most likely to cheat on a romantic partner, drive dangerously, and lie on their CV. Birmingham It was a mixed bag of results for the Birmingham accent, as heard on stars like Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Grealish, and Alison Hammond. The Brummie accent was rated the second most honest, the second least aggressive, and third most trustworthy. BELFAST: Belfast locals including Jamie Dornan (pictured), Van Morrison, and Kenneth Branagh will be pleased to hear that the Belfast accent is very well received on the whole. Participants rated it as the second most trustworthy, friendly and kind accent POSH ENGLISH: Finally, in news that will come as a surprise to no-one, the Posh English accent (also known as SSBE), was rated the least likely to be working class, the most highly educated, and the wealthiest. Pictured: Jamie Laing It was also deemed the second least likely to lie on their CV - but the second least confident. Bristol The Bristol accent - as heard on Stephen Merchant, Russell Howard, and Maisie Williams - was rated as fairly average across the board. Listeners said the accent was the third least likely to physically assault someone, the third least confident, and the third least likely to touch someone sexually without consent. Glasgow The results were overall very positive for Glaswegians like James McAvoy. The Glasgow accent was deemed the most honest, the most trustworthy, and the most likely to stand up for someone who is being harassed. It was also dubbed the least likely to lie on their CV and the least likely to touch someone sexually without their consent. Belfast Belfast locals including Jamie Dornan, Van Morrison, and Kenneth Branagh will be pleased to hear that the Belfast accent is very well received on the whole. Participants rated it as the second most trustworthy, friendly and kind accent. People with this accent were also deemed the least likely to cheat on a romantic partner or drive dangerously, and the second least likely to touch someone sexually without their consent or to vandalise a shop front. Posh English (also known as Standard Southern British English, SSBE) Finally, in news that will come as a surprise to no-one, the Posh English accent (also known as SSBE), was rated the least likely to be working class, the most highly educated, and the wealthiest. However, Made in Chelsea stars like Jamie Laing will also be pleased to hear that the Posh English accent was rated as the most confident and intelligent. In addition, people with this accent were deemed the least likely to vandalise a shop, to physically assault someone, or to shoplift. However, they were also the least likely to stand up for someone who was being harassed. Find out whether it's ok to wear a beret and the done thing to order ketchup Few holiday destinations are as familiar as France - the world's most visited country with 100million tourist arrivals a year. Yet, desole, you've still been holidaying there all wrong. How? You've been making mistakes when ordering wine, asking for the incorrect condiments and greeting French people in a way that raises their hackles. To name but a mere handful of faux pas. But don't panic, because here three French experts reveal how to get along with the French while on holiday, with a handy guide to the unspoken rules you need to know. Learn the basics of the language Do not expect everyone to speak English. Sophie Vignoles, France expert at the language learning platform Babbel, explains: The biggest faux pas tourists make in France is assuming everyone speaks English or expecting locals to switch to it immediately. 'While many French people do speak English, its considered polite to start a conversation in French even if its just with, Bonjour... Simon Richards, the founder of luxury villa rental company Provence Holidays, who has lived in France since 2008, adds: Learning a few key phrases when out dining at a restaurant can make your reception less frosty. Use polite terms like puis-je avoir (can I have )?", when ordering your dishes, or laddition, sil vous plait (the bill, please)", at the end of your meal. Use greetings correctly MailOnline has spoken to three France experts to find out all the unspoken rules that tourists need to know. Including whether it's ok to wear a beret Make sure to use public transport or walk, as the locals do, as opposed to taking taxis Sophie says: A simple bonjour or bonsoir accompanied by a smile when entering a shop or restaurant or asking for directions will go a long way. Equally important is the farewell - remember to always say au revoir when leaving a shop or ending an interaction. Be mindful of the time of day - bonjour means good day so you should never say it in the evening. The general rule of thumb is to switch to bonsoir after 6pm. Show respect to locals The French place high value on politeness and proper etiquette - especially when it comes to greetings. Sophie explains: A common mistake that many tourists make is using overly familiar greetings, like salut (hi), in situations where formalities are expected. La bise' - the kiss - is a sacred aspect of French greeting culture 'In France, its customary to address people more formally at first. To make a good impression, you should use monsieur or madame when addressing someone, especially when youre interacting with strangers or older individuals.' Learn to do la bise (the kiss) "La bise" - the kiss - is a sacred aspect of French greeting culture, including among men. But it can be a source of confusion for tourists, reveals Sophie. She explains: As a general rule of thumb, we kiss people we know, friends, family, acquaintances and sometimes even work colleagues. A handshake is a safe alternative when meeting someone for the first time. Be aware of pedestrian etiquette Walking and taking public transport is de rigueur. Gavin, company director at eshores, warns: Make sure you stay out of the bike lanes and stand on the right-hand side of escalators, allowing for others to pass on the left. To help blend in more in general, make sure to use public transport or walk as opposed to taxis. Many of the major cities within France operate metro systems and in smaller cities you can also find trams and buses. Many locals, however, prefer to walk and take in all the sights. Don't rush your food at a restaurant When it comes to meals, dont feel like you need to rush your food. In France, much more emphasis is placed on savouring the food and enjoying the company, says Gavin Sophie reveals: French dining etiquette is more formal than in many other countries. For instance, dont rush a meal eating is considered an experience to savour. Expect to wait a little bit longer between courses and dont expect to receive the bill straight after you ask for it. Never ask for ketchup Sophie explains: Avoid asking for ketchup for every dish or splitting the bill in complicated ways - these arent standard practices in France. Respect Frances coffee culture Avoid the coffees that scream 'tourist'. Gavin says: Mastering the art of coffee culture is an important part of French life. The French take their coffee very seriously and usually drink it in the form of an espresso. Ordering a venti iced vanilla latte will immediately scream tourist! Enjoy your coffee at a leisurely pace sitting at a cafe, watching the world go by. Never put ice in your wine Unsurprisingly, the French have a few unspoken rules when it comes to wine, explains Simon. Never put ice in it adding ice to wine is a faux pas at most restaurants. Non! Adding ice to wine is a faux pas at most restaurants If stuck for choice, many bartenders in France are very well versed with their selection, and so if unsure, asking for the sommelier's suggestion is a smart way to get local insight into a choice you might not try while also paying respect to the bartender. And lastly, always trust the local wines quality comes from regional wines, so asking for the local speciality is always a safe (and savvy) choice above an imported one. Plan for opening hours Sophie warns: Many tourists are caught off guard by Frances strict adherence to certain hours, especially shops and restaurants. Lunch breaks, or la pause dejeuner, are often sacred, with many establishments closing for a few hours in the afternoon. Plan ahead to avoid frustration. Gavin adds: Dinnertime in France usually starts around 8pm, so dont be expecting restaurants to be opening for food at 5pm. So make sure you plan snacks accordingly! Know the unspoken rules A bit more finesse and reserve is required when out and about. Sophie reveals: Loud talking, eating on the go, or smiling at strangers can make you stand out as a tourist in France. The French often value discretion and reserve, especially in public spaces. 'Pay attention to how locals interact in cafes or on public transport to get a better sense of the local rhythm. By following these tips, you can move past the tourist label and immerse yourself more fully in French culture. And finally - Simon warns: For the love of God - no berets! The sun may be setting on Spains golden visa programme, but that doesnt mean that all is lost for Britons who want residency or citizenship somewhere abroad. Although Spains was the most popular, there are still more than 100 similar programmes around the world. These allow individuals and their families to gain either residency or citizenship of a country through buying a property there or investing in its economy. Britons are seeing their appeal and are applying in record numbers. So why might you want one and which are the best options available? Wealth & Personal Finance investigates. For the price of an average UK home you can purchase this property in Crete ... and this one in Antigua for 290,000 the price of a typical property in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics This home in Portugal would also fall under the typical price ... and so would this luxury home in Dubai Why you might want one The greatest attraction is the freedom they afford holders. Once you have a golden visa you can travel to that country as often as you like and spend as much time there as you choose. That means no more applying for visas or being bound by restrictions to the number of days you can stay there. Some offer residency, which means you can spend as much time there as you like. But the more generous offer you a pathway to citizenship, which comes with a passport. Armand Arton at global citizenship firm Arton Capital, says citizens of countries such as China and Russia have always seen the attraction of having a second residency or citizenship should they wish or need to leave or move assets. However, growing numbers of British and US citizens are seeing the value as well as wanting the lifestyle options that having access to another country affords, he says. Growing numbers of Britons also use golden visas to reduce their tax bills by becoming resident in countries that have lower rates than those levied in the UK. Plans to remove non-domiciled or non-dom status in the UK have escalated this trend. Favourite for brits For years, the Spanish golden visa has been by far the most popular among Britons. It allows holders to come and go as they please without being bound by post-Brexit rules that state non-EU nationals cannot spend more than a total of 90 days in the EU within a period of 180 days without a visa. The golden visa permits unlimited residency to an investor (as well as their spouse and dependent children) as long as they spend at least 500,000 euros on Spanish property. The purchase cannot be made with a mortgage. The visa can also be obtained with an initial investment of at least 2 million euros in bonds issued by the Spanish government or 1 million euros in shares in Spanish companies or funds, or put in a Spanish bank account. The golden visa allows holders to remain tax resident elsewhere and therefore also exempt from Spains wealth taxes, which are levied on Spanish tax residents worldwide assets. The scheme is closing this April, and there are long waiting lists to apply. However, Patricia Casaburi, chief executive of Global Citizen Solutions, says: If you find a turnkey property to buy it may still be possible to get in before the deadline. Once you have a Spanish golden visa, you need to apply to renew it every five years. It is not yet clear whether renewals will be permitted once the scheme has closed to new applicants. Popular Portugal The Portuguese golden visa scheme is the second most popular option as it gives you the option to apply for citizenship as well as residency. Once you have citizenship, you receive a passport and therefore can travel freely throughout the European Union. Troy Hanley, managing director at residence and citizenship by investment experts Henley & Partners UK, says: The Portuguese scheme offers a direct pathway to citizenship without having to live there. It is the only one in the EU to offer that all the others require you to live in the country for at least seven years to qualify for a passport. You could even remain in the UK and visit Portugal once every couple of years. The main route to a golden visa eligibility is spending at least 500,000 euros on qualifying investments. You may make money on these although there is no guarantee. You will need to do your due diligence. Patricia Casaburi adds that an individual can apply for their spouse and dependents to receive a golden visa under the same application, and need only fulfil the investment criteria once. You can add your parents and in-laws so long as they are over the age of 66. If they are younger you will have to prove they are dependent, she says. And there is no age cap for dependent children so long as they are not married and are still in education and so financially reliant on you. Buying on a budget Greece has one of the lowest barriers to eligibility within the EU. Investors can get a five-year residence permit by investing 250,000 euros in existing real estate. It allows you to live in Greece and travel across the EU without a visa. Outside of the EU Antigua is proving increasingly popular among Britons, says Paul Williams, chief executive of consultancy La Vida Golden Visas. Golden visa holders are afforded citizenship by investing 300,000 US dollars in real estate or making a 230,000 US dollar donation to the government. Some people find the tax benefits attractive as Antigua does not tax overseas income, he says. Plus you get citizenship as well as residency and can move freely in other islands such as St Kitts and St Lucia. The UAE also has a golden visa scheme, which grants residency to those who invest in eligible properties worth at least AED 2 million (446,000). Making an application Each scheme has different rules and application processes. You may wish to seek a specialist adviser to help you through the process. Be warned that closure of the Spanish scheme shows that golden visa programmes can be changed, withdrawn or created at any time. Paul Williams adds: So far we have not seen existing holders have their visas removed when schemes close. However, it remains to be seen what happens with renewal applications in Spain after the golden visa closes to new applicants. He adds that, unlike residency, once citizenship has been granted it cant be taken away. This blog is devoted to fantasy, supernatural and decadent literature. It was begun by Douglas A. Anderson and Mark Valentine, and joined by friends, to present relevant news and information. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 20. Today Azerbaijan commemorates the 35th anniversary of the January 20, 1990 tragedy. This day went down in history of Azerbaijan's fight for independence and territorial integrity. On January 20, 1990, the Soviet army forces entered Baku to suppress the masses protesting the USSR-supported Armenian aggression based on territorial claims against Azerbaijan. The entry of Soviet troops resulted in an unprecedented tragedy for Azerbaijan. Valiant sons and daughters of Azerbaijan put the countrys freedom, honor and dignity above everything else, sacrificed their lives and became martyrs. During the tragedy, 147 people were killed, 744 were severely injured and 841 were illegally arrested. As a result of the Soviet army's operations, 200 apartments, houses, private and state property were destroyed. While delivering speech at a meeting held on January 21, 1990 at the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan in Moscow in connection with the tragedy, Heydar Aliyev sharply criticized the perpetrators of this incident. Heydar Aliyev stressed that the incident did not correspond to the law, democracy, humanism and the principles of rule of law in Azerbaijan. Despite that many years have passed since those bloody days, Azerbaijanis remember the dreadful night that took many innocent lives and mark the anniversary of the January 20 tragedy every year. January 20 is immortalized in the memory of Azerbaijani nation as a Day of the Nationwide Sorrow. Dancing On Ice star Michaela Strachan has shed light on a series of horrendous health ordeals, including her battle with cancer and a nasty diagnosis after eating animal poo. The presenter, 58, made her name fronting children's television shows including Wide Awake Club and Wacaday before turning her attention to wildlife programmes including The Really Wild Show, Countryfile and Springwatch. She is a contestant on Dancing On Ice this year and paired up with professional Mark Hanretty for the show's opening episode last Sunday in a performance which topped the leaderboard. The star's appearance on the contest was thrown into doubt when she sprained her ankle two months before the start of the show, leaving her hobbling on crutches and nursing some nasty bruises. Michaela was forced to limp back down the mountain that she had been walking on with her partner, cameraman Nick Chevallier, and commence an intense period of recovery. The setback was not the first health scare the presenter has had. In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and recommended a double mastectomy, following a routine mammogram. Dancing On Ice star Michaela Strachan has shed light on a series of horrendous health ordeals, including her battle with cancer She is a contestant on Dancing On Ice this year and paired up with professional Mark Hanretty for the show's opening episode last Sunday in a performance which topped the leaderboard In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and recommended a double mastectomy, following a routine mammogram She told You at the time: 'The tears started to roll as my doctor tried to tell me what would happen next but I only took in every fifth word or so. The one word that registered was cancer.' Michaela is now cancer-free and she believes the ordeal made her appreciate life more. The presenter told Woman & Home magazine in 2022: 'Going through breast cancer also strengthened me. It has given me more resilience and made me appreciate my life more because I realise that something could have ended it early and that's a shock. 'Often, I forget I've had breast cancer. I had a double mastectomy and have slightly funny-looking boobs but, other than that, that's it. I was incredibly lucky.' More recently, she went through the misery of having a live worm inside her for six months after she accidentally ate animal faeces, telling a horrified Loose Women panel about the experience. 'People are going to think this story is awful,' she said. 'I was doing a lot of work in zoos at the time and I didn't wash my hands properly and then ate a sandwich. 'It was from animal faeces that I ended up getting a worm inside me, and under my skin. 'You could see it. I would itch and then you could see this worm moving under my skin. I got quite attached to this worm - literally! I gave him a name, William the Worm. And he is still there six months later. It didn't impact me in any way. It wasn't intestinal. After spraining her ankle Michaela was forced to limp back down the mountain that she had been walking on with her partner, cameraman Nick Chevallier (left, with son Oliver, right) After a brief stab at pop stardom, Michaela (pictured, with Chris Packham) shifted to hosting shows about animals, such as The Really Wild Show 'Eventually I had to end the love affair by taking double dosage of worm tablets. Most of the time you wouldn't know he was there but when I itched he would come up the surface to say hello.' Michaela, who now lives in Cape Town with Nick and family, has also previously lifted the lid on health struggles when she was younger, including beating anorexia in her teens and fighting alopecia and allergies in her 20s. Dancing On Ice fans were quick to brand the presenter the 'first female winner in 12 years' after she topped the leaderboard on the opening night with a staggering 30.5 points. The Springwatch host stunned people at home as well as judges while performing to Let's Do It from Cole Porter, alongside her skating pro partner Dave Chappelle hilariously joked that he was 'too ugly' to be invited to Diddy's alleged 'freakoffs' in his grand return to Saturday Night Live this weekend. The 51-year-old comic's appearances on the show have drawn controversy and headlines since his monologue after Trump won in 2016. His latest offering was certain to be no exception, as he riffed on topics ranging from Donald Trump to the Los Angeles fires to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chappelle also took aim at Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges lodged against him after his September arrest. Combs has remained incarcerated, awaiting a May 5 trial, after bail was rejected following bail hearings before three different judges. 'I've been in trouble in my day but let me tell you, this guy, Puffy... this guy Puffy is in an enormous amount of trouble, I don't think I've ever seen anything like this. They've got this guy in a RICO case by himself! Chappelle claimed he'd never been invited to any of the alleged 'freakoffs' Diddy held and came to a realization. Dave Chappelle hilariously joked that he was 'too ugly' to be invited to Diddy 's alleged 'freakoffs' in his grand return to Saturday Night Live this weekend Diddy, aka Sean Combs, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges lodged against him after his September arrest 'I thought about it, I said oh my God... I'm ugly. Everyone in Hollywood had an orgy behind your back and none of y'all called me? That really hurts!' He changed his mind, saying that he was not ugly but rather, 'I have snitch energy. I look like I'll tell. The last thing you wanna see at the orgy is me looking across at you.' Chappelle - at one point joking that he was 'tired of being controversial' and hoping to 'turn over a new leaf' - ended his set to open the NBC show discussing Trump, saying: 'He'll be the 47th president, he's done it again.' While sitting on a stool and smoking a cigarette, Chappelle initially joked in a 17-minute monologue that the only reason he agreed to host Saturday Night Live again was to burn off old Trump jokes. The comedian relayed an anecdote about the late President Jimmy Carter going to Palestine with minimal security while Chappelle was visiting the Middle East. Chappelle went on an infamous hiatus from comedy and quit his popular Comedy Central show in 2004 and visited various places around the world afterward, including Africa and the Middle East. 'I will never forget the images of a former American president walking with no security with thousands of Palestinians cheering him on and when I saw that picture, it brought tears to my eyes. I said I don't know if that's a good president but that right there, I am sure, is a great man. It made me feel very proud,' he said. He added that 'the presidency is no place for petty people,' then addressed Trump and the rest of the nation, joking that 'I know you watch the show.' The 51-year-old comic's appearances on the show have drawn controversy and headlines since his monologue after Trump won in 2016 His latest offering was certain to be no exception, as he riffed on topics ranging from Donald Trump to the Los Angeles fires to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict The comic sent a message to the president ahead of his inauguration on Monday To Trump and America, Chappelle said: 'Man, remember whether people voted for you or not, they're all counting on you. Whether they like you or not, they're all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you. I mean this when I say this, good luck. Do better next time. Please, all of us, do better next time.' 'Do not forget your humanity and please have empathy for displaced people whether they're in the Palisades or Palestine,' he concluded to heavy applause. Earlier, Chappelle had what he said were admittedly 'too soon' laughs about the wildfires, saying that 'the moment I said yes' to SNL, 'LA burst into flames.' He said that despite the fact that he's never lived in the city, it hits close to home and cited several famous friends who'd lost their homes. 'Then I go on the internet and I watch these fire videos and the comments all say it serves these celebrities right, I hope their houses burn down,' he said. 'You see that? That right there? That's why I hate poor people,' Chappelle joked. 'They can't see past their own pain!' He riffed on how Los Angeles' wildfires would be the most expensive natural disaster in American history, joking that 'it's because people in LA have nice stuff. I could burn 40,000 acres of Mississippi for like $600-700.' Dave Chappelle's monologue! pic.twitter.com/qSkjGsfnv1 Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) January 19, 2025 While sitting on a stool and smoking a cigarette, Chappelle initially joked that the only reason he agreed to host Saturday Night Live again was to burn off old Trump jokes At one point, he dismissed the conspiracy theories about the fire, only to say: 'If you were a rational thinking person, you have to at least consider the possibility that God hates these people. It's a lotta whites!' He then joked about one of the area's LGBTQ-friendly communities, saying that God can't have possibly do this 'because West Hollywood was unscathed, because how can you burn what is already flaming.' Chappelle, who lives in Ohio, then talked about this past summer's controversy concerning Haitian migrants in the city of Springfield, which Chappelle lives one town over from. He said that Trump's speculation that 'they're eating the dogs, they're eating the cats' made him 'crazy.' Chappelle claimed that these Haitians had come they're legally and 'they did jobs the whites weren't doing. It's not that the whites couldn't do these jobs but they were doing other things: heroin, sleeping on the streets.' Then he said, in hopes he could be supportive, he spent 10 days eating his lunch each day at a Haitian restaurant in Springfield 'to let them know if I'm safe here, you guys are definitely safe here.' 'To be honest with you, I don't know what that meat was,' he said with a wry smile. 'But whatever it was, it fell right off the bone I'll tell you that.' He joked that he might leave Ohio along with the Haitians because 'its just no fun being famous anymore.' Sarah Sherman plays Rachel Maddow in a sketch about MSNBC on Saturday Night Live SNL mocked MSNBC's reliance on Trump in their news coverage in a cold opening sketch Chappelle has largely been out of the limelight for the past year or so but has still remained a controversial figure. In 2023, he sparked a walkout during a show in Boston after slamming Israel for its 'war crimes' against Palestinians. Earlier in January, woke comedian Michelle Buteau slammed Chappelle and accused him of profiting from 'dangerous' transgender jokes that 'make people feel unsafe'. His most recent special, The Dreamer, was released in 2023, the last of multi-million dollar contract with Netflix which he referenced on the SNL stage. Earlier in the show, SNL mocked MSNBC's reliance on Trump in their news coverage in a cold opening sketch. Coronation Street villain Rob Donovan is set for a steamy new storyline as he embarks on a sexual relationship with a prison guard. The character, played by actor Marc Baylis, 47, is Carla Connor's brother who is serving life in jail for the murder of Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan). Rob has been behind bars at Weatherfields Highfield Prison since 2014 - and a new storyline is set to focus on his time inside. Upcoming scenes on the ITV soap will see Rob enjoy steamy romps with warder Nancy, played by Shameless star Rebecca Atkinson, 41. Producers have compared the scenes to the recent court case involving prison guard Linda De Sousa Abreu, who was jailed for 15 months after she was filmed having sex with an inmate. A soap insider told The Sun: 'This is going to be one hell of a saucy storyline, Rebecca and Rob will be seen enjoying secret romps in his prison cell like prison officer Linda De Sousa Abreu. Coronation Street villain Rob Donovan (Pictured) is set for a steamy new storyline as he embarks on a sexual relationship with a prison guard Upcoming scenes on the ITV soap will see Rob enjoy steamy romps with warder Nancy, played by Shameless star Rebecca Atkinson (Pictured) 'Viewers will have to wait and see whether or not Mandy gets caught by prison bosses. 'It's a bit of a cheeky nod to the footage that went viral online last year and is a much-needed risque plotline.' Actor Marc was spotted returning to filming on the cobbles last year as new producers promised viewers some big storylines. Speaking ahead of his return last year, Marc said his return was set to have a huge impact on Carla, his son Bobby and Carla's new romance with police officer Lisa Swain. Detailing his big return, producer Kate Brooks told The Sun: 'We last left Rob languishing in prison. He made mistakes. 'He comes back to the show and we think he might be a reformed character who has seen the error of his ways, but whether thats the case or not, I dont know!' 'He definitely comes back and causes a lot of trouble for Carla and Lisa. 'Just when Carla and Lisa think its safe to sit down and watch Netflix, Rob Donovan comes along and scuppers all of that.' The character, played by actor Marc Baylis, 47, is Carla Connor's brother who is serving life in jail for the murder of Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan) Rob has been behind bars at Weatherfields Highfield Prison since 2014 - and a new storyline is set to focus on his time inside (Pictured in June 2014) Producers have compared the scenes to the recent court case involving prison guard Linda De Sousa Abreu, who was jailed for 15 months after she was filmed having sex with an inmate (Rob seen with his son Bobby earlier this month) It comes after producers' reportedly signed up actor Samuel James for a guest role following a mass exodus of the show's stars. Samuel, 47, who has previously appeared on EastEnders and Birds Of A Feather, has been cast as Lauren Bolton's murder trial approaches. According to The Sun, he will portray the head of prosecution in Lauren's trial where she is charged with murdering solicitor Joel. Samuel will portray character Steven Poyser in dramatic courtroom scenes. A source said: 'Samuel will appear on screen for a number of episodes in a guest role as Lauren's fate is finally revealed.' Coronation Street insiders have rubbished rumours that the ITV soap is in trouble amid a cash crisis. Rumours have swirled that there is trouble behind the scenes on the cobbles - with six cast members announcing their departures in just two months. The show has been facing plummeting rating and recently lost its most-watched ITV soap crown to Emmerdale. It comes after producers' reportedly signed up actor Samuel James for a guest role following a mass exodus of the show's stars Speaking to The Mirror, a soap insider admitted that there are big changes afoot for the soap. However, they insisted the show 'is in no way on the brink of collapse' with an array of exciting and dramatic plotlines planned. 'Corrie's vision for the future on the show has secured its place on screens for years to come,' they said. 'Fans can ignore any idea that within a decade the soap will be gone, because it's in no way on the brink of collapse.' It comes amid reports the ITV soap is in trouble due to an alleged cash crisis and a revolt from the cast over poor working conditions and low salaries. Since November, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Sue Devaney, Colson Smith, Luca Toola and Shelley King have all announced they will be leaving the show. Other actors have reportedly vented their fury on a WhatsApp group over fears they could be next. Australian bride Eliza Murray turned heads for all the wrong reasons on Friday when her December wedding to fiance Ed Powys in Sydney featured in Vogue Australia. The co-founder of fashion agency Bene Studio was front and centre on the magazine's website as she flaunted the wedding gowns she wore on her big day. Readers slammed the fashion powerhouse digest for featuring Eliza as she posed for photos in an ill-fitted Saint Laurent gown and another very racy Monot dress. Eliza slipped into the loose lace-trimmed archival dress for her ceremony before risking a wardrobe malfunction in her second gown for the reception. She bought the Saint Laurent frock without being measured for it, having one of her stylist friends source it from the fashion archives of New York. 'I wasn't able to locate it online, but thankfully I have a beautiful friend who is a stylist who was able to source it from New York,' she told the Vogue publication. Australian bride Eliza Murray (right) turned heads for all the wrong reasons on Friday when her December wedding to fiance Ed Powys (left) in Sydney featured in Vogue Australia 'I bought the dress from their archive without having measurements or being able to try it on. Thankfully it worked out!' The frock hung from her figure with two wide lace panels barely hiding her chest which threatened to spill out every time Eliza moved. In one reel of photos and videos shared to Instagram of her wedding, the bride could be seen self-consciously adjusting the top of the gown as she danced. The dress of the evening proved to be racy as the hem barely reached the top of her thighs. Huge cut-outs on either side of the frock threatened to open up with every moment and expose her form as she danced the night away with her loved ones. The modern ivory dress from Monot was modified and tailored to fit by Carson Darling-Blair. Instagram users flocked to the comments section on the Vogue Australia account, slamming the dresses which were surprisingly featured in the magazine. 'First dress could have been amazing it if fit well, second dress is shocking!' one person wrote. The co-founder of fashion agency Bene Studio was front and centre on the magazine's website as she flaunted the wedding gowns she wore on her big day Readers slammed the fashion powerhouse digest for featuring Eliza as she posed for photos in an ill-fitted Saint Laurent gown and another very racy Monot dress 'God, it's giving nannas nightie vibes!' another said, while someone commented: 'She needn't have bothered with either dress.' Others noted, 'Good Lord,' 'Dreadful dresses,' and, 'Probably one of the worst fitting dresses I've seen on a bride.' Some users specifically took aim at Vogue for featuring Eliza's wedding, despite being known as one of the world's most influential fashion magazines. 'Not classy for Vogue,' someone wrote. 'The dress doesn't fit. Hahah. Vogue went to Vague fashion,' another added. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Eliza for comment. Eliza tied the knot with her fiance Ed Powys, a professional sailor and yachtsman, in the Northern Beaches of Sydney at her family home on December 30. Despite the criticism she received over her gowns, Eliza looked every inch the Australiana bride, fitting in with her natural and earthy theme. Slicking her brunette tresses back into an artful up-do, the Bene Studio director wore a vintage veil which had been passed down through her family. Eschewing tradition, she opted not to pair her white wedding gowns with matching ivory heels, but instead stepped into 'deep brown and navy options by Saint Laurent'. She elevated her appearance with a very natural makeup look, letting her natural beauty shine through with a light smoky eye and nude lipstick. Meanwhile, new husband Ed looked dashing in a simple all-black suit with a crisp white button-down to off-set the look. The happy couple were all smiles on their sunny wedding day which featured an outdoor ceremony and a cocktail hour on a wharf. Loved ones then took a trip with them around the water on the Murray family boat, heading to a dinner party and dance floor. Eliza told Vogue that guests danced 'between the dinner tables' and gave beautiful speeches at the reception which boasted 'games and a gelato cart'. 'It was such a love-filled, uplifting reunion of so many of our nearest and dearest,' she said. Eliza and Ed have been life long family friends with their parents sharing a decades long friendship together. As they grew up, the pair reconnected in 2010 in Portugal, where Eliza was working at the time when Ed arrived in the country for a holiday. By the end of 2011, the couple had stuck up a relationship as they began living in London, with Ed getting down on one knee to propose as recently as September. Stacy Keibler was one of the final names on George Clooney's legendary roster of girlfriends before the actor found lasting love with his now-wife Amal Alamuddin. The 44-year-old former actress and WWE star stepped into the spotlight after Clooney's breakup with Italian TV personality Elisabetta Canalis in 2011. Their two-year romance was hot and heavy, but they called it quits in June 2013. By October, though, Clooney had already moved on to brilliant British lawyer Amal, and within six months, they were engaged. The sudden turn of events 'irked' Stacy at the time, as she had believed wedding bells might soon be in her future, per US Weekly. Despite the setback, Stacy has been thrivingmarrying a close friend, having three children, and moving on since her split from Clooney, who now shares twin kids, Alexander and Ella, 7, with Amal, as DailyMail.com reports below. Stacy Keibler was one of the final names on George Clooney 's legendary roster of girlfriends before the actor found lasting love with his now-wife Amal Alamuddin; (seen in 2011) The 44-year-old former actress and WWE star stepped into the spotlight after Clooney's breakup with Italian TV personality Elisabetta Canalis in 2011. Their two-year romance was hot and heavy, but they called it quits in June 2013; the exes seen in 2012 Stacy's dating life with Clooney Stacy and George first set tongues wagging in July 2011, and from there, their whirlwind romance quickly escalated. The pair became inseparable, making their red carpet debut at the Toronto Film Festival and rubbing shoulders at glamorous events like the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. After a sun-soaked summer at Clooney's legendary Lake Como estate, whispers of a breakup surfaced by September. 'They have little in common,' one insider shared with UsWeekly in March 2013. 'She likes to go out and have fun. The age difference has started to weigh on her.' Another source saw the writing on the wall: 'The end is near. It's just a matter of time.' By June 2013, the inevitable finally came to pass, and the couple parted ways for good. The 44-year-old former actress and WWE star stepped into the spotlight after Clooney's breakup with Italian TV personality Elisabetta Canalis in 2011; (seen in 2012) Stacy was 'irked' at George's proposal to Amal George's surprise proposal to Amal in April 2014 caught many off guardnone more so than his ex-girlfriend, who once believed she'd be the one walking down the aisle with the notorious playboy. A source revealed to UsWeekly at the time that Stacy was 'irked' by the news of her ex's engagement. 'When George and Stacy got together, he told her she'd be the one he'd marryand that they'd have kids together,' the insider revealed. By October 2013, though, Clooney had already moved on to brilliant British lawyer Amal, and within six months, they were engaged; (seen in 2024) Stacy picks up the pieces with a close friend The beauty and Jared Pobre had been friends for five years before their relationship turned romantic in fall 2013, shortly after her split with Clooney. Pobre is the visionary founder and CEO of Future Ads, a dynamic company focused on online advertising, app distribution, and driving revenue in the gaming industry. They would go on to marry on March 8, 2014. 'My happiness is indescribable!' Keibler said post-ceremony on social media. 'Marriage is the ultimate bond of love and friendship. It means putting all your faith and trust into a person that you can't help but believe is your soul mate. 'Someone who has all of your best interests at heart; someone handpicked for you, to help you grow and be the best person that you can be. Jared is all of this for me.' Stacy and the tech engineer live in Wyoming, where they decided to move from Los Angeles after having kids. The beauty and Jared Pobre had been friends for five years before their relationship turned romantic in fall 2013, shortly after her split with Clooney Stacy has 3 bundles of joy Stacy has embraced motherhood three times over, sharing three beautiful children with her husband, Jared: 5-year-old son Bodhi Brooks, 4-year-old daughter Isabella Faith, and 9-year-old daughter Ava Grace. As for whether they'll add to the family in the future, Stacy isn't sure yet. 'Let's see how it feels to be outnumbered!' she joked to People. Stacy has embraced motherhood three times over, sharing three beautiful children with her husband, Jared: 5-year-old son Bodhi Brooks, 4-year-old daughter Isabella Faith, and 9-year-old daughter Ava Grace Stacy's latest career moves After leaving WWE in July 2006, Stacy showed off her versatility by competing on Dancing with the Stars, where she finished third in the show's second season. She also popped up in guest roles on How I Met Your Mother and Psych, adding some acting credits to her name. Then, in April 2023, Keibler was inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy in the industry. After leaving WWE in July 2006, Stacy showed off her versatility by competing on Dancing with the Stars, where she finished third in the show's second season; the star seen in 2024 'I've entered into another chapter of being a mom, and anyone with three kids knows that that's a juggling act, and it's my full-time job,' she told People in 2023 But these days, much of her focus is on her family. 'I've entered into another chapter of being a mom, and anyone with three kids knows that that's a juggling act, and it's my full-time job,' she told PEOPLE in 2023. 'So I have taken a step back to focus on putting my heart and soul into that,' she added. 'Now, because I've been a performer since the age of 7, of course, it's also in my heart, but it's just something that I've kind of taken a backseat to, focusing on something else.' Ellidy Pullin was all smiles on Friday as she stepped out with daughter Minnie Alex, three, at a fashion launch event. The podcaster, 33, was celebrating her latest collaboration with fashion label Ena Pelly on the Gold Coast when she stepped out with the joyful toddler. Minnie was welcomed to the world in 2021 after Ellidy fell pregnant through an incredible IVF and posthumous sperm retrieval process following the tragic death of her long-time partner, snowboard champion Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin. Now the mother-daughter duo are all but attached at the hip as the tot could be seen happily enjoying the fashion party with her ecstatic mother at Kirra Beach House. The mum-of-one appeared to be glowing with joy as she slipped on a white lace skirt which tumbled around her metallic gold boots. She topped the frock with a yellow polo shirt from the Ena Pelly label which featured a blue trim and an oversized cut. Ellidy Pullin, 33, (pictured) was all smiles on Friday as she stepped out with daughter Minnie Alex, three, at a fashion launch event Ellidy slicked her brunette tresses back into a tight up-do as she accessorised with a pair of dangling gold earrings. She then let her natural beauty shine through with a minimal makeup look, opting for a nude lip and a light smoky eye. Daughter Minnie was every inch her lookalike as they wore matching shirts, with the three-year-old tying her blonde locks up into pigtails. As Ellidy gave a speech to the audience, thanking them all for attending the fashion collaboration launch, Minnie could be seen sitting on the shoulders of her mother's male friend. Ellidy mingled with several of her influencer pals at the event, and was even spotted with co-host Chloe Fisher who recently announced she was stepping down as the face of their podcast Darling, Shine! Stepping out in support of Ellidy, Chloe, 34, opted for a fitted denim dress over a sheer white collared shirt. Pulling her black tresses back into a high up-do, she accessorised with a pair of simple black boots. Chloe arrived at the event with her own bub in tow, carrying newborn daughter Bobbi in her arms as she partied the night away with Ellidy. The podcaster was celebrating her latest collaboration with fashion label Ena Pelly on the Gold Coast when she stepped out with the joyful toddler (pictured) Minnie was welcomed to the world in 2021 after Ellidy fell pregnant through an incredible IVF and posthumous sperm retrieval process following the tragic death of her long-time partner, snowboard champion Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin (right) The popular podcast duo announced in December that Chloe would be stepping back from the show this year, saying it would look quite different in 2025. 'I'm very emotional and I don't want to say it, but I will be taking a break from the podcast next year as Ellidy's co-host,' Chloe said on the podcast last month. 'I just want to like properly explain the reasons why I will be taking a step back, and it's just that I will be taking a step back from co-hosting because I will be doing all the admin that comes with Darling, Shine!' While Chloe said she was stepping back from the front facing role, she expressed her commitment to the podcast and its fanbase. 'It's such a hard pill to swallow because I f***ing love this podcast so much and I love our community so much,' she said. Earlier in 2024, Chloe's co-host Ellidy, whose story of becoming pregnant with the sperm of her late partner Chumpy inspired millions of Aussies, copped flak for her blunt assessment of her podcast. The model was asked by a listener about her friendship with her friend and co-host Fisher on an episode of Darling, Shine! in July. Her blunt responsewhich saw her complain about having to record the podcast and make time for friends who live interstatewas criticised by some listeners as 'mean'. The mum-of-one appeared to be glowing with joy as she slipped on a white lace skirt which tumbled around her metallic gold boots Ellidy mingled with several of her influencer pals at the event, and was even spotted with co-host Chloe Fisher, 34, (left) who recently announced she was stepping down as the face of their podcast Darling, Shine! Stepping out in support of Ellidy, Chloe opted for a fitted denim dress over a sheer white collared shirt 'We've never had a fight. The only fights we have are f***ing to do with the dumba*** podcast, which stresses us the f*** out,' she said of her relationship with Chloe. '[Because] I have other s*** going on, so does Coco.' One fan claimed in a Facebook group that Ellidy's comments were a 'kick in the gut' to long-time listeners. It comes after Ellidy revealed she is ready to start dating again, four years after the tragic death of her long-time partner, snowboard champion Chumpy. Ellidy, who had Chumpy's child, daughter Minnie, through an incredible IVF and posthumous sperm retrieval process, said she is 'excited' about jumping back into the dating pool. Speaking to her close friend Chloe on their podcast Darling, Shine! back in June, Ellidy said she would love to date a tradie but isn't ready for anything serious just yet.' Absolutely open to dating, actually excited about it, it's a f***ing jungle out there though,' she said with a laugh. 'It would be sick to be walking through Woolworths and someone just picks the same apple as me.' She went on to say that while she is eager to dip her toe into the dating world 'for a bit of fun' she isn't ready 'to bring someone into our lives as something serious'. Ellidy said she has a very specific checklist for what she's looking for in her next man. 'I just wanna find a f**king tradie who's nice, and we get along, and we just have that chemistry. Someone who likes adventure. Who is up for travelling,' she said. Ellidy gave birth to Minnie in 2021, naming her after Chumpy who passed aged 32 when he drowned while spearfishing on the Gold Coast. The couple had been dating for eight years before his sudden death, and while they never married, Ellidy changed her last name to Pullin in his honour. Hollywood star Jack Black gave an Australian paparazzo a firsthand taste of his Kung Fu Panda magic on Sunday. The American actor and comedian, 55, is currently in Queensland filming a reboot of the 1997 horror movie Anaconda with Paul Rudd. Black was enjoying his day off at a Gold Coast beach, dressed in a pair of Tenacious D 'Satan' print board shorts and a psychedelic tie-dye T-shirt, when a tabloid photographer approached him. The world-famous actor took a unique approach to warding off the man and his camera - pulling a few stunt moves out of the bag from his blockbuster film franchises Jumanji and Kung Fu Panda. In hilarious footage captured on the paparazzo's Google glasses, Black is seen play fighting him, landing high kicks and stunt punches just inches away from his face. As the actor danced around him, he made all of his own cartoonish sound effects for each attack. Hollywood star Jack Black gave an Australian paparazzo a firsthand taste of his Kung Fu Panda magic on Sunday on a Gold Coast beach The American actor and comedian, 55, is currently in Queensland filming a reboot of the 1997 horror movie Anaconda with Paul Rudd Jack Black was enjoying his day off filming, dressed in a pair of Tenacious D 'Satan' print board shorts and a psychedelic tie-dye T-shirt, when a tabloid photographer approached him Each kick saw Black extend his legs diagonally, extending his toes to head height with surprisingly quick speed. 'You know that I'm recording?' the photographer says to Jack in the clip, who comically shakes his head and then jogs off up the beach. Daily Mail understands the School of Rock star spotted the photographer and then agreed to perform a little skit for him. Black looked to be embracing the Aussie lifestyle as he enjoyed an ocean dip and played a game of frisbee barefoot on the sand. He completed one of his signature eclectic ensembles with a pair of dark shades, a beige Akubra hat, and toted his belongings in a baby pink beach bag from the five-star Langham Hotel, where he is staying. One nearby beachgoer filmed on the hilarious scene on their phone and send the clip to a comedy Instagram account this afternoon. The footage quickly racked up hundreds of comments. 'I was like "who does this guy think he is?Jack Black?" and [then] he turns around,' one person commented with several laugh-crying emojis. He completed one of his signature eclectic ensembles with a pair of dark shades, a beige Akubra hat, and toted his belongings in a baby pink beach bag The Hollywood star looked to be having a marvellous time playing a game of frisbee Daily Mail understands the School of Rock star spotted the photographer whilst he was playing a game of beach frisbee, and then agreed to perform a little skit for him Jack Black went shirtless and then sprinted dramatically out of the surf in his Tenacious D board shorts He didn't break character once during his unique approach to warding off the paparazzi, even making his own sound effects as he performed a Kung Fu stunt scene with the photographer 'Big fellas got some flexibility. Good on him,' a second Instagram user said. 'All credit to the bloke for getting his leg that high at that age. I would have kicked half has high and pulled a muscle,' added a third. Black shared a video of himself hitting the gym to his 14.2m followers just two weeks ago, in which he's lifting weights. The musician's black and red board shorts, printed with a cartoonish image of Satan, appear to be a reference to his band Tenacious D. Black was sensationally forced to scrap the band's Australian Spicy Meat Ball Tour in 2024, after bandmate Kyle Gass made an unsavoury joke about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. 'All future creative plans' for the band were put on hold in July after Black said he was 'blindsided' by Kyle's remarks on stage in Sydney. But in August, he told fans not to worry: 'I love Tenacious D... We had to take a break, but I love the D. Everybody takes a break sometimes. We'll be back.' The original shocker starred Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Ice Cube and Jon Voight Hollywood stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd are currently in Queensland filming a reboot of the 1997 horror movie Anaconda The funnymen, who are staying at the five star Langham hotel, will put their own spin on the original film which starred Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Ice Cube and Jon Voight The original Anaconda movie starred Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Ice Cube and Jon Voight. The new story, according to Hollywood Reporter's sources, involves a group of friends facing mid-life crises who are remaking their favourite movie from their youth. Directed by US filmmaker Tom Gormican, the Anaconda reboot is produced by Sony and received funding from the state government via Screen Queensland's Production Attraction Strategy. The production received a 30 per cent tax rebate through the federal governments Location Offset Subsidy, which aims to attract large productions to Australia. The rainforests of Queensland will 'stand in' for the films setting which is the Amazon jungle. Jack Black made no effort to go incognito while he enjoyed his Sunday at the beach David Hughesy Hughes has opened up about his shock radio axing for the first time, as the comedian confirms his career change was long overdue. The former Sydney 2DayFM breakfast show host, 54, is one of the first celebrity contestants to be unveiled on this years season of Channel 10s Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!, which begins airing on Sunday night. Comedian Kitty Flanagan, former Bachelorette Georgia Love and Married at First Sight bride Ella Ding have all been rumoured to be joining the show, which will once again be hosted by Robert Irwin and Julia Morris. Meanwhile, two-time Big Brother winner Reggie Bird and Bachelor star Matty J will also be packing their bags for South Africa for what will be the show's eleventh season. The Hughesy, Ed & Erin breakfast show sensationally came to an end in August 2024 amid spiralling ratings and 'commitment issues'. 'I am very happy not to be on commercial radio this year,' Hughsey told the Herald Sun in his first comments since his axing. 'To be honest, I am sick to death of the songs. I dont want to hear the same seven songs every morning for the rest of my life.' David Hughesy Hughes has opened up about his shock radio axing for the first time, as the comedian confirms he'll be headed to the South African jungle for I'm A Celebrity! The former Sydney 2DayFM breakfast show host, 54, is one of the first celebrity contestants to be confirmed for Channel 10's reality series, which airs from January 19 Meanwhile, two-time Big Brother winner Reggie Bird and Matty J will also be packing their bags for the 11th season of the show The program hosted by Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan managed a mere 3.6 market share in its last ratings survey. But there is no love lost for Dave, who said radio 'is something I have done for a long time and it has been lucrative for decades I have made wise investments.' 'I am absolutely happy to have a break for a long time. I have had the same experience every year for 20 years and why? There is no need now. 'I should do what I want to do and that is partly why I am going into the jungle, for the fun of it and for something different.' The Melbourne-based radio presenter said he was 'torn' between two cities as he commuted to Sydney each week to host the show. 'Initially the intention was to move to Sydney, but it just did not happen. Firstly there was Covid and my family was settled in Melbourne, my wife enjoyed her job and my kids were enjoying their school, so after a while we realised I was not going to move.' Dave said he was 'basically pretending to live in Sydney for three and half years,' and that it was 'exhausting.' In another candid interview with news.com.au, the father-of-three said he'd fallen out of love with 'the whole concept' of commercial radio. 'I just dont need it, if you know what I mean? I dont need to be doing that or doing full-time radio. And look, it may never happen again, to be honest.' The Hughesy, Ed & Erin breakfast show has sensationally come to an end amid spiralling ratings and 'commitment issues'. Pictured: Ed Kavalee, Erin Molan and Dave Hughes The program hosted by Dave Hughes , Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan managed a mere 3.6 audience share in the latest ratings survey. Prior to hosting 2DayFM since 2021, the Aussie media personality had great success with his former co-host Kate Langbroek across various stations for more than 20 years. This will be his first stint in the South African jungle, after knocking back the opportunity several times. I'm A Celebrity! fans have speculated that Sigrid Thornton, best known for 1982's Man from Snowy River, could be the 'star of the silver screen,' while others have theorised that it could be Bump creator Claudia Karvan. Chicken Shop Date's sensation Amelia Dimoldenberg has also been put forward as a suggestion for 'the British girl' alongside Jordana Grace and Maddie Grace Jepson. Producers always drop huge hints about the cast members every year and they have teased that one cast member will be an 'influencer with a taste for love'. The clue could be referring to a number of high-profile former reality stars, with fans speculating it might be Ella Ding, Georgia Love or MAFS bride Jessika Power. 'She's conquered one house, but can she conquer camp?,' teased another online clue that could point to two-time Big Brother winner Reggie Bird. Drag Race Down Under star Kween Kong has also been tipped after producers leaked online that 'reality royalty' would be joining this season's cast. Another cast member is said to be a 'real life' hero that might 'need to be rescued', which could be a cheeky reference to Bondi rescue star Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins. Fans successfully tipped that Dave 'Hughsey' would be joining the cast as the 'comedy genius' on the bill. Christina Haack quietly went Instagram official with her new boyfriend, Christopher Larocca, on Saturday after it was revealed that the pair have been 'dating' for months. The TV personality, 41 - who has to pay ex Josh Hall $150k from the sale of her $4.5M Tennessee home - shared an assortment of snaps to her Instagram stories while enjoying a lavish getaway to Paris with the businessman. It comes amid the star's ongoing divorce from Hall following their split last year in July 2024. He has since also debuted a new romance with Stephanie Gabrys this month. Earlier this week on Tuesday, Christina and her new beau were spotted boarding a flight at LAX together. In the latest update in her budding romance, the HGTV star reposted a photo of tasty cocktails that Christopher had originally shared to his own account. The couple tagged each other as they grabbed the drinks while at the Bvlgari Hotel during the European trip. Christina Haack, 41, quietly went Instagram official with her new boyfriend, Christopher Larocca, on Saturday after it was revealed that the pair have been 'dating' for months Haack also flashed a cheerful smile in a second image while holding another cocktail in her hand at the Dior Cafe. It comes shortly after it was revealed to DailyMail.com by a source that the beauty has been secretly dating the CEO of Network Connex. 'Christina has been dating Chris Larocca for a few months now. They're always together and out and about around Newport,' the insider explained. 'They even have traveled abroad and visited other countries together.' Haack and Larocca are 'surprised' that the news of their relationship hasn't come out because 'they certainly don't hide that they're together.' However, it is not known when Christina first crossed paths from the businessman who is from California - but they have stopped by a few events together over the past three months. Back in October 2024, she went to Europe for the 'most incredible week' and shared a snap of herself inside a Ferrari. The luxury car brand shared images to its Newport Beach Instagram page, and Haack allegedly could be seen holding hands with her new beau following a special dinner. And this week on Tuesday, the pair were seen at LAX as they boarded a flight to head to a new destination together. The TV personality shared an assortment of snaps to her Instagram stories while enjoying a lavish getaway to Paris with the businessman; Larocca seen above In the latest update in her budding romance, the HGTV star reposted a photo of tasty cocktails that Christopher had originally shared to his own account Haack also flashed a cheerful smile in a second image while holding another cocktail in her hand at the Dior Cafe As they stepped out of a vehicle, Christopher was seen sweetly placing his hand on her back while guiding her towards the plane. During a recently interview with Us Weekly, Haack opened up about whether she would tie the knot once again following the end of her marriage to Josh Hall. The former couple tied the knot in 2022 before announcing their split last year in July. She was also previously married to Ant Anstead from 2018 until 2021, and the pair welcomed son Hudson, five. Beforehand, she also said 'I do' to Tarek El Moussa in 2009 before their divorce in 2018. They share two children: Taylor, 15, and Brayden, nine. 'I'll always love love,' Christina told the outlet, and then added, 'I probably will [get married again] eventually. But, not anytime soon.' She explained that in order to walk down the aisle again, she would need to 'be engaged for a minimum of, like, five years.' Her ex, Josh Hall, has also moved on and is 'happily dating' a Nashville-based bikini model named Stephanie Gabrys. During a recently interview with Us Weekly, Haack opened up about whether she would tie the knot once again following the end of her marriage to Josh Hall A separate insider told Us Weekly, 'Josh met someone wonderful in Nashville, and they have been happily dating for some time. Josh wasn't trying to date, but he met someone, and it was a perfect match.' He has 'no desire to be a celebrity' and is also 'trying to live a more private life' amid the new relationship. 'He hasn't made a show of the relationship, but it's not a secret. Josh is just low-key. He is very happy with his life and looking forward to 2025 and what's on the horizon. This is the happiest he's been in some time.' He went public with Gabrys on Instagram as the couple held smiles on their faces while posing for a snap together. This week, Haack was ordered to pay her ex Josh Hall $150,000 from the sale of their $4.5 million Tennessee home, which was listed for sale in October. According to new court documents obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, Christina was ordered by a California judge - where the former couple's divorce is taking place - to deposit the $150,000. The docs state, 'No later than five days after the close of the escrow, [Christina] is ordered to deposit $150,000 from the sale of the home into [Josh's] counsel-client trust that is interest-bearing with restricted access.' Although the order was issued at the end of October, documents detailing this order were just filed in court this month after Christina's newly retained counsel was hired. It was previously reported that the HGTV star fired her former lawyer, DeArmey Law APC, and hired 'Disso Queen' Laura Wasser, who is known for representing Kim Kardashian and other A-list celebrities. Before the order was issued by a judge, Josh through his counsel, stated in court docs that there was a dispute regarding 'Josh's Moore/Marsden interest in the Parker Branch property' and demanded that the Court ordered 'the sum of at least $150,000.' Her ex, Josh Hall, has also moved on and is 'happily dating' a Nashville-based bikini model named Stephanie Gabrys This week, Haack was ordered to pay her ex Josh Hall $150,000 from the sale of their $4.5 million Tennessee home, which was listed for sale in October; seen earlier this month in L.A. Christina, for her part, disputed Josh's Moore/Marsden interest claims. A source told DailyMail.com that Josh has not lived at the Franklin property for quite some time. 'Josh hasn't stayed at the house in months. He has his own temporary place for the time being,' the source revealed. The over 5,000-square-foot-property was listed for sale on October 5, 2024, but then removed from real estate listings on October 25. It was listed for sale again on December 3 and continues to remain an active listing. According to court records, 'Josh does not intend to interfere with the sale based on the Court's orders,' although past court records showed that Josh had filed a temporary emergency order to stop the sale at one point. In court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Josh had offered Christina a global settlement offer but then she proceeded to list it. He also said that she allowed him to live in the home when it was unoccupied, which he did for 12 days in September, but now he has relocated somewhere else in Tennessee and claims he's 'suffering prejudice' because his living expenses will increase. In the documents, Josh claimed the home was listed by Christina without his consent and without a court order. 'Josh hasn't stayed at the house in months. He has his own temporary place for the time being,' the source revealed The real estate investor's marital issues with Josh will play out when her new show with Tarek El Moussa and his wife Heather El Moussa premieres on January 29 on HGTV The home was purchased by Christina in February 2021, prior to their wedding, however Josh insisted 'the community maintains an appreciation interest due to the paydown of the mortgage during marriage.' Josh and Christina have been embroiled in messy legal proceedings since he filed for divorce from The Flip Off star in July 2024 after nearly three years of marriage. On a recent episode of Jeff Lewis Live, the real estate mogul said she and her ex are 'not even close' to resolving and revealed they'll be 'going to trial.' The real estate investor's marital issues with Josh will play out when her new show with Tarek El Moussa and his wife Heather El Moussa premieres on January 29 on HGTV. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis were seen leaving a reform synagogue after attending a Shabbat service in Los Angeles on Saturday morning. The Hollywood couple appeared in good spirits as they exited the religious building holding hands with their two kids. Kunis, 41 who was raised Jewish looked demure in a long black dress layered under a cozy brown coat. She completed her outfit with cream-toned heels. The actress was seen having a laugh with her and Kucher's children daughter Wyatt Isabelle, 10, and a son Dimitri Portwood, eight during the walk back to their parked car. Meanwhile, Kutcher, 46, looked dashing, sporting a gray blazer and matching slacks paired with a blue button up. The No Strings Attached star also wore a white kippah, a traditional brimless Jewish skullcap that fulfills the religious requirement that the head be covered during prayer. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis were seen leaving a reform synagogue after attending a Shabbat service in Los Angeles on Saturday morning The Hollywood couple appeared in good spirits as they exited the religious building holding hands with their two kids The family's outing comes just weeks after Kunis got candid about her journey with Judaism and revealed that she was told never to discuss her faith publicly. In the interview with author Noa Tishb, the actress claimed she grew up without celebrating the traditional religious holidays while spreading the message of Jewish resilience. 'I always knew I was Jewish, but I was told to never talk about it,' Kunis confessed. When Tishby asked her why that was, Kunis explained that she believes it was because she was 'in a country that didn't allow for religion.' 'I was raised culturally Jewish, so for me, it's a culture, and as I had kids, and my kids very much identify with the religion aspect of it,' the Family Guy voice actress explained. And now that she has children of her own, the star celebrates Shabbos and other Jewish holidays to keep her kids in touch with their faith. Kunis also made a sweet nod to her husband, explaining that she became proud of her Judaism when she met him. Kutcher himself is not Jewish, but the family raise their children as such, and Kunis has said that he's part of the faith 'by choice.' 'I fell in love with my religion because he explained it to me,' she gushed. The family's religious outing comes just weeks after Kunis got candid about her journey with Judaism and revealed that she was told never to discuss her faith publicly; seen July 2024 Kutcher himself is not Jewish, but the family raise their children as such, and she has said that he's part of the faith 'by choice'; April 2023 The A-list duo tied the knot on July 4, 2015 in a very private ceremony in Oak Glen, California surrounded by close friends and family. Back in 2020, Kunis revealed that becoming a mother has changed her perspective on life, and claimed she would not 'trade it for the world.' '[Parenting is] great, but it does change the way you look at life and [whether] what you do is something worth doing instead of being with your kids. It does balance it out,' she told People Magazine. 'I would never trade it for [anything]. Ever ever,' she said. The actress later added that becoming parents means having to reject selfishness and balance your life to care for your children. Of parenting with Kutcher she said: 'I know that when we decided to have a kid, we were ready to no longer be selfish at least start the process. Because innately, as humans, we're very selfish people, and we really wanted to have a family.' She added, 'Having this little human to raise it was a balancing act, and then you learn how to be a great partner, and a great wife, and a great woman, and be yourself, and still be responsible for a living child. 'It's definitely a learning process.' BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 19. NCOC (North Caspian Operating Company) is actively cooperating with the government of Kazakhstan and industry associations to ensure that its local content strategy aligns with the country's long-term economic goals, a source at the NCOC told Trend. According to the company, within the framework of the new Strategic Partnership Council in the oil and gas industry, NCOC is working to maximize local content and support the development of Kazakhstan's economy through several strategic initiatives. The source also emphasized that NCOCs local content strategy is based on the Production Sharing Agreement for the North Caspian Project, as well as the proposals of the Kazakh government. "This helps strengthen the local industry and increase the participation of Kazakh companies in major projects. We are actively collaborating with the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan and other regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with national priorities," the source detailed. In particular, NCOC organizes workshops and training sessions for local suppliers, government representatives, and international partners, including organizations such as KazService and PetrSovet. A notable example is NCOCs involvement in the establishment of the International Machine Building Center (IMBC), which aims to support Kazakh manufacturers and promote localization in the country. "We closely collaborate with the government of Kazakhstan and other stakeholders to ensure maximum involvement of local suppliers in major projects, as well as to promote the development of Kazakh business," the company added. The company also emphasized that these efforts contribute not only to meeting local content requirements but also make a significant contribution to Kazakhstans economic development. NCOC, based in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, is the operating company under the Production Sharing Agreement for the North Caspian. As of today, the consortium consists of seven of the largest and most experienced global energy companies: "KazMunayGas" (16.88 percent), "Eni" (16.81 percent), "Shell" (16.81 percent), "ExxonMobil" (16.81 percent), "TotalEnergies" (16.81 percent), KNNK (8.33 percent), and "INPEX Ltd" (7.56 percent). From 2004 to 2024, NCOC provided more than 5,390 employees of Kazakhstani companies with specialized professional training in the most in-demand professions, such as working in confined spaces, welding safety, electronic systems, assembly, and more. Ridge Barredo stunned fans on Saturday when he got down on one knee for girlfriend Jade Pywell as he teased some huge relationship news. But the Married At First Sight star, 29, subverted expectations at the last second when he revealed he was only playing a 'cruel' prank, and not actually proposing. The loved up couple could be seen in an Instagram video enjoying some time in the sun on the back of a boat together when Ridge pretended to pop the question. His elaborate prank began when he encouraged Jade, 27, to take a photo with him next to the edge of the boat. The mum-of-one was already drenched with water as she posed with him while wearing a wet-suit pulled down to her waist to expose her bikini top. Ridge then grasped her left hand in his and got down on one knee, leaving Jade to stare down at him in shock and glee as she believed he was proposing. Ridge Barredo, 29, (left) stunned fans on Saturday when he got down on one knee for girlfriend Jade Pywell, 27, (right) as he teased some huge relationship news However, as the trickster looked up at her and pulled her in close, he suddenly shoved her into the water next to them. Jade appeared to take the joke in good fun as she shared the video to her own Instagram Stories making light of the prank. 'Sheesh. Harder than I thought trying to get a ring,' she captioned the clip alongside an emoji with a single tear. But while Jade didn't appear to take offence, fans of the couple flocked to the comments to slam Ridge for making such a joke. 'Awww thats not fair u got to do it for real now x,' one person wrote, as another said: 'This is mean, Ridge.' A third commented: 'On no... this is not.' 'Cruel not funny,' added another. 'Not deeeeece,' one user wrote, referencing Ridge's 'deece' catchphrase which means 'decent'. But the Married At First Sight star subverted expectations at the last second when he revealed he was only playing a 'cruel' prank, and not actually proposing While Jade didn't appear to take offence, fans of the couple flocked to the comments to slam Ridge for making such a joke It comes after Jade and her MAFS hubby opened up about their future together, and it seems that baby plans are on the horizon. In an exclusive chat with Daily Mail Australia last August, the couple, who met and fell in love on MAFS 2024, revealed plans to start a family. When asked about their sex life, Ridge was quick to deflect. 'You can go' he started, before cheekily offloading the question. 'Yeah, deece,' he jokingly added. 'She's not pregnant yet, though, which is a bit annoying,' he quipped with a laugh. 'And she's got a ring on her finger and everything. But apparently not. It has to be a different one,' he added, hinting at Jade's desire for a more official engagement before they start trying for a baby. When asked if the idea of having children together was something they'd discussed, Ridge explained Jade wanted to get married before having a child. 'She said yes to the next person who I will get married to or engaged to,' he revealed. Jade, who already has a daughter named Victoria from a previous relationship, was equally clear about her plans. 'So yeah, obviously I do want two kids close in age. I've always wanted two very close in age,' she explained. 'But I do want a ring first. I want to be engaged before I think of having kids. I'm not changing my mind,' she added. Maggie Beer has revealed how she has had to rethink her 'workaholic' life after she was rushed to hospital after a horror fall at her Barossa Valley home. Turning 80 this month, the celebrity chef now says she 'regrets' how hard she has worked herself over the years. 'I've been too much of a workaholic, but that was because we had nothing,' she tells the Daily Telegraph. 'I guess with milestone birthdays, I've found in my life from the age of 40, really significant being almost like a lynch pin,' she continued. 'And this one is absolutely (like that), knowing that there needs to be this change in the way I live my life. 'Knowing that I've been a workaholic, and this is going to sound funny, but that I do deserve time to slow down. This work ethic has been part of my life, all my life.' Maggie Beer (pictured) has revealed how she has had to rethink her 'workaholic' life after she was rushed to hospital after a horror fall at her Barossa Valley home Maggie says she was left 'super exhausted' after her fall as she went through the long process of recovery and it has taught her to stop and smell the roses. She had earlier disclosed harrowing details of her long and slow recovery during a chat with The Australian late last year. Beer said that she has had to be patient as her process of getting back to her old self has taken time. 'When I first came home I'd be up for an hour and back to bed for an hour,' she said. 'Yesterday, I was up all day without resting that is a monumental step forward.' Beer however explained that she has struggled to regain her appetite after the injury and her time in hospital. 'I learned what it was to be fed on a tube, and then wanting to make that transition to real food desperately, but not wanting to eat anything,' she said. 'I learned that without the scent of food and the visual excitement of small plates, nothing was going to make my appetite come back.' Turning 80 this month, the celebrity chef now says she 'regrets' how hard she has worked herself over the years She also paid tribute to her husband, Colin, who has been by her side through the difficult process. 'He says he knows I'm getting better because I'm wanting to interfere now,' she said. In October, Maggie posted a video to Instagram revealing she was making a slow recovery and hoped to be back to normal soon. 'The support I've had from the whole community, Australia wide, and from friends and family, I've just been so thankful and overwhelmed,' Maggie began. 'I've come such a long way, but I did underestimate the severity of the injuries so even though I want to tell you how good I'm feeling now, I still have a way to go.' Maggie then thanked her fans and said their ongoing support and well wishes was helping through this difficult time. 'I will make a full recovery and part of it is the care and the love that I've been given.' Many of Maggie's celebrity friends quickly took to the comment section to wish her a speedy recovery. Maggie is best known as one of the judges on The Great Australian Bake Off alongside Matt Moran (left) until she left in 2022 'We love you Maggie' wrote celebrity trainer Michelle Bridges and MasterChef Australia veteran Gary Mehigan added: 'Take care, we are all thinking of you.' In August, Maggie was rushed to hospital after a fall in her South Australian home left her with fractured bones and bruising. A family member took to Instagram to update fans on the esteemed chef's progress. The loved one assured her followers that the food author and restaurateur was in the best medical hands possible and will likely make a full recovery. No time frame has been given on Maggie's recovery as family members explain it will be based on day-to-day advice given by her doctors. Maggie is a celebrity chef, author and restaurateur who received the Order of Australia in 2012 for her contributions to the food and tourism industry. She is best known as one of the judges on The Great Australian Bake Off alongside Matt Moran, until she left in 2022. Maggie also co-hosted the ABC television cooking program The Cook and The Chef with Simon Bryant and made guest appearances on MasterChef Australia. Scott Cam has finally offloaded his property after it languished on the market for over a year. The lavish country getaway was renovated by Cam during The Block's Tree Change season of 2022 and listed for an asking price of between $4.1million and $4.3million in October 2023. The 62-year-old TV host then dropped the price of the beautiful heritage pad to between $3.8milion and $3.9million. It finally sold this month for an undisclosed sum, the Herald Sun reported on Saturday. Located in Gisborne South, 49kms from Melbourne, the gorgeous cottage sits on 4.04ha in a lush rural setting. Originally built as a homestead around 1866, the house maintains many classic features of the period, including a wraparound verandah. Scott Cam (pictured) has finally offloaded his property after it languished on the market for over a year Known as Camalot, Cam's house boasts a stunning fountain, a 3D-printed concrete cabana alongside the pool and an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven. The four-bedroom home includes a massive kitchen with a reclaimed timber island bench and butcher's block, two wine fridges and a large butler's pantry. Cam's design style is a delightful mix of rustic charm and modern updates, featuring stone and stylish timber finishes. Highlights include French doors, a thoughtful open-plan layout and the best in the latest appliances. There's also an al fresco dining space, a mud room and a private office. The Block Auction in 2202 ended in disaster when only two houses managed to make it over the $4.3M reserve price. Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Abu Malik managed to net a record-breaking $1.6million profit for their home at the auction. It comes after reports that The Block host is ready to hang up his tool belt and retire from The Block after 14 years as its host. The lavish country getaway was renovated by Cam during The Block's Tree Change season of 2022 and listed for asking price of between $4.1million and $4.3million in October 2023 The 62-year-old TV host then dropped the price of the beautiful heritage pad at the end of 2024 to between $3.8milion and $3.9million The media personality, who recently turned 62, took over as host from Jamie Durie in 2010 during season three of the series, is said to be frustrated with contestants in recent years. Woman's Day reports that Scott's had enough and 2025 will be his last year, but Nine says that's just not the case. An insider alleges that Scott revealed his retirement plans while filming season 20, saying he was only doing 'this year and next' on the show. 'When Jesse [Maguire] and Paige [Beechey] quit the series mid-season, it really shocked him and made him even more determined to walk away in 2025,' they said. 'Scott holds The Block very dear to his heart and he couldn't understand why anyone would leave his hit series and the highly emotional decision they made. The Block was originally set to film in Daylesford this year, but complications with receiving council permits pushed that renovation back to next year. Producers scrambled at the last second to secure a run down resort on Phillip Island, dropping a staggering $9.5 million on Island Cove Villas, The insider said Scott was 'bitterly disappointed' when Daylesford was put on the backburner because he wanted to host that season 'then bow out graciously'. It finally sold this month for an undisclosed sum Located in Gisborne South, 49kms from Melbourne , the gorgeous cottage sits on 4.04ha in a lush rural setting Scott addressed rumours of his impending retirement from Nine's hit renovation show to Daily Mail Australia as recently as last year. The builder-turned-reality TV host attended a launch party for the 2023 season of his show and told the crowd he was planning on staying for a long time. 'Two months ago I signed a multiple year deal with the Nine Network. It was an easy decision as I love this show and couldn't think of going anywhere else,' he said. Scott then said while he had no immediate retirement plans, when that day came in the distant future he had the perfect person in mind to take over as host. 'I reckon the only person who could do it is my current co-host Shelley Craft, that's right,' he said. Shelley, 48, added there was no one better suited than her to take over the reins when the time finally came. 'That's my job, isn't it? Don't I step up and then I get a sidekick?' she joked. In 2022, Scott addressed speculation about his future on the show yet again, telling Daily Mail Australia he would be on building sites for decades to come. The veteran tradie has a 40 plus-year career behind him and has hosted The Block for the past 14 yearswith seemingly no desire to stop any time soon. 'I'm 60 this year and I'm physically fit, I'm doing a renovation of my home now because of the mould from all the rain,' he told Daily Mail Australia at the time. 'I've got at least another decade on the tools. I told my wife recently, we've got 20 years of good health left so from January 1, let's start a 20-year odyssey of living life. 'I'll keep going till I can't anymore because I love it. I reckon I can do 20 years on the tools, and I'll pull up when my body tells me to.' Dave Hughes has arrived in the South African jungle to film the 2025 season of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia. The comedian made his debut on the reality series on Sunday night - and viewers were less than amused. Several posted to X to share their thoughts, with many indicating they find the 54-year-old 'annoying'. 'Imagine being stuck in the jungle with Dave Hughes,' commented one person while someone else wrote, 'Yuk. I dont like him'. 'Dave Hughes in the jungle is my worst nightmare. He is an absolute d****head,' said another. 'What did we do to deserve Hughsey?' one more asked while someone else commented, 'The most annoying person alive aka Dave Hughes'. Dave Hughes (pictured) has arrived in the South African jungle to film the 2025 season of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia The comedian made his debut on the reality series on Sunday night - and viewers were less than amused 'Dave's true personality is going to come out in the jungle. This should be interesting,' someone pondered. 'It's going to be a tough watch with Hughesy in there,' yet another viewer watching at home said. Dave arrived during Sunday's episode and quickly indicated he was surprised he signed up. 'I cannot believe I have agreed to do this. I want to cry. I'm pretty sure I have no jungle skills at all,' he said. Dave then sung his own praises, stating, 'If you live in Australia and you don't know me, I don't believe you. You do know me. I am a god.' 'I do stand up comedy at least four nights a week, because you know why? I am in desperate need of attention,' he added. 'I have to organise some gigs in the jungle. I have a captive audience and they are going to hear my comedy stylings, whether they like it or not'. The former Sydney 2DayFM breakfast show host was one of the first celebrity contestants to be unveiled on this years season of Channel 10s Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Several posted to X to share their thoughts, with many indicating they find the 54-year-old 'annoying' This will be his first stint in the South African jungle, after knocking back the opportunity several times. It comes after Hughes opened up about his shock radio axing for the first time, as the comedian confirms his career change was long overdue. The Hughesy, Ed & Erin breakfast show sensationally came to an end in August 2024 amid spiralling ratings and 'commitment issues'. 'I am very happy not to be on commercial radio this year,' Hughsey told the Herald Sun in his first comments since his axing. 'To be honest, I am sick to death of the songs. I dont want to hear the same seven songs every morning for the rest of my life.' The program hosted by Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan managed a mere 3.6 market share in its last ratings survey. But there is no love lost for Dave, who said radio 'is something I have done for a long time and it has been lucrative for decades I have made wise investments.' 'I am absolutely happy to have a break for a long time. I have had the same experience every year for 20 years and why? There is no need now. 'I should do what I want to do and that is partly why I am going into the jungle, for the fun of it and for something different.' The Melbourne-based radio presenter said he was 'torn' between two cities as he commuted to Sydney each week to host the show. 'Initially the intention was to move to Sydney, but it just did not happen. Firstly there was Covid and my family was settled in Melbourne, my wife enjoyed her job and my kids were enjoying their school, so after a while we realised I was not going to move.' Dave said he was 'basically pretending to live in Sydney for three and half years,' and that it was 'exhausting.' Kylie Jenner braved the cold in a sexy outfit as she held hands with her daughter Stormi, six, while heading to dinner with her sister Kendall in Aspen on Saturday night. The businesswoman, 27, wore a little black dress and fur coat for a night out at Casa Tua with stylish Kendall, 29. She looked great in the outfit which she accessorised with shades and sheer tights, while boosting her height with shiny heels. Her daughter Stormi looked cute in a silver padded jacket as she sweetly held onto her mum's hand. Kendall kept it minimalist with a fitted black coat and boots as they left dinner along the snowy pavement. The sisters are joined by their best friend Hailey Bieber, completing the ultimate girls' night out in the snowy mountain town. Kylie Jenner braved the cold in a sexy outfit as she held hands with her daughter Stormi, six, while heading to dinner with her sister Kendall in Aspen on Saturday night Kendall kept it minimalist with a fitted black coat and boots as they left dinner along the snowy pavement It comes after Kylie was 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. 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 businesswoman, 27, wore a little black dress and fur coat for a night out at Casa Tua with stylish Kendall, 29 She looked great in the outfit which she accessorised with shades and sheer tights, while boosting her height with shiny heels Her daughter Stormi looked cute in a silver padded jacket as she sweetly held onto her mum's hand It comes after Kylie was labelled a 'climate criminal' after she posted a statement about relief efforts amid the devastating wildfires in LA just hours after her private jet made its 11th flight since January 1 Kendall looked chic as usual in her long black coat which she wore with leather boots She accessorised with gold earrings and wore her brunette tresses slicked back Kylie added some stylish shades to her look She opted for a natural makeup look with a slick of light pink lip 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. 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. 'They don't 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 she's a big contributor towards the fires starting in the first place with the overuse of her private jet and she's been using her jet for days while the fires are still happening. Worms for brains.' It's 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. Kendall then followed Kylie and Stormi out of the restaurant 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. Adrien Brody has recalled 'abandoning his life and loved ones' while filming his Oscar-winning role in The Pianist so that he could 'dig deep' into the character. The actor, 51, won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 2003 Academy Awards for his role as Holocaust survivor Wladyslaw Szpilman. He has now been nominated again for his part in The Brutalist and has reflected on how much he gave up for his role in the 2002 war drama. Adrien - who was 29 at the time - split with his girlfriend during the course of filming, lost too much weight and became ill. Speaking to The Times he has now told how he would never sacrifice so much for a film again, saying: 'I'm a grown-up. 'And as a young man I did not feel that I could faithfully honour all that was on my shoulders with The Pianist, so I dug very deep. Adrien Brody has recalled 'abandoning his life and loved ones' while filming his Oscar-winning role in The Pianist so that he could 'dig deep' into the character The actor, 51, won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 2003 Academy Awards for his role as Holocaust survivor Wladyslaw Szpilman 'I abandoned my life, loved ones, home, phone, car in order to deliver truth. But it's less toxic now. I no longer think it's necessary to torment yourself.' After his big win Adrien disappeared from the spotlight completely saying he didn't understand why he had received so much praise for the movie. In the interview he told how he isolated himself in the countryside as he 'saw how much was coming to me and felt unnerved.' It comes after earlier this month Adrien made headlines after winning Best Performance in a Motion Picture for The Brutalist at the 2025 Golden Globes. Brody stars in The Brutalist as Laszlo Toth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who escapes the Holocaust by emigrating to the U.S. Previously nominated for a Golden Globe for his iconic role in The Pianist (2002), for which he also won the Best Actor Oscar, Brody's latest project is a historical drama directed and co-written by Brady Corbet. The movie arrived at the Golden Globes with seven nominations, including nods for supporting stars Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce. Brody catapulted to international fame with his Oscar-winning performance in The Pianist (2002), where he portrayed the Polish-Jewish pianist Wadysaw Szpilman, earning critical acclaim and a Best Actor Academy Award. He has now been nominated again for his role in The Brutalist and has reflected on how much he gave up for his role in the 2002 war drama Adrien - who was 29 at the time - split with his girlfriend during the course of filming, lost too much weight and became ill Speaking to The Times he has now told how he would never sacrifice so much for a film again, saying: 'I abandoned my life, loved ones, home, phone, car in order to deliver truth' Following his breakout role, Brody continued to build an eclectic career, starring in films like King Kong (2005), The Darjeeling Limited (2007), and Predators (2010). Adrien became emotional while paying tribute to his girlfriend Georgina Chapman after winning. Taking the stage to accept his award, the 51-year-old Oscar winner expressed gratitude for his designer partner, 47, acknowledging her support, as well as the tough competition in his category, which included heavyweights like Timothee Chalamet, Daniel Craig, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan. 'To my beautiful and amazing partner Georgina, your generosity of spirit, your own resilience, your immense creativity are a daily reminder of how to be,' Brody said, visibly emotional. 'I would not be standing here before you if it wasn't for you. There was a time not too long ago that I felt this may never be a moment afforded to me again, so thank you.' Brody and Chapman first became romantically linked in 2019, marking her first relationship since her 2017 split from disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein. The former couple, who married in 2007, finalized their divorce in 2021 and share two children. Weinstein, convicted of rape and sexual assault in 2020, was sentenced to 23 years in prison. It comes after earlier this month Adrien made headlines after winning Best Performance in a Motion Picture for The Brutalist at the 2025 Golden Globes Brody stars in The Brutalist as Laszlo Toth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who escapes the Holocaust by emigrating to the U.S He later received an additional 16-year sentence for further charges in California, bringing his total prison term to 39 years. Chapman, the British fashion designer and co-founder of the label Marchesa, left Weinstein in October 2017, shortly after The New York Times published a bombshell investigation detailing decades of sexual harassment and assault allegations against Weinstein. Chapman publicly announced their separation in a statement, saying she was 'heartbroken' by the accusations, but it was clear she wanted to distance herself from the scandal. She has largely kept a low profile since then and focused on her work, including her fashion career. Arabella Chi showcased her blossoming bump as attended the launch of her new beauty serum, Aura By Chi at 1 Hotel Mayfair in London on Saturday. The pregnant reality star, 33, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Billy Henty, beamed as she celebrated the new venture alongside pal and fellow Love Island star Georgia Harrison, 30. Arabella slipped into a figure-hugging maroon jumpsuit for the event which she teamed with comfy white trainers and a pair of Nike socks. The stunner wore minimal make-up and displayed her natural beauty while styling her glossy blonde locks into loose waves. Meanwhile Georgia, 30, who appeared in the villa with Arabella during last year's All Star series, was also dressed in gym gear. She layered a baggy white sweater over leggings and shielded her eyed behind shades while sipping on a smoothie. Arabella Chi (R) showcased her blossoming bump as attended the launch of her new beauty serum alongside fellow Love Island star Georgia Harrison (L) in London on Saturday The pregnant reality star, 33, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Billy Henty, beamed as she celebrated the new venture In December 2024, Arabella revealed she was expecting a child with Billy, just two months after the couple confirmed their romance. It comes after Arabella cradled her growing baby bump in a white bikini as she posed for stunning Instagram snaps last week. She added a coordinated open towel dressing gown over the swimwear and kept comfortable in a pair of white slippers. Arabella looked in good spirits as she enjoyed a relaxing spa day with her mother at Hertfordshire's Champneys Spa. Leaving her long blonde tresses loose, the reality star cradled her bump while sat on a bed reading Coleen Hoover's hit book It Ends With Us. It comes days after Arabella revealed the gender of her baby with a heartfelt video montage set to Beyonce's Halo on Instagram. The clip featured sweet details from her gender reveal party, including pink and blue decorations, a white cake with 'Oh Baby' written on it, and a snippet of her baby scan. In the heartwarming finale, Arabella looked incredible in a chic white mini dress as she and boyfriend Billy stood together holding two black balloons. Arabella (R) slipped into a figure-hugging maroon jumpsuit for the event which she teamed with comfy white trainers and a pair of Nike socks Gerogia (L) and Arabella (R) pictured together on last year's Love Island All Stars In December 2024, Arabella revealed she was expecting a child with Billy, just two months after the couple confirmed their romance When they popped them with a needle, a burst of pink confetti filled the air, revealing theyre expecting a baby girl. She captioned the clip: 'It's a ...... We cannot wait to meet our little princess.' The model shared the news with a bikini-clad clip on Instagram as her hunky partner cradled her blossoming bump. Arabella looked sensational in the tiny two-piece as she beamed, proudly displaying her baby scan picture and positive test. Unable to wipe the smile off her face she wrote 'May 2025' in the sand, confirming the tot's due date. She captioned the post: 'Dreams do come true ... Baby Henty due May 2025. You already make our hearts full and we can't wait to meet you little one'. Billy is co-founder of a company specialising in biohacking and regenerative medicine, with clinics in London, Canada and Greece. In October they looked more loved up then ever as they made their red carpet debut at the UK premiere of Venom: The Last Dance, just weeks after going Instagram official. The pair had previously jetted off on a lavish holiday to Santorini and Arabella took the opportunity to share a photo of them together on social media for the first time, captioned: 'Making memories with you'. The couple had reportedly been dating secretly for months in private, with sources telling The Sun at the time: 'Arabella has made no secret of wanting to find the one and it looks like Billy could be that man.' It comes after Arabella cradled her growing baby bump in a white bikini as she posed for stunning Instagram snaps last week It comes days after Arabella revealed the gender of her baby with a heartfelt video montage set to Beyonce's 'Halo' on Instagram 'He's clever, handsome and has a jet setting lifestyle, which she loves. It was a big step putting him on her socials she didnt tag him but shes happy for people to see her happy and in love.' Arabella previously confessed she was looking to find true love and her 'happily ever after', wanting to get married and have kids. She told The Sun on Sunday: 'Last year was probably my unluckiest when it came to finding the one. I've been so unlucky in love. Ive dated people I thought at the time were the one, which was a mistake Ive since learnt from.' 'What I've learnt from dating last year is that you think you know someone but you don't really know them at all. I dated people that perhaps, looking back, werent best suited to me.' She added: 'I've been fortunate enough to hang out in Hollywood circles but I have still not found love. Ive never felt more ready to settle down.' 'All Ive ever wanted is true love and that fairytale dream. Im 32, I want to get married and have babies.' 'I havent got lots of time left and I know more about myself now than ever. This is my last shot to find my happily ever after.' Nelly has responded to the backlash over his decision to perform at the Liberty Ball on Monday night, celebrating the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The rapper, 50, who along with Snoop Dogg has agreed to take part in the inaugural festivities, explained his reasons for accepting the invitation to right-wing journalist Officer Lew on X. 'I'm not doing this for money, I'm doing this 'cause it's an honor. I respect the office.' the Grillz artist explained. 'It don't matter who in office.' He compared himself to members of the military. 'The same way our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country have to go to war and have to put their life on the line for whoever in the office. So, if they can put they life on the line for whoever in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever in office. Lew then asked him, 'What do you say to the people that say "we're not giving you this backlash because of your political affiliation or because of your political choice, or whatever, we're giving you this backlash because you are propping up a white supremacist?"' Nelly has responded to the backlash he's received since signing on to perform at the Liberty Ball on Monday night in Washington, DC celebrating President Donald Trump's inauguration 'I would ask them to show me where he's a white supremacist,' Nelly answered. He then brought up components of the 1994 Crime Bill sponsored by then-Senator Joe Biden, confusing it with the 1986 Crime Bill signed by Ronald Reagan, which which called for a minimum mandatory sentence of five years without parole for anyone caught with five grams of crack cocaine. The 1994 Crime Bill did fund the building of prisons to hold more people convicted of violent crimes and is blamed by many for the mass incarceration of members of the Black community. 'Okay, I did get it. He did say "if you don't vote me, you're not black," right?' he said, sarcastically referring to a comment President Joe Biden made in an interview with Charlamagne tha God before he bowed out of the race. Then Nelly ventured back into Trump's past saying, 'I'mma get to it. He did not rent to black people, what was in the 70s or 80s, is that what they said, and like, okay, is he renting to them now? So, nobody's allowed to change?' he queried. In 1970, Trump and his father Fred were sued by the Justice Department for refusing to rent to people of color, but the case was settled when Trump Management promised not to discriminate any more. The 1968 Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to refuse to rent or sell housing based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, familial status, or national origin. 'See, here's the thing, we can talk about pasts, but we never want to talk about our pasts. If our pasts get brought up, in our community for a lot of what of our men did, we always call it rehab... these young brothers we been through a lot. I know I've been through a lot. If my past was what was going to prevent me from winning today, I wouldn't be here.' Nelly made the comments to journalist Officer Lew on X who uploaded them on Saturday night, stating that he was 'doing this 'cause it's an honor. I respect the office. It don't matter who in office' When asked about accusation he was 'propping up a white supremacist?' Nelly replied 'I would ask them to show me where he's a white supremacist' Referring to Trump he admitted, 'I'm not saying that he aint got some f-ed up ways, that's not what I'm saying at all,... what I'm saying is that he's the president of the United States. He's not the candidate for the United States, He's the president. He won' (Pictured in Lancaster, PA in October 2024) Referring to Trump he admitted, 'I'm not saying that he aint got some f**ked up ways, that's not what I'm saying at all, that's why I'm not telling you who to vote for. But what I'm saying is that he's the president of the United States. He's not the candidate for the United States, He's the president. He won.' Nelly's comments drew praise from Black and white commenters. 'Nelly is a class act. He's always seen through the garbage,' contended one fan. 'Key words here for NELLY. "I respect the Office." Not about the person. This is right is no many ways.' agreed one follower. Nelly received praise from Black and white commenters Many agreed with his decision to 'respect the office' of President A longtime Trump supporter said she could relate to Nelly's comments Another congratulated the rapper for 'being able to see things clearly and think for himself!' One commenter to Nelly's Instagram page called him 'misinformed' and suggested he check out Project 2025 Many other said they would not be supporting Nelly's upcoming Where The Party Tour in which he would be headlining with Eve and Ja Rule 'As an African American that has supported Trump since 2016 I can relate to what Nelly is saying!' stated a fan. 'That interview proved how misinformed you are. Please go do your research on project 2025,' advised a fan on Nelly's Instagram page. Others hinted his upcoming Where The Party Tour in which he would be headlining with Eve and Ja Rule, could be in trouble. 'I won't be supporting this mess. Hope MAGA buy your tickets to the has been tour,' contended one former fan. Celebrity chef, Jose Andres, revealed Jennifer Garner was eager to lend a helping hand amid the devastating LA wildfires, which have killed more than two dozen people. Last weekend, the Golden Globe winner, 52, rushed to help those in need by volunteering with World Central Kitchen in Los Angeles. 'She lost a friend [and] she was there like one more,' Andres, 55, told People of how it felt to have Garner join him in bringing meals to families affected by the fires and first responders. He continued: 'It feels like she was my friend since childhood and we just met, we barely met and there she was. I did not have to tell her what to do, because she'll always find something to do on her own.' The Spanish-American restaurateur, who was awarded a National Humanities Medal from the White House for his work with World Central Kitchen, also described how the actress gave 'hugs to so many people' while distributing food to those in need. 'I think that's almost like a psychology worry that I don't think anybody realizes, but that's so deep and so important,' Andres noted. Celebrity chef, Jose Andres, revealed Jennifer Garner was eager to lend a helping hand amid the devastating LA wildfires, which have killed more than two dozen people (seen this month) The chef also commended 'everybody that was able to show up even for [even] an hour' because 'they don't have to.' 'Some of them are suffering the consequences of the fire, but there [here] they are. And they don't do it where there are cameras, they're doing it where there is nobody, and that makes it very special,' he told the outlet. Last weekend, the Alias star quietly volunteered with World Central Kitchen, which has provided over 109 million meals to families affected by conflict, natural disasters, and the climate crisis in 20 countries. World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that provides food relief. While serving the Altadena community, she stepped up to help prepare food and wash dishes. During a recent interview with MSNBC, Garner emotionally revealed that she had 'lost a friend' during the catastrophic event - which has now confirmed to have taken 27 lives. At one point while talking to journalist Katy Tur, Garner shared, 'I did lose a friend. And for our church, it's really tender. So, I don't feel like I should talk about her yet.' 'But yeah, I did lose a friend who did not get out on time,' she continued as her voice cracked over the tragic loss. Jennifer also reflected on seeing the destruction of thousands of homes in the Palisades community and expressed, 'I just...my heart bleeds for all my friends.' 'I mean, I can think of a hundred families and there are 5,000 homes lost. Without even thinking, I can write out a list of a hundred friends that lost their homes.' The Golden Globe winner, 52, rushed to help those in need by volunteering with World Central Kitchen in Los Angeles last weekend 'She lost a friend [and] she was there like one more,' Andres, 55, told People of how it felt to have Garner join him in bringing meals to families affected by the fires and first responders The Spanish-American restaurateur, who was awarded a National Humanities Medal from the White House for his work with World Central Kitchen, also described how the actress gave 'hugs to so many people' while distributing food to those in need (Andres pictured in 2023) Garner then admitted, 'I feel almost guilty walking through my house just, you know, what can I do? How can I help? What can I offer? What do I have to offer with these hands and these walls and the safety that I have?' The star - who is also an ambassador for the nonprofit Save The Children - said the organization 'will be in shelters helping parents and kids and keeping them safe and social and emotional...we'll be here in a big way very, very soon.' Elsewhere in her conversation with Tur, the actress stated, 'I've lived in and around the Palisades for 25 years, so I just think all of us, we want to get our hands into working, somehow, to be helpful.' 'And because of my work with Save The Children, we have a relationship with the chef,' she said, referencing to Jose Andres - who is the founder of World Central Kitchen. 'And I was able to just say, 'Can I be with you for the day? What can I do to help? Put me to work.'' During a recent interview with MSNBC, Garner emotionally revealed that she had 'lost a friend' during the catastrophic event - which has now confirmed to have taken 27 lives At one point while talking to journalist Katy Tur, Garner shared, 'I did lose a friend. And for our church, it's really tender. So, I don't feel like I should talk about her yet' The Methodist Church that Jennifer would attend burned down in the fires, and she told Katy while becoming emotional, 'It's my family's church.' After a brief pause, Garner continued, 'And it's where my kids went to Sunday school. We lit the Advent candle together there a couple of weeks ago. We watched the little kids perform. It's a preschool. It's a central part of our community.' 'It's a gathering point for the entire community. And full of really quirky, cool, mostly blue collar people of the community. And just, like, I loved belonging there because wherever I went, I would run into somebody from our community.' She later added, 'The people are strong and the sense of the community is strong. We will look after each other, and that is still here. That is still stronger than ever.' Spencer Pratt has revealed he has made a 'life-changing' amount of money through TikTok after he and wife Heidi Montag lost their home in the recent LA wildfires. The reality star, 41, has seen a huge surge in his follower numbers in recent days, and admitted that it's helped to change his family's financial fortunes. Spencer told Variety: 'I made, like, $4,000 on TikTok this week, but on TikTok Live, where people can just give to me direct, I think maybe $20,000. So that's phenomenal, and life-changing. 'That's the power of individual supporters, people just backing you and getting behind you. 'And that's the most powerful when you don't have to rely on ads or AI and algorithms when just actual human beings just want to give. It's unbelievable and incredible.' It comes after the app confirmed it's working to restore the app while thanking President-elect Trump for intervening as the social media platform shows the first signs of recovery following its dramatic shutdown. Spencer Pratt has revealed he has made a 'life-changing' amount of money through TikTok after he and wife Heidi Montag lost their home in the recent LA wildfires The reality star has seen a huge surge in his follower numbers in recent days, and admitted that it's helped to change his family's financial fortunes Spencer has even been able to use the platform to promote his wife's 2010 album, Superficial: 'I have no idea how much money [the music has made]. I don't know if it comes in cheques or when, but everybody keeps telling me, don't expect any money'. 'I'm more excited about the energy and opportunities that come from it. I don't think these streams and all these charts [make money].' Spencer said his TikTok experience has also given him a renewed sense of hope, following the wildfires. He said: 'Based on what people are telling me, the music business is about touring, it's about merchandise, it's about all the things that come with it; that's how the artists make money unless you're doing billions of streams, which I'm still energetically [pushing]'. 'It's not happening yet! I'm being optimistic because truly, it's the only way to get through all this.' It comes after the couple responded to the backlash they received for getting donations after the loss of their home. Los Angeles area has been struck by its worst windstorms in over a decade, fuelling 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. 'I made, like, $4,000 on TikTok this week, but on TikTok Live, where people can just give to me direct, I think maybe $20,000. So that's phenomenal, and life-changing' Spencer has even been able to use the platform to promote his wife's 2010 album, Superficial: 'I have no idea how much money [the music has made]. I don't know if it comes in cheques or when, but everybody keeps telling me, don't expect any money' Spencer said his TikTok experience has also given him a renewed sense of hope, following the wildfires They fled the disaster area with their two young sons Gunner, six, and Ryker, two, leaving most of their personal belongings behind. Although Heidi and Spencer 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. '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.' It comes after the couple responded to the backlash they received for getting donations after the loss of their home (pictured 2019) 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 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' 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 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.' Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. Bake Off presenter Noel Fielding has sparked fears after he abruptly pulled out of filming a new comedy series due to ill health. Now Love Productions, the makers of the Channel 4 baking show, which begins filming its next series in April, are said to be concerned for the star's future and are drawing up contingency plans if Noel, 51, is forced to withdraw from the series. An insider said: 'Everyone at Love Productions was, of course, worried to learn about Noel's ill health, and will do everything they can to support him. 'Nothing is set in stone, but they are preparing for every possible outcome and have plans in place if Noel is unable to continue as host on series 16.' It comes as the The Great British Bake Off star, who hosts alongside Alison Hammond, pulled out of Apple TV's The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. After a successful first series, which he co-wrote and starred in, filming for a second series took place at the end of last year. Bake Off presenter Noel Fielding has sparked fears after he abruptly pulled out of filming a new comedy series due to ill health (pictured on show last month) Now Love Productions, the makers of the Channel 4 baking show, which begins filming its next series in April, are said to be concerned for the star's future and are drawing up contingency plans if Noel, 51, is forced to withdraw from the series It comes as the The Great British Bake Off star pulled out of Apple TV's The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, in which he stars as the titular highwayman (pictured in show) But when filming was set to resume after the Christmas holidays, cast and crew were told it had been axed three-quarters of the way into the shoot. Insiders said Noel, who played the lead role of the legendary highwayman, was unavailable for scheduled and rescheduled filming dates. Cast and crew were told this week it has been scrapped due to 'the illness of a key cast member'. A spokesperson for Noel told the Mail: 'This is a private and confidential matter regarding our client's health. 'We are saddened by the decision to cease production but we cannot make any further comment on this matter.' It is understood that the presenter is recuperating in France. A source close to the show told The Times: 'Noel has said that he can't film any more and so there was no choice but to stop. 'It's not a decision that was taken lightly and they wouldn't have got to this extreme result if every possible solution hadn't been exhausted. After a successful first series, which he co-wrote and starred in, filming for a second series began at the end of last year. But when it was set to resume after Christmas, cast and crew were told it had been axed three-quarters of the way into the shoot 'People have been very concerned about Noel's wellbeing and given him time to recover but there are also significant repercussions. Some people are furious.' There is reportedly frustration from the cast and crew that all their hard efforts will not be seen on screens. But Apple and production company Big Talk are working to ensure that people are paid for work delivered on the show. Stars who had signed up for series two included Jason Isaacs, Dawn French, Miranda Richardson, and Jamie and Natasia Demetriou. It comes after reports the cast and crew working on the show are planning to sue the show's makers after it was axed. It has been reported that Noel didn't return after Christmas and now more than 100 are considering a class action lawsuit against the makers of the Apple TV+ comedy. They report that because Noel is also a co-writer and executive producer he is likely to be sued too. The publication claims he left for France before the team learned of the shock axing news and has not been seen in public since. There is reportedly frustration from the cast and crew that all their hard efforts will not be seen on screens and are planning to sue the show's makers after it was axed Noel has presented Bake Off since it moved to Channel 4 in 2017, co-hosting with Sandi Toksvig and later Matt Lucas (pictured with Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith and Sandi in 2019) Back in 2021 the star sparked concern after he suddenly disappeared halfway through an episode of the Channel 4 show with a mystery illness A source said: 'Axing a show halfway through production is virtually unheard of - plus there's a mystery over just what has happened. It's left bosses of other shows he is on feeling extremely nervous. 'Plus he'll have to contend with any legal action. It will be a difficult few months for him.' Noel has presented Bake Off since it moved to Channel 4 in 2017, co-hosting with Sandi Toksvig and later Matt Lucas. Back in 2021 the star sparked concern after he suddenly disappeared halfway through an episode of the Channel 4 show with a mystery illness. Co-host Matt told viewers: 'Okay Bakers, Noel is feeling a little under the weather, but we're going to carry on...' as he took on the duties solo for the last 10 minutes of the show. Hailey Baldwin Bieber and her longtime friend Kendall Jenner bundled up in stylish winter coats to dine on Northern Italian fare at Casa Tua in Aspen, CO on Saturday night. The 28-year-old IMG Model wore sunglasses at night and covered up in a massive faux-fur grey coat and glossy black high-heeled boots. The 29-year-old Society Management Model wore a fur-collared black coat with glossy black high-heeled boots. Hailey and Kendall not only share the same stylist (Dani Michelle) and make-up artist (Mary Phillips), their modeling careers would not exist without their famous families. The nepo-babies were joined in the Colorado mountain town by Oliver Peoples collaborator Fai Khadra, Beiber's husband Justin Bieber, and Jenner's younger sister Kylie Jenner. On Saturday, the 30-year-old pop star - who's been recording with Australian musician Eddie Benjamin - shared a smiley snap of the Rhode founder via Instastory and declared she was 'the greatest woman I have and will ever know.' Hailey Baldwin Bieber and her longtime friend Kendall Jenner bundled up in stylish winter coats to dine on Northern Italian fare at Casa Tua in Aspen, CO on Saturday night The married couple of six years welcomed their first child, four-month-old son Jack Blues Bieber, on August 22 after renewing their wedding vows in Hawaii on May 9. Hailey and Justin originally met backstage at the TODAY Show in 2009, they began dating in 2015, and they rekindled their on/off romance in 2018 three months after Bieber's split with Selena Gomez. Meanwhile, the 818 Tequila founder's transgender father - Caitlyn Jenner - is currently in Washington, DC where she attended the Crypto Ball last Friday and is 'actually more happy than the first time' to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump. 'Always stick with your gut,' the 75-year-old Olympic gold medalist proudly wrote last Friday. 'I supported him from day one and was honored to be there for the first inauguration. Happier than ever to be back for the second one, supporting @realdonaldtrump who along with his team will make America great again!' Last Thursday, Bieber's Rhode Futures Foundation committed $1M to support local organizations providing emergency cash payments to relieve mothers, caregivers, and families displaced or deeply affected by the LA wildfires. The Arizona-born beauty's skincare/cosmetics company also allocated 1% of all sales in January and February to this relief effort. Kendall's booze brand made an unspecified donation on January 9th to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund to support the community amid the LA wildfires. The 28-year-old IMG Model wore sunglasses at night and covered up in a massive faux-fur grey coat and glossy black high-heeled boots The 29-year-old Society Management Model wore a fur-collared black coat with glossy black high-heeled boots The nepobabies were joined in the Colorado mountain town by Oliver Peoples collaborator Fai Khadra (L, pictured last Wednesday), Hailey's husband Justin Bieber, and Kendall's younger sister Kylie Jenner On Saturday, the 30-year-old pop star - who's been recording with Australian musician Eddie Benjamin - shared a smiley snap of Bieber via Instastory and declared she was 'the greatest woman I have and will ever know' The 818 Tequila founder's transgender father - Caitlyn Jenner (2-R, posted November 6) - is currently in Washington, DC where she attended the Crypto Ball last Friday and is 'actually more happy than the first time' to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump (L) The 75-year-old Olympic gold medalist proudly wrote last Friday: 'Always stick with your gut. I supported him from day one and was honored to be there for the first inauguration. Happier than ever to be back for the second one, supporting @realdonaldtrump who along with his team will make America great again!' Last Thursday, Hailey's Rhode Futures Foundation committed $1M to support local organizations providing emergency cash payments to relieve mothers, caregivers, and families displaced or deeply affected by the LA wildfires Kendall's booze brand made an unspecified donation on January 9th to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund to support the community amid the LA wildfires Firefighters have entered day 12 of the battle against two different wildfires destroying nearly 40K acres with the Palisades fire being 52% contained and the Eaton (Altadena) fire being 81% contained (Altadena pictured Sunday) Officials have confirmed 27 deaths, over 13,600 destroyed structures, thousands remain evacuated, and economic loss is estimated to cost between $135B-$150B (Pacific Palisades pictured last Thursday) Jenner executive produces and stars with her famous family in the 10-episode sixth season of The Kardashians, which premieres February 6 on Hulu Firefighters have entered day 12 of the battle against two different wildfires destroying nearly 40K acres with the Palisades fire being 52% contained and the Eaton (Altadena) fire being 81% contained. Officials have confirmed 27 deaths, over 13,600 destroyed structures, thousands remain evacuated, and economic loss is estimated to cost between $135B-$150B. Celebrities who've lost their homes in the blaze include Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges, Anna Faris, Cary Elwes, Diane Warren, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Eugene Levy, Steve Guttenberg, Jennifer Grey, Ricki Lake, Matt Damon, Miles Teller, Billy Crystal, and Adam Brody, and Heidi Montag. Jenner executive produces and stars with her famous family in the 10-episode sixth season of The Kardashians, which premieres February 6 on Hulu. The Schiaparelli SS/24 catwalker also has paid partnerships with brands like Adanola, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. US supermodel Tyra Banks has spoken about her very surprising friendship with former Australian politician Julie Bishop. The American star, 51, revealed on The Kyle and Jackie O show on Monday, she met the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, 68, through a mutual friend. 'She is amazing. She is like the Hillary Clinton of Australia,' she began. Tyra gushed about Julie's 'warm and funny' personality and described her as 'my homegirl'. 'Through a mutual friend we had a casual dinner and this woman is like my homegirl,' Tyra explained. 'She cares about people, she's warm, she's funny and we were taking pictures. She is fun and sweet.' US supermodel Tyra Banks (right) has spoken about her very surprising friendship with former Australian politician Julie Bishop (left) Last week, Julie, who has earned the title of 'Minister of Fashion' since retiring from politics, shared photos of her dinner with Tyra on Instagram. In the snapshots, Julie cozied up to the American star as they both showcased stylish outfits while enjoying a meal together at Nobu in Sydney. 'The fabulous Tyra Banks,' the ex-politician captioned her reel of photos. Julie slipped into a stylish Zimmermann wrap dress for the occasion. The chiffon frock flowed down her body in a muted black colour with white polka dots and long sheer sleeves. Julie paired the piece with a basic set of black kitten heels and dangling gold earrings as she styled her short blonde locks into their usual coif. Meanwhile, model Tyra opted for a more casual look, slipping into a pair of blue jeans layered with a cuffed black blazer. She covered up her long brunette tresses with a stylish, floral-patterned bandanna as she rocked a bright smile while wrapping her arm around Julie. The American star, 51, revealed on The Kyle and Jackie O show on Monday, she met the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, 68, through a mutual friend 'This woman is like my homegirl. She cares about people, she's warm, she's funny, we were taking pictures. She is fun and sweet,' Tyra said The former America's Next Top Model host has been living the Aussie life for the last 18 months as she jumps between her home in Los Angeles and Sydney. For over a year now, Tyra has been preparing to launch her new ice cream store chain Smize & Dream. She recently revealed just how she's managed to blend in with the locals. 'We'll get some breakfast in the mall, then we'll go to a Hoyts cinema,' Tyra told The Daily Telegraph. 'We'll get some ice cream at the cinema, see a movie, then we might get a foot massage. Then we'll have some lunch... Then we go to Target or Kmart.' Tyra, who is set to open her first Smize & Dream store in Darling Harbour by midyear, went on to say she loves the Australian Kmart. Despite walking the runway for luxury fashion houses like Saint Laurent, Chanel and Dior, the supermodel said she thinks the Kmart Down Under is 'fancy'. She added that after a bit of shopping, she and her family will go and do the groceries. 'We'll do Coles, Woolies, Harris Farm, whatever, and so that is a whole day at the mall and we don't do that in America,' she said. Tyra explained that the 'mall' culture in America is a dying pastime because it's just about shopping for what you 'want' instead of what you 'need'. Domestic composite materials industry is expected to grow at a 7.8 per cent annual growth rate to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2030, a report said. Composite materials or fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) help in the circular economy as these are manufactured by combining multiple materials with different properties. The Indian composite materials market is estimated at USD 1.8 billion in 2024, FRP Institute said in its report. The Indian composite materials market is likely to grow at a healthy CAGR of 7.8 per cent over the next six years to reach USD 2.8 billion in 2030, the Chennai-based body said. The major growth drivers for the industry will be increasing demand from sectors like electrical vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, transportation and construction industries, consumer and white goods, construction and defence. Government projects like smart cities, hydrocarbon, freshwater transportation, sewage treatment system, and rehabilitation of water and sewage pipelines will also aid the growth of composite materials consumption. According to the report, India has an extremely low per capita consumption of composites at 0.55 kg as compared to matured markets such as the US with 11.5 kg followed by Germany at 7.7 kg. FRP Institute along with industry stakeholders will discuss the ways and opportunities to increase the consumption of the materials in India at the upcoming International Conference and Exhibition on Reinforced Plastics (ICERP 2025) scheduled for January 21-23, 2025 in Mumbai. FRP Institute Chairman Shekhar Sardessai said ICERP 2025 will offer an opportunity for professionals to explore new technologies, latest industry trends, and emerging applications of composites across important industries of Indias growth story. India is not seeking customs duty concessions on over 100 product categories such as liquor, and cigarette in the proposed free trade agreement (FTA), which is under negotiations between the two countries, sources said. They also said that though the FTA negotiations were concluded, Oman has sought revision of its market access offers on some products. The two sides have discussed three to four issues flagged by Oman, and any potential changes would be minimal, they said. India is expected to gain greater market access for about 98 per cent of its goods in Oman, along with significant access to the services sector. There could be about 125-130 tariff lines (or product categories), where we have not asked for duty concessions and that included goods like liquor, and cigarettes, they added. On January 14, India and Oman held the fifth round of talks for the agreement, which is aimed at boosting bilateral economic ties. The negotiations for the agreement, officially dubbed as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), formally began in November 2023. Omans import duty ranges from 0 to 100 per cent along with the existence of specific duties. On specific meats, wines and tobacco products 100 per cent duty is applicable. According to industry sources, India should not extend duty concessions on petrochemical products, a key demand of Oman. Indian petrochemical industry which comprises both large public sector units and private players have raised their serious concerns and requested the government not to accede to this demand of Oman, they said. In petrochemical sector, feedstock constitutes a significant portion (about 65-70 per cent) of the total product cost such as Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) etc. Therefore, feedstock pricing makes a critical determinant of overall competitiveness in the petrochemical industry, the industry sources said. They added that Oman has a distinct feedstock cost advantage due to its abundant natural resources and has a significant exportable surplus of petrochemical products with minimal domestic demand. Any tariff concessions to Oman would lead to an influx of low cost petrochemical imports, adversely affecting the Indian petrochemical industry, they said. Oman is the third largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. According to the think tank GTRI (Global Trade Research Institute), Indian goods worth USD 3.7 billion like gasoline, iron and steel, electronics, and machinery will get a significant boost in Oman, once both sides reach a comprehensive free trade agreement. Nations must come together to share a common vision and adopt a multilayered approach that prioritises security, innovation and collaboration In the face of escalating transnational terrorism, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive global anti-terror strategy. Such a plan should involve a shared strategic vision and a unified, multilayered approach to ensure safety and security across borders. To counter the evolving threats, nations must develop a fresh perspective that emphasises mature international cooperation and robust retaliation strategies to deter destabilising activities. Strengthening International Cooperation Collaboration among nations is essential to design and implement an integrated strategic framework. This includes pooling development funds, fostering mutual trust and crafting plans to address shared security challenges. India, with its growing prominence on the global stage, is well-positioned to lead such efforts. Its successful handling of key responsibilitiessuch as the G20 Presidency, leadership in the Quad Group, and chairing organizations like Interpol and the Shanghai Cooperation Organizationdemonstrates its capability to drive global strategic initiatives. Indias role in enhancing multi-layered security cooperation can serve as a model for addressing issues like the financing of terrorism, enhancing policing collaboration, countering cyber threats, and leveraging technological advancements. Tightened border and maritime security measures, coupled with efficient intelligence-sharing, are critical components of this strategy. Adapting to Evolving Challenges The nature of global threats has become more severe, with adversaries employing increasingly sophisticated tactics. This calls for an adaptable and proactive approach to strategic policymaking. Nations, particularly in Asia, must diversify their strategies and implement forward-looking recommendations to effectively counter emerging challenges. A modernised approach to safety and security is imperative to outpace organised threats and propaganda-driven terror networks. Bridging Policy Gaps A significant gap exists between theoretical strategies and their practical application in countering terrorism. Regional political actors must engage in rigorous policy analysis and embrace innovative approaches to address these shortcomings. More integrated programs that support both military and law enforcement agencies are necessary to strengthen their efficiency in combating propaganda and terror. Community development within regional alliances like the Quad can also foster resilience against destabilising forces. Addressing Underlying Socio-economic Factors In a globalised world, the imbalance of power and inequality in the international economy often fuel terrorism. Socio-economic disparities create fertile ground for non-state actors to exploit psychological vulnerabilities and propagate extremist ideologies. To counter this, nations must dismantle the mechanisms that enable the spread of false narratives and ill-intentioned ideologies. Specialised Counter-Terrorism Frameworks A robust counter-terrorism strategy must include specialised think tanks and talent development programmes. These institutions can provide tactical expertise, real-time feedback, and innovative solutions to address evolving threats. Interactive communication between intelligence, law enforcement and military branches can further enhance operational efficiency. A modern, vigilant, and assertive network of military, police, and paramilitary forces must replace outdated systems to address the complexities of modern terrorism. The Path Forward To combat terrorism effectively, nations must overcome entrenched mindsets and outdated practices. Strategic planning should evolve to address the realities of state-sponsored terrorism and propaganda. Establishing a new consensus on international security and fostering a collaborative global environment are vital for achieving long-term stability. (The author is a recipient of the Bharat Gaurav Award, is a professor and expert in international relations; views are personal) The 72-hour-long drama involving the elusive accused in the murderous attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan finally ended on Sunday, as the Mumbai police finally arrested the real culprit -a Bangladeshi national - behind the sensational crime from the neighbouring Thane city. A day after the Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel detained a 31-year-old suspect in connection with Thursdays attack on Saif, the Mumbai police zeroed in on the real accused - identified as Shariful Islam Shahzad (30) - from Hiranandani Estate at Thane (west). Shariful, who hails from Rajabariya village in Nalchity sub-region of Jhalokati district in southern Bangladesh, had illegally crossed over to India some six months and been living in Mumbai under the false name of Bijoy Das. The police said that during the questioning after his arrest, Shariful admitted to having committed the crime. After his arrest, Shariful was produced before a holiday court in Mumbai, which remanded him in police custody for five days. The police had sought Sharifuls custody for 14 days to establish the motive behind his breaking into Saifs house, to ascertain where he had hidden the cloths that he wore at the time of crime, what was the motive behind his entry to Saifs house, where did he procure the weapon, how did he enter India and how did he break into Saifs house and why did he assume a false name after coming to India. During the knife attack carried out on him allegedly by Shariful in the small hours of January 16, Saif had sustained six stab wounds, including the one in his spine while he was grappling an intruder in the actors 12th floor apartment in posh Satguru Sharan building at Bandra (W) in north-west Mumbai. The knife attack on the actor had taken place between 2 am and 2.30 am on Thursday, after a failed attempt of a burglary. After his admission to the Lilavati Hospital, the actor had undergone a surgery for removal of a knife stuck in his spine and also plugging the leakage of spinal fluid. During a surgery carried out on him immediately afterwards, the doctors attending on Saif removed a 2.5-inch piece of knife from Saifs spine. During the preliminary interrogation. Shariful admitted to have sneaked into the actors building on the night of January 15. Earlier, while seeking the custody of the accused for 14 days, the police cited several grounds for his custody. The robbery was the motive behind the crime was robbery, a senior police officer said. The theft attempt failed after a house maid saw and raised an alarm, prompting Saif to come out of his bedroom. The actor resisted Sharifuls attempt, resulting in a scuffle between the two-in which the latter stabbed him six times before fleeing the building empty handed. Preliminary investigations have revealed that after stepping out of Saifs building post crime, Shariful headed straight to Bandra railway station where he boarded a Churchgate-bound train in the early hours of Thursday and got down at Dadar, from where he walked to some location in Worli. Later in the morning, he headed to Thane. En route, he changed clothes and his appearance. After seeing his photographs and video clips go viral on social media, Shariful reportedly hid himself at Thane creek near Thanes Kasarvadavali area. Using the technical intel, we traced the accused to Thane, Deputy Commissioner of Police (IX) Dikshit Gedam said. After his illegal entry to Mumbai, he was working for a house-keeping agency after coming to Mumbai. He does not have any prior criminal record, and further investigations are on, Gedam said. The preliminary investigations have revealed that when he entered Saifs home, he did not know that he had barged into a celebritys home. Incidentally Shariful is the third person that the Mumbai police have taken into custody in connection with the murderous attack on Saif. Earlier, the Mumbai police had revealed that they had detained one Waris Ali but was let off later, while another suspect named Akash Kailash Kanojia who they arrested from the Mumbai-Kolkata Jnaneshwari Express at Durg in Chhattisgarh on Thursday. Both Ali and Kanojia were apparently clones of the real accused who is now in custody, after remaining absconding for three days. The Bandra police have registered a case against Shariful under sections 311 (robbery or dacoity with the intent to cause grievous hurt or death, 331(4) (house-breaking) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and Passport Act, 1967. Meanwhile, Saif is stated to be convalescing well at the Lilavati Hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries after the brazen attack and is likely to be discharged in a couple of days, medicos indicated. New Delhis Valmiki Basti is set to play a pivotal role in deciding the fate for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, as well as BJP candidate Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma and Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit in the upcoming Delhi elections. Residents of the Basti have expressed concerns over their sitting MLAs limited presence in the area and the negative impact of the excise policy on the rising problem of alcoholism. However, there remains a notable sympathy among the populace for the former Chief Minister Kejriwal who has faced jail time, alongside an appreciation for the ruling partys initiative that offers free bus rides to women. The area holds significant importance in both Delhi and national politics, as it was here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and former CM Arvind Kejriwal introduced the jhaadu (broom) as the symbol of his party in 2013. Valmiki Basti comprises approximately 321 houses and has a voter base of around 6,000 to 7,000 residents. A vendor named Ram Karan expressed his belief that Kejriwal was unjustly imprisoned by the BJP in connection with the money laundering charges linked to the excise policy case. They have done him a great injustice by sending him to jail, and so far, they have been unable to prove the charges against him, he stated. He also voiced his concern about the potential demolition of slums if the BJP comes to power. On one hand, they might provide flats to a few slum dwellers, but on the other hand, they will leave many homeless by demolishing jhuggis if they win the elections, said the 35-year-old. Rameshwaram, who works with the New Delhi Municipal Council, expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of regularisation for contractual workers, despite AAP supremo Kejriwals promise to do so. Contractual workers can be removed from their positions at any time. Kejriwal had promised to regularise them, but that promise remains ufulfilled, he stated. Despite his concerns, he intends to support the AAP in the upcoming elections, citing his belief that Kejriwal is with the poor people. He noted, Kejriwals initiative for free bus rides for women has been a tremendous help. Many women from the Basti, especially those working as house help, have benefited greatly. Previously, they had to spend money on transportation, but now they can take the bus for free and go wherever they need to. The money saved from this goes towards the welfare of their entire families. Echoing similar sentiments, 59-year-old Mukesh, a worker in the NDMC, recounted an instance where he overheard a woman getting off the bus saying that the free bus rides allowed her to treat her grandson to a plate of chole bhature for just Rs 10. The impact of the scheme is visible in many households. While some might see the free bus rides as insignificant, there are countless individuals who experience its profound effects in their daily lives, he remarked. He further noted that free electricity and Mohalla Clinics are beneficial schemes, although they have not been able to take advantage of them since they reside in the NDMC area. A retired NDMC worker also expressed skepticism about the BJPs claims that if their candidate wins in this constituency, all pending tasks and development projects will be completed. They have the Lieutenant Governor, a central government, and all seven MPs in Delhi are from the BJP, yet they still cant get things done here. What guarantee do we have that they will deliver when they have an MLA? At least we know theres another party we can turn to if they fail to deliver, remarked 70-year-old Jai Kishan. Residents expressed concern that the Centre appointed Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has been granted excessive powers, seemingly overriding those of the Chief Minister. They are suppressing him with so many constraints. The LG is not allowing him to work effectively. How can he have more power than the Chief Minister? questioned 50-year-old Raju. On the other hand, some locals are frustrated with Kejriwals lack of presence in the area. We havent seen him much in the Basti, despite supporting him with our votes. He only visited briefly before filing his nominations, and even then, we werent informed, remarked a 35-year-old resident. He further commented on the adverse effects of the liquor policy on families. Even if a liquor policy was necessary, he shouldnt have introduced promotions like one plus one. In many households, this has had a detrimental effect, with men drinking excessively and causing disturbances. Additionally, many black marketers exploited the scheme to stockpile such liquor. This shouldnt have happened, he stated. The NDMC worker mentioned that he plans to vote for the BJP. We are facing soaring electricity bills. We have asked the BJP to help us by addressing these exorbitant charges. We are hopeful that they will resolve our issues as soon as they are elected to power, he added. Jabalpur police arrested on Friday a 42-year-old man for abducting and sexually assaulting a five-year-old minor girl. The crime took place on January 15 in Hanumantal police station area. According to the police, the victim used to call the accused Nanu (maternal grandfather). The accused allegedly lured the girl with a mere five rupees and sexually assaulted her. On the day of the incident, at around 7 PM, the girl was playing just a few metres away from her house with her friend, who happened to be the granddaughter of the accused, a familiar face in the neighbourhood. He approached her with the promise of buying her chips and handed over Rs 5 to the little girl. He then carried her into his home under the guise of playing. Once inside, he gagged the girl with a piece of cloth to ensure she did not shout and sexually assaulted her. After the assault, he left the crying girl outside her house and escaped the scene at around 8:30 PM. When the distressed kid returned home, she started removing her clothes. Her mother noticed that her pyjama was wet and asked her what happened. She managed to explain what the accused did to her, specifically mentioning that Nanu took off my clothes. The shocked mother immediately went to accuseds residence to confront him, but the house was locked. On the day of the incident, the victims father was not at home. The next day, , when he returned, the victims mother informed him about the incident after which he reached the police station and filed a complaint. Acting on the complaint, a team was formed, led by Station Officer Dheeraj Raj and Sub-Inspector Sangita Choudhary to nab the rapist. On 17th January, the police got a tip-off from an informant that the accused was seen near his house in the morning attempting to leave the city. Police swiftly swung into action and cordoned off the area where he was last seen. The accused operates a garbage truck for his livelihood. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday in the first Mann ki Baat programme of the year, where he prominently mentioned Maha Kumbh 2025, describing it once again as Ekta ka Maha Kumbh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for discussing the significance of Maha Kumbh in his address. Taking to social media, Chief Minister Yogi stated that the prime minister has guided the nation by emphasising the social, cultural and spiritual importance of Maha Kumbh. He called it a living symbol of Indias unity and a grand gathering that represents spirituality, equality and harmony. Chief Minister Yogi further noted that under Prime Minister Modis leadership and vision, Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is serving as a global showcase of Indias rich cultural heritage and traditions. On the increasing participation of youth in the Maha Kumbh, the chief minister said that the prime ministers message to the youth to follow their civilisation and culture with pride will inspire them to connect with the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. During his Mann ki Baat programme, Prime Minister Modi reflected on the uniqueness of Maha Kumbh. He said the auspicious beginning of the grand event had already brought together an unforgettable crowd and an extraordinary display of equality and harmony. Maha Kumbh is a festival that transcends all forms of discrimination, caste, and economic barriers. People from all over India and from all over the world gather on the sacred sands of the Sangam. Whether rich or poor, everyone takes a dip in the holy confluence, shares meals in bhandaras and receives prasad, embodying the true spirit of unity, he added. Prime Minister Modi further highlighted how Maha Kumbh binds the nation through sacred traditions, from north to south and east to west. He connected the event to other cultural gatherings such as Pushkaram, celebrated in South India along the rivers Godavari, Krishna, Narmada and Kaveri. These traditions, he said, strengthen the thread of unity that runs through India. He expressed happiness and satisfaction over the significant participation of youth in the Maha Kumbh. He noted that this time, the youths involvement in the Kumbh is remarkably extensive. He emphasised that when the younger generation connects with their civilisation with pride, it strengthens their roots and secures their golden future. He also highlighted the large-scale digital footprint of this years Kumbh, remarking that its global popularity is a matter of pride for every Indian. Describing festivals as a medium of social interaction, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the recent grand fair organised at Gangasagar in West Bengal. On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, lakhs of devotees from across the globe participated and took a holy dip during the fair. He noted that festivals like Kumbh, Pushkaram and Gangasagar Mela play a significant role in fostering social interaction, harmony and unity. These celebrations connect people to Indias rich traditions and, just as the scriptures emphasise dharma, artha, kama, and moksha, our festivals also strengthen the spiritual, social, cultural and economic fabric of society, he remarked. A war of words has erupted between the AAP and BJP on Sunday over the attack on former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with the BJP accusing the ruling party of creating a fake narrative of it while the AAP is alleging stone-pelting at Kejriwal's car by BJP's New Delhi assembly candidate Parvesh Vermas goons ahead of the upcoming Delhi elections. Addressing a press conference, Verma asserted the AAP chief will lose the seat to him by 20,000 votes and gave it in writing. He claimed, Kejriwal is baffled and restless as he has not fulfilled any of the 10 promises he made to the people of Delhi before the 2020 Assembly polls, and now the women and youth are asking him questions. A vehicle in which Kejriwal himself was sitting hit three local youths but the AAP is creating a fake narrative of an attack on him." He said he has submitted a complaint with the Election Commission and given videos. He rejected AAP's charges that those who allegedly attacked Kejriwal were his "goons" and said, The entire one lakh voters of the New Delhi constituency were his family. Kejriwal is saying that the people of the constituency are goons. The three local youth hit by Kejriwal's vehicle at his instance were also local voters who wanted to ask him about jobs." Verma also claimed that Kejriwal's convoy during campaigns includes 50 vehicles in which 350 Punjab Police personnel carrying AK 47 and other firearms accompany him. He has not been able to step out of his New Delhi constituency and was conducting door-to-door campaigns. Not a single photo or video of his public meeting in the constituency is available due to poor response by the locals, he claimed. The former two times MP further said that the voters of New Delhi will not support Kejriwal. He will finish third, after which he plans to go to Punjab and replace Bhagwant Mann to become the Chief Minister himself. For this reason, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is doing everything in his power to help Kejriwal win. A sum of Rs 50 crore has allegedly been sent from Punjab solely for the New Delhi constituency, he claimed, adding that he has demanded an investigation by the Election Commission. Meanwhile, Kejriwal slammed the BJP and said, They are losing elections badly and resorting to deadly attacks. My life is dedicated to the country and society, and we are campaigning for the welfare of the people, unlike this unprecedented violence. He also remarked that the kind of campaign being witnessed this time is unprecedented in Delhi. The level of violence, including attempts to assassinate a former Chief Minister, has never been seen before in Delhi. However, I have always stated that my life is dedicated to the country and society, the AAP chief said. They are losing badly, and this is their way of contesting elections. While they indulge in such acts, I continue to focus on development and welfare schemes for the people, Kejriwal affirmed. Hitting out at the BJP, Chief Minister Atishi said, They have come to the realization that even after distributing Rs 1100, shoes, bedsheets, and glasses, and resorting to fraudulent deletions and additions to voter lists, they cannot win the election. Now, they have resorted to life-threatening attacks on Arvind Kejriwal, and it is evidently clear from this incident. She added that the incident raises questions not just about Delhi Police but also about the Election Commission and all the officials conducting the elections. When it is crystal clear that BJP workers attacked AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, what is the Election Commission doing? Can they not see this? she questioned. The candidates of both major players Congress-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alliance and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will file their nomination papers for the mayoral election on Monday. Both the political groups are yet to announce their respective candidates for the three posts of mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor. Currently, AAP has a sitting mayor in the MC House with the support of the Congress party. This time also, they have decided to continue with the same arrangement. Sources said that these political parties have delayed to declare the names to minimize internal tussles as much as possible. Both the political groups are currently working hard to get the magic number to clinch all three coveted posts. Earlier, the Chandigarh Administration had decided on three days January 18, 19, and 20 for filing the nomination papers. Nominations for all three posts must be filed by January 20. The notices were issued for the same by the MC secretary. The election will be held at 11 am in the Assembly Hall of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, Sector 17, on January 24, with results to be announced right away. At present, AAP has 21 votes in the MC House including 13 its own, seven from Congress, and one ex-officio vote of Congress MP from Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat Manish Tewari. Conversely, the BJP has only 15 votes and is relying on cross-voting or defection of INDIA bloc councilors to tip the balance in its favour. MC House, in October, had resolved that voting should be conducted through a show of hands instead of a secret ballot, to ensure a transparent and equitable election process in the future. However, the Administration has not accepted the demand. In Chandigarh, the elections for the three municipal posts are held annually in December end or first week of January. According to the rotation system, the first term is reserved for a woman candidate from general category, the second is for any candidate from general category, third for a candidate from Scheduled Caste category, fourth for a woman candidate from general category and fifth for general category. Seats for the Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor are not reserved. Moreover, AAP and Congress councillors, part of the INDIA bloc, are set to once again challenge the BJP for key positions in the MC. In BJP, the name of municipal councillor Harpreet Kaur Babla is almost final for the post of mayor, but internal tussles are rampant in AAP for the mayoral post. In AAP, the contest is between the names of municipal councillors Prem Lata, Anju Katyal, and Jaswinder Kaur. Based on the previous year's political formula, the Congress will contest for the posts of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Furthermore, senior local leaders of Congress and AAP have also held discussions to ensure their alliances victory for the second time in a row. Sources said that after filing the nomination papers on Monday, there is a possibility that the party leadership of both groups may ask their respective municipal councillors to go out of the city, as they did in the past. This is part of a strategy to keep their flock together. BJP's central party leadership has already deputed the party's senior leaders from the Centre to plan strategy. BJP's Ghaziabad MP Atul Garg has held meetings with the party's local senior leaders. AAP, Cong have unholy alliance in Chd: BJPs Garg BJP leader Garg, talking to reporters, questioned the morality of the alliance between AAP and the Congress in Chandigarh while accusing the two parties of forming the alliance only for their personal political interests. Garg pointed out the apparent contradiction in the Congress partys position, as Congress leaders in Delhi, including Rahul Gandhi, Ajay Maken and Ashok Gehlot, have repeatedly called Arvind Kejriwal and AAP thieves and thugs, and urged people to distrust them. However, in Chandigarh, the same Congress party is now joining hands with AAP, raising serious questions on the sincerity and consistency of their stand. He further alleged that the term of outgoing AAP-Congress Mayor Kuldeep Kumar is a total failure. Under the AAP-Congress rule, the MC has been pushed towards financial bankruptcy, with no money left to even pay the salaries of employees. Moreover, no significant development took place during their tenure and their internal conflicts, including frequent fights between AAP and Congress councillors and even terming the tenure of BJP mayors better, are well documented, he said. Garg lauded the achievements made under the leadership of BJP Mayors, which include major development projects like cleaning of legacy waste from Daddu Mazra dumping ground, 24x7 water supply project in Mani Mazra, new Waste-to-Wonder Park in Sector 48, Sensory Park in Sector 22 and new Community Centres in Sectors 20, 30, 35 and 45. These initiatives have reflected the BJP's commitment towards public welfare and development in Chandigarh. HC to Hear AAPs Plea Today The Punjab and Haryana High Court will take up for hearing on Monday the plea filed by AAP seeking deferment of Chandigarh mayoral polls to February and conducting voting by show of hands. Earlier, the Division Bench of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Vikas Suri had on Friday deferred the plea, filed by AAP leader and incumbent mayor Kuldeep Kumar, for Monday (January 20) also the last date to file nominations for January 24 Mayoral polls. Dubbing AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal as anti-Dalit, Congress leader and former MP Udit Raj on Sunday claimed that while the ruling party announced a scheme to provide a monthly honorarium to temple priests and gurdwara granthis, it left out priests of Valmiki and Ravidas temples. He said that on Monday, 'bhikshus' and priests of Valmiki and Ravidas temples will protest against the AAP to demand that they be covered under the party's proposed scheme. Raj posed eight questions to the AAP chief including not covering priests of Valmiki and Ravidas temples. On December 30, Kejriwal announced that the AAP would give Rs 18,000 a month to temple priests and gurdwara granthis under the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana' if it returns to power in Delhi after the upcoming assembly polls. He was silent on giving similar honorariums to Buddhist monks, priests at the Guru Ravi Das Mandir and Valmiki Mandir, who are all from the Dalit community, and priests from poor churches. There are 314 Budh Vihars, 150 Valmi Temples and an equal number of Ravi Das temples, and they were all related to the Dalits. Church officials should also be made such honorariums, the Congress leader said. He also asked why of the party's 11 Rajya Sabha MPs, not one is from the SC or OBC community. He added that Kejriwal misled the Dalits with his Ambedkar Scholarship Scheme, announced in 2020, but due to fund shortage, Dalit students were not sent abroad. He also alleged that the AAP chief forced Dalit Minister in his Cabinet Rajender Pal Gautam to resign when he mooted a suggestion to implement the 22 pledges of Dr Ambedkar. Raj also questioned Kejriwals ilence on caste census. After 55 grueling days of hunger strike at the Khanauri border, Jagjit Singh Dallewal a 70-year-old farmer leader and president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) finally received medical assistance. The decision came after the Central Government announced a high-level meeting with the farmer representatives on February 14 in Chandigarh, aimed at addressing their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). Dallewal, who made it clear that he would not end his fast until the Centre agrees to a legal guarantee for MSP for all crops, was administered glucose and other necessary components via drip from January 19 midnight. Earlier, a delegation of officials from the Centre, led by Union Agriculture Ministrys joint secretary Priya Ranjan, held meetings with Dallewal and representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), who had been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border (Shambhu and Khanauri, district Patiala) since February 13, 2024. Subsequently, a letter was handed over, which extended an invite to SKM (non-political) and KMM and Dallewal for a meeting at 5 pm on February 14 at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration in Sector 26, Chandigarh, to continue the talks which had been held last on February 15, 2024. The letter also urged Dallewal to end his hunger strike and participate in the talks. The development assumed significance considering Dallewals deteriorating health raised serious concerns, with doctors warning of potentially fatal consequences. Dallewals hunger strike, which began on November 26, has been a symbol of the unyielding resolve of Indian farmers fighting for their rights. The ongoing protest at the Khanauri border has garnered nationwide attention, with 121 farmers also joining Dallewal in a fast-unto-death to emphasize the urgency of their demands. On Sunday, these farmers broke their fast by sipping juice. Dallewals Deteriorating Health Sparks Concern Dallewals health had been a matter of grave concern as the hunger strike stretched into its 55th day. Medical examinations revealed alarming health metrics his weight had plummeted by 20 kilograms, dropping from 86.95 kg to 66.4 kg. Kidney and liver function tests showed deteriorating results, and doctors warned that continuing the hunger strike beyond February 14 could prove fatal. Dr Swyaman Singh, a member of the medical team monitoring Dallewal, said: The prolonged fasting has already taken a significant toll on his body. Immediate medical intervention was necessary to stabilize his condition temporarilybut there is dire need for solid food intake. Late Saturday night, after repeated appeals from fellow farmers and family members, Dallewal consented to intravenous treatment and glucose administration. However, he remained steadfast in his decision to continue the hunger strike until tangible progress is made on the farmers demands. 121 Farmers Break Fast In a show of solidarity, 121 farmers joined Dallewal in the hunger strike at the Khanauri border. The group, which included 111 farmers from Punjab and 10 from Haryana, had been fasting since January 15 on the Haryana side of the border. On Sunday, they concluded their fast in the presence of senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mandeep Singh Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh. Farmer leaders Kaka Singh Kotda, Sukhjeet Singh Hardojande, and Baldev Singh Sirsa facilitated the event, urging the participants to conserve their energy for the upcoming negotiations. Addressing the gathering, Kaka Singh Kotda emphasized, This is not the end of our struggle. We will continue to fight until our demands are met. Centre invites farmers to meeting on Feb 14 The turning point in the standoff came on Saturday when a delegation from the Union Agriculture Ministry, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, visited the protest site. After discussions with Dallewal and other farmer leaders, the delegation formally invited them to a meeting scheduled for February 14 in Chandigarh. The Central Government has proposed to address the farmers 12-point charter of demands, which includes a legal guarantee for MSP on all crops; implementation of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013; farm debts waiver; pensions for farmers and agricultural labourers; compensation for families affected by Lakhimpur Kheri violence; assurance against rising electricity tariffs, amongh others. The meeting is seen as a crucial opportunity to resolve the ongoing stalemate. However, farmer leaders remain cautious, citing previous failed negotiations in February 2024, when the governments proposal for a five-year MSP guarantee was rejected as insufficient. Notably, the Supreme Court has also stepped in, expressing concern over Dallewals deteriorating health. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh had directed the Punjab Government to submit Dallewals medical records for evaluation by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The Court had questioned how Dallewal had managed to maintain relatively stable vitals despite nearly two months of fasting. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Punjab Government, had assured the Court that adequate medical facilities had been arranged near the protest site. He also noted that both State and Central Governments were actively engaging with the protesting farmers to find a resolution. Meanwhile, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian described Dallewals health as extremely worrisome and urged the Central Government to act swiftly. The farmers have shown immense patience and resilience. If the Centres intentions are genuine, they should not delay addressing the demands, Khuddian stated. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also underscored the importance of dialogue. He highlighted Punjabs role as the nations agricultural backbone and called for immediate action to safeguard farmers interests. Punjab feeds the country. It is imperative that the concerns of our farmers are addressed with sincerity and urgency, Mann said. He emphasized that dialogue remains the only solution to farmers issues. It is encouraging that the Centre has agreed to meet with farmers. If the government doesnt engage with them, who will? Dialogue is essential to resolving their problems, Mann said. He shared that the meeting, scheduled for February 14, would take place at a venue where he had previously mediated discussions. However, he did not confirm his participation in the talks. Mann reiterated his governments support for farmers, highlighting their role as the countrys food suppliers. The Centre must listen to their demands and work towards a resolution. Weve facilitated discussions before, and well continue to stand by them, he said. The current agitation stems from long standing grievances over MSP and agricultural reforms. Protests at the Khanauri border began in February 2024, following a failed march to Delhi due to heavy security blockades. Over the past year, the movement has evolved into a broader call for systemic changes in agricultural policy. Dallewal, a respected leader and convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has become a symbol of resilience and determination. His hunger strike is a reminder of the stakes for Indias farming community, which seeks not only economic security but also recognition for its critical role in national food security. The February 14 meeting represents a crucial opportunity for both the government and farmers to break the deadlock. However, skepticism remains high among farmer leaders, who fear that the talks could once again end without concrete outcomes. Baldev Singh Sirsa, one of the key leaders, warned, If the government fails to deliver a satisfactory resolution, our protests will intensify. We are prepared for a long battle. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the State Government would soon implement its pre-poll promise of providing Rs 1,100 per month to women. Mann, interacting with media during his visit to Moga, said that the schemes budgetary provisions would be made in the upcoming state budget, reaffirming the Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) commitment to fulfilling its election promises. Weve consistently delivered on our promises in Delhi, and we are committed to doing the same in Punjab. Our focus is on the politics of work, not religion or greed. This scheme will empower women and contribute to societal progress money for it will be allocated in the next budget, said Mann. The CMs visit to Moga was marked by the launch of two significant projects the foundation stone for an expansion of the District Administrative Complex (DAC); and the inauguration of a solar energy project. The monthly allowance scheme for women, one of AAPs flagship promises during the state elections, aims to provide financial support to women above the age of 18. The initiative seeks to uplift women, promote economic independence, and strengthen their role in society. Mann highlighted that the State Government is fully committed to empowering women and fostering gender equality. Women play a crucial role in the progress and development of society. This scheme is not just a financial initiative but a step towards recognizing their contributions and enhancing their opportunities, he said. At the womens empowerment summit held at ISF College, Moga, the Chief Minister also commended local women entrepreneurs. He mentioned a corporate initiative that had increased the income of women and households by an average of 40 percent, emphasizing the governments intent to collaborate with businesses for sustainable economic growth. Development Projects in Moga During his visit, Mann laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the DAC at a cost of Rs 10.31 crore. The project includes constructing 48 rooms on the third and fourth floors and installing a 95 KW solar power system to generate renewable energy. He assured that the project would be completed within eight months, enhancing administrative efficiency in the district. Mann also inaugurated a solar energy project at the DAC, which will produce 12.5 percent of the office's electricity requirements, showcasing the governments commitment to sustainable development. Road Safety Initiatives Yield Results Addressing road safety, Mann praised the effectiveness of the states Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF), noting that daily road accident fatalities in Punjab had decreased by 47 percent since its formation. Earlier, we used to witness 14 road accident deaths daily. Today, the number has significantly dropped due to timely interventions by the SSF. Moreover, the injured are receiving prompt medical attention, which has increased survival rates, he said. Mann also lauded the SSF for its service in returning lost valuables during accidents. In just one year, the SSF has returned Rs five crore in cash and Rs three crore worth of valuables to accident victims. These efforts deserve recognition, and the SSF personnel who excelled will be honoured on Republic Day, he announced. Focus on Upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections Mann also touched upon the AAPs prospects in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8. He expressed confidence in the party securing over 70 seats, stating, The AAP is set to form the government in Delhi for the fourth consecutive time. Our governance model resonates with people, and we remain committed to delivering results. Submitting an undertaking to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Madhya Pradesh government has said that science-based steps will be employed for the disposal of the Union Carbide toxic waste in the industrial town of Pithampur. Sources say the submission by the state government resonates with its reports submitted to the Supreme Court and the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The undertaking pledges the state government's commitment to safety measures while reiterating the promise to involve the local community in Pithampur before the start of waste disposal procedures. The district administration will make the scientific report public. A special team of scientists, local citizens, and university representatives will be formed to provide complete information about the storage and disposal of waste in Pithampur. The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by PG Najpande and Rajat Bhargava on behalf of the Nagrik Upbhokta Margdarshak Manch, who had sought an affidavit on the projected impact of the disposal process on land, water, and air in the area. The petitioners were also seeking assurances from the Municipal Commissioners of Bhopal, Dhar, and Pithampur over the safety of the people. NGT judge Shiv Kumar Singh and expert member Afroz Ahmed dismissed the petition, saying that the matter is already pending in the High Court. According to the petitioners' lawyer, Prabhat Yadav, the state government stated during the hearing that the Pollution Control Board and scientists will monitor the chemicals released from incineration, and a standard operating procedure will be prepared to address the issues. Earlier this month, street protests had erupted in Pithampur following the arrival of nearly 337 metric tonnes of toxic waste from the now-defunct Union Carbide factory premises in Bhopal. The waste has long remained a flashpoint of controversy, with activists claiming insufficient studies into the impact that disposal of the waste could cause. Following a deadline set by the High Court, the state government had dispatched the toxic waste on board a convoy of 12 container trucks amid tight security and safety measures. Haryana Government is actively considering new schemes in the upcoming budget for the financial year 2025-26 to promote startups. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday, who maintained that the State Government is giving special incentives to youth for Startups. Haryana is a home to many young entrepreneurs whose startups are now setting benchmarks, with turnovers ranging from Rs 100 to 200 crores, he added. Saini, addressing the party workers after listening to the first Mann Ki Baat programme of 2025, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had praised the startups in Ambala and Hisar. Modi highlighted the growing startup culture in cities like Ambala and Hisar in Haryana. He expressed his happiness that cities like Ambala and Hisar are emerging as hubs for startups. The PM remarked that the startup culture is not confined to large cities alone, with more than half of the startups in smaller cities being led by our daughters. The Chief Minister said that the State Government is committed to establishing Haryana as a leading startup hub. The government is making concerted efforts to position Haryana as a major player in the national startup ecosystem, aligning with the goals of Make in India and Startup India. The aim is not only to accelerate the states economic development but also to create new employment opportunities for the youth, ensuring that Haryana earns a distinctive identity as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. Describing PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat programme as a source of inspiration for the youth, Saini urged all party workers to listen to the programme every month with citizens at their respective booths. He called on the workers to connect as many people as possible, especially the youth, with the Mann Ki Baat programme. It is noteworthy that in a previous episode, PM Modi had also praised the efforts of Kaithal's young farmer, Virendra Yadav, for his work on stubble management. Saini said that both the Central and State Governments are continuously working for the welfare of the common people, with the direct benefits reaching the eligible individuals. He highlighted that the outcome of this work was evident in the formation of the BJP government with a massive majority for the third consecutive time in Haryana. He acknowledged that people have high expectations from the government and emphasized the need to meet those expectations. He urged party workers to address the grievances of the people. The Chief Minister further said that for the first time in history, 24,000 youth have been provided government jobs simultaneously as soon as the government was formed. He added that people have already accepted that the Bharatiya Janata Party will form the government again in 2029. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Modi had mentioned the contributions of the Constituent Assembly members, the Maha Kumbh, and Indias achievements in Space during his Mann Ki Baat programme. In addition, he recalled the bravery of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in his fight against the British, highlighting that every year, his birth anniversary is celebrated as Parakram Diwas on January 23. he Indian Institute of Metals, Jamshedpur Chapter in association with Tata Steel Limited, CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur and National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jamshedpur is organising an international seminar on Screening and Sizing (i3S). The inauguration function was chaired by Dr. Siddharatha Misra, Chairman i3S & Chief Process Research, R&D, Tata Steel who welcomed all the delegates, sponsors, dignitaries and students. Professor Ashok Kumar, faculty, NIT Jamshedpur and Chairman IIM Jamshedpur chapter talked about the chapters activities. The seminar also brought many dignitaries and guest of honour on a common platform including Mr. Subodh Pandey, VP Technology, R&D, NMB and Graphene, TSL, Professor B K Mishra, Distinguished Visiting Professor, IIT Bhubaneswar and D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President Raw Materials, Tata Steel. They emphasized the role of screening and sizing in a processing plant and how important it is in todays context. The seminar showed that screens play a vital role in realising the increased production of steel by utilising the low grade ores and turning wastes into wealth for a greener and sustainable future. The seminar is a milestone achievement for the mineral engineering fraternity that brings together experts and enthusiasts from across the globe like from Europe, China, Brazil, Australia and of course India to work together and push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. The distinguished speakers include professors from premiers institutes from abroad (Chalmers University of Technology, CSIRO Australia) and India (Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Technology Bhuvneshwar, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Technology- ISM Dhanbad and Kazi Nazrul University), experts from OEMs (Sandvik, Internal Combustion, Weir Minerals, FLSmidth, Haver & Boecker, Metso, Derrick Corporation and Tata Steel). In addition to this, there are eight stalls by OEMs for hands-on demonstrations, expert panels, and ample networking opportunities for participants. Finally there are eleven poster presentations by students from premier institutes for showcasing the latest advancements and trends in screening. A delegation from Italy, led by Mahi Guru, the founder and trainer of the Meditation and Yoga Centre in Italy, met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday after taking a holy dip in the Sangam at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. The group, which included several women from Italy, shared their spiritual experiences of the event and expressed their admiration for Indian culture and traditions. During the meeting, the delegation also recited chaupai from the Ramayana, Shiv Tandav Stotram and sang various bhajans, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere. The delegation described the Maha Kumbh as a live demonstration of Indias rich cultural and spiritual heritage. They shared how participating in the Naga sadhus rituals, bhajan-kirtan and other religious practices profoundly impacted their understanding of Indian traditions. The women of the Italian delegation said that their experience at the Maha Kumbh had left them deeply impressed by the depth of Indian culture and spirituality. They appreciated the warmth and hospitality they experienced during their visit and noted how the event had reinforced the importance of spirituality and unity in diversity. Chief Minister Yogi welcomed the delegation and expressed his gratitude for their visit. He praised their enthusiasm in experiencing the essence of Indias spiritual and cultural practices and encouraged further exchanges to strengthen ties between India and Italy. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal hosted representatives from the Aggarwal community at his residence, on Sunday. During this meeting, the Aggarwal community extended their support to the Aam Aadmi Party for the Delhi elections. Kejriwal assured them that under the Aam Aadmi Party government, there would be no political exploitation of the trader community or the Aggarwal community in any manner. It is estimated that the vaishya/bania community has nearly 14 percent vote shares spreading in over dozen constituencies in Delhi. The Baniya community is a significant vote bank in Delhi, in no small part because its members are regarded as influential political donors. Their influence on election results can be seen on 8 out of 10 assembly seats of Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency. Baniya voters come mainly from Chandani Chowk, Adarsh Nagar, Shalimar Bagh, Shakur Basti, Tri Nagar, Wazir Pur, Model Town, Sadar Bazar, Gandhi Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Jangpura, Viswas Nagar, Rohtash Nagar, Karol BAgh, Rajender Nagar, etc. Traditionally, they support BJP in Lok Sabha elections while AAP in Vidhan Sabha elections. In 2020 Vidhan Sabha elections, BJP got success to win just 6 seats where Baniya voters are in influential position with combination of Sikh and Punjabi voters and rest all seats were swept by the AAP. However, the same voters supported BJP in 2024 General Elections. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal hosted representatives from the Aggarwal community at his residence, on Sunday. Kejriwal assured them that under the AAP, there would be no political exploitation of the trader community or the Aggarwal community in any manner. Taking to social media platform X, Arvind Kejriwal expressed his gratitude, stating, Met with representatives of the Aggarwal community at my residence today and thanked them for their continued support to the Aam Aadmi Party. With the blessings of Maharaja Agrasen, we have served the people of Delhi with sincerity and will continue to do so in the future. Senior AAP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Gupta highlighted that people from all 70 constituencies of Delhi came together to showcase the unity of the Aggarwal community by meeting Arvind Kejriwal. He remarked, Arvind Kejriwal himself belongs to the Aggarwal community. The BJP has subjected him to numerous injustices, including imprisonment and false cases. The AAP had taken Delhi by storm in 2013 in its first electoral outing, winning 28 of the 70 seats, with a vote share of 29.49%. It went on to pulverize its opponents two years later in 2015, when it won 67 seats (leaving only three for the BJP and none for the Congress) with a vote share of 54.34%, a feat it almost repeated in 2020. Although its tally marginally dipped to 62, the AAP maintained a vote share of 53.57% in the 2020 Assembly elections. In 2020, the BJP registered its best vote share (38.51%) in two decades, but it was still 15 percentage points behind the AAP. AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposing a joint housing scheme for government employees, particularly sanitation workers, in Delhi ahead of the assembly elections, slated to be held on February 5. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal has proposed a joint Housing Scheme with the Centre, aimed at ensuring they live with dignity and security in their post-service years. The scheme will be piloted with employees of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) before being extended to all government employees across Delhi. The AAP chief urged the central government to allocate land in Delhi at concessional rates for the scheme. The AAP Government will construct affordable housing units on this land, enabling Safai Karamcharis to pay for their homes in easy installments deducted during their service. By the time they retire, they would have a home to call their own, eliminating the risk of homelessness and financial strain, he said. Particularly for the poor, owning a house or renting one is almost impossible. During a recent visit to my New Delhi constituency, many Safai Karamcharis approached me. As long as they are employed, they have access to government accommodation, he said. However, he added that after retirement, they are almost left homeless. Since land in Delhi falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, if the central government provides land at highly subsidized rates, the Delhi government will construct houses on it. The government employees can become the owners of these houses by paying easy installments, he said. Arvind Kejriwal said that he has requested the Prime Minister to initiate this scheme specifically for Safai Karamcharis. It can begin with the Safai Karamcharis of NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Under this scheme, the central government will provide land, and the Delhi government will construct houses. The Safai Karamcharis can deduct installments for the house from their salaries in the final years of their employment. By the time they retire, they will have a house to live a dignified life, he added. Meanwhile, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accused Kejriwal of targeting economically weaker sections (EWS) and sanitation workers, claiming that if the central government provides land, he will build flats for them after their retirement. The central government built flats for the EWS in Delhi at a cost of Rs 2,415 crore rupees, but in 10 years, the Arvind Kejriwal government has failed to ensure that the benefits of these flats reach the poor, he claimed. He alleged that Kejriwal seized the entire file despites the flat being ready and insisted that the flats will not be handed over unless they are named under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme, even though more than half of the funds came from the central government. These flats have now become ruins due to Kejriwals obstinacy, as he insisted that his photo be placed on the flats, he said. The Delhi BJP chief added, When it came to repairing the flats, both departments of the Delhi government, DUSIB and DSIDC, requested nearly Rs 220 crore rupees from Kejriwal. However, in 2023, Kejriwal only allocated Rs 1 lakh rupees and then claimed there were no funds. This highlights the gap between his words and actions when it comes to the poor. Under the leadership of NSUI Ranchi District Incharge Musharraf Hussain, many students from various colleges of Ranchi joined NSUI and took membership, Aryan Singh and Aryan Kumar were welcomed by garlanding and NSUI sash. Congress State President Keshav Mahato Kamlesh ji, who was present on the occasion, while giving membership to everyone said that today the fight in the country is of ideology, and now the student youth of this country will decide who they are with. He talked about fighting unitedly for student interests. At the same time, while addressing the students, former State President, senior Congress leader Alok Dubey ji said that student youth is the foundation of this country, the objective of NSUI is to inspire students to play an active role in student service. State Vice President Aman Ahmed said that by joining student organizations, students get a chance to develop leadership skills, have group discussions, and talk on socio-political issues. Joining student organizations also helps students improve their academic experiences and gives students a chance to help other students. The stage was conducted by NSUI State Office Incharge cum State Secretary Hussain ji and he said that all of you new friends are heartily welcomed and congratulated in the NSUI family. State Secretary Pawan Kumar, Sarfaraz Ahmed were present on the occasion. Among those who took membership were Aryan Singh, Aryan Kumar, Samrat Kumar Jha, Divyang Tirkey, Divyang Gaurav, Priyanshu Shekhar, Vicky Pratap, Adil Khan, Raj Khan, Suman Kumar, Aditya Prabhat, Raunak Singh, Ayush Vishwakarma, Sopnil Suraj, Adit Soni, Mayank Raj, Subharkar Raj, Dheeraj, Ankit, Hrithik and other students. With the rejection of four nomination papers, 10 candidates are left in the fray for the by-election to Milkipur assembly seat in Ayodhya district. As many as 14 candidates had filed their nomination papers for the Milkipur assembly bypoll. The polling will be held on February 5 and counting of votes will be taken up on February 10. Even as 10 candidates are in the fray, there is likely to be a direct contest between Bharatiya Janata Party and Samajwadi Party. Chandrabhanu Paswan is the BJP candidate while Ajit Prasad is SP candidate. Azad Samaj Party led by Chandrashekhar Ravan, MP, has also fielded its candidate. The Milkipur bypoll is politically very significant for both the BJP and the SP. The outcome of this electoral battle could help shape the initial narrative for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. The Milkipur assembly constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes, fell vacant after the 2024 Lok Sabha election, when SP MLA Awadhesh Prasad contested and won the Faizabad Lok Sabha seat of which Milkipur is an assembly segment, in Ayodhya district. Coming within months of the Ram temple inauguration in January 2024, that loss had dealt a bitter blow to the BJP: it was tantamount to Hindutva being humbled in its symbolic homeland. Thoughts of redemption will therefore be uppermost in the partys mind. BJP candidate Chandrabhan Paswan, a first-timer in electoral battle, is a member of the Pasi community. The SP has fielded Ajeet, the son of Lok Sabha MP Awadhesh Prasad. This makes the contest a direct face-off between two candidates of the same community. With the Congress and, interestingly, even the Bahujan Samaj Party, opting out of the electoral battle, it is a bipolar contest in a seat where the Dalit votes total 27 per cent. An SP victory in Ayodhyas politically charged landscape would signal that its expanded caste arithmetic is intact, putting it on course to challenging BJP supremacy in Uttar Pradesh and generating some early momentum for the larger battle in 2027. Its old loyal cohort of Yadavs (15 per cent) and Muslims (8 per cent) make up a formidable near-quarter of the electorate a fact that sealed the partys six victories here since 1991 (the BJP has won only twice). With both candidates being from the Pasi community (15 per cent), it is to be seen whether the voters of non-Yadav Other Backward Classes (14 per cent) extend their support to the samajwadis. Also, observers expect the BJP to press the entire weight of its formidable electoral machinery to wrest a victory in Milkipur at all cost. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accorded the bypoll the utmost priority over the past six months. He has visited Ayodhya over 20 times, overseeing the BJP campaign. Addressing party workers earlier this month, he exuded confidence, citing the BJPs November triumph in Kundarki, a constituency with over 60 per cent Muslim population and considered an SP bastion. If we can win Kundarki in the name of development, we can wrest Milkipur too, he said. BJP has projected Ayodhya as a symbol of development. Its ground level campaigns by party workers duly convey its development works and welfare schemes. To reach out to Scheduled Caste voters, the party has deployed several local Dalit leaders like Pushpendra Pasi, who has been appointed assembly seat convenor, and party district general secretaries Radhey Shyam Tyagi and Shailendra Kori. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festivities on Sunday morning, offering prayers and taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. He arrived late Saturday night, toured the Rajasthan Pavilion in Sector 7, and explored the sacred site by boat early Sunday morning. He also interacted with devotees from various districts of Rajasthan. At the Triveni Sangam, he performed rituals, including offering prayers to Maa Ganga and worshipping Lord Mahadev with milk and holy water. The Rajasthan chief minister also participated in the Ganga Aarti and visited the Bade Hanuman Ji temple to offer prayers. Sharma expressed his admiration for the grand arrangements at the Maha Kumbh, commending Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his leadership and seamless execution of the event. nion Minister of State for Defence cum Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth, Rajya Sabha MPs Deepak Prakash, Mahua Maji, Ranchi MLA Chandreshwar Prasad Singh in the presence of Divisional Railway Manager Jasmeet Singh Bindra flagged off train number 08067 Ranchi - Tundla Kumbh Mela Special train from Ranchi station. On this occasion, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager cum Chief Public Relations Officer Nishant Kumar, Senior Divisional Operations Manager Shreya Singh, Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer Balram Prasad Sahu, other officers of the division and a large number of public representatives, representatives of Railway Consumer Advisory Committee, media representatives, railway employees, passengers and others were present at Ranchi Railway Station. A total of 10 trains will be operated from Ranchi Railway Division from January 16 to March 1 for the Maha Kumbh Mela organized in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Coming from different areas, these trains will pass through Ranchi Railway Station, where a large number of people of Ranchi will be able to visit Kumbh. For the purpose of running as many trains as possible from Ranchi or via Ranchi for Kumbh, Minister of State for Defence and Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and discussed with him. He was requested to run the Kumbh train from the Ranchi route. With this, people from many districts including Ranchi, Ramgarh, Khunti, Hazaribagh, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, Koderma, Chatra, Latehar, Purulia, Jamshedpur, Saraikela Kharsawan will be able to travel to Kumbh. The special train running for Kumbh on different dates will facilitate the pilgrimage of the passengers here. The Minister of State for Defence has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav for the operation of these trains. Seth said that this is the first time that Ranchi has received such a large number of trains for Kumbh Mela. Every train will run via Ranchi station and adequate number of seats will also be provided from here. Indian Railways is making every arrangement so that passengers do not face any kind of problem. General class, sleeper class and AC class bogies will also be available in all these trains. Adequate reserved seats will be arranged for passengers traveling from Ranchi. The Minister of State for Defence has urged the people that more and more Sanatanis should go to this Maha Kumbh being held after 12 years and participate in this great festival of Sanatan. Kumbh Mela Special from Ranchi to Tundla (08067/08968) will run on January 19, while Kumbh Mela Special from Bhubaneswar to Tundla (08425) on January 22, February 5, February 19 and February 25. Tundla to Bhubaneswar (08426) Kumbh Mela Special 24 January, 7 February, 21 February and 28 February, while Titlagarh to Tundla (08314) Kumbh Mela Special 16 January, 23 January, 6 February, 20 February and 25 February. Tundla to Titlagarh (08313) Kumbh Mela Special 18 January, 25 January, 8 February, 22 February and 01 March, while Tirupati to Banaras (07107) Kumbh Mela Special 18 January, 8 February, 15 February and 22 February. Banaras to Vijayawada (07108) Kumbh Mela Special 20 January, 10 February, 17 February and 24 February, while Narsapur to Banaras (07109) Kumbh Mela Special 26 January, 2 February. Banaras to Narsapur (07110) Kumbh Mela Special will run on 27 January and 3 February. Shravasti leads Uttar Pradesh in resolving land revenue cases in the latest report. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, UP has prioritised resolving land revenue disputes efficiently and to monitor progress, district-wise rankings for the resolution of these cases are released monthly. In the latest December report, Shravasti district secured the top position statewide for effectively addressing pending cases under Sections 67 and 116 of the UP Land Revenue Code. The district cleared the highest proportion of pending land revenue cases relative to the total cases filed. This focused approach has led to a significant decline in land revenue disputes across Uttar Pradesh over the past seven and a half years, demonstrating the success of the governments efforts in ensuring swift and effective resolution. Shravasti District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi shared that, in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths vision, a campaign is underway to prioritise and resolve land revenue disputes. As part of these efforts, Shravasti achieved the top rank in Uttar Pradesh for clearing pending cases under Section 116 of the Land Revenue Code in December. Mainpuri and Hapur secured the second and third spots, respectively. Shravasti, Mainpuri and Hapur also excelled in resolving cases pending for over five years. Under Section 67, Shravasti again secured the top position in the state for resolving pending cases, followed by Mahoba in second place and Moradabad in third. Additionally, Hapur and Hathras performed exceptionally well in addressing cases that had been pending for over five years. Shravasti has earned a place among the top 10 districts in Uttar Pradesh for addressing pending land revenue cases under various sections. The district ranked ninth in resolving cases under Section 34, with Shamli, Mahoba and Hamirpur securing the first, second and third positions, respectively. Shravasti also ranked in the top 10 for resolving cases that had been pending for over five years. In terms of the average number of pending cases per court, Shravasti ranked seventh, with Ghazipur, Pratapgarh and Ballia occupying the first, second and third positions, respectively. This progress reflects Chief Minister Yogis visionary approach, which has significantly accelerated the resolution of land revenue disputes across the state. The swift resolution of these cases has not only strengthened public trust in the administration but also paved the way for faster development on disputed lands. Under the chief ministers guidance, priority has been given to resolving land revenue matters, delivering direct benefits to the public. For farmers and landowners, this is a relief as the resolution of long-pending disputes has allowed them to utilize their land effectively. The Uttar Pradesh governments 100-day intensive tuberculosis (TB) eradication campaign is making significant strides across the state. In just one month, over 10,000 Ni-kshay Mitras have joined the initiative, providing nutritional support packages to TB patients. So far, 26,891 high-risk patients have been identified during the campaign. Notably, more than 15,000 of these cases have been reported from 60 districts where the campaign was launched on January 1 on the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Following the promise of support from Lucknow Municipal Corporation councilors, there is strong hope for greater community involvement in the campaign. Efforts have also been made to involve all community radio stations across the state in this initiative. Director-General Dr Ratan Pal Singh Suman praised the initiative as an excellent step in connecting communities. He shared that since the campaign began on December 7, a total of 26,891 TB patients have been identified, all falling into the high-risk category. Of these, 11,492 patients were found in the initial 15 districts where the campaign was launched, while 15,399 were identified in the remaining 60 districts. Dr Suman also highlighted the campaigns goal to cover approximately 2.37 crore people in high-risk groups during the 100-day period. So far, 89,49,329 individuals (38 per cent of the target population), have been screened. The director-general further shared that 1.75 lakh Nikshay camps have been organised to screen for TB and spread awareness. Of these, 18,178 camps were set up using 52 Nikshay vehicles, with an average of 3,765 camps held daily. During the campaign, 89 lakh NAT tests and 1.6 lakh X-rays were conducted for screening. Sitapur currently leads in the detection of TB cases in UP, with 1,394 patients identified so far. Siddharthnagar ranks second with 1,085 cases, followed by Agra (1,034), Basti (1,022), and Rampur (1,020). Districts with the fewest registered cases include Shravasti (42), Sant Ravidas Nagar (49), Chitrakoot (59), and Mahoba (59). Mumbai police on Sunday said a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national has been arrested for allegedly stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan at the latter's residence here. Preliminary investigation suggests that the man was unaware that he had entered a Bollywood star's house and his intention was theft, a senior police official told reporters. He said the attacker was nabbed at Hiranandani Estate on Ghodbandar Road in neighbouring Thane district. The official said the man had changed his name, Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, to Vijay Das after he entered India. He said the accused, who hails from Jhalokati in Bangladesh, had been living in Mumbai for more than five months, doing petty jobs and was attached to a housekeeping agency. The police have registered a case against the accused under sections 311 (robbery or dacoity with the intent to cause grievous hurt or death, 331(4) (house-breaking) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and Passport Act, 1967, the official said. Police are trying to collect the documents the accused used to enter India illegally. The official said the accused was brought to Khar police station, where interrogation is underway to find out how he reached the actor's flat and other details. He would be produced before a court where police would seek custody, he said. The Bollywood star was repeatedly stabbed with a knife by the intruder inside his 12th-floor apartment in upscale Bandra early Thursday in a shocking attack that raised intriguing questions about security, motive, and celebrity life. Khan, 54, underwent emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital, where he was rushed following the incident that took place around 2.30 am at his apartment in the 'Satguru Sharan' building. He is recovering and may be discharged soon, doctors said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma embarked on a trip to South Korea and Japan on Sunday to invite prospective investors and entrepreneurs for the Advantage Assam Summit 2.0, a business conclave to be hosted by the state government here next month. He will attend roadshows presenting the summit during the visits, with such events being held in a total of eight countries. "Namaste South Korea. Look forward to having engaging discussions with industry leaders and agencies during my 3-day visit starting today to showcase Assam's potential ahead of the #AdvantageAssam2 Summit and to take forward the warm Indo-Korea ties," Sarma posted on X as he flew to Seoul. In another post, the CM said the visit to the two Asian countries will be over a period of five days. "I am shortly leaving for Seoul and Tokyo on a 5 day visit to present our vision of #AdvantageAssam2 to prospective investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders," he said in the post just after midnight on Sunday. "During my stay, I intend to showcase Assam - the gateway to South East Asia and blessed with excellent human capital as a key anchor state in strengthening Honble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Jis Act East Policy," the CM added. Sharing details of the tour in a post on the micro-blogging site, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said, "HCM Dr @himantabiswa has embarked on a 5 day visit to South Korea and Japan." Sarma will be attending Advantage Assam 2.0 roadshows in Seoul from January 19 to 21, and in Tokyo from January 21 to 24. "#AdvantageAssam2 road shows are underway/ will be held across 8 countries in Jan and Feb 2025," the CMO added. The Advantage Assam conclave is scheduled to be held on February 25-26, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate it. Besides the CM, other Cabinet ministers and top officials are participating in events showcasing the summit in different states and countries. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, January 20. In 2024, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed 23 projects with Tajikistan, totaling 88 million euros ($90 million), Trend reports. According to the EBRD, last year, the bank quadrupled its investment volume in Tajikistan compared to 2023 (21 million euros for 16 projects). More than 62 percent of the EBRDs investments, which solidify its position as the largest "green" lender in Tajikistan and align with the Paris Agreement, were directed towards supporting green economy projects. Additionally, 61percent of the initiatives focused on inclusive financing. "This has been a record year for our cooperation with partner financial institutions, demonstrating the EBRD's commitment to supporting the stable growth and development of Tajikistan's private and financial sectors," said the bank in a statement. The EBRD has also actively supported small businesses, women, and young entrepreneurs while promoting the adoption of climate-resilient technologies throughout Tajikistan. This has been facilitated by credit lines to local financial institutions, including Arvand Bank, the First Microfinance Bank (now ICB), and Khumo. The EBRD set a new record in Central Asia last year, investing 2.26 billion euros in 121 projects across six countries last year. This marks nearly a twofold increase in investments compared to 2023. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 19. The Russian FESCO (Far-Eastern Shipping Company) transportation group, as the sole operator of regular container trains between the port of Vladivostok and Tashkent, has transported more than 75,000 TEUs (a unit of measurement for container shipping) since 2014, a source in FESCO told Trend. Every month, the company rolls out around five trains on this track, ferrying imported goods from China, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. On the whole, each train hauls about 130-150 TEUs, adding up to roughly 750 TEUs each month. At the end of December 2024, FESCO sent its 500th container train from Vladivostok to Tashkent, continuing to develop rail logistics between Russia and Uzbekistan. The company also handles the transportation of export goods from Uzbekistan, which are then shipped via the port of Vladivostok to China and Southeast Asia by sea. To note, Uzbekistan is set to implement a groundbreaking zero value-added tax (VAT) rate for an array of services associated with international freight transportation. The proposed measure will cover transportation and forwarding services, as well as other operations under the relevant agreements, including receiving and transferring cargo, as well as storage and handling operations; organizing cargo insurance; customs documentation for goods and vehicles; providing cargo search services in case of delivery delays; storage in warehouses and open areas; and providing wagons and containers for use. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 19. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian did not rule out the possibility of establishing full-fledged military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in the future, Trend reports. "Naturally, in all areas where we can help each other, in the military and security spheres, we will try to develop cooperation. We must cooperate so that the enemy cannot easily come, destroy us and leave. The enemy should not have any illusions that we can be easily dealt with," said Pezeshkian. The agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership, signed by the presidents of Russia and Iran Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian on January 17 after talks in Moscow, implies only strengthening cooperation in the field of security and defense. The parties also committed not to help aggressors in the event of an attack on Russia or Iran, but the document does not imply military assistance in the event of an armed attack on one of the parties to the agreement. Victor Rozovyi, the star of Ukrainian standup show Liga Smihu, recalled a moment at the front when he experienced "second birth" - the comedian miraculously survived a shrapnel wound to the head. Thanks to a combat medic and his comrades, he is now able to live. ADVERTISIMENT Viktor Rozovyi shared the moment of his rescue and the events that led to his injury on Instagram. The comedian noted that he came under mortar fire in late March last year. "On March 21, 2024, we heard that the Russians were going to enter our neighborhood at night through a walkie-talkie. Disturbing news indeed. Thus, here I was, taking my position, putting my rifle up, and getting ready to meet them. But of course, the Russians had to prepare everything before the attack, so they shelled us with mortars. I won't say when exactly I happened to be on the bed with a shrapnel wound to my head because I don't remember," the soldier recalled. ADVERTISIMENT As the comedian says today, he was very lucky to join the battalion because there was a combat medic who literally saved Rozovyi's life. "I can say for sure that on that day I was very lucky that my friends (whom I did not know at the time) from the 2nd and 3rd companies of the Anti-Tank Battalion of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade arrived to help us. Among them was a combat medic with the call sign "Patrick," who promised that day that there would be no deaths on his shift. It's a good thing I didn't ruin his statistics, because you don't want to disappoint combat medics," Viktor joked. He shared the names of the soldiers responsible for his rescue. One of them was also wounded, but he did everything to save his comrade's life. "I know that I have to thank my friends with the call signs 'Did' (Grandfather), 'Jesus' and 'Hun' (Gong, title in China). All of them, together with my partner 'Hutsul', who at that time had three shell fragments in his body and a wounded arm, did everything to ensure that I could publish this post now," the soldier added. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Keir Starmer served as the inspiration behind the latest British zombie apocalypse film 28 Years After Starmer, a writer has revealed. Ballex Marland, the co-creator of the upcoming horror movie, 28 Years After Starmer, alongside Gammy Arseboils, the director, said he was influenced to write the script after only six months of the Keir Starmer Labour government. The screenwriter, admitted that policies employed by the likes of Rachel Reeves and Starmer, served as a greater inspiration for the films apocalyptic material than Covid did. Speaking to Empire magazine, he said: Covid was particularly unpleasant, but Starmer exemplifies a horrific nightmare much worse than that. 28 Years After Starmer portrays Britain as an utterly ruined, grim apocalyptic landscape where zombies roam the destroyed streets and the concreted over former countryside areas are littered with abandoned derelict wind farms. Britain, according to Marland, never recovers from the economic hell created by Starmer and his team of far-left Marxist nutcases and eco-zealots. Marland and Arseboils are Marxists themselves, and fully appreciate that communism creates unimaginable levels of suffering and horror, and they both wanted to celebrate this ideal in the new film. They are also staunch EU fanatics and believe that rejoining the crumbling soviet bloc will further ruin the UK. Were all communists now. We will own nothing and be happy about it. The EU exemplifies the Soviet Union of nations within a collectivist communist Great Reset, Net Zero utopia, and we wanted to celebrate this utopian soviet dream with everything in ruins, severe poverty and utter destruction of all society. Hopefully the film will never be released, but in the unlikely event that it is, dont go to see it. 28 Years After Starmer release date is yet to be announced. 'THE GREAT BAKE' WINNERS . . . . St. Joseph's Boys School, winners of the Ardnashee 'The Great Bake' 2025 pictured after winning the trophy for the second year in a row. Centre is Mrs. Fionnvola McCaul, Home Economics teacher, with from left, Charlie Carton, Evan McGeady, Sean Harris and Shea McColgan. Missing from photo Mrs. Geraldine Murphy, Classroom Assistant. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography) Success for St. Joseph's Boys School this year again in the Annual Ardnashee Schools Great Bake Off. St. Josephs, represented by Year 8 pupils Evan, Noah, Sean, Shea and Charlie, came away with the top prize. The Westway Home Ecomics pupils faced stiff competition from schools across the district such as St. Marys, Lisneal and St. Columbs College but still managed victory. On the day, the young students created a fruit cake from scratch during their Home Economics class. They weighed the ingredients and sourced all the equipment required before literally rolling up their sleeves to bake. MC Mickey Doherty who was also one of the judges on the day said the cake reminded him of going to his grannys during The Troubles. The local entertainer said his grandparents never had a lot of money, but that when his granny could put together some loose coins to bake, she served up the most amazing fruit cake and he continued by stating that the St. Josephs fruit cake was the real deal! Fellow judges Richard Kehoe, Patricia Mahon (Coffee House) and Finvola Lyons (Ebrington Hotel) were equally impressed, expressing that they looked forward to tasting future St. Josephs creations at the next Great Schools Bake Off at Ardnashee in June this year. The young students received a magnificent trophy which now adorns the cabinet at the schools entrance. Speaking on the success, St. Josephs Home Economics teacher, Ms. Fionnvola McCaul said the boys were delighted to have won the award. "To be fair, they put in a lot of work in preparation for the event and their dish really impressed the judges. Its great to see them show such initiative and flair in the kitchen and they certainly made the school very proud of their achievement." Pupil Evan McGeady said they were happy to have won the Great Bake Off and were up against top opposition on the day. "All of us couldnt believe it when we won. Then finding out that this was the second year in a row the school took top spot, that was the icing on the cake!" Congratulating the students and their teachers, Mrs. Deane, principal, added her delight at the success. "I am so proud of the achievement of the home economics team under the robust leadership of Ms Mc Caul. "The department and the engagement with all outside programmes are going from strength-to-strength. However, I do confess to a particular fondness for our connection with the amazing Ardnashee school. "I did not make it down to see the boys lift this prestigious award but Ms Fionnvola McCaul, teacher and Mrs. Geraldine Murphy, Classroom Assistant, shared that the experience was so worthwhile with some of our boys even getting the opportunity to catch up with family members that attend the school. "No doubt, watch this space for future pastry chefs from St. Josephs Boys School and I know that the winning home bakes are already sought after in the staff room!" A world-renowned organist, who played at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, is to perform on a historic restored instrument in Co Down. The organ at the Portico of Ards, an arts centre in Portaferry, is to take centre stage in a series of musical performances this year ranging from dance to baroque. Its versatility will be featured in a number of events, including the Feel Good Festival in March and the venues classical programme, which runs throughout the year. Olivier Latry, one of the resident organists at Notre Dame Cathedral, will play a number of his own improvisations as well as classical standards including Bach at a concert on June 1. Latry was the last musician to play Notre Dames famous Grand Organ before the cathedral was badly damaged by fire in 2019 and the first to play the restored instrument at a ceremony marking its reopening in December. Originally installed in 1917, the Portico organ was completely rebuilt and extended in 2015. As well as being used for concerts, the instrument is open to the public to explore and play through the use of a digital guide. It also features a pre-recorded selection of music which allows it to play itself. Much of the instruments inner workings have been encased with glass allowing a view of its inner workings and its loft has a display illustrating how it works. At another event on March 15, DJ, producer and organist Reductio will present The Mashup Dance Event which will feature house, disco and techno music. Neil McClure from Portico of Ards said: The historic organ at Portico of Ards is a vital part of our musical heritage, it has an unmatched ability to create a sense of warmth and connection with audiences. Visitors are very intrigued and always keen to hear how it sounds as well as give it a go themselves. We are delighted to welcome some of the finest international artists to perform on this iconic instrument, who will showcase the organs versatility and help connect it with a wide range of music fans. Built in 1841, the Portico of Ards is a grade A listed Greek-inspired building. It is used every Sunday morning by the Portaferry Presbyterian congregation. The organ is based on the original Evans and Barr two manual instrument which was installed in 1917. In 2015 it was completely rebuilt and extended, including a new case, console, framework and soundboards. More information is available at https://www.porticoards.com/. Transcarpathia is a unique region of Ukraine where authentic customs have been formed over the centuries. From bethlehems (Christmas nativity scene) to delicious kutia and from carols to lighted didukh (a decoration made of ears of grain), every corner here breathes with magic. Today we're going to tell you where you can feel the spirit of authentic Ukrainian New Year and Christmas celebrations. ADVERTISIMENT Kolochava The village is located in the Khust district of Zakarpattia region on the territory of the Synevyr National Nature Park. We recommend visiting the "Old Village" Open-air Museum. It was opened in 2007. The complex recreates the village of ancient Verkhovyna. More than 20 huts belonging to shepherds, woodcutters, the poor, and kulaks are located here. Travelers can take thematic tours to learn more about the customs of the former inhabitants. They can also visit a smithy, a house built in 1856, a sawmill, a parochial school, a Jewish tavern, a synagogue, and more. We also recommend taking a walk to the Kolochava Narrow-Gauge Railroad. It was laid in the XIX century. There is an old train with a Gr-286 steam locomotive. ADVERTISIMENT Uzhhorod Located on the Uzh River at the foot of the Ukrainian Carpathians. First, go to the Museum of Architecture and Life on the southern slope of Castle Hill. It was opened in 1970, covering an area of 5.5 hectares. The museum's exposition corresponds to the geography of Transcarpathia. From the western to the eastern part, there are houses and farms of the culture of the valley dwellers, as well as ethnic groups such as Lemkos, Boikos, and Hutsuls. In addition, you can see the estates of the Hungarian and Romanian population. Travelers can visit a smithy, a school, a bell tower, a church dating back to 1777, an inn, and a mill. ADVERTISIMENT Rakhiv It is located in the Hutsul region (Hutsulshchyna) at an altitude of 430 meters above sea level. We recommend visiting the Hutsul Bryndzya Museum. Tourists will see a real sheep farm and enjoy a master class on cooking traditional kulish with sheep cheese. In addition, visitors are offered an interactive tour in virtual reality glasses. We recommend wearing Transcarpathian clothes and trying to play the trembita. Also, be sure to visit the Church of St. John of Nepomuk, where Christmas services have been held since 1782. The shrine is considered one of the oldest local buildings. Polianytsia Polianytsia is located in Ivano-Frankivsk region, almost on the border of Zakarpattia region. ADVERTISIMENT For a real Christmas atmosphere, head to Hutsul Land, a complex of centuries-old wooden houses with craft workshops. Tourists will visit a house that is more than 200 years old. Here you can try to grind flour, work on a loom, and see the process of making cheese. The ethnographic park features unique examples of folk wooden architecture of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Among them, a special place is occupied by one of the oldest monuments - a traditional peasant house from the 1860s and 1880s. There is also a zoo with rams, sheep, goats, and Highland cows. You can not only feed the animals, but also pet them. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Fianna Fail members will vote later on the draft programme for government for Irelands next ruling coalition. Leader Micheal Martin will address the Ard Fheis conference in Dublin ahead of a debate on the proposed governance plan. The event is taking place just days before Tanaiste Mr Martin is due to become Taoiseach for the second time. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, which led the last government in Dublin, are set to continue their coalition partnership, this time with the support of several independent TDs. The new administration will be formally appointed in the Dail on Wednesday if, as expected, the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael memberships ratify the programme for government. After weeks of negotiations following Novembers general election, the two parties put together a workable majority with the backing of the Regional Independents grouping of TDs and two independent TDs from Co Kerry, brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae. While Fianna Fail has organised a one-off conference to rubber stamp the programme for government, with the vote result to be announced on Sunday evening, Fine Gael is holding a series of five regional meetings, the last two of which will take place in Meath and Cork on Sunday afternoon. The results of the secret ballots held at the Fine Gael meetings will be announced on Monday. The 162-page programme for government, published during the week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardai among its priorities. Mr Martin is expected to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as Taoiseach when the Dail meets on Wednesday. He will hold the Taoiseachs office for three years before it reverts back to Mr Harris for the final two years of the mandate. Mr Martins longer turn in the rotating taoiseach arrangement is reflective of the fact Fianna Fail emerged from the election with 10 more seats than Fine Gael (48 to 38). The ratification process is taking place amid a row over the prospect of some of the independent TDs who support the new government being allowed to take speaking time usually allocated to opposition parties and groups. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy wrote to TDs on Friday clarifying that standing orders in the Dail parliament allow for the members of the Regional Independents group who are not government ministers or ministers of state to be part of a technical group on the opposition benches. 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. Both Sinn Fein and Labour have described the prospect of TDs who negotiated the programme for government availing of opposition speaking rights as a farce. Ms Murphy has asked TDs who do not agree with the advice she has received to make submissions outlining a proposed alternative process. Micheal Martin stood by his past criticism of Michael Lowry as he defended negotiating the programme for government with the controversial independent TD. Mr Martin once called on Tipperary North TD Mr Lowry to resign from the Dail after a corruption investigation heavily criticised his conduct. During at times heated exchanges with reporters on Sunday, the Fianna Fail leader was challenged on how he could justify striking a coalition deal with Mr Lowry, who chaired the Regional Independents negotiating team, given the damning findings of the Moriarty Tribunal. The tribunal, which was established in 1997, examined payments to former Irish premier Charles Haughey and Mr Lowry and other matters relating to the contentious awarding of a mobile phone operating licence in Ireland. Among its findings, the tribunal criticised former Fine Gael minister Mr Lowrys behaviour as profoundly corrupt to a degree that was nothing short of breathtaking. The 70-year-old politician, who has always denied wrongdoing, has served as an independent TD since leaving Fine Gael in the 1990s. Pressed on the matter on Sunday, Mr Martin stressed that Mr Lowry would not be a minister in the new coalition. He also made clear he stood by his past criticism of Mr Lowry but insisted he had to respect the mandate he has repeatedly secured from voters in Tipperary. Mr Martin also suggested that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael had limited options for coalition partners, as he claimed Labour and the Social Democrats were not disposed to going into government. First of all, what I said back then stands, what was revealed in the Moriarty Tribunal was shocking and was wrong, and I condemned it at the time and still do, he said. The people of Tipperary and the people of a number of other constituencies have elected independents. I have an overriding obligation now to form a government and to work to form a government, and its with quite a number of independents, not just Michael Lowry, but all the others that get forgotten about in all of the assessment of this and commentary on this. He added: So we have, yes, negotiated with Regional Independent group. They elected Michael Lowry as their chair. It was clear the Labour Party and the Social Democrats were not really in a position or disposed to going into government. Thats the reality of that. Im determined to form a government that lasts five years, and Im going to do that, and likewise in the last government we enabled it to go five years. And I dont in any way condone what happened or the actions that were covered by the Moriarty Tribunal, but the people of Tipperary have elected Michael Lowry as well, we cant ignore that. I cant ignore the mandates that independents have received. Mr Martin claimed a negative agenda was being pursued to criticise the government before it was even officially appointed. Its as if a lot of people in the commentary world are very disappointed with the outcome of the election, he said. And from day one, its been negativity all the way towards this government, and it hasnt even been established. There needs to be a bit of balance here. Michael Lowry is not in government, he was nominated by the Regional Independent group to chair their group for the negotiations. We met them, we met the negotiating team, and met all of the independents myself before we got down to negotiation. And weve negotiated a policy platform, which I think is a good, positive policy platform for the next five years, and thats it. I mean, as I said, the alternatives facing us are very much determined by the decision of the Irish people in the Dail that theyve re-elected with quite a number of independents, with quite a number of small parties, and with three parties in around 20% each. And that means there will be coalition governments formed now and well into the future. Last week, Mr Lowry accused members of the media of trying to undermine his mandate. Asked whether he could commit not to engage in behaviour similar to that outlined in the Moriarty Tribunal, he said: The media has been over-consumed by this. You have given the past month trying to undermine my position and the very strong mandate I got from the people of Tipperary and north Kilkenny. Youve been ranting for the last month in your publications. Let me say I enjoy the confidence of my group. I also enjoy the confidence of the Taoiseach (Simon Harris) and Tanaiste (Micheal Martin) in the negotiations that I had. He added: Unlike you, they respected the mandate that I have from the people. Six first year Business Studies students from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently travelled to take part in the BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) Management Project in IUT Lens, France, accompanied by their lecturer Vicky Leahy. The week-long Human Resources project included students from DKIT, Lens IUT, Bucharest University, Romania and Gaya Institute, Portugal. Each working group was made up of students from all four Institutes. The project developed and assessed students competencies in communication, teamwork, role-play and use of appropriate technology and media to complete tasks. The challenges were not only linguistic but also focused on cultural perspectives regarding the human resources project. It was a busy week for all involved with some very early starts and late finishes. The trip included a cultural visit day where the group visited the VIMY memorial in honour of Canadian soldiers who died during WW1 and had a tour of a reconstructed trench. The students also enjoyed an uplifting seasonal visit to le Marche de Noel followed by a competitive bout of team bowling and pizza in Arras. Read Next: Planning refused for apartment development at The Laurels in Dundalk Amidst all of the wonderful cultural experience, the student groups had to prepare for the final interview, consisting of a role-play, a discussion of candidates choices and an analysis of their project, with students reflecting on the opportunities and challenges of working in a European team. The interview was evaluated by lecturers from each institute and the project was worth 3 ECTS (academic credits) for each student. A visit to Louvre-Lens brought a cultural element to the end of the week with Cafe des langues in the evening where students presented a flavour of their own countries. It was a fantastic experience for all involved, and one that would not have been possible without Brian Woods DKIT Maths lecturer, Noreen Carney, from the International Office and Colette Henry, Head of Department of Business Studies. As St. Brigid's Day approaches on the 1st of February, the birthplace of Irelands beloved saint invites visitors to celebrate this special occasion and immerse themselves in the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes that make Louth a must-visit destination. Discover the Legacy of St. Brigid Born at sunrise on the 1st of February 452 in Faughart, just outside Dundalk, St. Brigids story is deeply woven into the fabric of Louths history. Her life, marked by healing, fertility, poetry, and care for the land, is beautifully linked to the Celtic Goddess Brigid, embodying wisdom and rebirth. Growing up on her fathers farm in Faughart she developed a profound respect for nature and the world around her. St. Brigids Day has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marked fertility, the arrival of spring, renewal, and light. Visitors can embark on a spiritual journey to the ancient site of Faughart, home to St. Brigids Shrine and Well, a place of pilgrimage for centuries. In 1934, Cardinal Mac Rory declared Faughart the National Shrine of St. Brigid for all of Ireland, cementing its significance as a site of tranquil beauty and reflection. The Shrine is home to Sruth Bhride (St. Brigids Stream), modern and ancient Stations of the Cross, and healing stones revered for their sacred powers. Adding a modern touch to this ancient legacy, visual artist Friz has depicted Brigid as both Goddess and Saint in a striking mural created for the SEEK Urban Arts Festival on Bridge Street, Dundalk. This artwork bridges Brigids ancient heritage with Louths vibrant modern culture. Events to Celebrate St. Brigids Day in Louth A variety of events are planned across Louth to honour St. Brigids enduring legacy: The Northern Lights Celebrating Brigid at Market Square, Dundalk Town Centre Live Shows 1st and 2nd February between 6pm-7pm and running until Friday, 28 February 2025. The Northern Lights multisensory light show will illuminate Dundalks Market Square in celebration of St. Brigid. This breathtaking display, choreographed to music, intertwines historical, cultural, and spiritual elements with cutting-edge technology. The installation will be illuminated daily (without audio) 11am to midnight for the month of February. Above: The Northern Lights Celebrating Brigid. PIC: MARK DUFFY PHOTOGRAPHY Faughart Candlelit Procession Celebrating Brigid - Sunday 2nd February - 6.30pm On Sunday 2nd of February, the Faughart Community Group will host an ancient-style candlelit procession starting at St. Brigids Shrine and concluding at Faughart Graveyard. Open to people of all faiths and none, the procession is led by robed figures, a lone drummer, and local schoolchildren. It culminates at the Hill of Faughart with a fire-lit motte, candlelit ruins, and Gregorian chant, honouring Brigids connection to County Louth and her legacy as a Celtic Goddess and Irelands matron saint. Above: St Brigid's Shrine. PHOTO: TOURISM IRELAND Creative Spark Launches Pop-Up Exhibition: Brigid A Celebration of Art, Legacy, and Community Creative Spark is excited to open its first pop-up exhibition space at the Downtown Hub, Dundalk, featuring ten artists from the Creative Spark Print Studio. Inspired by Brigids legacy and symbolism, the exhibition runs from Friday, 31st January, to Wednesday, 28th February. Opening Night: Friday 31st January at 7pm, and exhibition running until 28th February. Location: Creative Spark Downtown Hub, Dundalk. Opening Hours: Monday Friday 9:30am 5:00pm An Tain Arts Centre (Bo Studios): Crios Belt Weaving For Brigids Week Join artist Una Curley on Thursday, 6th February for a unique, hands-on workshop celebrating Irish heritage and craftsmanship. Learn the traditional art of handweaving a crios belt, explore the history and techniques behind this ancient craft, using vibrant threads to create your very own wearable masterpiece. This workshop is a wonderful way to connect with Irish traditions while developing new skills in a friendly and creative atmosphere. Brigid of Faughart Festival: The Brigid of Faughart Festival 2025 celebrates Brigid of Faughart as Saint and pre-Christian Celtic Goddess and her birthplace of Faughart, where the story of Saint Brigid began. Brigid Symbols and Customs Workshop - 1st February - 11:00 am - An Tain Arts Centre, Dundalk. Tickets 10 (+1.50 Booking Fee Per Ticket) Learn to weave the iconic Brigids Cross and the Crios Brid, (Brigids belt), ancient symbols of Brigid and share stories of Saint Brigids days past. All ages welcome. With Roisin Cotter and Maura Lennon. All materials provided. Pilgrimage Walk 10am-2.00pm - Sunday 2nd February This years pilgrimage invites participants to walk the Day 1 route of the Brigid's Way Celtic Pilgrimage. The journey begins at St. Brigids Holy Well on the Hill of Faughart and continues through St. Brigids Shrine, Kilcurry, Toberona, and the Lisnawilly Estate, concluding at Brigids Stream in Dundalk. Highlights include: Rituals such as a Brigid Water Blessing Storytelling of Brigids myths and legends Historical insights into Ireland's Ancient East Contribution: 25 (supports the upkeep of Brigid's Way Pilgrimage & Festival) Fitness: Moderate level required. Preparations: Participants should bring a packed lunch and water bottle. Tour of Faughart Sacred Sites with Roisin Cotter (1km) - Monday 3rd February 11.00am -1.00pm Join Roisin Cotter for a guided tour of Faugharts sacred sites, starting at Faughart Old Graveyard/Hill of Faughart car park. The 1km walk concludes at St. Brigid's Shrine. Preparations: Walking boots and warm clothing are recommended. Donation: 10 or more appreciated. Above: Aerial image of the Old Faughart Graveyard. PHTOTO: TOURISM IRELAND Brigids Trail Map & Guide For those seeking to explore Brigids legacy, Brigids Trail Map & Guide highlights key sites, including the Brigid of Faughart mural in Dundalk, St. Brigids Shrine and Holy Well in Faughart. Plan Your Visit St. Brigids Day, now a public holiday celebrated annually on the first Monday in February, is the perfect time to explore Louth, the birthplace of Irelands beloved saint. Whether youre seeking a spiritual retreat, an outdoor adventure, or a journey through rich cultural heritage, Louth has something for everyone. Discover the county's vibrant history, stunning landscapes, and connections to the life of St. Brigid, and experience why Louth is one of Ireland's most enchanting destinations. For more information on events and activities, visit www.visitlouth.ie Kneecap, the raucous, genre-defying film that has taken the global stage by storm, is a testament to TG4s unwavering commitment to Irish cinema. Commissioned and supported by TG4 from its inception, Kneecap has been nominated in an astonishing six categories at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, cementing its status as one of the years most talked-about films. Some of the scenes for the widely acclaimed movie were filmed in Dundalk and north Louth including New Street in Dundalk as well as at The Spirit Store in Dundalk and in Greenore. Kneecap has earned nominations in: Outstanding British Film Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer Film Not in the English Language Original Screenplay Casting Editing This sweeping recognition underscores the films ability to resonate with audiences far beyond its origins, challenging expectations and pushing boundaries. Writer-director Rich Peppiatt stated that: The Irish language has always lived generation-to-generation through music and poetry and storytelling, so to be part of that rich history with Kneecap - bringing this beautiful language and Irish cinema to a global stage - is a huge honour. And it is only fitting that TG4 - the heartbeat of so much of the best contemporary Irish storytelling - has been a vital part of that journey from the beginning." READ NEXT: 'We still miss you every day' - Touching tribute paid on anniversary of Dolores O'Riordan's death For a language often viewed as being in decline, the success of Kneecap is a cultural and cinematic triumph. The films nominations are proof that Irish-language productions can competeand winon the world stage, standing shoulder to shoulder with blockbuster films. Audiences and critics alike are hungry for authentic, culturally rooted storytelling, and TG4s investment in Kneecap has proven that these stories can captivate audiences worldwide. TG4 is proud to be the broadcast partner for Kneecap, airing exclusively in 2026 and Proinsias Ni Ghrainne, TG4s Commissioning Editor, added: Kneecap is more than just a film; its a movement that has carved a unique space in Ireland's youth culture and now in global cinema. Kneecap has yet again brought the Irish language to the most important stages of the world as a powerful creative channel that speaks to indigenous cultures, music lovers and anyone who appreciates good storytelling. TG4's commitment to support this wave of excellence in both scripted and non scripted programme genres is unwavering. Comhghairdeas Kneecap. Set in West Belfast in 2019, Kneecap tells the electrifying story of three young men who revolutionise Irish punk rap, blending Irish and English to create a cultural force like no other. Starring real-life rap trio Kneecap (Moglai Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Provai), alongside Michael Fassbender, Simone Kirby, and Jessica Reynolds, the film has captivated audiences from Sundance to Tribeca. TG4 also dominated the 2025 Irish Film & Television Academy Awards (IFTA) with 20 Nominations. A historic milestone was achieved as Kneecap garnered an unprecedented 17 nominations, the highest ever for a single project. The nominations include major categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Script, and an extraordinary triple Lead Actor recognition for Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh. Kneecap is also Irelands official submission for Best International feature at the 2025 Academy Awards. The band have also been shortlisted in the Best Original Song category for their track Sick In The Head. Nominations are set to be announced on January, 23. Competing against some of the most accomplished filmmakers and productions in the industry, Kneecap has firmly established itself as a worthy contender on the global stage. This recognition highlights that Irish-language films are not only resonating with audiences but are also proving they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the world. This achievement comes just two years after TG4s An Cailin Ciuin (The Quiet Girl) made history as the first Irish-language film to be nominated at the Oscars for Best International Feature. Together, these milestones demonstrate TG4s pivotal role in driving the global resurgence of Irish-language cinema and its impact on international audiences. The film was produced by Trevor Birney and Jack Tarling for Fine Point Films and Mother Tongues Films, with Patrick O'Neill at Wildcard acting as Co-Producer. Funding for the film was provided by TG4, the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Northern Ireland Screen, Fis Eireann / Screen Ireland, the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Coimisiun na Mean, Dias Feld and Kamila Serkebaeva, with backing from Great Point Media. The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will take place on February 16, 2025, in London.